[4] Their third and fourth sons were also killed in that war: John Arthur (28 March 1893 – 27 August 1918)[5] and Rupert Edward (20 January 1895 – 11 July 1915).

Cecil's first curacy was in Great Yarmouth, but this lasted for less than a year,[7] because in 1888 his father had him appointed as Rector of Hatfield,[8] which came with a fine rectory some distance from the town.

[2] He remained in that post for the next 28 years, also becoming Rural Dean of Hertford from 1904; a chaplain to King Edward VII from 1909; and an honorary canon of St Alban's Cathedral from 1910.

[2][9] In 1916 the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, offered him the post of Bishop of Exeter, and although initially unwilling to move, he finally accepted.

‘The foulest task honours the hands of those who work for their country.’[10] He instructed clergy to keep up appearances in wartime ‘A gloomy face and a prognostication of evil is now not only unpatriotic but is also most unchristian.’[11] Cecil's episcopate was notable for its tolerance.

He took the view that the principles of the Church were broad enough to allow wide latitude in the permissible forms of religious service, so he did not try to enforce any particular theological school of thought, and maintained a friendly relationship with the leaders of Nonconformist groups.

[7] He did, however, quarrel with his cathedral when he suggested the abolition of the office of the Dean, with the money that would be saved being used to pay for a suffragan bishop to increase pastoral care in the diocese.

On one occasion a guest having tea with him at his home was surprised when he fed pieces of crumpets to two rats that came out of holes in the floor, and threw powdered copper sulphate on the fire to turn the flames green, remarking that he liked the colour.

Once, goes another story, while robing in the vestry before a service, he held a handkerchief between his teeth, but forgot to return it to his pocket and proceeded to the altar with it still hanging from his mouth.