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Bella Burge

Categories: Commerce, Sport / Games

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.

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Bella Burge

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