Alfred Green-Armytage

Notes by Catherine Kovesi:

His funeral is noted in the Western Daily Press 18 May, 1932. Noting that his favourite dog was one of the chief mourners:

"The funeral service of Mr Alfred Green-Armytage, one of the best known and most respected members of the legal profession in Bristol, and a leading worker at Clifton Parish Church, was held at Clifton Parish Church, yesterday. A dog was one of the mourners and was present both at the church service and at the graveside. It was the late Mr Green-Armytage's favourite terrier and was in charge of Miss Green-Armytage (grand-daughter) and Mrs Ferris. Provost W.E. Morrow (former vicar) came from Chelmsford to be present and the Rev. G. W. Monk, former curate and now vicar of Christ Church, Clevedon, was also present. The service at the church was conducted by the Rev. A. C. Stratton (vicar) assisted by Provost Morrow and the Rev. E. Hart (curate) and Provost Morrow officiated at the graveside in the churchyard, the interment being in the grave of Mr Green-Armytage's late wife. The church service was fully choral and Mr A. S. Warrell played Chopin's 'Marche Funebre' most impressively. Provost W.E. Morrow in an address said the passing of so outstanding a figure into the Presence left them much poorer but his spirit lived with them and animated them with many fond memories of his life. 'We feel his loss keenly', continued the speaker. 'He was the perfect type of an English gentleman with a mind richly endowed with general knowledge, legal and historical learning, combined with a charming manner and a childlike simple faith in the truths of the religion which he loved. They were very dear to him.' Continuing Provost Morrow said the late Mr Green-Armytage held to the things of God with a tenacious grip. He never tolerated insincerity or sham. He was, in fact, the best type of English churchman for he never missed a service morning or evening. His legal advice was ever at the disposal of clergy and Church Council, and he sought for no reward save only to help forward the work of God in His church. As Marcus Aurelius had said 'When thou wishest to delight thyself in the memories of those who die think of the nobility of one, the kindness of another and the liberality of another.' They found that very true of Mr Green-Armytage. They revered his memory and they delighted in recalling the many ways in which he assisted his colleagues. From the very day he (the speaker) came to Clifton to the very last they never had the slightest cloud to mar the happiness of their work together and now he had gone to that fuller life of which Revelations spoke re-united to his beloved wife whose sudden call ten years ago perhaps clouded his declining days. Therefore they sorrowed not as those without hope and the fragrant memory of such a perfect Christian life would ever remain to them as an inspiration and noble example." Then follows long list of The Mourners; of Those Also in Attendance; and the givers of the Floral Tributes.

In another obituary, in the Western Daily Press, 14 May, 1932, one of his friends describes him thus: "The deceased was a Conservative in politics but rarely took part in controversies or sought publicity of any kind. Books and the society of old friends, archaeological adventures, walking-tours and an enthusiasm for architecture were his chief spheres of interest, and the outstanding qualities of his character were a shining integrity and a chivalrous courtesy which harmonised well with the loyalties he so scrupulously observed in every relation of life. He devoted much time to the affairs of Clifton Parish Church. He was a cultured and fluent speaker but avoided the rostrum as much as possible. This was a pity for he had a quiet but incisive humour and a graceful delivery. Although singularily detached in his attitude towards the modern world he was alert in mind and body, and well-informed on public affairs. His friends were many, and his allegiances unswerving. He knew England familiarly and could have passed almost any test as regards this country's antiquities, cathedrals, rural topography etc. He will be greatly missed by a very wide circle of friends and relations."