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
Lord Ritchie of Dundee
Chairman of the Port of London Authority in 1935.
1 memorial
John Courage
Born Aberdeen. Came to London in 1780 as a shipping agent. He bought the Private House and Old Brewhouse at Horselydown in 1787 and developed it into a thriving business. Died London.
1 memorial
T Walton (London) Ltd
Founded by T. Walton. See his page for more details about the shops. Our picture was generously offered to us by Monika Roleff who tells us: "This paper bag is part of the collection of ephemera o...
1 memorial
Sycamore Laundry
It began as a business run by a Mrs. Buckland, who was said to have collected laundry in a barrow and washed and ironed it at home. In l880, Alexander Leman, married Mrs Buckland's daughter, and he...
1 memorial
Pubs in Time
A scheme developed by The Campaign for Real Ale for erecting plaques on public houses that have featured in significant events in history.
2 memorials
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