Publication – OCMCH Reprints

We are delighted to announce the launch of OCMCH Reprints, a new series of publications which draws on the the historical collections of the Oxford Centre for Methodism and Church History to provide high quality reproductions of out-of-copyright books that are scarce, inaccessible, or otherwise unavailable in digital formats elsewhere.

The series specialises in works of Methodist and Church history in Britain from the eighteenth to early twentieth centuries. All efforts are taken to present the text in a clean and readable format, and any imperfections that remain reflect the condition of the original book when digitised.

The first title to be made available through OCMCH Reprints is The Journal of the Housekeeper of Archbishop Secker, 1744-45.

Originally printed for private circulation in 1876, the volume was edited by Marianne Talbot to whom the original manuscripts had descended through Catherine Talbot, having been discovered among her papers. The unknown author was housekeeper to Thomas Secker (1693-1768) when he was Bishop of Oxford, and is written from the rectory of St. James, Westminster – where he was appointed in 1733.

Went to church. Heard an excellent sermon, preached by my good Lord from these words of Isaiah (Set thy house in order, for thou shalt dye, & not live: and Heziakiah turned his face to the wall, & prayed unto the Lord); from which he instructed us in our preparation for death in such perswasive terms, in a manner peculiar to himself, that must leave a deep impression upon our minds. His words are so enforcive, so powerful & excellent, who can help being moved & encouraged to our duty? He can never be sufficiently admired: every particular circumstance proves him all goodness. All expresions must fall short of what he deserves.

The Journal… p. 103

The journal richly describes the bustle of visitors, errands, and social engagements in an eighteenth-century clerical household – even when Secker was absent at Oxford and Cuddesden. Contemporary events mentioned include the deaths of Alexander Pope and Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough; the return to England of Commodore (later Admiral) George Anson from his circumnavigation of the globe; and even the short-lived ‘tar water’ craze set on foot by the popular book on the subject by Bishop George Berkeley of Cloyne.

‘The Journal of the Housekeeper of Archbishop Secker, 1744-45’ is available now to purchase in hardback, paperback, and as an eBook. Click here to order.