AustLit

An English clergyman and folksong collector, Charles Marson had published several theological articles and a book and edited the Christian Socialist (1884-1887) before coming to Australia in 1889 to take up a curacy at St Peter's, Glenelg, Adelaide.

Here Marson's ardent Anglo-Catholicism and his socialist ideals proved challenging to both the church and the community. 'He advocated the confessional and defended barmaids, he preached sermons in favour of Aboriginals, and addressed striking maritime workers. He formed the first branch in Australia of the Fabian Society, but was forced out of St Peter's for being "too socialistic."' (DNB)

In 1890 Chloe Bayne joined him from England. They were married, and she took up tutoring and was active in campaigning for women's suffrage. Marson was appointed Priest-in-Charge of St Oswald's, Parkside, in 1891 but they returned to England in 1892. He occupied several positions, still causing upset to the establishment, until 1895 when he was offered the living of Hambridge, near Langport, Somerset. He remained there until his death.

Marson published several more theological works on his return to England, and together with enthusiast Cyril J. Sharp he co-published the significant five-part collection Folk Songs from Somerset (1905).