The Five Fields was an ominous name to our forefathers. Addison, in the “Tatler” (No. 34), refers to them as the place “where the robbers lie in wait;” and pages might easily be covered with the records of the frightful crimes here committed. The King’s Road, anciently only a trackway for the use of the farmers and gardeners, was the only road across. A lane led to it from Hyde Park Corner, and other paths intersected the fields into five large parts—hence the name; but it was not till Charles II. found the road a near way from Whitehall to Hampton Court that any public way was formed, and not then till after some discussion between the Government and the parishioners of Chelsea. In the reign of George I. disputes arose as to the right of way; but, after inquiry, the Government acknowledged the claims of the inhabitants to be just. {220} In the documents relating to this dispute the fields are said to be open, and the bridge, then called “Bloody Bridge,” now known as Grosvenor Bridge, only “a footbridge, with a plank or board,” till built in a regular manner in the time of Charles II. The road across the fields was very insecure; and for many years, under a royal order, fifty-two privates, and six non-commissioned officers, half every alternate night, patrolled the ground. On grand gala nights at Ranelagh the number was greater; but on all occasions it was customary for persons wishing to cross to wait for a sufficient number to meet together to ensure mutual protection, and then, with two men carrying lanterns on long poles, and who obtained their living by such service, sallying across under their guidance. Such a relation almost forces a smile now; but it must be borne in mind that no houses were situated along the King’s Road a hundred years since. It was also then very circuitous, running from the Palace garden wall along the present north garden of Eaton Square to Sloane Square. Its dangers were very great, as the newspapers of the last century afford melancholy proof. I give one specimen:— “On Saturday evening last, February 24th, a servant belonging to Mrs. Temple was robbed and barbarously wounded near Bloody Bridge in the King’s Road, leading from Chelsea. Her Royal Highness the Princess Amelia coming from Hampton Court, hearing a man groaning, ordered her servant to stop; and it proving to be the man above-mentioned, he was taken behind the coach and brought to town; and her Highness ordered all possible care to be taken of him.” {221} Bloody Bridge seems to have gained its fearful character early; in Chelsea register is the following notice of the name:—“1590. John Dukes was this year enjoyned to make a Causie at _bloody_ Gate.”