The Fernhurst Society
Tales from the Archives - 44
Mr Willcock and the Genteel Beggar
Another tale from Mr Charles Willcock in Henley.
‘In the summer of 1908 I was visited by a shabby, genteel beggar, very interesting in a way, but an arrant cheat and hypocrite. A man of medium height, very spare-built with a thin, cunning face, wearing glasses and clothing of genteel form and material, frock coat etc and a felt hat, and carrying an overcoat on his arm. He politely raised his hat and in a very affected, half-feminine voice addressed me as Rev-Sir. He said that he was an organ builder by trade on his way to Godalming to receive some pension money due to him and also hinted at his need of a loan. I offered him three pence, which he, with a peculiar gesture of half-reluctance and restrained impudence, possibly mingled with a little fear of being followed and given in custody, accepted. He hurried away.
His half-frightened aspect from first to last led me to the conclusion that he was a man wanted by the police, a specimen of gaol-bird, arrayed for the time being in borrowed plumes. I think since he took such a hasty departure he may have divined by true estimate of his character. ‘A guilty conscience needs no betraying’.’
If you would like to know more about this story, or research other local topics, the Archive is open on Tuesdays, 2.30-5pm in the Village Hall. Other times by arrangement.
Christine Maynard
Fernhurst ArchiveOne of a series of short articles bringing you some of the incidents from our rich village history. Collated by Christine Maynard, based on documents preserved at the Fernhurst Archives, these originally were published in the monthly Fernhurst News.
The Fernhurst Archives
Fernhurst History
