In 'Exploring Kilvert Country' by Chris Barber, P.224, we read:
"Kilvert was offered the living of Bredwardine in September1877 when the Vicar, Rev. J. Houseman, died of a heart attack. Now 37 years of age, Kilvert must have felt that at last he had reached his goal, having waited so long for a living that really suited him. He was instituted to the living of Bredwardine on St Andrew's Day, 30th November, 1877."
(A bit of synchronicity there!)
................... (later in the text)
"... When his parents came to visit him at his new home in January 1878, Kilvert no doubt with considerable pride showed his father around the garden and church:-
'Showed my father round the garden and over the Church. He was much pleased with everything. The house and garden were much larger and more beautiful than he had supposed. Both he and my mother are delighted with the place. My father especially admired the old Norman 12th or 13th century work in the Church and more particularly the South doorway arch and the carving over the Devil's Door (the North door)."
Sadly his happiness was not to last, as despite finally being in a position to marry in August that year, only five weeks later, on 23rd September, the villagers' beloved Kilvert died of peritonitis.
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road