The first Earl of Ancaster

1830-1910

Our Christmas and New Year have been saddened by the death of Lord Ancaster. He was a good friend, a kind master, a generous landlord. Pre-eminent in conceiving and fulfilling every obligation of domestic life, he was the best of husbands, the kindest, justest and most generous of fathers. In his own life, he showed a rare simplicity and candour. It was impossible to know him without admiring his minute and unceasing faithfulness to every duty, or without acquiring a strong personal devotion to himself. Perhaps three of his most conspicuous gifts were a wisdom ripened by long and varied experience, a determination to get to the truth of every matter submitted to him, a high and pervading sense of justice; but his justice was always mellowed by kindliness and generosity. No one was ever forgotten who had served the Estate faithfully, or who had suffered in any way by serving it. His good works were extended into every district where he had interests and duties. The Bourne Medical Club is a proof of the wisdom as well as the charity with which he designed and carried out all his philanthropic measures. As President of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, he was the moving spirit of an organisation which has done immense good, and punished the most abominable of all wickedness, throughout the whole country.

In these pages we should not omit to record Lord Ancaster's tender care for every parochial interest, and his unfailing munificence towards everything connected with the service and fabric of the church. By the regularity and the reverence with which he fulfilled his own religious duties he gave the best of examples. He knew how to be religious naturally, without any of the talk or ostentation of a spurious piety. In his moral character there was a happy mingling of sweetness and dignity. Through a prolonged life his useful and beneficent days were "linked each to each by natural piety". He will be long and sorely missed by all who knew him; but he leaves them the inspiration of a high and noble character. Certainly he personified the great saying Noblesse Oblige.

The funeral was largely attended, though the numbers had to be limited by the small capacity of our church. The deep and genuine feeling of all those who assisted at the service was unmistakable. The Vicar [the Rev Arthur Galton] has received the following letter, which he prints in the Magazine, as that is the best way of conveying the writer's thanks to the officials mentioned; and many others will be glad to know that the service was appreciated by those who have our fullest and most respectful sympathy in this time of sorrow.