|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Bray
|
|
(8km/5m NW of Windsor) Village on the Thames known mainly for the legendary vicar of Bray, hero of a song dating from the 18C. He boasts that he has remained vicar through five reigns by changing his political complexion; he was a High Churchman under Charles II, a Papist under James II, a man of no principles at all under William III, a Tory under Anne, and now he is a Whig under George I. Such cheerful opportunism, combined with a very catchy tune, has made him a lasting favourite. He may have had an historical origin in Symon Symonds, who veered from Catholic to Protestant and back again twice between the reigns of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, arguing that he was keeping true to his main principle, which was 'to live and die the vicar of Bray'.
|
|
|
|