‘Splendid service to the cause of music’

Chapter 6 looks at Roberts’ work within the University, and the City of Oxford. It begins with a short history of economic, social, political, religious, and demographic developments followed by a description of Roberts’ role as organist and choirmaster at St Giles’ Church, 1885–1893, his direction of other choirs and choral societies and his approach to conducting. His roles as examiner, adjudicator, lecturer, teacher, speaker, colleague, and friend (especially of the undergraduates) are considered. Roberts’ candidature for the professorships of music at Oxford and at Edinburgh are discussed, with special reference to the testimonials prepared by his supporters. The rivalry between Roberts and his opposite numbers at Christ Church (Basil Harwood) and New College (Hugh Allen) are reviewed. Roberts’ no nonsense Yorkshire personality, his friendships and enmities, likes and dislikes, and his Freemasonry are enumerated, as is his relationship with royalty and his socialising with some of his students, and James Carter (with whom he went abroad) in particular.