Francis Kilvert

Francis Kilvert

Francis Kilvert (3 December 1840 – 23 September 1879) was a British clergyman known for his diaries reflecting rural life in the 19th century. Born in Hardenhuish, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, Kilvert was educated at Wadham College, Oxford, before being ordained as an Anglican priest in 1863. He served as a curate in several parishes in England and Wales, most notably in Clyro, Radnorshire, near Hay-on-Wye, where he kept a detailed diary from January 1870 until March 1879.

Early Life

Francis Kilvert was the son of the Reverend Robert Kilvert, the rector of Langley Burrell, Wiltshire. He grew up in a devout Anglican family and pursued his education with the intention of entering the clergy. After completing his studies at Oxford, Kilvert followed his calling into the church, embracing his role with a deep sense of duty and a passion for pastoral care.

Diaries

Kilvert's diaries provide a vivid account of rural and church life in the Victorian era, filled with observations of nature, the seasons, and the daily lives of the people he encountered. His writings are celebrated for their descriptive quality, warmth, and the insight they offer into the social history of the time. Kilvert had a keen eye for detail and a genuine affection for the countryside and its inhabitants, which is reflected in his diaries.

The diaries were not published during Kilvert's lifetime. After his death, they were edited and selected for publication by William Plomer in the 1930s. The diaries have since been recognized as an important literary and historical document, offering a unique glimpse into Victorian rural life.

Clerical Career

Throughout his clerical career, Kilvert served in various capacities, including time spent in Clyro, where he wrote most of his surviving diaries. His work in the church went beyond the spiritual; he was deeply involved in the community, attending to the needs of his parishioners, and often commenting on the social issues of the day.

Death and Legacy

Francis Kilvert died on 23 September 1879, at the age of 38, from peritonitis, just a few days after returning from his honeymoon in Scotland. His early death was a loss to the literary and ecclesiastical world, but his diaries have ensured his place in history. Today, Kilvert is remembered not only as a clergyman but also as a significant figure in English literature, with his diaries offering a window into the past that continues to fascinate readers and historians alike.

Bibliography

• Kilvert's Diary 1870–1879 - Edited by William Plomer

See Also

• Victorian era
• Diary
• Anglicanism
• Rural history