Duke Humphrey Society

My thanks to an iRecusant who brought to my attention an historical society of which I had no idea existed. The Duke of Gloucester society is an interesting group. Ultimately it is a society which cares for the Duke's soteriological needs - namely ensuring that Holy Mass is said for the repose of his soul - an annual Mass is said for this purpose. The society also hosts various events (largely historical and via the medium of talks, etc.) 

O.K. Old Humphrey can't be considered Early Modern in any respect - but it is interesting that this tradition has survived the Reformation (or at least has been reinstated).

I was interested in the fact that this year's Annual Requiem Mass was held at St. Alban's Anglican cathedral in the Tridentine Rite on Saturday 21st February. The society's literature gave the impression that this was a great success. Of course, Humphrey (pre-Renaissance man that he was) wouldn't have ever heard the Tridentine Rite. In fact he was dead for some ninety-eight years before Trent began. I suppose that really it ought to have been said in the Sarum Rite (still valid ... even today) - the fact that it was held at St. Alban's should not be seen as an ecumenical venture but because it was a former abbey named after one of the first known Roman patricians put to death for harboring a priest... put in statute some thirteen centuries later. It's also where old Humphrey is buried.

The society is closely linked with the OPs at Blackfriars, Oxford.

The following is from their own literature:

Duke Humphrey of Gloucester was a fifteenth century English Polymath: statesman and scholar, Regent of England, constable of Calais. Warden of the Cinque Ports and also a senior judge, he also built up the outstanding collection of books which formed the basis of the Bodleian Library.

Do feel free to contact the society for further information:

The Duke Humphrey Society,

29 National Works,

Bath Road,

Hounslow,

MIDDLESEX,

TW4 7EA

Or e-mail: duke_humphrey_soc@btinternet.com