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Updated: June 22, 2025
I have in my possession two original letters from Bishop Gibson and Mr Norris of Bemerton, to Dr Charlett, which, if published, would lessen your too great esteem for him. And what, I beseech you, Sir, have I said in praise of Mrs Hopton and her pious and useful labours, which they do not well deserve, and which can possibly give any just offence to any good man?
Although a pleasant and retired little place, Bemerton would not be of much interest were it not for its associations with the "singer of surpassing sweetness," the author of The Temple. George Herbert became rector here in 1630 and died two years later, aged 42. He lies within the altar rails of the church and the tablet above is simply inscribed G.H., 1633.
Bemerton is two miles west by north of Salisbury, and the Church is dedicated to St. Henchman was Prebendary of Salisbury, of which See he became Bishop in 1660, and in 1663 he was removed to London.
Besides many poems he wrote for his own guidance a book called The Country Parson. It is a book, says Walton, "so full of plain, prudent, and useful rules that that country parson that can spare 12d. and yet wants it is scarce excusable." But Herbert's happy, useful days at Bemerton were all too short.
Herbert had been made Deacon some years before, and he was also the same day which was April 26th, 1630 inducted into the good, and more pleasant than healthful, Parsonage of Bemerton; which is a mile from Salisbury.
The name of Herbert, which we have met with in the cathedral, and which belongs to the Earls of Pembroke, presents itself to us once more in a very different and very beautiful aspect. Between Salisbury and Wilton, three miles and a half distant, is the little village of Bemerton, where "holy George Herbert" lived and died, and where he lies buried.
Bemerton was capable and, as luck would have it, she was also kindly. All the domestic arrangements at Lapton ran smoothly under her direction. She was reasonably popular with the boys and mothered them. She even found time to mother Gabrielle respectfully, for she had come from a county that is staunchly feudal, and was aware of her mistress's august connections.
Soon after this, George Herbert was offered the living of Bemerton near Salisbury. But although he had already made up his mind to become a priest he was as yet only a deacon. This sudden offer made him fearful. He began again to question himself and wonder if he was good enough for such a high calling. For a month he fasted and prayed over it.
He did not even like her to take an intimate share in the management of the house. After all she was a Hewish and a cousin of the august Halbertons. That was why he had employed Mrs. Bemerton as housekeeper. "I shall be obliged," he said, "if you don't mention a matter that may possibly become unsavoury, to Mrs. Considine.
When at his induction he was shut into Bemerton Church, being left there alone to toll the bell, as the Law requires him, he staid so much longer than an ordinary time, before he returned to those friends that staid expecting him at the Church-door, that his friend Mr.
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