An affluent and clubbable gentleman-parson of the Georgian age, for forty years John Longe contributed extensively to society in rural mid-Suffolk, heading a household which included ten domestic servants, plus farm staff. He enjoyed the company of his peers, both as host and guest, and travelled throughout the region, to Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and his native Norwich. Besides preaching and leading worship, Longe trained young curates; marshalled his parishioners under threat of Napoleon's invasion; and fulfilled the onerous responsibilities of a magistrate, including supervision of the local House of Industry and turnpike trusts.
John Longe recorded his activities, relationships and possessions in pocket-books and inventories, leaving a rich archive for posterity. It is these documents which are presented and transcribed here. They are accompanied by an extensive introduction, setting them in context; notes on the many individuals encountered; and full apparatus. The volume also includes plates and maps.
Reviews
Together with Michael Stone's impressive introduction, this volume is consequently a remarkable suite of records which provide an unrivalled insight into the life and work of a Suffolk squarson in the pre-Victorian era.For his exemplary scholarship, and for rescuing Longe from obscurity, Michael Stone is to be congratulated. ARCHIVES
The Suffolk Records Society and the Boydell Press are to be congratulated on the production of such a lovely-looking book. With this publication Suffolk history takes an important step forward. SUFFOLK LOCAL HISTORY COUNCIL NEWSLETTER
To be commended on the exceptionally high standard of printing and presentation. PARSON WOODFORDE JOURNAL