Explanatory Notes
Eighty-seven years have passed since my father
produced his second edition of this booklet. An up-dated, but incomplete draft
of a third edition has recently come into my possession, which I now feel should
be published just as he wrote it - with no apology for any inaccuracies or
changes in style caused by the lapse of time. No attempt has been made to record
any twentieth century developments at Hooe. I would like this to be published in
memory of my sister Gwendoline, who was always associated with Hooe Church and,
indeed, was Organist for nearly forty years. I wish to express my sincere thanks
to my son-in-law David G.W. Dewar M.A., my daughter Kathleen, and my wife
Margaret for their great help, support and enthusiasm in bringing this booklet
to the publishers. To the Sussex Archaeological Society for a copy of the 2nd
ed. 1899. I hope this will generate further interest and investigation into Hooe
Church and its history, and my father's efforts in creating a third edition will
not be wasted.
Preface to the Third Edition
Additional matter gained by further
research has called for another edition of this book. The Author takes this
opportunity of mentioning it was Miss Hamet Poole, a relative of the Rev. C.
Routh, who asked the question "How old is this Church?" which led him to dive
into its history. Before this incident some peculiar features of the building
had been pointed out and questions asked him by Mr. A.T. Stevens. To him he is
indebted for his first spark of affectionate interest in the sacred edifice. He
gladly records much of his success is owing to the attention and direction of
interested attendants at South Hampstead Library. Thanks are also hereby
tendered to R.W. Hayward Esq., and Mrs. J. Smith for assistance given. When the
History of Hooe Church was entered upon there was no anticipation it would lead
to the publication of a book; therefore no need was felt of noting the
authorities consulted. In the present edition this defect is to some extent
remedied.
Preface to the Seond Edition
The former edition ot this little work
was received most favourably by both clergy and laity. By it many parishioners
have been led to a deeper interest in their Church. After reading it, Miss Routh
of Bexhill generously offered to defray the whole cost of restoring the tower,
resulting in the completion of the restoration of the Church. The Author tenders
his thanks to the many friends who encouraged or aided him in his labour. Among
these he desires to specially mention: The Right Rev, the Lord Bishop of
Chichester; the Revs. G.H. Jones, C. Routh, Canon Simpson, W. Walsh and W.J.
Watkins Esqs., J. E. Brand, C. C., S. Dodson, Gordon Green, G. Harmer, and E. E.
Hurst, J.P. Mrs. 3. Carey, Messrs. Mears and Stainbank (of London) and the
Trustees of the British Museum. He acknowledges his indebtedness to the Public
Libraries of South Hampstead and St. Martin's-le-Grand; and to the Sussex
Archaeological Society's Collections. He trusts this revised edition will prove
as useful and as welcome as its predecessor.
Postscript to the First Edition
The foregoing pages are the result
of reading and thought in a few weeks' holiday. Curiosity roused by a simple
unsatisfied question led the author to devote many hours to archaeology,
topography and architecture. He realises his inability to grasp what time has
snatched away. The charm of his subject and the encouraging interest and help of
friends have caused him to do a little, which he trusts may be blessed to do
much good. PRO DEO ET PATRIA.
Notes
1. The single capital letters in brackets placed after words refer to the Appendices at the end of the book.
2. The following are the authorities to which the reader is referred by two capital letters in brackets. Roman numerals refer to volumes, Arabic to pages.
