The Henson Journals

[17]

Saturday, December 14th, 1929.

Ella and I motored to Durham, & attended the convocation of the University. The Duke of Northumberland presided as Chancellor. Hon. doctorates were bestowed on Lord Londonderry, Sir Charles Trevelyan, & Sir W. Marris, the new principal of Armstrong College. After the function I showed the library to the Duke & Duchess of N. Then his Grace entertained a company in the Common Room of the Castle. I sate beside the Duchess, & had much talk with her, & also with Sir W. Marris, who sate on my other side. I had to come away early in order to motor to Barnard Castle where the P.P.C.'s of that Rural Deanery had been convened. This was, in number present, the smallest gathering I have yet addressed. It was also the least sympathetic, a fact attributable to the exertions of the Vicar of Barnard Castle (Bircham), who made himself very offensive, & actually distributed copies of a letter which appeared in the local press, a fortnight ago, entitled "The Bishop of Durham & Church & State". After the meeting, one of my hearers expressed to me disgust & regret at Bircham's rudeness. I think it is probably true that I am more definitely disliked in that part of the diocese than elsewhere.

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