Note 163 — SIGNAL STATION: FAIRLIGHT, NEAR HASTINGS, SUSSEX

There is some confusion here. Wadeson and Parr were both assistant masters when Sumner died suddenly in September, 1771. Wadeson was certainly not offered the succession, and his name does not seem to have been officially mentioned in connection with it. On the other hand, Parr’s claims were strongly urged, and the refusal of the Governors to appoint him caused a violent ‘meeting’ among the boys. It is a very strange story, told at length in Johnstone, Works of Samuel Parr, i. 55 seq.; Thornton, Harrow School and its Surroundings, Chap. viii.; Report on the MSS. of Lady Du Cane (Hist. MSS. Comm.), 229 seq.