The Henson Journals

[120]

Tuesday, July 3rd, 1928.

My speech this afternoon must begin with a brief reference to the Darlington tragedy: then state the assumption underlying my motion viz: that the preservation of our own historical monuments is a national concern: this would lead on to a short description of the Castle as one of the greatest & most interesting of our historical monuments. Then I must describe the perilous state of the building, & the inability of its present guardians to maintain it. Finally, I may enlarge on the public utility, educational and civil, of the Castle, on the considerable efforts of the local population to preserve it: on the obligation of the whole community; & end by raising the point of possible State assistance. Incidentally, I must introduce (α) a reference to Lord Durham as Chancellor: (β) a reference to the contributions of their majesties: and (γ) a compliment to the Ancient Monuments Commission under Peers's direction. Perhaps I ought to meet in advance the obvious objection that if the State assists in the preservation of Durham Castle, it will create a precedent which might be applied to many other ancient buildings, which are becoming dilapidated, & whose guardians cannot afford to maintain them. Also, I must somehow work in the allusion to Curzon's zeal for preserving ancient monuments.

[121] [symbol]

I walked to the Athenaeum after breakfast, & prepared notes for my speech. Also, I wrote some letters including one to Fisher Ferguson, who had informed me that he was leaving Collierley (Laus Deo!) and was going to Nottingham. Then I drove to Westminster, and deposited my robes in the Bishops' Room at the House of Lords. Then I "looked in" at the Assembly for half an hour: & then lunched at the Westminster Deanery. [symbol] After a brief visit to the Assembly I went to the House of Lords, where I "called attention to the grave state of Durham Castle, & asked H.M. Government whether assistance from public funds could be given towards its preservation". I began by some reference to the Darlington disaster, & then spoke for about 20 minutes. Lord Londonderry spoke very well. Lords Phillimon & Darling spoke as judges who had occupied the Castle: & Lord Gainford also spoke. The Archbishop of York spoke. In reply Lord Peel was negative but sympathetic. Lord Middleton passed me a card on which he had written:

"This House though cramped in legislative power is a great advertising medium under the stimulus of polished Episcopal oratory! I hope the response may be adequate."

[122] [symbol]

I dined with Hugh Macmillan at 44 Grosvenor Road. Only his wife and another lady were present. I had a great talk with him, & confirmed the favourable impression I had formed of him as a member of the Street Offences Committee. He is as scornful of the modern doctrine of sex–equality as I am, and as conscious of its practical absurdity when actually applied to life.

Lord Londonderry called to see me about 6 p.m. He appears to be keen about the Mansion House meeting on July 23rd. Mr Justice Roche had written to him, and given him a list of names of persons to whom he should write. He wanted to know whether I approved of this. Of course I told him to do everything that Roche suggested. Fleming, whom I saw in the Club this afternoon, said that he had written about the Castle in the forthcoming issue of S. Columba's Magazine. This is a friendly action, but whether it will have any appreciable effect I doubt. Di Darling promises to exert herself to bring her friends to the Mansion House. Kitty Inge suggests luncheon parties on July 23rd: and Lady Struthers approves. Add the exertions of Sidney Walton, & surely there must be some attendance in the Mansion House. It is our last chance!