A
brief synopsis by his granddaughter Eleanor Unity Vickers in 2002
Francis
William Bourdillon (FWB) born 22.1.1852 at Runcorn, Cheshire, where his father
was a parish priest before he had livings in Sussex, and Old Warden
(Bedfordshire)
Educated at
Haileybury College and Worcester College, Oxford.
Took pupils
for ‘cramming’ privately in Eastbourne.
1876
appointed tutor to Prince Christian’s 3 boys at Windsor Castle for 3 years
1882
married to Agnes Watson Smyth of Wadhurst, Sussex.
Began
writing poetry early, The Night Has a Thousand Eyes written while at
Oxford, much published.
Already
working on a translation from the Old French of Aucassin et Nicolette.
1885
settled near Midhurst, Sussex (2 sons, 1 daughter)
1888
visited Cape Town where younger brother was terminally ill, eventually returning
with widow and children to England.
1890 built
permanent house Buddington at Woolbeding, nr Midhurst.
Holidays
until 1890s usually spent in Britain.
His father sometimes then took summer chaplaincies in Switzerland,
Villars, Glion etc, so FWB and family began to go also.
1893
Bernese Oberland, summer climbing holidays
1894 His
father had chaplaincy at Champéry.
Thereafter
visited Switzerland whenever financially possible for summer walking/climbing
holidays.
1908
climbed Matterhorn with friend and guide Edouard Défargo and RBB (younger son)
1914 Aug,
returned from Switzerland on last train before WWI declared.
FWB wrote
and had published several anthologies; poems and topical prose frequently
printed in Spectator and his scholarship in Old French was at the top of
this field.
Enjoyed
bicycling, local river fishing.
1916
learned to drive a car
Advised to
give up climbing (faulty heart valve?) but still managed Beachy Head!
1919 FWB’s
visit to Switzerland (via Paris) to Champéry with RBB
1920 FWB
last visit to Switzerland, returning from Paris by AIR! as feeling unwell -
“Ridiculously safe” Handley Page 9 seater plane.
1921 FWB
died after 3 months’ illness at home.