Bella was married to boxer (and bank robber, see OldTimeMusicHall) Dick Burge. They took on the lease of the Surrey Chapel, an ex-chapel which had become a boxing ring in 1910. Renamed "The Ring" it became one of the first indoor venues for working class boxing. Bella and her female friends attended the boxing bouts, which was very unusual at that date. Dick died in 1919 and Bella carried on the Ring, expanding into all-in wrestling in 1932. Bombs in 1940 and 1941 destroyed the building and the site was redeveloped, most recently into the Palastra Building. This information all comes from the wonderful Nickel in the Machine, where you will find some fascinating pictures.
This section lists the memorials where the subject on this page is commemorated:
Bella Burge
Commemorated ati
Other Subjects
Julian Metcalfe
Co-founder of Pret a Manger with Sinclair Beecham, who he met at the Polytechnic of Central London. Also founded the itsu chain of Asian-inspired restaurants.
1 memorial
Lloyds Coffee House
Edward Lloyd first opened his coffee house on Tower Street in 1687 but had to move to larger premises in Lombard Street in 1691. It was a meeting place for businessmen where information was exchan...
1 memorial
Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange was established by Thomas Gresham in 1566, following his, and his father's, favourable experiences of the Antwerp Bourse as a place where merchants could arrange credit and loans...
1 memorial
Junius S. Morgan
International banker. In business with George Peabody. Father of J. P. Morgan.
1 memorial
2 memorials
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