15 November 1940: Derbyshire Times
DEATH OF REV. R.H.S CURREY
Carsington Loss Shared By Diocese
The Rev R. H. S. Currey died on Monday, 11th inst. His health has been failing since Easter. but his indomitable spirit enabled him to pertorm his duties until a month ago. Since then he has spent his time happily amongst his books and poetry until he fell peacefully asleep. His death will be a sad loss to the village of Carsington where he was loved by everyone, and also to the diocese generally. His character was saintly, charmingly unassuming and his tastes were simple. Often when in his presence one felt as though he lived in another world. His great hobby was Greek literature. A Greek book was nearly always his companion when walking from village to village. Among his lighter hobbies was music, and at one time the trombone was his favourite instrument, not always appreciated by those with whom he made his temporary abodes. But no one complained, no one could find fault with anything the Rev R H S Currey did —he was loved for himself alone, and his true Christian character, a Saint among men.
He will ever be remembered throughout the diocese for his kindness and self-sacrifice, he was iike a faithful shepherd tending his flock, often walking miles to visit his people. He was born in Derby in 1860 and was educated at Derby School, spending four years there, then four years at Oxford, where he took his M.A. degree. He was ordained deacon in 1883, he was then priest at St James's, Derby for four years, vicar at St. Anne's Derby for just over four years, vicar of St. Lukes for four years, and then, to use his own words, 40 years wandering, that was acting as relief clergyman in various parishes. His duties took him into almost every parish in Derbyshire. The last four years he has spent at Carsington, where he made his home with Mrs. Stevenson at Thornhill House where he has been loved and cared for. He served in three dioceses under seven bishops without moving. He attained his 80th birthday on September 5th and amongst his many congratulations was a telegram from Canon Boorman?, Derby. The Bishop of Derby visited him during his illness.
NotesThis is my transcription from a very poor original, so there may be errors.
In 1939, he is indeed at Thornhill House, Carsington. I imagined Mrs Stevenson of Thornhill House as a wealthy widow, but in fact the household is Mr Vivian Stevenson, "General Labourer, Heavy Work", his wife Annie and their three children.
His probate after being resworn has his estate valued at £33,914. This is equivalent to~£2.43 million in today's value.
