SIR HENRY WRIGHT WILSON AND THE POOR CARPENTER.—The following anecdote will no doubt amuse many readers. Sir Henry’s establishment was large, and he had been accustomed to employ at times a jobbing carpenter, who had at one period been in better circumstances. This person had received specific instructions to do certain work, which required a little trifling assistance, such as to help him to remove something which stood in the way, and which the carpenter could not possibly do without temporary aid. He asked several of the grooms and others to assist, but they all made frivolous excuses, and consequently the work was not done by the appointed time. When Sir Henry returned home he noticed that his orders had been neglected, and, on ascertaining the particulars, without making any remarks, he quietly entered the house. The next morning, however, he gave instructions for his carriage with four horses to be immediately got ready. He then sent for the carpenter, and after a short time the carriage was at the entrance door, when, to the great surprise of the servants, he desired him to take a seat in it. Sir Henry then mounted his horse, and, notwithstanding the dirty state of the roads, took them through Fulham, over Putney Bridge, round by Wandsworth and Battersea, back to Chelsea. On their return he insisted that the horses and carriage should be immediately cleaned, or else to be dismissed from his service. Sir Henry being esteemed a good master they preferred obedience, and it was said that although the carpenter was afterwards subject to an occasional jeer, he never had again to complain of their conduct towards him.
QUEEN’S ELM.—This is situated at the top of Upper Church Street, but the spot for some time past seems to be merged into the Fulham Road, and is either so called, or else it is described as being near to it. The original name, Queen’s Elm, which it is to be hoped will still be retained, is said traditionally to have derived its origin from the following circumstance. Queen Elizabeth was walking out with the great Lord Burleigh, and being overtaken with a heavy shower of rain, took shelter under an elm tree growing on this spot. After the shower was over, she said, “Let this henceforth be called the Queen’s Tree.” This tradition is remarkably confirmed, as will be seen by the following extract:—“It appears by the Church Book, beginning 1586, and in the 28th Elizabeth, that the tree at the end of the Duke’s Walk is in Chelsea parish called the Queen’s Tree; and that there was an arbour built round it by one Bostocke, at the charge of the parish.”