The Reverend Canon Percy George Banks, DD, got up from off his knees, bowed to the high altar, turned round, walked down the chancel, admiring the ornate organ case as he did so, then turned into the south aisle and down to the Vicar’s vestry. He sighed at the sight of the mop and bucket, left by the cleaners – yet again – at the top of the staircase. Once inside the inner sanctum, he sat down at the roll top desk, took out the envelope from his coat pocket and began to read the letter once more. As he did so, he hoped against hope that he had misunderstood the message from Lambeth Palace. What a forlorn hope that was! Cantuar and Eboracum were in full and absolute agreement. There was now no possibility of Hartley being considered as the home of the new bishopric; it would be a straight...

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