GEORGE VI (1895-1952, King of Great Britain)

Fine Typed Letter Signed signed 'Albert' as Duke of York, to the Lord Mayor, greatly regretting his "inability to be present at the meeting at the Mansion House this afternoon on behalf of the Robert Browning Settlement Extension Fund. Both the Duchess and I were deeply interested in the invaluable Social work carried on in the Settlement, when we visited it last June, and we feel that it would be very disastrous if it should cease owing to lack of Funds for the alterations and extensions demanded by modern conditions. To raise the sum of £50,000 needed to re-build and extend the Settlement and to acquire the adjoining ground as an open space for recreation is a task far beyond the unaided efforts of those who already support the Robert Browning Settlement. I therefore commend this effort, not only to the Citizens of London, but also to the benevolent in the large Towns throughout the Kingdom, whose poorer population when in search of work so often come up to London and settle in this neighbourhood ...", together with a typed letter signed by his secretary P. K. Hodgson to the Rev. J. W. Graves, Warden of the Robert Browning Settlement, saying that he has shown their letter to the Duke and Duchess of York who thank them for their "most kind message. They are delighted to know that their visit gave pleasure and I am to assure you that, for their part, it afforded the Duke and Duchess keen interest and enjoyment ...", each 1 side A4, 145 Piccadilly headed paper, the secretary's letter 29th May 1928 and the Duke's 17th April

Patrick Kirkman HODGSON (1884-1963) was Administrator and Private Secretary to the Duke of York.
Browning Hall, properly The Robert Browning Settlement, was a social settlement established in Walworth, London, in 1895, one of a number of such 'settlements' arising out of the settlement movement and the university extension movement. It provided a range of social services to the poor of its deprived area, and provided accommodation enabling relatively well-educated people to live amongst the people with whom they worked. The Duke and Duchess of York visited on 23rd May 1928 and were hosted by the Reverend J. W. Graves.
Also included are copies of a telegram tow and from Princess Mary's lady-in-waiting Joan Mulholland.

Item Date:  1929

Stock No:  41685      £450

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