The Henson Journals

[186]

Monday, May 17th, 1920.

A wet disagreeable morning with a hypocritical interlude of sunshine soon followed by more rain. I left the Palace at 9.30 a.m.; & motored to Munslow, where I confirmed 36 candidates. The Vicar – Powell – is the 3rd incumbent of that name. His great–grandfather, a tanner of Bridgnorth, having made money, bought the advowson of Munslow, & sold it to his son for 10/6. The son appointed himself as vicar of Munslow, & was followed in the office by his son, whose son is the present incumbent. There is a young Powell already in orders who looks to succeed in his turn. Divine vocation by hereditary right! `Tis a very odd spectacle.

The church has a very solid Norman Tower, too decayed to allow of the bells being rung: a number of medieval benches: & 4 windows of beautiful medieval glass. After lunching with the incumbent, I motored to Cardington, & there confirmed 29 candidates. This parish is about 750 feet above sea–level, and commands the most beautiful views. The parson, Buss, has been a missionary. In the chancel of the parish church is an elaborate tomb of one Leighton, a Welsh judge, who died in 1607. There is a double piscina in good repair. Anning, Vicar of Rushbury, & Friederichs Vicar of Eaton were at the service. I returned to Hereford by way of Church Stretton a few minutes before 8 p.m. These confirmations in Shropshire involve a heavy expenditure of time & petrol. Wynne–Willson came in at 9 p.m. to go through the letters: & then I read the newspapers.

[187]

May 18th, 1920

My dear Mrs Martin.

I think you should rest content with the archaeological interest of the record about the pew. It would be a rather arbitrary proceeding to revive a long dormant claim on a title nearly two centuries old, especially as the whole sentiment of the Church has changed on the subject of private rights inside parish churches, & you would set the conscience of the people against you. I have myself for many years been a member of the Free & Open Church Society, which wages unceasing war on faculty pews & pew rents, so I could hardly join in setting up or restoring a Faculty pew in Diddlebury. Charles I and the shipmoney is not a sound precedent to follow!

I am writing from London where I came for a Bishop's meeting tomorrow & Thursday.

With kind regards.

Yours sincerely

H. H. Hereford

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