Monday, July 19, 2010

Mass at Dilston


On Thursday of this week, being the feast of St Mary Magdalen, I am saying Mass at Dilston once again. St Mary Magdalen is the dedication of this historic Catholic chapel. However there has been some confusion over the time of the start of the Mass. It will in fact start at 7pm and not 6.30 or 7.30 as advertised in other places. I hope this message is seen by most who are intending to be there.

6 comments:

1569 Rising said...

The Dilston Mass is always a memorable occasion. James Radcliffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater
was beheaded on Tower Hill in 1716 his crime being High Treason, for his leadership of the 1715 Jacobite Rising. His younger brother, Charles, escaped in 1715, but was captured after the failure of the 1745 Rising, and was similarly beheaded on Tower Hill.

The 3rd Earls body was brought back to Dilston, and was buried in the Chapel in which we will have the privilege of hearing Mass on Thursday. The body was subsequently moved to Thorndon Hall in Essex, the seat of the Petre family in 1874.

The 3rd Earl was looked on as a Martyr for the Faith in Northumberland, and miracles were said to have occurred as a result of his intercession. The legend of "Lord Derwentwater's Lights" - the appearance of the aurora borealis which supposedly followed the hearse through Durham to its final resting place gave fuel to the stories of miraculous occurences.

I shall also remember "Lady" Amelia Mary Tudor Radcliffe who caused a stir in the 1870's by claiming to be a descendant of the 3rd Earl's son, and then occupying the roofless castle for some weeks in a futile attempt to claim her inheritance. She died in poverty in Shotley Bridge in 1881, and is buried in an unmarked plot in the Catholic section of Blackhill Cemetery.

Can I recommend "Tracking a Legend" by Frances Dickinson, and "The Desperate Faction" by Leo Gooch.

Time for all Jacobites to gather and remeber, and drink a silent and imaginary toast to "The little gentleman in black velvet" - If you don't know what I mean, then you're not a Jacobite!

ScepticalBeliever said...

1569 Rising, you write: 'I shall also remember "Lady" Amelia Mary Tudor Radcliffe who caused a stir in the 1870's...' Are you really that old (or older)?

1569 Rising said...

Sceptical Believer - You are a card! I hope you haven't upset the ghost of Amelia, because she will come and haunt you on Thursday at Dilston.

I personally didn't know her, but maybe she knew you, possibly at that well known Dancing Venue on the West Road.

Pat said...

Sorry to be missing this year as we are away. Always very moving to hear Mass in the chapel designed for Catholic worship at a time this was illegal. The giant redwoods are worth seeing too.

ScepticalBeliever said...

1569, old friend, when you write: 'I personally didn't know her' it would be easy for some to guess that you were, if not known to her personally, at least contemporary with her, would it not?
This blog is apparently trying to rival Yellow Pages in its advertising; first we had the promotion of "CTS Reviews", now we have the promotion of two books by Jacobites (or Jacobite sympathisers). Can I therefore please advertise my consultancy, Fr B?

1569 Rising said...

Sceptical Believer..

I agree that my use of English may be a little sloppy, and I must make it plain that I did not know Lady Amelia personally, but I would imagine she would have been rather fond of you, bearing in mind her propensity for self-delusion.

Do you practice Consultancy or Insultancy? We Murmurers demand an explanation.