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
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
9 memorials
Pollock's toy theatre shop
This was started by John Redington, selling printed sheets of characters and scenery for toy theatres. He ran it until his death when his family took over. 1877 his daughter Eliza married Benjamin ...
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.
2 memorials
John Reynolds Roberts
Shopkeeper and philanthropist. Born Camberwell. Aged 17 he and his brother Thomas, left their home in Newington Green and began work in London as errand boys in a drapers. In 1870 he opened a store...
2 memorials
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them