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.

    90/240 (page 78)
    BISHOP ATTERBURY. good work in the parish. Of him it may truly be said that he was the constant friend of the needy and helpless. He was a zealous supporter of the Chelsea Auxiliary Bible Society, and he devoted most of his leisure hours in promoting the various societies connected with Park Chapel, especially the Day and Sunday Schools. Some few years since he removed from the parish to the deep regret of a numerous circle of friends, whose sincere hope is that his benevolent heart may still beat for many a year to come. One of the most ancient mansions (pulled down some few years ago) was called Church Place. It was said to have been the residence of various eminent persons ; and some have con- fidently asserted that it was the palace of the Earl of Essex. It was also said to have been used by Queen Anne as a laundry. In the back front there was a date, cut in brick, “1641.” This old house is first mentioned in the parish books in 1696; it is also mentioned repeatedly in the Inquests of Court Leet, and Court Baron, before and after that period. Dr. Atterbury resided facing the river, near the Old Church, in 1695, as appears by the parish books, and afterwards in Church Street, for several years; one of his letters is dated from hence in 1698. There he became acquainted \vith Swift, in 1711, to whom he was before unknown. Francis Atterbury, Bishop of Rochester, was bom in 1662, and was educated in Westminster School, and afterwards was elected a Student of Christ Church, Oxford, where he soon dis- tinguished himself by his wit and learning, and gave early proofs of his poetical talents. In 16S7, he made his first essay in con- troversial vTiting, and shewed himself an able and strenuous advocate for the Protestant religion. In 1691 he took holy orders, and was elected in the same year Lecturer of St. Bride’s, London, and Preacher of Bridewell Chap>el. Upon the accession of Queen Anne, in 1702, Dr. Atterburj was appointed one of her Majesty’s Chaplains in Ordinary; and in 1704 was advanced to the Deanery of Carlisle. In 1713, at the recommendation of Lord Chancellor Harcourt, the Queen promoted him to the Bishopric of Rochester. In 1722, Dr. Atterbury, on suspicion of being concerned in a plot in favour of the Pretender, was apprehended and committed W the Tower. Shortly afterwards he was condemned to