Father Stanton

A carte-de-visite portrait of Arthur Henry Stanton, for fifty years the curate of St Alban’s in Holborn, the first twenty of which were spent working alongside Rev Mackonochie, who was several times prosecuted for his introduction of Catholic practices into the Anglican liturgy. Stanton staunchly supported his superior; he also firmly adhered to such contentious practices as hearing auricular confession, wearing vestments during the Mass, devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and worshipping the Real Presence – in fact, all the practices of the Roman Catholic Church except the supremacy of Rome. Although frequently admonished and censured by his superiors, Stanton himself was never prosecuted.

He died on 28 March 1913 at his sister’s home in Upfield near Stroud. Crowds lined the streets to show their last respects as his funeral procession passed through Holborn. His body was buried in Brookwood Cemetery and a fine effigy by William Hamo Thornycroft lies atop his memorial in the church where he served for so long.

Photographed by Samuel A. Walker of 64 Margaret Street, London.