Dr. Smollett returned to England, but afterwards went back to Italy, where he died in 1771.
The old Chelsea Stage Coaches started from Lawrence Street and Church Street, between which places there were extensive stabling, and a residence for the proprietor in the centre of the yard. The fare for inside passengers was 1s. 6d., outside 1s., and no intermediate fare at a lower sum was taken. Thanks to the General Omnibus Company, to the Steamboat, and the Railway Companies, we can now go to almost the extremity of London for 6d. and a shorter distance for 3d.
Lordship Place takes its name from having been the site of the barns, &c., of the Lord of the Manor. It is a short street, near the river, connecting Lawrence Street with Cheyne Row. In the early Parish Registers occur many lamentable details of poor people being found dead in these barns, where they had taken refuge from the inclemency of the weather.
Cheyne Row was built in 1708, and was named after the Lord of the Manor.
John Denver, Esq., resided in Cheyne Row for the last twenty years of his life. He devoted his time to study, and the forming of a collection of early printed Bibles, manuscripts, and missals, which was at last one of the most valuable in England. His daughter, Miss Denyer, was very clever in painting and illuminating on vellum, &c. Her drawings and miniatures were equal to the finest specimens of the middle ages. Mr. Denyer died at the age of 71, and was buried in the Old Church, and his affectionate daughter was also interred near her father and mother. This family was distinguished for their benevolence to the poor.
In Cheyne Row, within my recollection, many old and influential families have resided there, who were greatly respected. Amongst them may be mentioned Edmund Chalmers, Esq., Thomas Chalmers, Esq., John Hulme, Esq., Edward Holl, Esq., the benevolent Mrs. Hebert, Richard Draper, Esq., George Blyth, Esq., and Isaac Wrentmore, Esq.
Thomas Carlyle, Esq., who is so well-known in literary and other distinguished circles, and who is certainly one of the most profound writers of the present age, has resided in Cheyne Row for a great many years. The University of Edinburgh, last year, conferred on him the highest honour it could bestow. His habits of life at Chelsea are naturally secluded, but he is nevertheless greatly respected by those who have an opportunity of acquiring a knowledge of his social worth. Mr. Carlyle begins now to bend with age, although apparently in tolerable health, and, notwithstanding his recent severe bereavement, not a cloud seems to dim the vigour of his intellectual faculties.
In Upper Cheyne Row there was formerly a manufactory for melting gold and silver in crucibles, which was said to produce the best articles of the kind in England.
Cook’s Grounds was formerly a back way to Alston House, Cheyne Walk.
Cook’s Ground Chapel was originally built for the use of the French Protestants, who had taken refuge in this country after the revocation of the edict of Nantes, in the year 1685. Several French gardeners settled upon this spot, and the Rev. Dr. King, the rector, mentions them in terms of great kindness, and strongly recommends them to the protection of his successors. The chapel was for many years in the Independent Connexion. The Rev. Benjamin Fielder, in 1773, succeeded the Rev. Mr. Trail, and died in 1803. His death was very affecting; he had seated himself in the pulpit, and, after a hymn had been sung, he was observed with his head reclining, and without any signs of life. He was immediately removed, but never spoke afterwards. The Rev. John Bunce, who was well known and respected in Chelsea, was minister at this chapel for many years, and subsequently Dr. Tracey, Mr. Webb, and at the present time Mr. Hayward.