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
Sir Horace B. Marshall (Junior)
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Highgate's original Gate House
Erected at the entrance to the Bishop of London's Park.
Abele Giandolini
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May Fair Hotel
A luxury hotel, built on the site of the grounds of Devonshire House. opened in 1927 with King George V and Queen Mary in attendance.
John Lewis Partnership
Retail group. Founded by John Spedan Lewis after his father John Lewis gave him control of the Peter Jones department store in Chelsea. All its employees (known as Partners) are co-owners. The comp...
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