The house was at length occupied by Mrs. Pemberton, who conducted an establishment for the education of young ladies for many years. The Rev. Richard Wilson, D.D., subsequently resided in it for a considerable period. At the present time the approach to this old mansion presents a melancholy contrast to what it was in former days.
Gough House is now the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children, established in 1866. The frontage is otherwise occupied, and consequently the originally attractive appearance is entirely destroyed. The youthful patients come from all parts of the metropolis, and several from the country. The objects of the institution are as follow:—
1. The treatment, as in-patients, of children between the ages of two and twelve years.
2. The treatment, as out-patients, of children under sixteen years of age.
The Rev. A. G. W. Blunt, M.A., Rector of Chelsea, takes a deep interest in promoting this much-needed and admirable institution. The committee are now earnestly making an appeal for contributions to create a Building Fund, and when it is known that there is not in all the metropolis a single hospital BUILT for the special reception of children, it is to be hoped that such a noble charity will receive the liberal assistance of all benevolent persons.
Edward Montague, first Earl of Sandwich, resided in this neighbourhood in 1663. Mr. Pepys, in his Diary, has recorded a visit he paid to that nobleman. “March 28, 1663. To Chelsea, where we found my lord all alone, with one joint of meat at dinner, and mightily extolling the manner of his retirement, and the goodness of his diet; the mistress of the house hath all things most excellently dressed; amongst other things her cakes admirable, and so good, that my lord’s words were, they were fit to present to Lady Castlemaine . . . ”
Archbishop Sharpe resided here about 1691; he preached the sermon at the coronation of Queen Anne. Mackay says, “He is one of the greatest ornaments of the Church of England, of great piety and learning, a black man, and 55 years old.”
Charles, Duke of St. Albans, natural son of Charles II. by Eleanor Gwynn, had a house here about 1692.
Fitton Gerrard, the last Earl of Macclesfield of that family, died at his house in Chelsea, in 1702. A law-suit was commenced about the right of succession to his property, between Lord Mohun and the Duke of Hamilton, who had married his niece. A duel was fought between the competitors in Hyde Park, which proved fatal to both parties. The Duchess lived in Chelsea till 1714.