Note 238a — NOTES ON PARISHES ROUND HORNCASTLE. (continued 6)

Some anecdotes are told of this worthy. A friend, who, in his early years, received some tuition from him, relates that he once took him to the top of the church tower, and waving his arms around, exclaimed “All this should be mine, every inch of it.” He planted an apple tree, when each of his numerous progeny was born; two or three of which still bear fruit in the vicarage orchard. He is said to have been a skilful boxer, and to have thrashed a big bully at Thimbleby. Being accused by a clerical superior, of frequenting public houses, and drinking too much, he replied, “I am not the only man who has been accused of being a gluttonous man and a wine-bibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.” He was evidently well able to hold his own with tongue as well as fist, although the valuable patrimony slipt through his fingers.