Theos-Talk Archives (November 2006 Message tt00270)

In response to Daniel's list of "historical" claims, I only presume to
comment on one:

(7)  Born in 1847, the young Charles Leadbeater saw the Master Morya in
London during the time of the great 1851 London Exhibition.

That Leadbeater was born in 1854 is supported by: (1) the registration of
his birth in Stockport (information provided by his father); (2) his birth
certificate (information provided by his father); (3) the 1861 census
return submitted for the family when they were living in London
(information provided by his father); (4) the 1881 census return submitted
by Leadbeater himself when he was Curate of Bramshott. The last source
seems to me the most important: Leadbeater himself declares in an official
document, and on penalty of prosecution if false information is provided,
that he was born in 1854.
It does not require great mathematical or historical skill to determine
that, if he was born in 1854, he did not see anyone anywhere in 1851.
Either he was lying, or the Master who reminded him of the experience was
lying (perhaps Leadbeater was too gracious to correct the Master?).
Perhaps someone can produce evidence of the 1847 birth date?

Dr Gregory Tillett