Temple Newsham

I called at Temple Newsham recently, a large historic house in the district of Leeds in West Yorkshire. Unlike many similar properties which have the local council as their proprietors and guardians, it is well looked after. It has an older, Tudor section, as well as later ones from the eighteenth century. The tour, at ten pounds a head, was not unreasonable, and the guide, though foreign, was knowledgeable. Curiously, around the front forecourt, are large letters placed into the parapet, which one can read with ease from ground level:

"All Glory And Praise Be Given To God The Father The Son And Holy Ghost On High Peace On Earth Good Will Towards Men Honour And True Allegiance To Our Gracious King Loving Affection Amongst His Subjects Health And Plenty Be Within This House"

They were placed there by Sir Arthur Ingram in the seventeenth century (though the font looks suspiciously modern). There were two owners who enjoyed this name, one pre- and one post-civil war; whether such expressions of piety and loyalty were as helpful before the conflict as they were after, seems unlikely. Neither King Charles I or II were particularly admirable; one was religious but priggish and obstinate, the other libertine and then a convert to Rome. Charles III is probably better than the others, but his government I like even less. And yet old Sir Arthur had a point: if government is established by God, then it deserves some respect, for it fulfils some of His purposes. I am disinclined to show the levels of fawning respect to the present government as Sir Arthur managed, but I do have a couple of portraits up of the King. I shall not ever love this current British government, but I shall do something better: I shall pray for it.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour. 1 Timothy 2:1-3

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