The entrance to Cook’s Grounds, from the King’s Road, was anciently a back way to the stable-yard of Alston House, in Cheyne Walk. Some years ago the stone frame-work of the gate was visible in a garden in Upper Cheyne Row. Formerly the parishioners had only the privilege of a footway through the glebe land from the King’s Road, as appears from the following extract from the Vestry Minutes:— * * * * * “1755. Sept. 18. Whereas the road leading from the north end of Great Cheyne Row over the glebe land to the King’s Private Road, is the proper right of Mr. John Narbonne, of this parish, and whereas the inhabitants of this parish do frequently pass and repass that way, not only with corpse to the New Burying Ground, but to the Workhouse contiguous, as well as to other places; and as the privilege is only upon sufferance, by consent, and during the pleasure of Mr. Narbonne, therefore we unanimously agree to pay him and his heirs, as long as this privilege shall continue, upon the 1st day of May in every year, being from the day the Burying Ground was consecrated, the sum of one shilling, which we order shall be paid by the churchwardens for the time being.” There have been no material alterations made from its recent state during my remembrance; but Cook’s Grounds will soon be no longer recognised as it was in 1868, as many very superior houses are now being erected, which will be presently noticed. * * * * * Mr. Pamplin, another celebrated nurseryman, resided at the western corner of Cook’s Grounds. The old dwelling-house has just been pulled down. * * * * * The King’s Parade, opposite Cook’s Grounds, was erected in 1810. It is no longer known as the “Parade”—principally so called on account of the stone-pavement, which was considered then a luxury to walk on at that part of the road—but is now included under the general appellation of the King’s Road. * * * * * Mr. Edward Wright, comedian, of the Adelphi Theatre, lived at Merton Villa, Trafalgar Square, opposite Cook’s Grounds, for some time. He died in France some few years ago. * * * * * On the site of Oakley Square there still remained a portion of Mrs. Hutchins’s market garden. The road at this spot was very narrow, and no pathway for passengers on that side. Here, again, there was an obstructive bar placed across the road. * * * * * Mr. Faulkner mentions a singular circumstance that occurred just at this place. He says, “About the year 1796, I was present at a stag-hunt in Chelsea. The animal swam across the river from Battersea, and made for Lord Cremorne’s grounds; and upon being driven from thence ran along the water-side as far as the Church, and turning up Church Lane (street), at last took refuge in Mrs. Hutchins’s barn, where he was taken alive.”