HANNAH MORE, Her schools continued to exact a large proportion of her time and attention ; and the Curate of Blag- don - the parish in which Cowslip Green was situated-witnessing the beneficial results of these institutions, entreated the sisters to " be pleased to come and do that parish a little good." They at first declined on the plea of ill-health, but finally consented, and a rapid improvement in the habits of a heretofore profligate and ignorant population re- warded their efforts. Suddenly, however, the clergyman who had begged them to come, attacked Hannah with the most virulent animosity, and raised fabrications against her, of acharacter prepos- terous and unfounded, which led to the celebrated " Blagdon Controversy." Her friends and all the Evangelical party espoused her cause warmly ; but the anxiety and annoyance threw her into an illness which lasted seven months, during which time her recovery was frequently despaired of. In 1802, Hannah and her sisters resolved to exchange the pretty cottage at. Cowslip Green for one more convenient. A piece of ground, about a mile distant, in a singularly picturesque and healthy situation, was purchased : and here a comfortable mansion was built, and surrounded with " a delight- ful territory." The sisters called this cheerful place Barley Wood ; and parting with their house at Bath, constantly resided with Hannah-or as she now called herself-Mrs. Hannah More. Here the world-famed authoress hoped to enjoy that leisure 39
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