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
East India Company
Formed as a trading company but went on to effectively rule India, on behalf of the British. Was involved in the slave trade.
Group, Commerce, Politics & Administration, Race Issues, Indian Sub-continent
5 memorials
London Mint Office Limited
This seems to be a commercial organisation making and selling coins to collectors, with no connection to the Royal Mint.
1 memorial
Alexander McArthur
Born Ireland. Brother to William. Emigrated to Australia, arriving in 1842. A devout Methodist he created a business exporting gold from Australia and became a successful colonial businessman in B...
Person, Commerce, Politics & Administration, Australia, Ireland
1 memorial
Rupert D‘Oyly Carte
Son of Helen and Richard D‘Oyly Carte. Chairman of the company 1901 - 1948 - through both World Wars. Father of Bridget. Wodehouse supposedly based Psmith, one of his characters, on Rupert, or p...
1 memorial
Chartered Insurance Institute
The first Insurance Institute was established in Manchester, with a particular focus on fire insurance, given the number of textile manufacturers in the city. A Royal Charter incorporating the Char...
1 memorial
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