This is an inspiring, but little-known story!
It’s from the early life of one of the great Victorian philanthropists, Sir Roland Butt. Our hero was just plain Roland Butt when these events took place. But he never forgot the experience we’re about to relate.
In 1855 Butt’s Farm was a fairly big fruit and livestock farm in Kent. The farm was just north of Pratt’s Bottom and due south of Elmers End. (Really! Look it up on any map of Kent.) Its young landlord, Roland Butt, had acquired the farm on the death of his father.
In August that year Roland came down from London to survey the property. His young University pal, Freddie Haunch, was with him. (more…)