[ George Granville Bradley, Dean of Westminster. ] Three Autograph Letters Signed (all 'G G Bradley') to Sir Richard Harrington, responding to the news that Harington's son, who was 'superannuated' from Westminster School, is now 'good & useful'

The three items are in good condition, ondff lightly aged and worn. Three interesting items, responding tactfully to what would appear to be an accusatory communication by Harington, pointing out that his son has succeeded despite having been 'superannuated' from Westminster School. ONE: 18 October 1898. 4pp., 12mo. Begins: 'Dear Sir Richard Harington | I am delighted to read the two enclosures. The Winnington-Ingrams one associated with many memories of my Rugby, Marlborough, & later days!' He will send the enclosures to the Head Master, [b]ut I won't rebuke him or convey any rebuke. I know by my personal experience, that School Masters are far from infallible & that many boys who do not make way in public-schools turn out right well as men.' As 'an aged man' himself, Bradley ventures 'a hint', suggesting that Harrington sends 'a kindly line to Rutherford from yourself calling his attention to the useful & fruitful life which your son is leading – better this than any rebuke.' He concludes by apologising, as he is 'fresh from & returning to the deathbed of my old neighbour Sir Rutherford Alcock'. TWO: 18 October 1898. 2pp., 12mo. Reads: 'Dear Sir Richard | It is such a very busy time that I lost none in shewing these to the Head Master – He has just returned them & is, you may feel confident, as pleased as I that the once “superannuated” boy had proved so good & useful a man.' THREE: 25 October 1897. 3pp., 12mo. He begins by repeating his 'hearty satisfaction' at Harington's son's 'more than success in his sacred calling'. For his own part, he 'cannot blame the Head Master for carrying out “superannuation” rules'. He will 'lose no time in telling him the good news of an O.W who once came under them'. The school 'is doing well', and Bradley 'had a most pleasing account two days ago from an old pupil of my own, now a distinguished public servant, who lately removed his son from Marlborough & sent him here'. Harington's heir, the future Sir Richard Harington (1861-1931), 12th Baronet, had a successful career on the Oxford Circuit, was appointed a Puisne Judge in the High Court of Justice at Fort William in Bengal in 1899, and served in that capacity until returning to England in 1913. From the Harington family papers.