Chapter V: Book I (4)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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}

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.’”

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“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?”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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I. N. Sartorius, Esq., so long celebrated for his faithful delineations of animal life, resided in this street in 1830, and for some years.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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 his support. His facetious and agreeable conversation introduced him by degrees into practice; and he became eminent in his profession. Being at Epsom when Prince George of Denmark was suddenly taken ill, he was called in to his assistance; his advice was successful, and his Highness recovering, employed him ever afterwards as his physician.

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The Queen’s death, and the disasters which fell upon his friends on that occasion, deeply affected his health and spirits; and, to divert his melancholy, he paid a visit to his brother, a banker, at Paris. He returned to London, and continued his medical profession with great reputation, employing his leisure hours in writing papers of wit and humour.

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About this time Dr. Arbuthnot took a house in Church Street, where he at times entertained a select number of his friends. He died in 1735 in Cork Street, Burlington Gardens. In his writings he has shewn himself equal to any of his cotemporaries in humour, wit, and learning. Sir John Shadwell, son of the Laureat, afterwards occupied the house.

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Dr. Edward Chamberlayne, it appears from the land tax book of this parish, anno 1704, resided next door to Dr. King, the rector, in a house that is still standing, and which is a few doors north of the White Horse public house, in Church Street. He was descended from an ancient family, and born at Odington, in Gloucestershire, in 1616. During the civil war he made the tour of Europe. After the Restoration he was chosen F.R.S.; and, in 1669, attended Charles, Earl of Carlisle, as secretary to the embassy to Stockholm, with the order of the Garter for the King of Sweden. Shortly afterwards the degree of LL.D. was conferred on him at Cambridge, and also the same at Oxford at a later period. About the year 1679, he received the appointment of tutor to the Duke of Grafton, one of the natural sons of Charles II.; and subsequently he instructed Prince George of Denmark, consort to Queen Anne, in the English language. He died at his house in Church Street in 1703, having been an active magistrate in this parish for many years.

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John Chamberlayne, (son of Dr. Chamberlayne,) who resided in the house formerly occupied by his father, was a learned and worthy man. He was admitted into Trinity College, Oxford, in 1685, and was gentleman usher to George Prince of Denmark. He translated, from the French and Spanish: 1. The Manner of making Tea, Coffee, and Chocolate. 2. From Italian into English, A Treasure of Health, written by Castor Durant de Gualdo, physician of Rome. 3. The Arguments of the Books and Chapters of the Old and New Testaments, with Practical Observations, written originally in French by the Rev. Mr. Ostervald, Professor of Divinity, and one of the members of the church at Neufchatel, in Switzerland, and by him presented to the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, of which society he was a member. 4. The Lives of the Members of the Royal Academy of Sciences; translated from the French of M. de Fontenelle; republished since, in 1721, under the title of “Memoirs of the Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris, Epitomized, with the Lives of the late Members of that Society.” 5. The Religious or Christian Philosopher; or, The right Use of Contemplating the Work of the Creator; translated from the Dutch of Dr. Nieuwentyt, with cuts. 6. History of the Reformation in and about the Low Countries; translated from the Low Dutch of Gerard Brandt. 7. The Lord’s Prayer, in 100 Languages. 8. Dissertations, Historical, Theological, and Critical, on the most memorable events of the Old and New Testaments, wherein the Spirit of the Sacred Writings is shewn, their authority confirmed, &c. Mr. Chamberlayne was Fellow of the Royal Society, to whom he communicated several papers on important subjects. He augmented and improved his father’s book of “The Present State of Great Britain,” to the latter editions of which his name is prefixed. He was not only learned but pious, earnest at all times in promoting and disseminating religious principles. In the old churchyard, facing the river, are inscriptions to the memory of this distinguished family. {82}

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Mr. Bowack, to whom we are so much indebted for his valuable information, resided near Dr. Chamberlayne’s house in Church Street. In 1705 he began to publish, in folio numbers, “The Antiquities of Middlesex; being a Collection of the several Church Monuments in that County; also an Historical Account of each Church and Parish, with the Seats, Villages, and names of the most eminent Inhabitants.” The work extended through the parishes of Chelsea, Fulham, Kensington, Chiswick, and Acton, and was then discontinued. It is much to be regretted that he could not complete his design. He has preserved many monumental inscriptions, since destroyed. Mr. Bowack was writing master to Westminster School. “I have,” says Mr. Faulkner, in reference to his own work, “carefully embodied the greater part of the information contained in his (Bowack’s) folio volume, now become extremely scarce.”

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John Martyn, Esq., who resided in Church Street, next door to Dr. Chamberlayne, was the son of a merchant of London. He was born in 1699. With him it was a subject of frequent exultation, in after-life, that Providence had thrown him into a country, and produced him at a period so fertile in genius and literary accomplishments. “It was truly the golden age of learning,” says Mr. Faulkner, “and to converse with those heroes who adorn it was deemed no mean privilege, or glory, by one who well knew how to value mental wealth.” He was sent by his father to a private school (his mother died when he was scarcely a twelvemonth old), and here by his own industry rather than by any advantage of instruction, he made a tolerable proficiency in school learning, but was taken away from his beloved books to engage in the business of a counting house. Most youths of his age, in such an occupation, would have found their minds sufficiently employed, but he, insatiate of knowledge, after the labours of the day, dedicated most of those hours which are usually given to bodily rest to the improvement of his understanding.

* * * * *

Mr. Martyn’s propensity to the science of botany was first excited by an acquaintance with Mr. Wilmer, an apothecary, who afterwards became the reader in the Botanic Garden at Chelsea, and by an intimacy contracted with Dr. Blair and Dr. Sherard. In the year 1732, he published a translation of “Tournefort’s History of Plants about Paris,” and in the same year a “Catalogue of the Plants about London,” but he did not complete it. From a strong conviction that observations made upon plants in their natural places of growth were the least liable to error, he about the same time began his botanical excursions, which were mostly performed on foot, and were continued for a long period with unwearied diligence. His “Hortus Siccus,” containing 1,400 specimens, is a sufficient testimony of his industry. Nor did he confine himself wholly to the contemplation of vegetables, and their hidden virtues; the numerous insect tribe began to attract no small share of his attention. In 1721, he principally instituted the Botanical Society, in London. Dr. Dillenius was president, and Mr. Martyn was secretary. This society kept together till 1726. About this time he became a member of the Royal Society, and now began to apply himself most seduously to the practice of physic. For this purpose he was admitted of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and kept five terms, with an intention to have proceeded regularly with his degrees, but from peculiar circumstances he was prevented from finishing his design. He had now lived and practised physic in Great St. Helen’s, Bishopsgate Street, during three years; but, finding the air of London disagree with his constitution, he embraced a favourable opportunity which offered of removing to Chelsea, where he practised physic with success and great reputation for above twenty years.

In 1733, he was chosen Professor of Botany in the University of Cambridge, where he had given several courses of lectures, and had greatly restored the study of that science.

Mr. Martyn, in 1723 (as is stated in a preceding page), married Eulalia, youngest daughter of the Rev. Dr. John King, Rector of Chelsea, by whom he had three sons and five daughters, all of whom were born in Church Street, Chelsea, in the same house wherein their mother was born and died, and in which her father, Dr. King, lived and died. Mrs. Martyn died in 1749, from a cancer in her breast, occasioned by a violent blow given her as she was walking in London.

* * * * *

In 1750, Mr. Martyn married, secondly, a daughter of Claude Fonnereau, Esq., merchant of London, who bore him one son and survived him. Soon after this he retired to Streatham, Surrey. In 1761 he resigned his professorship of botany; and some time after presented to the University his library of botanical books, amounting to above 200 volumes.

* * * * *

Chelsea, notwithstanding the happiness he enjoyed at Streatham, seems after all to have been his favourite place of abode, as he removed back again to his former residence in Church Street, and at last, by the most gradual and gentle decay, died there in 1768.

* * * * *

Mr. Martyn’s benevolence was that of a Christian, diffusive and unconfined; he was considered as the father of the poor in the parish, and gave constant attention to the sick, both in and out of the workhouse. He was the author of many works, two of which we shall notice:—

“An Account of an Aurora Australis, seen at Chelsea, March 18, 1738–9.”
This was the first account which had ever been given of that
phenomenon.

“An Account of an Earthquake felt in London, February 8, 1749–50.”

The following extract from the latter account will no doubt interest the reader: “At 40 minutes after noon, all the houses were violently shaken, especially those nearest the river. A maid servant, passing from one under office to another, felt the ground, which was six feet below the surface, shake. Of those who were in the street, or on the river, some felt, others not. It was felt at Fulham, but not at Hounslow, Brentford, nor Richmond, nor farther westward than Kensington Turnpike; it seemed to terminate in the west, about two miles beyond Chelsea.”

* * * * *

Mr. Martyn was also engaged in a weekly paper, called “The Grub Street Journal,” which had a large sale, about the year 1736. It was one of the most curious of the periodical papers of that period. In a fine vein of irony it attacked the heroes of the Dunciad, and tells some secrets of their obscure quarrels. {85} The papers he contributed are distinguished by the signature “B.”

* * * * *

William Petyt, Esq., to whom we have already slightly referred, in the account of his gift to the parish of the School Room at the Old Church, resided in Church Street, and died there in 1707, aged 71 years. Of his progress through life there is no information, except that he enjoyed considerable reputation as a writer on the laws and constitution of England, which are preserved in the Inner Temple Library. There is a long Latin epitaph to his memory in the Temple Church. It was the year before his death that he built the schoolrooms and vestry.

* * * * *

The White Horse Inn in Church Street, which was burnt down some years since, and a new one substituted for it, was a very ancient house, built in the style which prevailed in the reigns of Henry VIII. and Queen Elizabeth. The disposition of the rooms, the ancient panelling, and the various grotesque ornaments and carving, especially of human figures in the form of brackets, were well worthy of inspection, and excited the attention of most strangers who visited the house.

* * * * *

The old Parochial Guardian Society mostly held their meetings at the old White Horse Inn. The principal room was large and consequently well-adapted for such purposes; and when the parishioners met in open vestry, the house being opposite to the Vestry Room where they assembled, it was particularly convenient on such occasions for the accommodation of the ratepayers generally. The above society comprised a great many members, and acted in conjunction with a large number of the resident gentry of the parish.

* * * * *

Justice Walk, which extends from Church Street to Lawrence Street, took its name from a magistrate who lived in it. An avenue of lime trees formerly adorned it, and, being kept in good order, it was a very agreeable footway for passengers. There is now in it a commodious Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1841. The exterior is plain and unpretending. The interior is neat, comfortable, and well ventilated. Beneath the chapel is a spacious school room, in which the Sunday School is held. This school is very well attended. Through the exertions of the members, and other friends, the interior of the chapel has recently been painted, and rendered more comfortable in many respects.

* * * * *

The Chelsea China Manufactory was situate at the corner of Justice Walk, and occupied the houses to the upper end of Lawrence Street. Several of the large old houses were used as shew-rooms. It has been discontinued for nearly 90 years.

* * * * *

The manufactory of Chelsea porcelain was set on foot and carried on by a Mr. Spremont, a foreigner. The establishment employed a great number of hands; but the original proprietor having acquired a large fortune retired from the concern, and his successors, wanting his enterprise and spirit, did not so well succeed, and in a few years finally abandoned it. Previous to the dissolution, the proprietors presented a memorial respecting it to the Government, requesting protection and assistance, in which they stated that “the manufacture in England has been carried on by great labour and a large expense; it is in many respects to the full as good as the Dresden; and the late Duke of Orleans told Colonel York that the metal or earth had been tried in his furnace, and was found to be the best made in Europe. It is now daily improving, and already employs, at least, 100 hands, of which is a nursery of thirty lads taken from the parishes and charity schools, and bred to designing and painting: arts very much wanted here, and which are of the greatest use in our silk and printed linen manufactories.”

Specimens of this porcelain have always been much esteemed, and still retain a great value. At the sale of the effects of Queen Charlotte, the articles in Chelsea china, of which her Majesty had a large collection, brought very high prices. Mr. Watkins, in his Life of Queen Charlotte, says, “I beheld with admiration a complete service of Chelsea china, porcelain, rich and beautiful in fancy beyond expression. I really never saw any Dresden porcelain near so fine.”

* * * * *

Mr. A. Stephens, whom we have already noticed, was told by the foreman of the Chelsea China Manufactory (then in the workhouse of St. Luke’s, Middlesex), that Dr. Johnson had conceived a notion that he was capable of improving on the manufacture of china. He even applied to the directors of the Chelsea China Works, and was allowed to _bake_ his compositions in their ovens in Lawrence Street, Chelsea. He was accordingly accustomed to go down with his housekeeper, about twice a week, and stop the whole day, she carrying a basket of provisions with her. The Doctor, who was not allowed to enter the _mixing_ room, had access to every other part of the premises, and formed his composition in a particular apartment, without being overlooked by any one. He had also free access to the oven, and superintended the whole of the process; but completely failed, both as to composition and baking, for his materials always yielded to the intensity of the heat, while those of the Company came out of the furnace perfect and complete. Dr. Johnson retired in disgust, but not in despair, for he afterwards gave a dissertation on this very subject in his works; but the overseer assured Mr. Stephens, in 1814, that he was still ignorant of the nature of the operation. He seemed to think that the Doctor imagined one single substance was sufficient, while he, on the other hand, asserted that he always used sixteen, and he must have had some practice, as he had nearly lost his eye-sight by firing batches of china, both at Chelsea and Derby, to which the manufacture was afterwards carried.

* * * * *

Chelsea china, originally patronised by the Duke of Cumberland, and afterwards by Sir R. Faulkner, was a long time in such repute as to be sold by auction, and as a set was purchased as soon as baked, dealers were surrounding the doors for that purpose. {87}

LAWRENCE STREET, &c.

Lawrence Street derives its name, as previously intimated, from its having been the site of the residence of the Lawrence family for many years. On this spot stood the first old Manor House, until Lord Sandys alienated the manor to Henry VIII., when that king sold it to Sir Thomas Lawrence, and erected another in Cheyne Walk.

* * * * *

The ancient family of Lawrence first came into England with William the Conqueror, and settled at Ashton Hall, in the county of Lancaster, where they resided for 300 years, and possessed an immense property, which, in the year 1591, included 34 manors, the rental of which amounted to £6000 per annum. It is uncertain when this family first came to Chelsea, but as the Lawrence chapel in the Old Church is built in the style of architecture which prevailed at the beginning of the fourteenth century, they were probably settled here about that period, and some time before they purchased the manor house. Some of the family who were buried in the chapel have already been mentioned.

* * * * *

The chief branches of this eminent family resided in Chelsea, in London, and at Iver, Bucks. Sir John Lawrence, knight, was Lord Mayor of London in 1665.

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Some “Pious Contemplations,” on the arms of the Lawrence family, are written in the margin of their pedigree. They are supposed to have been affixed to it in 1664, but the author is not known. The following are the concluding lines:—

“The way to Heaven is not with roses spread,
But throng’d with thorns, as was Thy sacred head;
Our peace is hack’d and hew’d, our life’s a war,
We, for our Cross, must many crosses bear—
Or, a red sea our passage doth withstand,
Or, fiery serpents, or, a barren sand,
Ere we can reach the truly Holy Land.”

“Christ’s Cross the ladder is that leads to bliss,
Blest Jacob’s vision was a type of this;
Who climbs by other steps is at a loss—
To Heaven the only ladder is the Cross.”

Ann, Duchess of Monmouth and Buccleugh, relict of James, Duke of Monmouth, resided in the “great house” in Lawrence Street about 1714, and from that time it was called Monmouth House. The following item appears in the Churchwardens’ accounts for the year 1716: “Paid the ringers, when the Princess (afterwards Queen Caroline) visited the Duchess of Monmouth, six shillings.” The Duchess was, it is said, for her agreeable person, good sense, and irreproachable character, one of the most amiable ladies about the Court. During the first years of her marriage she seems to have been as happy, and as much envied as any woman in the kingdom; but this happiness was of short duration; she was unfortunately supplanted in the Duke’s affections by Lady Harriet Wentworth, daughter of the Earl of Cleveland, whose personal charms were superior to her own. Her Grace died in 1732, aged 90 years.

* * * * *

Mr. Gay was for some time secretary to the Duchess, as stated in Johnson’s Life of Gay.

* * * * *

Dr. Smollett afterwards resided in the same house in Lawrence Street. He came to Chelsea on account of the bad state of health of his beloved daughter, who was at that time in a consumption, under which she finally sank in the year 1763. The house and premises were extensive, and well suited for the residence of a person of rank. There are few men of real genius who have written more voluminously than Dr. Smollett. His entertaining novels are so well known that it seems almost unnecessary to mention Roderick Random, the Adventures of Peregrine Pickle, Ferdinand Count Fathom, and Sir Launcelot Greaves, the Expedition of Humphry Clinker, &c.

* * * * *

He was bred to the medical profession, and in the early part of his life served as a surgeon in the navy. It is said that before he took a house at Chelsea he attempted to settle as a practitioner, at Bath, but was unsuccessful, chiefly because he could not render himself agreeable to the ladies. This, however, was a little extraordinary, for Smollett was as graceful and handsome a man as any of the age; besides, there was a certain dignity in his manner which could not fail to inspire respect whenever he appeared. Abandoning physic altogether as a profession, he fixed his residence at Chelsea, and turned his thoughts entirely to writing.

* * * * *

Dr. Smollett’s History of England has had a most extensive sale. He is said to have received £2000 for writing it and the continuation. During the last years of his life he was employed in abridging the Modern Universal History, great part of which he had originally written himself. In the year 1755 he set on foot the Critical Review, and continued the principal manager of it till he went abroad for the first time, in the year 1763. He had made some very severe remarks on a pamphlet published by Admiral Knowles, who commenced a prosecution against the printer; and, just as sentence was going to be pronounced, he came into Court, and avowed himself the author; upon which he was fined £100, and condemned to three months’ imprisonment in the King’s Bench. It is there he is said to have written the Adventures of Sir Launcelot Greaves, in which he has described some remarkable characters, then his fellow-prisoners. When Lord Bute was called to the chief administration of affairs, he was prevailed upon to write in defence of that nobleman’s measures, in a weekly paper called the Briton. This gave rise to the well-known North Briton, wherein he was rather baffled.

* * * * *

Smollett’s constitution being at last greatly impaired by a sedentary life, and assiduous application to study, he went abroad for his health in 1769. He wrote accounts of his travels, in a series of letters to his friends, which were afterwards published.

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