Kilvert, Robert Francis

views updated

Kilvert, Robert Francis (1840–79). Kilvert, a young Victorian curate, kept a diary in the 1870s when he served at Clyro, near Hay-on-Wye, and assisted his father at Langley Burrell, near Chippenham. He was born at Hardenhuish (Wilts.), where his father was vicar, and educated at Wadham College, Oxford, taking an undistinguished fourth in law and history. His simple and direct style and his keen interest in the country people he met on his walks and visits make his diary a vivid and moving account of the period—the mysterious family at Mouse castle, the dissenting ministers boating on Llangorse Lake, the curate of Cusop's extraordinary misfortune. Kilvert died of peritonitis four weeks after his marriage, and is buried at Bredwardine, his last living. The diary was first published in 1938.

J. A. Cannon

More From encyclopedia.com