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
Tea Trade in London
The following text is taken from the Shoreditch plaque: This plaque commemorates 350 years of the tea industry in the City of London. The industry was spread over Plantation House (now Plantation ...
3 memorials
Alexander James Avery
At the ever useful Pubs History we learn that the 1899 Post Office Directory lists Alex Jas Avery as the publican of White Hart pub in Kennington Lane. Other names are given for 1895 and for 1899 s...
1 memorial
1 memorial
Benetfink & Co
From Regent Antiques: "Described themselves as ‘furnishing ironmongers’ and had large premises on Cheapside in London from 1845 to 1907. They sold a very large range of metalware items for the home...
1 memorial
Vintners' Company
One of the Twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London. Its origins steeped in the history of the City of London, and the import, regulation and sale of wine.
3 memorials
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Sacred Heart School, Hammersmith
The origins of the school date back to a nunnery in 1609. In 1869, Cardinal Manning decided to convert it into a seminary, and had John Francis Bentley (the architect of Westminster Cathedral) draw...
1 memorial
Oriolet Hospital and Convalescent Home
Founded and endowed by Arnold Frank Hills (1857–1927), MD of Thames Ironworks, sportsman (founder of West Ham FC), philanthropist, and promoter of vegetarianism. A centre of treatment for sick veg...
1 memorial
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