A Boer war and first world war medal pair awarded to Reverend William Shuckburgh Swayne, who was the Bishop of Lincoln from 1920 to 1932. 

Queen’s South Africa Medal (Clasp – Cape Colony) named to Rev. W.S. Swayne. 
WW1 British War Medal named to Rev. W.S. Swayne.

The medals are in good condition and are swing mounted for wear. 

William Shuckburgh Swayne was born in 1862, son of Reverend William John Swayne, formerly vicar of Heytesbury. In 1891 he was appointed Vicar of Walsall.

At the start of the Boer War, Swayne offered his services as an acting chaplain. He was originally told that there was no immediate need for additional chaplains but later received a telegram accepting his offer and telling him to be ready to depart in 10 days time. 

Shortly after returning from South Africa he was appointed to the important London incumbency of St Peter’s, Cranley Gardens, where he remained for the next 17 years. 

At the start of the first world war, Swayne joined up with the Reserve Corps of the Inns of Court Volunteers as a private. It was a unit of middle-aged men deemed too old for other service, but who would be serviceable for Home Defence. In early July 1916, he made arrangements to go over to Rouen and spent a few months serving with the Y.M.C.A. His son, Lieutenant Jack Swayne was captured at the Battle of Le Cateau on 26th August 1914.

After the war Swayne spent two years as the Dean of Manchester, before being consecrated 90th Bishop of Lincoln in 1920 . 

The group comes with a copy of his auto biography “Parsons Pleasure” as well as some research.