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
Penny Savings Bank
From Tottenham Quakers "In 1798 Priscilla Wakefield founded the first "frugality bank" in England. This she founded at Ship Inn Yard in Tottenham. It was intended to help people on lower incomes t...
1 memorial
White Lion pub, Islington
We can find no information about this pub.
1 memorial
Ernest Eugene Pither
Art dealer and importer as "E. E. Pither and Sons". 1881 "Commission Agent" living with his mother and brother. 1882-99 operated out of various addresses in the area including 53 and 38 Mortimer S...
1 memorial
Samuel Bourne Bevington
VD, JP. Son of James Bevington. A member of the Bermondsey leather manufacturing dynasty and a philanthropist. Colonel commanding 3rd Volunteer Battalion The Queens Royal West Surrey Regiment 18...
3 memorials
Brown Lenox & Co
Created as Brown & Co, by Samuel Brown, a Naval Captain. Became Brown Lenox & Co in 1828 following Brown going into partnership with his cousin, Samuel Lenox in 1806. The West Ferry Road ...
1 memorial
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