Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
by George Bryan · English · Gutenberg #45854 · 558,899 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Author: George Bryan
Release date: June 1, 2014 [eBook #45854]
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45854
Credits: Transcribed from the 1869 edition by David Price
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHELSEA, IN THE OLDEN & PRESENT TIMES ***
Transcribed from the 1869 edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
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.
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 Chelsea,”
and the consequent difficulty of procuring a copy—independently of the
fact that much contained in that work is now altogether devoid of
interest, and also that, from the great improvements and alterations in
the parish, there required many additions to be made to it—induced me, in
the decline of life, to undertake the present task.
As an additional justification for the course I have pursued, it must not
be forgotten that Chelsea is my native parish, and that I have possessed
peculiar facilities for acquiring the necessary information; and,
moreover, that in early life I composed in type a great portion of Mr.
Faulkner’s first edition, and at a subsequent period was employed as the
printing-office reader of his edition in two volumes. This gave me
frequent opportunities of seeing him, and witnessing his laborious
exertions to produce a work as complete “as the utmost diligence, care,
and patience enabled him to collect.” I cannot but think that these
considerations—combined with the fact of my having been, for many years
since that period, connected with the press in London—will remove all
impressions of assumption, on my part, for submitting the present volume
to the impartial judgment of the parishioners and the public.
I have purposely avoided all dry details of parochial management, &c., as
being foreign to the nature of the work and rendered now unnecessary in
consequence of the voluminous Annual Vestry Reports, which may easily be
obtained. My object has rather been to make the volume interesting, as
far as possible, without being guilty of “book-making.”
The work embodies all the essential and interesting information that
could be obtained, with a great amount of original matter, and should the
volume not appear so bulky as some might have expected, it is simply
owing to the rejection of extraneous subjects.
That the intelligent working-man, and persons of limited means, might
possess the work, I published a certain number of copies at a very great
sacrifice, trusting that the motive would be rather an inducement than
otherwise for others to purchase the volume. Local histories, unlike
other works, can only have a small circulation, and the price charged for
them must be necessarily regulated by the probable number that will be
sold.
In conclusion, I beg to offer my grateful acknowledgments for the
kindness and assistance which I have received from several gentlemen, and
now submit the result of my labours to the favourable criticism, and I
trust remunerative patronage of the inhabitants and others interested in
a parish which, in many points of view is unusually interesting and
instructive.
AUGUST, 1869.
INDEX.
(The figures at the end of each line denote the page. Notices of
Distinguished Residents are interspersed throughout the volume.)
Alston House, 92
Aston, the Misses, 152
Ashburnham House, 55
Atterbury, Dr., 78
Arbuthnot, Dr. John, 80
Astell, Mrs. Mary, 183
Atkyns, Sir Robert, 219
* * * * *
Boundaries of Chelsea, 8
Bray, Lord, 5
Bell, The Ashburnham, 10
Bowes, Thomas, 15
Buckingham House, 35
Buckingham, First Duke of, 35
Buckingham, Second Duke of, 36
Bristol, Earl of, 36
Beaufort House, 37
Beaufort, Second Duke of, 37
Beaufort Street, 39
Battersea Bridge, 39
Belle Vue House, 44
Bælar, Pætrus, 47
Brunel, Sir Mark Isombard, 51
Boscawen, Mr. 61
Balloon Ascent in 1784, 62
Chelsea Steam Captive, 169
Centenarian Trip in ditto, 224
Boyle, Robert, Esq. 64
Balchen, Admiral Sir John, 65
Bowack, Mr. 82
Burney, Dr. 104
Baths, Dr. Dominiceti’s, 117
Butler, Rev. Weeden, sen., 117, 152
Blunt, the late Rev. Henry, 139
Blunt, Rev. G. A. 140
Bentley, Mr. 168
Bedford, Mr. Paul, 168
Blackwell, Dr. Alexander, 183
Bunhouse, the Original Chelsea, 200
Burial Ground, St. Luke’s, 141
King’s Road, 151
Moravian’s, 46
Jew’s, 74
Royal Hospital, 195
Burial of a Female Dragoon, 196
Burgess, Rev. R. 210
Botanic Gardens, Queen’s Road, 177
Borough of Chelsea, 1st Election, 222
* * * * *
Church, The Old Parish, 3
St. Luke’s, 125
Christchurch, 180
St. Jude’s, 207
Trinity, Sloane Street, 209
St. Saviour’s, 214
Cugnac, The Marquis de, 5
Cheyne, Lady Jane, 9
Cheyne, Charles, Esq. 9
Chamberlayne, Dr. 14, 81
Cadogan, the Hon. and Rev., 20
Clock House, 49
Cremorne House, 54
Cope, Sir John, 64
Carlyle, Thomas, Esq. 91
Clarendon, 3rd Earl of, 66
China Manufactory, 86
Cheyne Walk, 93
Clare, Rev. Thomas, 106
Chalmer, Francis, Esq. 113
Cook’s Ground, 92, 165, 170
Cadogan, Lieut.-Col. 135
Clark, Rev. George, 137
Cipriani, John Baptist, 151
Coffee House, Don Saltero’s, 108
Church Street, 75
Chelsea Common, 215
Cadogan Place, 214
Chelsea Chapel, 208
Cancer Hospital, 219
Consumption Hospital, 221
* * * * *
Dacre, Lord and Lady, 11
Davies, Rev. R. H. 22
Sir John Danvers, 42
Duke Street, 44
Duel, Fatal, 66
Denyer, John, Esq. 91
Dodd, Dr. 118
Doggett’s Coat and Badge, 121
Dispensary, Chelsea, 160
Durham House, 186
Dudmaston House, 55
Dilke, Sir C. Wentworth, Bart. 211
* * * * *
Etymology of Chelsea, 2
Ellesmere, Rev. Dr. Sloane, 152
Eggleton, The Misses, 113
* * * * *
Flood, Luke Thomas, Esq. 44, 137
Fraine, Mr. J. 114, 115
Flowers and Fashion, 161
Flood Street, 164
Faulkner, Mr. Thomas, 185
Farrier, Mr. Robert, 186
* * * * *
Gervoise, Richard, Esq. 6
Guildford, Richard, Esq. 9
Gorges, Sir Arthur, 12, 34
Gregory, Lord Dacre, 33
Gough House, 181
Gibson, Patrick, the Centenarian, 52
* * * * *
Hamey, Dr. Baldwin, 7, 66
Heber, Rev. Reginald, 20
Hatchett, Charles, Esq. 44
Harding, Bishop, 69
Hargrave, Francis, Esq. 75
Haworth, A. H. 77
Hoadly, Bishop, 100
Hunt, Leigh, Esq. 113
Hutchins, Mrs. (Daring Robbery and Murder at her house) 156
Hoblyn, Thomas, Esq. 211
Hans Place, 213
* * * * *
Indian Esquimaux, 48
* * * * *
Jennings, Henry C. Esq. 49
Justice Walk, 86
Jubilee Place, 164
* * * * *
Kingsley, Rev. Charles, 137, 140
King’s Road, 153, 155, 169
King, Rev. Dr. 19
Kent, Duke of, 182
* * * * *
Littleton, Rev. Dr. Adam, 6, 19
Lawrence, Sir John, 8
Lindsey House, 45
Lindsey Row, 49
Lordship’s Place, 91
Lawrence Street, 88
Lowry, Wilson, 167
* * * * *
Monuments in Old Church, 4
More, Sir Thomas, 5, 30
Milman, Sir W. 13
Manor House, Description of the, 105
Martin, John, R.A., 51
Moravians, the, 45
Mazarin, Duchess of, 182
Markham Sq. Con. Church, 174
Marlborough Chapel, 216
Mead, Dr. Richard, 183
Mellon, Mr. Alfred, 167
Monsey, Dr. 195
* * * * *
Northumberland, Duchess of, 12
North, the Hon. Brownlow, 102
Neild, James, Esq. 120
* * * * *
Ormond, Duchess of, 185
Orrery, 4th Earl of, 65
Owen, Rev. J. B. 207
* * * * *
Park Chapel, 67
Parish Registers, 144
Petyt, William, Esq. 85
Pavilion, the, 212
Presentation of Colours to the Old Volunteers, 198
* * * * *
Queen’s Elm, 73
Queen’s Road West, 177
Queen’s Road East, 202
* * * * *
Royal Hospital, 187
Royal Military Asylum, 203
Ranelagh, Old, the Rotunda, 197
Roman Catholic Chapel, 215
* * * * *
Stanley House, 56
St. Mark’s College, 58
Stanley, Sir Robert, 13
Sloane, Sir Hans, 14, 37, 173
Swift, Dean, 79
Shadwell, Thomas, Esq. 80
Smollett, Dr. 89
Sailing Matches, 41
Sloane Terrace Chapel, 210
School of Discipline, 185
* * * * *
Turner, J. M. Wm., R.A., 53
Trelawney, Bishop, 99
Trimnell, Bishop, 100
* * * * *
Winchester Palace, 97
Walpole, Sir Robert, 185
Wellesley, Hon. and Rev. Dr., 138
Woodfall, Henry, Esq. 15
Whitelocke, Gen., Trial of, 193
Whitelands Training Institution, 176
Whitlock, Rev. G. S., 181
West Brompton Con. Church, 60
Warren, Henry, Esq. 217
* * * * *
Vestry Hall, The, 171
Varley, Mr. John, 167
Victoria Hospital, 181
BOOK I.
The Etymology and Boundaries of the Parish—The Old Church: its Monumental
Inscriptions; Remarkable Spring Tides, taken to Church in a Boat,
Penance, &c.—Ancient Manor Houses, and Distinguished Residents—Moravian
Chapel and Burial Ground—Park Chapel—St. Mark’s College—The New West
Brompton Congregational Church—Loss of Sir John Balchen and 1100 Seamen
in the “Victory”—Ascent in a Balloon in 1784—Fatal Duel—The Knight and
the Poor Carpenter—Jews’ Burial Ground, to which is added an Amusing
Anecdote—The Queen’s Elm—Singular Tavern Signs, &c.—The old Embankment of
the Thames. Interspersed with Notices of many of the most Eminent
Residents in the Parish in the “Olden Times,” and other Interesting
Particulars.
LORD BROUGHAM, in the course of some remarks on modern English
literature, incidentally observed that “local histories were not only
interesting to the residents in the districts to which they referred, but
such minor works would be found of immense value to future national
historians.” This was also the avowed opinion of Mr. Faulkner, when he
published his invaluable “HISTORY OF CHELSEA,” upwards of 40 years since,
and my motive in undertaking the present work is to carry forward the
great object which that laborious local historian contemplated. The
defects, and no doubt there will be many discovered in it, are submitted
to the kind and impartial consideration of the reader. My humble
position in life will not in the slightest degree, I feel confident, tend
to depreciate my long-cherished desire—especially as the shades of
evening are fast closing the day-light of my earthly life—to add to the
information which has already been given respecting a parish to which I
am much attached, both by birth and early associations.
* * * * *
The earliest mention of Chelsea is to be found in the Saxon Chronicle, in
the year 785; from which record it appears that a Synod was then held in
it, and at which period it was the residence of Offa, king of the
Mercians. As regards the etymology of its name both ancient and modern
writers have expressed different opinions. Mr. Lysons says, he has seen
it written Cealc-hylle, in an old charter of Edward the Confessor, and
hence objected to the obvious etymology, as there is neither chalk nor
hill in the parish. Mr. Faulkner considers, however, that “hylle” is an
evident mistake for “hythe;” and Cealc-hythe signifies not a place
abounding in chalk, but a wharf or landing-place for chalk brought from
other quarters. This amended definition seems at once to remove the
previous objection, particularly as large quantities of chalk and lime
were formerly, and even now at times, landed at a wharf by the river-side
at Chelsea. In the ancient record of Domesday, it is written Cherchede
and Chelched. The parish was called Chelchethe in the taxation of Pope
Nicholas, in 1291; and this was the common way of spelling it for several
centuries. Among the manorial records of the time of Edward II. it is
spelled Chelcheya and Chelchuthe. Mr. Norden says, “It is so called from
the nature of the place, whose strand is like the Chesel, (ceosel, or
cesel,) which the sea casteth up of sand and pebble stones, thereof
called Cheselsey, briefly Chelsey.” How altered is the state of the
strand or shore at the present time! Would that there were now only the
sand and pebble stones! But there is a probability that this complaint
will be remedied. The long expected embankment from Battersea Bridge to
Chelsea College, it is said, really _is_ to be commenced and completed,
and those old and dilapidated houses in that narrow and dangerous
thoroughfare, known as Duke Street and Lombard Street, are to be pulled
down. If this should be the case, the parishioners will then possess one
of the finest promenades, with Battersea Park opposite to it, which may
be found along the entire banks of the river Thames.
Having made this slight digression, to infuse a little of what is
popularly called “new life” into our subject, we will here mention that
the county of Middlesex received its name from having been inhabited by a
party of Saxons, who, being located in the midst of the three kingdoms of
the East, West, and South Saxons, were called by their neighbours
Middlesaxons, which, in common conversation, was soon abbreviated to
Middlesex.
The parish of Chelsea is bounded on the north by the Fulham Road, which
separates it from Kensington. On the east at the entrance into Sloane
Square, at which place there was an open rivulet, which divided it from
St. George’s, Hanover Square, and was said to rise at or near to
Hampstead; and, after crossing Hyde Park, where it formed the Serpentine
River, and Knightsbridge, flowed behind Cadogan Place (along a portion of
Lowndes’ Square) into the Thames, at Ranelagh, which adjoined Chelsea
College. In January, 1809, this rivulet overflowed its banks, and caused
great devastation for several days. The waters formed a complete lake,
and were of considerable depth. Boats were employed in carrying
passengers from Chelsea Hospital to the old Bunhouse, on their way to
London. On the west, the parish is divided from Fulham a little beyond
St. Mark’s College; and on the south it is bounded by the Thames.
That portion of the parish at Kensal New Town, which is near to Wilsden,
will be briefly noticed again in reference to the “Ancient Manor Houses.”
This land, as held by the parish, is about 173¾ acres.
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 Church, a portion of which was at that particular time
covered with new-mown grass to dry previously to being carried away.
Most young persons love to toss and tumble about the hay when such an
opportunity is afforded them, and certainly I felt as delighted with the
sport as others of my own age. Often afterwards, when there was a
disposition not to take me, I earnestly pleaded to go with the rest to
the Church, but my youthful thoughts were more fixed on some anticipated
enjoyment on the road to it. As I advanced in years, however, my native
Old Parish Church became gradually endeared to me, and nothing connected
with it scarcely ever escaped my notice.
The exact period when the Church was erected is a question of great
uncertainty. In the Domesday Survey of the Parish no mention is made of
any endowment for a priest, which is considered by some writers a proof
that there was no Church existing. This conclusion is doubtful. There
is no record relative to the Rectory previous to the reign of Edward II.,
therefore it is conjectured that the Church was first founded about that
period.
Mr. Bowack says, “In the year 1667, the old Church, which was much
decayed, being too small to contain the congregation, grown large by the
vast increase of buildings about that time in the town,” (what would he
now think, in 1869, of the immense number of houses, and 70,000
inhabitants!) “it was agreed by the parishioners that part of it should
be demolished, and that such alterations and additions should be made as
were necessary for decent accommodation. Accordingly the shattered tower
and west end of the Church were pulled down, and the north and south
aisles carried several yards towards the west, by two brick walls, being
in all about 80 ft. from the ground. The walls of the Church were
raised, the windows enlarged, the old parts beautified, the inside new
paved, the churchyard considerably raised, and enclosed with a high wall
of brick; and most of this done at the voluntary charge of the
inhabitants, and the whole roof, lead, timber, &c., at the sole cost of
the Lady Jane Cheyne. The Church was furnished with all the necessary
ornaments, and the steeple with a good ring of six bells, by the bounty
of the inhabitants.”
From this statement it would appear that the Church was originally of
small dimensions.
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, there was the following inscription in his time:—“Of your
charitie pray for the soul of Edmund Bray, knight, Lord Bray, cosin and
heire to Sir Reginald Bray, Knight of the Garter.” There is a very long
and curious account of the funeral of Lord John Bray in the Herald’s
College, 1557.
* * * * *
SIR THOMAS MORE.—Against the south wall of the chancel is the monument of
Sir Thomas More, erected according to his own desire, in the year 1532.
The tablet on which the inscription is engraved is under a Tudor arch,
the cornice of which is ornamented with foliage, and in the centre of it
is his crest, viz., a Moor’s head. The spandrils of the arch are
ornamented with branches of the vine, and in the midst are his arms and
those of his first wife, and on each side are the arms of himself and his
two wives. The eventful history of More, and the termination of his
earthly career, must be familiar to the reader. After he was beheaded,
his body is said by some to have been interred in the church, but others
have contended that it was buried in St. Peter’s, in the Tower. There
are many legends respecting the head, but Mr. Brayley asserts positively
that it was finally deposited in St. Dunstan’s, near Canterbury, and that
he saw the head there many years ago. The inscription on the tablet is
of considerable length.
* * * * *
THE MARQUISE DE CUGNAC.—Near the Communion Table, against the south wall,
on a square ornamental slab, is an inscription to the memory of
Elizabeth, the wife of the Marquis de Cugnac. As a proof of his unshaken
love he erected this monument. She died in 1653, aged 20 years. The
marquis was of a Protestant family, famous in the reigns of Henry IV.,
Lewis XIII. and XIV.
* * * * *
THE SEDILE.—In the south wall of the chancel, near the altar, was usually
placed the “_Sedile_” a seat for the use of the priest at certain
intervals during the celebration of the Mass, but when the church was
almost rebuilt, in 1667, this ancient architectural ornament, and many
others were removed, and not a vestige of them now remains.
* * * * *
THOMAS HUNGERFORD, Esq.—In the upper chancel is the monument of the
above-named gentleman, having the effigies of himself and his two sons in
armour kneeling on one side of an altar, and his wife and daughter on the
other. The entablature is supported by three Corinthian pillars, resting
on pedestals.
* * * * *
REV. JOHN RUSH.—On the right of the one above are tablets to the memory
of the Rev. John Rush and family. He was Curate of the Parish for a
great many years, and when the new Parish Church was completed, Mr. Rush
became Minister of the Old Church, and resigned the curacy. He was one
of the Directors of the Waterloo Bridge Company, and took a great
interest in everything connected with the construction of that bridge.
He died in 1855, aged 85, and was buried in the Brompton Cemetery.
* * * * *
TWO DAUGHTERS OF WILTON, THE SCULPTOR.—Against the east wall is a
monument, composed of two urns of white marble, to the memory of Lucy
Smith and Anne Wilton, two sisters, 1781. Wilton, their father, was the
sculptor.
* * * * *
The Original Altar Piece was very plain, formed by an obtuse arch
ornamented slightly with foliage, &c. In the centre was painted the
Decalogue; while the north side displayed the Camp of Israel, and the
south side Moses on the Mount, receiving the two tables of the Law.
* * * * *
Rev. ADAM LITTLETON, D.D.—On a square marble tablet, against the north
wall of the lower chancel, is an inscription to the memory of this
eminent divine, who was rector of this parish for 24 years. He died in
1694, aged 66.
On the east wall, on plain marble slabs, are inscriptions to the memory
of Martha Denyer, who died in 1795, John Denyer, in 1806, and Elizabeth
Denyer, in 1824. This family was very benevolent. Amongst a few other
inscriptions is one to the memory of Edward Holl, Esq., who was a regular
attendant at the church, and much respected. He died in 1823.
* * * * *
RICHARD GERVOISE, Esq.—Between the north aisle and lower chancel is a
large monument raised in the form of an arch open at both sides, about 10
ft. in height, ornamented with roses, branches, and fluted carving,
erected to the memory of Richard Gervoise, Sheriff of London, who died in
1557, and also in memory of his son.
* * * * *
BALDWIN HAMEY, M.D.—On a pillar, near the preceding, are inscriptions to
the memory of Dr. Baldwin Hamey, Ralph Palmer, Esq., and Alice, his wife.
Mr. Palmer was a kind benefactor to the church. He died in 1715.
On the west side of the same pillar is an inscription to the memory of
Henry Powell, Esq., who was a great friend to the widow and fatherless.
* * * * *
COLOURS OF THE OLD VOLUNTEERS.—Over the nave are suspended the colours of
the two battalions of Queen Charlotte’s Royal Volunteers, which were
placed there on the disbandment of the regiment. These banners were
presented by her Majesty in 1804, at a time when the country was
threatened with invasion. {7} One or two of them are almost in ribbons,
but it is to be hoped they will remain untouched in their present
position as long as possible. There are still living some few old people
in the parish who remember, when boys, marching by the side of these
colours with all the heroic consequence of supposed military triumph.
The PULPIT is composed of oak, divided into panels, and ornamented with
carved foliage and fruit. There was formerly a massive sounding board to
correspond with it, but which was necessarily taken away when the pulpit
was judiciously placed in its present central position in the middle
aisle.
* * * * *
Having noticed the chancel and nave, we will proceed to that part which
is called the LAWRENCE CHAPEL, at the north side. This chapel is
considered by many to be coeval with the first endowment of the church.
It was built by the then Lord of the Manor, whose mansion stood near it,
the site of which is now occupied by Lawrence Street, so called after the
Lawrence family. The old manor house was pulled down by Henry VIII., who
built another in Cheyne Walk, to which allusion will have to be
frequently made. The Lawrence chapel was many years ago in the
possession of Mr. Offley, who bequeathed it to Colonel Needham, of whom
it was bought in the year 1789, with part of the east side of Lawrence
Street, to which it is an appendage, by Mr. Lewer. It is still private
property.
* * * * *
THOMAS LAWRENCE, Esq.—Against the north wall of this chapel is the
monument of the father of Sir John Lawrence, on which are represented
himself, his three sons, Elizabeth his wife, and six daughters, all
kneeling. On the cushion on which Mrs. Lawrence kneels are two babes,
wrapped up close to the chin, with their faces only visible. The cornice
is supported by three fluted Corinthian columns. Underneath are the
following lines:—
“The yeares wherein I lived were fifty-fower,
October twenty-eight did end my life;
Children five of eleven God left in store,
Sole comfort of they’re mother and my wife.
The world can say what I have been before,
What I am now examples still are rife;
Thus Thomas Lawrence spekes to tymes ensving
That Death is sure, and Tyme is past reneving.”
SIR JOHN LAWRENCE, Bart.—On a large ornamented tablet of black marble,
against the east wall, is an inscription to the memory of Sir John
Lawrence, Bart., who died in 1638, aged 50. Attached to it are these
quaint lines:—
“When bad men dye and turn to their last sleep,
What stir the poets and engravers keep,
By a feigned skill to pile them up a name,
With terms of Good, and Just, out-lasting fame:
Alas! poor men, such most have need of stone
And epitaphs; the good, indeed, lack none,
Their own true works enough do give of glory
Unto their names, which will survive all story:
Such was the man lies here, who doth partake
Of verse and stone—but ’tis for fashions sake.”
On the same wall is the monument of Sarah Colvile, daughter of Thomas
Lawrence, Esq., and wife of Richard Colvile, of Newton, in the Isle of
Ely. From small trusses, ornamented with human heads, rise two Doric
pillars, with a curved entablature which supports a pediment. The soffit
of the cornice is decorated with clouds, stars, and a dove; and on the
edge of the cornice is a passage of Scripture (1 Cor. xv. 52). Between
the pillars is a half-length figure of a female, wrapped in a winding
sheet, with her hands in a supplicating posture, and as rising from the
tomb. The inscription states she was the happy mother of eight sons and
two daughters. She died in 1631, in the 40th year of her age.
* * * * *
There is also an inscription on the floor of this chapel to the memory of
Henry, youngest son of Sir John Lawrence, who died in 1661, aged 30.
* * * * *
LADY JANE CHEYNE.—This stately monument is placed against the wall of the
north aisle, but before we proceed to give a description of it, we will
notice the inscription that was placed at the entrance to the vault of
the Cheyne family, at the bottom of the chancel:—
“Charles Cheyne, Esq., Lord of this Manor of Chelsea, which was
purchased by the rich dowry of his wife, erected this burial-place
for his most excellent wife, the Lady Jane Cheyne, eldest daughter of
William Duke of Newcastle, not long deceased, and for his own use,
when he shall die. It was consecrated the 3rd day of November, 1669.
I beseech thee, Almighty God, that she may quiety rest here till the
resurrection of the flesh. Amen.”
The monument consists of a semi-circular temple, the façade supported by
two Corinthian columns of Scagliola marble, rising from a plinth and
pedestals, with a proper entablature, surmounted by an elliptical
pediment, the tympanum of which is ornamented with scroll work and
foliage, and the soffit of the upper cornice consists of panels, with
rosettes and foliage, and dentals, with pendant guttæ placed alternately.
To give the latter a resemblance of their original intention, the base of
the pediment was justly decreased in width in the centre. From acrotini
at the shoulders rise flaming urns, and in the centre is a richly
ornamented cross. In the interior of this temple is a large black
sarcophagus, resting on pedestals of Scagliola marble. On this
sarcophagus is represented Lady Cheyne, in white marble, lying upon her
left side, and reclining upon a tesselated cushion, holding a book; at
her feet lies a coronet. This monument was executed by the celebrated
Bernini, and cost £500. It is generally considered to be a _chef
d’œuvre_ of art. Lady Cheyne died in 1669, aged 48.
* * * * *
On the sarcophagus, under the figure of Lady Jane Cheyne, is an
inscription to the memory of Charles Cheyne, Viscount Newhaven, and Lord
of the Manor of Chelsea, who was buried in the same vault. He departed
this life in 1698, aged 74, being 29 years after Lady Jane Cheyne, his
first wife’s death.
* * * * *
RICHARD GUILDFORD, Esq.—On a marble tablet, near the preceding, is this
inscription:—“Richard Guildford, who died 16th Nov. 1680, and also his
two wives, Abigail and Elizabeth. He gave to this parish for ever a
yearly sum of £10, to be distributed on the 5th of December, the day of
his wedding with his wife Elizabeth.”
* * * * *
HENRY RAPER, Esq.—Near this spot are deposited the remains of this
gentleman, who died in 1789, and of his wife Katherine Raper, who died in
1823. This family was greatly respected.
* * * * *
At the west end of the north aisle formerly stood the old font, and in a
book case close to it a large folio Bible, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, a folio
Common Prayer Book, and the Homilies of the Church of England, each
secured with a chain. The books are now placed at the south side of the
church, and the present marble font stands at the entrance to the middle
aisle.
* * * * *
On the left of the great western entrance is an inscription on a marble
tablet to the memory of Mrs. Bayley, who died in 1828, aged 45. This
tablet was placed by her uncle, Wilton, the sculptor.
* * * * *
THE ASHBURNHAM BELL.—This bell originally in the steeple that was taken
down for security in 1815, is now placed in the porch, as a relic of
former days. On a board near the bell are recorded the following
particulars:—
“This bell was given to the Old Parish Church of Chelsea by the Hon.
Wm. Ashburnham in the year 1679. It was a grateful offering on his
part to commemorate his escape from drowning in the Thames, into
which he had wandered during a dark night of the above year, and from
which he was saved by hearing the clock of this church strike the
hour of nine. Many changes in the church having taken place since
then, and this bell having long remained unused and nearly forgotten,
it is here preserved as an interesting Chelsea antiquity, having been
removed from the Clock Tower and placed in its present position by
order of the Church Trustees, and under the direction of
A. GERALD W. BLUNT, M.A., Rector.
R. HENRY DAVIES, B.A., Incumbent of the Church.
T. B. DIPLOCK, M.D., G. W. RICHARDS, } Churchwardens.
_March_ 1862.”
There was another account given of this bell many years ago. It was that
the Hon. W Ashburnham was returning home from Lambeth in a boat at night,
when almost suddenly there came a dense fog over the river, which
prevented him seeing any object whatever. He became alarmed, and allowed
the boat to drift for some distance, expecting every moment it would run
foul of some barge or craft, and that he would be plunged into the river,
when to his great joy he heard Chelsea Church clock strike nine, and,
judging from the sound that he was nearly opposite the church, he seized
the oars and pulled away as direct as he could towards it, and at length
landed safely on shore. It afterwards appeared that had the boat drifted
much further it would have been upset, and in all probability Mr.
Ashburnham would have met with a watery grave. The family, considering
the striking of the clock to have been a most providential means of
saving his life, gave the bell, and made certain conditions that it
should be rung every evening during the winter months, in case of any
future similar event. The sexton paid 5s. to the bell-ringer for
attending at nine o’clock, as stated, for the season.
* * * * *
On the right of the western entrance, in the south aisle, is an
inscription to the memory of Teak S. Edwards, Esq., F.L.S., who died in
1819, aged 50. “As a faithful delineator of nature few equalled, and
none excelled.”
* * * * *
Near to where now the Homilies are placed was originally fixed the
monument of Lt.-Col. the Hon. H. Cadogan, executed by Chantrey, a fine
specimen of that celebrated sculptor’s chisel. It was removed to the New
Parish Church, some years since, and consequently it must be noticed in
the account of that beautiful architectural edifice.
* * * * *
LORD AND LADY DACRE.—This is one of the most magnificent monuments that
can be found in any parish church in London, and my only surprise is that
so few of the inhabitants of the parish, comparatively, have inspected
it. It stands against the wall of the south aisle, and was erected to
the memory of Gregory, Lord Dacre, and Anne, his wife. They are
represented in white marble, lying on a sarcophagus, under an arch
supported by marble pillars of the Corinthian order. Lord Dacre is in
armour, with a long beard and short hair; her ladyship is habited in a
gown and long cloak with a ruff. A dog is at the feet of each. On
either side is a lofty obelisk. Over the arch are the arms of the
family; the whole is richly ornamented with flowers and several pieces of
elaborate Mosaic work.
The parish of Chelsea, by Lady Dacre’s will, have some presentations to
her Almshouses in Westminster, on condition of keeping the monument in
repair. It has been lately painted and beautified. Lord Dacre died in
1594, and Lady Dacre in 1595. This monument was originally placed in Sir
T. More’s chapel, it is so described in Lady Dacre’s will. When the
church was almost rebuilt in 1667, it was placed in its present
situation.
* * * * *
On a marble tablet, against the same wall, is an inscription to the
memory of Catherine, wife of the Rev. T. Mahon, Rector of Newport, Co. of
Mayo, Ireland, who died in 1822, aged 20.
* * * * *
SIR ARTHUR GORGES.—Bowack, in his “Antiquities of Middlesex,” mentions a
monument raised about 4 ft. from the ground, with the effigies of Sir
Arthur Gorges, his lady, three sons, and five daughters, in brass plates
fixed thereon, no trace of it can now be discovered. There is, however,
on a black slab, fixed against the north wall of Sir Thomas More’s
chapel, an inscription to the memory of Arthur Gorges, Esq. (eldest son
of Sir Arthur Gorges), who died in 1668. He married Mary, daughter of
Lord Bayning. This was her third marriage. She is here buried with her
husband.
* * * * *
SIR THOMAS MORE’S CHAPEL, which was built by him, belonged to the
proprietor of his house until it was sold by Arthur Gorges, Esq., to
Lionel, Earl of Middlesex, when he reserved the chapel to himself, as he
continued to reside at Chelsea in another house. In 1664, when he sold
the last-mentioned house, he only renewed a right of burial for his
family. The chapel passed therefore with the house, through various
owners, to Sir William Milman, and ultimately it became the freehold
property, for many years, of the late Mr. Mann, of Paradise Row, now
called Queen’s Road West. It is still private property. A large Gothic
arch opens into the chancel, and is supported by pillars, the capitals of
which are ornamented with human heads, rudely but curiously carved,
together with bundles of rods resembling the fasces or badges of the
ancient Roman magistrates; on the entablature of the easternmost is the
date 1527.
* * * * *
DUCHESS OF NORTHUMBERLAND.—The venerable monument of Lady Jane Guildford,
Duchess of Northumberland, is placed against the north wall of this
chapel. This interesting memorial consists of an altar-tomb under an
arched recess, crowned by four canopies and supported by five reticulated
pillars, the bases of which rest on the altar-tomb as on a plinth. The
faces of the tomb are divided into panels, containing quatrefoils
enclosing shields, and one coat of arms remains. The back of the recess
is divided into three compartments by small graduated buttresses; that on
the west contained the arms, and sons, while that on the east displays
the effigies of the Duchess and her daughters. The soffit of this recess
is richly groined, the canopies are divided by graduated buttresses with
pinnacles at their apices; they consist of a trefoiled arch with angular
pediments crocketed, and terminating in rich finials, and the spandrils
are panelled. The frieze, formed by two cavittoes, is ornamented, the
lower with rosettes, and the upper with portcullis and rosettes arranged
alternately. The whole is surmounted by a cornice of foliage. The
Duchess appears in the front, kneeling, habited in a surcoat, with her
arms richly emblazoned, originally in enamel. Behind her are her
daughters, with their Christian names engraved over their heads in Gothic
letters. On the left side were represented, on a brass plate, (now long
torn off) the effigies of her sons. The inscription states that the
Duchess had issue thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. She
died “at her maner of Chelsey, ye 22 daye of January, in ye second yere
of ye reigne of our Sovereyne Lady Queene Mary the first, and in A.D
MDLV., on whose soul Jesus have mercy.”
* * * * *
SIR W. MILMAN.—On the same wall as the preceding is the monument of this
gentleman, who died in 1713. There is also another to the memory of
several of the same family.
* * * * *
SIR ROBERT STANLEY.—The monument of this distinguished resident is at the
east end of the chapel. Two figures, representing Justice and Fortitude,
support the arms of Stanley, and three large urns; on the centre one, on
a medallion, is the bust of Sir Robert in alto relievo, who is
represented with whiskers but no beard. On the urns, on each side, are
medallions of two of his children, whose deaths are noticed on the
monument. He died in 1632, and was the second son of the “Earle of
Darbie.”
* * * * *
Near the principal window here is a small brass plate fixed into a marble
tablet to the memory of Humphrey Peshall, Esq., who died in 1650.
* * * * *
There are a few other inscriptions in different parts of the church, but
the principal and most ancient ones have been all noticed. We will now
proceed, therefore, to describe some of the monuments in the old
churchyard.
DR. CHAMBERLAYNE.—On the south side, fronting the river, there are
several monuments to the memory of this family, for the erection of which
and for making a vault Dr. Chamberlayne obtained a grant from the parish,
in consideration of a benefaction which will probably be mentioned
hereafter. He was buried here in 1703. On the left side of the western
window, on a large mural slab, is an inscription to his memory. The
latter part of it is remarkable:—“He was so studious of doing good to all
men, and especially to posterity, that he ordered some of his books,
covered with wax, to be buried with him, which may be of use in times to
come. God preserve thee, O traveller! go, and imitate him. This
monument, not to be rashly violated, his friend, Walter Harris, Doctor of
Physic, caused to be erected as a testimony both of his respect and
grief.”
“Dr. Harris evinced some singularity of opinion,” says Mr. Faulkner, “in
supposing that posterity would gain any information from works thus
entombed with the body of their author; but whatever might have been the
intention, his views in depositing the books in the tomb of his friend
have been frustrated, as, some years since, Dr. Chamberlayne’s tomb
yielded to the injuries of time, and, on examination, it was discovered
that the damp and moisture admitted by the general decay, had totally
obliterated almost every appearance of them; his seal, with his arms, was
however still perfect.”
* * * * *
A FEMALE HEROINE.—One of the inscriptions to the memory of the
Chamberlayne family is as follows:—In a vault hard by lieth Anne, sole
daughter of Edward Chamberlayne, LL.D., who long declining wedlock, and
aspiring above her sex and age, fought under her brother, with arms and
manly attire, in a fire-ship, against the French, for six hours, on the
30th June, 1690. After returning home she married Sir John Spragg, with
whom she lived very affectionately for eighteen months, but, giving birth
to a child, she died a few days after in 1691!
* * * * *
On the north side of the churchyard, on a mural monument, is an
inscription to the memory of John Pennant, Esq., who died in 1709.
* * * * *
SIR HANS SLOANE, Bart.—In the south-east corner is a large and handsome
monument to the memory of this distinguished resident in the parish, and
of his lady. As frequent notices are taken of Sir Robert Stanley in this
work, it is only necessary here to give a brief description of the tomb.
It is composed of Portland stone, on the top of which, under a portico,
supported by four pillars, is placed a vase of white marble, with four
serpents entwined around it, executed out of one piece; on each side is
an entablature, the arms on one, and the crest on the other. It was
executed by Wilton, the statuary, and was caused to be erected there by
his two daughters, Elizabeth Cadogan and Sarah Stanley. Sir Hans Sloane
died in 1753, in his 92nd year. Lady Sloane died in 1724.
* * * * *
HENRY S. WOODFALL, Esq.—Near the north-east corner of the churchyard, on
a flat stone, was some years since an inscription to the memory of Henry
S. Woodfall, the celebrated printer of the Letters of Junius, who spent
the latter part of his life in calm retirement amongst his Chelsea
friends. He was an associate of many distinguished literary characters,
and died in 1805.
* * * * *
PHILIP MILLER, Esq.—Close to the preceding spot is an obelisk to the
memory of Philip Miller, Curator of the Botanic Gardens, Chelsea, and
Author of the Gardeners’ Dictionary, &c. He died in 1771, aged 80. This
monument was erected by the Fellows of the Linnæan and Horticultural
Societies in 1815.
* * * * *
Against the wall of the old Vestry Room (now School Room) are tablets to
the memory of Thomas Bowes, M.D., F.R.S., William Moncrieff, Professor of
Humanity at St. Andrew’s, and Mrs. Methuen. The dates of these are 1723
and 1732.
* * * * *
These are the principal raised cenataphs and mural tablets in this
ancient churchyard.
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 treasurer, but, although a great many contributions were
received, the aggregate sum was insufficient for the purpose, and the
money was tendered back to the subscribers. This failure, and the offer
made, occasioned considerable amusement amongst some of the parishioners,
and many laughable squibs were printed and circulated. The most
ludicrous of these was a poetic effusion, written by a gentleman of
education and who was not altogether a stranger in literary circles. It
was entitled “_The Organ in the Suds_,” and embodied much of that wit and
humour which is so frequently displayed in “PUNCH.” Sometime afterwards,
however, the effort was successfully renewed, and an organ was purchased.
The two principal candidates for organist were Mr. Goss, then
comparatively unknown in the musical world, but who has since risen to
eminence as a composer, and is now organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral, and
Mr. Ling, who had become a great favourite with many of the subscribers.
The feeling amongst the friends of these gentlemen was very strongly
manifested, and the proceedings on the day of election were characterized
by much excitement. Mr. Ling obtained the greatest number of votes from
the subscribers, and consequently was elected. Mr. Goss, however, was
appointed organist of the New Church, when it was completed, by the
Church Trustees, agreeably to the decision of Dr. Crotch, Mr. Attwood,
and some others, who were requested to decide on the relative
qualifications of the candidates. There were a great many parishioners
present on this occasion.
From the Report of the Old Church Organ Committee, dated Feb. 16, 1819, a
copy of which is now before me, it appears that the entire amount
received was £325 4_s._ 6_d._; that the organ cost £200, and that the
expenses altogether were no less than 125 4_s._ 6_d._, including £24
4_s._ for a Faculty, and £25 to Mr. H. Bevington, for removing the organ
and keeping it in repair for twelve months, as per agreement. The
remaining expenditure was for necessary alterations in the gallery, and
for fittings, &c. The organ had been previously erected in a private
mansion, which will explain the charge for removal, and the sum paid for
the organ was considered at that time to be a great bargain.
The singing, prior to the erection of the organ, was indeed very bad,
being almost entirely confined to the school children, who were placed in
galleries specially erected for them, at the extreme western part of the
church, and so close to the ceiling that a grown person could scarcely
stand upright in them.
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 happy
to say, the congregation have always been enabled to walk to the Old
Church without the least fear of being drowned on their way to it! The
raising of the road, and other alterations, have no doubt checked such
overflowings at this particular spot.
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 from a carriage and proceeded to the Vestry Room,
where two others were waiting his arrival. As soon as the congregation
had dispersed, the parties, with two or three parochial officers, &c.,
went to the entrance of the middle aisle, and the inner door being
closed, the person especially referred to hurriedly knelt down. A paper
was then placed in his hand, which was a recantation of certain
opprobrious epithets that he had applied to a lady in one of the streets
in the parish, stigmatizing her publicly by a term which the reader can
easily supply. When he recited the offensive words he laid particular
emphasis on them, evidently in a spirit of bravado and not of contrition.
Penance and penitence were not in any way, apparently, considered by him
as synonymous terms. There is scarcely an individual who would suppose
that such an event occurred, at so comparatively recent a period as sixty
years ago, in the old Parish Church of St. Luke, Chelsea.
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
robbed of the chandeliers, the brass curtain rods, and the cushions from
the churchwardens’ and overseers’ pews.
A reward of £100 was offered by the Secretary of State, and £70 by the
parish, for the discovery of the robbers, who were soon after taken,
tried at Newgate, and condemned to be transported for life.
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 & Conv. West. Thomas de Preston 1368
There were altogether 29 Rectors instituted by the Abbot and Convent
of Westminster.
Sir Thomas More John Larke {19a} 1530
„ John Richardson {19b} 1543
Duchess of Somerset Richard Ward {19c} 1585
C. Cheyne, Esq. Adam Littleton, D.D. 1669
Viscount Cheyne John King, D.D. 1694
Sir Hans Sloane Sloane Elsmere, D.D. 1732
„ Reginald Heber, M.A. 1766
Earl Cadogan and Henry Thomas Drake, D.D. 1770
Stanley
Lord Cadogan W. B. Cadogan, M.A. 1775
Lady Mendip and Mrs. D’Oyley Charles Sturgess, 1797
M.A.
Earl Cadogan Hon. and Rev. Dr. 1805
Wellesley
The Rev. Dr. Littleton was educated at Westminster School, under the
celebrated Dr. Busby, and afterwards became Prebendary of Westminster.
He was well skilled in the Oriental languages and in rabinnical learning.
He died at Chelsea in 1694, in the 67th year of his age.
* * * * *
The Rev. Dr. John King was a divine of considerable literary eminence.
Amongst a variety of works he published a sermon, entitled, “The Divine
Favour the best Alliance; or, Repentance the Safest Sanctuary in Times of
Danger; preached at the Parish Church of Chelsey,” in 1701. There is in
the British Museum a small quarto volume, in manuscript, by Dr. King,
containing “Remarks on the Life of Sir Thomas More,” and a letter,
designed for Mr. Hearne, respecting Sir T. More’s house at Chelsea. He
died in this parish in 1732, aged 80, much respected, and was buried at
Pertenhall. The family of Dr. King bear the same arms with Robert King,
the first Bishop of Oxford.
* * * * *
The Rev. Dr. Sloane Elsmere died in 1776, and left behind him a volume of
sermons to be published for the benefit of the “Girls’ Charity School,”
of which he was the original founder. He was a relation of Sir Hans
Sloane.
* * * * *
The Rev. Reginald Heber received his school education at the Free School,
Manchester, from whence he removed to Brasenose College, Oxford. Mr.
Heber, in 1766, succeeded to a considerable estate (his elder brother
dying unmarried) at Hodnet, in Shropshire; and in the same year he was
inducted to the rectory of Chelsea, the presentation to which had several
years before been purchased for him by his brother. He found the
rectoral house in bad condition, and partly rebuilt and greatly improved
the whole of it. In 1770 he exchanged the rectory of Chelsea with Dr.
Drake, rector of Amersham, Bucks, for Malpas, in Cheshire. Mr. Heber
married, in 1773, the daughter of the Rev. Martin Bayly, which lady died
the following year, leaving an infant son, Richard Heber, who became
Member for the University of Oxford. Eight years after he married,
secondly, the daughter of Dr. Cuthbert Allanson, by whom he had two sons,
Reginald, the late lamented Bishop of Calcutta—a prelate whose memory is
revered by Christians of all denominations—the other son was Thomas
Cuthbert Heber, and he had also one daughter. Mr. Heber died at Malpas
in 1804, in his 76th year.
* * * * *
The Hon. and Rev. William Bromley Cadogan, second son of Lord Cadogan,
was born in 1751, and had his education at Westminster School, from
whence he was removed to Christ Church College, Oxford. He obtained
several prizes at the University for classical knowledge. On the death
of Dr. Drake he was presented to the rectory of Chelsea. He also became
vicar of St. Giles’s, Reading. Mr. Faulkner gives a singular anecdote
relating to the unsolicited offer of this vicarage to Mr. Cadogan. Lord
Bathurst, who was then Chancellor, called at Lord Cadogan’s house, and
desired to see him. His lordship was not at home; and the servants,
seeing Lord Bathurst very plainly dressed, admitted him into the hall
only, having no suspicion of his high rank. The Chancellor therefore
wrote a note at the hall table, requesting Lord Cadogan to accept the
vicarage of St. Giles’s, Reading, for his son. The offer of so valuable
a preferment, and so near to the family seat at Caversham, was peculiarly
acceptable to Lord Cadogan. It appeared, however, that the parishioners
were deeply affected by the death of the Rev. Mr. Talbot, their late
vicar, and equally grieved at the appointment of his successor; but they
flattered themselves that the new vicar, being a young gentleman of noble
family, would feel no disposition to do the duties himself, and that the
Rev. Mr. Halward, who had been recently appointed, and towards whom they
already were much attached, might be continued in the curacy. A petition
for this purpose was presented to Mr. Cadogan, but it was rejected with
strong marks of disapprobation. The old congregation therefore became
dispersed. Some of them, under the patronage of the Countess of
Huntingdon, opened a place for Divine worship for themselves, while
others, who were unwilling to leave the church altogether, thought that
they perceived marks of sincerity in his conduct and preaching,
attempted, by frequent admonitory letters, to convince Mr. Cadogan of
what they considered to be his “errors,” and to set him “right.” On this
occasion several letters passed between him and Mrs. Talbot, the widow of
the previous vicar, whose house was opened for religious exercises, and
where prayer was occasionally offered up for his conversion. Mr. Cadogan
is said to have been highly offended, but at length, humbled and subdued,
he fell at the feet of accumulated kindness, and confessed to the last
moment of his life, that “Mrs. Talbot’s letters and example were the
principal means of leading him to the saving knowledge of Christ.” It
produced, it appears, a great change in his manner of preaching, and led
the way to his intimacy with the Rev. Mr. Hill, Mr. Romaine, and others,
who were distinguished by the title of popular preachers. He likewise
offered the curacy to Mr. Halward, who previously he had but “lightly
esteemed,” but that gentleman had then accepted some preferment which
prevented him from acceding to the offer. Mr. Cadogan divided his time
between Chelsea and Reading; but finding his labours in both places too
arduous, he let the rectory-house, and left Chelsea in charge of the Rev.
Mr. Middleton, his curate, except at the season of Lent, and of the
Sacrament, on which occasions the church was crowded. Mr. Cadogan was
seized at Reading on a Thursday evening, after his lecture, with an
inflammation of the bowels, and departed this life on the following
Tuesday, expressing with his lips that which was his “glorious theme, the
unbounded love of Christ.” He died in 1797, aged 46.
A monument, designed by Bacon, is erected in the church at Reading.
Beneath the inscription are the crosier or pastoral staff; the rod of
Aaron, which budded and yielded almonds; and the book mentioned in the
Revelations, as sealed with seven seals.
* * * * *
The Rev. Charles Sturges was presented to this rectory in 1797.
Respectful mention is made of him in Mrs. Trimmer’s publication on the
Sunday Schools of Old Brentford. He has a copy of Latin verses in the
Musæ Etonenses, and another in the Academiæ Cantabrigiensis Luctus, on
the death of George II. The sudden death of Mr. Sturges was another
verification of that passage in our Burial Service, “In the midst of life
we are in death,” &c., which he had read many times at the graves of the
parishioners. He expired on the 22nd of April, 1805, after only half an
hour’s illness, from an apoplectic seizure, immediately before the hour
of dinner, at the rectory of Loddington, Northamptonshire, and his
remains were interred in the chancel of that church.
* * * * *
The Hon. and Rev. Gerald Valerian Wellesley, D.D., succeeded Mr.
Sturgess. A notice of him will be found in the account of the New Parish
Church.
* * * * *
The Rev. R. H. Davies, M.A., who had been previously senior curate of the
new Parish Church, succeeded the Rev. John Rush when he died in 1855, as
Incumbent of the Old Church. Through his exertions and instrumentality,
a small vestry, or robing room, has been attached to the church. The
great inconvenience and injury to the Minister’s health, arising from his
having to walk across the churchyard in his robes, and also to change
them, especially in the winter months, had been sadly experienced and
justly complained of by almost every officiating clergyman in my
recollection. Very considerable alterations and great improvements have
likewise been made in the interior of the church, during the fourteen
years that Mr. Davies has been the Incumbent, without interfering greatly
with its ancient architecture. Perhaps the best way to convey an
adequate idea of what has been accomplished will be to give an account of
the expenses, taken from a Report recently published.
The New Gallery £395 11 0
Re-pewing 420 13 6
New Stoves, &c. 44 15 0
Iron Railing 65 0 0
Ventilators 32 18 9
East Window 83 18 7
Reading Desk 5 3 6
New Vestry, &c 94 14 3
Corona in Chancel 12 0 0
Alterations to Organ 60 0 0
A great part of the cost of these extensive and essential alterations was
contributed by the Trustees for building the new St. Luke’s Church; a
very large portion by the liberal contributions of the congregation, and
a part also by the Rev. Mr. Davies’s own friends not connected with the
church, and others to whom he applied. The schools, as will be seen,
have been greatly benefitted, and various charitable societies
established, by which means vast blessings have been conferred on the
poor in the neighbourhood.
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 Church. He was a member of the Inner Temple, and Keeper of the
Records in the Tower of London.
In 1819 there were 100 boys and girls educated and clothed free of any
expense to their parents. The girls at that period were instructed in a
house rented in Lordship’s Place, near Cheyne Row. These schools, with
the master and mistress, were transferred to the new School Rooms, at the
back of the present Parish Church.
The Rev. Mr. Davies recently appealed to the Vestry for a grant of £100
to make considerable repairs in this old building, it being in a most
dilapidated condition (the ground floor, which was the Vestry Room, was
for some time previously used as a fire-engine station), and the one
school room altogether inadequate for the proper accommodation of the
children of the district, promising himself to be answerable for the
deficiency in the amount of the expenditure. The Vestry, in
consideration of its having been bequeathed to the parish, complied with
the request. Mr. Davies likewise obtained for the same laudable object a
grant of £20 from the Ragged School Union, the congregation generously
contributing the remaining sum required to put the building in thorough
repair. The entire cost was rather more than £279. There are now three
good school-rooms instead of one, as was formerly the case, and
consequently the number of children attending the schools has been
greatly augmented.
* * * * *
It may here be mentioned that the “watchhouse,” and the “stocks” for
vagrants, formerly stood close to the river, opposite the church.
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 manor, as
a free gift, every third tree, and every third horse load of fruits grown
in the neighbouring wood at Kyngesbyrig” (now called Knightsbridge).
This charter, which is in the Saxon language, is still preserved in the
British Museum. It is sealed with a waxen seal, suspended by a silken
string, after the Norman fashion, in the front of which are the effigies
of the king, holding in his right hand a cross, and in his left a globe;
on the reverse is the same image, holding in his right hand a spear
surmounted by a dove, and bearing in his left a sword, with this
inscription on both sides, “The seal of Edward King of England.”
King William, by a charter dated at Westminster, confirmed the land to
the Monastery of Westminster.
The Record of Domesday Book, to which we are so greatly indebted, was
begun in 1080, and completed in 1086. In it is mentioned the lands in
Chelsea, then in possession of the Church of Westminster.
The general description given of menial persons, including those in the
manor of Chelsea, at the period when the survey of the land belonging to
the lords, or great landowners, was taken, shows the lamentable state of
thousands of our fellow-creatures. Slaves were allowed nothing but
subsistence and clothes, and were distinguished from freemen by a
peculiar dress. Long hair was a mark of dignity and freedom; for that
reason, slaves, (menial persons,) were obliged to shave their heads, by
which they were reminded of their inferiority of condition. At length
Henry VIII. granted manumission to two of his slaves and their families,
for which he assigned this just reason: “God at first created all men
equally free by nature, but many had been reduced to slavery by the laws
of men. We believe it, therefore, to be a pious act, and meritorious in
the sight of God, to set certain of our slaves at liberty from their
bondage.” The granting of leases, which afterwards followed, almost
completely emancipated the “villain-slave,” so that at the time of
Elizabeth, scarcely any person existed to whom the former laws applied.
Gervace, abbot of Westminster, aliened the manor of Chelchithe, to his
mother Dameta and her heirs. Afterwards it was held by the heirs of
Bartholomew de Fontibus.
Several court rolls of this manor, during the reigns of King Edward III.
and Richard II. are among the records of the Dean and Chapter of
Westminster.
A brewer, of the name of North, was presented at one of these courts for
not putting up a sign as was customary; and at another the wife of Philip
Rose was fined 6_d._ for being a common babbler.
Simon Bayle appears to have been lessee of the manor house, 33 Hen. VI.,
and from that period there is a total deficiency of records till the
reign of Henry VII.
* * * * *
Sir Reginald Bray was now in possession of the manor. He was Receiver
General to Sir Henry Stafford, a younger son of the Duke of Buckingham,
who married the widow of the Earl of Richmond, and mother of Henry VII.
There are many interesting historical particulars respecting Sir Reginald
Bray. He was buried in the chapel of St. George, Windsor.
* * * * *
From Sir Reginald Bray the manor descended to Margaret, only child of his
next brother, John, who married Sir William Sandys, created afterwards
Lord Sands. He was one of those peers who subscribed the articles
exhibited to Henry VIII. against Cardinal Wolsey; and the next year was
also one who signed the declaration to the Pope, intimating the danger of
losing his supremacy, in case he did not comply with the king’s wishes in
regard to his divorce from Queen Catherine. He died in 1542.
There have been various surmises as to the correct definition of “Sands
End,” in Fulham parish, which immediately adjoins Chelsea, and is called
such for a short distance. I venture to suggest the following
explanation. Lord Sands, being Lord of the Manor of Chelsea, his rights
terminated at the spot just mentioned, and to record this fact the people
of Fulham called it Sands End, signifying thereby that Lord Sands’s
jurisdiction and property ended there. Perhaps this idea is not
original, but I have never heard it thus explained, and therefore I have
given it.
This Lord Sands, a few years previous to his death, conveyed to Henry
VIII. the manor of Chelsea, with certain closes or land situated at
Kensal Green, near Wilsden, containing about 137¾ acres. {26} In 1861
there were in that part of Kensal which belongs to this parish 591 houses
and 3223 inhabitants. The number of houses has since increased, and the
present population may be estimated at 3500 persons. There are a great
many highly respectable residents, and a large number of superior new
houses are continually being erected in the adjoining wealthy parishes,
which will ultimately increase the trade and value of property in the
entire district. There are also several new Churches and Chapels built
within the last few years in the neighbourhood. The Paddington Canal,
which passes through the detached parts of Chelsea and Kensington, was
opened with an aquatic procession on the 10th of July, 1801, in the
presence of a vast concourse of spectators.
* * * * *
“Henry VIII. was probably induced to possess this manor,” says Mr.
Faulkner, “from having observed, in his frequent visits to Sir Thomas
More, the pleasantness of the situation on the banks of the Thames; and
from the salubrity of the air, deeming it a fit residence for his infant
daughter, the Princess Elizabeth, then between three and four years of
age. But, on his obtaining it, finding that the manor house was ancient,
and at that time in possession of the Lawrence family, {27} he erected a
new manor house on the eastern side of Winchester House,” which stood on
the site of the river-side entrance to Oakley Street, Cheyne Walk. It
was “here the young Princess was nurtured, and it most probably was her
chief residence during her father’s reign. In 1540, Sir Francis Bryan
was made ‘Keeper of Chelsey’ for life, by patent, 31 Hen. VIII.”
* * * * *
On the marriage of Henry with Catharine Parr, this manor was assigned to
that Queen as part of her jointure. Most unfortunately for her future
welfare, Catharine, after the decease of the king, placed her affections
upon the brother of Jane Seymour, Thomas Lord Seymour, to whom she was
subsequently married. Whatever she might have dreaded from the temper of
her previous royal husband, was realized in the accumulated injuries she
received from Seymour, whose turbulent passions and uncontrolled ambition
led him to aspire to the hand of the Princess Elizabeth, who then resided
at Chelsea under the Queen’s care. She died at Sudeley Castle in 1548,
not without suspicion of poison.
* * * * *
After the death of Catharine Parr, the manor was bestowed on the Duke of
Northumberland by Edward VI. On the accession of Mary, the duke was
impeached, attainted of high treason, and beheaded in 1553.
Jane, Duchess of Northumberland, was a most singular instance of the
vicissitudes of fortune, having been the wife of one of the greatest men
of that age, she lived to see her husband lose his head on a scaffold; to
see one son share his father’s fate, another die in a prison, and the
rest of her children live only by permission. Amidst this accumulated
distress, which was heightened by the confiscation of her property, she
displayed great firmness of mind, though left destitute of fortune and
friends, till the arrival of some of the Spanish nobility, who interested
themselves so warmly in her favour, that they prevailed on the Queen to
reinstate her in some of her former possessions. She made a will,
written with her own hand, unassisted by the advice of any learned in the
laws. Amongst a variety of other bequests, she left to Sir Henry Sidney
the gold and green hangings in the manor house, “water side, at Chelsey.”
“My will,” she says, “is earnestly and effectually, that little
solemnities be made for me, for I had even have a thousand foldes my
debts to be paide, and the poore to be given unto, than anye pompe to be
shewed upon my wretched carkes; therefore to the wormes will I goe, as I
have afore wrytten in all poyntes, as you will answer yt afore God; and
you breke any one jot of it, your wills hereafter may chaunce be as well
broken.” Notwithstanding the strict injunctions contained in her will,
she was buried with great funeral pomp, in February, 1535; two heralds
attending, with many mourners, six dozen of torches, and two white
branches, and “a canopy borne over her effigies in wax, in a goodly
hearse to the church of Chelsey.”
* * * * *
Ann of Cleves, after her divorce from Henry VIII., appears to have
resided in this manor house, where, it is said, she died in 1557, and was
buried in Westminster.
* * * * *
Queen Elizabeth, in 1559, leased this manor to Ann, Duchess of Somerset,
widow of the late Protector, for life. Her Majesty afterwards granted
the manor to John Stanhope, Esq., vice-chamberlain of her household. On
the accession of James I. he was created Lord Stanhope, of Harrington.
After several families had held the manor, we find it in possession of
the Cheyne family.
* * * * *
Charles Cheyne, afterwards Viscount Newhaven, married Lady Jane, eldest
daughter and co-heir of William Duke of Newcastle, with whom he obtained
an immense fortune. This lady is celebrated for her excellent
endowments, which she exhibited in a distinguished manner during the
civil wars in the reign of Charles I., in her keeping the garrisoned
house of her father, where she was left with one of her sisters, against
the enemy, till, overpowered by their force, she was made prisoner, but,
by the success of the royal arms, it was retaken. Her duty and piety to
her exiled father, in making repeated remittances, which she effected by
the sale of some rich jewels left her by her grandmother, the Lady Ogle,
after the vain efforts she had made for his pardon, deserve to be
remembered. Lord Cheyne, as we learn from the inscription on Lady Jane’s
monument, purchased the manor of Chelsea with a part of the large dower
she brought him on his marriage. His lordship very highly embellished
the house and gardens, and they excited some curiosity at the time. Mr.
Evelyn, in his Diary, thus notices them: “I made my Lord Cheyney a visit
at Chelsea, and saw those ingenious water-works invented by Mr.
Winstanley, in which were some things very surprising and extraordinary.”
This Mr. Winstanley was the ingenious architect who built the Eddystone
Lighthouse, and perished in it when blown down by the great storm in
1703. When Lord Cheyne died in 1698, he was succeeded by William, his
son and successor.
* * * * *
Sir Hans Sloane, Bart., purchased the manor of William Lord Cheyne, the
second and last Viscount Newhaven, in the year 1712. Sir Hans was
descended from a family originally of Scotland, but settled in the north
of Ireland, where he received his first education. At that early age he
evinced a very strong inclination to study the works of Nature, which he
pursued with uncommon application through the rest of his life. Being
desirous of improving himself in the several branches of physic, to the
profession of which he was ardently devoted, he came to London, and
resided in a house adjoining to the laboratory of Apothecaries’ Hall.
Here Mr. Sloane acquired a perfect knowledge of the preparations and uses
of most chemical medicines; and at the same time prosecuted his favourite
science of botany in the Apothecaries’ Gardens at Chelsea. He ultimately
became President of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and
associated and corresponded with most of the eminent men of his day. He
had been previously Secretary to the Royal Society, which he held for 20
years without any salary, and was the intimate friend of Sir Isaac
Newton. In the last sickness of Queen Anne he was called in to her
assistance, as one of her physicians, as he had been on some former
occasions. He was created a baronet by George I., an honour which had
never before been conferred upon any physician in England. Upon
purchasing the manor of Chelsea, he gave a portion of the ground of his
garden to the Apothecaries’ Company, in order to perpetuate it for the
improvement of botanical knowledge, and to communicate to others that
instruction which he had himself received there. Besides the donation of
so large and valuable a piece of ground, in a delightful situation on the
banks of the Thames, and near the metropolis, he contributed largely
towards building the stairs at the water-side gate, and an additional sum
towards the expenses of the garden. When Sir Isaac Newton died, Sir Hans
Sloane was chosen as President of the Royal Society, and continued in
that high office for fourteen successive years. His decay was very
gradual, and foretold that he would one day “drop like a fruit fully
ripe.” He died in 1753, and was interred in the churchyard of Chelsea,
in the same vault with his lady. His funeral was attended by many
persons of distinction, and several Fellows of the Royal Society. He has
been styled “the father of natural history in these realms.”
Sir Hans Sloane’s invaluable Museum, sold to the nation at his decease
for £20,000, being about a fourth of its value, was the nucleus, and so
far the first foundation, of the British Museum. He bequeathed one
moiety of the manor of Chelsea to his daughter Sarah, the wife of George
Stanley, Esq., of Paultons, in Hampshire, and the remainder to his second
daughter, the lady of Charles Lord Cadogan, in which family the property
still remains. Hence the names of Cheyne Walk, Hans Place, Sloane
Street, Cadogan Place, Oakley Street, and Paultons Square. The eldest
son of Earl Cadogan takes his father’s second title, Viscount Chelsea.
Mrs. Stanley, daughter of Sir Hans Sloane, left one son and two
daughters; Hans Stanley, Esq., the son, who died in 1780, and bequeathed
to his sisters, Anne, the wife of W. Ellis, Esq., afterwards Lord Mendip,
and Sarah, the wife of Christopher D’Oyley, Esq., his moiety of this
manor, with the reversion to Lord Cadogan and his heirs.
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 Homer,
so there are no fewer than four houses in this parish which lay claim to
Sir Thomas More’s residence, viz.: that which is now the Duke of
Beaufort’s; that which was lately Sir Joseph Alstone’s; that which was
once Sir Reginald Bray’s, and afterwards William Powell’s, which is now
built into several tenements; and that which was lately Sir John
Danvers’s, which is also now pulled down; and on part of the ground a
small street is built, called Danvers Street, and some other houses. Now
of all these, in my opinion, Beaufort House bids fairest to be the place
where Sir Thomas More’s stood.” He then proceeds to give his reasons for
arriving at this conclusion, which, when considered in connection with
the statements of other writers on the subject, clearly establishes the
correctness of Dr. King’s opinion. Sir Thomas More’s house, therefore,
we will conclude stood almost on the site of what is now called Beaufort
Street, facing Battersea Bridge. After his death, however, very
considerable alterations and additions were made by succeeding occupants,
both in regard to the house and grounds attached to it. The house, in
its altered state, was pulled down about 140 years ago.
* * * * *
Erasmus gives a pleasing description of the manner of More’s living with
his wife and family at Chelsea. “There he conversed with his wife,” says
he, “his son, his daughter-in-law, his three daughters and their
husbands, with eleven grand-children. There is not a man living so
affectionate to his children as he; he loveth his old wife as well as if
she was a young maid.” Fox, in his Martyrology, however, throws a sad
blast over the character of More. He states that More used to bind
heretics to a tree in his garden, called “The Tree of Troth,” but this
was denied by More himself. Henry VIII., to whom he owed his rise and
fall, frequently came to Chelsea to visit him. Sometimes the king would
ascend to the house-top with him to observe the stars and converse on
astronomy. Amongst the illustrious foreigners entertained and patronised
by Sir Thomas More, may be mentioned Hans Holbein, a celebrated painter,
who lived with him for nearly three years painting portraits of him, his
relations, and friends. It is generally admitted that he had a house in
Chelsea for aged people, whom he daily relieved.
* * * * *
More delighted in telling the following “merrie story,” as he termed
it:—A friar while preaching “spyed a poore wyfe of the paryshe whysperyng
to her pew-fellow, and he fallyng angry thereto, cryde out unto her
aloude, ‘Hold thy babble, I byd thee, thou wyfe in the red hood!’” He
regularly attended Chelsea Church, and very often assisted at the
celebration of Mass, and at times he would put on a surplice and join the
quire.
* * * * *
The pathetic story of More’s wit was never so touchingly illustrated as
on the day after he resigned the Great Seal. He went to Chelsea Church
as usual with his wife and family, none of whom he had yet informed of
his resignation. During the service, as was his custom, he sat in the
choir, in a surplice. After service it was the custom for one of his
attendants to go to her ladyship’s pew, and say, “My Lord is gone
before.” But this day the Ex-Chancellor came himself, and making a low
bow, said, “Madam, my Lord is gone.” Then, on their way home, to her
great mortification, he unriddled his mournful pleasantry by telling her
his lordship was gone, in the loss of his official dignities.
* * * * *
Sir Thomas had four children, three daughters and one son; the latter was
the youngest. His first wife wished very much for a boy; at last she
brought this son, who proved to be of slender capacity; upon which he
said to her, “You have prayed so long for a boy, that now you have got
one that will be a boy as long as he lives.” The good lady walked away
from him.
* * * * *
By indefatigable application, More cleared the Court of Chancery of all
its causes. One day, having ended a cause, he called for the next, and
was told there was “no other depending in the Court.” He was delighted
to hear it, and ordered it to be inserted on the records of the Court.
It gave rise to the following epigram, not the worst in the English
language:—
“When More some time had Chancellor been
No More suits did remain;
The same shall never More be seen
Till More be there again.”
The pitiful story of More’s daughter, Margaret, parting with her beloved
father, on the morning of his cruel execution, is truly affecting. She
followed him to the scaffold—embraced him, implored his blessing, wept
upon his cheek, bidding him in anguish adieu. A second time she went
forward to him, clung round his neck and kissed him, when at last,
notwithstanding his apparent gravity, tears fell from his eyes * * * and
soon afterwards she was severed from him for ever! It appears that his
original intention to be interred in the Old Church, was unhappily not
fulfilled. Dr. King states that “his body was buried in the chapel of
St. Peter, in the Tower, and his head, after some months, was bought by
his daughter, Margaret, and taken down from London Bridge, where it was
fixed upon a pole, and was buried,” probably as stated, in St. Dunstan’s,
near Canterbury. Aubery, however, asserts that “after he was beheaded,
his trunke was interred in Chelsey Church, near the middle of the south
wall, where was some slight monument erected, which being worne by time,
Sir John Lawrence, of Chelsey, at his own proper costs and chardges,
built to his memorie a handsome one, with inscription, of marble.” This
statement, as regards the interment of Sir Thomas More’s body, does not
accord with the opinion of most other writers on the subject.
* * * * *
After the death of More, his mansion was granted in the 28th of Henry
VIII. to Sir William Paulet, afterwards Marquis of Winchester, to whom
Edward VI. granted in fee both that and all other premises in Chelsea and
Kensington, forfeited by his attainder.
* * * * *
The Marquis of Winchester, who was so much of a courtier as to
accommodate himself to princes as well as to subjects of very different
characters, was, from his natural and acquired abilities, perfectly
qualified to act with propriety in the highest offices of the state. In
the reign of Edward VI. he was made Lord High Treasurer of England. It
is said that by his councils, in a great measure, the Duke of
Northumberland’s design of setting the Lady Jane Grey on the throne was
prevented; for which good office of loyalty to them, the Queens, Mary and
Elizabeth, continued him in the Treasurer’s Office, which he enjoyed for
thirty years; and on being asked how he preserved himself in that place
through so many changes of government, he answered, “By being a willow,
and not an oak.” He died in 1572, aged 97 years. The marquis greatly
enlarged and improved the house, and, according to Norden, “adorned
Chelsea with stately buildings.” His eldest son, John, second Marquis of
Winchester, died at Chelsea in 1576. The widow of the first marquis died
in 1586.
* * * * *
Gregory, Lord Dacre, soon afterwards had possession of Sir Thomas More’s
house. He was the son of Thomas Fynes Lord Dacre, who succeeded his
grandfather in the 26th of Henry VIII.; and who, in 1541, was engaged
with some other persons in chasing the deer in Sir Nicholas Pelham’s
park, when a fray arising between them and the keepers, in which one of
the latter was killed, he was found guilty of being accessary to the
murder, and suffered death accordingly; but his children were restored to
their honours in the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Gregory, Lord Dacre, died
at Chelsea in 1594, without issue; and his sister Margaret, the wife of
Samuel Lennard, Esq., claimed the barony, and was allowed it in the
second of James I.
* * * * *
Lady Dacre survived her husband but a few months, and bequeathed her
house at Chelsea, with all its appurtenances, to the great Lord Burleigh,
with remainder to his son Robert, afterwards Earl of Salisbury, and Lord
High Treasurer. “I have seen,” says Lysons, “among the records at the
Rolls Chapel, a pardon of alienation to Sir Robert Cecil, dated June 21,
39th Elizabeth, for acquiring these premises of Thomas Lord Buckhurst.”
This distinguished nobleman, afterwards Earl of Dorset, was brother to
Lady Dacre, and resided frequently with his sister at Chelsea, but it is
not known whether he had any interest in the estate.
* * * * *
The Earl of Salisbury is supposed to have rebuilt Sir Thomas More’s
house, as the initials of his name were to be seen on the pipes and in
several of the rooms.
* * * * *
Henry Clinton, Earl of Lincoln, bought the house of the Earl of
Salisbury, and probably came immediately to reside in it, as there are
some entries respecting his family in the Parish Register in the
beginning of the year 1609. By his first wife, Lady C. Hastings,
daughter of Francis, Earl of Huntingdon, he had two sons, Thomas, his
successor in the title, and Edward; and by his second wife, widow of W.
Norris, Esq., he had a daughter, Elizabeth, who married Sir Arthur
Gorges, and also two sons, Henry and Robert. The latter died in 1609,
and was buried at Chelsea.
* * * * *
Sir Arthur Gorges, on the death of Henry, Earl of Lincoln, became the
possessor of the house, and he and Lady Elizabeth, his wife, in
consideration of £4300, sold it to Sir Lionel Cranfield, afterwards
created Earl of Middlesex. It was described as the “greatest house at
Chelsea, with two fore great courts adjoining, environed with brick
walls, also a wharf (landing-place for a pleasure boat, &c.) lying in
front, having a high brick tower on the east and west ends, and a high
water tower, standing upon the west corner of the wharf, and the
watercourse belonging thereto. An orchard, a garden, having a peryment
standing up in the middle, and a terrace on the north end thereof, with a
banquetting house at the east end of the terrace, having a marble table
in it. A great garden, dovecote close, containing five acres, the
kitchen garden, brick-barne close, containing ten acres.” Lord Middlesex
held the mansion till 1625, when he sold it to Charles I., who, in 1627,
granted the said house, &c., to the Duke of Buckingham.
* * * * *
George Villiers, first Duke of Buckingham, the son of Sir George
Villiers, was born in 1592. By the elegance of his person, and the
courtliness of his address, he gained as great an ascendance over King
James as the favourite of any other prince is known to have done by a
long course of assiduity and insinuation. The Earl of Clarendon says,
that the duke “was of a most flowing courtesy and affability to all men
who made any address to him, and so desirous to oblige them, that he did
not enough consider the value of the obligation, or the merit of the
person he chose to oblige; from which much of his misfortune resulted.”
He married Lady Catherine Manners, the daughter of Francis, Earl of
Rutland, by whom he had three sons and a daughter; he was assassinated at
Portsmouth in 1628, by one Felton. The eldest son, George, who succeeded
him in his title and estates, being very young at the time of his
father’s murder, was sent to travel during the civil wars; and returning
to England whilst Charles I. was under restraint, he and his brother,
Lord Francis Villiers, thought themselves obliged to venture their lives
and fortunes for the king at the first opportunity. Soon after, the
Parliament voted that he should be proceeded against as a traitor, and
that his estates should be sequestered.
* * * * *
Sir Thomas More’s house, for such it ought still to be considered,
notwithstanding the great alterations made in it, was now known as
Buckingham House, in consequence of its having been granted to the first
Duke of Buckingham. It appears by the following extract from a
periodical paper after that duke’s death, to have been in possession of
his daughter Mary, who married James, Duke of Richmond and Lenox: “The
Duchess of Lenox, daughter of the Duke of Buckingham, being then at
Oxford, petitioned the Lords for leave to come to London, or to her house
at Chelsey, to be under Dr. Mayerne’s hands for her health; a pass was
ordered for her, and the concurrence of the Commons desired.”
* * * * *
Buckingham House, in 1649, having been seized by the Parliament, was
committed to the custody of John Lisle, one of the Commissioners of the
Great Seal. This gentleman’s own estates were afterwards confiscated,
and he then retired to the continent. He was shot by some unknown person
as he was going to church at Lausanne. A short time after the house was
granted to Sir Bulstrode Whitlock, who resided with his family at Chelsea
for some years.
* * * * *
Sir Bulstrode Whitlock was the son of a Judge of the Court of King’s
Bench; he wrote a memorial of English affairs from the latter part of the
reign of Charles I. to the Restoration.
* * * * *
George, the second Duke of Buckingham, soon after the Restoration,
recovered his father’s estates, and was the possessor of this house for a
few years, but was soon obliged to dispose of it for the benefit of his
creditors.
* * * * *
Dryden, in his poem of Absalom and Achitophel, has drawn the following
portrait of this nobleman in the character of Zimri:—
“A man so various, that he seemed to be
Not one, but all mankind’s epitome:
Stiff in opinions, always in the wrong,
He’s every thing by starts, and nothing long;
But in the course of one revolving moon,
Was Chymist, Fidler, Statesman, and Buffoon.
In squandering wealth, was his peculiar art,
Nothing went unrewarded but desert.
Beggar’d by fools, when still he found, too late
He had his jest, and they had his estate.”
James Plummer, one of the Duke of Buckingham’s principal creditors, was
the person in whose name this house was aliened in 1674, in trust, for
George, Earl of Bristol, who is said to have died at Chelsea, and to have
been buried in the church, but there is no memorial of him, or entry of
his interment in the Parish Register.
* * * * *
George Digby, Earl of Bristol, was born in 1612, and was educated at
Oxford; he soon became distinguished by his remarkable advancement in all
kinds of elegant literature. In the beginning of the Long Parliament he
was disaffected to the Court; shortly afterwards he appeared a declared
enemy to the Parliament; and having testified his dislike of their
proceedings against Lord Strafford, he was expelled the House of Commons
in 1641. Upon the death of the king his lordship was exempted from
pardon by the Parliament, and obliged to live in exile till the
restoration of Charles II., when he recovered all he had lost; he grew
very active in public affairs, spoke frequently in Parliament, and made
himself conspicuous for his enmity to Lord Clarendon. Lord Bristol died
in 1677, “neither loved nor regretted by any party.” The house at
Chelsea he bequeathed to his Countess, Lady Ann Russell, daughter of
Francis, Earl of Bedford, who sold it in 1682, to the Marquis of
Worcester, created Duke of Beaufort, and who died in 1699.
* * * * *
The name of the house was now changed to Beaufort House. Mr. Evelyn, in
his Diary, makes frequent mention of it:—“I went with my Lady Sunderland
to Chelsey (1679), and dined with the Countess of Bristol (her mother) in
the great house, formerly the Duke of Buckingham’s, a spacious and
excellent place for the extent of ground and situation, in a good air.
The house is large, but ill-contrived, though my Lord of Bristol expended
much money upon it. There were divers pictures of Titian and Vandyke,
and some of Bassans, very excellent, especially an Adonis and Venus, a
Duke of Venice, a Butcher in his shambles selling meat to a Swiss, and of
Van Dyck, my Lord of Bristol’s picture, with the Earl of Bedford’s at
length. There was in the garden a rare collection of orange trees, of
which she was pleased to bestow some upon me.” Again, in 1683, Mr.
Evelyn says, “I went to see what had been done by the Duke of Beaufort on
his house at Chelsey; he had made great alterations, but might have made
a better house with the materials and the cost he had been at.”
* * * * *
Henry, second Duke of Beaufort, by his will, dated in 1712, left all his
estates, in trust, to be sold, and the produce appropriated according to
a settlement made at his marriage. The house, however, continued to be
the residence of that noble family till about the year 1720. Mary,
relict of the first duke, died here in 1714, at the good old age of 85
years.
* * * * *
It may here be observed that Chelsea, not only in former times, but at
the present period, 1869, is admitted to be generally a very healthy
parish. This assertion is proved by the weekly reports given to the
Vestry by Dr. Barclay, the medical officer of health, and which is
confirmed by other gentlemen of the medical profession. The reports read
at the meetings of the Chelsea Board of Guardians, also, shew that a
great many of the inmates of the workhouse live to a very advanced age;
and from peculiar facilities I possessed, many years ago, I can
positively assert that the number of aged persons, who had for a long
period been residents, was greater than in most of the other suburban
parishes.
* * * * *
Sir Hans Sloane, after the mansion had stood empty for several years,
purchased it in 1736, for the sum of £2,500 at a public sale, and had it
pulled down in 1740. The gate, which was built by Inigo Jones for the
Lord Treasurer Middlesex, he gave to the Earl of Burlington, who removed
it to his gardens at Chiswick, which occasioned the following lines by
POPE:—
PASSENGER.
O Gate, how com’st thou here?
GATE.
I was brought from Chelsea last year,
Batter’d with wind and weather;
Inigo Jones put me together;
Sir Hans Sloane,
Let me alone,
Burlington brought me hither.
This gate was placed in an avenue near the house at Chiswick, and
consisted of a portico, supported by two columns of the Doric order on
one side, and pilasters on the other. On two stone tablets were
inscribed: “Builded by Inigo Jones, at Chelsea, MDCXXI.” “Given by Sir
Hans Sloane, baronet, to the Earl of Burlington, MDCCXXXVII.”
* * * * *
Bowack thus describes Beaufort House in 1705: “This house is between two
and three hundred feet in length, has a stately ancient front towards the
Thames, also two spacious court yards, and behind it are very fine
gardens. It is so pleasantly situated, that the late Queen Mary had a
great desire to purchase it before King William built Kensington, but was
prevented by some secret obstacles.”
* * * * *
Attached to the house was a chapel, which appears to have been attended
by a few of the inhabitants. In various marriage licenses, granted in
1722, and in other years, persons were to be married in the Parish
Church, in the chapel of Chelsea College, or the chapel of Beaufort
House.
* * * * *
The above account of this celebrated mansion cannot fail to be highly
interesting to the generality of readers. Mr. Faulkner has truly
observed, “that few houses can boast of having been the residence of such
a succession of noble and distinguished characters.”
* * * * *
Beaufort (row) Street, which was begun to be built about 1766, takes its
name from the Duke of Beaufort. A portion of his vast estate was the
property of Mr. Long, a very old and respected parishioner, partly
leasehold, under Earl Cadogan, and some of it, if not all, is still held
by that family.
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 not far distant from the distinguished
mansion just described. It belonged to Thomas, Earl of Lincoln, who sold
it in 1618 to William Blake. After some time it became the property of
Sir Walter St. John, and passed with the Bolingbroke estate to Earl
Spencer, under whom it was held in 1766, when an Act of Parliament was
obtained for building a bridge over the Thames, from Chelsea to
Battersea, and empowering Lord Spencer to build the same. Fifteen
proprietors having subscribed a sum of money each, it was accordingly
begun in 1771, was opened for foot-passengers in the same year, and in
the following year was ready for carriages. From 1772, when the bridge
was finally erected, to the present time, 1869, is exactly 97 years, and
this is the precise age of it. It is a most unsightly structure of wood,
about one furlong in length, 28 ft. wide, and its cost rather more than
£20,000. The proprietors have a vote for the counties of Middlesex and
Surrey.
* * * * *
Lamps were first placed on the bridge in 1799, and in 1821 and 1822 an
iron railing 4-ft. high, on the western side, was substituted for the
original wooden railing, and in 1824, the eastern side was completed. So
far apart were the original wooden railings, which were placed crossways,
that the body of a child might have passed through them, and, if not
observed, no person cognizant of the fatal accident. There were also, at
the above period, eight projecting recesses, four on each side,
constructed for the safety of foot-passengers, and a slightly raised
pathway made.
* * * * *
The number of lives that have been sacrificed at this bridge, together
with the barges sunken at it, even within the last few years, is really
painful to contemplate. It is a sad contrast, in every respect, to the
elegant structures that now span the river, and it is to be hoped there
will soon be erected another one in its place—one that will be an
ornament to Chelsea, Battersea, and the metropolis.
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 fashionable throng to that which may still be witnessed in Hyde
Park. The watermen were arrayed in dresses of all colours, and the whole
presented a scene of grandeur which cannot be adequately described.
* * * * *
Fishing, at the above period, was carried on to a very considerable
extent at Chelsea; but, owing to the fishermen using unlawful nets, and
other causes, it fell into decay, and, finally, proved an unprofitable
speculation. In my earlier days two or three fishermen earned a scanty
living by selling the fish they caught, and a few lovers of angling also
occasionally “pulled up” some very fine roach and dace, in the prime
season, at Battersea Bridge.
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 Races—I
will endeavour to avoid the possibility of being charged with giving an
exaggerated description of them. But, seriously speaking, it may be
said, with truth, that Cheyne Walk and Battersea Bridge, on such
occasions, were crowded with many of the nobility, and a vast number of
ladies and gentlemen, either in carriages or on horseback. The fleet of
sailing boats, with the little _Spitfire_ generally ahead, and “Tom
Bettsworth,” {41} the owner, on board, when seen at a short distance
approaching Chelsea, with the sun shining on the white canvas sails, and
other pleasure boats decorated with flags, in many of which were
musicians playing various lively popular tunes, presented a sort of
miniature resemblance to those delightful spectacles which are now only
to be seen off Erith, &c. The steamboats have rendered such displays
impracticable for some years past at Chelsea, and pleasures of this kind
must give way to the transactions of business and public convenience.
Commodore Capt. Harrison, a distinguished member of one of the first
Yacht Clubs, took a great interest in the Chelsea Sailing Matches. He
resided in the parish, and was highly esteemed for his conviviality and
gentlemanly deportment. His remains were interred in the Brompton
Cemetery.
* * * * *
I will now renew the notices of distinguished residents in this part of
the parish, occasionally giving a short description of new public
erections, and other interesting particulars.
Henry Sampson Woodfall, Esq., was born in Little Britain, in 1739, and
when he retired from the active affairs of life, he took a house in
Lombard Street, near the Old Church. At a very early age he had the
honour of receiving from Mr. Pope half-a-crown for reading to him, with
much fluency, a page of Homer. When twelve years old he was sent to St.
Paul’s School, on leaving which he was apprenticed to his father, a
printer in Paternoster Row; and at the age of nineteen he had committed
to his charge the whole business of editing and printing the “Public
Advertiser.” From this period till the beginning of 1793, he continued
constantly in the exercise of this laborious function. During so long a
time, when parties ran extremely high in politics, it is not surprising
that a printer should have gotten into some difficulties. He used
jocularly to say to his Chelsea friends that he had been fined and
confined by the Court of King’s Bench; fined by the House of Lords and
Commons, and indicted at the Old Bailey. He laid particular emphasis on
the words “fined” and “confined.” His conduct respecting those
celebrated letters, signed JUNIUS, displayed great integrity and
disinterestedness of character. He associated much with Garrick,
Coleman, Bonnel, Thornton, Smollett, Goldsmith, and other wits of his
day, and his own conversation overflowed with interesting anecdotes.
* * * * *
In this street resided for many years Mr. W. Lewis, bookbinder, the
intimate friend of Dr. Smollett, and his fellow companion, on their
journey from Edinburgh to London. It was by the advice of Smollett that
he settled at Chelsea; he is pourtrayed in the novel of “Roderick
Random,” under the character of Strap the Barber, and many facetious
anecdotes are there related of his simplicity, vanity, and ignorance of
the world. Mr. Lewis died about 1785.
* * * * *
Danvers Street was begun to be built in the latter end of the 17th
century, on the site of Danvers Gardens, and from thence takes its name.
Danvers House adjoined Sir Thomas More’s estate, if it was not actually a
part of his property, or that of his son in-law, Roper; there existed
anciently a thoroughfare or private way between the houses in Lombard
Street, on the north side, towards the King’s Road, but to what extent
cannot now be ascertained.
* * * * *
Sir John Danvers, who possessed this property as early as the reign of
Elizabeth, was the younger brother of Sir H. Danvers, created Earl of
Danby in 1625, and by reason of his noble birth was made Gentleman Usher
to King Charles the First. In this promotion, having more pride than
wit, he lived above his income, and finding himself plunged deeply in
debt, and discarded by his family and his Sovereign for associating with
the seditious, and propagating their principles about the Court, he, with
hopes of gain, and of protection from his creditors, joined the rebels,
always embraced the religion of the prevailing party, and at last
submitted to that base office, to assist with his presence in the mock
court of justice, and, with his hand and seal to the warrant annexed, to
take away the life of that king whose bread he had eaten; being induced
thereto (as a writer of that period states) chiefly through an
expectation of ousting his brother, and seizing upon his estate for his
own use, by the same authority and power as so unjustly cut off his
Majesty’s head. He died a natural death in 1659, before the restoration.
* * * * *
Sir John married Magdalen, daughter of Sir Richard Newport, and relict of
Sir Richard Herbert, by whom she was mother of the famous Lord Herbert of
Cherbury.
* * * * *
After the death of her first husband this lady continued a widow twelve
years, and was highly esteemed for her great and harmless wit, cheerful
gravity, and obliging behaviour, which gained her an acquaintance and
friendship with most people of eminent worth or learning in the
University of Oxford, where she lived four years, to take care of the
education of her eldest son, her children being all young at the death of
their father. She died in 1627, and was buried at Chelsea. The Dean of
St. Paul’s, whilst preaching her funeral sermon, could not refrain from
tears, as Walton reports, who was present.
* * * * *
Danvers House passed from the Danvers family to the Hon. T. Wharton, who,
by Queen Anne, in 1714, was created Marquis of Wharton. The house was
pulled down about 1716. The garden and grounds extended to the King’s
Road; considerable remains of this house were discovered on the site of
Paultons Square in 1822, consisting of the foundations of walls, the
remains of the great bath, and various fragments of stone pillars and
capitals, the whole covering a great space of land, but being considered
by the proprietor, Mr. Shepherd, nurseryman, too extensive to take up,
they were again covered with earth. It was Sir John Danvers who first
introduced into this country the Italian method of horticulture, of which
his garden was a most beautiful specimen. Against the wall of the house
at the south end of Danvers Street, is placed a stone thus
inscribed:—“This is Danvers Street, begun in ye year 1696 by Benjamin
Stafford.” In 1742 this was a public house, the sign of the Bell, which
was suspended across the street. The house at the south-west corner was
also, it is said, formerly a public house, known by the sign of the
Angel.
* * * * *
Duke Street, as already indirectly intimated, was first built at the time
when the Duke of Buckingham resided at the “greatest house in Chelsea,”
and was thus named in compliment to that nobleman. There is nothing
clearly known as to the origin of Lombard Street.
* * * * *
Luke Thomas Flood, Esq., first resided in Cheyne Walk, but afterwards
removed to the spacious house at the western corner of Beaufort Street,
fronting the river. He was a very great benefactor to the parish, an
active and intelligent magistrate, and interested himself in promoting at
all times whatever was conducive to the welfare and improvement of
Chelsea. He was treasurer of the Parish Schools for many years, and, in
1818, through his indefatigable exertions, he succeeded in nearly
doubling the number of children that had attended them, and who were
clothed and educated free of expense to their parents. Towards the close
of his life he went to Brighton, where he remained till his death, which
occurred about 1860. His munificent annual gifts to the poor of this
parish, as bequeathed in his will, but which he desired to be at once
carried into effect, during his remaining days, will cause his memory to
be revered in this parish by all future generations. Mr. Flood possessed
some valuable pictures by the most eminent Masters.
* * * * *
Charles Hatchett, Esq., resided in the adjoining house, known as Belle
Vue House. It was built by his father, in 1771. In it was a small but
choice collection of pictures, amongst which were two landscapes, by
Salvator Rosa; a Madonna and Child, by Andrea del Sarto; a beautiful
small landscape, by Van Goen; another by Ferg, and a large one by George
Barrett, R.A., with cattle, by the elder Mr. Gilpin. A very excellent
portrait of Mrs. Hatchett, by Gainsborough; and a picture, supposed to be
by Giovanni Bellini, the subject “a Dead Christ and Holy Family.” The
library was very extensive, containing many valuable editions of the
Greek and Latin Classics, a numerous series of historical works, and the
voluminous Transactions and Memoirs of the Royal Society. The collection
of manuscript and printed music was also very considerable. Mr. Hatchett
was the author of several works on chemical science, and was a magistrate
for the county. He contributed to most of the local charities, and as a
private gentleman was much respected. He died in 1846, at an advanced
age.
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 the present edifice; it has, however, undergone great alterations
by subsequent proprietors, and is now divided into five houses. The Earl
of Lindsey died in 1701, but his widow resided here till 1705. In the
same year Lindsey House was occupied by Ursula, Countess Dowager of
Plymouth, and by her son, Lord Windsor. It was afterwards in the
possession of Francis, Lord Conway, the second son of Sir E. Seymour, who
was created a peer in 1703. By his third wife, Charlotte, sister to Lady
Walpole, he had Francis, Marquis of Hertford, who was born at Chelsea in
1718. The house continued in the Ancaster family till 1750, when it was
purchased for the Moravian Society.
* * * * *
Count Zinzendorf, who was the purchaser, formed an intention of
establishing a settlement at Chelsea for the Moravians, and took a plot
of ground to erect a large building for the reception of three hundred
families, to carry on a manufactory; and, besides possessing Lindsey
House, he also purchased a piece of ground, part of the gardens of
Beaufort House, for a burial ground, together with the stables belonging
to that old mansion, and likewise a slip of ground to erect a chapel.
The chapel was fitted up, but the settlement, which was to be called
Sharon, failed. The house was, however, inhabited by some of the
society. Count Zinzendorf himself lived there, and presided over the
community as long as he dwelt in England. In 1754 an English provincial
Synod was held here, at which the minister of the brethren’s church at
London, John Gambold, a divine greatly esteemed for his piety and
learning by several English bishops, who were his cotemporaries at
Oxford, was consecrated a bishop of the church of the brethren; he had
previously published a hymn book for the children belonging to the
brethren’s congregation, printed entirely with his own hands at Lindsey
House. The inmates of the house consisted chiefly of Germans and
missionaries, for whose use the Count principally intended the
establishment, that they might make it a sort of caravansera or resting
place when they arrived in this country, in passing to or from their
various missionary establishments in the British dominions. The panels
of the great staircase, being wainscotted, were painted by Haidt, a
celebrated German artist; there were also in the house several admirable
portraits. The house was sold by the society in 1770. There has not
been any other settlement for the Moravians since that period. Their
church is episcopal and has been acknowledged as such by Parliament.
They live, in their settlements, like members of one large family; the
most perfect harmony prevails amongst them, and they seem to have but one
wish at heart, the propagation of the Gospel and the general good of
mankind.
* * * * *
The Moravian Burial Ground, the entrance to which is at the north end of
Milman’s Row, occupies about two acres of ground. The whole is divided
into four distinct compartments. The brethren are buried in separate
divisions from those of the sisters; for, as in their public assemblies,
they still adhere to the ancient custom of separating the sexes, the men
occupying one, and the women the other side of the chapel, so they retain
it even in their burying ground. The tomb-stones are all flat, placed on
turf, raised about six inches above the ground, in regular rows. The
inscriptions in general record only the names and age of the persons
interred. Amongst them are the following:—
* * * * *
William Hammond, 1783, formerly a clergyman of the Church of England; he
was of St. John’s College, Cambridge, and was the author of a book,
entitled, “The Marrow of the Gospel,” being the substance of some sermons
preached before the University. He was a man of considerable learning,
and an excellent Greek scholar, in which language he wrote his own life.
The late Rev. Mr. La Trobe had the manuscript in his possession some
years ago.
* * * * *
James Fraser, aged 63, 1808, who made fifty-six voyages between England
and Labrador, in the service of the Moravian Missions on that coast.
* * * * *
James Hutton, 1795, of whom there is an engraved portrait in mezzotinto,
with a trumpet to his ear. This worthy and well-known character was
accustomed to pay morning visits to some of the first families in
Chelsea; he used likewise to seek out objects that were in distress, and
relieved them according to their necessities. The character of Albany,
in Miss Burney’s celebrated novel of Cecilia, is said to be meant for his
portrait. He died in the 80th year of his age.
The Rev. C. J. La Trobe succeeded him as secretary to the brethren.
* * * * *
James Gillray, 1799, forty years sexton at this cemetery, father of
Gillray the celebrated caricaturist, whose works are so much admired for
their spirit and effect.
* * * * *
Pætrus Bæhler, 1770. A very active Minister among the Moravians, and one
of their bishops. He came to England in 1738, was very intimate with
Wesley and Whitfield, whom he visited at Oxford, and who were in the same
ship with him when he went to America as Minister of the Colony of
Georgia.
* * * * *
Benjamin La Trobe, 1786, father of the Rev. C. J. La Trobe, a man of
distinguished excellence as a preacher, the editor of several religious
works, and for a long time superintendent of the congregation in England.
He removed many “absurdities which prevailed in their religious
proceedings, and which had subjected the whole community to unmerited
scandal.”
* * * * *
Christian Renatus, Count of Zinzendorf, May 28, 1832. There is against
the south wall of the chapel a tablet to his memory. He was the only son
of the celebrated Count Zinzendorf.
* * * * *
Mary Theresa Stonehouse, daughter of Sir John Crisp, Bart., and wife of
the Rev. George Stonehouse, 1751. This monument is on the right of the
preceding.
* * * * *
In this cemetery also lies buried an Esquimaux Indian, called Nunak. As
he had not been baptized, he was not permitted to lie in the same
division with the community, but was placed outside the walk under an elm
tree, having an inscription to his memory in the same style as the rest
of the Brethren.
* * * * *
The burial service of the church is particularly impressive. The coffin
being deposited in the middle of the chapel, a hymn is sung by the
congregation, for they value and carefully cultivate music as a science,
and the responses of their liturgies are attended with peculiar effect.
The Minister then delivers a discourse, in which some account is given of
the deceased, with suitable exhortations. The form of service contained
in their Liturgy is next read, and the congregation then follow the
corpse, the men walking together, and the women the same. A scriptural
passage is read, commencing as follows. “Meanwhile none of us liveth to
himself; for whether we live, we live unto the Lord, and whether we die,
we die unto the Lord,” &c. The following is then sung by the
congregation:—
“Now to the earth let these remains
In hope committed be,
Until the body, chang’d, obtains
Blest immortality.”
While the above verse is being sung the body is let down into the grave.
A prayer is then offered, and the whole is concluded by singing a verse
of another hymn.
* * * * *
The chapel at the north side of the burial ground occupies the site of
the old stables of Beaufort House. It is a plain building, displaying no
architectural adornments, and it is now upwards of fifty years since
Divine service was performed in it by the brethren. For a long time it
has been occupied as a schoolroom for the boys belonging to Park Chapel
National and Sunday Schools, and most of the annual meetings of the
numerous societies, which are supported by the congregation of Park
Chapel, are at present held in it.
* * * * *
The house adjoining the entrance to the Moravian Chapel and Burial
Ground, some few years since pulled down, was for many years in the
occupation of the Howard family, of the Society of Friends. The elder
Mr. Howard was gardener to Sir Hans Sloane; his brother having a natural
genius for mechanics, became a clockmaker, and made the clock in the Old
Church, in 1761, for the sum of £50. In the front of Howard’s house was
placed a large clock, and hence the origin of the appellation, “Clock
House,” as now applied to what was once the Moravian chapel.
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 unfortunate
gentleman, resided in the first house on the east. He was born in 1731,
and was descended from a very ancient and illustrious family, the Nevils.
The celebrated Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, he reckoned among his
progenitors. At an early age he obtained a commission in the first
regiment of Foot Guards, and afterwards went abroad on his travels.
While in Italy, he formed an acquaintance with the Duke of Marlborough,
then Marquis of Blandford, and it is said he suggested the idea of the
cabinet of antiques, afterwards engraved by Bartolozzi, and so well known
as the Marlborough Gems. It was at this period, doubtless, that Mr.
Jennings acquired a passion for objects of taste. On his return to
England, he repaired to his seat at Shiplake, in the county of Oxford,
and unfortunately for him became addicted to the pleasures of the turf,
and the result was that his fortune was soon dissipated. Mr. Jennings
now withdrew from society and lived in obscurity. A sudden change of
fortune seems, however, to have released him from pecuniary difficulties,
for we find him collecting, with great ardour, every object of antiquity,
&c., that was presented to his notice, and which he could purchase. He
also possessed a most valuable library. But, again, he became reduced in
his circumstances, and had to dispose of his books and collections at a
vast loss.
From this time but few particulars are known of Mr. Jennings, until he
settled at Lindsey Row, about 1792. Here he continued to reside, fully
occupied as an antiquary, a virtuoso, and an author, until, at length,
his health began to decline, and his fortune daily became deteriorated,
in consequence of his inordinate passion for collecting objects of taste;
at last he closed his eccentric career a prisoner within the rules of the
King’s Bench, where he expired February 7, 1819, aged 88.
This remarkable gentleman, whom I well remember, seemed more properly to
belong to some distant generation rather than the one in which he
lived—his character, dress, and manners, were so different in every
respect. The fate of such a man, to a certain extent, awakens our
sympathy, for his pursuits were generally throughout his life most
refined; and the disasters which befel him is a warning to many in the
present day.
* * * * *
Mr. Jennings’s Museum well deserves to be noticed. It consisted of a
rare and valuable collection of the most chosen specimens of taste, and
probably the completest collection of shells. Many fine specimens of
minerals and scarce coloured gems, cameos, and intaglios; crystals, and
other choice productions of nature, such as diamonds of almost every
colour, rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, &c.; not to omit many
excellent specimens of well-preserved birds and quadrupeds. Old, and
first-rate impressions of prints from Raphael, and others of the Roman
school; some fine specimens of sculpture, both ancient and modern; many
fine and scarce impressions of first editions, classical and of the
entertaining kind, with many original drawings and pictures; in short,
all that could interest one who had been long a real amateur. Among the
portraits was a fine one of Mary, Queen of Scotland, and another of
Titian and his Mistress, the Mary in her fourteenth year; likewise
several rare enamel miniatures of interesting characters; among which was
one of the Princess Elizabeth, about seventeen years of age, this latter
by Holbein; with some well-preserved medals in gold and silver.
* * * * *
This collection was disposed of by auction, by Mr. Phillips, in 1820; the
shells, and most valuable articles, being removed to Bond Street, and the
preserved birds, quadrupeds, and other articles of rarity, together with
the furniture, were sold at Lindsey Row.
* * * * *
T. Bonner, Esq., a gentleman much respected in the parish, resided in
Lindsey Row for many years. Mrs. Bonner was at all times most active in
relieving the necessitous and deserving poor. She occupied the house
some time after the death of her husband, and died a few years ago.
* * * * *
Sir Mark Isombard Brunell, the originator and designer of the Thames
Tunnel, resided for a considerable period in the centre house. His
public works will immortalize his name to the latest posterity, as being
one of the most eminent engineers of the present century.
* * * * *
John Martin, R.A., K.L., so well known for those grandly-conceived and
sublime compositions, “Joshua commanding the Sun to stand Still,” “The
Fall of Nineveh,” “The Last Judgment,” &c., also resided in Lindsey Row
for some years. The late Prince Consort was a frequent visitor to his
Studio, and it is a pleasing fact to record that Mr. Martin kindly
permitted the neighbouring inhabitants, and others, to have access
occasionally to it, accompanied by an attendant, during his absence from
home. He died, as will be remembered, not many years since.
* * * * *
Timothy Bramah, Esq., a distinguished engineer, likewise occupied a house
in Lindsey Row, for some years. The family was always greatly respected,
and a member of it still resides in a house near the one where Mr. Bramah
resided. The “Bramah Lock” at once denotes the celebrity of the firm.
* * * * *
The Rev. James Hutchins, M.A., who succeeded his father, the Rev. John
Hutchins, as Evening Lecturer at the Old Church, resided for some years
at a house at the western corner of Milman’s Row, fronting the river.
Mr. Hutchins, the son, was also Evening Lecturer at the new St. Luke’s
Church for several years. The Lecturer was remunerated by voluntary
contributions, chiefly, collected from the inhabitants throughout the
parish, the average amount altogether being about £60 per annum.
* * * * *
Milman’s Row, which nearly adjoins Lindsey Row, and which might now with
great propriety be called Milman Street, leads to the King’s Road. It
derives its name from Sir William Milman, who died in 1713, the estate
having been for some years in his possession. The ancient
parsonage-house and grounds, which were exchanged by the Rector in 1566,
with the Marquis of Winchester, for the present Rectory, stood upon this
spot. Strewan House, which is on the western side of Milman’s Row, has
been occupied at different periods by many highly-respectable families.
It is now in the possession of George Berry, Esq.
* * * * *
The foundry, which belonged to a person of the name of Janeway, was
situated near World’s End Passage. It was very extensive, and here the
old bells of the Church were re-cast in 1759. Riley Street, which stands
on part of the foundry ground, was built principally in 1790.
* * * * *
Patrick Gibson, aged 111 years, lived in a house near the old World’s End
Tavern. For many years this remarkable man was a purser in the navy, in
the reign of George III., and on all occasions he was invariably found in
the thick of the battle, fighting with the most determined bravery. He
assisted in conveying General Wolfe off the field, and served under Lord
Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. William IV., when Duke of Clarence,
visited him at Chelsea, and took great interest in his affairs. He
resided in the parish 20 years, and died in 1832, at the remarkable age
of 111 years, which was proved to be correct from official dates and by
particular events. An exceedingly striking portrait of Patrick Gibson,
by McNaughten, adorns the walls of Greenwich Hospital.
* * * * *
The World’s-End Tavern was a noted house of entertainment in the reign of
Charles II.; the tea-gardens and grounds were extensive, and elegantly
fitted up for the reception of company. The origin of the sign of the
house is uncertain. It was probably so named on account of its then
considered distance from London, and the bad and dangerous state of the
roads or pathways to it. Most of the visitors came in pleasure boats
along the Thames. This ancient tavern is particularly mentioned in
Congreve’s comedy of “Love for Love,” in a dialogue between Mrs.
Foresight and Mrs. Frail, in which the former accuses the latter of
having been seen at the “World’s End.”
_Mrs. Foresight_.—I suppose you would not go alone to the World’s
End?
_Mrs. Frail_.—The World’s End! what, do you mean to banter me?
_Mrs. Foresight_.—Poor innocent! you don’t know that there is a place
called the World’s End. I declare you can keep your
countenance—surely you’ll make an admirable player.
_Mrs. Frail_.—I declare you have a great deal of impudence, and, in
my mind, too much for the stage..
_Mrs. Foresight_.—Very well, that will appear who has most. You
never were at the Word’s End?
_Mrs. Frail_.—No.
_Mrs. Foresight_.—You deny it positively to my face?
_Mrs. Frail_.—Your face, what’s your face?
_Mrs. Foresight_.—No matter for that, it is as good a face as yours.
_Mrs. Frail_.—Not by a dozen years wearing. But I do deny it,
positively, to your face, then.
_Mrs. Foresight_.—I’ll allow you now to find fault with my face; for
I declare your impudence has put me out of countenance. But look you
here now; where did you lose this gold bodkin? Oh, sister! oh,
sister!
_Mrs. Frail_.—My bodkin!
_Mrs. Foresight_.—Nay, it is yours—look at it.
_Mrs. Frail_.—Well, if you go to that, where did you find this
bodkin? Oh, sister! sister! sister every way!
_Mrs. Foresight_.—Oh! bother on’t that I could not discover her
without betraying myself. (_Aside_.)
Joseph Mallard W. Turner, Esq., R.A., resided for some time in a small
house directly facing the Thames, in the road leading to Cremorne, where
he died in 1851. No doubt he selected this spot on account of the
attractive scenery on the river, and the fine view of some parts of
Surrey, as also to enjoy for a time the benefits arising from a more
secluded life. At the age of thirty years, Mr. Turner was recognised as
the first landscape painter of the day. For a period of sixty years he
contributed to every exhibition of the Royal Academy, sending in all 259
pictures. For many years he refused to part with some of the choicest
specimens of his art, and after his death it was found that he had left
those to the English nation, together with a great number of drawings and
engravings. Mr. Turner, while residing here, lived in almost entire
seclusion. He would not see any person, excepting a few very intimate
friends, and, in fact, was extremely anxious not to be recognized. This
inclination, at the close of his life, was very natural. The world is
indebted to him for his productions, and Chelsea is proud to add his name
to its list of distinguished residents.
* * * * *
The roadway in front of the house occupied by Mr. Turner, and along the
front of that part of the river, has been considerably widened, and now
presents a well-formed embankment. A handsome terrace has been erected,
besides a number of houses on the adjoining ground.
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 premises, under the skill of
the eminent Mr. James Wyatt. His lordship died in Stanhope Street,
Mayfair, in 1813, in his 89th year, greatly respected, and bequeathed the
estate to his relict, the late Viscountess. It is stated, in an account
published shortly after Lord Cremorne’s death, that “his generosity was
unbounded, and his heart, in the most comprehensive sense, charitable.
But his most excellent character is, that he was a Christian in mind and
practice.”
* * * * *
The Dowager Viscountess Cremorne, born in Philadelphia in 1740, died at
her house in Stanhope Street in 1825, in the 86th year of her age. Her
ladyship resided at Chelsea a great portion of the year, and kept a large
establishment. She was one of the most kind-hearted residents in the
parish. For years it was her custom to entertain annually the children
of the parochial and other schools, and she patronized the tradesmen of
Chelsea as far as it was practicable, giving special orders to that
effect to her household. Queen Charlotte occasionally visited her in the
summer months, when the children again attended, and received tokens of
her benevolent regard for them. She was buried by the side of her
husband in the family vault at Stoke. The carriages of the Royal Family
followed in the funeral procession for some distance, and most of the
tradesmen closed their shops. She bequeathed the villa to her first
cousin and executor, Granville Penn, Esq., second surviving son of Thomas
Penn, and brother of John Penn, Esqrs., of Stoke Park, Bucks, Hereditary
Governors and Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania. Granville
Penn, Esq., resided in it for a few years. It would occupy too much
space to give a sketch even of the history of this distinguished family.
Lord and Lady Cremorne possessed a very fine and extensive collection of
paintings, which were sold by auction, on the premises, in 1827. Amongst
them was a copy of Correggio’s picture of the Madonna and Child, and St.
Jerome at Parma, by Copley, full size, and accounted the best copy of
that celebrated picture. The late Lord Lyndhurst purchased it. The
grounds, &c., are now known as Cremorne Gardens, but this once pretty
villa can scarcely now be recognised as the favourite residence of Lord
and Lady Cremorne.
* * * * *
Ashburnham House is situated to the west of the late Lord Cremorne’s
premises. Dr. Benjamin Hoadley built the house, in 1747, for his own
residence, but it has since been greatly altered by different occupiers.
He was the eldest son of the Bishop of Winchester, and was a Fellow of
the Royal Society when very young. In the learned world he was known as
a philosopher. Dr. Hoadley was also an eminent physician. At his death
Hoadley House was purchased by Sir Richard Glynn, who sold it to the Earl
of Ashburnham, and thence it obtained the name of Ashburnham House. It
was next in possession of that learned physician, Dr. Cadogan, who
resided in it for a few years, and planted in the garden a large quantity
of medicinal herbs. Lady Mary Coke resided here for about ten years, and
sold it to Mr. Brown, who occupied a house near to it, called Ashburnham
Cottage. Mr. Stevens at length possessed the house, and resided in it
for many years. Afterwards it was the residence of the Hon. Leicester
Stanhope, subsequently Earl of Harrington.
* * * * *
On the banks of the river, in front of Ashburnham House, was a piece of
land, called the Lots. The Lammas rights of the parishioners, with
respect to this land, are now extinct. Those who wish to know the
particulars, will find them fully recorded in the Annual Vestry Reports,
which may be obtained at the Vestry Hall, and which will render many
parochial details in this work quite unnecessary.
* * * * *
On the south side of the King’s Road, and near to the boundary line which
divides the parishes of Chelsea and Fulham, is Dudmarton House, which was
for a considerable period the residence of Samuel Gower Poole, Esq., who
erected a chapel on the premises, where he occasionally preached, and
amongst others the Rev. Dr. Jay, of Bath, the Rev. John and Charles
Hyatt, the Rev. Dr. Collyer, &c. The Rev. Dr. Raffles, it is stated,
preached his first sermon there when he was quite a youth. Mr. Poole
also established a school for the education of poor boys, many of whom
were clothed through his exertions.
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 very
considerable property in Chelsea, which they afterwards gradually
disposed of to the Cheyne family and others.
* * * * *
Sir Arthur Gorges was the intimate friend of Spenser, who lamented the
death of the first Lady Gorges, daughter of Viscount Bindon, and who died
in 1590, in a beautiful elegy, entitled Daphnaida; he has recorded
likewise the conjugal affection and the talents of her husband, under the
name of Alcyon, in the following elegant lines:—
“And there is sad Alcyon, bent to mourne
Though fit to frame an everlasting dittie;
Whose gentle spright for Daphne’s death doth tourne
Sweet lays of love to endlesse plaints of pittie.
Ah! pensive boy, pursue that brave conceipt
In thy sweet eglantine merriflure;
Lift up thy notes unto their wonted height,
That may my muse and mates to mirth allure.”
Sir Arthur married, secondly, Lady Elizabeth, daughter of Henry, Earl of
Lincoln, by which marriage he became possessed of Sir Thomas More’s
house, which, in 1619, he conveyed to Lionel, Lord Cranfield. He died in
1625, leaving by his second wife six children. Lady Elizabeth Gorges,
his widow, in 1637, sold this estate to her daughter, Lady Elizabeth
Stanley, widow of Sir Robert Stanley, and confirmed the same by her will
in 1643, in which year she died. The family of Stanley appear to have
held possession of this estate, and resided here till the latter end of
the seventeenth century, when this branch of it became extinct, in the
male line, by the death of William Stanley, Esq. in 1691. The house was
rebuilt about this period; and, being left in an unfinished state, was
for several years unoccupied. It belonged, in 1724, to Henry Arundel,
Esq. Admiral Sir Charles Wager died here in 1743. It is said that this
gallant officer was educated a Quaker, and that though he left that
society, he was always particularly kind to its members.
* * * * *
After passing through several hands, Stanley House became the property of
Miss Southwell, afterwards the lady of Sir James Eyre, Lord Chief Justice
of the Common Pleas, who sold it in 1777 to the Countess of Strathmore,
one of the most intelligent female botanists of the age. Her ladyship
had begun to build extensive hothouses and conservatories, brought
exotics from the Cape, and was continually raising an increase to her
collections, when, by an unfortunate marriage, the cruel spoiler came,
and threw them like loathsome weeds away. The Countess married A. R.
Bowes, Esq., whose barbarities to her exceeded every thing recorded in
the annals of crime, and drew upon him the execrations of the whole
country. {57} After suffering innumerable indignities from her husband,
the Countess exhibited articles of the peace against him in the Court of
King’s Bench, and obtained a separation, under heavy securities. She
passed the remainder of her days in much affliction, both in body and
mind, and departed this life on the 20th April, 1800. Bowes died
miserably in a jail.
* * * * *
Stanley House was purchased of the Countess of Strathmore, by Mr. Lochee,
who kept the Military Academy at Little Chelsea, and was for some time in
the occupation of Richard Warren, M.D. This eminent physician was the
son of the Rev. Richard Warren, Archdeacon of Suffolk. He died in 1797,
and was buried in the chancel of Kensington Church, where a monument,
with a Latin inscription, was erected to his memory.
About the year 1815, Stanley House was purchased by William Hamilton,
Esq., who resided in it for some time, and made great additions to the
original structure, by building a picture gallery on the east side. He
had a good collection of paintings, a capital portrait of his father, the
Rev. Dr. Hamilton, Vicar of St. Martin’s in the Fields, and many fine
casts of the Elgin marbles. In 1822, Mr. Hamilton was appointed Envoy to
the Court of Naples, and during his absence from Chelsea, he let the
house to some distinguished families, amongst them may be mentioned the
Marquis of Queensbury. Mr. Hamilton afterwards sold the estate to the
National Society.
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 years, and greatly beloved by the Students, popular among
his Colleagues and Assistants, and enjoyed the respect and confidence of
the Council, who had the pleasant task of co-operating with him. In
January, 1864, he was presented by the late Bishop of London to the
Rectory of Hanwell, which occasioned his resignation.
* * * * *
Many candidates of great eminence were desirous to become the Rev. Mr.
Coleridge’s successor, and from among them the Rev. John G. Cromwell,
M.A., Hon. Canon of Durham, and formerly Scholar of Brasenose College,
Oxford, was selected, his testimonials being of the very highest order,
and his successful administration of the Training College at Durham,
during 12 years, appeared to the Council a sufficient guarantee for his
success at St. Mark’s. This expectation has now been happily fully
realized.
The Vice-Principal is the Rev. C. F. Eastburn, M.A., Fellow of St. John’s
College, Cambridge, and the Rev. C. S. Dawe, B.A., is the Normal Master
in the College, and Head Master of the School, and, from the testimony of
those who are well-qualified to form an impartial opinion, they most
efficiently discharge their respective arduous duties, and this just
acknowledgment equally applies to the Tutors, Mr. W. Lawson, F.R.G.S.,
and Mr. O. Breden.
* * * * *
On the west side of the house the National Society added a quadrangle,
built in the Italian style, and in the grounds, near the chapel, an
octagon building as a Practising School, for teaching children who reside
in the locality. The grounds of the College consist of eleven acres of
garden and grass land.
* * * * *
The Upper School gives a superior education to 160 boys, who are
instructed in all the usual branches of an English education, and also in
Latin and French.
* * * * *
The Middle School gives a similar education, with the exception of Latin
and French, to 180 boys.
* * * * *
The Lower School is intended for the sons of the humbler classes, and
gives sound instruction in elementary subjects to 200 boys.
* * * * *
There is accommodation in the College for 100 Students, who are being
trained here for Schoolmasters.
* * * * *
The Chapel stands close to the Fulham Road, and is open to the public
twice every day, at 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. On Sundays the Services begin at
11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The seats are free, and the expenses are defrayed by
voluntary contributions. There is no endowment of any kind. The
exterior of the building is unpretending. The interior has a distinctive
character given to it by the windows of stained glass, which produce an
impression of warmth and beauty. There is an excellent organ and a full
choir, composed of the Students and a certain number of boys from the
schools. The Services are all choral, and on Sundays are usually well
attended. On the anniversary of the College foundation, St. Mark’s Day,
April 25, a sermon is preached and a collection made on behalf of the
Chapel Funds, and the surrounding gentry and clergy, together with the
former Students, are invited to a banquet. At the last Anniversary
Festival the sermon was preached by the Dean of St. Paul’s, the text
being selected from Luke iv. 16. In the evening, in the Lecture Hall of
the College, selections from an Oratorio and other pieces were admirably
rendered by the Students, under the direction of the Rev. T. Helmore,
precentor, and John Hullah, Esq., to a crowded and most fashionable
audience, and many of the old Students of the College. We must also
mention E. C. May, Esq., to whom much of the proficiency of the choir may
be justly attributed.
* * * * *
We will pass by Mr. Veitch’s Royal Exotic Nursery, and the extensive Show
Establishment belonging to Messrs. Weeks & Co., both of which will
probably be noticed in a subsequent part of this work, when a more
general notice will be taken of the entire King’s Road, and merely
observe that a great number of villas, and many superior dwelling houses,
have been erected within the last few years in this immediate locality.
As examples of such instances it is only necessary to mention the
splendid house built by John Weeks, Esq., in Edith Grove, and those in
Gunter Grove, Maude Grove, &c., in addition to which many more well-built
houses are now being erected in the neighbourhood.
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
Boxhill buttstone. The design consists of three central door-ways, with
a large five-light traceried window over, and traceried side light;
separate entrances to the staircases with panelled parapets and side
roofs over; the sides and chancel end of the building are of brick; the
windows in two tiers with stone dressings; the upper tier consists of
circular traceried windows, and the whole design is such as to produce a
very pleasing effect, which will be much increased when the tower and
spire are carried up as intended. The building is entered in front by
the doors before mentioned, and a spacious vestibule leads through inner
lobbies to the body of the church, which occupies an area of 70 ft. by 50
ft., but including chancel and entrance lobbies its length is 106 ft.
The building is surrounded on three sides with spacious galleries,
supported by iron columns, handsomely decorated, running up to and
supporting the roof. The ceiling is divided into bays by wood spandril
arches springing from column to column, and from the columns to the
walls. The chancel arch is a very effective piece of coloured brickwork,
and the chancel recess is arranged with its windows and angular plan so
as to add much to the general effect, which is considerably increased by
a very handsome memorial window, the gift of the family of Mr. Pitts, one
of the deacons of the church. The building is lighted by star-lights of
an improved design suspended from the roof. The pulpit, which is
spacious and handsome, is of Caen stone and stands on a platform, around
which the seats are arranged concentrically, a great improvement on the
ordinary rectangular pewing. The larger room under the chancel is
devoted to a variety of useful purposes, such as Infant School, Sunday
Schools, Day School, &c. The chapel in Gunter Grove has been converted
into a Public Hall, and ultimately no doubt will prove of general use to
the neighbourhood. The Sunday Schools, one of which is held at the Hall,
number about 300 children.
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 Redcliffe Gardens. Mr. Boscawen was the younger son of General
George Boscawen, and was born in 1752. At an early age he was sent to
Eton, where he obtained the particular notice and favour of the
celebrated Dr. Barnard. From Eton he removed to Exeter College, Oxford,
and afterwards studied the law, became a member of the Middle Temple, and
was called to the bar. His legal studies were not unfruitful, as he
published an excellent book under the title of “A Treatise of Conviction
on Penal Statutes,” &c., 1792, 8vo. In 1785 he was appointed a
Commissioner of the Victualling Office, in consequence of which he soon
after quitted the bar, and in the following year married a daughter of
Dr. Ibbetson, Archdeacon of St. Albans. Being an excellent classical
scholar, and warmly attached to literary pursuits, Mr. Boscawen
published, in 1793, “A Translation of the Odes of Horace,” which, being
much approved of, was soon followed by a Translation of the Satires,
Epistles, and Art of Poetry. In 1801 he published a small volume of
Poems, which displayed an elegant taste, a poetical mind, and a correct
versification, and he was for several years an able coadjutor to the
British Critic. He died, after a short illness, in 1811. That excellent
institution, the Literary Fund, he considered almost as his child, and
his affection to it was testified not only by contribution, but by annual
verses in its praise, and assiduous attendance at its meetings.
* * * * *
Mr. Lochee’s Military Academy was established at this place about the
year 1770, and enjoyed a high degree of reputation; many of our most
eminent military characters received their education under him. The
premises, which were laid out as a regular fortification, and were opened
to view, excited much attention at the time. Mr. Lochee afterwards,
unfortunately, engaged in the revolutionary troubles which agitated
Flanders in the year 1790, and being taken prisoner by the Austrians, was
condemned to be hanged; he, however, obtained permission to come to
England, to settle his affairs, upon condition of leaving his only son as
a hostage; and upon his return to the Continent he suffered the
punishment of death. His son, afterwards, married a daughter of the late
Mr. King, an eminent book auctioneer, of King Street, Covent Garden, and,
lamentable to relate, fell by his own hands.
* * * * *
BALLOON ASCENT IN 1784.—On the 16th of October, in the above year, an
immense concourse of people assembled at Mr. Lochee’s Military Academy,
to witness Mr. Blanchard’s ascent in his balloon. The fields, for a
considerable distance round the spot, were crowded with horse and foot,
in consequence of which, a general devastation took place in the gardens,
the crops being either trampled down or torn up; the turnip grounds were
totally despoiled by the multitude; all the windows and houses were
filled with company, and every roof and tree was crowded with spectators.
At twelve o’clock Mr. Blanchard, and Mr. Sheldon, a surgeon, stepped into
the car, and the cords being loosened, the balloon slowly ascended, when
it was discovered that it would be requisite to throw out some ballast;
but before this could be accomplished, it struck some trees and descended
to the ground. Being lightened, it again ascended, and moved
horizontally about a quarter of a mile, when it made a rapid direction
towards Sunbury, where they alighted, and Mr. Sheldon reluctantly quitted
the car. Mr. Blanchard re-ascended, and pursued his aerial excursion to
Rumsey, Hants, where he descended, at half-past four in the afternoon, in
a meadow, and still standing in his car. The balloon was first seen over
Abbotswood Common, and appeared about the size of a small hogshead. Upon
his alighting he was jovially entertained. The day being rather dark,
and the atmosphere low, the balloon was out of sight in about thirty
minutes.
* * * * *
About the year 1699, the Earl of Shaftesbury purchased an estate at
Little Chelsea, which had formerly been the property of Sir James Smith,
whose widow resided there in 1695. The Earl rebuilt the house, and
generally resided in it during the sitting of Parliament. He was first
charged to the parish rates in 1700. Locke here wrote part of his
“Essay,” and Addison several of the Spectators.
* * * * *
Anthony Astley Cooper, third Earl of Shaftesbury, the learned author of
“The Characteristics,” was born in 1671, in the house of his grandfather,
who took such care of his education, that, at the age of eleven, he is
said to have read with ease both Latin and Greek. In 1683, he was placed
at Winchester School, where he continued till 1686, when he made the tour
of Italy and France. About five years after his return from Italy, he
visited Holland, where he passed much of his time in the society of
Bayle, Le Clerc, and other ingenious men. Soon after his arrival in
England, he became Earl of Shaftesbury, by the demise of his father, but
did not attend the House of Lords during the first session after he had
succeeded to the peerage; nor did he appear there till his friend, Lord
Somers, sent a messenger to acquaint him with the pending partition
treaty in February, 1701. On the accession of Queen Anne he retired to
Chelsea, to continue his favourite course of study; here he resided till
1711, when he set out for Italy, and died at Naples in 1719. His
lordship’s philosophical writings are generally known. Of his letters
there are several extant, dated from Chelsea in 1708.
* * * * *
The house was afterwards the residence of Sergeant Wynne, and of his son,
Edward Wynne, author of several Tracts, whose knowledge and proficiency
in polite literature could only be exceeded by his charity and
benevolence. Dying a bachelor in 1785, his estates, together with his
house at Little Chelsea, and his very valuable library, collected chiefly
by his father, devolved to his brother, the Rev. Luttrell Wynne. This
house was alienated by him to William Virtue.
* * * * *
The parish of St. George, Hanover Square, purchased it in the year 1787,
as an additional workhouse for the poor. An Act of Parliament passed
that year, declares it to be in St. George’s Parish, so long as it shall
continue to be appropriated to its present use. The same act exempts it
from all dues and rates demandable by the Rector and the parish of
Chelsea, on condition of paying to the former £3 3_s._ per annum, and to
the latter £6 13_s._ 4_d._
* * * * *
Sir John Cope, Bart., about the year 1700, resided in a large house at
Little Chelsea, according to Bowack, which was subsequently occupied as a
private mad house. The house has been pulled down, and its site is now
called Odell’s Place. Sir John sat for Oxfordshire and Banbury in
several Parliaments. He married Anne, daughter of Mr. William Booth, by
whom he had seven sons, and one daughter. There are some entries of
their baptisms in the Parish Register. Sir John died January 11th, 1721.
His fourth son, Galen, born at Chelsea, resided there about the time of
his father’s death. The worthy baronet was a magistrate for this county,
and his name regularly appears for a series of years affixed, in
confirmation of the parochial rates.
* * * * *
Robert Boyle, Esq., a most distinguished philosopher and chemist, the
seventh son of Richard, Earl of Cork, resided, in 1661, at Little
Chelsea, and there he was visited by the learned and eminent of his time.
Monsieur de Monconys, in his Travels, thus mentions a visit which he made
to Mr. Boyle at this place:—“I went after dinner with Mr. Oldenburg and
my son, two miles from London, in a stage coach, for five shillings, to a
village called Little Chelsea, to visit Mr. Boyle.” After giving an
account of several experiments which Mr. Boyle made in his presence, he
thus proceeds:—“He has a very fine laboratory, where he makes all his
extracts, and other operations, one of which he shewed me with salt,
which being put in quite dry with gold leaves sixteen times thicker than
that used by gilders into a crucible on a slow fire, even over a lighted
candle, the salt calcined the gold so perfectly that water afterwards
dissolved them both, and became impregnated with them in the same manner
as with common salt. He possesses a very fine telescope, and two
excellent microscopes, which are larger than mine.” Mr. Evelyn, in his
Diary, has also recorded a visit to the same place. “I went with that
excellent person and philosopher, Sir Robert Murray, to visit Mr. Boyle
at Chelsea, and saw divers effects of the Eolipile for weighing air.”
Bishop Burnet, in Mr. Boyle’s funeral sermon, has given an eloquent
account of this great philosopher and scholar.
* * * * *
Charles, fourth Earl of Orrery, grand-nephew to Mr. Boyle, was born at
Little Chelsea in 1676. He was author of a comedy, entitled, “As you
Find it,” and of some verses which discover his wit and poetical genius.
Queen Anne created him a peer of Great Britain in 1711, by the title of
Lord Boyle, of Marston, in the county of Somerset. His lordship died in
1737. He was the improver of that noble instrument the Orrery, which, in
honour of him, was called after his name.
* * * * *
Sir James Wishart resided in Little Chelsea, and died in May, 1723. He
was a native of Scotland, and was made an Admiral by Queen Anne; in 1710
he became a Lord Commissioner of the Admiralty, in which year he was
returned Member of Parliament for Portsmouth. The Queen also conferred
the honour of knighthood upon him; but, in the following reign, he lost
all his places, and was dismissed from the service, for favouring the
interest of the Pretender.
* * * * *
Admiral Sir John Balchen, another distinguished naval officer, resided in
Little Chelsea about 1723. He was lost in the “Victory” in the year
1744. Sir John sailed, in July, from Spithead with a strong squadron, in
quest of an opportunity to attack the French fleet at Brest, under the
command of M. de Rochambault. In the Bay of Biscay he was overtaken by a
violent storm that dispersed the ships, and drove them up the English
Channel. Admiral Stewart, with the greater part of them, arrived at
Plymouth; but Sir John Balchen’s own ship, the Victory, which was at that
time considered to be the most beautiful first rate in the world,
foundered at sea; and this brave officer perished, with all his officers,
volunteers, and crew, amounting to eleven hundred choice seamen.
* * * * *
The Right Hon. Edward Hyde, third Earl of Clarendon, died at his house at
Little Chelsea in 1723. He married Catherine, daughter to Henry Lord
O’Brien, eldest son and heir to the Earl of Thomond, of Ireland, by whom
he had a son and two daughters. The title descended to the Earl of
Rochester, and soon after became extinct.
* * * * *
FATAL DUEL.—In January, 1784, a duel was fought in a field near Little
Chelsea, between Captain Charles Mostyn, of the navy, and Captain Clarke,
of the African Corps, which terminated in the death of the former, who
was shot through the heart. The quarrel originated in defence of a Jew,
who went about diverting company, by taking off Mr. Fox. Some words
arising, Captain Clarke demanded an apology, which Captain Mostyn
declined to make to him. Mr. Mostyn was a gallant officer, only 25 years
of age, who, for his intrepid behaviour, had been made post-captain in
the Solitaire, a French ship of the line, taken by the Ruby. Happily for
the humanity of England, such dark blots on its history are now for ever
erased, by the adoption of more stringent laws and the advancement of
religious and moral principles.
* * * * *
Dr. Baldwin Hamey was born in 1600. He retired to Little Chelsea from
the hurry of his profession the year before the Fire of London, saving
thereby his library; he also escaped from the direful effects of the
plague in London. At Chelsea he contributed largely towards the erection
of the church steeple, and gave the great bell which had his name on it.
I may here state that the first large bells are mentioned by Bede, in the
year 680. Before that period the early British Christians made use of
wooden rattles (sacra ligna) to call the congregation of the faithful
together. Dr. Adam Littleton, in gratitude to Dr. Hamey for the above
benefactions, printed at the end of the first edition of his Latin
Dictionary, a copy of Latin verses which he dedicated to him. Dr. Hamey
was a great scholar, a philosopher, and an eminent physician. At his
death he bequeathed to the College of Physicians the estate of Ashlins,
in Essex, besides money and books. There is a manuscript life of him,
written about 143 years ago, by his relation, Mr. Palmer. “Chemistry,”
says the biographer, “now began to come into vogue, which Dr. Hamey could
not well be reconciled to, from his Galenical principles, and at his age.
It seemed to him to be a stroke of quackery.” He declined a knighthood,
and the offer of being first physician to Charles II. after his
restoration. The same modesty made him waive the offer of being
President of his beloved College of Physicians, although he had held all
other subordinate offices in it. He died in 1676, and was buried in the
Old Church.
* * * * *
The Goat and Boots Tavern still stands at the eastern corner of Park
Walk, West Brompton, or Little Chelsea, although from its age it seems
probable that in a few years a new house will be substituted for it. The
sign was originally painted by Morland, to pay his tavern bill. In old
deeds it is called the Goat. Perhaps poor Morland added the “Boots” to
the sign to make it more attractive, and to get a better price from the
proprietor, but this is mere conjecture.
* * * * *
Park Walk, in a very old map of Chelsea, is called Lovers’ Walk, and it
appears to have been planted with trees, but from some unknown
cause—surely all the loving lads and lasses had not left the parish—it
degenerated into Twopenny Walk. After dark, from its retirement and
seclusion, it was dangerous for persons passing that way. It has been
now for many years a good thoroughfare from the King’s Road to West
Brompton, having Park Chapel in a central position, and houses on both
sides of the road. When the improvement at the bottom of Milman’s Row is
entirely completed, there will then be an excellent and continuous
roadway to the river-side.
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 period of the Clergymen
who have been Ministers at Park Chapel:—
1730 Rev. William Lacey, Battersea.
1736 — Dr. Sloane Ellesmere, Rector of Chelsea.
1766 — Mr. Gower, Chelsea.
— — Mr. Jacobs, Rector of St. Dunstan’s in the West.
1785 — Dr. Kelly, Vicar of East Mere, Hants.
1792 — Jas. Ward, Fellow of Queen’s Col., Cambridge.
1797 — Thomas Ellis.
1800 — J. Manning.
1802 — J. Gee Smyth, Rector of Chellesworth, Suffolk.
1812 — John Owen, Rector of Paglesham, Essex.
1822 — Henry John Owen, son of the preceding.
1834 — John Harding.
1836 — Henry Vaughan.
1836 — Thomas Vores.
1841 — John C. Miller.
1846 — W. Cadman.
1852 — C. J. Goodhart.
Dec. 1868 — J. G. Gregory.
The Rev. J. Gee Smyth, M.A., who it will be seen possessed Park Chapel in
1802, made very considerable alterations in it about 1810. It may be
said to have been almost rebuilt by him. The late Mr. Richard Mann, of
Chelsea, took a very correct sketch of the chapel, as altered by Mr.
Smyth. Since 1810, at different times, it has undergone great repairs
and some material improvements.
* * * * *
The Rev. John Owen, M.A., was born in London in 1765. He received his
education at St. Paul’s School, and removed from thence to Corpus Christi
College, Cambridge, where he prosecuted his studies with such success as
to obtain several prizes, and to be elected a Fellow of his College.
After taking holy orders, he soon distinguished himself as a preacher,
and attracted the notice of Bishop Porteus, who bestowed on him the
living of Paglesham, in Essex, having previously recommended him to the
Curacy of Fulham, which he held until the decease of that venerable
prelate; and, on his resigning the Lectureship, in 1813, the inhabitants
of that parish presented Mr. Owen with a handsome testimonial of their
attachment, as an acknowledgment of the faithful manner he had discharged
his duties. He was one of the distinguished founders of the British and
Foreign Bible Society, and acted as honorary secretary for eighteen
years. During the whole of this period he most zealously advocated, in
every possible way, the circulation of the Holy Scriptures, in
conjunction with the Rev. Dr. Steinkoff, and the Rev. Joseph Hughes,
M.A., of Battersea. Mr. Owen possessed great mental talents, both as an
extempore preacher and a writer. He was remarkably quick and correct in
his conceptions, extremely thoughtful in forming his conclusions, and
kind and considerate whenever a sense of duty compelled him to differ
from others in opinion. He wrote the History of the British and Foreign
Bible Society, and other works; and continued to discharge his sacred
duties as Minister of Park Chapel as long as his health permitted. He
died at Ramsgate, the 26th of September, 1822, in the 57th year of his
age. He resided at Fulham during nearly the entire period of his active
life.
* * * * *
The Rev. Henry John Owen, M.A., succeeded his father in 1822. While at
Park Chapel he was much esteemed by the congregation, and when he left
many deplored the loss of him.
* * * * *
The Rev. John Harding, M.A., was appointed Minister of Park Chapel in
1834. Some time after he became the Rector of St. Ann’s, Blackfriars.
In both parishes he was much beloved by his congregations, and greatly
esteemed by the parishioners. At length he was consecrated Bishop of
Bombay, and, having remained in India for many years, he returned to
England, and a short time since preached on a Sunday evening at Park
Chapel. An affecting scene took place on that occasion, as his lordship
left the chapel. A great number of persons had assembled outside to shew
the respect they entertained towards him, notwithstanding his long
absence from Chelsea. When Bishop Harding approached, he seemed almost
overpowered with the kind recollection manifested by so many of the
congregation and other inhabitants, and, after a slight pause, he said,
with considerable emotion, “My dear friends, I thank you from my heart
for your kind remembrance of me. May God bless every one of you!” It
should here be mentioned that Bishop Harding, previously to his ministry
at Park Chapel, had been at St. Luke’s New Parish Church, with the late
revered Rev. H. Blunt, M.A., father of the present respected Rector, at
which Church he was also greatly esteemed.
The Rev. Henry Vaughan, M.A., did not long remain at Park Chapel, as the
state of his health rendered it impossible for him to continue. Some
short time afterwards he was called to his eternal rest. I heard it once
stated that Christian love was engraved on his forehead.
The Rev. Thomas Vores, M.A., who was next in succession, was, like his
predecessors, much beloved. About five years after his appointment he
vacated it, and went to Hastings.
The Rev. Dr. Miller, the Rev. W. Cadman, M.A., and the Rev. C. J.
Goodhart, M.A., were equally respected as being zealous and faithful
ministers. The two former are, at the present time, in the full vigour
of life, and actively engaged in discharging their sacred duties in large
parishes. With respect to Mr. Goodhart, who has only recently left the
chapel, and whose ministry there extended over so many years, it would be
a difficult task to notice him adequately in a given space; the best
summary will be to state that on his retirement he was presented with a
silver salver and a purse containing about £540, as a testimony of the
high respect entertained by the congregation for his long and faithful
ministrations.
The Rev. J. G. Gregory, M.A., succeeded Mr. Goodhart at the close of the
year 1868. The body of the chapel, since his appointment, has been
entirely re-pewed, the old high pews having been all removed, and the
seats made more commodious by additional width being given to them.
Several other alterations have been made, and a few more are said to be
in contemplation. The whole interior of the chapel is therefore now
greatly improved, both as regards comfort and appearance. The exterior
of the structure, however, requires to be altogether rebuilt, as soon as
practicable, so as to accord with the ecclesiastical architecture of the
present day, especially in such a locality as West Brompton and South
Kensington. In the Vestry Room are portraits of the different Ministers
of Park Chapel, commencing with the Rev. John Owen, and terminating with
the Rev. Mr. Goodhart, with only one exception, the portrait of Mr.
Vaughan, the absence of which may be attributed to the short period of
his ministry, in consequence of his illness and death, and the difficulty
afterwards of procuring a correct likeness of him. It would be well if
this memorial portrait could be added to the others.
Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Kent and Sussex attended this chapel
in 1812, when a collection was made for the benefit of the schools, on
which occasion a guard of honour, selected from Queen Charlotte’s Royal
Volunteers, was stationed at the doors on their arrival and departure.
* * * * *
Adjoining the chapel a building was erected, in 1828, by subscription,
and the profits of a sale of fancy work, for the reception of the
children of Park Chapel Schools, &c. The whole charge originally was
£900. Several alterations, however, have since been made in the
arrangement of this building. The Girls’ Day and Sunday Schools, and the
Infant School, are now only held in it, besides a few occasional meetings
in connection with the numerous benevolent societies supported by the
liberal contributions of the congregation. The boys’ school was
transferred to the Clock House some years since. This latter school owes
its origin to Samuel Gower Poole, Esq., who once resided in Dudmaston
House, King’s Road, and to whom reference has already been made. The
annual meetings. &c., are also held in the Clock House schoolroom.
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 Street.
{71}
* * * * *
In 1721 a patent was obtained for a manufactory of raw silk, and this
park was taken for the purpose, and planted with mulberry trees. It
attracted a considerable share of public attention at the time, but
proved unsuccessful. The premises of the Raw Silk Company were rated in
the parish books at £200.
* * * * *
In Walpole’s Catalogue of Engravers, it is stated that James Christopher
le Blon, in 1734, set up a project for copying the cartoons in tapestry,
and made some fine drawings for the purpose. Houses were built, and
looms erected, on the above mulberry ground, but either the expense was
too great, or the contributions did not arrive fast enough. The bubble
burst, several suffered, and Le Blon was heard of no more.
* * * * *
INTERESTING PARTICULARS OF SIR HENRY AND LADY WILSON. On the northern
border of the old park, just described, is a capital mansion in which Sir
Henry Wright Wilson resided for many years, the entrance to it being in
the Fulham Road, and which is still designated as Chelsea Park. The
pleasure grounds attached to it were some years since much more extensive
than they are at present. Sir Henry married a daughter of the Earl of
Aylesbury, who was left a valuable estate in Hampshire, said to be worth
about £3000 a year, under the most singular circumstances. Lady Frances
Wilson was informed in the year 1824, while at breakfast, that an
eccentric person named Wright, who had died a few days previously at an
obscure lodging in Pimlico, had appointed her and Mr. C. Abbot his
executors, and after some legacies had bequeathed to Lady Frances the
residue of his property by a will dated as far back as 1800. As Lady
Frances declared herself unacquainted with the name of the testator, she
at first concluded that there was some mistake. After further
explanation, the person of Mr. Wright was described to her, and Lady
Frances recollected that the description answered that of a gentleman she
had remembered as a constant frequenter at the Opera many years
previously. To satisfy herself of the identity she went to Mr. Wright’s
late lodgings, and saw him in his coffin, when she recognised the
features as those of the person whose eyes had so often persecuted her
when she was Lady Frances Bruce, but who had never spoken to her, and of
whom she had no knowledge whatever. {72} Lady Francis was never
considered by her friends to be beautiful, and the general opinion at the
time was that the legacy was intended for a lady who occupied a box next
to that in which Lady Frances sat when at the Opera. Sir Henry was in
Parliament when the above estate came into his wife’s possession, but he
afterwards had to contest his seat, and lost it.
* * * * *
SIR HENRY WRIGHT WILSON AND THE POOR CARPENTER.—The following anecdote
will no doubt amuse many readers. Sir Henry’s establishment was large,
and he had been accustomed to employ at times a jobbing carpenter, who
had at one period been in better circumstances. This person had received
specific instructions to do certain work, which required a little
trifling assistance, such as to help him to remove something which stood
in the way, and which the carpenter could not possibly do without
temporary aid. He asked several of the grooms and others to assist, but
they all made frivolous excuses, and consequently the work was not done
by the appointed time. When Sir Henry returned home he noticed that his
orders had been neglected, and, on ascertaining the particulars, without
making any remarks, he quietly entered the house. The next morning,
however, he gave instructions for his carriage with four horses to be
immediately got ready. He then sent for the carpenter, and after a short
time the carriage was at the entrance door, when, to the great surprise
of the servants, he desired him to take a seat in it. Sir Henry then
mounted his horse, and, notwithstanding the dirty state of the roads,
took them through Fulham, over Putney Bridge, round by Wandsworth and
Battersea, back to Chelsea. On their return he insisted that the horses
and carriage should be immediately cleaned, or else to be dismissed from
his service. Sir Henry being esteemed a good master they preferred
obedience, and it was said that although the carpenter was afterwards
subject to an occasional jeer, he never had again to complain of their
conduct towards him.
* * * * *
QUEEN’S ELM.—This is situated at the top of Upper Church Street, but the
spot for some time past seems to be merged into the Fulham Road, and is
either so called, or else it is described as being near to it. The
original name, Queen’s Elm, which it is to be hoped will still be
retained, is said traditionally to have derived its origin from the
following circumstance. Queen Elizabeth was walking out with the great
Lord Burleigh, and being overtaken with a heavy shower of rain, took
shelter under an elm tree growing on this spot. After the shower was
over, she said, “Let this henceforth be called the Queen’s Tree.” This
tradition is remarkably confirmed, as will be seen by the following
extract:—“It appears by the Church Book, beginning 1586, and in the 28th
Elizabeth, that the tree at the end of the Duke’s Walk is in Chelsea
parish called the Queen’s Tree; and that there was an arbour built round
it by one Bostocke, at the charge of the parish.”
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
at a distance, so that they may hear sufficiently to join in the prayers.
* * * * *
The Rev. J. B. Owen, M.A., Vicar of St. Jude’s Church, Chelsea, in an
admirable lecture delivered by him in 1862, in the Vestry Hall, King’s
Road, related the following anecdote:—“An Hebrew friend amused and
puzzled me with a sentiment he had once given at a festival of one of the
London Guilds. Being pressed for a toast, he gave ‘The Queen of the
Jews, and of no other nation.’ Many conjectures were hazarded, as wide
of the mark as Jezebel and the Queen of Sheba. The company confessed
themselves beaten, and at last my friend gave the answer—‘Queen
Victoria.’ But this only darkened the enigma more than ever. After some
time, he said, J. (or I.) E. W. S. makes Ireland, England, Wales, and
Scotland, and J. E. W. S. spells Jews, and makes Victoria ‘Queen of the
Jews, and of no other nation.’”
* * * * *
“England,” said Mr. Owen, “owes a great national debt of amends to their
Hebrew brethren. For several centuries they were bought and sold as
chattels, plundered and exiled, as if they were outlaws. In the
sixteenth year of Edward I. all the Jews in England were imprisoned, and
though they redeemed themselves for a vast sum, three years after, the
fraudulent tyrant banished them all; and they remained in banishment 364
years, till the rough justice of old Oliver Cromwell restored them to
their trade and worship. The proverb ‘worth a Jew’s eye’ alludes to the
barbarities practiced on the Jews, whose money was commonly extorted from
them by drawing their teeth, or putting out their eyes. There are no
judgments in Scripture more terrible than those denounced against the
oppressors of Judah. We may be thankful that we have lived to witness
the last vestige of injustice to our Hebrew fellow-citizens erased from
our statutes. Have we also honestly received the social and religious
interests of the Jews into the unreserved sympathy of Christian hearts?”
* * * * *
Francis Hargrave, Esq., a barrister, resided in York Place, (the houses
of which are now nearly all converted into shops, and which is situated
near to the Jews’ Burial Ground), for a considerable period. He
particularly distinguished himself in the _Habeas Corpus_ case of James
Somerset, a negro, for whom he was counsel, and his argument was the
occasion of a precedent being established for the freedom of slaves the
moment they set foot on English land. He possessed a very extensive and
most valuable library, which Parliament purchased for £8000, in order
that it might be placed in the British Museum. He died here in 1821,
aged 80.
* * * * *
Sydenham Edwards, Esq., F.L.S., an eminent botanical draughtsman, lived
in Charles Street, Queen’s Elm, and afterwards removed to Barrossa Place,
where he died in 1819. The Flora Londinensis, Rees’ Encyclopædia, &c.,
were greatly indebted to his masterly pencil.
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
never joined in consequence of the sudden reduction of that corps. At
the age of 21, he entered himself a member of the Middle Temple, where he
continued his vigorous pursuit of legal studies for several years. His
earliest production was “Jamaica,” a descriptive poem; and his next,
published within a few years afterwards, “The Temple,” a kind of law
journal. But of his printed works, undoubtedly, the most approved are
the volumes of the “Public Characters;” also a “Life of John Horne Took,”
and the “History of the Wars, which arose out of the French Revolution.”
* * * * *
The industry of Mr. Stephens in the collection of the materials for his
biographical works has not often been surpassed. He was accustomed to
commit to paper the most trifling memoranda illustrative of the history
of any eminent individual the moment they were communicated to him.
* * * * *
Mr. Stephens enjoyed the confidential friendship of the late Duke of
Kent, and was in habits of unreserved intimacy with many other
distinguished characters of the age. He was related to the Duke of
Roxburgh, whose claim to that title he pleaded with memorable success in
the House of Lords.
* * * * *
Although generally of retired habits, Mr. Stephens often felt interested
in the parochial concerns of Chelsea, and distinguished himself by the
manliness and zeal with which he supported measures which to him appeared
likely to prove beneficial.
* * * * *
Mr. Stephens wrote much and well for the periodical press. The pages of
the Analytical Review abound in important articles from his pen. To the
Monthly Magazine, also, he was a frequent contributor. Besides the
composition of papers on the Belles Lettres, he was in the habit of
furnishing biographical notices for that journal. In extent of
information touching the lives and actions of the cotemporary generation,
he was equalled by few writers of his age. Mr. Stephens’s sound
constitution was gradually impaired by intense study, added to the
immoderate use of coldiam, on the efficacy of which he placed implicit
reliance. For the last two years of his life he suffered severely from
the gout, and at last died somewhat suddenly at his house in Upper Church
Street, in 1821, aged 64, and was interred in the burial ground attached
to St. Luke’s Church.
* * * * *
A. H. Haworth, Esq., occupied a house in Upper Church Street in 1825, and
for some time previous to that year. He possessed an unrivalled Museum
of Entomology and Natural History, the collection of 40 years laborious
research. It would be impossible here to give any thing like an adequate
notice of what it contained. There were about 40,000 insects, arranged
in systematic order, and about 20,000 dried plants, arranged in natural
order, and glued. His contributions to the Linnæan Society and
Horticultural Society, Philosophical Magazine, &c., were greatly
esteemed.
* * * * *
I. N. Sartorius, Esq., so long celebrated for his faithful delineations
of animal life, resided in this street in 1830, and for some years.
* * * * *
Philip Reinagle, Esq., R.A., celebrated for his beautiful specimens of
landscape paintings, and whose family were eminent for their proficiency
in the fine arts, resided also here about the same period.
* * * * *
W. H. Davis, Esq., at a much later period, resided also for many years in
Upper Church Street, near the King’s Road; he was considered to be one of
the best animal portrait painters, and was constantly employed every
Smithfield Cattle Show, his works being very highly prized.
* * * * *
Crossing the King’s Road, we enter into that portion of Church Street
which leads direct to the Old Church. This ancient thoroughfare was
built upon at a very early period, and many eminent persons have resided
here at various times; but principally since the Rectory was removed
hither, in 1569, from Milman’s Row.
* * * * *
William Tebbs, Esq., Proctor, resided nearly opposite the Rectory House,
in Church Street, for many years; he was highly respected professionally,
and much esteemed for his kindness and liberality to the poor. Mr.
Tebbs, sen., dwelt here in 1819, and his name appears subsequently and
previously for a long time as a contributor to most of the local
charities.
* * * * *
Henry Virtue Tebbs, Esq., son of the preceding, and who was in
partnership with his father, resided in a commodious detached house, with
large enclosed garden, in Cooks’ Ground, for a long time. Like the rest
of his family he was greatly respected by the inhabitants, and ever ready
to promote every good work in the parish. Of him it may truly be said
that he was the constant friend of the needy and helpless. He was a
zealous supporter of the Chelsea Auxiliary Bible Society, and he devoted
most of his leisure hours in promoting the various societies connected
with Park Chapel, especially the Day and Sunday Schools. Some few years
since he removed from the parish to the deep regret of a numerous circle
of friends, whose sincere hope is that his benevolent heart may still
beat for many a year to come.
* * * * *
One of the most ancient mansions (pulled down some few years ago) was
called Church Place. It was said to have been the residence of various
eminent persons; and some have confidently asserted that it was the
palace of the Earl of Essex. It was also said to have been used by Queen
Anne as a laundry. In the back front there was a date, cut in brick,
“1641.” This old house is first mentioned in the parish books in 1696;
it is also mentioned repeatedly in the Inquests of Court Leet, and Court
Baron, before and after that period.
* * * * *
Dr. Atterbury resided facing the river, near the Old Church, in 1695, as
appears by the parish books, and afterwards in Church Street, for several
years; one of his letters is dated from hence in 1698. There he became
acquainted with Swift, in 1711, to whom he was before unknown.
* * * * *
Francis Atterbury, Bishop of Rochester, was born in 1662, and was
educated in Westminster School, and afterwards was elected a Student of
Christ Church, Oxford, where he soon distinguished himself by his wit and
learning, and gave early proofs of his poetical talents. In 1687, he
made his first essay in controversial writing, and shewed himself an able
and strenuous advocate for the Protestant religion. In 1691 he took holy
orders, and was elected in the same year Lecturer of St. Bride’s, London,
and Preacher of Bridewell Chapel.
* * * * *
Upon the accession of Queen Anne, in 1702, Dr. Atterbury was appointed
one of her Majesty’s Chaplains in Ordinary; and in 1704 was advanced to
the Deanery of Carlisle. In 1713, at the recommendation of Lord
Chancellor Harcourt, the Queen promoted him to the Bishopric of
Rochester.
* * * * *
In 1722, Dr. Atterbury, on suspicion of being concerned in a plot in
favour of the Pretender, was apprehended and committed to the Tower.
Shortly afterwards he was condemned to perpetual exile. Just before
this, a large fine dropped to him as Dean of Westminster, but he could
have no right to receive it without the seal being set to it in full
chapter. Sir Robert Walpole earnestly enquired whether a Chapter could
not be held in the Tower, that he might receive the benefit of the fine.
A chapter was accordingly there held, and the Bishop received a £1000 for
his share. This anecdote, which is well authenticated, does great credit
to the liberality of Walpole.
* * * * *
Dr. Atterbury, in his private character, was most amiable and exemplary;
as a preacher he was eloquent, and as a writer, his sermons, letters and
other tracts, proved most decidedly that he possessed piety, genius, and
erudition. On the 18th of June, 1723, having the day before taken leave
of his friends, this eminent prelate embarked on board the Aldborough
man-of-war, and landed on the Friday following at Calais.
A prelate for wit, and for eloquence fam’d,
Apollo soon miss’d, and he need not be nam’d;
Since amidst a whole bench, of which some are so bright,
No one of them shines so learn’d and polite.—_Sheffield_, 1719.
The celebrated Dean Swift came to Chelsea in the year 1711, and took up
his residence facing Dr. Atterbury’s house in Church Street.
* * * * *
Dr. Jonathan Swift, Dean of St. Patrick, in Dublin, an illustrious poet,
and political and satirical writer, was born in Dublin in 1667, and died
in 1745. Of a life so various and so full of business as Swift’s, we
know not what part we could select consistent with the limits of this
work that would not excite rather than gratify curiosity.
The company of Swift was courted by persons of the first rank in life and
literature; the following peculiarities may be related:—He made to
himself a rule never to speak more than a minute at a time, and to wait
for others to take up the conversation. He was singularly happy in
punning; and used to say, that none despised that talent but those who
were without it. He also greatly excelled in telling a story; but, in
the latter part of his life, used to tell the same rather to often.
Though to strangers he appeared churlish, and austere to his servants, it
is said he was a kind and generous master; he was also very charitable to
the poor.
Swift has been very minute and circumstantial in describing the
particulars relative to his residence here, and his acquaintance with Dr.
Atterbury. I will select one instance of it:—“I got here,” says he,
“with Patrick and my portmanteau for sixpence, and pay six shillings a
week for one silly room, with confounded coarse sheets. I lodge just
over against Dr. Atterbury’s house; and yet, perhaps, I shall not like
the place the better for that.”
* * * * *
Thomas Shadwell, Esq., Poet Laureat, another resident of Church Street,
was born at Stanton Hall, Norfolk, and received his education at Bury
School, and Caius College, Cambridge. His father, who held a place of
profit and distinction in the law in Ireland, bestowed the learning and
exercises of a gentleman upon him. Notwithstanding that, Lord Rochester
has said,
“None seem to touch true Comedy
But hasty Shadwell and slow Wycherlye,”
yet that lord had a better opinion of his conversation than his writings
when he said “that if Shadwell had burned all he wrote, and printed all
he spoke, he would have shewn more wit and humour than any other poet.”
In the reign of William III. he succeeded Dryden, as Poet Laureat, under
whose lash he had previously fallen. His works, consisting of seventeen
plays, were published in three volumes 12mo. in 1720, with a short
account of his life written by his son, Sir John Shadwell, Knight, who
was physician to Queen Anne, and resided in a house at Chelsea, which had
been previously occupied by Dr. Arbuthnot. Shadwell died at Chelsea in
1692, aged 52, and was buried in the Church, November 24, when a funeral
sermon was preached by his friend Dr. Nicholas Brady, in which he assures
us that “his natural and acquired abilities made him sufficiently
remarkable to all that he conversed with, very few being equal to him in
all the becoming qualities and accomplishments of a gentleman.” His
widow, who had been an actress, survived him, and resided at Chelsea some
years.
* * * * *
Dr. John Arbuthnot, a native of Scotland, had his education in the
University of Aberdeen, where he took the degree of Doctor of Physic. He
came to London about the year 1695, and at first taught the mathematics
for hi
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