Near to the Botanic Garden, in front of the river, stood a capital mansion, erected in the reign of Queen Anne, which was for many years inhabited by Mrs. Banks, the mother of Sir Joseph Banks.
CHRIST CHURCH.
This Church was consecrated on the 26th of June, 1839. It stands on a piece of ground for many years previously a market garden, and is situated in Paradise Street, Queen’s Road West. The exterior is particularly plain, and would admit of great improvements were there funds available for such a purpose. The interior will probably seat about 1000 persons. On the opposite side of the street there are neatly-designed schoolrooms, in which the children belonging to the National, Infant, and Sunday Schools assemble for instruction. Each of these schools is very well attended. The residents in a great portion of the immediate locality are poor, and consequently the most strenuous efforts are necessary to raise sufficient funds to meet the expenditure.
The Rev. W. H. Howard, M.A., was the first Incumbent of the Church, and was much esteemed. He was a kind-hearted clergyman, and made every effort in his power to promote the spiritual and temporal welfare of the numerous poor in his district. He resigned in 1845.
The Rev. W. W. Robinson, M.A., was, as is well known, most zealous in his exertions to accomplish the same great object. He was likewise a most strenuous supporter and advocate of Total Abstinence Societies from all intoxicating liquors.
The Rev. G. S. Whitlock, M.A., succeeded Mr. Robinson. He displays an untiring zeal in the discharge of his sacred duties, and there are gratifying testimonies to prove that his ministerial labours have been blessed. Under his energetic administration of affairs a large amount of voluntary subscriptions have been collected, and many important improvements in the interior of the Church have been effected, and should he be spared to the District, no doubt the exterior will soon likewise have a more imposing appearance.
Gough House was erected at the commencement of the last century by John, third Earl of Carberry. He died in his coach, as he was returning from London to this house in 1713, and was interred in Westminster Abbey. After his death the house and premises were in possession of the Gough family, several of whom resided here. Sir Richard Gough was a merchant in London; he died in 1727. Sir Henry Gough took the name of Calthorpe, in compliance with the will of his uncle, Sir Henry Calthorpe, K.B., and was created a peer, in 1796, by the title of Baron Calthorpe.
The house was at length occupied by Mrs. Pemberton, who conducted an establishment for the education of young ladies for many years. The Rev. Richard Wilson, D.D., subsequently resided in it for a considerable period. At the present time the approach to this old mansion presents a melancholy contrast to what it was in former days.
Gough House is now the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, established in 1866. The frontage is otherwise occupied, and consequently the originally attractive appearance is entirely destroyed. The youthful patients come from all parts of the metropolis, and several from the country. The objects of the institution are as follow:—
1. The treatment, as in-patients, of children between the ages of two and twelve years.