Post by snacky on Sept 27, 2014 3:32:46 GMT
Today I read an interesting passing reference to Henry Arthur Blake and his wife Edith Blake that I thought had some relevance to William and Julia's context and prospects. Henry was Governor of the Bahamas, Governor of Newfoundland, Governor of Hong Kong, and Governor of Ceylon among other exciting diplomatic roles! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Arthur_Blake
Henry was not from an aristocratic family. He was the son of a haberdasher, and he started out as a constable! While Edith was the daughter of an Irish Member of Parliament (higher class like Julia), her family disowned her over the mismatch.
Henry's career path went from Inspector (in his early 30s?) to Magistrate (a type of judge). Edith was educated and had her own career as a "naturalist" and a painter - and she was literally "quite a pistol". She used to escort Henry to his Magistrate postings in Ireland and help protect him with her sidearm!!! Now that's a Woman of Action!
Henry got his first Governor posting at 44 - I get the feeling this had something to do with the charm and connections of Edith. She traveled all over Europe on her own, too, and that probably involved a lot of networking with aristocracy. But the Blakes were very successful as Governors, and there are places named after him, including Blaketown in Newfoundland.
I wonder if George knows a Newfoundland Governor within his lifetime started as a constable?
Anyway, I think this explains why William sucks up to the Mayor. There are career possibilities for him outside the constabulary, and his Catholicism isn't necessary a barrier to them. Once he is married to Julia, he will be more politically prominent, as well.
Henry was not from an aristocratic family. He was the son of a haberdasher, and he started out as a constable! While Edith was the daughter of an Irish Member of Parliament (higher class like Julia), her family disowned her over the mismatch.
Henry's career path went from Inspector (in his early 30s?) to Magistrate (a type of judge). Edith was educated and had her own career as a "naturalist" and a painter - and she was literally "quite a pistol". She used to escort Henry to his Magistrate postings in Ireland and help protect him with her sidearm!!! Now that's a Woman of Action!
Henry got his first Governor posting at 44 - I get the feeling this had something to do with the charm and connections of Edith. She traveled all over Europe on her own, too, and that probably involved a lot of networking with aristocracy. But the Blakes were very successful as Governors, and there are places named after him, including Blaketown in Newfoundland.
I wonder if George knows a Newfoundland Governor within his lifetime started as a constable?
Anyway, I think this explains why William sucks up to the Mayor. There are career possibilities for him outside the constabulary, and his Catholicism isn't necessary a barrier to them. Once he is married to Julia, he will be more politically prominent, as well.
