Description of 43-B
The Funeral of George Francis Lane Fox - 11.30am Wednesday, 17th October 2012 at All Saints' Church Bramham
'George Lane Fox of Bramham Park died on 9th October. He was joint Patron of the Benefice of Bramham along with the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church, Oxford and the Lady Elizabeth Hastings Charities.
It was during the early medieval period that monastic and lay patronage developed, to facilitate the creation and ongoing support of parishes and their clergy. At the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII many more lay patrons were created by the Crown. The role of patron today is primarily focussed on consultation processes at the time of the appointment of a parish priest.
The Family decided that there would be no tribute at his funeral. Whatever world he inhabited, be it as a husband and father, a long serving army officer of the Blues and Royals or as the creator of Three day Eventing at Bramham, or restorer of the house and park, George was by nature utterly self-effacing and genuinely humble.
A person of enormous charm, he was the original gentleman who welcomed and honoured all irrespective of their background or status. This was clearly evident at his funeral at All Saints, Bramham, on 17th October, where a wide spectrum of British society honoured his memory.
As Patron of the Benefices of Bramham and Clifford George took an active interest in the work of our parishes but never interfered. Even prior to my arrival in 2000 he wrote a long letter to me which explained some of his own perspectives on church and parish life today.
His patronage until recently had been suspended for a number of years in most of our former parishes due to the parishes themselves having a priest-in-charge rather than a vicar. So he was delighted when our pastoral scheme which created our new Parish of Lower Wharfe allowed him to be formally re-instated in July 2011.
Some current developments in church life were not to George’s personal liking, however he never dwelt on this. He and his son Nick and daughter-in-law, Rachel, keenly supported the development of our youth work and allowed us to use Bramham Park for our annual Family Fun day.
I was often moved by his deep faith and solid trust in the promises of Christ. A man of faith but also a man of many interests, he was always a joy to converse with. We will miss his presence and quiet supportive ways. Our condolences go to Nick and Rachel and all the Family. May he now know the joyous realities of the Kingdom of God.'
The Rev. Peter E. Bristow
1. - 8. The Order of Service
9. The interior of All Saints' Church before the service.
10. - 12. Photographs before and after the service. The village hall was utilised to cater for the overflow from the church, a video/sound link communicated the service to the mourners in the village hall.
13. George and Victoria, who pre-deceased him in 1997, at rest, together in Bramham Park.
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