The Henson Journals

[18]

Monday, April 28th, 1924.

It was from the ruri–decanal chapter of Christianity that I received a strong protest against my consecration as a bishop. Gamble tells me that this Rural Dean is in medieval documents often called the Dean of Exeter – a fact which has led to much confusion. I wonder whether the gentleman was present last night, and whether he repents of his activity. Perhaps, if he is an Anglo–Catholick, he is more than ever persuaded of its rightness: &, from that point of view, who shall say that he is wrong?

Bishop Quirk's death has come too soon for my intentions about K. to mature conveniently. Why should not the suffragan bishoprick be linked to the richly–endowed benefice of Houghton–le–Spring? This would raise the question of remuneration. It would hardly be wise to let the suffragan bishop's services be altogether voluntary.

We motored to the Priory, Woodchester, by way of Taunton, Glastonbury, and Bath, a distance of 114 miles, leaving at 10.25 a.m. and arriving at 4.45 p.m. We spent an hour over luncheon etc. at Glastonbury. Captain & Mrs Soltau Simmons welcomed us, and, after tea, I wrote to Watts of Shildon, Major E. Atkin, and George Nimmins.

This is a 16th century house with some good panelling, and the quiet stateliness of its age and type.

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