SOCIAL AND POLITICAL SUMMARY.
“The more carefully we examine the history of the past, the more
reason shall we find to dissent from those who imagine that our age
has been fruitful of new social evils. The truth is that the evils
are, with scarcely an exception, old. That which is new is the
intelligence which discerns, and the humanity which remedies
them.”—MACAULAY.
HAVING with the previous chapter brought my account of Knightsbridge to a
close, I cannot more appropriately conclude than by a few remarks on
subjects coming within the scope of the heading of this chapter. But
here again my notes must necessarily be meagre and brief, for
Knightsbridge never having been of itself parochial, books, such as
generally form the staple of such chapters as this, have never been kept
to show, with the accuracy parish books do, the rise and progress of the
place.
The population of the parish of St. George, Hanover Square, was,
according to the census of 1851, 73,230 persons, of whom 40,034 were
within the two wards of Knightsbridge and Pimlico; and of this number,
about 14,000 are resident in the district of St. Paul’s. The population
of All Saints’ district cannot with accuracy be tested, a large part of
it lying beyond our bounds; and building having made very extensive
progress even since 1851, its population has increased in proportion.
In 1578, Mr. Walcot states only six persons were rated by the St.
Margaret’s overseers in Knightsbridge and Kensington; and in 1687 only
five people are rated in St. Martin’s books for the whole of Pimlico.
The progress of building appears to have taken place not so much
progressively as in two distinct movements. The first was from 1770 to
1780, and the other from 1825 to our own time; on examination, it will be
found that few of our streets were built at other periods. A letter
before me of a skilled carpenter, written in 1783, tells his friends in
the country he gets 2s. 8d. per day for his labour, and that he is
allowed to make seven days per week, “and if the peace continueth” he
shall be able to realise 20s. or a guinea per week; for his lodging he
paid 2s. per week. If this was a fair sample of the rate of wages then,
the mechanic’s financial condition must have improved to an extent little
credited perhaps by themselves.
The air of Knightsbridge has always been considered pure and salubrious.
Swift brought Harrison to the place for the benefit of pure air; and
fifty years since it still maintained the character, for Lady Hester
Stanhope sent a faithful footman here for the same relief. Constitution
Hill and Montpelier Square derived their names from this fact. The main
street of Knightsbridge, from Hyde Park Corner to Kensington, stands on a
peculiar but well-defined terrace of the London clay, which separates the
gravels of Hyde Park from those more southward, {269} and is rather more
than thirty feet deep. The yellow gravel of Hyde Park, says Sir Charles
Lyell, is, comparatively speaking, of modern date, consisting of slightly
rolled angular fragments, in which portions of the white opaque coating
of the original chalk-flint remain uncovered. Southward of the clayey
line just mentioned the surface soil is a “made” one. Underneath the
native earth are thick layers of sand, beneath which is a blue clayey
earth, and then a sediment, consisting chiefly of cockle and oyster
shells, which beautifully retain their appearance. Thus the soil of our
locality is a porous one, and rapidly absorbs the surface water; an
advantage greatly tending to the health of the inhabitants, for parts of
Pimlico are but slightly above high-water mark, and the air would
consequently be very moist and relaxing.
In a sanitary point of view all is not fair, even in Belgravia; behind
its imposing mansions many a foul spot is hypocritically hidden; and
although much has been done by the medical officer, there yet remains
plenty of work on hand for him: too many spots yet requiring thorough
transformation, and a vigilant watch to be kept, that selfishness be not
permitted to triumph over public good. {270}
The local government of part of Knightsbridge and Belgravia was formerly
undertaken by a Board of Trustees chosen by authority of an Act of
Parliament passed in 1829. This was one of the local measures swept away
by the general Act of Sir B. Hall; and now the Knightsbridge ward
(extending to Ebury Street) returns twenty-seven members to the vestry of
St. George, as constituted by his bill. The other parts of the hamlet
were under control from various bodies deriving authority under several
Acts of Parliament, but now belong to wards of the parishes in which they
are situated. The bill passed by Sir B. Hall, though perhaps not all
that could be desired, is yet calculated to effect an immense improvement
over the old system, which in this locality, conflicting with other
interests and regulations, worked but poorly. Many of the improvements
and alterations, appearing in themselves to be but trifling, yet, when
looked at in the aggregate, are of great benefit and importance, were
effected by the energy of individuals instead of the action of the local
board. One instance will suffice. The footway between the Spring Gate
and Hyde Park Corner remained a gravel walk, which in winter time became
mere slush, until some of the inhabitants at length caused the Government
to pave it in 1854; and even the “crossing” from the Spring Gate to St.
George’s Place was paid for by Mr. Westerton and one or two other
inhabitants.
In politics, in the days of Burdett, the Knightsbridgites were generally
Radicals of the first water. Burdett was in every respect their man. He
and Hobhouse once started on their “chairing” from the house at the
corner of Sloane Street.
The right of voting for representatives is not the only privilege the
inhabitants of the hamlet enjoy. Those who are in the All Saints
District are qualified for all the numerous hospitals and charities in
the parish of St. Margaret’s, which are among the best and most liberal
in the metropolis.
The Government having decided on erecting at the “Gore” museums and
galleries for our National Collections, it is only reasonable to believe
that such will result in a thorough revolution in the locality. Such has
already taken place at the Gore and Brompton, and it behoves those who
have the local management in their hands to render the neighbourhood a
fit one for such establishments. The improvement of its approaches
should, above all things, be considered; and in the main street of our
hamlet there is yet, unluckily, too much room for improvement. It would
be a worthy entrance to the capital of the kingdom, if the many
abominations now offending the eye could be removed; and it is doubtful
if there is any valid reason for not setting to at the work right
earnestly. If the Park could be thrown open all the way from Apsley
House to the Chapel (for it is hopeless to expect the removal of the
vulgar monsters at Albert Gate), and again continued to include the
Barracks, such would render the roadway the most beautiful and fine in
every way; would add to its healthiness by allowing the free air to
circulate, and ultimately prove to be of the most lasting benefit to the
community. But if in course of time the present buildings are but to
make way for others, it will not only perpetuate a nuisance, but a
disgrace. {273}
I believe I have now noticed all that (in accordance with my plan)
requires illustration from me. I therefore close the subject, and trust
the reader will say “Farewell” to it with a spirit of satisfaction; that
at least in some respect amusement has been afforded and instruction
gained; and that the time spent in perusing these pages will not, in the
end, have been considered unprofitably employed. Good reader, farewell!
APPENDICES.
APPENDIX I.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE A FAMILY NAME.
IN the Issue Roll of the Exchequer, edited by Frederick Devon, are
several payments in the 43rd Henry III. to Henry de Knythebrig, Nicholas
de Eye, and others, carpenters employed at the King’s Palace. A Richard
Knightsbridge was rector of Sheatham in 1640; and the name, though
rarely, may still occasionally be met with.
APPENDIX II.
THE CROMWELL TRADITION.
UNTIL the year 1853 there stood a curious and lonely mansion in the
Brompton Lanes known as Cromwell House. The original name was Hale
House, but it was never called by it within the memory of any now living.
There are one or two versions of the story attached to this old house
printed; but they do not entirely agree with that which I have always
heard—to the effect, that on some occasion Cromwell’s troop was quartered
at Knightsbridge; and he one day venturing to stray among the lanes of
Brompton, was met by some cavaliers who knew him, and pursued him to this
house, where he was sheltered till assistance arrived from Knightsbridge
and liberated him. And a confirmation was presumed to exist in the
inscription on the inn’s front at Knightsbridge that Oliver’s bodyguard
was once quartered there, and that it was once his “posting-house.”
I am perfectly aware that almost every village has its Cromwellian
legend, and also that every endeavour to connect the Protector and this
mansion has hitherto failed. But I own I am by no means inclined to
throw over the pleasing belief entirely. There is a charity at
Kensington still, called Cromwell’s Gift, which always has been ascribed
by parish officers and inhabitants to the generosity of the great ruler;
and although this is unaccountably not entered in the parish books, I do
not consider such an omission a reason for disbelieving the history
handed down by successive generations of parish officers, and still to be
read in the church porch. In true earnest, I think the omission
favourable to my view. No other origin has ever been assigned to the
charity; and the church authorities at the Restoration would scarcely
have permitted a laudatory inscription to the Protector to remain. There
are no other claimants, and never were: the tradition is, and always has
been, that to Oliver Cromwell Kensington is indebted for this charity,
and to him alone.
What reason, then, for this remembrance? The old legend of Cromwell
House, is the answer. We know the Parliament forces were frequently
quartered here. Through Knightsbridge ran the high-road from Oxford; and
Cavaliers proceeding thence would most probably take the bye-road as they
neared the metropolis. And the idea is surely not an improbable one that
Cromwell may have been met with in the manner related.
So far for the legend; but apart from this is another consideration. In
1668, the Lawrences of Shurdington, in Gloucestershire, rented Cromwell
House of the Methwolds. Henry Lawrence was President of Cromwell’s Privy
Council, and in other ways a staunch adherent of his policy. If it could
be proved he resided here at any time during his official career, a new
light would be thrown on the subject, and probably clear it up. On the
whole, therefore, I consider there are grounds, though they may be but
slight, for not entirely discarding the tradition, which may yet be some
day entirely unravelled.
APPENDIX III.
ACT FOR BUILDING ALBERT GATE.
AS the Act of Parliament which authorised the improvement at Albert Gate
may prove hereafter to be one greatly affecting the inhabitants of the
hamlet and the frequenters of the Park, the clause relating to
Knightsbridge is here appended.
The Bill passed May 10th, 1841, and received the Royal Assent a short
time following:—
“Anno Quarto Victoriæ Reginæ, Chapter XII. An Act to enable Her
Majesty’s Commissioners of Woods to make a new Street from Coventry
Street, Piccadilly, to Long Acre, and for other Improvements in the
Metropolis.”
Clause LXXVII.—And whereas it is in contemplation by the Commissioners of
Her Majesty’s Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works, and Buildings, to
recommend to Her Majesty, with a view to public Improvement and the
Accommodation of the Inhabitants of the new Squares, Streets, and Places,
that have lately been erected and formed in the neighbourhood of
Knightsbridge, in the County of Middlesex, to make a new Thoroughfare and
Opening into Hyde Park, subject to such Regulations as Her Majesty may
approve of: And whereas the Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate Church of
Saint Peter Westminster are the Owners of certain Ground and Houses on
the North Side of the Knightsbridge Road, and immediately adjoining that
part of Hyde Park where the intended Opening is proposed to be made, and
it is essential to the Accomplishment of the projected Improvements that
the said Dean and Chapter should have Power to sell, or to lease for any
Term not exceeding ninety-nine Years, to the said Commissioners of Her
Majesty’s Woods, Forests, Land Revenues, Works, and Buildings, certain
small Portions of such Ground and Houses, for the Purpose of enabling the
said Commissioners to make the said intended Opening, and to erect Houses
of a suitable Class and Elevation on each Side thereof, be it enacted,
That it shall be lawful for the said Dean and Chapter of the Collegiate
Church of Saint Peter Westminster, and they are hereby authorised and
empowered to contract for, Sell, and convey to Her Majesty, Her Heirs and
Successors, at such Price or Prices as shall be agreed upon, or
ascertained in manner prescribed by the Act hereinafter referred to, to
be the fair value thereof, all or any Part of the Ground and
Hereditaments hereinafter described, that is to say, all that Piece or
Parcel of Ground, with the Cannon Brewery, the Fox and Bull Public House,
and other Buildings, thereon erected and built, situate on the North Side
of the Knightsbridge Road aforesaid, bounded on the East by the
Watercourse leading from and out of the Serpentine River to the River
Thames, and extending Westward from such Watercourse Two hundred and
thirty Feet or thereabouts on the North and South Sides thereof, and
containing in Breadth one hundred and thirty Feet or thereabouts on the
West Side thereof, and One hundred Feet or thereabouts on the East Side
thereof; and also all that other Piece or Parcel of Ground, with the
several Messuages and Buildings thereon erected and built, known and
distinguished by the Nos. 23, 24, and 25, Knightsbridge, bounded on the
West by the said Watercourse, and extending Eastwards therefrom
Seventy-four Feet or thereabouts on the North and South Sides thereof,
and containing in Breadth Eighty-four Feet or thereabouts on the West
Side thereof, and Seventy Feet or thereabouts on the East Side thereof,
with the Appurtenances; and that it shall be lawful for the said Dean and
Chapter, and they are hereby authorised and empowered, by Indenture under
their Common Seal, on the Surrender of any existing Lease or Leases of
the same Premises, or any Part or Parts thereof, to the said
Commissioners, or to such Person or Persons as the said Commissioners
shall appoint on behalf of Her Majesty, Her Heirs and Successors, for any
Term or Number of Years not exceeding Ninety-nine Years, at such Rent,
and subject to such Covenants, Conditions, and Provisoes, and on such
Terms as shall be agreed upon between the said Dean and Chapter and the
said Commissioners, and to enter into such Contracts and Agreements for
the Purposes aforesaid as to them shall seem proper; and all Contracts,
Agreements, Sales, Leases, Conveyances, and Assurances, shall be valid
and effectual in the Law to all Intents and Purposes whatsover.
APPENDIX IV.
TRINITY CHAPEL, MEMORIAL WINDOWS OF ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, AND ST. PAUL’S
SCHOOLS.
THE following brief notices are considered worthy of addition to the
work. In the first place, the days of the Old Chapel, with its present
undignified appearance and circumscribed circle of usefulness, are
numbered. It is purposed, so soon as Dr. Wilson can procure the
necessary funds, some £3,000, to pull down the present ruinous edifice,
and erect a structure in its stead more worthy of the present position of
Knightsbridge. Seventy years ago it was a poor rural hamlet: it is now a
wealthy populous district. Shall its oldest institution not keep pace
with the locality? May it not yet remain “the Nursing Mother” of its
natural and legitimate district? It is trusted that the authorities in
such matters may apportion it an ecclesiastical district, and thus at
last repair the blunder perpetrated at the various parochial divisions to
which our neighbourhood has been subjected. It may be argued that this
new arrangement is unnecessary; but to an observer it will have appeared
that when in our metropolitan districts new churches have been built,
they have been filled, and work has been found for their clergy without
at all lessening the congregation or otherwise disturbing to injury the
constitution of the parent parish. We anticipate a similar result: the
present chapel is not nearly large enough for its congregation; and one
has only to visit St. Paul’s to see that more space is wanted there.
“Division of work makes light labour;” with what greater force will that
apply in spiritual matters. We hope that the history of this old and
useful foundation recorded in this work may so interest the public that
they will at once so add to the £2,000 collected by Dr. Wilson as to
enable him to carry his praiseworthy design into effect immediately.
The next point is, to the memorial windows of the Church, mentioned at
page 96, have been added the following, in memory of the persons here
named, one to each:—George Canning Backhouse, Esq.; Sir Joseph Bailey,
Bart.; Arthur Stert, Esq.; Major-General J. Bucknall Estcourt,
Adjutant-General to the Crimean Army; Captain the Hon. Robert Hay
Drummond, Coldstream Guards, wounded in the trenches before Sebastopol;
Lieutenant Hubert Greville, Coldstream Guards, killed 5th November, 1854;
Brigadier-General Arthur Wellesley Torrens, K.C.B.; and Captain Viscount
Chewton, Scots Fusiliers. On the whole, the list of those for whom these
are memorials is one of which those connected with the Church may well be
proud—monuments alike to the illustrious dead and the pious regard of
their survivors.
The third and last addition is relating to the Schools. They will now,
in the course of this year (1859), be at length housed in buildings fit
and proper for the purpose. Since the original foundation in 1783, this
has never been the case. The new buildings are of a very tasteful
design, in the Early English style. They are built of white Suffolk
bricks, in the form of a cross, with ornamental red brickwork and
Bath-stone windows and dressings. They will have accommodation for 400
children, although the average attendance does not exceed, of boys 120,
girls 70, infants 90; but occasionally the numbers are many more, as from
their position (that part of town being half empty greater part of the
year) the attendance is necessarily fluctuating: they are entirely
supported by voluntary contributions and the school-pence. The education
given is on the national system; and if we may judge from the number of
young persons who, having risen to respectable positions in life, come
occasionally to visit their late instructors, it is not unfruitful of
good results. The estimated cost of the present edifice is £3,000. The
requisite residences of the teachers will be attached thereto so soon as
the subscriptions will allow. The remainder of their history is told on
the parchment enclosed in the foundation-stone, thus:—“To the glory of
God and the welfare of Christ’s poor in the communion of his Church in
England, these parochial Schools of St. Paul’s, Wilton-place,
Knightsbridge, are devoted. The first stone was laid on St. Matthias’
day, in the year of our Lord 1859, by Henry Barnett, Esq., Treasurer of
the Schools; Robert Liddell, Parish Priest; Thomas Cundy, Architect;
George Trollope, Builder.”
* * * * *
* * * * *
London: TAYLOR AND GREENING, Printers, Graystoke-place, Fetter-lane.
FOOTNOTES
{0} In this Project Gutenberg eText the erratum has been applied.—DP.
{3} “Memorials of Westminster,” by Rev. Mackenzie Walcott.
{10} See “Paddington: Past and Present,” p. 22.
{11} So the name is written in the body of the charter still preserved
in the British Museum in the title the name is spelt “KNYGHTSBRIGG.”
{14} See “Statutes of the Realm,” published by the Record Commissioners.
{19} After the death of her first husband she married John Tregonwell,
Esq., but lies in the same grave with the former, in St. Margaret’s
Churchyard, where a tomb may be still seen to their memory.
{24} Faulkner’s Brentford.
{25} Dated November 27, 1736. See Lord Hervey’s Memoirs, edited by Mr.
Croker.
{26} “Lives of the Chancellors,” vol. iv., p. 420. See also Evelyn’s
Diary, November 15, 1699, where he complains of robberies here, even
while coaches and travellers are passing.
{27a} This year seems to have been prolific in such cases; the following
is taken from the _London Chronicle_, December 27, 1774:—Mr. Jackson, of
the Court of Requests, Westminster, was attacked at Kensington Gore, by
four footpads: he shot one dead, and the others decamped.
{27b} See _Morning Chronicle_, May 23, 1799.
{30} The last oil-lamp was removed from Park-side about 1850.
{31} See analysis, &c., of these waters in Dr. Aldis’ Report on Sanitary
Condition of this district, and _Builder_, October 10, 1856.
{35} See “Notes of the Evidence given against Lord Howard of Escrick, at
the Grand Inquest,” &c., a single sheet, 1681.
{39} The flags are preserved in the United Service Museum, to which
institution they were, with various papers, given by the Major’s son, S.
A. Eyre, Esq. There was a song written in honour of the corps by one
Bradshaw, of which I have only been able to recover the chorus:—
“Then with Major Eyre we’ll go, my boys,
Then with Major Eyre we’ll go.”
{52} Additional MSS., No. 5,755, British Museum.
{55} Lysons’ “Environs of London.”
{56} Nichols’ “Illustrations of the Manners and Expenses of Ancient
Times,” 4to, 1797; in which these accounts are published.
{58a} See Bell’s edition of Butler. Mr. Bell’s doubt as to the
existence of the Lazar-house in the time of the Civil War is, as our
extracts show, unfounded.
{58b} “Notes and Queries,” vol. i., p. 260.
{60} “Parliamentary Surveys and Minutes of the Committees,” quoted by
Lysons.
{62} Emphatic, notwithstanding its bad Latin.
{63a} There having been but two Bishops of London with the Christian
name of William, about the time of any eminence that the Chapel enjoyed,
this must have been one of those two, William Laud or William Juxon;
seeing that Laud licensed its rebuilding, and that his chancellor was so
far interested in it as to give the Paten, I think it may be safely
assumed that the small chalice was presented by the former. Laud was
bishop from 1628 to 1633, when he was translated to Canterbury, and
afterwards beheaded. Juxon succeeded him in the See of London, 1633
until 1660; he was the prelate present with Charles I. in his last
moments.
{63b} It was frequently dignified with the title of church. I have
papers by me of 1837, so describing it.
{65} “To forward Mr. Hervé’s plan for the support of such of the middle
classes of society who have fallen upon evil days, the Rev. Mr. Harris
has lent his chapel at Knightsbridge, where Mr. Hervé will deliver a
lecture on Tuesday morning. . . . Mr. Harris, perhaps, thinks with us,
that the most acceptable part of religion is that practice which comforts
the afflicted, and benefits the unfortunate; and, if report be true, Mr.
Harris does not confine himself merely to the recommendation of
benevolent actions.”—_Examiner_, August 30, 1812.
{67} Doubtless, when they were in private hands, they were kept by the
clerk’s daughter, in 1819 (see Wilkinson’s _Londina Illustrata_); the
account of the chapel in this work is very erroneous, but most of the
papers therein published are missing. Dr. Wilson has the remainder in
his custody, and they having lately been repaired by the author of this
work, are likely to last many years.
{78} See Correspondence at the end of Pepys’ “Diary,” vol. iv., pp. 235,
241, and 242.
{86} The entries to which is affixed an asterisk are not at the Chapel
Books now; they have been made away with since 1819, when they were
copied for Wilkinson’s “Londina.”
{87} Thomas Halley was clerk from 1664 to 1669, when William Hipsley was
appointed: in Kensington register his burial is entered December 2nd,
1689, when Thomas Hipsley succeeded him. He appears to have been the
builder and carpenter of the place, took great interest in the
Revolution, and in the Wars against Louis XIV., as appears by some of his
memoranda. He was clerk for many years.
{88} The last beadle died in 1835, since when the office has been
vacant.
{90} Many names still in the locality, or that have died out within the
last half century, are to be found in these Registers; it may be
serviceable to note a few:—Aley, Arnold, Baber, Beadle, Briscoe, Britten,
Burton, Coppin, Cowell, Cromwell, Danvers, Dexter, Faulkner, Gunter,
Gwin, Hipsley, Lilly, London, Merriman, Morland, Perrin, Pope, Rouse,
Thorowgood, Timberlake, Whitehead, Wise, Woolley. From their imperfect
condition it is useless to attempt a statistical analysis of the
baptisms, but of the marriages I have made a few notes, as follow:—In
1659 there were 36 marriages; in 1661, 81; in the half-year ending
December 31st, 1665, they had increased to the large number of 335. For
about twelve years they continue very numerous, but in 1696 there were
394 marriages, two years after the number fell to 155; in 1704 they
decreased to 45, and such decrease continued till, in 1747, only five
entries are made, in 1751 only _one_, and in 1752 but _two_.
{92} When the foundation stone was laid they amounted to about £12,000;
among the contributors were Earl Fitzwilliam, £500; the Earls of
Bradford, Brownlow, Burlington and Winchelsea, Geo. A. Haldimand, J. A.
Smith, and E. J. Shirley, Esqs., each £200; Duke of Montrose, Marquis
Camden, Earl Sefton, Earl Carlisle, Sir J. Mordaunt, Sir J. Heathcote, T.
Cubitt, T. Cundy, Esqs., each £100; and Geo. Drummond, Esq., £200.
{104} This inscription, through various means, I have traced back nearly
a century: another century makes us contemporary. Would all recollection
of such momentous times die away in that time? The writer of this spoke
to an old man in 1845, who remembered the bells ringing for the capture
of Quebec by Wolfe in 1759.
{106} See the Appendix.
{109} See for further notices of Sterling, Carlyle’s “Life of John
Sterling;” and “The Fourth Estate,” by F. K. Hunt.
{112a} A number of these are in my possession.
{112b} There was a very old wooden gate, opening from the yard at the
back into the park; the bodies of those drowned in the Serpentine were
brought in through it.
{114} Afterwards bought by the well-known Andrew Mann, and placed by him
on the top of a public house at the corner of Warwick Street, Pimlico.
{117} See “Gentleman’s Magazine,” 1810; “Life of Romney,” by his
brother; “Johnsoniana,” &c. Of Part XIV. of this work Humphry was
author.
{118} Afterwards called the “Life Guardsman.”
{120a} “Letters to Julia,” by Henry Luttrell.
{120b} “Year Book,” 1826.
{129} “King’s Anecdotes of His Own Times.”
{147} See “Faulkner’s Kensington,” and “Notes and Queries,” vol. xii.,
p. 186.
{148} See “Symmons’ Life of Milton,” 2d edit., 1810, pp. 122–124.
{149a} Cooke’s Preface to “Conversation: a Didactic Poem.” 1807.
{149b} Quoted by Faulkner, “Hist. Chelsea.”
{149c} “Journey to London,” quoted by Mr. Peter Cunningham.
{149d} “Notes and Queries,” v. 487.
{154} “Belgravia: a Poem.”
{157a} See “Oxford Magazine,” for 1770; London and Country magazines,
between 1770 and 1774.
{157b} In the Bankrupt List, _London Gazette_, November, 1772, appears
the following:—“Teresa Cornellys, Carlisle House, St. Ann, Soho, dealer.”
{159} I need hardly point out the allusion. Montpelier is said to be
the Cheltenham of France.
{160} See “Monthly Magazine,” April, 1821; and “Notes and Queries,” vol.
x., p. 228.
{161a} See “The Virtues of a Jail.”
{161b} His experiments were made by an electrometer of his own
construction, which extended several yards above his house. See
_Examiner_, October 2nd, 1814.
{163} “Gate” is a modern stupidity for a square or terrace. What can be
more unmeaning?
{170a} For report of her trial, &c., see “Gentleman’s Magazine,” and
“London Chronicle,” 1776; Ditto, ditto, 1788. “Walpole’s Letters to
Mason” (“Bentley’s Miscellany,” vol. 33).
{170b} See Creasy’s “Eminent Etonians.”
{170c} Kingston House is now sometimes called Ennismore House, from the
second title of Lord Listowel. It is generally considered the
termination of Knightsbridge in this direction. In old directories it is
described as No. 3, Knightsbridge.
{172} See “London Chronicle,” June 22nd, 1784.
{175} Life of Arthur Murphy, by Jesse Foote; Madame D’Arblay’s Diary,
&c.
{177} The following are from newspapers:—“Births, Sep. 28. The lady of
the Marquis of Granby, of a daughter, at Rutland House, Knightsbridge.”
1772.
“On Friday night the Marquis of Granby arrived at the seat of his
grandfather, the Duke of Rutland, at Knightsbridge, from making the tour
of France and Holland.”—_London Chronicle_, July 5, 1774.
“Died yesterday at Rutland House, Knightsbridge, Lord William Robert
Manners, youngest brother of the Duke of Rutland.” 1793.
{180} Timbs’ “Curiosities of London.”
{198} The writer in “Knight’s London” fixes the opening of Tattersall’s
about 1779, but it was earlier.—See _Morning Post_, August 23rd, 1775.
{200} Walcott’s “Memorials of Westminster,” Appendix. 2nd edition.
{201} See “Macaulay’s History of England,” i., 512.
{203} See “Macaulay’s History;” “A Collection of the Debates Concerning
the late Briberies and Corrupt Practices,” 1695; “Manning’s Lives of the
Speakers,” &c.
{209} See “Journal to Stella,” Jan. 2nd and Feb. 4th, 1711; also Feb.
12th and 15th, 1713.
{211} Lyson’s “Environs of London.”
{214} In Kensington register are the following entries:—
1665. “Robert Southwell, of Whitehall, Esq., and Mrs. Elizabeth
Dering, daughter of Sir Edward Dering, of Surrenden, Kent, married by
Seth Ward, Lord Bishop of Exeter, 26th January.”
1686. (Buried.) “John Humfreys, servant to the Right Rev. Seth,
Bishop of Salisbury, at Knightsbridge, 2nd December.”
{220} See “Faulkner’s Chelsea,” vol. i., p. 44.
{221} “Read’s Journal,” May 24, 1753; see also “Faulkner’s Chelsea.”
{227} Lady Chatterton, “Home Sketches,” vol. ii. p. 280.
{232} See “Haydon’s Diary,” November 14, 1837. Also vol. iii, p. 77.
{243} See “Autobiography of William Jerdan,” vol. ii., pp. 282–284.
{245a} “Cunningham’s Handbook of London.”
{245b} “Gentleman’s Magazine,” 1856.
{245c} See “Notes and Queries,” vol. i., p. 474.
{246} See Ben Jonson’s “Bartholomew Fair;” Greene’s “Tu Quoque;” “The
City Madam;” “The Devil is an Ass;” “The City Match,” &c. &c.
{248} There was one at Bankside; also places so named are to be found in
Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cudham in Kent.
{257} In 1755, a 4to satirical tract was published, entitled “Jenny’s
Whim; or, a Sure Guide to the Nobility, Gentry, and other Eminent Persons
in this Metropolis.”
{269} Letter of Mr. R. W. Mylne in the _Times_, June 7, 1857.
{270} See Dr. Aldis’s “Report on Sanitary Works in Belgravia;” “Letter
to the Vestry of St. George,” &c.
{273} See the Appendix.