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)
Publisher and newspaper distributor and Lord Mayor of London, 1918–1919. Born Streatham, son of Sir Horace Brooks Marshall, whose business he joined. His daughter married J. Arthur Rank. Searc...
2 memorials
Highgate's original Gate House
Erected at the entrance to the Bishop of London's Park.
1 memorial
Abele Giandolini
Abele Giandolini, "Monsieur Abel", opened The Ivy as a cafe on this site in 1917. On-line information about Giandolini is hard to come by. Bonhams sold an Epstein head, "Third Portrait of Jackie (...
1 memorial
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.
1 memorial
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...
4 memorials
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