Parsonage and Parson: Coping with the Clergy - thirty years of eccentricity and delight

Richard Trahair provides an insider's view of the diverse characters and buildings in a large Church of England diocese in the south of England from the 1980s, including the controversy over selling parsonage houses and replacing them with smaller ones.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 104 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

Richard Trahair, a long-serving estate manager and Diocesan Property Secretary in a large Church of England diocese in the south of England, offers an insightful account of the diverse goings-on within the diocese from the 1980s. Having worked for over thirty years, he reflects on the remarkable range of characters he encountered and the diverse buildings and land under his responsibility. In his memoir, Richard delves into the nature of a parsonage house, its parish loyalties, and the contentious debate over selling grand old houses and replacing them with smaller ones to accommodate the impoverished clergy and their families.

Both people and places in this narrative are a captivating blend of the delightful, the worthy, the curious, and the downright eccentric. Richard recounts encounters that range from whimsical and hilarious to thought-provoking and historical, providing a glimpse into the life of a twenty-nine-year-old surveyor in a diocesan office dominated by retired military gentlemen, rattling around in a vast 15th-century former city workhouse as he grows into his role.

Through his anecdotes and observations, Richard paints a vivid picture of the social, cultural, and architectural landscape of the diocese during the 1980s. He sheds light on the challenges faced by the clergy, the changing dynamics of parishes, and the evolving role of the church in modern society. His memoir offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of a large church diocese and provides a captivating glimpse into the lives of those who dedicated their lives to serving the community.

Weight: 128g
Dimension: 126 x 198 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915122933