inhabited, in Bowack’s time, by Lady Matthews; it was afterwards known
for many years as the Marlborough Tavern and Cricket Grounds. It is
probable that the house was first established as a tavern during the
life-time of the great Duke of Marlborough, who, it is said, resided at
one time in Chelsea; hence Blenheim Street, &c., all contiguous.
* * * * *
The old Admiral Keppel Inn, with its tea gardens, was pulled down in
1856, on the site of which is now a large tavern.
* * * * *
CHELSEA COMMON was called in ancient records Chelsea Heath. It was
bounded on the north by the Fulham Road; on the east by Blacklands Lane,
now Marlborough Road; on the south by College Place, abutting on the
King’s Road; and on the west by Sydney Street. It was attached to the
Manor. Certain ancient houses, cottages, and farms, had a right of
pasturage for forty cows and twenty heifers. To keep these there was
always a cowkeeper, whose business it was to mark the cattle, to drive
home the cows at night to the several owners, and to impound all cattle
unmarked, or any horses which broke into the Common, or were found there.
* * * * *
When the Old Church was to be rebuilt, the Common was enclosed by the
consent of Charles Cheyne, Esq., Lord of the Manor, and the several
proprietors, for 21 years, to defray part of the charges, by a lease
bearing date March 1674, and thereby let to George Hill and Francis
Guildford, who enclosed it, and quietly enjoyed it till 1695, when it was
thrown open again. It would be an unnecessary waste of space to notice
what took place for some years afterwards.
* * * * *
At the commencement of the present century, however, the Lords of the
Manor, the Rector, and the other proprietors, let the Common on building
leases; after which the leases were found defective, by reason of one of
the proprietors being under age, and it being considered that the then
Rector could not bind his successors. An Act of Parliament was therefore
obtained, which confirmed the leases and made them effectual.
* * * * *
The Common (as was) has been for many years covered with houses,
comprising Keppel Street, Whitehead’s Grove, College Street, Marlborough
Square, Leader Street, &c.
* * * * *
The principal entrance to the Brompton County Court is in Whitehead’s
Grove. The house was formerly occupied by the Rev. Dr. Roberts, who gave
instruction to a limited number of young gentlemen who resided with him.
* * * * *
The Catholic Apostolic Church is situated in College Street, near to
Whitehead’s Grove. The exterior has some claim to architectural design,
although the entrance at the side is small, and there are no windows to
give relief to its massive appearance. There is ample light, however, in
the interior of the structure, and it is in every respect commodious.
* * * * *
The spacious Drill Hall belonging to the 1st Middlesex Engineer
Volunteers is also in College Street, near to the Fulham Road, where
recruits are enlisted.
MARLBOROUGH CHAPEL.
The old saying, “Where there is a will there is a way,” was never more
clearly exemplified than in the erection of this chapel, which occupies
the northern corner of Marlborough Square, and fully warrants the
inscription engraven on its summit, “This is the Lord’s doing, it is
marvellous in our eyes.” The necessity of having a place of worship in
the Methodist connexion had long been felt by many in the neighbourhood,
and a room was consequently taken in Pond Place, but as it proved
unsuitable for the purpose, Mr. Cripps, of Keppel Street, was induced to
open his large workshop for a Thursday evening service, and having
obtained a minister from the Hinde Street Circuit to preach the first
sermon, was amply repaid for his kindness by a very crowded and attentive
congregation. Mr. Hunt, an active and zealous member, commenced a class
on the following Sunday afternoon, which increased so rapidly as to make
him extremely anxious for the purchase of a spot of ground for a chapel,
and after many disappointments, and much discouragement, succeeded in
obtaining the present site. The difficulty of raising funds for its
erection was a subject of great moment, but, on communicating with many
friends, their offers of assistance were so numerous, and accompanied
with such generosity, that all doubt as to the result was at once
removed. In a few weeks promises were made, and fulfilled, of all kinds
of materials for its erection, both externally and internally, and, aided
by the gratuitous labours of many devoted followers, was completed and
opened July 30, 1849, about five months from its commencement. It is a
neat and commodious structure, and will hold about 400 persons. It has
lately undergone several alterations and improvements. There is an
excellent Sunday School attached to the chapel, at which there is an
average attendance of nearly 300 children.
* * * * *
The Brompton District Letter Sorting Post Office is situated nearly
opposite to the northern side of St. Luke’s Cemetery. It was erected a
few years ago, and is well adapted and arranged for the intended
purposes.
* * * * *
Near to Sydney Street, and to the north of St. Luke’s Church, was
formerly situated a solitary small house, known as Cock’s Hall. It was
said to have been built by Captain Cock, a petty officer in the Royal
Hospital. On a stone in the front of it was an inscription, “Built in
1710, rebuilt in 1767.”
* * * * *
Dr. Biber, author of “The Life of Pestalozzi,” and editor of the _John
Bull_ newspaper, resided for some time in Sydney Street, as did also
Thomas Wright, Esq., the antiquary and historical writer.
* * * * *
Henry Warren, Esq., President of the New Society of Water Colour
Painters, resided for some time opposite St. Luke’s Church, and at a
subsequent period at the corner of Church Street, which house has been
recently pulled down.
* * * * *
From the periodical publications of the time, and from other sources, it
appears the following persons have resided in this parish at various
periods:—
Robert Ratcliffe, the first Earl of Sussex of that family, and Lord High
Chamberlain of England, died at his palace at Chelsea, November 26, 1542.
Robert Viscount Fitzwalter was created Earl of Sussex by Henry VIII. in
1527. He married first, Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Stafford, Duke of
Buckingham; secondly, Margaret, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Derby;
thirdly, Mary, daughter of Sir John Arundel.
* * * * *
John Pym, a distinguished Member of the House of Commons, resided at
Chelsea for several years. {218} He was Member for Tavistock, and was a
remarkable instance of what wonders, strength of parts, and force of
eloquence, could effect. His influence was superior to authority, but by
many he was thought to have made a very bad use of power; his intent was
to reform, not to abolish the Government; and yet he was a principal
engine in bringing about a revolution, which he never intended, and which
he did not live to see; he died December 8, 1643. His excessive
application to public affairs is supposed to have hastened his death.
“He was a man,” says Hume, “as much hated by one party as respected by
the other. At London, he was considered as the victim of national
liberty, who had abridged his life by incessant labours for the interest
of his country. At Oxford, he was believed to have been struck with an
uncommon disease, and to have been consumed with vermin, as a mark of
Divine vengeance for his multiplied crimes and treasons. He had been so
little studious of improving his private fortune in those civil wars, of
which he had been one principal author, that the Parliament thought
themselves obliged from gratitude to pay the debts which he had
contracted.”
* * * * *
Count D’Estrades, who came to England to negociate the sale of Dunkirk,
as ambassador from Lewis XIV., resided at Chelsea during the years 1661
and 1662. This fact appears by the dates of his letters, of which a
translation appeared in 1755. He had his first audience of his Majesty
King Charles II. on the 27th of July of the former year. It was usual
for the Foreign Ambassadors at that time to make their public entry from
the Tower of London, but on this occasion the King sent his own coaches
to Chelsea, to carry the Ambassador, and the Count was accompanied by the
equipages of the whole of the diplomatic corps at that time in London.
Count D’Estrades was invited by letters from the Chancellor himself, in
order to conclude the bargain; £900,000 were demanded, £100,000 were
offered. By degrees the English lowered their demands, and the French
raised their offers. The bargain was concluded at £400,000.
* * * * *
Sir Robert Atkyns, either Chief Baron of the Exchequer, or his son, the
historian of Gloucestershire, appears by the Parish Books to have resided
in Chelsea in 1684.
Sir Robert Atkyns, K.B., was Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer under
William III., which office he held with distinguished ability and
integrity. This gentleman, by his influence, promoted the Revolution,
and by his pen defended it in tracts replete with legal knowledge.
* * * * *
The Hon. Colonel Rieutort died at his house, Chelsea, on the 24th
January, 1725–6, in his 66th year. He was born of a good family, at
Montpelier, in France, where he early bore arms; and, having left his
native country, on account of the Protestant religion, he attended
William III. in the wars of Ireland. He afterwards served the Crown of
Great Britain in Piedmont; and in 1703 assisted Count de Frise in the
vigorous defence of Landau, then besieged by the French. In 1704, he
went into Portugal with the Earl of Galway, who sent him to the relief of
the Prince of Hesse, then closely beset in Gibraltar, where he
contributed very much to the preservation of that important place. He
was interred in Chelsea Church.
THE CANCER HOSPITAL.
This hospital is situated in the Fulham Road, almost facing the
Consumption Hospital. The ceremony of laying the foundation stone was
performed on Monday, May 30, 1859, by Miss Burdett Coutts, in the
presence of a very numerous and respectable company, including Dr. Tait,
Bishop of London, Archdeacon Sinclair, Rev. D. Coleridge, Rev. J. B.
Owen, the Rev. Fathers Ballard and Bagshawe, Priests of the Oratory, at
Brompton, &c.
* * * * *
The Rev. Thomas Pearson commenced the proceedings with prayer, after
which the Bishop of London addressed the assemblage, and said they were
met to lay the foundation stone of a most excellent institution, destined
to bestow great blessings on a large portion of the community—a house for
the reception of persons afflicted with a most painful disease, demanding
the greatest sympathy from all friends of humanity. His Lordship, at the
close of his address, prayed for its permanency and success.
* * * * *
Miss Coutts having deposited the bottle, with the usual contents, in a
cavity in the lower stone and spread the mortar, the upper stone was duly
lowered into its place, after which Miss Coutts gave the customary knocks
and declared the stone duly laid.
* * * * *
The Rev. J. B. Owen next addressed the assembly, after which John Abel
Smith, Esq., proposed thanks to Miss Coutts for having done them the
honour of laying the foundation stone of the hospital. The Bishop of
London said that he had been requested by Miss Coutts to acknowledge the
compliment paid her, and to assure them that she should continue to take
the greatest interest in the prosperity of the Institution.
* * * * *
The building has a frontage of 130 ft. and a depth of 50 ft., surrounded
by an area of 10 ft., securing to the building the means of convenient
external communication and ventilation. It is constructed of plain white
Suffolk bricks, relieved with bands of red brick, keystones, and cornices
of stone dressing. The lower story contains the kitchens, larders, and
the rooms for the out-patients. The principal ground floor is approached
by a flight of steps, and this contains the hall and a handsome staircase
of stone, apartments for the house-surgeon and medical officers, and
wards for patients. Apparatus for heating and ventilating the building
is provided—everything, in short, that is calculated to add to the
comforts and assist the recovery of the patients. On the first story are
the wards. In the males it appears this direful disease shows itself
more frequently in the face, lip, and tongue, and among some of them in
the breast. Of the females nearly five-sixths suffer in the breast.
* * * * *
The building, in all its details, has been open about six years. It was
erected from the design of David Mocatta, Esq., by Messrs. Lawrence, at a
cost of £7,000. William Marsden, M.D. was the founder.
HOSPITAL FOR CONSUMPTION.
This is another admirable Institution, and, although it is situated just
beyond the boundary of Chelsea parish, on the north of the Fulham Road,
it has a very strong claim to be noticed in this work. It is a beautiful
Elizabethan structure, built in the shape of the letter H, the depth of
each wing being 190 ft., and the width of the building 200 ft. It stands
in a square piece of ground covering three acres, and faces the public
road. On entering the Lodge-gate there are three broad drives, one to
the central entrance, which opens to a cheerful hall upon the first
floor; another to the east entrance, which leads to the offices for the
transaction of the hospital business; and the third to the west entrance,
which is for the use of inmates and the friends of the in-patients on
visiting days.
* * * * *
The ground floor is on a level with the gardens. The west wing and part
of the centre of this floor contain the Dispensary and Out-patient-rooms,
Laboratory, Museum, and Sitting-rooms of the Resident Clinical
Assistants. The east wing contains the apartments of the Resident
Medical Officer and Matron, Linen-room, Store-room, Secretary’s Office,
Board-room, &c.
* * * * *
The first floor is devoted exclusively to Female Patients, saving small
rooms for the Chaplain, and for each of the two Head Nurses, and the two
requisite Sculleries, Baths, and Lavatories.
* * * * *
The arrangements of the second floor are precisely the same as those on
the first floor; the wards being occupied by Male Patients, for whom
there are about 107 beds.
* * * * *
The attic floor has comfortable dormitories for the Nurses and Servants,
and in the Tower-rooms are the sleeping apartments of the Resident
Clinical Assistants.
* * * * *
The Chapel stands on the north side of the hospital, and parallel with
the centre portion. The approach is by a corridor opposite the front
entrance, to which the patients have immediate access from their
respective galleries. The chaplain is the Rev. E. B. Allen, B.A., whose
faithful exhortations and kind manner of addressing the patients have
gained for him the esteem of all who know his worth.
* * * * *
His late R.H. the Prince Consort laid the foundation stone of the
hospital in 1844.
* * * * *
THE HOME.—This Institution is conducted and maintained by a few
benevolent Ladies, as an auxiliary to the above hospital, for persons who
are either waiting their turns for admission to the hospital, or after
leaving it, during the necessary time occupied in the full
re-establishment of their health and their search for employment. This
excellent “Home” is at Manor House, near Durham Place, Chelsea.
CHELSEA IMPROVEMENTS.
The Metropolitan Board of Works (Loans) Bill, empowering the Metropolitan
Board of Works to raise money to construct the Chelsea Embankment, and to
effect other improvements, having received the Royal assent, there is now
no doubt that the Chelsea Embankment works will be very shortly
commenced.
* * * * *
The Bills for the “Belgrave Market,” which will remove the unsightly
block of buildings between Turk’s Row and Jew’s Row, and the “Belgravia
and South Kensington New Road,” which will open a direct communication
from Eaton Square to the South Kensington Museum, have also become law.
* * * * *
The works of the Albert Bridge are still suspended, but there is reason
to hope that they will shortly be recommenced, and rapidly completed.
FIRST ELECTION OF MEMBERS FOR THE BOROUGH OF CHELSEA.
I will now endeavour to record a few impartial particulars respecting the
proceedings on the day of election, with the ultimate state of the poll,
when the two first members for the Borough of Chelsea were elected. The
nomination took place on Tuesday, the 17th of November, 1868, and the
election on the following day.
The hustings were erected in an open and central place near the South
Kensington Museum, and was capable of holding about 200 or 300 persons.
C. A. Bannister, Esq., of Chelsea, was the Returning Officer, and he
performed his duty with the utmost courtesy and fairness.
* * * * *
The candidates originally were C. Wentworth Dilke, Esq., {223} Sir Henry
Hoare, Dr. Russell, and C. J. Freake, Esq. Mr. Odger, a working man, who
was warmly supported by a large number of the constituency, retired
previous to the nomination from what may be fairly considered the most
honourable motives.
* * * * *
R. Freeman, Esq., of Kensington, proposed Mr. C. W. Dilke, and John Boyd,
Esq., of Argyll House, King’s Road, seconded the nomination.
* * * * *
Wingfield Baker, Esq., proposed Sir H. A. Hoare, and James Heywood, Esq.,
seconded.
* * * * *
The Hon. E. C. Curzon proposed Mr. Freake, and the Hon. Capt. Maude
seconded the nomination.
* * * * *
General Sir A. S. Wangle proposed Dr. Russell, and Captain Morley
seconded.
* * * * *
The show of hands was then taken, and there being a large majority for
Mr. C. W. Dilke and Sir H. A. Hoare, the two liberal candidates, a poll
was demanded on behalf of Dr. Russell and Mr. Freake, which took place on
the following day, the 18th of November, 1868. The proceedings were of
the most orderly character, generally speaking, at all the thirteen
polling booths.
* * * * *
The state of the poll was declared to be as follows:—
Dilke 7,357
Hoare 7,183
Russell 4,177
Freake 3,929
About 2,000 persons were present, and the four candidates with their
friends.
SINGULAR ASCENT IN THE CAPTIVE BALLOON.
A female inmate of St. George’s Workhouse, Fulham Road, named Hogg,
having completed her hundredth year, August 3, 1869, was asked by Mr.
Godrich, the medical officer, if, at her advanced age, there was any
particular wish he could gratify. Her reply was that she should like to
go up in the balloon, and see the world once more. Arrangements were
made for the following Thursday, and, accompanied by the Matron and a few
of Mr. Godrich’s friends, they ascended, and after enjoying themselves
for some considerable time descended quite safely, the centenarian
expressing herself much delighted with the aerial trip.
* * * * *
I have at length arrived at the conclusion of my work, and it now only
remains for me to bid the reader a respectful FAREWELL.
* * * * *
ERRATA.—At page 68, line 10, _read_ “East Meon, Hants,” instead of “East
Mere, Hants.”
* * * * *
* * * * *
FREDERICK BELL, PRINTER, KING’S ROAD.
Footnotes
{7} For on account of the presentation of these colours, see “Ranelagh,”
in a subsequent part of this work.
{19a} In 1534 he was attainted for denying the King’s supremacy, and
executed at Tyburn, the 7th of March in that year.—_Holinshed’s
Chronicle_.
{19b} He was ejected from the Rectory in 1554, for being a married
priest, but was restored by Queen Elizabeth.—_Strype’s Stowe_.
{19c} He gave, by will, £15 to the poor of this parish, and to the
repairing of the lead of the church. He was buried at Chelsea in 1615.
{23} From Dr. King’s MSS. it appears there had been a Clerk’s house and
school-rooms on this site previous to the erection of the present
building.
{26} There is on accidental mistake at page 3. The number of acres at
Kensal, belonging to the parish, should have been, as above, 137¾ acres.
{27} This ancient manor house stood on the site of Lawrence Street, near
the Old Church, and derived its name from having been the residence of
the Lawrence family for a long period.
{41} Mr. Thomas Bettsworth was well known to the parishioners and much
respected. He was Churchwarden at the New Church, and took an active
part in parochial affairs.
{57} Life of A. R. Bowes, Esq., by Jesse Foot.
{71} Earl Cadogan’s Records.
{72} I was well acquainted with these particulars, but for the sake of
accuracy I have taken an extract from “A Walk from Loudon to Fulham,” by
the late T. C. Croker, Esq., a work of great worth and highly
interesting. Published by William Tegg, London, 1860.
{82} See Old Church, page 14.
{85} Gent. Mag., 1753.
{87} Stephensiana, Monthly Magazine.
{100} Granger, vol. iv., p. 293.
{102} Gent. Mag. May, 1781.
{105} See History of the Manor, p. 24.
{107} Biog. Dram.
{108} Dr. Drake’s Essays.
{111} Pennant’s History of Whitford and Hollywell, p. 16.
{128} Mr. Goss, the present Organist of St. Paul’s Cathedral, was then
Organist of the Church.
{137} The Act specifies £20,000 and a Sixpenny Rate.
{144} In allusion to a very impressive sermon preached by the late Rev.
H. Blunt, from 1 Sam. xv. 14.
{147} The number that died of the plague this year in London was 30,578.
{150} The Writer’s father was one of the two Overseers of the Poor in
1805.
{153a} Drawn up in the hand-writing of the Rev. Dr. King, Rector.
{153b} We find mention of Bloody Gate and Bridge as early as the reign
of Queen Elizabeth. This spot was situated at the eastern entrance into
Sloane Square, and where Chelsea is divided from St. George’s, Hanover
Square.
{153c} The whole of the land, now the site of Sloane Street, was
anciently called “Blackland.” It extended as far as the Marlborough
Road, some few years since known as Blackland Lane.
{155} Gent. Mag., 1753.
{159} Annual Register, 1771, p. 160.
{177} Queen’s Road West was formerly called Paradise Row.
{184} Gent. Mag. 1747. pp. 298, 400.
{188} Rev. G. R. Gleig’s “Chelsea Hospital.”
{199} These Colours are deposited in the Old Church.
{218} Granger’s Biog. Hist., vol. ii. p. 211.
{223} Now Sir Charles Wentworth Dilke.