The last of the Dukes of Gordon died at his residence here, May 28th, 1836, aged 66; and Mr. Scrope, last male of a family illustrious in our historic annals, lived at No. 13. He was author of “Days of Deer Stalking,” published in 1839; and “Days and Nights of Salmon Fishing,” published in 1843. Mr. Scrope died in Belgrave Square, July 20th, 1852, in the 81st year of his age. His son-in-law, Mr. Poulett Scrope, M.P., and author of the “History of Castle Combe,” soon after quitted this mansion for one at Prince’s Gate.
Chapel Street, so named from the Chapel attached to the Lock Hospital, which abutted on it, was completed about 1811. Legh Richmond, while Chaplain of the Lock, resided in this street. Writing to his wife, he says, “It is surrounded by fields, has a very pleasing prospect, charming air, great retirement and quietness, with a little garden, a remarkably neat exterior, and as neat and comfortable an interior.” Nor was he the only one who found in Chapel Street a comfortable and happy home: the celebrated comedian, Gentleman Jones as he is called generally, for many years lived at No. 14. “The very aspect of their rooms is exhilarating,” writes Lady Chatterton, “though small, and furnished without any show or expense. A vine which grows at the back of the house, half conceals the windows with its luxuriant branches; and some fresh flowers in the rooms are fit emblems of those who reared them.” [227]
Mr. Jones acquired fame both as an actor and author, but in his later years employed himself as a teacher of elocution. He died in Chapel Street, and lies buried in St. Peter’s vaults. A marble tablet to his memory, at the entrance to the Church, bears the following inscription:—
“Beneath rest the mortal remains of Richard Jones, for more than forty years in public life, a dramatic performer, he was admired; as in private life respected as a teacher of elocution, he was a public Benefactor. As a Christian and a Man his conduct was exemplary. He died 20th of August, 1851, aged 72. Here also repose the remains of Sarah, his wife. She died 18th of June, 1850, aged 71. And Eliza Jane his sister, who died 29th November, 1828, aged 40.”
General Sir W. K. Grant, one of the eight British officers who saved the Emperor of Germany from capture, on the plains of Cambresis, in 1794, and who otherwise saw severe service in the last great war, died in 1852, at his residence, No, 24, Chapel Street. At her residence, in this street, also died, in March, 1818, the Hon. Miss Hawke, author of a poem on the “Fall of Babylon.”
Chesham Place, the freehold of which belongs to the Lowndes family, is so named from their seat in Buckinghamshire. No. 37 is the well known residence of Lord John Russell, and No. 35 was Sir Charles Wood’s. To Chesham Place the Russian Embassy was removed in 1852.
Chesham Street.—Henry Parish, Esq., of diplomatic celebrity, resided at No. 7.
Chester Street.—At No. 13, the residence of Lady Gipps, died Dr. Broughton, the first Bishop of Sydney. The Right Hon. Frederick Shaw lived at No. 5, and Colonel Sibthorpe at 27; at No. 7 resides Dr. W. V. Pettigrew,
“Whose sympathetic mind
Delights in all the good of all mankind.”
Mr. Hurlstone and Miss Shirreff are also residents in Chester Street.