Gents Mag 1803 p.18
|
|
|
|
|
introduction, lists | ||
|
|
list, 1st qtr 19th century | ||
|
|
previous page
next page |
||
|
Gentleman's Magazine 1803 p.18
me that he presented him to the perpetual curacy of Seathwaite, when it was no more than 8l. a year; that he married early in life, and, I think, brought up more than ten children, besides several that died in infancy. In this I am not clear that I am correct, any farther than his family was very large. This 8l. a year, and teaching a village school in one of the most retired places of the North, which probably never brought him in more than another eight, and more probably not five, was apparently all he had to live upon. It is impossible that with such a pittance, without patrimony, he could support an increasing family. He had of course may other helps. He was steward of the court for his patron Mr. Penny; and, no doubt, received many perquisites in a copyhold manor which consists of small inheritances. He made wills, bonds, conveyances, surrenders, and every thing of the kind; and, in short, was the only lawyer in the neighbourhood. He more than educated his children; he trained them up to habits of industry, and gave them a living example of it in his own person. To his scholars he did the same; for, at the very time he taught them to read and write, he was spinning in the chancel, which was his school. I think after this, Mr. Urban, I have paved the way for what follows, and shall not suprize your readers very much when I add, that this clergyman was not only a spinster but a publican (or, rather, his daughter, in whose name, to save appearances, the licence was granted); and by this calling, I do really believe, he did more good than he was able to do by precept. No late hours, no tippling, no immorality or indecency of any kind, would he suffer; though mild and gentle, he would shew his authority when he pleased. By persevering in this plan, when there was not another public-house of a contrary description to counteract his benevolent designs, he would have it in his power, with few exceptions, to train up the rising generation in religion and virtue. Village ale-houses, for the most part, from experience I affirm, are great impediments to the well-meant endeavours of a conscientous clergyman, which cannot have their proper effect so long as they continue, as they almost universally do, under little or no regulations. Mr. Walker, though strict and rigid in some cases, yet was naturally of a liberal turn of mind, and had no objection to allow the innocent pleasures of youth, as will appear from the following circumstance. In some places of the North of England, they have their plumb fairs, cherry fairs, sugar and water Sundays, or some other annual meeting, which evidently have the same origin as the wakes or feasts in the Midland counties, viz. the dedication of churches to some Saint. On the Sunday when the young people met at Seathwaite to partake of fruit, cakes, and ale, as usual, Mr. Walker's first care, when the bell rung, was to clear the house, and conduct them all to the chapel. After a suitable discourse, they all returned to their mirth, when he condescended to be their waiter, and Coming, coming, Sir, with his band yet on, was the echo to their call. Perhaps it was not in his power to prevent all irregularities at all times in his house; but, from the great respect every one had to his general character, he could do what others could not. It is not easy to conceive what profits would arise to one situated in such a sequestered vale (who was hospitable and generous in the extreme) by selling ale; one that many times would take nothing from either friends or strangers. Multitudes have been benefited by his bounty, and myself among the number. The first time I called at his house with his patron's compliments (though totally unknown to him), there appeared benignity and gratitude inexpressible in his countenance, and , eat and drink what I would, there was nothing to pay. His living did not long rest at 8l. a year; but gradualy increased, and principally from the following cause. A party of gentlemen from London, long before it was fashionable to visit the Lakes, accidentally stumbled upon his house for refreshment. Here they found, to their astonishment, plenty of homely fare, and a cup of excellent ale; their host also a sensible and agreeable companion, surrounded by a houseful of children, all so neat, so industrious, and so happy, that, after their return to town, they raised (oftner than once, I believe) 200l. by subscription, which commended another 200l. from Queen Anne's Bounty. The income from this, when laid out in land, together with what fell by lot at dif- |
|||
|
ferent
|
|||
|
|
next page | ||
|
|
|||
Lakes Guides menu.