The Henson Journals

[140]

Thursday, November 8th, 1906.

[symbol]

I attain the age of 43 years today. The rain fell in streams when I sallied forth to the early Celebration in the Abbey, posting my letter to the Times on the way. The Sub–Dean celebrated, and the Bishop of Lincoln was one of the communicants. Ten years ago on this day my Father died. After breakfast I walked round to Beeching's house, and left a small present for Helen, who also was born today.

Sir Edward & Lady Russell sent a telegram of Birthday congratulation, & I received letters & gifts from divers relatives & friends.

Lord Lytton called to ask advice anent the Education Bill. We had a Canons' meeting at the Sub–dean's house to discuss the procedure at the next Chapter.

I went round to the Schoolhouse to distribute a Birthday cake to the Abbey boys, in slices charged with sixpences. Tommie Hall called to give me Birthday wishes, and ask me to fulfil an old promise by marrying him on the 1st December.

[141]

My letter appeared duly in the Times of Saturday Nov: 10th. On that day I travelled to Oxford by the morning train, lunched with Peile in University College, attended the meeting of the Oxford House Council, had tea with Rashdall, and dined with the Rector of Exeter (where I met Lady Acheson & Sir Charles Lyall). On Sunday, the 11th Nov., I attended service in the Cathedral at 8 a.m., and received the Holy Communion. It pleased me much to observe the Puritan fashion of administering the Elements in the seats. After breakfast I deserted mine host – Bigg of Ch. Ch. – and went to All Souls. First, Raleigh went with me the round of the Parks, and then Compton. Then, after some talk with Lionel Smith, I lunched at the Warden's, where came also Raper and 'Dolly' Liddell. After lunch the Warden proposed a motor–drive in order to see the autumnal tints. To this I gladly assented & spent the afternoon merrily enough in motoring to Pusey & back. Then I had tea with Mrs Temple at 8 Keble Road, after which I called on Alan, & had some talk with him. I dined in the Hall at Christ Church, but did not go into Common–room, as I was pledged to preach in S. Mary's to the Undergraduates. These turned up in considerable numbers; the Church being fairly filled: my sermon from the words, 'Brethren, be not children in mind &c' was me judice a failure. Afterwards I spent some while in Willie Temple's rooms in Queens.

---

Issues and controversies: education bill