Freddy Hood was born in the Bridgend area in 1895,[1] and received a BA from University College, Oxford in 1916, obtaining a first class in theology.
He trained for ordination to the Church of England at Bishops' College Cheshunt, was ordained Deacon in 1920, and priested the following year.
[3] He was an important influence in mid-20th century Oxford, and many students, including the later Poet Laureate, John Betjeman, considered him as a personal mentor.
[5] Hearing his telephone ring in the vestry during a service in 1955 provided the original inspiration for Barbara Pym's work A Glass of Blessings.
[6] From 1961 until his retirement in 1970, Hood was Canon and Chancellor, and Chapter Treasurer of St Paul's Cathedral, London.