1849 AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED — JOHN KEBLE — FORT ANNE HOTEL, DOUGLAS — TO THE BISHOP OF SODOR & MAN (ROBERT JOHN EDEN, LORD AUCKLAND) — RE EDITING THE WORKS OF BISHOP THOMAS WILSON FOR THE ANGLO‑CATHOLIC LIBRARY

Description: A highly significant four‑page autograph letter signed (ALS) by John Keble (1792–1866), poet, theologian, and one of the founders of the Oxford Movement. Written from the Fort Anne Hotel, Douglas, Isle of Man, dated 15 August 1849, to (assumed) The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Robert John Eden, 3rd Baron Auckland, then Bishop of Sodor and Man (1847–1854).

This letter documents Keble’s research trip to the Isle of Man undertaken as part of his long project to edit and republish the complete works of Bishop Thomas Wilson (1663–1755) for the Anglo‑Catholic Library. Keble spent roughly sixteen years gathering manuscripts, letters, parish records, and local traditions relating to Wilson, whom the Tractarians regarded as the ideal “proto‑Tractarian” bishop.

Transcription: “Fort Anne Hotel, Douglas, 15 Aug. 1849. My Lord, The accompanying note from Mr. Frederic Rogers will perhaps explain the cause of the liberty which I am taking in thus introducing myself to your Lordship. I have undertaken the task (for which I am sorry to say, I find myself very ill qualified) of collecting & revising the Remains of Bishop Wilson – I mean his whole works – for the Series called the Anglo Catholic Library. It is thought also that his life might be re-written with advantage, & that documents, & perhaps traditions, are existing in the Island & elsewhere, by the help of which it might be rendered more complete. I am come to the Island for a short time on this errand, & shall be greatly obliged if your Lordship would give me access to any documents relating to Bishop Wilson, which may be at your disposal, & if you would authorize me to use your name with others for the like purpose. I am aware that it is a great favor which I am asking, & can only say that I hope to make a discreet use of it, should your Lordship think it proper to be granted. I have the honour to be, My Lord, your Lordship’s very faithful Servant, John Keble.”

Historical Context: Keble’s admiration for Bishop Wilson was profound. Wilson’s strict pastoral discipline, devotional depth (Sacra Privata), and fierce defence of episcopal independence — including his imprisonment in 1722 rather than yield to civil interference — made him the Oxford Movement’s ideal historical model. Keble, Newman, and Pusey regarded Wilson as the embodiment of early Anglican holiness, and Keble prefixed his later 1863 biography with Wilson’s motto: “The care of Discipline is Love.”

The Anglo‑Catholic Library (founded 1841) aimed to recover early Anglican divines and provide High Church clergy with authoritative editions. Keble’s multi‑volume edition of Wilson’s works (1847–1860) became the standard Victorian text. This 1849 letter is a primary working document from the research phase of that project.

Recipient Identification: The letter is addressed to Robert John Eden, who on 1 January 1849 inherited the peerage and became The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Lord Auckland, while continuing as Bishop of Sodor and Man. Keble’s deferential “My Lord” and his request for access to diocesan papers make Eden the only possible recipient.

A rare and important letter connecting John Keble, the Oxford Movement, the Anglo‑Catholic Library, and the Manx episcopate. It documents Keble’s fieldwork for one of the most influential Tractarian editorial projects and provides direct evidence of his engagement with Bishop Wilson’s legacy.

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