George Harvest

From Dittopedia

Rev George Harvest was an eccentric vicar who claimed friendship with both Arthur and George Onslow. His father was a Thames Ditton brewer. (Given the number of inns in the area, this activity must have been profitable.) ^[1]

Harvest went to Eton and Cambridge, where he took an MA in 1742, when he was about 26. He was inducted into the living of St Nicholas Church, Thames Ditton, in 1744. This had been procured for him by Arthur Onslow. He remained Vicar of St Nicholas until his death on Christmas Day 1780, aged 64. A collection of his sermons was issued in 1754. ^[1]

His behaviour was described in The Eccentric Mirror by GH Wilson (1806). Due to be married to the Bishop of London's daughter, he went fishing on the day of the wedding. He forgot about the wedding and thus failed to attend. The daughter justly offended at his neglect, broke off the match. He may also have forgotten a second wedding day. ^[1]

Harvest was said to live more at Ember Court (then the home of George Onslow) than at his own house. ^[1]

TS Mercer is sceptical of the truth of these anecdotes. But he believes that Harvest's addiction to the occasional strong drink was often the cause of his problems. ^[1]

References

• 1. Wikipedia
• 2. Burchett, P. 1984. A Historical Sketch of THAMES DITTON. Surrey: Thames Ditton and Weston Green Residents' Association. ISBN 0-904-81120-4.

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