Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
In 1650, it was reported to the Commissioners appointed by the
Parliament, that the parsonage-house of Chelsea, with twenty acres of
glebe, belonging to the same, were valued at £60 per annum, and the
tithes worth £60 more.
* * * * *
The Rectory House, situated in Church Street, is very plain as regards
its exterior appearance. The grounds are enclosed by a wall, and there
are carriage entrances to the house. The interior is commodious, but
scarcely adequate to the requirements of a large establishment in the
present day.
THE BURIAL GROUND, OR CEMETERY.
In the south and north portions of the ground there are a great number of
memorial stones, and a few brick vaults. That portion, situated at the
north-eastern division, near to Bond Street and Marlborough Square, the
ground of which is raised above the general surface, may be considered
almost as one huge grave, containing a mass of interments. It was
originally called “The Poor Ground,” on account of its being devoted
exclusively for those who were buried at the expense of the parish. It
would display much good feeling and sympathy, if some simple but
appropriate record was placed there. It might be done by subscription,
should there be no funds available for such a purpose.
* * * * *
With respect to the numerous inscriptions, it would be impossible, as
already stated, to notice more than a very few of them, and they contain
generally only the name and age of the person interred. And, after all,
we may say with the poet,
“The best concerted schemes men lay for fame,
Die fast away; only themselves die faster.
The far-famed sculptor and the laurelled bard,
Those bold insurancers of deathless fame,
Supply their little feeble aids in vain.”
BLAIR’S GRAVE.
William Jones, Esq., aged 83, resided in Manor Street, Cheyne Walk. He
was a good Hebrew and Greek scholar, but it is in the character of a
naturalist that he must be principally regarded, Mr. Jones having painted
from nature about 1,500 species of butterflies in a most masterly manner,
and not only painted but arranged and characterized them in Latin.
Matthew Yatman, Esq., of Lindsey Row, died in 1814; he was a most
accomplished gentleman.
Signor Carlo Rovedino, an Italian, died in this parish Oct. 6, 1822, aged
71; he was well known on the continent and in this country as a bass
singer.
Thomas Raven, a pupil in St. George’s Hospital, died in his sleep in
1826, aged 20.
Dr. John M‘Leod, the companion of Sir Murray Maxwell, and the author of a
voyage in H.M. ship “Alceste,” to the Yellow Sea, and of her shipwreck in
the Straits of Gaspar; he died in the King’s Road in 1820, aged 38.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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