Sabine Baring Gould of Lewtrenchard – a talk by Vanni Cook

Sabine B-G was born in Exeter in 1834 and died in 1924. He was many things including : an Anglican priest, Vicar, Hagiographer, Theologian, Hymn Writer, Antiquarian, Historian, Archaeologist, Popular Novelist, Poet, Gatherer/Collector of Folklore and Folk Music, Father, Husband, Friend, Family History Researcher, Conservationist, Environmentalist, Geologist and Recycler.

Vanni’s talk explored his family background and personality wondering why, despite all his interests, he seems to have been somewhat overlooked compared to his contemporaries. He had graduated at Cambridge University (BA Arts), spent time at Hurst Pierrepoint and Clare Colleges, plus a spell in Iceland studying their sagas, before being ordained as a Mission Priest in 1865. He served as a Curate in Dalton, Yorkshire, was married a year later to Grace and their first child, one of fifteen, was born in 1869.

He inherited the family estate of Lewtrenchard upon the death of his father in 1872 and began the restoration of the church 5 years later. After becoming the Squarson in 1881, he continued further works to the church and remodelling of the manor house well into his later years.

His personality was shaped, said Vanni, by bronchitis, a patchy education (though he was fluent in 5 languages), a controlling but inquisitive father, a hatred of sport, loyalty to friends and family and a great sense of humour, with a nickname of “Snout”. This was evident in character roles he played at college and letters he wrote during his many travels. He brought back a souvenir from Iceland, a pony called Bottlebrush! He also loved word play of any kind and this is shown through his love of witty anecdotes and local dialect.​

As a writer he had over 1,200 publications and was credited by J.M. Barrie as being one of the top ten novelists of his day, also attracting reviews from George Bernard Shaw. Red Spider (1887) regarded by the author as his finest work, draws on his interest in rural life, folklore, and mythology.​history. As a play it was performed over 100 times around the country.

In 1864 he founded the “Brig Mission” at Horbury Bridge in Wakefield, a church school, still going today. In the following year, after buying a plot of land, he founded a new mission church and school – this building still stands and is now part of the present school site. It was here too that he composed the hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers,” as a song for children marching up the hill to the church.

 He founded other Christian schools and furthered education especially for women. The love of his family and loyalty to friends and employees was also highly regarded. His kindness is evidenced in the scores of letters to and from school mistresses, employees and associates.

Overall, a fascinating man.