Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
The house was at length occupied by Mrs. Pemberton, who conducted an
establishment for the education of young ladies for many years. The Rev.
Richard Wilson, D.D., subsequently resided in it for a considerable
period. At the present time the approach to this old mansion presents a
melancholy contrast to what it was in former days.
* * * * *
Gough House is now the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, established
in 1866. The frontage is otherwise occupied, and consequently the
originally attractive appearance is entirely destroyed. The youthful
patients come from all parts of the metropolis, and several from the
country. The objects of the institution are as follow:—
1. The treatment, as in-patients, of children between the ages of two
and twelve years.
2. The treatment, as out-patients, of children under sixteen years of
age.
3. The training of nurses for children.
The Rev. A. G. W. Blunt, M.A., Rector of Chelsea, takes a deep interest
in promoting this much-needed and admirable institution. The committee
are now earnestly making an appeal for contributions to create a Building
Fund, and when it is known that there is not in all the metropolis a
single hospital BUILT for the special reception of children, it is to be
hoped that such a noble charity will receive the liberal assistance of
all benevolent persons.
* * * * *
Edward Montague, first Earl of Sandwich, resided in this neighbourhood in
1663. Mr. Pepys, in his Diary, has recorded a visit he paid to that
nobleman. “March 28, 1663. To Chelsea, where we found my lord all
alone, with one joint of meat at dinner, and mightily extolling the
manner of his retirement, and the goodness of his diet; the mistress of
the house hath all things most excellently dressed; amongst other things
her cakes admirable, and so good, that my lord’s words were, they were
fit to present to Lady Castlemaine . . . ”
* * * * *
Archbishop Sharpe resided here about 1691; he preached the sermon at the
coronation of Queen Anne. Mackay says, “He is one of the greatest
ornaments of the Church of England, of great piety and learning, a black
man, and 55 years old.”
* * * * *
Charles, Duke of St. Albans, natural son of Charles II. by Eleanor Gwynn,
had a house here about 1692.
* * * * *
Fitton Gerrard, the last Earl of Macclesfield of that family, died at his
house in Chelsea, in 1702. A law-suit was commenced about the right of
succession to his property, between Lord Mohun and the Duke of Hamilton,
who had married his niece. A duel was fought between the competitors in
Hyde Park, which proved fatal to both parties. The Duchess lived in
Chelsea till 1714.
* * * * *
Henry, Duke of Kent, had a house in Queen’s Road West, about 1715. On
his Grace’s death, in 1740, the Dukedom of Kent became extinct.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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