Chelsea Genealogical Records

Chelsea Birth & Baptism Records

England & Wales Birth Index (1837-2006)

An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

St Luke, Chelsea Baptism Records (1880-1906)

Records of baptism for people born in and around Chelsea between 1880 and 1906. Details include child's name, parents' names and dates of birth and/or baptism.

Park Walk St Andrew, Chelsea Baptism Records (1879-1906)

Baptism registers document the baptism and sometimes birth of people in and around Park Walk St Andrew, Chelsea. They list parents' names - their occupations, residence and sometimes other details.

Chelsea Baptism Records (1878-1898)

Baptism registers record the baptism of those born in and around Chelsea and were subsequently baptised in an Anglican place of worship. They are the primary source of birth details before 1837, though are useful to the present.

Kensal Green St Jude, Chelsea Baptism Records (1878-1906)

Baptism registers record the baptism of those born in and around Kensal Green St Jude, Chelsea and were subsequently baptised in an Anglican place of worship. They are the primary source of birth details before 1837, though are useful to the present. Records can include name of child, parents' names, residence, occupations and more.

Chelsea Marriage & Divorce Records

England & Wales Marriage Index (1837-2008)

An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Park Walk St Andrew, Chelsea Marriage Records (1914-1921)

Marriage registers are the primary source for marital documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They typically the record marital status and residence of the bride and groom.

Chelsea Marriage Records (1900-1903)

Marriage registers are the primary source for marital documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They typically record marital status and residence. Details may also be given on a party's parents, age and parish of origin.

Holy Trinity, Chelsea Marriage Records (1888-1921)

Details on those who married at Holy Trinity, Chelsea between 1888 and 1921. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Kensal Green St Jude, Chelsea Marriage Records (1879-1921)

Details on those who married at Kensal Green St Jude, Chelsea between 1879 and 1921. Information given may include parents' names, ages, marital status, abode and more.

Chelsea Death & Burial Records

England & Wales Death Index (1837-2006)

An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.

Kensal Green All Souls, Chelsea Burial Records (1833-1872)

Burial records for people buried at Kensal Green All Souls, Chelsea, detail the deceased's name, residence and age from 1833 to 1872.

Holy Trinity, Chelsea Burial Records (1832-1901)

Burial records for people buried at Holy Trinity, Chelsea, detail the deceased's name, residence and age from 1832 to 1901. Some records may contain the names of relations, cause of death and more.

Royal Hospital, Chelsea Burial Records (1813-1856)

Burial registers record burials that occurred at Royal Hospital, Chelsea. They are the primary source documenting deaths before 1837, though are useful to the present.

St Luke, Chelsea Burial Records (1813-1914)

Burial registers are the primary source for death documentation before 1837, though are relevant to the present. They record the date someone was buried, their age & residence. Details given may include the deceased's name, residence, age, names of relations, cause of death and more.

Chelsea Census & Population Lists

1939 Register (1939)

An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.

England, Wales, IoM & Channel Islands 1911 Census (1911)

The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.

London Electoral Registers (1847-1913)

An index to and images of registers recording over 17 million voters' names, their residence and qualification to vote.

London Electoral Registers (1832-1965)

Lists of those registered to vote in London, including their residence and sometimes other supplementary details. Useful for tracing families in between censuses and can be used as a post-1911 census substitute, as listings are ordered by residence. A name index connected to original images.

London & Middlesex Electors (1863-1894)

Records compiled by parish overseers, recording those who claimed eligibility to vote. The record name, address and the nature of their connection with that property.

Newspapers Covering Chelsea

South London Press (1867)

A local paper including news from the London area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

London Evening Standard (1860-1870)

A record of births, marriages, deaths, legal, political, organisation and other news from the London area. Original pages of the newspaper can be viewed and located by a full text search.

South London Chronicle (1859-1870)

A popular newspaper, which gives most of its coverage to the boroughs of Southwark and Lambeth.

Shoreditch Observer (1857-1867)

A local paper including news from the Shoreditch area, legal & governmental proceedings, family announcements, business notices, advertisements and more.

London City Press (1857-1870)

A newspaper, focusing on the City of Westminster, the houses of government and financial entities.

Chelsea Wills & Probate Records

England & Wales National Probate Calendar (1858-1966)

Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.

Archdeaconry Court of Middlesex Wills & Probate (1608-1810)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Archdeaconry Court of Middlesex. These records can help trace families back to the late 16th century.

Archdeaconry Court of London Wills & Probate (1524-1804)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Archdeaconry Court of London. These records can help trace families back to the late 15th century.

Commissary Court of London Wills & Probate (1523-1857)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Commissary Court of London. These records can help trace families back to the late 15th century.

Consistory Court of London Wills & Probate (1514-1858)

A searchable index connected to images surviving wills and probate documents for the Consistory Court of London. These records can help trace families back to the late 15th century.

Chelsea Immigration & Travel Records

Middlesex Convict Transportation Contracts (1682-1787)

Orders to remove convicts from Middlesex and deport them to penal colonies.

Passenger Lists Leaving UK (1890-1960)

A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.

UK Incoming Passenger Lists (1878-1960)

A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.

Victoria Assisted & Unassisted Passenger Lists (1839-1923)

An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.

Alien Arrivals in England (1810-1869)

Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.

Chelsea Military Records

London Volunteers Records (1859-1955)

Service records for various voluntary corps and regiments from London and Middlesex at large.

Historical Records of the Middlesex Yeomanry (1797-1927)

A general history of the yeomanry, focusing on the involvement of its men in WWI.

London County Council Record of War Service (1914-1918)

Details of almost over 10,000 London council employees who fought in WWI. Contains both occupational and military details.

Middlesex WWI Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War One monuments in Middlesex, with some service details.

Middlesex WWII Memorials (1914-1918)

A list of names found on World War Two monuments in Middlesex, with some service details.

London & District Settlements & Removals (1828-1930)

A collection of records that detail the forced removal and assisted settlement of people in the London area.

London Consistory Court Depositions (1586-1611)

An index to over 1,800 cases brought before the court. For witnesses, age and residence is usually given. The cases cover such matters as defamation, marriage and tithes.

London Electoral Registers (1847-1913)

An index to and images of registers recording over 17 million voters' names, their residence and qualification to vote.

Kentish Prison Hulk Registers (1811-1843)

Registers recording details of around 9,000 prisoners held in ships stationed in Kent. Records describe a convict's name, age, place of birth, physical description, offence, conviction, sentence, discharge and conduct report.

Middlesex Coroners' Inquests (1747-1803)

Digital images and transcriptions of records investigating suspicious deaths in the county of Middlesex.

Chelsea Taxation Records

City of London Coal Duties (1666-1889)

A history of coal duties paid on coal coming into the City of London and environs. Contains an investigation into posts marking where duty was due.

London & Middlesex Land Tax (1692-1932)

Digital images of records that detail land – its owners and tenants. Very useful for tracing the succession of freehold and tenancies, and thus genealogies. Records can be searched by a name index.

London & Middlesex Heath Tax (1666)

Records listing those who were assessed for taxation based on the number of hearths they possessed.

Income Tax Payments (1799-1802)

The details of income taxes paid by several thousand individuals and institutions in Surrey and Middlesex.

Four Shillings In The Pound Aid (1693-1694)

Assessments for a tax to pay for warfare in Europe. It covers London and parts of Middlesex.

Chelsea Land & Property Records

London & Middlesex Land Tax (1692-1932)

Digital images of records that detail land – its owners and tenants. Very useful for tracing the succession of freehold and tenancies, and thus genealogies. Records can be searched by a name index.

London & Middlesex Feet of Fines (1189-1569)

Abstracts of records that detail land conveyances.

London & Middlesex Electors (1863-1894)

Records compiled by parish overseers, recording those who claimed eligibility to vote. The record name, address and the nature of their connection with that property.

London Rate Books (1684-1907)

An index to and images of books recording money paid for maintenance of the sick and poor. The records list the name of the owner and occupier of a property, the type of dwelling, the name or situation of the property, how much rent was collected, and the rates paid.

Tithe Apportionments (1836-1856)

An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.

Chelsea Directories & Gazetteers

Kelly's Directory of Middlesex (1937)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Middlesex (1933)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Middlesex (1926)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.

Kelly's Directory of Middlesex (1914)

A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key historical and contemporary facts. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions. Also contains a list of residents and businesses for each place.

Kelly's Directory of Middlesex (1899)

A directory of residents and businesses; with a description of each settlement, containing details on its history, public institutions, churches, postal services, governance and more.

Chelsea Cemeteries

Kensington & Chelsea Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Kensington & Chelsea's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Deceased Online (1629-Present)

Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

Mausolea and Monuments (1500-Present)

Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.

Maritime Memorials (1588-1950)

Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.

Chelsea Obituaries

iAnnounce Obituaries (2006-Present)

The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.

United Kingdom and Ireland Obituary Collection (1882-Present)

A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.

Quakers Annual Monitor (1847-1848)

A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.

Musgrave's Obituaries (1421-1800)

This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.

British Medical Journal (1849-Present)

A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.

Chelsea Histories & Books

Old and New London (1878)

Detailed descriptions of Metropolitan London.

The Environs of London (1189-1796)

Detailed histories of parishes in the London area.

Survey of London (1066-Present)

Extremely detailed histories of parishes in and surrounding The City of London.

Survey of London Monograph (1066-Present)

Extremely detailed histories of parishes in and surrounding The City of London.

Collage: Guildhall Library Images (1500-1970)

A large database of images depicting people and places in Metropolitan London.

Chelsea School & Education Records

London School Admissions & Discharges Registers (1840-1911)

Records or admission and discharge for over 1 million pupils attending over 800 state schools in London. Records are indexed by name linked to original images of the registers; and may contain details on the pupil's parents, date of birth, residence, parent's occupations and scholastic history.

National School Admission & Log Books (1870-1914)

A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.

Teacher's Registration Council Registers (1870-1948)

A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.

Oxford University Alumni (1500-1886)

A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Cambridge University Alumni (1261-1900)

A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.

Chelsea Occupation & Business Records

London Photographers (1841-1901)

Biographical stubs of 19th Century photographers and allied tradesmen in London.

London Taxi History (1634-1970)

A history of private road transportation in London, from the horse drawn carriage to the motorcar.

Royal Household Staff (1526-1924)

A name index connected to original images of over 75,000 records recording the lives of those employed by the royal family.

Bethlem Hospital Patient Admission Records (1683-1932)

An index to and images of hospital records listing over 250,000 names. Records may list name, age or year of birth, occupation, residence, why in the hospital and a whole host of other details.

London County Council Record of War Service (1914-1918)

Details of almost over 10,000 London council employees who fought in WWI. Contains both occupational and military details.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Chelsea

Boyd's Inhabitants of London and Boyd's Family Units (1200-1946)

An essential work for those researching in and around London. This publication gives genealogical and brief biographical information on several hundred thousands inhabitants of London and the surrounding area.

Victoria County History: Middlesex (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Chelsea Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

Kensington & Chelsea Church Monuments (1300-1900)

Photographs and descriptions of Kensington & Chelsea's most illustrious church monuments, often featuring effigies, medieval inscriptions and heraldic devices.

Royal Household Staff (1526-1924)

A name index connected to original images of over 75,000 records recording the lives of those employed by the royal family.

Victoria County History: Middlesex (1086-1900)

A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.

British & Irish Royal & Noble Genealogies (491-1603)

Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Chelsea Church Records

Chelsea Parish Registers (1559-1812)

The parish registers of Chelsea provide details of births, marriages and deaths from 1559 to 1812. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.

London Consistory Court Depositions (1586-1611)

An index to over 1,800 cases brought before the court. For witnesses, age and residence is usually given. The cases cover such matters as defamation, marriage and tithes.

Middlesex Parish Register Index with Images (1538-1812)

An index connected to original images of most early Middlesex & London parish registers. Also includes over 100 registers from Surrey, Essex and Kent.

Middlesex Parish Registers (1538-1965)

The parish registers of Middlesex are a collection of books documenting baptisms, marriages and burials from 1538 to 1965.

The London Diocese Book (1890)

A calendar for the Diocese and a list of over 6,000 of its clergy.

Biographical Directories Covering Chelsea

London Medical Directory (1846)

Biographical details for medical professionals, institutions and businesses in the London area.

Debrett's Peerage (1923)

A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1902)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Dod's Peerage, Baronetage & Knightage of Britian (1885)

A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.

Crockford's Clerical Directories (1868-1914)

Brief biographies of Anglican clergy in the UK.

Chelsea Maps

Maps of London & The Vicinity (1940)

Detailed maps of London and 125 other places in the vicinity.

Ordnance Survey 1:2500 Maps (1872-1892)

Detailed maps of the principal cities in Britain.

Bethnal Green in Maps (1769-2008)

A series of maps showing the evolution of Bethnal Green from a rural village to metropolitan suburb.

Geological Map of London & Suburbs (1878)

A detailed map of the London area, showing buildings, streets, natural features and geological deposits.

Rocque's Map of London (1746)

A detailed map of London, showing streets and important buildings and features.

Chelsea Reference Works

Metropolitan Police Service Family History (1829-Present)

Outline details of records that will assist family historians tracing an ancestor who was a member of the Metropolitan Police Service in London.

England Research Guide (1538-Present)

A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.

Parish Register Abstract (1538-1812)

Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.

Building History Research Guide (1066-Present)

A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.

Surname Origins (1790-1911)

A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.

Historical Description

The populous village of Chelsea, situated on the Thames, only two miles from London. The parish is in the hundred of Ossulston. The church is situated by the water side, and is built chiefly of brick. It consists of a nave, a chancel, and two aisles. The chapel, at the east end of the south aisle, was added by Sir Thomas More, about the year 1520; that at the end of the north aisle appears to be in the style of the fourteenth century. On the north side of the chancel is an ancient altar-tomb, without any inscription. John, brother of Sir Reginald Bray, K. G. is said to have been buried under a high tomb, in the middle of the chancel. The monuments and inscriptions in this church, which are very numerous and curious, are amply described in Mr. Lyson’s account of Chelsea, in his work, entitled the Environs of London, to which we must refer our readers. On the south side of the chancel the body of Sir Thomas More was deposited, except his head, which after it had been exposed 14 days on a pole on Loudon Bridge, was taken away by his daughter, Mrs. Roper, who preserved it in a leaden box till she could deposit it in a vault belonging to her husband’s family, adjoining to St. Dunstan’s Church, Canterbury. In the church-yard is the monument of Sir Hans Sloane, the founder of the British Museum; and to the south-east corner of the church is affixed a mural monument to the memory of Dr. Edward Chamberlayne, a man of some literary eminence in the commencement of the present century, with a punning Latin epitaph, which for its singularity and quaintness may arrest the reader’s attention. But in the church is a Latin epitaph upon his daughter, which is still more curious. It is in English, as follows: "In an adjoining vault lies Ann, only daughter of Edward Chamberlayne, doctor of Laws; born in London, the 20th January 1667, who having long declined marriage, and aspiring to great achievements unusual to her sex, and age, on the 30th of June 1690, on board a fire ship, in man’s clothing, as a second Pallas, chaste and fearless—fought valiantly six- hours against the French, under the command of her brother, snatch’d, alas how soon, by sudden death, unhonoured by a progeny, like herself worthy to rule the main. Returned from the engagement, and after some few months, married to John Spragg, Esq. with whom she lived most amiably happy. At length in childbed of a daughter she encountered death, 30th October 1691. This monument for a consort most virtuous and dearly loved was erected by her husband."

In this town stands that grand national assylum for decayed and maimed soldiers, known by the name of Chelsea Hospital, being the noblest building, and one of the best foundations of the kind in the world. It is a fine structure, and extremely convenient, though less magnificent and costly than that of Greenwich for seamen.

This hospital was begun by Charles II. carried on by James II. and completed by William III. The first projector of this munificent foundation was Sir Stephen Fox, grandfather to the late right honourable Charles James Fox. "He could not bear," he said, "to see the common soldiers, who had spent their strength in oar service, reduced to beg," and to this humane project he contributed 13, 000l. The buildings were erected from the designs of Sir Christopher Wren, on the site of an old college, which had escheated to the crown.

The north front opens into a piece of ground, laid out into walks, and that facing the south into a garden, extending to the Thames. In the centre of the edifice is a pediment, supported by four Tuscan columns, over which is a turret: on one side the entrance is the Chapel, and on the other the hall, where the pensioners dine. In this hall is the picture of Charles II. on horseback. The altar piece in the chapel is adorned with a painting of the resurrection, by the celebrated Ricci.

The wings join the chapel and hall to the north, and are open to the Thames to the south; they are 360 feet in length, 80 in breadth, and three stories high; a colonnade extends along the side of the hall, and chapel, and in the midst of the quadrangle is the statue of Charles II. two other large squares adjoining contain apartments for the servants of the house, for old maimed officers, and the Infirmary.

The pensioners consist of veterans, who have been at least 20 years in the army, or of disabled soldiers. They wear red coats, lined with blue, and are provided with all other cloathes, diet, washing, and lodging. The out-pensioners amount to about 18, 000, and have each 71. 12s. 6d. a year.

These great expences are supported by a poundage, deducted out of the pay of the army, with one day's pay once a year from each officer and common soldier; and, when there is any deficiency, by a sum voted by parliament. In 1792 the sum veted was 173, 104l. 3s. 11d.

This hospital, which Cost 150, 000l. is unquestionably a noble monument of national gratitude and humanity.

The affairs of the establishment are managed by Commissioners, consisting of some of the great officers of state, especially in the war department, a governor, and lieutenant-governor. The present number of in-pensioners amount to upwards of 500.

A new building, upon an extensive plan, is now completed, situated below Sloane Square, Chelsea, as a Royal Military Asylum, for educating about 500 children of non-commissioned officers and soldiers; to erect winch Parliament granted a sum of money, and each regiment contributes one day’s pay towards it.

Near the Hospital once stood a neat and beautiful house and gardens built by the late Earl of Ranelagh. The gardens and out-buildings were long ago destroyed, and the grounds sold out in parcels to builders, and other purchasers. The mansion was turned into a place of entertainment, esteemed the most fashionable in the kingdom, and filled with the best company, who drank tea and coffee in the summer evenings, entertained by an excellent band of music, and the best singers. The concert began; about seven o’clock, and after singing several songs, and playing several pieces, of music, at proper intervals, the entertainment closed at ten oclock. — The whole concern has lately been given up, and the building pulled down.

There are two good Charity Schools, for the poor children of this parish, at which 40 boys and 30 girls are clothed, and educated.

There was some years ago a manufacture of porcelain, which acquired great celebrity, established at an old mansion by the water-side. Upon the same premises there has been since a manufacture of stained paper, stamped after a peculiar manner, the invention of Messrs Eckhardts.

The manufacture of Chelsea buns should not be omitted, having been so long noted, and carried on upon the same spot for considerably more than 100 years. The bon-house is situated in the parish of St. George Hanover Square, which extends over a considerable part of Chelsea.

The company of Apothecaries have their Physic Garden in Chelsea, by the Thames side, enriched with a great variety of plants, both indigenous and exotic. The ground was given to the company by Sir Hans Sloane, Bart. in 1721, on condition of their paying a quit rent of 5l. and delivering annually to the Royal Society 50 specimens of different sorts of plants, of the growth of this garden, till the number amounted to 2000. in 1733 the company erected a marble statue of the donor by Rysbrack, in the centre of the garden; the front of which is conspicuously marked towards the river by two noble cedars of Libanus.

Don Saltero’s Coffee-house here, was formerly much frequented, on account of the great number of natural curiosities to be seen in it This well- known coffee-house was first opened in the year 1695, by one Salter, a barber, who drew the attention of the public by the eccentricities of his conduct, and by furnishing his house with a huge collection of curiosities. Sir Hans Sloane contributed largely out of the superfluities of his own museum. Vice-admiral Minden, and other officers, who had been much upon the coasts of Spam, enriched the collection with many curiosities, and gave the owner the name of Don Saltero.

The Chelsea Water-works were constructed about the year 1724; a charter of incorporation was granted on the 8th of March that year to the persons concerned in the undertaking. A canal was then dug from the Thames near Ranelagh to Pimlico, where there is a steam engine for the purpose of raising the water into pipes, which convey it in various directions to the village of Chelsea, to Westminster, and various parts of the west end of the town. In a calculation of the quantity of water supplied daily by the water works in the neighbourhood of London, anno 1767, those at Chelsea are said to yield 174 tons. The reservoirs in Hyde-Park and in the Green Park are supplied by pipes from Chelsea water-works.

Topography of Great Britain (1829) by George Alexander Cooke

Most Common Surnames in Chelsea

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in Ossulstone Hundred
1Smith1,3231:673.18%1
2Jones6001:1473.23%3
3Brown5041:1752.63%2
4Williams4511:1953.43%5
5Taylor4281:2062.88%4
6Davis3891:2263.57%8
7White3681:2393.00%6
8Wilson3241:2723.46%14
9Wright2891:3052.92%10
10Clark2871:3072.49%7
11Johnson2851:3092.91%11
12Allen2731:3233.69%25
13Robinson2691:3273.84%27
13Webb2691:3273.97%30
15Martin2641:3343.22%18
16Green2611:3372.70%12
17Edwards2571:3433.11%17
18King2561:3442.67%13
19Cook2451:3593.39%26
20Hill2441:3613.25%22
21Turner2371:3722.67%16
21Baker2371:3722.66%15
23Evans2351:3753.15%24
24Cox2291:3853.60%35
25Collins2281:3863.55%34
26Harris2221:3972.22%9
27Walker2201:4002.95%23
28Morris2171:4063.63%41
28Clarke2171:4063.55%38
30Young2081:4233.61%42
31Palmer2031:4344.08%54
32Cooper2021:4362.51%19
33Wood2001:4402.53%20
34Jackson1981:4453.30%40
35Moore1951:4522.85%29
36Thompson1921:4592.90%32
37Hall1911:4612.43%21
37Ward1911:4612.92%33
39James1891:4663.53%47
39Phillips1891:4663.04%37
41Hunt1871:4713.37%44
42Roberts1821:4842.70%31
43Thomas1811:4862.63%28
44Barnes1801:4894.40%75
45Lewis1761:5002.91%39
45Cole1761:5003.79%58
47Knight1751:5033.73%55
48Hughes1741:5064.04%65
48Watts1741:5064.62%85
50Scott1731:5093.20%46
51Watson1711:5153.40%53
52Stevens1681:5243.04%45
53Lee1641:5373.10%50
54Miller1611:5473.05%51
55Pearce1581:5573.92%79
55Payne1581:5573.89%77
57Rogers1571:5613.37%57
58Howard1561:5643.82%76
58Fox1561:5645.88%121
60Carter1511:5832.38%36
61Lawrence1491:5914.54%97
62Mitchell1481:5953.31%61
63Richardson1471:5993.27%59
64Parker1451:6072.53%43
65Davies1411:6243.21%63
65Bennett1411:6242.76%52
67Foster1401:6294.36%99
67Newman1401:6293.27%67
69West1381:6383.23%68
70Hawkins1361:6474.21%98
71Marshall1331:6623.65%91
71Bailey1331:6623.07%64
73Ellis1291:6833.15%74
73Butler1291:6833.46%88
75Mason1271:6933.12%77
75Andrews1271:6933.05%70
77Perry1251:7043.95%103
78Adams1241:7102.32%48
79Day1211:7282.59%56
80Brooks1201:7343.03%82
81Blake1191:7405.36%155
82Freeman1171:7534.08%110
83Chapman1161:7592.19%49
83Saunders1161:7592.64%62
85Barrett1141:7723.42%96
85Read1141:7723.67%106
87Morgan1091:8082.43%60
87Mills1091:8082.65%73
87Wells1091:8082.72%80
90Page1081:8152.61%72
90Harding1081:8153.97%117
92Stone1071:8233.38%103
93Bates1041:8475.05%175
94Price1031:8552.60%81
95Bell1021:8632.91%92
95May1021:8633.60%113
97Richards1011:8722.75%89
97Bishop1011:8723.27%107
99Simpson991:8893.11%100
99Powell991:8892.94%95
101Harrison981:8992.28%66
102Lloyd971:9083.58%118
103Ford941:9372.68%93
103Warren941:9372.95%101
103Field941:9373.31%112
106Barker931:9472.70%94
107Marsh921:9574.58%178
108McDonald911:9684.24%164
108Robertson911:9684.86%198
108Fisher911:9682.36%83
108Butcher911:9685.75%256
112Holmes901:9783.15%111
112Burgess901:9783.96%148
112Lane901:9782.94%108
115Murphy891:9893.14%113
115Ryan891:9894.97%215
117Long881:1,0013.11%115
118Harvey871:1,0122.09%69
118Matthews871:1,0122.75%103
118Hopkins871:1,0124.62%196
118Austin871:1,0123.89%153
118Townsend871:1,0126.09%277
118Sullivan871:1,0122.33%86
124Russell861:1,0242.35%90
125Gardner851:1,0363.68%143
126Jenkins841:1,0483.45%132
127Reynolds831:1,0612.62%102
127Fowler831:1,0613.97%173
127Randall831:1,0614.86%227
130Kelly821:1,0743.43%135
130Gordon821:1,0746.40%309
130Wheeler821:1,0742.81%109
130Heath821:1,0744.50%206
130Bartlett821:1,0744.25%186
135Jennings811:1,0873.59%151
136Holland801:1,1013.50%147
137Gray791:1,1152.12%87
137Berry791:1,1153.50%149
137Parsons791:1,1153.06%124
140Woods781:1,1294.37%218
140Wyatt781:1,1295.69%290
142Hart771:1,1441.85%71
142Ball771:1,1443.25%136
142Bull771:1,1443.59%165
145Lowe761:1,1594.76%254
145Shepherd761:1,1593.22%137
147Elliott751:1,1742.94%127
147Walsh751:1,1746.39%342
147Franklin751:1,1743.40%157
150Shaw741:1,1903.21%146
150Gilbert741:1,1903.87%189
150Nicholls741:1,1903.69%178
150Wilkins741:1,1903.82%185
154Stewart731:1,2063.86%193
154Fletcher731:1,2063.23%150
156Burton721:1,2232.79%125
156Curtis721:1,2232.98%133
156Weston721:1,2234.42%242
159Hudson711:1,2403.96%215
159George711:1,2403.36%170
159Coleman711:1,2402.90%131
159Fuller711:1,2403.27%160
159Sheppard711:1,2404.73%265
159Peters711:1,2405.74%322
165Owen701:1,2583.81%203
165Hooper701:1,2583.85%207
165Humphreys701:1,2585.04%286
168Dawson691:1,2763.97%223
168Riley691:1,2765.00%289
168Tucker691:1,2763.27%171
171Dixon681:1,2953.19%166
171Arnold681:1,2953.04%154
171Marlow681:1,29513.60%818
174Miles671:1,3143.09%163
174Higgins671:1,3144.02%233
176Grant661:1,3343.04%161
177Nash651:1,3552.35%116
178Anderson641:1,3761.66%84
178Spencer641:1,3762.77%145
178Francis641:1,3762.77%142
178Hayward641:1,3764.17%264
178Reeves641:1,3763.72%224
178Hobbs641:1,3763.51%205
178Church641:1,3764.98%308
185Gregory631:1,3982.90%162
185Lambert631:1,3983.40%199
187Oliver621:1,4203.05%176
187Pike621:1,4205.16%336
189Graham611:1,4433.78%249
189Hammond611:1,4432.61%140
189Burrows611:1,4434.25%275
192Campbell601:1,4683.26%202
192French601:1,4682.99%178
192Davey601:1,4683.72%250
192Winter601:1,4684.17%274
196Stanley591:1,4924.44%301
196Savage591:1,4924.18%281
196Chandler591:1,4923.59%239
199Reid581:1,5183.98%271
199Rose581:1,5182.20%122
199Cross581:1,5182.74%169
199Hayes581:1,5182.31%129
199Alexander581:1,5183.56%241
199Hubbard581:1,5185.16%361