Archibald Frederic ("Freddy") Hood (March 1895 – 1975) was a Welsh-born Anglican priest who served as Principal of Pusey House, Oxford, Priest-in-Charge of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London, and Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral.
Freddy Hood was born in the Bridgend area in 1895,[1] and received a BA from University College, Oxford in 1916, obtaining a first class in theology. He trained for ordination to the Church of England at Bishops' College Cheshunt, was ordained Deacon in 1920, and priested the following year.[2]
Hood was appointed as Vice Principal of St Stephen's House, Oxford, at the early age of 25, but from 1922, was involved with Pusey House, first becoming Priest-Librarian, and leading the House as Principal from 1934 to 1952.[3] He was an important influence in mid-20th century Oxford, and many students, including the later Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, considered him as a personal mentor.[4]
In 1954 he became Vicar of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.[5] Hearing his telephone ring in the vestry during a service in 1955 provided the original inspiration for Barbara Pym's work A Glass of Blessings.[6]
From 1961 until his retirement in 1970, Hood was Canon and Chancellor, and Chapter Treasurer of St Paul's Cathedral, London.[2]
References edit
- ^ Michael Blain; Christine Hickton (2015). "Anglo-Catholic Congress Clergy Directory" (PDF). Anglican History. Retrieved 8 April 2024.
- ^ a b Crockford's Clerical Directory, 1973-4. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 1975. p. 456. ISBN 0192000071.
- ^ "The Principals". Pusey House. Archived from the original on 1 March 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ Gourvish, Terry (2014). Dolphin Square: The History of a Unique Building. London: A&CBlack. p. 277. ISBN 9781472911117.
- ^ "Clergy". St Mary Aldermary. Archived from the original on 29 June 2018. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
- ^ Pym, Barbara (1985). A very private eye: an autobiography in letters and diaries. London: Grafton. pp. 271–273. ISBN 0586063951.