When Father Austin left Ampleforth for Twyford Abbey a fortnight before he died, we did not think that death was so near to him. Just as he was leaving he spoke hopefully of the benefits of the change. We heard of a severe attack of asthma which caused anxiety, but reassuring news followed, and we heard nothing more till a telegram told us that he had succumbed to weakness of the heart during a more serious seizure. His death took place early on Sunday morning, March [14]. Solemn Requiem Mass was sung at Twyford Abbey, and the burial was at Kensal Green.
Father Austin was born at Morpeth, on March 31, 1848, and his connection with Ampleforth reached back well over half a century, and his retentive memory was a store house of reminiscence. His many gifts were well known. He was especially at home in the world of literature, and was a lover of music. He was the first to sing the treble solo in Bishop Hedley's 'Ode to Alma Mater.' His heroes in literature were the great writers of the early eighteenth century - he lived in the world of Pope, Dryden and The Spectator, - this was evident in the many Exhibition Prologues and Epilogues that came from his pen. Nevertheless his knowledge of English literature was considerable; quotations he delighted to locate, and his assiduity in tracking down an unknown saying was astonishing, and sometimes amusing.
He made his simple vows at Belmont in 1866. Returning to his monastery, he was professor both there and, for a time, at Downside. He was ordained priest by Bishop Hedley, March 17, 1878. In 1881 he was appointed assistant priest at Leyland, and afterwards served successively the missions of Maryport, Abergavenny and Barton-on-Humber. In 1898 his health, which had never been very good, broke down and he was never afterwards able to undertake any prolonged and regular work, though he did a certain amount of 'supplying' at various missions.
For some years he took a great interest in the hill side, and spent much time working there. In his garden attire, armed with suitable implements, he was a familiar figure on the walks, and he jealously guarded this domain from any unwarranted intrusion. Before he left here he was urgent in his demand for prayers. The great dread he had of death passed away, we are told, before the end came, - but the prayers he asked for are offered with earnestness by his brethren and friends, that he may enjoy the peace of eternal life. R.I.P.
Joseph Austin WATMORE 14 March 1914
1848 31 Mar Born at Morpeth
1865 28 Sep Took habit at Belmont RB Vaughan
1866 29 Sep Simple Vows
1869 Nov Solemn Vows Downside D Ildephonsus Brown
1868 23 Aug Minor Orders Belmont Bishop Brown
1877 18 Nov Subdiacon Ampleforth Bishop JC Hedley
1878 16 Mar Diac Belmont " "
17 Mar Priest Belmont " "
1868-70 Downside
1881 Leyland
1882 Maryport
1888 Ampleforth
1891 Abergavenny
1894 Barton
Served Cockermouth & Arden Hall
1898 Invalided
1900 Ampleforth
1904 Oct Spilsby
1906 Feb Ampleforth
1914 2 Mar Twyford Abbey
14 Mar Died & buried there