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
First postmarks in the world
Inked date stamps were at first called 'Bishops marks' after their inventor, Henry Bishop, Postmaster General, 1660-1663. The post office was receiving complaints about late arrival of the post. ...
1 memorial
Henry Thornton
Anti-slavery campaigner. Born Clapham. Successful banker. Good friends with his (indirect) cousin, William Wilberforce, prior to their marriages they shared a house bought by Thornton, Battersea Ri...
Person, Commerce, Philanthropy, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Religion
1 memorial
Harkness Roses
Rose growing company, founded in Yorkshire by brothers John and Robert Harkness, and still run as a family firm.
1 memorial
West India Docks
A series of three docks on the Isle of Dogs. Their construction was largely the responsibility of Robert Milligan, who had managed his family's Jamaica sugar plantations. He became outraged at loss...
1 memorial
1 memorial
Previously viewed
David Garrick
Actor, dramatist and theatre manager. Born Hereford. Left home and travelled to London with Samuel Johnson. As a friend of the Adams brothers he was in 1772, one of the first residents in their new...
7 memorials
Roman numerals at Christies
SW1, King Street, 5
Having been walked on for many decades the plaque is very worn but with David Hopkins' help we believe we now have it transcribed correct...
1 subject commemorated
Hoxton Hall
Built 1863 as Mortimer's Music hall. 1866 MacDonald took it over but in 1871 following complaints it lost its performance licence. Bought in 1879 by rich Quaker philanthropist William Isaac Palmer...
Building, Community / Clubs, Music / songs, Religion, Theatre
1 memorial
Lords Meade
The picture source says "This is an 1865 photo of the house "Lord's Meade". John Eliot and Maria Howard moved there on 12th October 1830 and lived there all their lives."
1 memorial
London and Croydon Railway
It ran from London Bridge to central Croydon, partly following the route of the defunct Croydon Canal. It eventually merged with other railways to form the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway,...
1 memorial
Comments are provided by Facebook, please ensure you are signed in here to see them