Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
Mr. W. Rabbits, one of the vestrymen, presented a silver trowel to
Viscount Chelsea, to be used in laying the first stone, and to be kept by
his lordship as a token of the respect of the parishioners for him.
* * * * *
Viscount Chelsea having expressed his acknowledgments for the compliment
paid him,
Mr. Pocock, the architect, then placed the bottle containing the
documents, &c., in the cavity of the under stone, which was covered with
mortar. The other portion of the stone was then let down, and Viscount
Chelsea having gone through the usual “masonic” operations in a
workmanlike manner, his lordship declared the Vestry Hall to be in due
course of erection amidst the loud cheers of all present.
* * * * *
The erection of the entire building was completed in 1860, and, occupying
such a central position, it adds materially to the respectability of the
King’s Road. It is an attractive structure, and its architectural design
reflects great credit on Mr. Pocock. The estimate laid before the Vestry
Finance Committee on the 21st of February, 1861, by Mr. Charles Lahee,
the Vestry Clerk, of the total probable cost of the Vestry Hall
buildings, including the fittings and furniture, was altogether £12,059
16s. 2d.
* * * * *
A portion of the building is occupied by the Chelsea Literary and
Scientific Institution, for the use of which a rental is paid. T. L.
Bull, Esq., was the original founder, and to his indefatigable efforts,
for a considerable time, may be attributed the advantages that have been
derived from it. It appears, however, that the receipts of this useful
and admirable institution are unfortunately just now insufficient to meet
the necessary expenditure, but it is gratifying to record that at a late
influential meeting, held at the Vestry Hall, to consider the “present
position and future prospects of the Institution,” and at which Lord
George Hamilton, M.P., presided, it was unanimously resolved to extricate
it from temporary difficulties.
* * * * *
Mr. Charles Lahee, who has been Vestry Clerk for many years, has a
private dwelling-house at the Vestry Hall. The offices are on the ground
floor, and the large hall is at the rear of the building. The spacious
room above the offices, and which fronts the road, is where the vestrymen
weekly assemble, adjoining it are committee rooms, &c. The whole
interior is well-arranged and admirably adapted for the requirements of
the parish, which has now become one of the most populous and important
in the metropolis.
* * * * *
In Flood Street, near to the King’s Road, is a small Chapel belonging to
the Primitive Methodists.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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