Diver. Born William Robert Bellenie in Newington, SE1 (but we can't find the address). Began diver training at Portsmouth Dockyard and qualified in 1892. He is famous as the saviour of Winchester Cathedral, which was sinking into the peat on which it was built. He worked for about five years, putting concrete into over 250 pits which had been dug around the building's foundations. His work took place at a depth of six metres in total darkness. When complete, bricklayers were able to repair the damaged walls in the conventional way. He was awarded the MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order) for his work.
Died aged only 49 during the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 and was buried at Beckenham Cemetery. The BBC have a photo of his grave marker, which does not provide his exact dates.
Credit for this entry to: Alan Patient of www.plaquesoflondon.co.uk
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