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It will not be asserting too much if we say that the Old Parish Church contains more magnificent monuments, to the memories of distinguished individuals, than are to be found in any other church in the metropolis.

Lord Bray.—In the chancel, the most ancient monument is that of Lord Bray, and of his son Lord John Bray. It is an altar-tomb, now much defaced, but was originally ornamented with the effigies in brass of these two noble lords, and with escutcheons of their arms. According to Weever, there was the following inscription in his time:—“Of your charitie pray for the soul of Edmund Bray, knight, Lord Bray, cosin and heire to Sir Reginald Bray, Knight of the Garter.” There is a very long and curious account of the funeral of Lord John Bray in the Herald’s College, 1557.

Sir Thomas More.—Against the south wall of the chancel is the monument of Sir Thomas More, erected according to his own desire, in the year 1532. The tablet on which the inscription is engraved is under a Tudor arch, the cornice of which is ornamented with foliage, and in the centre of it is his crest, viz., a Moor’s head. The spandrils of the arch are ornamented with branches of the vine, and in the midst are his arms and those of his first wife, and on each side are the arms of himself and his two wives. The eventful history of More, and the termination of his earthly career, must be familiar to the reader. After he was beheaded, his body is said by some to have been interred in the church, but others have contended that it was buried in St. Peter’s, in the Tower. There are many legends respecting the head, but Mr. Brayley asserts positively that it was finally deposited in St. Dunstan’s, near Canterbury, and that he saw the head there many years ago. The inscription on the tablet is of considerable length.

The Marquise de Cugnac.—Near the Communion Table, against the south wall, on a square ornamental slab, is an inscription to the memory of Elizabeth, the wife of the Marquis de Cugnac. As a proof of his unshaken love he erected this monument. She died in 1653, aged 20 years. The marquis was of a Protestant family, famous in the reigns of Henry IV., Lewis XIII. and XIV.

The Sedile.—In the south wall of the chancel, near the altar, was usually placed the “Sedile” a seat for the use of the priest at certain intervals during the celebration of the Mass, but when the church was almost rebuilt, in 1667, this ancient architectural ornament, and many others were removed, and not a vestige of them now remains.

Thomas Hungerford, Esq.—In the upper chancel is the monument of the above-named gentleman, having the effigies of himself and his two sons in armour kneeling on one side of an altar, and his wife and daughter on the other. The entablature is supported by three Corinthian pillars, resting on pedestals.

Rev. John Rush.—On the right of the one above are tablets to the memory of the Rev. John Rush and family. He was Curate of the Parish for a great many years, and when the new Parish Church was completed, Mr. Rush became Minister of the Old Church, and resigned the curacy. He was one of the Directors of the Waterloo Bridge Company, and took a great interest in everything connected with the construction of that bridge. He died in 1855, aged 85, and was buried in the Brompton Cemetery.

Two Daughters of Wilton, the Sculptor.—Against the east wall is a monument, composed of two urns of white marble, to the memory of Lucy Smith and Anne Wilton, two sisters, 1781. Wilton, their father, was the sculptor.

The Original Altar Piece was very plain, formed by an obtuse arch ornamented slightly with foliage, &c. In the centre was painted the Decalogue; while the north side displayed the Camp of Israel, and the south side Moses on the Mount, receiving the two tables of the Law.

Rev. Adam Littleton, D.D.—On a square marble tablet, against the north wall of the lower chancel, is an inscription to the memory of this eminent divine, who was rector of this parish for 24 years. He died in 1694, aged 66.

On the east wall, on plain marble slabs, are inscriptions to the memory of Martha Denyer, who died in 1795, John Denyer, in 1806, and Elizabeth Denyer, in 1824. This family was very benevolent. Amongst a few other inscriptions is one to the memory of Edward Holl, Esq., who was a regular attendant at the church, and much respected. He died in 1823.

Richard Gervoise, Esq.—Between the north aisle and lower chancel is a large monument raised in the form of an arch open at both sides, about 10 ft. in height, ornamented with roses, branches, and fluted carving, erected to the memory of Richard Gervoise, Sheriff of London, who died in 1557, and also in memory of his son.

Baldwin Hamey, M.D.—On a pillar, near the preceding, are inscriptions to the memory of Dr. Baldwin Hamey, Ralph Palmer, Esq., and Alice, his wife. Mr. Palmer was a kind benefactor to the church. He died in 1715.

On the west side of the same pillar is an inscription to the memory of Henry Powell, Esq., who was a great friend to the widow and fatherless.

Colours of the Old Volunteers.—Over the nave are suspended the colours of the two battalions of Queen Charlotte’s Royal Volunteers, which were placed there on the disbandment of the regiment. These banners were presented by her Majesty in 1804, at a time when the country was threatened with invasion. [7] One or two of them are almost in ribbons, but it is to be hoped they will remain untouched in their present position as long as possible. There are still living some few old people in the parish who remember, when boys, marching by the side of these colours with all the heroic consequence of supposed military triumph.

The Pulpit is composed of oak, divided into panels, and ornamented with carved foliage and fruit. There was formerly a massive sounding board to correspond with it, but which was necessarily taken away when the pulpit was judiciously placed in its present central position in the middle aisle.

Having noticed the chancel and nave, we will proceed to that part which is called the Lawrence Chapel, at the north side. This chapel is considered by many to be coeval with the first endowment of the church. It was built by the then Lord of the Manor, whose mansion stood near it, the site of which is now occupied by Lawrence Street, so called after the Lawrence family. The old manor house was pulled down by Henry VIII., who built another in Cheyne Walk, to which allusion will have to be frequently made. The Lawrence chapel was many years ago in the possession of Mr. Offley, who bequeathed it to Colonel Needham, of whom it was bought in the year 1789, with part of the east side of Lawrence Street, to which it is an appendage, by Mr. Lewer. It is still private property.

Thomas Lawrence, Esq.—Against the north wall of this chapel is the monument of the father of Sir John Lawrence, on which are represented himself, his three sons, Elizabeth his wife, and six daughters, all kneeling. On the cushion on which Mrs. Lawrence kneels are two babes, wrapped up close to the chin, with their faces only visible. The cornice is supported by three fluted Corinthian columns. Underneath are the following lines:—

“The yeares wherein I lived were fifty-fower,

October twenty-eight did end my life;

Children five of eleven God left in store,

Sole comfort of they’re mother and my wife.

The world can say what I have been before,

What I am now examples still are rife;

Thus Thomas Lawrence spekes to tymes ensving

That Death is sure, and Tyme is past reneving.”

Sir John Lawrence, Bart.—On a large ornamented tablet of black marble, against the east wall, is an inscription to the memory of Sir John Lawrence, Bart., who died in 1638, aged 50. Attached to it are these quaint lines:—

“When bad men dye and turn to their last sleep,

What stir the poets and engravers keep,

By a feigned skill to pile them up a name,

With terms of Good, and Just, out-lasting fame:

Alas! poor men, such most have need of stone

And epitaphs; the good, indeed, lack none,

Their own true works enough do give of glory

Unto their names, which will survive all story:

Such was the man lies here, who doth partake

Of verse and stone—but ’tis for fashions sake.”

On the same wall is the monument of Sarah Colvile, daughter of Thomas Lawrence, Esq., and wife of Richard Colvile, of Newton, in the Isle of Ely. From small trusses, ornamented with human heads, rise two Doric pillars, with a curved entablature which supports a pediment. The soffit of the cornice is decorated with clouds, stars, and a dove; and on the edge of the cornice is a passage of Scripture (1 Cor. xv. 52). Between the pillars is a half-length figure of a female, wrapped in a winding sheet, with her hands in a supplicating posture, and as rising from the tomb. The inscription states she was the happy mother of eight sons and two daughters. She died in 1631, in the 40th year of her age.

There is also an inscription on the floor of this chapel to the memory of Henry, youngest son of Sir John Lawrence, who died in 1661, aged 30.

Lady Jane Cheyne.—This stately monument is placed against the wall of the north aisle, but before we proceed to give a description of it, we will notice the inscription that was placed at the entrance to the vault of the Cheyne family, at the bottom of the chancel:—

“Charles Cheyne, Esq., Lord of this Manor of Chelsea, which was purchased by the rich dowry of his wife, erected this burial-place for his most excellent wife, the Lady Jane Cheyne, eldest daughter of William Duke of Newcastle, not long deceased, and for his own use, when he shall die. It was consecrated the 3rd day of November, 1669. I beseech thee, Almighty God, that she may quiety rest here till the resurrection of the flesh. Amen.”

The monument consists of a semi-circular temple, the façade supported by two Corinthian columns of Scagliola marble, rising from a plinth and pedestals, with a proper entablature, surmounted by an elliptical pediment, the tympanum of which is ornamented with scroll work and foliage, and the soffit of the upper cornice consists of panels, with rosettes and foliage, and dentals, with pendant guttæ placed alternately. To give the latter a resemblance of their original intention, the base of the pediment was justly decreased in width in the centre. From acrotini at the shoulders rise flaming urns, and in the centre is a richly ornamented cross. In the interior of this temple is a large black sarcophagus, resting on pedestals of Scagliola marble. On this sarcophagus is represented Lady Cheyne, in white marble, lying upon her left side, and reclining upon a tesselated cushion, holding a book; at her feet lies a coronet. This monument was executed by the celebrated Bernini, and cost £500. It is generally considered to be a chef d’œuvre of art. Lady Cheyne died in 1669, aged 48.

On the sarcophagus, under the figure of Lady Jane Cheyne, is an inscription to the memory of Charles Cheyne, Viscount Newhaven, and Lord of the Manor of Chelsea, who was buried in the same vault. He departed this life in 1698, aged 74, being 29 years after Lady Jane Cheyne, his first wife’s death.

Richard Guildford, Esq.—On a marble tablet, near the preceding, is this inscription:—“Richard Guildford, who died 16th Nov. 1680, and also his two wives, Abigail and Elizabeth. He gave to this parish for ever a yearly sum of £10, to be distributed on the 5th of December, the day of his wedding with his wife Elizabeth.”

Henry Raper, Esq.—Near this spot are deposited the remains of this gentleman, who died in 1789, and of his wife Katherine Raper, who died in 1823. This family was greatly respected.

At the west end of the north aisle formerly stood the old font, and in a book case close to it a large folio Bible, Fox’s Book of Martyrs, a folio Common Prayer Book, and the Homilies of the Church of England, each secured with a chain. The books are now placed at the south side of the church, and the present marble font stands at the entrance to the middle aisle.

On the left of the great western entrance is an inscription on a marble tablet to the memory of Mrs. Bayley, who died in 1828, aged 45. This tablet was placed by her uncle, Wilton, the sculptor.

The Ashburnham Bell.—This bell originally in the steeple that was taken down for security in 1815, is now placed in the porch, as a relic of former days. On a board near the bell are recorded the following particulars:—

“This bell was given to the Old Parish Church of Chelsea by the Hon. Wm. Ashburnham in the year 1679. It was a grateful offering on his part to commemorate his escape from drowning in the Thames, into which he had wandered during a dark night of the above year, and from which he was saved by hearing the clock of this church strike the hour of nine. Many changes in the church having taken place since then, and this bell having long remained unused and nearly forgotten, it is here preserved as an interesting Chelsea antiquity, having been removed from the Clock Tower and placed in its present position by order of the Church Trustees, and under the direction of

A. Gerald W. Blunt, M.A., Rector.

R. Henry Davies, B.A., Incumbent of the Church.

T. B. Diplock, M.D., G. W. Richards, } Churchwardens.

March 1862.”

There was another account given of this bell many years ago. It was that the Hon. W Ashburnham was returning home from Lambeth in a boat at night, when almost suddenly there came a dense fog over the river, which prevented him seeing any object whatever. He became alarmed, and allowed the boat to drift for some distance, expecting every moment it would run foul of some barge or craft, and that he would be plunged into the river, when to his great joy he heard Chelsea Church clock strike nine, and, judging from the sound that he was nearly opposite the church, he seized the oars and pulled away as direct as he could towards it, and at length landed safely on shore. It afterwards appeared that had the boat drifted much further it would have been upset, and in all probability Mr. Ashburnham would have met with a watery grave. The family, considering the striking of the clock to have been a most providential means of saving his life, gave the bell, and made certain conditions that it should be rung every evening during the winter months, in case of any future similar event. The sexton paid 5s. to the bell-ringer for attending at nine o’clock, as stated, for the season.

On the right of the western entrance, in the south aisle, is an inscription to the memory of Teak S. Edwards, Esq., F.L.S., who died in 1819, aged 50. “As a faithful delineator of nature few equalled, and none excelled.”

Near to where now the Homilies are placed was originally fixed the monument of Lt.-Col. the Hon. H. Cadogan, executed by Chantrey, a fine specimen of that celebrated sculptor’s chisel. It was removed to the New Parish Church, some years since, and consequently it must be noticed in the account of that beautiful architectural edifice.

Lord and Lady Dacre.—This is one of the most magnificent monuments that can be found in any parish church in London, and my only surprise is that so few of the inhabitants of the parish, comparatively, have inspected it. It stands against the wall of the south aisle, and was erected to the memory of Gregory, Lord Dacre, and Anne, his wife. They are represented in white marble, lying on a sarcophagus, under an arch supported by marble pillars of the Corinthian order. Lord Dacre is in armour, with a long beard and short hair; her ladyship is habited in a gown and long cloak with a ruff. A dog is at the feet of each. On either side is a lofty obelisk. Over the arch are the arms of the family; the whole is richly ornamented with flowers and several pieces of elaborate Mosaic work.

The parish of Chelsea, by Lady Dacre’s will, have some presentations to her Almshouses in Westminster, on condition of keeping the monument in repair. It has been lately painted and beautified. Lord Dacre died in 1594, and Lady Dacre in 1595. This monument was originally placed in Sir T. More’s chapel, it is so described in Lady Dacre’s will. When the church was almost rebuilt in 1667, it was placed in its present situation.

On a marble tablet, against the same wall, is an inscription to the memory of Catherine, wife of the Rev. T. Mahon, Rector of Newport, Co. of Mayo, Ireland, who died in 1822, aged 20.

Sir Arthur Gorges.—Bowack, in his “Antiquities of Middlesex,” mentions a monument raised about 4 ft. from the ground, with the effigies of Sir Arthur Gorges, his lady, three sons, and five daughters, in brass plates fixed thereon, no trace of it can now be discovered. There is, however, on a black slab, fixed against the north wall of Sir Thomas More’s chapel, an inscription to the memory of Arthur Gorges, Esq. (eldest son of Sir Arthur Gorges), who died in 1668. He married Mary, daughter of Lord Bayning. This was her third marriage. She is here buried with her husband.

Sir Thomas More’s Chapel, which was built by him, belonged to the proprietor of his house until it was sold by Arthur Gorges, Esq., to Lionel, Earl of Middlesex, when he reserved the chapel to himself, as he continued to reside at Chelsea in another house. In 1664, when he sold the last-mentioned house, he only renewed a right of burial for his family. The chapel passed therefore with the house, through various owners, to Sir William Milman, and ultimately it became the freehold property, for many years, of the late Mr. Mann, of Paradise Row, now called Queen’s Road West. It is still private property. A large Gothic arch opens into the chancel, and is supported by pillars, the capitals of which are ornamented with human heads, rudely but curiously carved, together with bundles of rods resembling the fasces or badges of the ancient Roman magistrates; on the entablature of the easternmost is the date 1527.

Duchess of Northumberland.—The venerable monument of Lady Jane Guildford, Duchess of Northumberland, is placed against the north wall of this chapel. This interesting memorial consists of an altar-tomb under an arched recess, crowned by four canopies and supported by five reticulated pillars, the bases of which rest on the altar-tomb as on a plinth. The faces of the tomb are divided into panels, containing quatrefoils enclosing shields, and one coat of arms remains. The back of the recess is divided into three compartments by small graduated buttresses; that on the west contained the arms, and sons, while that on the east displays the effigies of the Duchess and her daughters. The soffit of this recess is richly groined, the canopies are divided by graduated buttresses with pinnacles at their apices; they consist of a trefoiled arch with angular pediments crocketed, and terminating in rich finials, and the spandrils are panelled. The frieze, formed by two cavittoes, is ornamented, the lower with rosettes, and the upper with portcullis and rosettes arranged alternately. The whole is surmounted by a cornice of foliage. The Duchess appears in the front, kneeling, habited in a surcoat, with her arms richly emblazoned, originally in enamel. Behind her are her daughters, with their Christian names engraved over their heads in Gothic letters. On the left side were represented, on a brass plate, (now long torn off) the effigies of her sons. The inscription states that the Duchess had issue thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. She died “at her maner of Chelsey, ye 22 daye of January, in ye second yere of ye reigne of our Sovereyne Lady Queene Mary the first, and in A.D MDLV., on whose soul Jesus have mercy.”

Sir W. Milman.—On the same wall as the preceding is the monument of this gentleman, who died in 1713. There is also another to the memory of several of the same family.

Sir Robert Stanley.—The monument of this distinguished resident is at the east end of the chapel. Two figures, representing Justice and Fortitude, support the arms of Stanley, and three large urns; on the centre one, on a medallion, is the bust of Sir Robert in alto relievo, who is represented with whiskers but no beard. On the urns, on each side, are medallions of two of his children, whose deaths are noticed on the monument. He died in 1632, and was the second son of the “Earle of Darbie.”

Near the principal window here is a small brass plate fixed into a marble tablet to the memory of Humphrey Peshall, Esq., who died in 1650.

There are a few other inscriptions in different parts of the church, but the principal and most ancient ones have been all noticed. We will now proceed, therefore, to describe some of the monuments in the old churchyard.

Dr. Chamberlayne.—On the south side, fronting the river, there are several monuments to the memory of this family, for the erection of which and for making a vault Dr. Chamberlayne obtained a grant from the parish, in consideration of a benefaction which will probably be mentioned hereafter. He was buried here in 1703. On the left side of the western window, on a large mural slab, is an inscription to his memory. The latter part of it is remarkable:—“He was so studious of doing good to all men, and especially to posterity, that he ordered some of his books, covered with wax, to be buried with him, which may be of use in times to come. God preserve thee, O traveller! go, and imitate him. This monument, not to be rashly violated, his friend, Walter Harris, Doctor of Physic, caused to be erected as a testimony both of his respect and grief.”

“Dr. Harris evinced some singularity of opinion,” says Mr. Faulkner, “in supposing that posterity would gain any information from works thus entombed with the body of their author; but whatever might have been the intention, his views in depositing the books in the tomb of his friend have been frustrated, as, some years since, Dr. Chamberlayne’s tomb yielded to the injuries of time, and, on examination, it was discovered that the damp and moisture admitted by the general decay, had totally obliterated almost every appearance of them; his seal, with his arms, was however still perfect.”

A Female Heroine.—One of the inscriptions to the memory of the Chamberlayne family is as follows:—In a vault hard by lieth Anne, sole daughter of Edward Chamberlayne, LL.D., who long declining wedlock, and aspiring above her sex and age, fought under her brother, with arms and manly attire, in a fire-ship, against the French, for six hours, on the 30th June, 1690. After returning home she married Sir John Spragg, with whom she lived very affectionately for eighteen months, but, giving birth to a child, she died a few days after in 1691!

On the north side of the churchyard, on a mural monument, is an inscription to the memory of John Pennant, Esq., who died in 1709.

Sir Hans Sloane, Bart.—In the south-east corner is a large and handsome monument to the memory of this distinguished resident in the parish, and of his lady. As frequent notices are taken of Sir Robert Stanley in this work, it is only necessary here to give a brief description of the tomb. It is composed of Portland stone, on the top of which, under a portico, supported by four pillars, is placed a vase of white marble, with four serpents entwined around it, executed out of one piece; on each side is an entablature, the arms on one, and the crest on the other. It was executed by Wilton, the statuary, and was caused to be erected there by his two daughters, Elizabeth Cadogan and Sarah Stanley. Sir Hans Sloane died in 1753, in his 92nd year. Lady Sloane died in 1724.