Richard Meade-King

Biography

Richard Meade-King, whose long life in West Monkton spanned much of the nineteenth century, gave himself to the quiet work of sustaining the rural parish that raised him. Whether walking the hedgerows with farmers or stewarding the affairs of the little schools, he became a respected presence and a ready listener, upholding the dignity of local labour and encouraging neighbours to share in the care of one another.

The memorial in the Church of St Augustine, West Monkton bears witness to how his family and parish treasured his counsel, a church where he would have knelt to give thanks for each harvest and to pray for the sick. It is a quiet reminder that the strength of parish life often lies in the faithful people who tend it year after year.