Timeline
1872
Fr Fieu arrives as curate
Fr. Seraphim Fieu, of Belgian origin, was appointed as curate. Subsequent years saw a long series of complaints from Fr Cotter to the bishop about his curate. Nevertheless, Fr Fieu always wished to stay in Woolwich, and the bishop never agreed to Fr Cotter's requests for his removal.
Temperance movement
Cardinal Manning, Archbishop of Westminster, was a strong promoter of the temperance movement, encouraging abstinence from alcohol. He founded the League of the Cross, urging Catholics to join the movement. The League was well-supported in Woolwich, and Cardinal Manning made two successful visits to the town to preach for temperance.