A HISTORIC journal detailing the life and times of a Rowley clergyman from the 1800s has been donated to the Friends of Haden Hill Estate.

The work, by the elder son of Rev George Barrs, sheds light on the Godless and lawless place he came to tame in 1800 when he was appointed curate at St Giles Church.

The influential churchman and parish council chairman married Mary, the widow of John Haden, making him Master of Haden Hill Hall.

They had two sons, who had no children, but their daughter married Benjamin Best whose son, George Alfred Haden Best, inherited the Haden Hill estate in 1877 and built the house next to the old hall.

Friends’ secretary Cath Smith said the contents of the house were auctioned off after the death of Mr Best, so it was “great” to have the journal donated.

She said: “We are trying to get as much stuff back as we can – anything like this that comes back to the estate is very good and we are very grateful for the donation.”

The first edition, written by Frederick Barrs, was published a few years after his father’s death and a second edition followed in 1879.

In the late 1960s Laura Harris, wife of Harold Harris, a deacon at Ebeneezer Baptist Church, Old Hill, gave a second edition of the journal to Jean Norwood, from Halesowen, who has donated it to the estate.

Friends’ member and local historian John Billingham said when Rev Barrs came to Rowley cock fighting and bull baiting were still forms of entertainment and he was appalled by the heathen habits and drunkenness of many of its inhabitants whom he referred to as a vulgar rabble.

He added: “However, he exerted a powerful and beneficial influence over his parishioners not only because of his fire and brimstone sermons delivered from the pulpit, but also as chairman of the parish council he put the civil administration of the parish onto a firm footing.

“It is claimed that as a result of his efforts during his 40 years incumbency Rowley became a more God-fearing, law abiding, well administered and civilised place to live.”