William George Lemon (1830-1897): Overview Bio
The life of William George Lemon (“WGL”) spanned Queen Victoria’s reign. His childhood background was modest, but he always lived and worked in and around London's grandest buildings, parks and palaces. He had the wit, intelligence and fortunate circumstances - and probably a fiercely driven mother also - to “raise himself up”. Ultimately, he achieved great prominence among London's governing intelligentsia and a legacy that his family can be proud of today.
Always at the heart and center of things, WGL's home sat almost exactly on Greenwich's prime meridian while his work in Westminster and The City was a part, albeit a small part, of the most powerful Empire in history. In the spirit of the gentleman scientist, his free time was spent debating the latest ideas of science and metaphysics. He adopted ‘light’ (lux) as a motto and, like the flame of his classroom magic lantern projector, he burned with a brilliance that was all too brief in its time.
With the rise of non-conformist opportunities in education, WGL began his career as a young evangelical scholar in the 'monitor' teacher tradition then became first headmaster to a London-based school for the sons (and orphans) of missionaries working in posts overseas. (Eltham College continues to thrive today). The young men he taught were themselves destined for careers converting and healing “the heathen” masses across Britain’s Empire. In 1855 he married Selina Kent, 10 years his senior and from a Baptist family in Oxfordshire.
In the 1860s, as Darwinism began to shake the fundamental truths of Christianity, WGL changed profession and became a barrister specializing in trusts and charities, as well as property conveyance. 'Property' law at this time also addressed the ownership of slaves and WGL's new role connected with Britain's support for the recently emancipated negroes in America, just as the US Civil war came to a weary close.
By the 1870s WGL had 5 teenage children to educate but still volunteered to help find the hundreds of new Sunday School teachers needed on the homefront to combat a growing tide of ‘Doubt’. By then he was a senior Congregationalist official, a Gladstonian Liberal 'guardian of the poor' in the newly built Town Hall at Catford and, later, a conservative-leaning supporter of Empire. On the issue of Ireland's Home Rule, he joined a new political party - the Liberal Unionists. Ultimately, his political ambitions focused locally, and he was successfully elected as Lewisham's first councilor to the London County Council when it was created in 1889 to manage the hugely expanding metropolis.
WGL's Victorian world-view however was by no means closed, shallow or arrogant. His letters and speeches demonstrate a polymath’s command of diverse subjects. He was a Fellow of the Geology Society, President of West Kent’s natural history society, a chess enthusiast, and a Grand-rank Freemason. He keenly studied Rosicrucian philosophical thought while also known as an authority on the evidences for the Biblical Creation and the phenomena of miracles as described in the Gospels. To this end WGL applied his legal talents for argument and examination, drawing upon the combined resources of Enlightenment thinking, modern science, and an emerging occult revival of magical esotericism. He died at 66 years of age. If only Fate had given him another 10 years....
William George Lemon's Obituary in 1897
Source: Brockley News, New Cross and Hatcham Review - Friday 04 June 1897:
FUNERAL OF MR. W. G. LEMON, J.P.
"[Excerpt]... The Rev. R. Fotheringham gave an address, in the course of which he said that they had met there that day to pay a last tribute of respect to their departed friend, one whose life had been marked by splendid energy, by honourable service on behalf of his fellow men, and still more by his consistent devotion to his Master. Mr. Lemon was a man of brilliant talent, and of varied gifts. As a scholar, as a man of method, as a teacher, as one endowed with the gift of eloquent speech, as a man of wide and profound intellect, he was very distinguished. For many years he had been identified with nearly all the local movements for the welfare of the people. He had been a prominent and useful member of very many local bodies, and the respect and admiration he had earned for himself was testified by the presence of many of his former colleagues that afternoon. His interest in educational matters was great. As a member of the London County Council he more than justified the confidence reposed in him. They would remember him as an affectionate husband and father, whose presence in the family circle was always bright and genial. They would remember him as an honourable and faithful friend. They would remember him as an earnest Christian worker, who always found some time among his multitudinous engagements to devote to his Master's service. He loved that Church, he worked for it, he prayed for it. His removal left a great gap in their midst, and there was a void in their hearts that never could be filled. He carried a heart in the depths of whose tenderness and kindliness only those who sat nearest him and the poor and needy, could ever tell. He had already received the reward of the good and faithful servant, and he had left them an example to follow. At the conclusion of the address the hymn, "Now, the labourer's task is o'er" was sung, and Mr. J. H. Maunder, who presided at the organ, played the Dead March in Saul, the congregation standing the meanwhile..."
HAMPSHIRE & SOMERSET ORIGINS (1798-c1825)
MARYLEBONE GEORGIAN SEASON c1820s ~ c1839
KNIGHTSBRIDGE VICTORIAN SEASON: c1839 ~ c1849
THE PICCADILLY LIVERY (JAMES): c1849 ~ c1865
PIMLICO & UCL YEARS: c1849 ~ c1852
CAMDEN MISSION SCHOOL (WGL.) c1852 ~ 1857
BLACKHEATH MISSION SCHOOL (1857 ~ 1863)
(GEOLOGIST & DARWINIST)
EARLY BARRISTER/ FREEMASON ( 1864 ~ 1871)
(MASONIC INITIATIONS)
LOCAL POLITICIAN & BUSINESSMAN (1871 ~ 1880)
SCIENCE TO MAGIC (& CARCLEW) (1881-1888)
COUNCILLOR & MASTER YEARS (1889 ・1895)
FINAL YEARS & LEGACY (1889 ~1907)
THE LIFE OF WILLIAM GEORGE LEMON, YEAR BY YEAR
c1820: WGL’s father leaves Hampshire for London
James Lemmon left his Christchurch birthplace for Marylebone. He may have found work at the Oxford St. stables of Mark Lemon, grandfather of future Punch editor.
c1820: WGL’s mother leaves Somerset for London
Elizabeth Wiltshire, born in the parish of an ultra-hardline Anglican vicar and popular non-conformist minister (Arthur Tidman), left her step-mother’s home to work in London.
1825: WGL’s parents marry in Paddington
After 1825’s London Season had closed, James L. and Elizabeth W. married at Paddington St. James church on Nov.10th. Both were 28 and in service in Marylebone.
1826: Before WGL, the first child George
WGL’s parents had their first child George, baptised June1st at St. Mary’s in St. Marylebone. The family home was in Adam St. East, near Baker St. Baby George died in infancy.
1827: Before WGL, an older sister Ann Elizabeth
WGL’s mother, at least, was temporarily living near Ascot when his older sister was born Nov 18th. Even before she was 14, Ann was working “in service” away from home.
1828: The sadness of Sir Charles, MP for Cornwall
Sir Charles Lemon, a Marylebone neighbor during the Season, was now heirless – his family having all died within two years of one another. WGL’s West Country family may have ancestral links.
1829: Before WGL, an older brother, James Jr.
Named after his father, James Jr. was born Aug 19 and baptised Sept 13 at St. Mary’s Bryanston Sq. The family had recently moved to a mews just off Baker St.
1830: WGL born behind present-day Marble Arch
On Nov 8th, a new baby George was born, WGL- presumably at his parent’s new home, 33 Adam St. West. He was baptised Dec 12th at the same church as brother James.
1831: Four Marylebone Homes in 6 Years
As an infant WGL lived in sight of Hyde Park, the old Tyburn corner. The family moved frequently, possibly working for the Lascelles household and/or royal mistress Lady Buggin.
1832: WGL’s Little Sister Sarah Ann
Born Oct 30th, Sarah was also baptised at St. Mary’s Bryanston Sq. (Nov 18th). The family vicar was famed bibliomaniac and ardent anti-Catholic, Thomas Dibdin.
1833: Fine Horses; A Father’s Work
WGL’s father James had grown up in a horse veterinary and farrier business in Christchurch. So in London he worked for upmarket horse dealers as an ostler and foreman.
1834: A Christchurch Grandfather Dies
The will of William Lemmon of Hampshire (1766~1834) divided his £450 estate equally. But a legal penalty meant WGL’s father probably lost out on his £100 share.
1835: First Schools & Dibdin Sermons
WGL likely attended the new infant Day and Sabbath schools at St. Mary’s Bryanston Sq. He would have first heard scripture in the High Church tones of Rev’d Dibdin.
1836: Robert Lemon, Royal Archivist
State papers archivist, Robert Lemon lived in Pimlico, his address and WGL’s Sunday school both just behind Buckingham Palace. WGL believed his family was related.
1837: A Family Move to the New Belgravia
William IV died and the new Queen chose Buckingham House over St James Palace. New job opportunities opened in the area and the Lemon family took them.
1838: Father’s Veterinary Promotion
The family now lived in Philipps Yard, Wilton Place, a 2-minute walk from Tattershalls - Europe’s premier horse auctioneers. WGL’s father likely worked here.
1839: WGL’s little sister Victoria Elizabeth
Victoria’s baptism on April 28 was at aristocratic St Peter’s Church Eaton Place. Robert Lemon, archivist to the Queen, also worshipped here at this time.
1840: Cannibals with Non-Conformist tastes
WGL’s mother reconnected with her former pastor from Somerset, Rev. Arthur Tidman, now with the London Missionary Society. She probably collected LMS funds to build a memorial to John Williams, killed by cannibals.
1841: WGL and Siblings, Night of the First Census
With his mother and 2 sisters, WGL (named ‘George’), aged 10, was at home in Knightsbridge on June 6th. His father and brother James Jr. were in Yorkshire delivering horses.
1842: WGL and the Bells of St Paul’s, Knightsbridge
Just yards from their home, work started on a splendid new church, “St. Paul’s”. Lady Hope secured a place for WGL’s sister Sarah at its girl’s school.
1843: WGL’s baby brother John Alfred
The last of WGL’s 4 siblings was born Jan 26th. Like his sister he was baptised (March 5th) at St. Peters, Eaton Sq., Belgravia. WGL and John Alfred were 12 years apart.
1844: WGL at Buckingham Chapel Day School
WGL likely attended the Pimlico British School at a non-conformist chapel close to Buckingham Palace, an easy walk from home. At 14, he was likely a ‘monitor’ under the ‘zealous’ superintendent’ William Arnum.
1845: WGL caught between two Christian churches
The Lemmon family veered from Anglicanism to non-conformism. WGL’s mother knew London’s leading Congregationalist and LMS Secretary Arthur Tidman.
1846: WGL takes his first job at Wm Arnum’s Academy
In the mid-1840s, congregationalist schoolmaster Arnum offered WGL a teaching post at his private 100-pupil “Gentleman’s Academy” in Upper Belgrave Place, Pimlico.
1847: Teacher WGL (17) and Siblings Growing Up
Big sister Ann (20) was working in service, brother James (18) still helping his father. Sarah (15) may also have been in work or caring for little Victoria (8) and John (4). In 1847 London’s only school for overseas missionary sons closed.
1848: WGL’s father gains ‘Rothschild Row’ clientele
In this year of European revolutions, WGL turned 18. His family moved to a prominent Piccadilly address, his father managing a livery-stables serving Hyde Park’s riding elite.
1849: WGL’s boss has a homeopathic cholera cure
Thousands of Londoners died during 1849~50’s cholera epidemic. WGL’s employer, a prominent homeopathy advocate, promoted tinctures as the only cure.
1850: WGL, Passing by Pimlico’s Popery Riots
Back and forth between teaching in Pimlico and studying at UCL’s evening classes in Camden, WGL dodged rentamobs protesting the papist rituals at nearby St Barnabas’ church.
1851: WGL’s UCL Studies and Crystal Palace Outings
With the Great Exhibition open in nearby Hyde Park, WGL was now first master at Arnum’s school. In July he matriculated to UCL and began to study for his BA.
1852: WGL heads Non-Conformist Missionary School
In January Arthur Tidman appointed WGL as headmaster of the LMS’ new school for missionary sons. 1 week later it opened in a rented house near UCL in Camden.
1853: WGL Teaches Geography to Livingston Jr.
WGL apparently had no need to use the cane to discipline his pupils. But the hellraising son of explorer David Livingston, (Robert Moffat) was likely the exception.
1854: UCL graduate WGL courts Ms. Selina Kent
As the Crimea exploded, young headmaster WGL received his BA. One visitor and school supporter was a Baptist spinster, Ms. Kent from Abingdon, ten years his senior.
1855: Holy Land crusader WGL marries Selina in June
As the Crimean war ended, WGL sent aid for Turkish missions to fight the “idolatrous creeds of Oriental churches”. But his marriage to Selina ignited a home-turf war with his school’s matron.
1856: WGL starts family and a new schoolhouse
WGL and Selina saw the birth of their first child, baby Selina. The same month the trustees laid a foundation stone in Blackheath for a new custom-built ‘Mission School’ (SSM).
1857: British deaths in India, WGL’s loss at home
15 pupils at WGL’’s Camden school had parents in India during the mutiny. In July baby Selina died. At least the SSM school’s move to Blackheath was a distraction.
1858: WGL’s first son WKL, and his Magna Carta
Wm Kent was born at the new school and baptized in the church next door. In October WGL threatened to resign unless elected onto the SSM’s governing board.
1859: WGL Promoted, Birth of Second Son Frank
As Big Ben chimed for the first time, WGL’s war with matron “Glory Flowers” ended with her sacking. One result - he was allowed to admit pupils from non-missionary families.
1860: WGL – Aging the Rock of Ages / Birth of Esther
Darwin’s 1859 book motivated WGL to take geology classes in search of evidence supporting Scripture. He brought geology to SSM studies and hosted a new natural history society at the school.
1861: WGL’s Great Expectations (School and Church)
WGL became Secretary to Blackheath Congregational Church. Responsible for collections he became well-known locally. He also wanted to expand the SSM and to move out.
1862: WGL, Geology Fellow, Birth of Annie
Having been elected a Geology Society Fellow, WGL posed with his school staff and boys in their first-ever school photo. Selina was now helping run the school’s home.
1863: WGL moves to No.20 Montpelier Row on the Heath
A family home, big enough for private students too. WGL met mentor Tomkins, a school examiner/barrister, and rode the new London underground to attend law classes at UCL.
1864: WGL’s 20 Students and 5 Children (Son Arthur born)
An able educator, WGL was also an astute fund-raiser – one gala dinner in London paid off all SSM debts. He also entered a furious debate on the divisions between Science and God, writing part-time for the English Independent.
1865: Tragedies for WGL’s Parents and Siblings
WGL’s sister Sarah had died in 1863 followed by brother John in 1865. Sister Victoria eloped, and his parents were forced from their Piccadilly home. No wonder WGL began to court his new client- the British Equitable Life insurers.
1866: WGL Called to the Bar, Commutes to the City
Brother James also died. Now the only son, WGL passed his law exams, resigned as SSM headmaster and began his law career from an office next to the Knights Templar church.
1867: WGL begins an Amazing Masonic Journey
City friend John Coles introduced WGL to freemasonry. His income now came from conveyancing, private students, SSM Secretary duties, 2 auditor posts, and editorial work.
1868: WGL, Overlooked as a Baronet’s Heir !
Sir Charles Lemon of Carclew died aged 78 leaving his line extinct. Meanwhile WGL played chess, served as a schools examiner and learned how to invest in railway stocks.
1869: WGL – now a published author
With Fred Tomkins, WGL published “Gaius”, a hefty book on Roman Law. He continued to raise funds for the SSM school. Clients in Reading now led him into Royal-Arch masonry.
1870: WGL – moving into New Square, politics too
Now director of British Equitable, WGL resigned as SSM Secretary, opened private Chambers, was elected to Lewisham Vestry but not to London’s new School Board.
1871: WGL Sharing the Hustings with PM Gladstone
Well-known in public for his liberal politics in support of Gladstone, WGL chose both non-conformist and Anglican schools for his sons at this time.
1872: Anti-secularist WGL supports an “Open Bible”
WGL was one of 800 signatories petitioning for the Bible to be kept as an educational text within England’s new secular state schools, then a major controversy.
1873: WGL as Orange St. Preacher (Politics and Religion)
Active at Lewisham Board of Works and the Sunday School Union, WGL also began preaching at Orange St. Chapel, Leicester Square.
1874: WGL, Ascendant Freemason and Entrepreneur
Worshipful Master of Hope and Generosity, WGL now had ventures in a Turkish baths and house-building in Tottenham. His father died that December.
1875: Freeman WGL’s name in brass at new Town Hall
Joining the Company of Wheelwrights, WGL was granted Freedom of London City. In Lewisham, he opened its first Town Hall building to house the Board of Works.
1876: WGL’s founds Masonic Lodge, Meets his Nemesis
The year his mother died and rival T.W.Williams first appeared. With Lewisham Town Hall as venue, WGL and his Board of Works colleagues opened Ravensbourne Lodge.
1877: WGL opens a Gentleman’s Club near Home
WGL and other friends founded the Blackheath Club for less formal socializing. Later they built premises conveniently near his home and railway station.
1878: WGL’s Erroneous Old Bailey Evidences
Shortlisted for the post of City Remembrancer, WGL presided over SSU exams held at the Old Bailey but set the wrong text for ‘Evidences for Christianity’ paper.
1879: WGL’s Interests in Housing, Ventilation and Baths
Beyond education, WGL had Evangelical entrepreneurial interests in cleanliness and sanitary housing development. His masonic interests expanded into the Rose Croix Order.
1880: WGL’s Curiosity for Esoteric Freemasonry
WGL opened a high school for girls, fired his church pastor, joined the Mark Masons plus the Knights Templars, and began to debate its hidden ‘occult’ knowledge.
1881: WGL Lectures on the theme of ‘Light’
President of his Natural History society, WGL lectured on Darwinism, fossil fuel pollution, phosphorescence, the aurora borealis and “tele-photography”.
1882: A Baths in Hot Water and Expiring Ventilators
Entrepreneur WGL saw businesses fail or begin to falter – first his Turkish baths in Leicester Square, then his Ventilation Company (1883), and later Sovereign Life Insurance.
1883: Rosicrucian Brothers, Genealogical Cousins
With the motto ‘Utere Luce’ (Use the Light), WGL joined the esoteric Societas Rosicrucia (SRIA) and met a distant cousin Rev. T.W. Lemon. (Freemason’s Hall burned down).
1884: WGL as Chairman of Sunday School Union
As SSU Chair WGL called for “Evangelistic services”. Fellow Rosicrucian T.W. Lemon wrote up the Cornish Lemons family tree, positioning WGL’s own tree next to baronets in Truro.
1885: WGL at the House of Lords and Seaside
In the Lords WGL argued a big case on Scottish / English inheritance jurisdictions. Later that summer “Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Lemon” took their annual vacation at a coastal resort, anew family custom.
1886: WGL promoting Social Morality to the Young
At the Congregational Union’s annual assembly, WGL was elected to the Union’s new “Committee for the Promotion of Social Purity” of heart.
1887: WGL as Master, Monitor and Marriage Expert
Now Wheelwright Master, WGL founded a new masonic Order, ‘Secret Monitor’. At the Law of Nations Conference, he spoke about international marriage, and his first son WKL married Helen Pembroke.
1888: WGL, the Golden Dawn’s Senior Freemason
WGL accepted an invitation from 3 Rosicrucian friends to join their newly founded and highly secret academy of magick in an attempt to rediscover lost mystical powers by training the mind.
1889: WGL as Mark Grand Lodge Officer
Now a Grand officer of all Mark masons WGL ran and won a seat on the new London County Council. At home, Councilor & Mrs. Lemon were blessed with their first two grandchildren.
1890: WGL as Craft and Royal Arch Grand Officer
A Director of Ceremonies at Grand Lodge, WGL was now also Grand Standard Bearer for all Royal Arch masons. Then, with his Cornish pedigree ‘officially’ published, he was invited (but declined) to run as MP for Plymouth.
1891: WGL’s Strand Office at Covent Garden
In London, WGL became the LCC’s Chairman of the Strand Board of Works. In Lewisham he was pilloried by a hostile press (and his nemesis rival Theophilus Williams) over a recreation ground scheme.
1892: WGL Dreams of an Empire University
WGL achieved LCC re-election as a Liberal Unionist, and was made a Governor of, what is now, South Bank University. But his efforts to re-model London University as an institution of Empire failed and its Fellowship eluded him.
1893: Secret Rosicrucian Master & Justice of the Peace
WGL fell seriously ill in his year as SRIA Master. He gave up his Golden Dawn and Geology Society memberships. Nevertheless, he still accepted top posts in a new Chancery Lodge and as a JP.
1894: WGL as Chairman of LCC Parks Committee
WGL lived next to parks all his life. In this new job he had to defend design aesthetics as well the public (and nearby shopkeepers) during political rallies. (A terrorist bomb near home in Greenwich Park).
1895: WGL’s Final Battles and Semi-Retirement
WGL’s last success was to open Lincoln Inn Fields to the public. He fought unsuccessfully to oppose a Royal Commission scheme for London University and declined to stand for a third LCC term. It was time to draft his will.
1896: WGL’s Blackheath Retreat, Downscaling and Illness
WGL still kept his barrister chambers but downscaled his home. With Selina and spinster daughters he moved into both sides of a semi-detached house across the heath, named 'The Retreat'.
1897: WGL Died Wednesday, Buried Saturday May 29.
Stricken by liver cancer, WGL could only attend an occasional masonic, natural history, or Sunday School invitation. He died May-26th at home, with son Arthur present. His well-attended funeral was 3 days later.
1898: WGL’s Estate and Legacy in the Present
WGL left 12,560 pounds (1.6M today) in trust to his family; a widow, two unmarried daughters, and three married sons. Most of the organizations WGL founded or headed still exist. (Son Arthur married Grace).
1899: Countdown to a new Century
The children now had to step out from the shadow of a father's multiple achievements. The ladies shared The Retreat (Talbot Houses) overlooking Blackheath while son WKL contemplated entering local politics.
1900: WGL's grave no longer alone
Widow Selina survived into the first week of the new century. She died January 2nd and was buried with her husband in Ladywell, near Blackheath. Their gravestone, shared with two daughters, stands today.