Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan.

  • Bryan, George.
Date:
1869
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Chelsea in the olden & present times / by George Bryan. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    15/240 (page 3)
    having been inhabited by a party of Saxons, who, being located in the midst of the three kingdoms of the East, West, and •South Saxons, were called by their neighbours Middlesaxons, which, in common conversation, was soon abbreviated to Middlesex. The parish of Chelsea is bounded on the north by the Fulham Road, which separates it from Kensington. On the east at the entrance into Sloane Square, at which place there was an open rivulet, which divided it from St. George’s, Hanover Square, and was said to rise at or near to Hampstead ; and, after crossing Hyde Park, where it formed the Serpentine River, and Knightsbridge, flowed behind Cadogan Place (along a portion of Lowndes’ Square) into the Thames, at Ranelagh, which adjoined Chelsea College. In January, 1809, this rivulet overflowed its banks, and caused great devastation for several days. The waters formed a complete lake, and were of con- siderable depth. Boats were employed in carrying passengers from Chelsea Hospital to the old Bunhouse, on their way to London. On the west, the parish is divided from Fulham a little beyond St. Mark’s College; and on the south it is bounded by the Thames. That portion of the parish at Kensal New Town, which is near to Wilsden, will be briefly noticed again in reference to the “Ancient Manor Houses.” This land, as held by the parish, is about 173! acres. It will soon be seventy years since I was first taken to this venerable Church. The most trifling incidents in childhood often bring to remembrance, when arrived at mature age, events of an important and interesting character. Such was the case with regard to my earliest conscious attendance at Chelsea Old Church. At the period to which I allude, residing at the other part of the parish, we had to go across what was then called the “ Common,” situated to the east of the present new St. Luke s Church, a portion of which was at that particular time covered with new-mown grass to dry previously to being carried away. Most young persons love to toss and tumble about the hay when such an opportunity is afforded them, and