Chelsea In The Olden & Present Times - free ebook by George Bryan

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Chelsea In The Olden & Present Times

George Bryan

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CHELSEA, In the Olden & Present Times.

CHELSEA, In the Olden & Present Times.

BY GEORGE BRYAN. “It is not given to all to have genius—it is given to all to have honesty of purpose; an ordinary writer may have this in common with the greatest—that he may compose his works with a sincere view of administering to knowledge.”— Bulwer Lytton . Entered at Stationers’ Hall. CHELSEA: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR, 4, ALFRED COTTAGES, CAMERA SQUARE, KING’S ROAD. MAY BE HAD OF ALL BOOKSELLERS. 1869....

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

There are circumstances in connection with the publication of this volume which I deem it necessary to mention. Some persons probably have thought that such an undertaking should have devolved on an individual possessing greater literary attainments, and occupying a higher position in the parish than I do in it. To this impression I willingly give my assent. But this has not been the case; and the length of time (upwards of forty years) since the late Mr. Faulkner published his “History of Ch

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The Old Parish Church.

The Old Parish Church.

It will soon be seventy years since I was first taken to this venerable Church. The most trifling incidents in childhood often bring to remembrance, when arrived at mature age, events of an important and interesting character. Such was the case with regard to my earliest conscious attendance at Chelsea Old Church. At the period to which I allude, residing at the other part of the parish, we had to go across what was then called the “Common,” situated to the east of the present new St. Luke’s

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MONUMENTS, &c.

MONUMENTS, &c.

It will not be asserting too much if we say that the Old Parish Church contains more magnificent monuments, to the memories of distinguished individuals, than are to be found in any other church in the metropolis. Lord Bray .—In the chancel, the most ancient monument is that of Lord Bray, and of his son Lord John Bray. It is an altar-tomb, now much defaced, but was originally ornamented with the effigies in brass of these two noble lords, and with escutcheons of their arms. According to Weever

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ERECTION OF AN ORGAN.

ERECTION OF AN ORGAN.

On the 22nd of January, 1818, the following resolution was unanimously carried at a meeting in Vestry assembled:—“Resolved that this meeting sensibly feels the propriety as well as the necessity of an organ being placed in the parochial Church, and that the best means to effect this desirable object will be by voluntary subscription, and that it be immediately entered into.” A committee was appointed to carry this resolution into effect, and Luke Thomas Flood, Esq., was requested to become the

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SPRING TIDES.—TAKEN TO CHURCH IN A BOAT.

SPRING TIDES.—TAKEN TO CHURCH IN A BOAT.

A circumstance occurred at the church, about the year 1809, of a singular character. There had been some very high tides during the week, and on the following Sunday morning the waters rose several feet against the southern boundary wall, which rendered the employment of a boat necessary to convey those of the congregation who resided in the neighbourhood near to Battersea Bridge to the western entrance of the church. Although there have been some very high spring tides since that time, I am h

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DOING PENANCE.

DOING PENANCE.

The next event is one of unusual interest. The statement may be relied upon as authentic, and the circumstance of its not having gained publicity has been owing to the few persons who witnessed it and the secrecy enjoined, but after nearly sixty years have elapsed, and the individuals concerned being long since deceased, the particulars may now be fairly disclosed without any breach of confidence. A short time after the conclusion of Divine Service, on a Sunday morning, a gentleman alighted fro

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SACRILEGE.

SACRILEGE.

On Wednesday night, the 27th of December, 1827, this church was sacrilegiously broken into, and the following articles stolen, viz., two plated flagons, two plated chalices, two plated salvers, a blue cloth covering the Communion Table, and a table cloth and napkin for the same; a crimson cushion and hanging for the pulpit, the brass branches from the pulpit and those from the chandeliers in the middle aisle. On Thursday night, the 1st of February following, the church was again entered and rob

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RECTORS AT THE OLD CHURCH.

RECTORS AT THE OLD CHURCH.

The following is a list of the names of most of the rectors, commencing with the earliest one recorded, and terminating with the Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., who continued of course rector when the new St. Luke’s Church was completed. The list of subsequent rectors will be found placed in the notice of that church:— Patrons. Name. Institution. Edward II. Roger de Berners 1316 „ Nicholas Hosbound 1339 Edward III. Martyn de Moulish 1348 William Palmer 1368 Abbot &amp; Conv. West. Thom

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PETYT’S SCHOOL ROOM AND VESTRY.

PETYT’S SCHOOL ROOM AND VESTRY.

In the year 1706, a Vestry Room and School Room, with apartments for a master, were erected at the expense of W. Petyt, Esq. [23] There is a descriptive inscription upon the west front of the school room, which records the donation, at the conclusion of which it is added, “To all which may God give a blessing. Soli Deo Gloria.” The original deed of gift is entered in the Vestry minutes. Mr. Petyt resided in Church (lane) Street, and died there in 1707, aged 71, but was buried in the Temple

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History of the Manor. ROYAL AND DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS.

History of the Manor. ROYAL AND DISTINGUISHED RESIDENTS.

Blackstone , in his “Commentaries,” says that manors are, in substance, as ancient as the Saxon Constitution. The manor of Chilchell, or Chelcheya (Chelsea), was given it appears, in the reign of Edward the Confessor to the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, by Thurstan, the governor of the king’s palace, who held it of him. This gift was confirmed by a charter, which transfers the manor, with all its rights and appurtenances, as fully as it was held by Thurstan: “besides, together with this ma

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Sir Thomas More’s House.

Sir Thomas More’s House.

Sir Thomas More purchased an estate at Chelsea, about the year 1520, and built himself a house, as Erasmus describes it, “neither mean nor subject to envy, yet magnificent and commodious enough.” The site of this house has been long disputed. The Rev. Dr. King, (who is noticed amongst the rectors of the Old Church), in his “Letter designed for Mr. Hearne,” relative to Sir Thomas More’s house, and which is in the British Museum, says, “As seven cities in Greece contended for the birthplace of H

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Battersea Bridge, Sailing Matches, &c.

Battersea Bridge, Sailing Matches, &c.

To meet the tastes of all classes of readers, I shall occasionally deviate from the prescribed order which it was my original intention to have pursued; by doing so it will remove the weariness that frequently arises, especially in works of this description, from dwelling too long on one particular subject. This motive, I trust, will be accepted as an apology for apparent digressions. There was formerly a Ferry a little eastward of the spot where now stands Battersea Bridge, and consequently no

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HYDE PARK ON THE THAMES.

HYDE PARK ON THE THAMES.

That part of the river, known as Chelsea Reach, was so fashionable a rendezvous of pleasure boats and barges in the reign of Charles II. that some persons have described the scene as being a sort of Pall Mall Afloat, and it was called “Hyde Park on the Thames,” in that king’s reign. The reach is the widest of any part westward of London Bridge, which rendered it peculiarly suitable for such grand aquatic displays. There were dukes and duchesses, marquises, earls, and barons, with a similar fas

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SAILING MATCHES.

SAILING MATCHES.

The river at Chelsea, some years since, presented in the summer season a very animating and pleasing scene. The sailing matches attracted numbers from London, and excited great interest amongst the inhabitants. As aged men, however, are said to see nothing now equal to “the days when they were young,”—and lest it should be thought I was magnifying the scene, making the sailing matches of former days something like, for excitement and enthusiasm, the present renowned Oxford and Cambridge Boat R

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Lindsey House, the Moravians, &c.

Lindsey House, the Moravians, &c.

This ancient mansion stands also in front of the river, and adjoined Sir Thomas More’s. It was erected by the Earl of Lindsey, in the reign of Charles II., on the site of a house originally built by Sir Theodore Mayerne, an eminent physician, and the only instance on record of a physician who was retained in that character by four kings. He lived many years in Chelsea, and died here at the age of 82. At his death, Robert, Earl of Lindsey, purchased the house, which he pulled down, and erected

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LINDSEY ROW.

LINDSEY ROW.

It was mentioned at the commencement of the description of Lindsey House, that it had been divided into five houses, called Lindsey Row. These houses still remain, and are inhabited at the present time by families of great respectability. They command a most delightful prospect of the Thames, which here forms a sort of bay; the view from the upper stories is bounded on the south by the Surrey Hills, and Putney Heath on the north. Henry Constantine Jennings, Esq., a most eccentric and unfortuna

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CREMORNE HOUSE.

CREMORNE HOUSE.

This villa was first formed by Theophilus, Earl of Huntingdon, who died in 1746. It afterwards belonged, successively, to Richard, Viscount Powerscourt; to the Countess Dowager of Exeter, relict of Brownlow, the eighth Earl; and to Sir Richard Lyttleton, who married the Dowager Duchess of Bridgewater, and died in 1770. After the death of the Duchess, in 1777, Thomas Dawson, Viscount Cremorne, at that time Baron Dartrey, purchased the villa in 1778. He considerably enlarged and embellished the

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Stanley House, St. Mark’s College.

Stanley House, St. Mark’s College.

Near to what is now the Chelsea Railway Station, on the north of the King’s Road, is Stanley House. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth this was part of the estate of Sir Arthur Gorges, who was knighted in 1597, and died in 1625, and who built a house on this site for his own residence. Rowland White, writing to Sir Robert Sidney, Nov. 15, 1599, says, “As the Queen passed by the faire new building, Sir Arthur Gorges presented her with a faire jewell.” The family of Gorges at this period possessed

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ST. MARK’S COLLEGE.

ST. MARK’S COLLEGE.

Stanley House, as it was formerly called, became the residence of the Principal of St. Mark’s College, which was established by the National Society, in the year 1841, as a Training Institution for Schoolmasters, in connexion with the Church of England. To the Rev. Derwent Coleridge, M.A., the first Principal of the College, must be attributed the eminent position it has attained among the educational institutions of the country. He was the Principal of the College for a period of twenty-three

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WEST BROMPTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

WEST BROMPTON CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

This structure is worthy of special notice. It stands on a valuable freehold site, and was erected in 1866, at a cost of between £5000 and £6000, exclusive of the site. It has sittings for 1100, and owes its existence to the exertions of the present pastor, the Rev. C. Winter, who had previously preached for some time in a small chapel in Gunter Grove. The style adopted is Gothic, of the geometric decorative period. The building is faced with Kentish ragstone, and all the dressings are of Bo

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LITTLE CHELSEA, OR WEST BROMPTON.

LITTLE CHELSEA, OR WEST BROMPTON.

Proceeding a little to the north-west, we arrive at what was formerly called Little Chelsea, but which is now designated West Brompton. Without wishing to remove our neighbour’s land-mark, or to trespass beyond the precise boundaries of Chelsea, the parish of Kensington being on the north side of West Brompton, we will notice the residence of William Boscawen, Esq., who resided near to those spacious mansions now being erected on the grounds formerly known as Walnut-Tree Walk, now called Redcli

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Park Chapel, &c.

Park Chapel, &c.

This Chapel was so called from being situated within the precincts of Chelsea Park, which originally formed the northern part of Sir Thomas More’s grounds. It was built in 1718, by Sir Richard Manningham, who, in 1730, granted a lease of it to the Rev. William Lacey, of Battersea. At that period there was only the Old Church, and an additional episcopal place for Divine worship was needed for the convenience of the residents in Little Chelsea. The following is a complete list to the present pe

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CHELSEA PARK.

CHELSEA PARK.

This was part of the property of Sir Thomas More, and is called, in old deeds, the “Sand Hills;” was originally open fields, with a footpath across to Little Chelsea. The whole was enclosed with a brick wall, in 1625, by the Lord Treasurer, Cranfield, and converted into a park, which name it has retained ever since, but the walls have gradually given way to the erection of buildings. The park originally consisted of 32 acres, situated north of the King’s Road, between Park and Upper Church Str

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The Jews’ Burial Ground, &c.

The Jews’ Burial Ground, &c.

The Jews’ Burial Ground is at Queen’s Elm, and was erected in 1816 by the individuals whose names are inscribed on the wall of the entrance building, and to their descendants. There is also inscribed the 16th Psalm in Hebrew. The lower part of the building is called the hall, the upper part is intended for the keeper. Unlike the arrangement in the Moravians’ Burial Ground, the graves are in rows, without any distinction as to sex. At burials the mourners do not approach the grave, but stand

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CHURCH STREET.

CHURCH STREET.

Alexander Stephens, Esq., built and resided in Park House, Upper Church Street, for a great many years. He was the author of several popular works, was born at Elgin, about 1757, and completed his education at the University of Aberdeen, which he left at the early age of 18 years, for the purpose of proceeding to the West India Islands, principally with a view to add to his stock of useful information and knowledge of the world. Mr. Stephens purchased a Commission in the 84th regiment, but nev

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LAWRENCE STREET, &c.

LAWRENCE STREET, &c.

Lawrence Street derives its name, as previously intimated, from its having been the site of the residence of the Lawrence family for many years. On this spot stood the first old Manor House, until Lord Sandys alienated the manor to Henry VIII., when that king sold it to Sir Thomas Lawrence, and erected another in Cheyne Walk. The ancient family of Lawrence first came into England with William the Conqueror, and settled at Ashton Hall, in the county of Lancaster, where they resided for 300 years

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Alston House, Cheyne Walk.

Alston House, Cheyne Walk.

Shrewsbury, or Alston House, a capital mansion, built about the latter end of the reign of Henry VIII., was situated in Cheyne Walk, to the west of the present “Pier Hotel.” This house was considered for a long time to have been the residence of Sir Thomas More; but Dr. King has proved, from the most authentic documents, that it never had any just pretensions to that honour. It was an irregular brick building, forming three sides of a quadrangle. The principal room was one hundred and twenty f

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Bishop of Winchester’s Palace.

Bishop of Winchester’s Palace.

The Bishop of Winchester’s Palace, which was pulled down some years since, adjoined the gardens of Alston House, on the east, and on the site of which is now Oakley Street, and a terrace of well-built houses, fronting the river. The houses erected in Oakley Street are throughout of a superior class, and as the road is of considerable width, with a good pavement, it now forms the most respectable and important direct thoroughfare from the King’s Road to the centre of Cheyne Walk. The contemplat

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BISHOPS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF KING CHARLES II.

BISHOPS SINCE THE RESTORATION OF KING CHARLES II.

1662. George Morley, Bishop of Worcester. 1684. Peter Mews, Bishop of Bath and Wells. 1707. Sir Jonathan Trelawney, Bart., Bishop of Exeter. 1721. Charles Trimnell, Bishop of Norwich. 1723. Richard Willis, Bishop of Salisbury. 1734. Benjamin Hoadly, Bishop of Salisbury. 1761. John Thomas, Bishop of Salisbury. 1781. Hon. Brownlow North, Bishop of Worcester. 1820. George Tomline, Bishop of Lincoln. Dr. Tomline was the last Bishop of Winchester who had possession of this ancient house, but he never

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Description of the Manor House.

Description of the Manor House.

As full particulars have already been given of the distinguished occupiers of the ancient Manor House, Cheyne Walk, it is here only necessary to describe the structure of this once celebrated residence. [105] Immediately adjoining Winchester Palace, on the east, was situated the ancient Manor House and lands. It was a spacious house, built by Henry VIII., the original consisting of a rather plain brick structure, one storey above the ground floor, with irregularly-shaped windows, and divided by

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Don Saltero’s Coffee House.

Don Saltero’s Coffee House.

This well known coffee-house was first opened in the year 1695, by one Salter, who had been a servant to Sir Hans Sloane, and had accompanied him on his travels. The collection of curiosities, which were principally the gift of his master, being the duplicates of his various curious collections, drew from London a multitude of spectators. It existed for more than a century, and was at length sold by public auction in the year 1799. In “The Tatler,” No. 34, Sir Richard Steele has given the foll

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SALE OF A DAUGHTER,

SALE OF A DAUGHTER,

In fairy guise and playful mood, Euphrania, young and fair, and good, Vows, if her friends a price would set Upon their daughter Harriet, Herself the gift of Heaven would buy, And cherish it beneath her eye. Does, then, Euphrania mean to say, (If we would cast our young away, Like ostriches) she’d prove a mother, And rear the nestling of another? Ye powers, it is a strange temptation! Let us not treat it with flirtation. Come, think upon it well, dear wife; We love our offspring as our life.

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DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE.

DOGGETT’S COAT AND BADGE.

Mr. Thomas Doggett, a native of Ireland, was an actor, and made his first appearance in Dublin; but his efforts not meeting with sufficient encouragement he removed to London, where he performed with great reputation, and by his talents, industry, and economy, acquired a competent fortune, and quitted the stage some years before he died. He was also a patentee and manager of the theatre with Wilks, Booth, and Cibber; the latter of whom gives Doggett the following character:—“He was the most ori

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St. Luke’s Church and the Burial Ground.

St. Luke’s Church and the Burial Ground.

It will be necessary before we give a description of this beautiful edifice to state some particulars respecting the Burial Ground, or, more properly speaking, the Cemetery, in the centre of which the Church is erected. The Act of Parliament for providing this additional Burial Ground for the parish was passed in 1810, and certain Trustees therein named were appointed to carry it into effect. They accordingly purchased of Earl Cadogan, the Lord of the Manor, a piece of ground, in the present c

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MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE CHURCH.

MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS IN THE CHURCH.

There are many neat and well-designed marble tablets placed on the walls in different parts of the church, and one monument in particular which will be specially noticed. It would have afforded me great satisfaction to have transcribed all the tributes of affection there recorded, and also those in the Burial Ground, but the limited nature of this work would only admit of noticing a few of them. By adopting this course it will enable me to refer to a variety of interesting subjects, which othe

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COST OF BUILDING THE CHURCH, &c.

COST OF BUILDING THE CHURCH, &c.

The original sum for the building of the Church, as agreed to at a Public Vestry, held on the 20th of August, 1818, was not to exceed in all £30,000, including every other advance that may be made from the Commissioners of Churches, and others. The interest of this sum, together with the principal, was to be paid out of a church rate, and the rate for this purpose was not to exceed one shilling in the pound. [137] From a statement I possess, shewing the various amounts received and paid by th

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RECTORS AT THE NEW ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

RECTORS AT THE NEW ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

In the account of the Old Church a list of the Rectors connected with that ancient edifice was given, we will now refer to those since the completion of the new Parish Church. The Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., who had been for many years previously Rector, was a brother of the Duke of Wellington, “the great hero of many a hard-fought battle.” Making a deduction for some slight difference in the corporeal appearance of them, there was a great resemblance of features, and in quickness of c

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THE BURIAL GROUND, OR CEMETERY.

THE BURIAL GROUND, OR CEMETERY.

In the south and north portions of the ground there are a great number of memorial stones, and a few brick vaults. That portion, situated at the north-eastern division, near to Bond Street and Marlborough Square, the ground of which is raised above the general surface, may be considered almost as one huge grave, containing a mass of interments. It was originally called “The Poor Ground,” on account of its being devoted exclusively for those who were buried at the expense of the parish. It wou

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REMINISCENCES OF ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

REMINISCENCES OF ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

Whene’er I view that beauteous tower, Built with artistic taste and power Upon yon sacred sod, My heart awakes, with thankful strain, For in old age I see again That temple of my God. Once in that Church I bent the knee, And join’d the holy minstrelsy That lifts the soul above:— The powerful organ swell’d on high, And many felt that God was nigh, Inspir’d by faith and love. I’ve seen there a bride, in rich attire, Receive the ring from her loving sire, And sign the marriage book:—

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PARISH REGISTERS.

PARISH REGISTERS.

We now come to an exceedingly interesting subject, interesting alike, both to old and young, when we consider the very small population of the parish three centuries back compared with the present time now numbering about 70,000. Many of the early records of Parish Registers, will be found often written in so quaint a style as to be almost amusing, still they carry with them solemn thoughts, if rightly regarded, which ought to produce a salutary effect. When we read, too, the inscriptions on t

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Baptisms.

Baptisms.

1559. William Hitchcock was baptized the 19th day of Februarie. (This is the first registered.) 1576. Gabriel, the son of Thomas Browne, Parson, 3rd April. 1593. Elizabeth, filia Johis. Stanhope, armi. and Margaritæ uxoris ejus, 14th August (afterwards married to Sir Lionel Talmash.) 1594. Margaret Stanley, 17th April. 1595. Carolus filius Johs. Stanhope, armi. April 27. (afterwards second Lord Stanhope.) 1597. Charles, a boy, by estimacon x or xii yeares old, brought by Sir Walter Rawlie from

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Marriages.

Marriages.

1559. W. Harris and Eliz. Buger. (This is the first marriage registered.) 1560. In this year there were four marriages, and a very few afterwards until 1600. 1582. T. Mansell, esquier, son and heir to Sir Edward Mansell, and Mary Mordant, daughter of Lord Mordant, July 30. 1589 Johannes Stanhope, armiger, et Margaritta Mackwilliams, alias Cheecke, 6 die Maii. (He was created a Baron in 1606.) 1607. Richard Warde, Parson, and Elizabeth Fisher, Jan. 29. 1648. Sir John Danvers and Mrs. Grace Hewe

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Burials.

Burials.

1565. None were buried—not a single person died in the parish, during this year. 1593. Thomas Larrance de civitate, London, goldsmith.—John Edwards and Thomas Evans, servants, buried both together, died of the plague. Three more died of the plague about the same time. 1594. Alice Griffin, a poore washwoman, buried 2nd Feb.—Ann, a poore woman, buried from a stable. Gregorie Fynes, Lord Dacre of the South, 25th Sept., whose funeralls and burial were kepte the 5th Novemb. at Chelsey.—The Lady Anne

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THE OLD PARISH BOOKS.

THE OLD PARISH BOOKS.

The original books, previous to the year 1696, are all lost; and the parishioners are indebted to the industry of Lord Cheyne for the preservation of many of these historical fragments. The following few extracts from the early dates, taken from amongst many others, are singular:— 1595. Of Richard Munden, w ch he gained to the Church by the Wheel of Fortune, xxix s. viii d. 1697. Gave a poore man by the College, having just buried his wife and left with 3 small children, and in great agony and

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THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.

THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.

These schools are situated at the east side of the Cemetery. The pointed style was adopted on account of the contiguity of the building to the Parish Church. It consists of a centre, with low wings. The wings are occupied by the schools, and the centre as residences intended for the master and mistress; a large pointed arch connects the two divisions. The first stone was laid on the 18th of June, 1824, by the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, rector, with the customary formalities, at which there

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CHELSEA WORKHOUSE.

CHELSEA WORKHOUSE.

Before the year 1723 there were no workhouses in England. It was the custom to relieve the able-bodied at their own dwelling places, and the aged and infirm were, in many cases, supported by the alms given at the church. In 1727, it was “agreed that the churchwardens should be empowered to take, with all convenient speed, a proper house upon lease, in the name of the parish, for the use of the poor.” In 1733 it was resolved, at a vestry, “That a committee be appointed to find out the most pro

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THE KING’S ROAD CEMETERY.

THE KING’S ROAD CEMETERY.

This cemetery adjoins the workhouse, and the ground was the gift of Sir Hans Sloane. It was consecrated in 1736, by Edmund Gibson, Bishop of London. In 1790 it was enlarged by a grant from Lord Cadogan. The obelisk, near the centre, was erected to the memory of Andrew Millar, an eminent bookseller in London, who died in 1768, aged 61 years; he had little pretensions to learning, but possessed a very nice discrimination in selecting his literary counsellors. On a flat stone, on the north side,

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The King’s Road: ITS ORIGIN, EARLY CONDITION, AND PRESENT STATE.

The King’s Road: ITS ORIGIN, EARLY CONDITION, AND PRESENT STATE.

As this road is the central great thoroughfare through Chelsea, some early particulars respecting it cannot be otherwise than interesting. It was originally only a footway through the fields, for the use of the farmers and gardeners to get access to their lands; but soon after the restoration of Charles II. it was found a convenient way for his Majesty to go to Hampton Court Palace, and thus it was, after some discussion between the Government and the parishioners of Chelsea, converted into a c

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THE VESTRY HALL.

THE VESTRY HALL.

This building is situated on the south side of the King’s Road, and is nearly opposite Robert Street. The foundation stone was laid on the 12th of December, 1859. The arrangements for the accommodation of the public were under the superintendence of W. W. Pocock, Esq., the architect, and notwithstanding it was a very inclement day, there were at least a thousand persons present. In a bottle were deposited a suitable inscription on vellum, a list of the parish officers for the year, one copy of

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CHELSEA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MARKHAM SQUARE.

CHELSEA CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MARKHAM SQUARE.

The foundation stone of this Chapel was laid on Tuesday, October 5th, 1858, and the building was opened for public worship on April 3rd, 1860, the Honourable and Rev. Baptist Noel, M.A., preaching at noon, and the Rev. Newman Hall, LL.B., in the evening. The Rev. Clifford Hooper was the first Pastor. He resigned the pastorate on account of failing health on the 3rd of June, 1863, and died on March 6th, 1864. The Rev. R. Brindley, of Bath, then accepted the pastorate, commencing his ministry o

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WHITELANDS TRAINING INSTITUTION.

WHITELANDS TRAINING INSTITUTION.

The old house now attached to these extensive premises was for many years a boarding school, conducted by the Misses Babington. Previous to that period it had no doubt been a scholastic establishment for young ladies, as I find that a discourse was delivered here, about 1772, by the Rev. John Jenkins, A.M., on Female Education and Christian Fortitude under Affliction. In the year 1842 the house and grounds were taken on a long lease by the National Society, and in 1850 a public meeting was held

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Queen’s Road West.

Queen’s Road West.

In the year 1664, Mr. James Hamilton, probably by order of the Lord of the Manor, made a survey of this parish. It was further continued, till the year 1715, by the Rev. Dr. King, the rector, to whose labours this work is much indebted. From Hamilton’s survey, it appears that the Earl of Radnor resided in Paradise Row, [177] adjoining Robinson’s Lane. He entertained his Majesty King Charles II. most sumptuously on the 4th of September, 1660, at this house. When the above survey was taken, his

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THE BOTANIC GARDEN.

THE BOTANIC GARDEN.

On the south side of Queen’s Road West, near to the river, is situated the garden belonging to the Company of Apothecaries. The earliest record that we possess of a Botanical Garden in England, was that of the celebrated John Gerarde, the father of English botany. The next in order of time was that of the elder Tradescant, who, about 1630, established a garden for the cultivation of exotic plants at South Lambeth; this collection was presented, in 1667, to the University of Oxford. The next g

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CHRIST CHURCH.

CHRIST CHURCH.

This Church was consecrated on the 26th of June, 1839. It stands on a piece of ground for many years previously a market garden, and is situated in Paradise Street, Queen’s Road West. The exterior is particularly plain, and would admit of great improvements were there funds available for such a purpose. The interior will probably seat about 1000 persons. On the opposite side of the street there are neatly-designed schoolrooms, in which the children belonging to the National, Infant, and Sund

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Chelsea Royal Hospital.

Chelsea Royal Hospital.

On the site of this noble establishment—the home of our military veterans—was originally a college or place of education for controversial divines. It was projected by Dr. Sutcliffe, Dean of Exeter, in the reign of James I. The king was one of its best patrons, and supported it by various grants and benefactions; he himself laid the first stone of the edifice, in 1609; gave timber requisite for the building, and ordered that when erected it should be called “King James’s College at Chelsey.”

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THE HOSPITAL BURIAL GROUND, &c.

THE HOSPITAL BURIAL GROUND, &c.

On the east side of the Hospital, adjoining Queen’s Road East, originally called Jews’ Row, is the cemetery, formerly used for the interment of the officers and pensioners belonging to the establishment. Near the entrance, on the right, is the tomb of Simon Box, the first pensioner there buried in 1692. There is a very droll epitaph in this burial ground, to the memory of William Hiseland, which states that “when an hundred years old he took unto him a wife.” It appears he had served in the ar

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OLD RANELAGH GARDENS.

OLD RANELAGH GARDENS.

Adjoining the Royal Hospital, on the eastern side, stood the mansion of Richard, Earl of Ranelagh. This nobleman, about the year 1690, obtained from the Crown a large grant of land; he built a house thereon, and made it his principal residence till his death in 1712. In 1730 an Act was passed vesting this estate in trustees, and three years after the house and premises were sold in lots. About this period, Lacy, the patentee of Drury Lane Theatre, projected a plan for establishing a place of

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Presentation of Colours to the Chelsea Volunteers.

Presentation of Colours to the Chelsea Volunteers.

On the 4th of January, 1804, a brilliant scene was displayed at Ranelagh, on the presentation of Colours to the Chelsea Royal Volunteers. About noon the trumpet announced the arrival of the Courtly party in three of his Majesty’s carriages, followed by others belonging to different noblemen. The company having alighted, Lady Harrington was conducted to her box by the Vice-Chamberlain. The Countess being seated two pairs of Colours were introduced, and placed on each side of the royal box. Th

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THE ORIGINAL CHELSEA BUNHOUSE.

THE ORIGINAL CHELSEA BUNHOUSE.

Chelsea was famous for its buns from the commencement of the last century. Swift, who lodged in Church Lane (street), and used to walk to and from town, “two good miles, and just 5748 steps,” writes to Stella, in 1712, “Pray, are not they fine buns sold here in our town? * * * Was it not r-r-r-r-r-r rare Chelsea buns? I bought one in my walk.” This old bunhouse was a rather long building of one storey, with a colonnade in front, projecting over the pavement, the dwelling-house attached to it

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Royal Military Asylum.

Royal Military Asylum.

On the site of the Royal Military Asylum stood a capital mansion, the residence for many years of the Cadogan family, and afterwards the property of Sir Walter Farquhar, Bart., of whom it was purchased for the purpose of erecting the present Institution. The Royal Military Asylum for the children of soldiers of the regular army is situated near the Royal Hospital, on the north east. It was built by Mr. Copland, from the designs of Mr. Sanders. On the 19th of June, 1801, the first stone of this

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ST. JUDE’S CHURCH.

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

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CHELSEA CHAPEL.

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 b

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Trinity Church, Upper Chelsea.

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 slight

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SLOANE TERRACE WESLEYAN CHAPEL.

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

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ST. SAVIOUR’S CHURCH.

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 p

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MARLBOROUGH CHAPEL.

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

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THE CANCER HOSPITAL.

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, &amp;c. The Rev. Thomas Pearson commenced the proceedings with prayer,

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HOSPITAL FOR CONSUMPTION.

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,

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CHELSEA IMPROVEMENTS.

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 commu

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FIRST ELECTION OF MEMBERS FOR THE BOROUGH OF CHELSEA.

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, w

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SINGULAR ASCENT IN THE CAPTIVE BALLOON.

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 s

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