The Henson Journals

[67]

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Tuesday, November 25th, 1913.

I was engaged in writing a letter to the "Times" in answer to a long screed from the Bishop of Kensington, when a telegram was brought in to me. It was from Lady Anne Lambton inquiring whether I should be at home at 2.30 p.m., and stating that the Queen would call at that time. It was already close on noon: Ella had gone off to Bishop Auckland to open a Bazaar. I sent two telegrams, one to say that I should be on the spot at the time mentioned, the other to recall Ella.

The Royal Party arrived in 4 motors, the Queen's being distinguished by a small flag. I received H.M. at the door, & led her into the Deanery. Ella received her at the entrance to the drawing room. I showed her the King's room, the library, the kitchen, the Cathedral, & then led her to the Castle, where I handed her over to Gee. The Queen was very pleasant & energetic. She mentioned my letter in the "Times", & expressed her agreement with it. I was surprised & gratified that she remembered our conversation at Windsor, and referred to it accurately, which indicated a point beyond the conventional coaching! I contracted a chill in the course of the afternoon, for though H.M. most considerately bade me put on my hat, the mischief [68] had been done already. I caused a telegram to be sent to Lady Scarbrough, with whom we were engaged to dine, excusing myself, and went forthwith to bed.

[69] [symbol]

Charles II sent the D. & C. a letter dated May 23rd 1671 recommending Robert Collingwood to be register ('a fitt person for that employment we reflecting upon his & his ffamilies loyalty to us & our Royall Ffather of blessed memory & their sufferings thereby')

The D. & Chapter were perplexed what to do, for Mr Collingwood was totally destitute of qualifications, & had moreover little intention of performing the duties; & they had an excellent man, Robert Hedley, who had been 40 years in their service, & whom they wished to appoint as Registrar.

After attempting to effect an arrangement by which the office could be conferred on Collingwood & the work done by Hedley as his deputy – an arrangement which was upset by Hedley's absolute refusal to serve under Collingwood – they petitioned the King to recall his nomination. Dr Carleton, holder of the 12th prebendary, recorded his protest against this proceeding as disrespectful to the King, & unfair to Collingwood.

In this petition they point out the total unfitness of Collingwood, & the special claims of Hedley ('who hath been brought up in the Office above 40 years, & hath been allwaies loyall to your Majestie & serviceable to the Church on many occasions both during the late rebellion in preserving their records with great peril to himself, and before & since in assisting them to manage their evidences &c.).

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This action was successful. The King recalled his commendation of Collingwood, & suffered the Dean & Chapter to appoint a man in whom they had confidence.

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