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
New Cross (Equitable) Building Society
Established in 1866 this Building Society was closed down in 1984 by the Registrar of Friendly Societies for what were then considered unsafe business practices. From This Is Money: "The New Cross ...
1 memorial
Andrew Gibb
Ship-repairer and philanthropist. Born in Glasgow. After serving his apprenticeship in shipbuilding, he came to London to ply his trade. He was deacon of St Mark's Presbyterian Church in Greenwich,...
1 memorial
Ray A. Kroc
Businessman. Born in Oak Park, near Chicago. He joined McDonald's in 1954 and built it into the most successful fast food operation in the world.
1 memorial
Jones's butcher's shop
Family business that survived until the 1970s. This photograph was taken in 1932.
1 memorial
General Post Office
The first general post office in London opened in 1643, after King Charles I legalised use of the royal posts for private correspondence. It was possibly located on Cloak Lane near Dowgate Hill, in...
5 memorials