SIR,—Lord Egremont's article (December 23) on the adventures of his
ancestor so intrigued me that I hied to the Clergy List for 1856 (in my possession) and found that Master Thomas Sockett (two t's) had indeed done pretty well for himself (or had it done for him!).
In 1811 he became rector of North Searle in Lines (stipend £252, patron, Lord Chancellor). Then in 1815 he was presented by Col Wyndham (presumably Lord Egremont's ancestor) to theliving of Duncton in Sussex (stipend £357) whilst retaining the rectory of North Searle in Lines (with the help of a resident curate).
Then in 1816 his benefactor Col Wymlbam presented him to the living of Petworth (stipend c £836). And he was still holding all three livings in 1856. In other words he was a pluralist of the worst kind. Those were the days—for some Anglican parsons!
18 Vassal! Road, Fishponds, Bristol
H. C. HARRIS
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