Chapter IV: Book I (3)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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._

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The following is a complete list to the present period of the Clergymen who have been Ministers at Park Chapel:—