Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
The old Parochial Guardian Society mostly held their meetings at the old
White Horse Inn. The principal room was large and consequently
well-adapted for such purposes; and when the parishioners met in open
vestry, the house being opposite to the Vestry Room where they assembled,
it was particularly convenient on such occasions for the accommodation of
the ratepayers generally. The above society comprised a great many
members, and acted in conjunction with a large number of the resident
gentry of the parish.
* * * * *
Justice Walk, which extends from Church Street to Lawrence Street, took
its name from a magistrate who lived in it. An avenue of lime trees
formerly adorned it, and, being kept in good order, it was a very
agreeable footway for passengers. There is now in it a commodious
Wesleyan Chapel, built in 1841. The exterior is plain and unpretending.
The interior is neat, comfortable, and well ventilated. Beneath the
chapel is a spacious school room, in which the Sunday School is held.
This school is very well attended. Through the exertions of the members,
and other friends, the interior of the chapel has recently been painted,
and rendered more comfortable in many respects.
* * * * *
The Chelsea China Manufactory was situate at the corner of Justice Walk,
and occupied the houses to the upper end of Lawrence Street. Several of
the large old houses were used as shew-rooms. It has been discontinued
for nearly 90 years.
* * * * *
The manufactory of Chelsea porcelain was set on foot and carried on by a
Mr. Spremont, a foreigner. The establishment employed a great number of
hands; but the original proprietor having acquired a large fortune
retired from the concern, and his successors, wanting his enterprise and
spirit, did not so well succeed, and in a few years finally abandoned it.
Previous to the dissolution, the proprietors presented a memorial
respecting it to the Government, requesting protection and assistance, in
which they stated that “the manufacture in England has been carried on by
great labour and a large expense; it is in many respects to the full as
good as the Dresden; and the late Duke of Orleans told Colonel York that
the metal or earth had been tried in his furnace, and was found to be the
best made in Europe. It is now daily improving, and already employs, at
least, 100 hands, of which is a nursery of thirty lads taken from the
parishes and charity schools, and bred to designing and painting: arts
very much wanted here, and which are of the greatest use in our silk and
printed linen manufactories.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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