ADRIAN
FORTESCUE
(1874 - 1923)
(a cousin of John W Fortescue)
One of the
century's most influential liturgists, was an artist, calligrapher, composer, adventurer - and a devoted parish
priest.
Author Michael Davies published a new book in the Autumn of 1999, that contains
a biography and comprehensive selection of Fr. Fortescue's writing on the
history and beauty of the Traditional Mass.
There is also an excellent book titled 'Adrian
Fortescue - A Memoir' by The Rev. Dr. John G. Vance and The Hon. J. W.
Fortescue, published by Burns, Oates & Washbourne, London, in 1924.
Winifred Fortescue, in her book
"THERE'S ROSEMARY... THERE'S RUE", wrote about their fascinating relation Adrian. He wrote to the historian John,
(Winifred's husband), after being told indirectly that he was no
relation to them.
"We were cousins in the 14th century. Mine is the elder but
undistinguished branch. It did remain, however, loyal to its King and
Faith which is more than yours did".
"We discovered him to be, in spite
his early middle age a man of immense learning. He was a marvellous
linguist, and enjoyed in learning abstruse and difficult tongues and
dialects. He knew and loved the desert tribes; had travelled in the
east disguised as an Arab and once had to kill a man in self-defence.
He was an expert on old church music, on the liturgy, ritual and
vestments of the Roman Catholic Church of which he was an ordained
priest; a very good water colour artist besides being an erudite
scholar with a comprehensive knowledge of the classics; he appeared to
read every book that was written from abstruse scientific works to
trashy novels, which, when sleepless, he devoured at a rate of three a
night."
He was the Parish Priest for Letchworth, Hertfordshire.
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To learn more about the amazing life of Adrian Fortescue click on the link
below.
A book plate
designed by Adrian Fortescue for The Rev. Dr. John G Vance M.A., D.Ph |
A book plate
designed by Adrian Fortescue for Winifred - probably only used
privately and never published
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Click
here to visit 'Adrian Fortescue: Priest & Scholar' by Michael Davies
Pictures - Burns, Oates
& Washbourne Ltd
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