The Perplexing Situation of the Rev Henry White.

Vanity Fair (26 Dec 1874)

In 1890, the Rev. Henry White was named chaplain to the House of Commons. A "cheery gentleman," White was one of London's best-known and most popular clergymen and the incumbent of the Chapel Royal, Savoy. He performed innumerable weddings being a special favourite of the acting profession. White was 57, unmarried himself, and lived in splendid rooms in Lancaster Place overlooking the Thames. He lived well, moved in the best circles and was known to be "fond of Brighton and the Grand Hotel." So, what was a washerwoman doing with his very-expensive gold watch?

Mr. Tattle, a suspicious pawnbroker in the Kensal Road, told police that 21 year old Eliza Hilborn brought the watch to his shop. The watch-back was engraved: "From his Chapel Royal congregation. Presented in token of their respect and admiration. Christmas Day 1864.” A constable was summoned. The watch was taken to the Rev. White who identified it as his and said it had been stolen by pickpockets on the Underground. In Marylebone Police Court, however, the young lady's story was quite different.

Miss Hilborn, who appeared quite frightened, said she met a man near Paddington Station. They got to talking and, as will happen, they went to a private hotel in Praed Street where they ordered coffee and a room. They dallied pleasantly until the man realised he was about to miss his train for Willesden and bolted for the station, forgetting his watch. "The accused" insisted she'd done her best to trace the owner but without success. Rev. White identified the watch as his but insisted he was certainly not the man in her story. "Don't you know me, sir," Eliza interrupted. "No, I never saw you before," the clergyman responded. There was great excitement in the small room as the two exchanged sharp claims and denials. 

According to White's tale of the watch, he was riding the Underground in December. He was not a strong man and, in the heat and smoke - “overcome by the atmosphere” - he fell asleep. There were two men sitting very close to him. When he woke, they were gone and so was his watch. He always presumed they stole it. How Miss Hilborn got the watch, he could not say.    

The case was remanded for a week and with "everybody talking about the perplexing situation of the Rev Henry White," more than the usual number of reporters crowded the Marylebone police court. They met with disappointment. "While everybody expected an unusual sensation, it was hushed up and disposed of in a remarkably quick manner.” The magistrate (Cooke) said the recent history of this handsome watch was unknowable with any certainty. Miss Hilborn's version might be true but she very likely misidentified the Rev. White. To proceed against her would require the clergyman to face serious questions on the witness stand. In the public interest, Cooke would dismiss all charges and the presentation watch was re-presented to Rev. White who left the building "beaming affably."

A few months later, having spent some time traveling on the continent, Rev. White returned to London. He died suddenly in October, from a heart attack in bed. His doctor told the inquest that he'd warned his patient about the risks of overwork. He was buried in Brompton Cemetery. A bust was commissioned for a memorial in the Chapel Royal. The Rev. Henry White was much lamented, the Queen included; HRH considered him her favourite preacher.