The Henson Journals

[265]

Wednesday, January 22nd, 1913. Oxford.

The morning was bright & frosty: the ground hard. I walked with a happy freedom from mire to the Barber, &, after he had done his duty, called in at Blackwell's and turned over some books but bought nothing. Then I went to All Souls, & wrote letters: lunched in the Buttery, where was much talk with that odd military Professor, Spencer Wilkinson; loafed all the afternoon in the coffee room talking with Cunliffe, & Davis: had tea, & walked back to the Orchard through the snow. I bade mine hostess farewell in her room: & then wrote letters.

Dicey & I dined in College: & had a great discussion with Robertson & the junior Fellows on the Putumayo question: then on Female Suffrage: finally on the Welsh Church. Then home through the slush & sleet.

[266]

On Thursday the 23rd January 1913 I left Oxford & returned to Westminster. On the station I awaited the train from Cheltenham which brought Ella back, and together we went to Dean's Yard. In the evening I dined at Gray's Inn as the guest of Vesey Knox, who is treasurer this year. Old Lord Ashbourne drove me back to Westminster.

On Friday the 24th January Ella & I received a present from members of the Congregation – a silver bowl with an inscription, a “jewel” for the lady, & a cheque. Sir Henry Craik made the presentation in rather an 'excessive' speech, but it was kindly meant.

Gilbert Simpson was with us, having come to spend the week–end. Nixon, the Bishop of Jarrow, stayed the night having come up for a consecration in Lambeth Chapel.

On Saturday the 25th January (S. Paul's Day) I received the Holy Communion in Henry VII's Chapel as a mere visitor. It was an odd & unpleasing sensation to feel without rights or authority in that place. I walked with the Bishop to Lambeth; & bade him farewell. Then I looked at carpets with Ella: & finally went through & destroyed many letters with Gilbert.

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Issues and controversies: welsh disestablishment; female suffrage; Putumayo