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
King William Street underground station
The station took over an existing building, number 46, entrance and booking hall on the ground floor with offices above. Became obsolete when the line was extended to Moorgate and was demolished in...
1 memorial
Wilson Smithett & Co Ltd
Wholesalers of coffee, tea, cocoa and spices, located at 202 Blackfriars Road (2021). The Daily Mail has an interesting 2004 article about tea tasting at the Wilson, Smithett tea brokers office, S...
1 memorial
Thomas Baring
Banker and politician, grandson of the bank founder Sir Francis. Born Lee, near Lewisham, Kent. One of the Commissioners for the Great Exhibition, 1851. Died at Fontmell Lodge, Bournemouth.
1 memorial
James Purdey the younger
Gunmaker, built premises in 1880 to house his new showrooms and workshops, James Purdey & Sons Ltd. The Picture Source website has a short on-line history and also informs about a book on the s...
1 memorial
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them