Herbert Hensley Henson: A Biography

John S. Peart-Binns brings us a fresh and distinctive view of Herbert Hensley Henson, the eighty-sixth Bishop of Durham, who is shown here to have formed his own character and forged his own way amidst the chaos of the shifting and unpopular labour laws, two World Wars, the abdication crisis of 1936 and the misconceptions of those around him. Hensley Henson was an outspoken controversialist who never feared to assert his opinion. Peart-Binns goes beyond the traditional notions of biography - Hensley Henson's complex childhood; education at Oxford; his ministry at Ilford and Barking, Canon of Westminster and Bishop of Durham - and withal provides a rich psychological insight into the nature of the indefatigable and quick-witted though sharp-tongued figure. This perspective illuminates the Bishop's often overlooked theological thoughts and political views. The furore surrounding his appointment as Bishop of Hereford is analysed and his volte face from being a solid bulwark of the Establishment to being a trenchant advocate of Disestablishment is evaluated. Hensley Henson emerges clearly as differing from our familiar image of him, which can be found in novels, newspapers and magazines of the time, and in his own autobiography. Peart-Binns provides a permanent and deserved niche for him in the history of the Church. 'Herbert Hensley Henson: A Biography' examines the life and times of this formidable and astute character of the twentieth century. This work will inform those interested in the twentieth century, and delight any who are intrigued by Hensley Henson's indomitable spirit. John S. Peart-Binns was born and brought up in Bradford and now lives with his wife Annis in the South Pennines. He has written twenty biographies of Anglican bishops. His research has brought him a large collection of material relating to over 400 bishops (past and present) of the Church of England and of the other churches of the Anglican Communion, which now forms The Peart-Binns Episcopal Biography Archive at the University of Bradford. 'This study of Hensley Henson is a splendid addition to the works of one who must surely be considered the doyen of biographers of modern Anglican leaders. Balanced and sensitive to subtlety in the complexities of Henson's changing opinions, Peart-Binns gives an honest assessment of a truly independent mind.' Edward Norman former Canon Chancellor of York Minister and Emeritus Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge University.