Category: History - British
In my early recollection Chelsea had many industries characteristic of the village, which have entirely passed away. The only conveyance--a two-horse stage coach, called the "Village Clock"--used to run from the Cross Keys, in Lawrence Street, twice a day, for one shilling to...
In my early recollection Chelsea had many industries characteristic of the village, which have entirely passed away. The only conveyance--a two-horse stage coach, called the "Vi...
11. CHAPTER 11.--On the Downs.At eleven I turned down a lane about a mile before you get to the town, and over a stile and through corn-fields by a path that brought you to the Downs. At the bottom of the hi...
10. CHAPTER 10.--A Boy's Tramp by Road to Epsom, on Derby Day, 1837.At that time it was a difficulty to get to Epsom any other way than tramping it, as there was no railway, and the lowest fare was ten shillings, coach or van, and, being anxious...
5. CHAPTER 5.--Old-time Chelsea.It was a grand sight on the first of May to see the four-horse mail coaches pass along Knightsbridge at eight in the evening. As many as fourteen would pass all in their new liv...
6. CHAPTER 6.--Public Gardens.The first public garden that I recollect, long before Cremorne, was the Manor House in the King's Road, between Little's Nursery and Shawfield Street, where Radnor Street and th...
3. CHAPTER 3.--Entertainments and Sports.Entertainment or amusement in Chelsea was very poor, as there was no room or place for the purpose. The only one I can recollect was when a professor of mesmerism and clairvoyan...
2. CHAPTER 2.--Schoolboy Escapades.In Smith Street, at the corner of Durham Mews, stood Durham House School, a large, square, rambling old building, without any pretence to architectural design, apparently built...
14. CHAPTER 14.--Knightsbridge.At Knightsbridge there used to be a toll collector, but I do not recollect any toll gate. A man used to come out of a gate in the fence to collect it, about where the Bank now s...
9. CHAPTER 9.--An Exciting Experience.I was always fairly successful in getting employment, as I was always ready and willing to earn a few shillings, our circumstances being needy. I recollect sitting at home one S...
4. CHAPTER 4.--Chelsea Notabilities.There were some notable people living in Cheyne Walk in those days. At number three lived Mr. Goss, organist at St. Luke's, afterwards at St. Paul's Cathedral, who was subsequen...
7. CHAPTER 7.--My First Census.The first census that I can recollect, if all the enumerators had the experience I had, must have been a very incomplete and misleading return. I was asked to take a section of...
8. CHAPTER 8.--The London Docks.People had to walk more in those days, as there was no riding to your employment. I know the first employment I obtained was at the London Docks as checker to the landing of goo...
13. CHAPTER 13--Politics on Kennington Common.There appears always to have been a radical element in Chelsea, for a large contingent met on Chelsea Common and marched to Kennington Common to give the Dorsetshire Labourers,...
12. CHAPTER 12.--The First Steamboats.The Morris Dancers at Chelsea on May Day or early in May would pay us a visit, generally consisting of from nine to twelve, all men or lads. They had the appearance of countryme...