Quartermaster, and dormitories for the boys; the south wing, apartments
for the Adjutant and Secretary, the Masters of the Normal and Model
Schools, and dormitories.
* * * * *
On the south of the grounds stands the Normal School of the Royal
Military Asylum, in which reside the Students who are being trained for
Schoolmasters in Her Majesty’s army.
* * * * *
The Chapel was consecrated in 1824, and is calculated to contain the
whole of the establishment, with accommodation for upwards of 100
visitors.
* * * * *
The girls were removed to Southampton in 1823, and the boys in that
institution removed to Chelsea, so that now the latter contains only
boys, and the former only girls.
* * * * *
On the 20th of June, 1805, George III., the Queen, with the Princesses
and Royal Dukes, visited the R.M. Asylum. They inspected several of the
apartments, dining hall, &c., and his Majesty said it was one of the best
institutions in the country. This was a regular gala day for the
children.
* * * * *
The King and Queen of the Sandwich Islands paid a visit to the Royal
Military Asylum in the year 1824. Their Majesties were attended by
Major-General Sir Willoughby Gordon, and appeared much delighted with the
establishment, the nature of which was explained to them by the
interpreter. They were received by the full band playing “God save the
King,” and were highly gratified with the skill of the juvenile
musicians. After having seen the children at dinner, their Majesties
witnessed the various gymnastic exercises, and at their departure were
saluted by the hearty cheers of the youthful regiment, which was drawn up
before them.
* * * * *
His late Royal Highness the Duke of York was the founder of this
Institution, and constantly bestowed his best exertions in promoting the
welfare, and increasing the comforts, of the helpless inmates nurtured
within its walls. On his last visit, the children crowded round their
benefactor, and gave him three hearty cheers. Such was the effect
produced by it that the Duke could not refrain from shedding tears; and,
patting the head of the foremost boy, he ejaculated, as he passed down
the steps, “God bless you, my lads.”
* * * * *
On the 7th of January, 1827, a sermon was preached by the Rev. G. Clark,
M.A., chaplain, on the demise of the Royal Founder, at the conclusion of
which he thus addressed the children:—“I need not tell you that it has
pleased Almighty God to take away from this world the President of this
Institution, the Duke of York. He was the firm friend of your fathers,
and also a kind and steady friend to you, their children. Whatever
advantages you enjoy in this Asylum, you owe, under Divine Providence, to
the Duke of York. He was the founder of this Institution, and by his
recommendations and exertions it was begun and completed. Many of you
will remember this good friend who is now taken from us. A few months
ago you beheld him walk through your ranks; you saw in his countenance
the pleasure he felt from witnessing the healthy and creditable
appearance of so many children of British soldiers. I exhort you to hold
his memory in your hearts and affections; show your gratitude by
improving the advantages he has given to you in this Asylum, and by doing
your duty to God and man when you go forth into the world.”
* * * * *
The following tribute to the memory of the Duke of York was written by
Dr. Veitch, at that time physician to the Chelsea Dispensary:—“The
knowledge which his late Royal Highness possessed of human nature, and
what was becoming the character of British soldiers, induced him to
impress on their minds a system of discipline at once correct and
conveying lofty feelings; so that men thus trained were at all times
ready to prefer death to subjugation. We may here say, with truth, that
to the love of his country and the army he has prematurely fallen a
victim. No self-gratification, no pleasures, were ever by him allowed to
interfere with the duties he owed to the army and his country, and
however late his hour of going to rest, he was invariably the first man
at his post in the morning. We find individuals who are distinguished as
statesmen, as admirals, as generals, but who are without the smallest
pretensions to true greatness, because their talents and their courage
are not blended with the chivalrous, the gallant, and finer inspirations
flowing from the heart. Such men are generally anxious enough that their
services should be appreciated by their Sovereign, while they overlook
what they owe to others who have mainly contributed to their fame and to
their fortune. The late illustrious Duke had no such narrowness; his
soul was surrounded with generous and delicate attributes, rendering all
periods of his splendid career utterly inaccessible to deeds of darkness,
and also ever ready to expand to the light of truth, to the claims of
justice and of humanity; and he is therefore eminently entitled to the
character of a great man; because his high attainments in military
affairs were combined with an exalted and refined sense of courage and of
honour.”
* * * * *
Lieutenant-Colonel George Williamson, the first Commandant of the Royal
Military Asylum, died Sept. 6, 1812, and his remains were interred in the
Burial Ground of the Royal Hospital on the 11th of that month. In
consequence of the respect in which his memory was held by his Royal
Highness the Commander in Chief, and the Commissioners of the Asylum, it
was determined that he should be honoured with a military funeral; and
his body was followed to the grave by the above-mentioned royal and
illustrious personages. The procession was received, at the front
entrance of the Royal Hospital, by the officers of that establishment,
and conducted by the chaplains to the Chapel, where the funeral service
was read by the Rev. G. Clark, and several psalms were sung by the
children. The body was then carried to the burial ground in the same
order, and the remaining part of the ceremony performed; the Duke of
York, the Commissioners, officers, and children of the Institution,
surrounding the grave. The whole was conducted with the greatest order
and solemnity, and presented a very impressive scene. Since the erection
of the Chapel, a handsome monument has been placed therein to the memory
of this meritorious officer.
* * * * *
About the year 1810 part of the glebe opposite to the Royal Military
Asylum was purchased, under the authority of an Act of Parliament, for
the use of this Institution; and other land, at Merton, in Surrey, was
bought with the money as glebe to the Rectory of Chelsea.
* * * * *
In concluding this brief description of the Royal Military Asylum, it may
justly be observed that the contemplation of such a noble fabric is
calculated to excite the liveliest emotions of gratitude for having been
born in a country which abounds with charitable institutions. To the
soldier it must continually afford the most pleasing prospects for the
comfort and support of his infant children, and it will induce him to
serve, if possible, with greater confidence and energy, feeling assured
that if he falls in battle his country has provided a home for his
helpless children.
ST. JUDE’S CHURCH.
This Church is situated in Turks’ Row, almost adjoining the extreme
southern side of the Royal Military Asylum. The first stone of the
edifice was laid in August, 1843, and it was consecrated and opened for
Divine Service in June, 1844. The Rev. John Patterson, M.A., was the
first Incumbent, and on his leaving Chelsea, the Rev. Shadwell Morley
Barkworth, M.A., succeeded him. The present Incumbent is the Rev. J. B.
Owen, M.A., who has laboured most zealously in the District some years.
To his indefatigable exertions, and to the visitations of the District
Visitors, &c., connected with the Church, much of the demoralization
which generally prevailed in the numerous crowded courts, lying between
Turks’ Row and Queen’s Road East, has been removed. Attached to the
Church are National, Free, and Infant Schools, each of which are very
well attended. A portion of the children belonging to the Hans Town
Industrial School are here accommodated with sittings. The Church will
hold about 900 persons.
* * * * *
Proceeding in an easterly direction we arrive at what was formerly known
as White Lion Street. Here very considerable improvements have been
effected. The whole of one side of this street has been pulled down, by
which means there is now a good road from the Suspension Bridge to
Knightsbridge.
CHELSEA CHAPEL.
This Chapel was erected in 1865, and is situated on a part of the site we
have just described, adjoining Lower Sloane Street. The Church
worshipping within its sacred walls formerly occupied Paradise Chapel,
Queen’s Road West, which still remains, and which was originally a school
room belonging to a scholastic establishment, which occupied for many
years the site of Calthorpe Place. It is still retained by the members
of the above Church as a Ragged School.
* * * * *
The Chapel is a plain white brick building, without any particular
attempt at architectural display. Mr. James Cubitt was the architect.
It will seat probably 1000 persons. There is a schoolroom underneath the
Chapel, which will contain about 600 adults, in which there is a Day
School for Girls and Infants in the week, and the Sunday School is also
held in it, which numbers about 200. The Rev. Frank H. White, who
resides in Hemus Terrace, is the Minister, and is much esteemed not only
by the members of the church, but by all with whom he is associated in
life.
* * * * *
I must now proceed to Sloane Street, where first “I drew the breath of
life,” and which is consequently endeared to me by recollections of the
very earliest events of my life.
* * * * *
Mr. Holland, in the year 1777, took a lease of one hundred acres of land,
called in old records Blacklands, of Charles, Lord Cadogan, which now
consists of Sloane Street, Cadogan Place, Hans Place, Exeter Street,
Ellis Street, D’Oyley Street, Sloane Square, George Street, &c. The
buildings were begun just at the commencement of the American war, owing
to which their progress was much impeded.
* * * * *
A very great improvement has at last been made at Grosvenor Bridge, in
ancient times called Blandel Bridge. Its name was probably corrupted to
“Bloody Bridge,” in consequence of the numbers of robberies and murders
formerly committed on this spot. The entrance here into the parish, at
the eastern end of Sloane Square, has been after years of delay
considerably widened, and some spacious shops erected. There is also now
an Underground Railway Station, and the West London Commercial Bank has
likewise extensive premises in Sloane Square, both of which will confer
very great advantages on the inhabitants of Chelsea, and the public in
general.
Trinity Church, Upper Chelsea.
This Church is situated at the south end of Sloane Street, near Sloane
Square. It is a brick structure of Gothic architecture, the western
front consisting of a centre flanked by two wide towers rising to a level
with the roof, and terminating with lofty octagonal spires. A large
entrance door occupies the space from tower to tower to the height of the
first division, giving access both to nave and aisles, over which stands
a large window separated by two mullions, with trefoil headings slightly
ornamented; above this is placed a circular stone surrounded by tracery,
intended, probably, at some future period for a clock. The towers to the
first blocking course are plain, but above they are enriched with
trefoil-headed windows, divided into two compartments, slender buttresses
separating the towers octagonally to the summit, crowned by a battlement
and surmounted by obtuse-headed pinnacles. At each side of the centre
great door there is a smaller one for ingress and egress to the aisles
and galleries.
* * * * *
The interior of the Church presents no peculiar feature requiring special
notice, at the same time it possesses in its design all that is essential
to impress the mind with the sacred character of the edifice. Those who
are unable to pay for a sitting have comfortable free seats provided for
them. The Church will probably accommodate 1500 persons. Attached to
it, on the right, is a spacious schoolroom, designed to correspond with
the architecture of the exterior of the Church. The whole of the schools
are very well attended.
* * * * *
The late Rev. H. Blunt, M.A., was the first Incumbent, and when he
resigned the Rev. Richard Burgess, B.D., the present Rector of the
Church, succeeded him. Trinity Church, from its consecration in 1830,
has always been very numerously attended.
* * * * *
In the Church are several tablets, amongst them is one to the memory of
the Rev. H. Blunt.
SLOANE TERRACE WESLEYAN CHAPEL.
This Chapel was built in 1811. It is a neat and substantial edifice.
The galleries extend round three sides of the interior, and the whole
will accommodate about 1200 persons. The erection of this place of
worship is to be attributed to the liberality of several beneficent
gentlemen, among whom may be especially mentioned Joseph Butterworth,
Esq., who, at that time, had summer apartments in Chelsea. The attention
of these Christian friends had been arrested by observing a large number
of the middling and poorer classes, in the vicinity of Jews’ Row,
wandering about upon the mornings of the Sabbath. They accordingly took
a large room, or small chapel, at nearly the end of George Street, and
subsequently erected Sloane Terrace Chapel. The congregation and the
members rapidly increased, and at various times many alterations have
been made so as to render the chapel and schoolrooms more commodious. It
is a pleasing thought, that, amidst a vast amount of Sabbath desecration,
there is not a Church or Chapel in the parish, where the Sabbath School
is not well attended.
* * * * *
Nearly opposite to Sloane Terrace, in Sloane Street, resided for many
years H. W. Burgess, Esq., a most accomplished artist. His gentlemanly
deportment and piety endeared him to a large circle of friends. There
was scarcely a benevolent society in the parish to which he was not a
contributor.
* * * * *
Thomas Hoblyn, Esq., who for many years was the Rector’s Churchwarden at
St. Luke’s Parish Church, occupied a house at the corner of Cadogan
Street, Sloane Street. He was one of several newly-appointed
magistrates, about the time of the passing of the first Local Act of
Parliament for the better assessing and collecting the Poor’s Rate, &c.
* * * * *
The above house is now occupied as an Industrial Home for Girls, one of
the many admirable institutions which reflect so much credit upon that
part of Chelsea.
* * * * *
Captain G. Bague, R.N., resided also in Sloane Street, nearly opposite
Cadogan Place, for a long period. He was made a magistrate for the
county at the same time as Mr. Hoblyn.
* * * * *
The late Rev. H. Blunt, M.A., resided for a considerable time in Sloane
Street.
* * * * *
The late Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke, Bart., resided for some years at
72, Sloane Street. He died in 1869, at St. Petersburgh, after a short
illness, which unexpectedly proved fatal, at the age of 58. He was born
in London in 1810, was the only son of the late Mr. Charles Wentworth
Dilke, chief proprietor and at one time editor of the _Athenæum_
newspaper, and subsequently the manager of the _Daily News_, and who died
about eight years ago. His mother was Maria, daughter of Mr. E. Walker.
He was educated at Westminster School, and subsequently at Trinity Hall,
Cambridge, where he took his degree in Law instead of Arts. In early
life he was associated with the literary labours of his father, whom he
largely aided by his cultivated tastes, his wide range of information,
sound judgment, and habits of business. He was one of the earliest
promoters of the first Great Exhibition, and, indeed, acted as the
leading member of the Executive Committee. The fact of his occupying
such a position naturally brought Mr. Dilke into close and frequent
contact with the late Prince Consort, who was much struck with the
ability he displayed, and at whose suggestion the honour of knighthood
was offered to him in recognition of his services. That honour, however,
he declined; and with it refused all pecuniary remuneration, wishing his
services to be purely honorary. Her Majesty, however, resolved that he
should not be wholly unrewarded, sent to Mrs. Dilke a handsome
diamond-bracelet, which, no doubt, will become an heirloom in the Dilke
family. Mr. Dilke was also associated with the second Great Exhibition
as one of the five Royal Commissioners appointed by Her Majesty. It has
always been understood also that the resuscitation of the Royal
Horticultural Society of London has been in a very great measure due to
his exertions as one of the most active of its vice-presidents. It will
be remembered that almost immediately after the death of the Prince
Consort Her Majesty was pleased to confer a baronetcy on Mr. Dilke in
recognition of the Prince’s friendship and personal regard for him. Sir
Charles Wentworth Dilke sat in the last Parliament in the Liberal
interest for Wallingford, defeating Mr. Serjeant Malins (who has since
attained the Judicial Bench), but he lost his seat at the last general
election. The late baronet, who was a magistrate for Westminster and for
the county of Middlesex, married in 1840 Mary, a daughter of Captain
Chatfield, but was left a widower a few years ago. By her he has left a
son, born in 1843, Mr. (now Sir) Charles Wentworth Dilke, of Trinity
Hall, Cambridge, who was returned at the last election as one of the
members, in the Liberal interest, for the newly-enfranchised constituency
of Chelsea, and another son, Mr. Ashton Wentworth Dilke, born 1850.
* * * * *
The present Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke, Bart., M.P., resides at his late
father’s house in Sloane Street. He has extensively travelled in
America, and has published a very interesting work, entitled “Greater
Britain,” and is the author of several pamphlets on social and political
topics.
* * * * *
THE PAVILION, HANS PLACE.—A few particulars respecting this once
beautiful estate will no doubt be interesting to many of the readers of
this work. When Mr. Holland took the lease of the land, formerly known
as “Blacklands,” now Upper Chelsea, he reserved to himself 21 acres of
it, on which he built an elegant house for his own residence. This was
called the Pavilion, and it was purchased of Mr. Holland’s executors by
Peter Denys, Esq., and became afterwards the property of his relict, the
Right Hon. Lady Charlotte Denys, who resided in it with her family for
some years afterwards. It consisted of three sides of a quadrangle, open
to the north, and the approach was from Hans Place. The house was
superbly furnished.
* * * * *
In the library, on two mahogany pedestals, stood two busts in statuary
marble of Pitt and Fox, by Nollekens. In the dining room were two
excellent pictures by Fuseli; one a vision of Lady Jane Grey, before her
execution, from a manuscript letter of Bishop Latimer to Dr. Bullinger;
the other a scene from the tragedy of King Lear. To which might be added
many others of equal worth.
* * * * *
The south front faced an extensive and beautifully-planted lawn, gently
rising to the level of the colonnade and principal floor. This front was
originally built as a model for the Pavilion at Brighton, and was
ornamented by a colonnade of the Doric order, extending the whole length
of the building.
* * * * *
On the west side of the lawn was an Ice-house, round which was erected an
admirable representation of the ruins of an ancient Priory, in which the
appearance of age and decay was strikingly faithful. The Gothic
stone-work was brought from the ancient demolished residence of Cardinal
Wolsey, at Esher, in Surrey. The lawn was ornamented by a fine sheet of
water, which produced a most pleasing effect. The Priory displayed
considerable variety of fanciful intricate paths and scenery, profusely
ornamented with shrubs, and had a private communication with the house by
the walks of the shrubbery.
* * * * *
Lady Charlotte Denys gave annually a treat to the children of the “Hans
Town Schools,” &c., and had booths erected in which they partook of tea,
whilst others contained fruit and playthings to amuse them. On these
occasions the inhabitants were admitted to witness the pleasing juvenile
scene.
* * * * *
HANS PLACE, SLOANE STREET.—Miss Landon (L.E.L.) was born in “snug Hans
Place” in 1802, and spent the greater portion of her life in it. She
went to school at No. 22, kept by Miss Rowden, who published “A Poetical
Introduction to the Study of Botany,” and “The Pleasures of Friendship,”
and at length became the Countess of St. Queutin.
* * * * *
Among the inmates of the same house have been Lady Caroline Lamb, who
married the Hon. W. Lamb, afterwards Viscount Melbourne, Miss Mitford,
Lady Bulwer, &c.
* * * * *
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan, the talented artistes, resided for some time
in Hans Place.
ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.
This Church is situated a little to the north of Hans Place, and near to
Walton Street. The exterior has no particular pretensions to
architectural display. The interior is neat, and possesses a greater
degree of architectural design. It will seat probably more than 1000
persons. The Rev. W. Niven, M.A., was the first Incumbent, and retained
it until recently, when the Rev. George Weldon, M.A., succeeded him. Of
Mr. Niven it may justly be said that he was zealous and faithful, kind to
the poor, and respected by all classes. There are excellent schools and
many charitable societies which are liberally supported by the
contributions of the congregation.
* * * * *
CADOGAN PLACE.—These capital houses were principally erected by Mr. W.
Whitehead, sen., on part of the land leased originally to Mr. Holland, as
previously mentioned. Amongst the residents at different periods may be
selected the names of Capt. Acklom, R.N.; Thomas Bryan, Esq.; W. B.
France, Esq.; each of whom were made magistrates for the county at the
same time as Mr. Hoblyn and Capt. Bague; C. Hopkinson, Esq.; H.
Warburton, Esq., M.P.; Sir William Clay, M.P.; Dr. Veitch; the Rev.
Richard Burgess, and the Rev. J. B. Owen.
* * * * *
In Little Cadogan Place Mr. William Whitehead, jun., lived for a great
many years. He was an extensive builder, and occupied a very prominent
position in the parish.
* * * * *
BOTANIC GARDENS, SLOANE STREET.—This garden was first planned and laid
out in 1807, by Mr. Salisbury. The extent of ground was about six acres,
and formed a delightful promenade for company. In the original plan the
whole collection of plants was arranged according to the system of
Linnæus, and was disposed of in seventeen different compartments. When
Mr. Tate, in the year 1820, took possession of the premises, the
inhabitants, wishing to make it a public promenade, the above arrangement
was entirely superseded, and the interior of the ground laid out and
converted into a Nursery. Mr. Tate, however, still devoted the hothouses
and greenhouses to the raising of curious and rare exotics. Mr. Tuck,
nurseryman and seedsman, is now in possession of a portion of the ground,
but the whole presents a very different appearance to what it did many
years ago.
* * * * *
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL, situated in Cadogan Street, was built in 1811,
by voluntary subscriptions. Previous to the erection of this Chapel, the
Irish poor and others in Chelsea, as well as the Roman Catholic veterans
in the Royal Hospital, had not any place to resort to on Sundays, or at
such other times as they deemed it necessary to attend. Besides, there
were several families in the locality who considered the erection of the
Chapel indispensable. The Clergyman’s house adjoins the Chapel, and was
built at the expense of the Rev. Abbé Voyaux de Franous, D.D. On the
south of Cadogan Street, some short distance west of the Chapel, are the
Convent, the Schools, and the Burial Ground, the latter being now closed
for interments.
* * * * *