The Bittersweet Pilgrimage to Hindhead of 7th July 1906

The July 1906 Pilgrimage to Tennyson country was one of the most anticipated events of the year. The Whitefriars Journal of April 1906 wrote: “It is unnecessary to repeat the information in the circular in regard to the summer pilgrimage to Hindhead, but the very kind way in which Lord Tennyson, Sir Arthur and Lady Conan Doyle, Dr and Mrs Rideal  and others have interested themselves to ensure that the occasion shall be memorable justifies the Committee in the belief that this most picturesque and carefully planned excursion will strongly appeal to the Friars and their ladies.” Unfortunately, on 4th July 1906, a few days before the arrival of the Whitefriars party, Louise, the first Lady Conan Doyle, died at the age of 49 at Undershaw, Hindhead, Surrey, from the effects of chronic tuberculosis. Her funeral took place two days later at St Luke’s Church, Grayshot, in the presence of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, chief mourner, Louise’s sister Miss Hawkins and other close acquaintances of the celebrated author.

The Batley News and Yorkshire Woollen District Advertiser reported on 13th July 1906:

A Whitefriars Club Pilgrimage

Those of us who belong to the famous Whitefriars Club insist it is the most interesting literary and artistic coterie in London. We would not exchange the brilliancy of talk at one of our Friday night dinners for seats in the House of Lords. Now and then we go on pilgrimages and take our wives with us. Last Saturday the Whitefriars journeyed to Tennyson-land – that most picturesque part of Surrey lying round Hindhead. The day was fragrant and warm: the hill sides were brushed with heather, and the scenery was certainly as beautiful as any to be found within the three seas. A good many of the friars went to Aldworth House on Black Down, the summer home and death place of the late Poet Laureate. The present Lord Tennyson and Lady Tennyson had not only kindly welcome but also tea for their visitors, and were delighted to show not only the library, but also many interesting mementoes of the poet. The pleasure of the day, however, was a little darkened by two events. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle had invited the friars to his house at Hindhead, but the sad death of Lady Doyle only three days previously had put that out of the question. Then there was the absence of [former Hon. Sec.] Mr Arthur Spurgeon, who has done more than anyone to raise the Whitefriars Club to its present position of eminence in the literary world. Stricken with illness a couple of months ago, he has been lying for weeks on a sick bed, and must have deeply felt, as all his brother-friars felt, the cause of his absence. He is now convalescent and at Eastbourne, and the brethren look forward to his speedy re-appearance at the Fleet Street dinners.

(Below: Arthur Conan Doyle in 1917; Hallam Tennyson; Arthur Conan Doyle’s Telegram of 3rd July 1906)