While the success of Beadon's government was thus marred, there was much in his general administration deserving of the highest praise. The clear judgment, the unflagging industry, the independence of character, for which he had been conspicuous in his previous posts, were all turned to good account in many matters of great importance to the well-being of Bengal. His endeavour to improve the administration of justice by the establishment of courts of small causes, his development of municipal institutions, his educational policy, the careful supervision which he exercised over the revenue administration, over the police and other departments of the public service, his efforts to check Ghát murders and Kulin polygamy, his intolerance of official incompetence and neglect of duty, his discerning appreciation of merit, irrespective of creed, colour, or caste-all these things told upon the progress of the province, and proved that, notwithstanding his failure in one conspicuous instance, he was an earnest, conscientious, and, in many respects, extremely able administraAnd in the one instance in which he signally failed, the failure is to be attributed to the sanguine temperament which was a marked feature in his character, and which in difficult conjunctures is so often essential to success. A gracious and conciliatory manner, and accessibility to all who desired to approach him on business, Sir Cecil Beadon possessed in a remarkable degree. The late Lady Canning, no mean judge of manners, is said to have remarked that the most perfect mannered men she had ever met were Sidney Herbert and Cecil Beadon. Beadon survived his return to England rather more than thirteen years. He died on 18 July 1880 in his sixty-fifth year. He was twice married, first in 1837 to Harriet, daughter of Major R. H. Sneyd of the Bengal cavalry; and secondly in 1860 to Agnes, daughter of Mr. W. H. Sterndale. He left several children. tor. RICHARD], to the living of Weston-superMare. He exchanged this benefice for the vicarage of Titley, and, in 1811, was presented to the rectory of North Stoneham in succession to his father. He held the prebend of Compton Bishop from 26 May 1809 until his death seventy years later. In 1812 he was made a canon residentiary of Wells, and kept residence there each year, without interruption, until 1875. He was also chancellor of Wells cathedral from 1825 till his death. In 1803 he married Marianne, daughter of the Rev. Dr. Wilder, of Purley Hall, by whom he had one son and two daughters. Canon Beadon came of a family distinguished for its longevity. He was of middle stature, of strongly built frame, and of great muscular power, which he retained even in extreme old age. There was nothing particular in his diet or habits, save that he ate pastry and fruit more freely than meat. He drank wine in moderation. His temper was equable and cheerful. Shooting, fishing, and gardening were his favourite pursuits. He took out a shooting-license as late as 1872, and when engaged in sport seemed almost incapable of fatigue. At the same time he was never unmindful of his calling, and fulfilled its duties diligently, taking some part in the public service of the church up to his 96th year. During his residences at Wells he was active in capitular business, especially in promoting the repair of the cathedral church and the efficiency of its services. He took no part in ecclesiastical conflicts, and adhered to the practices and opinions prevalent among the clergy in his early years. He was the last of the non-resident freemen of Southampton whose privileges were reserved by the Reform Bill. In political as well as in ecclesiastical matters he was a strict conservative. Once only, in 1828, does it seem that he travelled on the continent, and he was never thoroughly reconciled to the innovation of railways. On his attaining his 100th year, Queen Victoria sent him her congratulations and her photograph with autograph signature. To most of the letters which he received on this occasion Beadon sent immediate replies in his own hand. In the autumn of 1878 he had a severe attack of bronchitis, and from that time was confined to his room. BEADON, FREDERICK (1777-1879), He continued, however, to take a lively canon of Wells, third son of the Rev. Ed-interest in the management of his farm. ward Beadon, rector of North Stoneham, During the early part of 1879 he gradually was born in London on 6 Dec. 1777. He was lost strength, and died on 10 June of that educated at Charterhouse and at Trinity College, Oxford. He took orders in 1801, and was shortly afterwards presented by his uncle, the Bishop of Bath and Wells [see BEADON, [Private correspondence; personal recollections; Calcutta Review for August and November, 1867; Fortnightly Review for August 1867; Records of the Government of India, and of the Government of Bengal; Return, East India, Bengal, and Orissa Famine, 31 May, 1867; Bengal Civil List.] A. J. A. year. [Norman's Memoir on the Life of Rev. F. Beadon, Bromley, 1879, privately printed; private information from Rev. Preb. R. A'Court 1382 Beadon Beadon and Rev. Preb. Barnard; Times, 12 June bishop of Gloucester, and in 1802 was trans1879.] W. H. lated to the see of Bath and Wells. He BEADON, RICHARD (1787-1824), bishop of Bath and Wells, son of Robert of Dr. J. Gooch, by whom he had one son, was kindly and hospitable to his clergy and Beadon and Mary, daughter of Rev. S. Squire, Richard. For the last few years of his life his neighbours. He married Rachel, daughter rector of Oakford, was born at Pinkworthy, he was rendered incapable of discharging his Devon. He was educated at Blundell's school at Tiverton, and afterwards at St. He did not neglect the opportunities which John's College, Cambridge, where he took his bishopric afforded him of forwarding the episcopal duties by the infirmities of age. the degree of B.A. in 1758, and the following interests of his family. He made his son year obtained the prize for a Latin essay. Richard the chancellor of the diocese, and He became fellow and tutor of his college, when the rich episcopal manor of Wivelisand in 1768 was appointed public orator of combe fell in also granted it to him on a the university. He held the prebend of Release for three lives. His only published culverland in St. Paul's cathedral 1771-5. In 1775 he was made archdeacon of London, with the prebend of Mapesbury, which he held till 1802. He was elected master of Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1781. While holding this office he had charge of William Frederick, afterwards duke of Gloucester, during his residence at the university. He was vice-chancellor of Cambridge 1781-2. Having gained the favour of George III he was in 1789 made works are two sermons, one preached before the House of Lords on a public fast-day, 19 April 1798, and the other before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. He died 21 April 1824. His son, Richard, was father of Sir Cecil Beadon [q. v.]. of Bishops of Bath and Wells.] W. H. |