Letters
Miss K. M. Roome has submitted the following interesting note:
'I am studying a hatchment erected in 1727 as a memorial to Lady Austen who died in 1725, by her second husband, Mr Wintle. It was noted by Canon Scott Robertson in A.C.XVIII (1899) and elsewhere. This hatchment is on metal (?copper) and the painting is above average quality. It may prove to be a rarity.
The maker's name 'Haacus Russell, Land. mi.fecit' is engraved on the back and any information about him would be useful'
K. M. Roome.
In 1989 three members, Mr. F. R. Horton, Mr. J. Levett, and Ms. M. M. Sharp achieved fifty years of membership of the K.A.S.
Ms. Sharp and Mr. Levett have sent their recollections of times past.
After leaving school my working days were in London, attending some evening lectures on Medieval History - attracted to them as history had been a favourite subject at school - the development of Church Architecture fascinated me. In time our lecturer invited anyone interested to accompany him on a weekend walk in one of the Home Counties visiting some old churches. Among others I accepted. What a world of interest opened up to me. It became, roughly, once a month exercise. Walking, or by coach during the years 1931 to 1939 by the courtesy and guidance of Rectors and Vicars some 250 churches were studied. Architecture, Norman and fifteenth century - and excitement if some Roman bricks were found. Stained glass, Church furnishings, Brasses, Memorials. We learned history could be read by entering an old church. Several Cathedral cities were also visited, staying for long Easter weekend in several. Especially imprinted on memory is Lincoln Cathedral as there we were shown their copy - opened - of the Domesday Book.
On our doorstep, of course, was the City of London, Wren churches and the Halls of the City Guilds. What a fascinating study the latter proved. How much we owed to all those who gave of their time and expertise in opening the churches and Halls on a Saturday afternoon to a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs - our own lecturer excluded; to whom we owed all the arrangements. I for one, can never be sufficiently grateful. In 1938, someone, identity regretfully forgotten suggested I join the Kent Archaeological Society. The late Rev. Herbert Dale, Vicar of St. Leonard's, Hythe, sponsored me, my application being accepted.
Returning to Hythe with its wealth of history as a Cinque Port digging into its past became of absorbing interest. In the library there is a bequest by the late Mr. Fred Herton of the volumes of the K.A.S. from No. 1 to the date of his death. What interesting hours I spent searching out every mention of Hythe.
Outings with the Society have been so enjoyable and of interest though I now find driving back from Canterbury after a long day out just too tiring to participate. However, each publication of the Arch. Cant. is eagerly opened. I never cease to be grateful to the unknown but not forgotten factor who suggested I join the Kent Archaeological Society.
Muriel M. Sharp.
I have been closely connected with Rochester Cathedral for most of my life and was, in fact, born in John Jasper's Gateway (mentioned in Edwin Drood) in the Precinct of the Cathedral where my father was Head Verger for over twenty five years. I was a Cathedral Chorister and, subsequently Asst. Cathedral Organist for forty eight years, this long period being surpassed by only two other people in this County, as far as I am aware.
I have seen many changes here - at least six Deans and four Bishops, not to mention crowds of Clergy. Many stories could be told. I have often been pressed to write my memories but at the present rate of proceedings I see little prospect of this being achieved'.
James Levett.