A MYSTERIOUS gentleman who lived in a grand home in a Dorset village is the subject of an upcoming talk.
He is described as "The Mysterious Mr. Montefiore" and the talk is being given by James Ashdown, who has spent considerable time researching this 'fascinating gentleman'.
Montefiore's story combines both Charmouth and the neighbouring village of Catherston Lewston.
Although he was Rector there, he was to live for a number of years in the fine house, The Limes, now known as Charmouth Lodge at the corner of Barrs Lane and the Street.
Charmouth Lodge in 1890 (Image: Supplied)
Rev Thomas Law Montefiore was a Church of England priest in Wootton Fitzpaine, Catherston Leweston and Chideock between 1858 and 1890.
On the surface he appears to be an ordinary Victorian parish priest but further research has revealed some surprising and at times rather mysterious stories.
Thomas Montefiore (Image: Supplied)
He was born in Barbados part of an influential and wealthy Jewish family, but it seems his grandmother was not married to his grandfather and had a different ethnic background.
He came to Britain for his education, was ordained a priest and came to Dorset via Gloucestershire where he had a successful career as a parish priest and Diocesan Inspector of Schools finding time to write a Commentary on the Gospel of St Matthew and selling at least one large fossil to the Natural History Museum.
He was very much a product of the British Empire and raises some interesting contemporary issues about race, immigration and faith.
The talk will cover his time in Charmouth, where he was to live with his large family for 25 years.
He first appeared in the 1861 Census for Charmouth as renting Charmouth Lodge (the Limes) and five years later he paid £1,000 for the freehold.
Charmouth Lodge today (Image: Supplied)
It was two houses and he joined them together. He later bought the neighbouring property "Little Lodge" for £325 in 1870, which had formerly been a shop and a school.
Montefiore later bought Little Lodge (Image: Supplied)
Helen Parker, the present owner of the property, has a collection of the original deeds relating to him with his signature, which she will be bringing to the talk.
Little Lodge today (Image: Supplied)
Thomas Montefiore was to sell it in 1886 to George, father of the famous historian, Reginald Pavey and it subsequently was the home of the Whittington family, direct descendants of the famous Lord Mayor of London. With thanks to Neil Mattingly for the information and pictures.
St Marys, Catherston Leweston (Image: Supplied)
The previous weekend, on Sunday, October 26 at 9.30am, there will be a celebration of a service of Morning Prayer with a small local choir, as Montefiore himself would have celebrated it. This will be held in the beautiful little church of St Marys, Catherston Leweston, a short walk from Charmouth. All are welcome.