Erithacus rubecula, or robin, our favourite garden bird took up residence in Lincoln Minster and everybody loved it, except an officious Verger.
“This bird (probably a pious decendant of the old visitor), which for so many winters has taken up its abode in the caythedral, has commenced its carolling rather early this season. On Sunday afternoon the 12th inst. it was seen flitting about the choir, sometimes perched in the carved work surmounting the Bishop’s throne, then flying off to the altar-screen, shirping a few short notes until the organ peeled forth the commencement of the psalms, when it warbled aloud in accompaniment of the chanting, and frequently after added its melody to the choruses, especially when the boys were singing; grateful probably for the scattered scumbs they bring to it, or finding the alto of their youthful voices more accordant with its own notes than the deeper tones of the tenor and bass. Robin is generally ‘residentiary’ during the winter season, and either from long practice or good teaching has learned to conduct itself very passably. The bird seldom does more than chirp a note ot two during the prayers or the lessons, but for this forbearance considers itself fully entitles to sing ad libitum whenever the choir organ gives the tone. Some years ago a surly verger endeavoured to shoot poor Robin, as an intruder and a nuisance, but all who love the Robin (and who does not) will rejoice to learn that, though carved work and glass sustained damage, the pious bird escaped.”
The Stamford Mercury, 17th October, 1845.