LOCK HOSPITAL (The), which formerly stood on the site of Grosvenor Place Houses, was built in 1746, and patients admitted on January 31st, 1747, for the first time. The Institution included an asylum for the reception of penitent females, founded in 1787, and a chapel, built in 1764, with the primary view of aiding the income by its pew rents. The chapel was always celebrated for the powerful and popular preachers who occupied its pulpit, among whom may be mentioned Martin Madan, Thomas Scott, editor and commentator of the Scriptures, and C. E. De Coetlogon; while Legh Richmond, Romaine, Rowland Hill, and the celebrated Dr. Dodd, have often preached here. Of these, the one most connected with this locality was the Rev. Martin Madan. [Picture: Old Lock Hospital] His father was M.P. for Wootton Basset, and Groom of the Bedchamber to Frederick, Prince of Wales; his mother, a daughter of Spence Cowper, and niece of the celebrated Chancellor; an accomplished woman, and authoress of several poems of considerable merit. Martin was originally brought up to the bar, which he forsook for the Church; was ordained, became Chaplain to the Lock, and one of the most popular ministers of the day. He was a distant relation of the poet Cowper, who first imbibed from him those religious principles which afterwards formed so predominant a feature of his mind. In 1780 his popularity received a severe blow from the publication of his “Thelyphthora,” a singular work in defence of polygamy. There can be no doubt that the work was issued with good intentions, but the manner of treating the subject was at least novel, and especially so in a clergyman. Madan was the author of various other works, and likewise of some repute as a musical composer. Many of the tunes and chants in the “Lock Hymn Book” have his initials attached. The “Song of Miriam” is, perhaps, his most popular piece. At the same time, mention must be made of his composition to Pope’s Ode, known as “Vital Spark,” also of the piece “Before Jehovah’s awful Throne.” I have heard him spoken of by elderly folks with deep respect; and whatever his shortcomings may have been, a want of charity was not among them. That he was equally respected in high society may be inferred from his friendship with Lord Chancellor Bathurst, who gave him a chaplaincy. He died at Epsom in the 64th year of his age, and was buried at Kensington, May 8th, 1791.