My introduction to Lady Carlisle
– by Guy Hayler


Guy Hayler



In the summer of 1890 I had a letter from Lady Carlisle, complaining about the work of the North of England Temperance League and stating that both she and Lord Carlisle had determined to withdraw their support. I felt this to be a serious blow to my new work and decided at once, to proceed to Castle Howard for an interview. I caught the early train from Newcastle to York and walked the three or four miles from the station to the castle. The maid who came to the door, on my ringing the bell, informed me that Lady Carlisle was in the garden. I was directed through the great hall to the garden entrance, descending the steps into the garden. For some considerable time I was unable to locate any person resembling a 'Lady'. At last one of the gardeners directed me to a lady on her knees, with gloves on, digging at a flower bed.

As I approached, Lady Carlisle looked up and I told her who I was and why I had come to see her, but she was not very ready to enter into my conversation over the matter. I explained that I had only recently taken up my position of secretary and was the only one employed by the League to cover the whole of the north of England. I said that until we got more money and more workers it was absolutely impossible to do what was necessary for the movement.

After listening for some time to my story, still seated on the grass, Lady Carlisle rose and went to a seat. By question and answer and further explanation, I gave her Ladyship a full account of our needs.

I was invited to stay for lunch. On leaving Lady Carlisle said to me “Now write to me fully just what you have been saying and I will give the closest attention to the matter and send you a donation”. This I did, and within a very few days I had a delightful letter, enclosing a cheque for £25 and warm encouragement for the success of our work. From that day, until I left the North, Lady Carlisle was my most earnest friend and supporter.

Shirley Hare and Jonathan Hare, 2006
transcribed from Guy Hayler's diary



link to the Hayler's at Bulmer

link to Guy Hayler's introduction to Lady Carlisle

link to Guy Hayler's letter to Right Hon. H. H. Asquith, 1915

link to Guy Hayler's publications

link to Glen Hayler's Court martial




THE CREATIVE SCIENCE CENTRE

Dr Jonathan Hare, The University of Sussex
Brighton, East Sussex

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