The local government of part of Knightsbridge and Belgravia was formerly undertaken by a Board of Trustees chosen by authority of an Act of Parliament passed in 1829. This was one of the local measures swept away by the general Act of Sir B. Hall; and now the Knightsbridge ward (extending to Ebury Street) returns twenty-seven members to the vestry of St. George, as constituted by his bill. The other parts of the hamlet were under control from various bodies deriving authority under several Acts of Parliament, but now belong to wards of the parishes in which they are situated. The bill passed by Sir B. Hall, though perhaps not all that could be desired, is yet calculated to effect an immense improvement over the old system, which in this locality, conflicting with other interests and regulations, worked but poorly. Many of the improvements and alterations, appearing in themselves to be but trifling, yet, when looked at in the aggregate, are of great benefit and importance, were effected by the energy of individuals instead of the action of the local board. One instance will suffice. The footway between the Spring Gate and Hyde Park Corner remained a gravel walk, which in winter time became mere slush, until some of the inhabitants at length caused the Government to pave it in 1854; and even the “crossing” from the Spring Gate to St. George’s Place was paid for by Mr. Westerton and one or two other inhabitants.
In politics, in the days of Burdett, the Knightsbridgites were generally Radicals of the first water. Burdett was in every respect their man. He and Hobhouse once started on their “chairing” from the house at the corner of Sloane Street.
The right of voting for representatives is not the only privilege the inhabitants of the hamlet enjoy. Those who are in the All Saints District are qualified for all the numerous hospitals and charities in the parish of St. Margaret’s, which are among the best and most liberal in the metropolis.
The Government having decided on erecting at the “Gore” museums and galleries for our National Collections, it is only reasonable to believe that such will result in a thorough revolution in the locality. Such has already taken place at the Gore and Brompton, and it behoves those who have the local management in their hands to render the neighbourhood a fit one for such establishments. The improvement of its approaches should, above all things, be considered; and in the main street of our hamlet there is yet, unluckily, too much room for improvement. It would be a worthy entrance to the capital of the kingdom, if the many abominations now offending the eye could be removed; and it is doubtful if there is any valid reason for not setting to at the work right earnestly. If the Park could be thrown open all the way from Apsley House to the Chapel (for it is hopeless to expect the removal of the vulgar monsters at Albert Gate), and again continued to include the Barracks, such would render the roadway the most beautiful and fine in every way; would add to its healthiness by allowing the free air to circulate, and ultimately prove to be of the most lasting benefit to the community. But if in course of time the present buildings are but to make way for others, it will not only perpetuate a nuisance, but a disgrace. [273]
I believe I have now noticed all that (in accordance with my plan) requires illustration from me. I therefore close the subject, and trust the reader will say “Farewell” to it with a spirit of satisfaction; that at least in some respect amusement has been afforded and instruction gained; and that the time spent in perusing these pages will not, in the end, have been considered unprofitably employed. Good reader, farewell!
APPENDICES.
APPENDIX I.
KNIGHTSBRIDGE A FAMILY NAME.
In the Issue Roll of the Exchequer, edited by Frederick Devon, are several payments in the 43rd Henry III. to Henry de Knythebrig, Nicholas de Eye, and others, carpenters employed at the King’s Palace. A Richard Knightsbridge was rector of Sheatham in 1640; and the name, though rarely, may still occasionally be met with.
APPENDIX II.
THE CROMWELL TRADITION.
Until the year 1853 there stood a curious and lonely mansion in the Brompton Lanes known as Cromwell House. The original name was Hale House, but it was never called by it within the memory of any now living. There are one or two versions of the story attached to this old house printed; but they do not entirely agree with that which I have always heard—to the effect, that on some occasion Cromwell’s troop was quartered at Knightsbridge; and he one day venturing to stray among the lanes of Brompton, was met by some cavaliers who knew him, and pursued him to this house, where he was sheltered till assistance arrived from Knightsbridge and liberated him. And a confirmation was presumed to exist in the inscription on the inn’s front at Knightsbridge that Oliver’s bodyguard was once quartered there, and that it was once his “posting-house.”