The Henson Journals

[82]

Christmas Day, December 25th, 1920.

I celebrated the Holy Communion in the Chapel at 8 a.m. All my household, except one maid, communicated. Afterwards I gave my Christmas gifts. To William I gave "Woodstock", & to James, "The Gladiators". While we sate at breakfast the Town Band came & played outside the Castle, I gave them £1. The sordid motive of these performances is, of course, obvious enough, and yet they add something to the Festival that I would not willingly lose. Nor will I allow myself to think that no more adequate intention is in the Bandsmen's minds than the collection which rounds off the carols! I went to St Anne's for Mattins, and there preached from the words in Titus III. 4. "The kindness of God & his love for man". There was a considerable congregation. The post brought the account for legal fees on my translation from Hereford to Durham, £260: 6: 2. Linetta sent me "Italian gardens of the Renaissance & other studies" by Julia Cartwright, which looks attractive. Also, she sent a fascinating set of picture–postcards "Miniatures of the Life of St Cuthbert from the late XIIth century Manuscript executed at Durham Cathedral Priory", now in the British Museum. After lunch we motored to Durham, & attended Evensong in the Cathedral. Carols were sung very sweetly. I gave Christmas Boxes to Freeman, Hardy, & Reeves, each £1.: & to Jobling's daughter 10/–, and the assistant porter 10/–. We had tea with the Rogersons, & then returned to the Castle, where we arrived a few minutes before 7 p.m. The weather had become quite mild.

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