MARLBOROUGH CHAPEL.
The old saying, “Where there is a will there is a way,” was never more clearly exemplified than in the erection of this chapel, which occupies the northern corner of Marlborough Square, and fully warrants the inscription engraven on its summit, “This is the Lord’s doing, it is marvellous in our eyes.” The necessity of having a place of worship in the Methodist connexion had long been felt by many in the neighbourhood, and a room was consequently taken in Pond Place, but as it proved unsuitable for the purpose, Mr. Cripps, of Keppel Street, was induced to open his large workshop for a Thursday evening service, and having obtained a minister from the Hinde Street Circuit to preach the first sermon, was amply repaid for his kindness by a very crowded and attentive congregation. Mr. Hunt, an active and zealous member, commenced a class on the following Sunday afternoon, which increased so rapidly as to make him extremely anxious for the purchase of a spot of ground for a chapel, and after many disappointments, and much discouragement, succeeded in obtaining the present site. The difficulty of raising funds for its erection was a subject of great moment, but, on communicating with many friends, their offers of assistance were so numerous, and accompanied with such generosity, that all doubt as to the result was at once removed. In a few weeks promises were made, and fulfilled, of all kinds of materials for its erection, both externally and internally, and, aided by the gratuitous labours of many devoted followers, was completed and opened July 30, 1849, about five months from its commencement. It is a neat and commodious structure, and will hold about 400 persons. It has lately undergone several alterations and improvements. There is an excellent Sunday School attached to the chapel, at which there is an average attendance of nearly 300 children.
The Brompton District Letter Sorting Post Office is situated nearly opposite to the northern side of St. Luke’s Cemetery. It was erected a few years ago, and is well adapted and arranged for the intended purposes.
Near to Sydney Street, and to the north of St. Luke’s Church, was formerly situated a solitary small house, known as Cock’s Hall. It was said to have been built by Captain Cock, a petty officer in the Royal Hospital. On a stone in the front of it was an inscription, “Built in 1710, rebuilt in 1767.”
Dr. Biber, author of “The Life of Pestalozzi,” and editor of the John Bull newspaper, resided for some time in Sydney Street, as did also Thomas Wright, Esq., the antiquary and historical writer.
Henry Warren, Esq., President of the New Society of Water Colour Painters, resided for some time opposite St. Luke’s Church, and at a subsequent period at the corner of Church Street, which house has been recently pulled down.
From the periodical publications of the time, and from other sources, it appears the following persons have resided in this parish at various periods:—
Robert Ratcliffe, the first Earl of Sussex of that family, and Lord High Chamberlain of England, died at his palace at Chelsea, November 26, 1542.
Robert Viscount Fitzwalter was created Earl of Sussex by Henry VIII. in 1527. He married first, Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Stafford, Duke of Buckingham; secondly, Margaret, daughter of Thomas, Earl of Derby; thirdly, Mary, daughter of Sir John Arundel.
John Pym, a distinguished Member of the House of Commons, resided at Chelsea for several years. [218] He was Member for Tavistock, and was a remarkable instance of what wonders, strength of parts, and force of eloquence, could effect. His influence was superior to authority, but by many he was thought to have made a very bad use of power; his intent was to reform, not to abolish the Government; and yet he was a principal engine in bringing about a revolution, which he never intended, and which he did not live to see; he died December 8, 1643. His excessive application to public affairs is supposed to have hastened his death. “He was a man,” says Hume, “as much hated by one party as respected by the other. At London, he was considered as the victim of national liberty, who had abridged his life by incessant labours for the interest of his country. At Oxford, he was believed to have been struck with an uncommon disease, and to have been consumed with vermin, as a mark of Divine vengeance for his multiplied crimes and treasons. He had been so little studious of improving his private fortune in those civil wars, of which he had been one principal author, that the Parliament thought themselves obliged from gratitude to pay the debts which he had contracted.”
Count D’Estrades, who came to England to negociate the sale of Dunkirk, as ambassador from Lewis XIV., resided at Chelsea during the years 1661 and 1662. This fact appears by the dates of his letters, of which a translation appeared in 1755. He had his first audience of his Majesty King Charles II. on the 27th of July of the former year. It was usual for the Foreign Ambassadors at that time to make their public entry from the Tower of London, but on this occasion the King sent his own coaches to Chelsea, to carry the Ambassador, and the Count was accompanied by the equipages of the whole of the diplomatic corps at that time in London.
Count D’Estrades was invited by letters from the Chancellor himself, in order to conclude the bargain; £900,000 were demanded, £100,000 were offered. By degrees the English lowered their demands, and the French raised their offers. The bargain was concluded at £400,000.
Sir Robert Atkyns, either Chief Baron of the Exchequer, or his son, the historian of Gloucestershire, appears by the Parish Books to have resided in Chelsea in 1684.
Sir Robert Atkyns, K.B., was Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer under William III., which office he held with distinguished ability and integrity. This gentleman, by his influence, promoted the Revolution, and by his pen defended it in tracts replete with legal knowledge.
The Hon. Colonel Rieutort died at his house, Chelsea, on the 24th January, 1725–6, in his 66th year. He was born of a good family, at Montpelier, in France, where he early bore arms; and, having left his native country, on account of the Protestant religion, he attended William III. in the wars of Ireland. He afterwards served the Crown of Great Britain in Piedmont; and in 1703 assisted Count de Frise in the vigorous defence of Landau, then besieged by the French. In 1704, he went into Portugal with the Earl of Galway, who sent him to the relief of the Prince of Hesse, then closely beset in Gibraltar, where he contributed very much to the preservation of that important place. He was interred in Chelsea Church.