Difference between revisions of "Harold Davidson"
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'''Harold Davidson''' (1875-1937) was a [[Church of England]] [[priest]] defrocked for immorality in a cause celebre, and famously mauled to death by a lion while taking part in a seaside resort sideshow. | '''Harold Davidson''' (1875-1937) was a [[Church of England]] [[priest]] defrocked for immorality in a cause celebre, and famously mauled to death by a lion while taking part in a seaside resort sideshow. | ||
| − | Davidson had become [[rector]] of the [[Norfolk]] village of [[Stiffkey]] (pronounced ''Stewkey'') in 1906. Almost from the start he formed a special interest in the plight of 'fallen women', spending most of his time in [[London]] where he enjoyed the fast | + | Davidson had become [[rector]] of the [[Norfolk]] village of [[Stiffkey]] (pronounced ''Stewkey'') in 1906. Almost from the start he formed a special interest in the plight of 'fallen women', spending most of his time in [[London]] where he enjoyed the fast life of the capital, and acquiring the nickname of 'the [[prostitute]]s' padre'. In 1932, exposure in a national newspaper led to the church taking action against Davidson, and he was defrocked (deprived of his ministry) in a ceremony at [[Norwich]] Cathedral. |
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| + | He then sought to make a living, and gain a platform protesting his innocence, in circus and fairground sideshows. His end came at the [[Lincolnshire]] resort of [[Skegness]], where, while preaching the story of ''Daniel in the Lion's Den'' from a cage of lions, he was seized and killed by one of the lions, named Freddie. | ||
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| + | ==Further information== | ||
| + | http://norfolkcoast.co.uk/pasttimes/pt_scandalousrector.htm | ||
| + | http://www.rectorofstiffkey.co.uk/ provides a revisionist account. | ||
[[Category:Ministers]] | [[Category:Ministers]] | ||
Revision as of 18:05, February 23, 2008
Harold Davidson (1875-1937) was a Church of England priest defrocked for immorality in a cause celebre, and famously mauled to death by a lion while taking part in a seaside resort sideshow.
Davidson had become rector of the Norfolk village of Stiffkey (pronounced Stewkey) in 1906. Almost from the start he formed a special interest in the plight of 'fallen women', spending most of his time in London where he enjoyed the fast life of the capital, and acquiring the nickname of 'the prostitutes' padre'. In 1932, exposure in a national newspaper led to the church taking action against Davidson, and he was defrocked (deprived of his ministry) in a ceremony at Norwich Cathedral.
He then sought to make a living, and gain a platform protesting his innocence, in circus and fairground sideshows. His end came at the Lincolnshire resort of Skegness, where, while preaching the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den from a cage of lions, he was seized and killed by one of the lions, named Freddie.
Further information
http://norfolkcoast.co.uk/pasttimes/pt_scandalousrector.htm http://www.rectorofstiffkey.co.uk/ provides a revisionist account.