July 10th 2000

The Editor
The Sunday telegraph
1 Canada Square
London E14 5DT
E-Mail: stletters@telegraph.co.uk

Dear Sir,

With reference to the story of the Trotman family and their loyal service to the Church of England for a little over 250 years (Vicar ends six generations of family service to Church July 9th) the Leir family of Devon and Somerset go some way beyond that, and to two parishes both in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Richard Leir became Rector of Charlton Musgrove in 1617. Nine Leirs held the parish until 1914, with a son-in-law helping out for a dozen years. Across the fields the parish of Ditcheat was taken by Thomas Leir in 1699, and he married the previous parson's wife, too! Ditcheat was held by successive Leirs until 1917 and then another son-in-law extended the run to 1946. This devoted service was, however, slightly marred when in 1953 Admiral Ernest Leir caused a considerable stir as he assaulted the recently appointed Ditcheat rector, the Reverend Harold Cole, a former RAF padre, on his way back from celebrating Divine Service. According to the subsequent case at the Bridgwater Quarter Sessions, the Admiral thought that a sermon was aimed at him.

During the 300 years of service from their fathers and uncles, at least a dozen Leir daughters married clergymen, thus enhancing the link of this particular family with the Church. Sadly, history does not relate as to whether these were arranged with a view of establishing a dynasty.

Yours faithfully,
Robin Nicholson
01300 320 995 (home)
01497 847375 10-14 July