§ THE LORD ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY moved to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Farnham Castle Measure, 1935, be presented to His Majesty for the Royal Assent. The most reverend Primate said: My Lords, this simple Measure affects not ancient tradition but a very ancient and beautiful building associated for many centuries with the Bishops of Winchester—Farnham Castle. When the diocese of Winchester was divided in 1923 the Bishop of Winchester chose to make his residence in the old house of Wolvesey at Winchester, and some difficulty arose as to what was to happen to Farnham Castle. I will not trouble your Lordships with all the various problems that had to be decided. Suffice it to say that by the Measure dividing the diocese it was left to a Committee to decide upon schemes for the future use and disposal of Farnham Castle; and it was decided that at least part of the Castle and park should be retained for purposes connected with the Church of England.
§ There were many deliberations. It seemed very doubtful how far it was desirable that the Bishop of the new diocese of Guildford should reside at Farnham: or even how far financial resources could retain the Castle at all. Then, largely by the courage and energy of one lady, this particular matter was adjusted; and it was ultimately decided that part of Farnham Castle should still be retained as the episcopal residence of the Bishop of Guildford. But it had been decided by the scheme of 1926 that if Farnham Castle or a part thereof were to be used for purposes of the Church of England, the expense of its maintenance should be borne by the Diocesan Board of Finance. Now that that part of the Castle has already been equipped as the episcopal residence, the Board of Finance desires to be relieved of the duty of maintaining repairs and dilapidations, and desires that the conveyance of this part of the Castle should be made, as in the case of other episcopal houses, to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. This will enable this very old and beautiful building to receive special grants in the way of repairs from the Commissioners, who are able to give 776 such grants towards old historical residences. There is no controversy in this matter. It has passed through all its stages and the Ecclesiastical Committee approve of it. It only remains for your Lordships to allow this thing to be done. It is good that there is still, as there has been for all these centuries, a Bishop resident within the ancient Castle of Farnham.
§ Moved to resolve, That in accordance with the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act, 1919, this House do direct that the Farnham Castle Measure, 1935, be presented to His Majesty for the Royal Assent.—(The Lord Archbishop of Canterbury.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.