The Henson Journals

[105]

Tuesday, March 18th, 1919.

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The weather changed for the worse, and our expedition to the extreme north of the diocese was made under pouring rain. We left the Palace shortly before 11 a.m., and motored to Kingsland, where I confirmed 23 candidates in the parish church. This is a very noble structure, containing two features of unusual interest – a fine 14th century stained–glass window at the east end, and beside the porch a little building either a small chantry, or an anchorite's cell. In this place was a stone bed or coffin, in which (if that theory be sound) the holy man slept. We lunched with Mr Jobling the Rector. His son, who is beneficed in the Liverpool diocese, carried my staff, and Mr Johnson, the Vicar of Aymestree [sic], presented the candidates. The registers of Kingsland go back to 1538: but the old plate (prae–Reformation) was stolen within the last half–century. There is a population of about 900 in this parish, & the value of the benefice exceeds £800. After lunch we left in in the motor for Condover Hall, and motored through Ludlow & Church Stretton, arriving about 5 p.m. After tea I read in the "Times" an obituary notice of George Russell, who died yesterday. He was not a friend of mine, but I have seen much of him. His death makes another void in my life.

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