Harold Wilfred Knowling

Harold Wilfred Knowling (1888-1954), protégé of Henson. Originally from Stratford, joined the choir at St Margaret's Westminster after public recognition of his clear soprano voice; became principal chorister; the Hensons took special interest in him, especially after Henson intervened following the predatory grooming attempts of Archibald Routledge, a St Margaret's parishioner; lived with the Hensons at 17 Dean's Yard for several years, while working towards a music career and later during appointments in the law courts and lord chancellor's office; particularly after the stillbirth of his son, a great comfort to Henson; m. (1911) Alice [Elsie] Graham, daughter of Sir Henry Graham; served with the Welsh Guards during the First World War, becoming captain; fell out with Henson over his divorce (1924) and second marriage (1925) to Meriel Buchanan, author and daughter of Sir George Buchanan, British ambassador to St Petersburg; shortly before Henson's death, there was a reunion. See also Volume 60, 72, 73, 74, 76.

Journal references: 213

The Henson Journals

Harold Wilfred Knowling