Before concluding this account of the Chapel I must notice the Birkhead family, with whom it was so many years connected. They appear to have held considerable property in the hamlet, but I have not been able to trace their history, other than what the following extracts from the registers inform us:—
1672 May 28th. “Nicholas Birkhead and Susan Robinson, married by Dr. Littleton.”
This, doubtless, was the “gouldsmith” who “rebuilte” the chapel: Dr. Littleton was rector of Chelsea, and celebrated for his Dictionary and other literary productions.
1678. Nicholas ye son of Nicholas Birkhead, junior, by Susanna his wife, bapt. Aprill 30th 1678: in the parish of Buttolphe’s, Aldersgate, London.
This relates evidently to the same person: the other notices are as follow:—
1688 July 1. John Clements and Eliz. Birkhead.
1689 Aug 20. Edward Nowell and Eliz. Birkhead.
1693 April 27. Thomas Rouse and Hester Birkhead.
1694 July 15. Richard Wright and Eliz. Birkhead.
1694 Aug 27. James Birkhead, Joyner, of St. Andrews, Holborn; and Anne Jinks, spinster of St. Giles’ in ye fields.