John Martin, R.A., K.L., so well known for those grandly-conceived and sublime compositions, “Joshua commanding the Sun to stand Still,” “The Fall of Nineveh,” “The Last Judgment,” &c., also resided in Lindsey Row for some years. The late Prince Consort was a frequent visitor to his Studio, and it is a pleasing fact to record that Mr. Martin kindly permitted the neighbouring inhabitants, and others, to have access occasionally to it, accompanied by an attendant, during his absence from home. He died, as will be remembered, not many years since.
Timothy Bramah, Esq., a distinguished engineer, likewise occupied a house in Lindsey Row, for some years. The family was always greatly respected, and a member of it still resides in a house near the one where Mr. Bramah resided. The “Bramah Lock” at once denotes the celebrity of the firm.
The Rev. James Hutchins, M.A., who succeeded his father, the Rev. John Hutchins, as Evening Lecturer at the Old Church, resided for some years at a house at the western corner of Milman’s Row, fronting the river. Mr. Hutchins, the son, was also Evening Lecturer at the new St. Luke’s Church for several years. The Lecturer was remunerated by voluntary contributions, chiefly, collected from the inhabitants throughout the parish, the average amount altogether being about £60 per annum.
Milman’s Row, which nearly adjoins Lindsey Row, and which might now with great propriety be called Milman Street, leads to the King’s Road. It derives its name from Sir William Milman, who died in 1713, the estate having been for some years in his possession. The ancient parsonage-house and grounds, which were exchanged by the Rector in 1566, with the Marquis of Winchester, for the present Rectory, stood upon this spot. Strewan House, which is on the western side of Milman’s Row, has been occupied at different periods by many highly-respectable families. It is now in the possession of George Berry, Esq.
The foundry, which belonged to a person of the name of Janeway, was situated near World’s End Passage. It was very extensive, and here the old bells of the Church were re-cast in 1759. Riley Street, which stands on part of the foundry ground, was built principally in 1790.
Patrick Gibson, aged 111 years, lived in a house near the old World’s End Tavern. For many years this remarkable man was a purser in the navy, in the reign of George III., and on all occasions he was invariably found in the thick of the battle, fighting with the most determined bravery. He assisted in conveying General Wolfe off the field, and served under Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar. William IV., when Duke of Clarence, visited him at Chelsea, and took great interest in his affairs. He resided in the parish 20 years, and died in 1832, at the remarkable age of 111 years, which was proved to be correct from official dates and by particular events. An exceedingly striking portrait of Patrick Gibson, by McNaughten, adorns the walls of Greenwich Hospital.
The World’s-End Tavern was a noted house of entertainment in the reign of Charles II.; the tea-gardens and grounds were extensive, and elegantly fitted up for the reception of company. The origin of the sign of the house is uncertain. It was probably so named on account of its then considered distance from London, and the bad and dangerous state of the roads or pathways to it. Most of the visitors came in pleasure boats along the Thames. This ancient tavern is particularly mentioned in Congreve’s comedy of “Love for Love,” in a dialogue between Mrs. Foresight and Mrs. Frail, in which the former accuses the latter of having been seen at the “World’s End.”
Mrs. Foresight.—I suppose you would not go alone to the World’s End?
Mrs. Frail.—The World’s End! what, do you mean to banter me?
Mrs. Foresight.—Poor innocent! you don’t know that there is a place called the World’s End. I declare you can keep your countenance—surely you’ll make an admirable player.
Mrs. Frail.—I declare you have a great deal of impudence, and, in my mind, too much for the stage..
Mrs. Foresight.—Very well, that will appear who has most. You never were at the Word’s End?
Mrs. Frail.—No.
Mrs. Foresight.—You deny it positively to my face?
Mrs. Frail.—Your face, what’s your face?
Mrs. Foresight.—No matter for that, it is as good a face as yours.
Mrs. Frail.—Not by a dozen years wearing. But I do deny it, positively, to your face, then.
Mrs. Foresight.—I’ll allow you now to find fault with my face; for I declare your impudence has put me out of countenance. But look you here now; where did you lose this gold bodkin? Oh, sister! oh, sister!
Mrs. Frail.—My bodkin!
Mrs. Foresight.—Nay, it is yours—look at it.
Mrs. Frail.—Well, if you go to that, where did you find this bodkin? Oh, sister! sister! sister every way!
Mrs. Foresight.—Oh! bother on’t that I could not discover her without betraying myself. (Aside.)
Joseph Mallard W. Turner, Esq., R.A., resided for some time in a small house directly facing the Thames, in the road leading to Cremorne, where he died in 1851. No doubt he selected this spot on account of the attractive scenery on the river, and the fine view of some parts of Surrey, as also to enjoy for a time the benefits arising from a more secluded life. At the age of thirty years, Mr. Turner was recognised as the first landscape painter of the day. For a period of sixty years he contributed to every exhibition of the Royal Academy, sending in all 259 pictures. For many years he refused to part with some of the choicest specimens of his art, and after his death it was found that he had left those to the English nation, together with a great number of drawings and engravings. Mr. Turner, while residing here, lived in almost entire seclusion. He would not see any person, excepting a few very intimate friends, and, in fact, was extremely anxious not to be recognized. This inclination, at the close of his life, was very natural. The world is indebted to him for his productions, and Chelsea is proud to add his name to its list of distinguished residents.
The roadway in front of the house occupied by Mr. Turner, and along the front of that part of the river, has been considerably widened, and now presents a well-formed embankment. A handsome terrace has been erected, besides a number of houses on the adjoining ground.