Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times

by George Bryan

RECTORS AT THE NEW ST. LUKE’S CHURCH.

In the account of the Old Church a list of the Rectors connected with that ancient edifice was given, we will now refer to those since the completion of the new Parish Church.

The Hon. and Rev. G. V. Wellesley, D.D., who had been for many years previously Rector, was a brother of the Duke of Wellington, “the great hero of many a hard-fought battle.” Making a deduction for some slight difference in the corporeal appearance of them, there was a great resemblance of features, and in quickness of conception, correctness of judgment, and general determination of character, there was an astonishing similarity. Dr. Wellesley was quick in forming his conclusions, and appeared at times to be somewhat hasty, but generally it would be found that his views were founded on truth and justice. This remark applies more especially to the part he took as chairman of many of the “open vestry” parish meetings, at which there was frequently much contention. It was admitted, however, by those who were at times opposed to his views that his conduct was impartial and conciliatory, and the natural result was that he gained the respect of all classes of the ratepayers, and thus allayed much of that asperity of feeling which is too often manifested by contending parties.

Dr. Wellesley’s appointment of the Rev. Henry Blunt, M.A., then a young clergyman who had gained the esteem of a large portion of the parishioners, as Morning Preacher and Senior Curate, gave great satisfaction, and, as presently will be seen, shewed the correct opinion he had entertained of Mr. Blunt’s piety, zeal, and qualifications to discharge the sacred duties he had so wisely entrusted to him. Dr. Wellesley, after some years had elapsed, resigned, and died at Bishopwearmouth, at an advanced age.

Some few particulars respecting the Rev. H. Blunt may here be very appropriately mentioned. The following opinion of him, as a preacher, given by an avowed infidel, will convey a tolerably good idea of his impressive manner of delivery. I will give it as nearly as possible in the individual’s own words. “I went,” said he, “to your place yesterday, (meaning the church,) and if ever I go again anywhere it shall be to hear Mr. Blunt. I went in and meant to come out shortly, but I had no sooner looked at him than his keen eyes seemed fixed on mine, and as he appeared so sincere in what he said, I remained till he had finished. He certainly was most persuasive, and it spoilt my dinner.” This was afterwards mentioned to Mr. Blunt, who smiled, and said, “I hope there were many others who went home to their dinners equally impressed.”

When Trinity Church, Sloane Street, was completed, the Rev. Mr. Blunt became the Incumbent (the parish at that time was not as at present divided into ecclesiastical divisions). Here he was again greatly beloved by his large congregation, including both rich and poor. Some years afterwards he accepted the Rectory of Streatham, Surrey, where he at length died, as much esteemed by the inhabitants there, as he had been previously at Chelsea. Mr. Blunt was the chief founder of the first Benevolent Society established in this parish, in 1829, entitled the Chelsea Relief Association, and principally through his exertions no less a sum than £163 was collected within a very short period. Hence arose other similar societies, whose benevolent objects are well deserving of support. The Infant School, in Markham Street, might be considered as Mr. Blunt’s cherished offspring, and the National Schools at all times were regarded by him with feelings of deep regard.

The Rev. Mr. Lockwood, M.A., succeeded the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Wellesley, as rector, and manifested great interest in promoting the welfare of the parish, but after a comparatively short period he resigned.

The Rev. Charles Kingsley, M.A., next became Rector, and continued as such for many years. He was but seldom absent from the parish, and exhibited on all occasions a kind and benevolent disposition. He died in the year 1860, aged 78. Mrs. Kingsley was very active in establishing the Rectory Girls’ School, and in promoting a variety of charities to aid the poor.

The Rev. G. A. Blunt, M.A., (son of the late Rev. H. Blunt,) succeeded Mr. Kingsley, and is the present Rector. He has evinced the greatest desire to promote the religious, moral, and intellectual advancement of the working classes, and takes a deep interest in promoting the Parochial National and Infant Schools, &c. There is one charitable society, of such a humane and practical character, that it deserves to be specially noticed. It is called “The Sick Kitchen.” In a printed “Letter addressed to the Congregation and Parishioners of St. Luke’s, Chelsea,” 1869, Mr. Blunt states that it is “carried on in a building erected for the purpose in 1861, in the Rectory Garden. Its object is to provide nutritious dinners for the poor who are recovering from sickness. It is supported by voluntary contributions, the early Communion alms, and half the contents of the church boxes at St. Luke’s. An average of thirty poor people are thus supplied daily for nine months in the year. There is no charge made, the orders being given by the Curates and District Visitors, among the cases they visit. The dinners consist of roast meat three times a week, soup, puddings, &c., on the alternate days; beef tea daily.”

The advowson anciently belonged, as already stated, to the Abbot and Convent of Westminster, till they exchanged it, 17th July, 28 Henry VIII., together with their manors of Neyte and Hyde, with the king, for the priory of Hurley. It continued in the possession of the Crown till Queen Elizabeth, by letters patent, dated July 3rd, second year of her reign, demised to Ann, Duchess of Somerset, the advowson of the parish church and rectory for her life, the reversion to the Queen. After the death of the duchess it was granted to the Earl of Nottingham and his Countess for three lives. King Charles I. granted the advowson, with the manor, to James Duke of Hamilton, and in the next reign Charles Cheyne, Esq., purchased the manor, to which the rectory has ever since been annexed.

In the year 1327, 1st of Edward III., the rectory was rated at thirteen marks, and in the king’s books at £13 6s. 8d., and the yearly tenths £1 6s. 8d.

Among Dr. King’s original papers is the following account of the rectory: “The ancient parsonage-house, with 14 acres and 22 perches of land, stood west of the Duke of Beaufort’s, then the Marquis of Winchester’s. In lieu of which, upon an exchange, the present house, and land about it, was given to the rectory for ever, by the consent of the Queen, the then patron, Dr. Edmund Grindall, Bishop of London, and Robt. Richardson, Rector of Chelsea, who conveyed the old house and land to the Marquis by writing, bearing date May 3, 1566.”

In 1650, it was reported to the Commissioners appointed by the Parliament, that the parsonage-house of Chelsea, with twenty acres of glebe, belonging to the same, were valued at £60 per annum, and the tithes worth £60 more.

The Rectory House, situated in Church Street, is very plain as regards its exterior appearance. The grounds are enclosed by a wall, and there are carriage entrances to the house. The interior is commodious, but scarcely adequate to the requirements of a large establishment in the present day.