Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
BURIAL OF A FEMALE DRAGOON.—Christiana Davis died at Chelsea in 1739.
For several years she served as a dragoon, undiscovered, in the Royal
Irish Enniskillen Regiment; but receiving a wound in her body she was
then discovered, though her comrades had not the least suspicion of her
being a woman. She behaved with great valour afterwards in Flanders, and
was very useful in a battle to supply the soldiers with water and other
necessaries, even to the mouth of a cannon. She had an allowance of one
shilling per day, which she received till her death. She was interred,
according to her desire, amongst the old pensioners, and three vollies
were fired over her grave.
* * * * *
Hannah Snell was also buried in this ground by her own desire. She
enlisted, in 1745, in Guise’s Regiment of Foot, in which she served for
some time, but deserted and enlisted in the Marines. She was severely
wounded, and, on her recovery, sent to England. Her heroic conduct
procured for her an annual pension of £30 for life. She also procured a
pension from Chelsea Hospital, and after her discharge continued to wear
her uniform. At length this poor creature became insane, and was placed
in Bethlehem Hospital, where she died.
* * * * *
Charles Burney, Mus.D., author of the History of Music, &c., was buried
here in 1814, aged 88; he was organist at Chelsea Hospital, and father of
Madame D’Arblay, the authoress of Evelina, Cecilia, and Camilla. She was
also for many years the organist.
* * * * *
Many a distinguished officer and old veteran have been interred in this
ground. Amongst the pensioners some have lived to a great age. Thomas
Asbey, buried in 1737, aged 112.—John Rogers, 1764, aged 103.—Robert
Cumming, 1767, aged 116.—Peter Dowling, 1768, aged 102.—Peter Burnet,
1773, aged 107.—Joshua Cueman, 1794, it is stated, aged 123.—Richard
Swifield, 1805, aged 105.—Abraham Moss, 1805, aged 106.—John Wolf, 1821,
aged 107.—John Salter, 1827, aged 104. I have frequently conversed with
the latter centenarian. In his youth he must have been a fine-built man,
standing upwards of six feet high. He might often be seen, even within a
short time of his death, sweeping away the autumn leaves in the walks of
the hospital grounds, as a matter of choice. Such a circumstance
suggests many serious reflections, which I leave to the reader to supply.
There is also said to be an inmate at the present time, aged 106.
OLD RANELAGH GARDENS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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