In 1650, it was reported to the Commissioners appointed by the Parliament, that the parsonage-house of Chelsea, with twenty acres of glebe, belonging to the same, were valued at £60 per annum, and the tithes worth £60 more.
The Rectory House, situated in Church Street, is very plain as regards its exterior appearance. The grounds are enclosed by a wall, and there are carriage entrances to the house. The interior is commodious, but scarcely adequate to the requirements of a large establishment in the present day.
In the south and north portions of the ground there are a great number of memorial stones, and a few brick vaults. That portion, situated at the north-eastern division, near to Bond Street and Marlborough Square, the ground of which is raised above the general surface, may be considered almost as one huge grave, containing a mass of interments. It was originally called “The Poor Ground,” on account of its being devoted exclusively for those who were buried at the expense of the parish. It would display much good feeling and sympathy, if some simple but appropriate record was placed there. It might be done by subscription, should there be no funds available for such a purpose.
With respect to the numerous inscriptions, it would be impossible, as already stated, to notice more than a very few of them, and they contain generally only the name and age of the person interred. And, after all, we may say with the poet,
“The best concerted schemes men lay for fame, Die fast away; only themselves die faster. The far-famed sculptor and the laurelled bard, Those bold insurancers of deathless fame, Supply their little feeble aids in vain.”
William Jones, Esq., aged 83, resided in Manor Street, Cheyne Walk. He was a good Hebrew and Greek scholar, but it is in the character of a naturalist that he must be principally regarded, Mr. Jones having painted from nature about 1,500 species of butterflies in a most masterly manner, and not only painted but arranged and characterized them in Latin.
Matthew Yatman, Esq., of Lindsey Row, died in 1814; he was a most accomplished gentleman.
Signor Carlo Rovedino, an Italian, died in this parish Oct. 6, 1822, aged 71; he was well known on the continent and in this country as a bass singer.