The Henson Journals

[167]

January 1st, 1907.

I went to the Abbey, and celebrated the Holy Communion after Mattins. There were at least 60 communicants, but the verger only reported 20: so that we had to consecrate twice.

I paid my rates – £37.1.0

The congregation at the afternoon service was spoiled by the rain, which fell steadily. I preached at 3 p.m. an old sermon.

The Abbey boys came to their annual party. Gerald as usual brought a magnificent selection of toys, which they eagerly received.

Raleigh called this afternoon.

Mr Dennistoun arrived about 11 p.m.

^Jan.1	Offertory	1/–
	Cab.	1/–
2.	Paid to Kemp	7/6
	Cab.	2/–
	Christian World Pulpit	6 d	12/–
3.	Offertory	1/–
	Newspapers	6d
6.	Offertory	1/–
7.	Stamps	6/–
8.	Paid to Kemp	7/6 –	16/–
			£1.8.0^

[168] [symbol]

The Sub–Dean to Mr Burdett Coutts M.P.

Jan. 4th 1907

Dear Mr Burdett Coutts,

I feel bound to put before you the serious situation which has arisen out of your refusal at the last hour to abide by the agreement which you accepted on Monday last. You then acquiesced in the Dean's requirement that the remains of the Baroness must be cremated before interment in the Abbey. On this understanding a position was chosen for the grave which could not otherwise have been assigned, & all arrangements are now completed.

I need hardly point out to you that it would be inconsistent with the respect due to a lady so greatly honoured that we should refuse tomorrow morning to proceed with the interment of her remains.

All that is possible now is to put on record our solemn protest against your action in departing from your definite understanding on which the offer of burial within the Abbey was made by the Dean.

I am,

Yours v. truly,

R. Duckworth

Sub–Dean

[169] [symbol]

On Monday, Dec: 31st 1906, the Dean, after consultation with the Canons, wrote to Mr Burdett Coutts offering interment in the Abbey at a site hard by the statue of Lord Shaftesbury, on the express understanding that the remains of the deceased Baroness should first be cremated. This offer was accepted, and preparations for the Burial were proceeded with. On Friday, January 5th, 1907, Mr Burdett Coutts announced his repudiation of the condition which he had accepted, positively refusing to allow cremation, and demanding whether the Dean & Chapter would refuse admission of the Coffin. Reference was made by telegraph to the Dean, and he replied that if the Canons unanimously agreed, he would waive the point of cremation. Canons Henson and Barnett refusing assent, & there being no time for further reference to the Dean, responsibility devolved on the Sub–Dean, who decided to proceed with the Burial, first addressing a letter of remonstrance to Mr Burdett Coutts. Indignant at the perfidious action of Mr Burdett Coutts in thus repudiating an engagement, & coercing the Dean & Chapter into a proceeding which, apart from that engagement, would not have been assented unto, Canons Henson and Barnett declined to attend the service, which took place on Saturday January 6th, 1907.

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