The Henson Journals

[41]

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Friday, October 31st, 1913. Oxford.

A bright morning after the rain. I was fetched in a motor to the episcopal palace to breakfast with the Bishop & his family. The palace is a large plain house built rather more than a century ago, & surrounded by about 18 acres of garden & meadow. In the grounds are the ruins of a large episcopal castle. After breakfast I was taken to see the cathedral, a building largely restored, mostly in the early Gothic style. I was particularly pleased with the Chapter House, & the Norman arch behind the altar. There are a good many tombs with recumbent figures of bishops & others. The cathedral is but modestly endowed. There is £700 a year for the Dean, & £350 apiece for the four canons. I had much conversation with the Bishop who strikes me as a dull man, but well–intentioned. I returned to Cardiff about 11.30 a.m: & walked with Henderson. We called on Drane, & were received most graciously. He insisted on our drinking some sweet wine which he called "Sion"; & shewed us some of his treasures. But we had to hurry off, in order that there might be time for lunch before my departure.

I travelled to Oxford by a train which left Cardiff at 1.42 p.m. & arrived at Oxford at 5.35 p.m. after changing at Bristol & Didcot.

[42] [symbol]

At Swindon a young man got in to the carriage, and speedily entered into conversation. He had been in the Army, but had left it because he could not live on his pay as an officer. Now he was an engineer. He said that to his knowledge many officers had pledged themselves to send in their papers, & join the Ulstermen, if there was trouble in Ulster. We talked of the state of the Army. He testified to the general sobriety of the officers, but said that betting & gambling were common & increasing.

I dined in Hall. The portraits of Curzon & Lang are in position, & make a great addition to the interest of the collection of pictures. Compton is full of life & fun, but his increasing deafness makes conversation difficult. I had a considerable discussion with Robinson about things in general. He asked me to undertake leader writing for the "Times": & I promised to consider the matter: but I doubt whether I have the gift, and I am sure that I have not the time. However, in these evil days, it would be something to have a second string to one's bow in the event of a catastrophe, which might throw one on the world without resources. As things are moving, there is little security of tenure in an Anglican Deanery. I came to the Warden about 11 p.m. & then talked till midnight with him, and Lord Chelmsford.

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Issues and controversies: irish home rule