Notes by the Way/Charles Kent

Charles Kent, an old contributor to 'N. & Q.,' who died on 23rd of February, 1902, was born in London on the 3rd of November, 1823, and was the son of William Kent, R.N., who was born at the Government House, Sydney, on December 23rd, 1799. At the early age of twenty-two Charles Kent became editor of The Sun evening newspaper, and from 1874 to 1881 he edited The Weekly Register. He was a contributor to the 'Dictionary of National Biography' and 'The Encyclopædia Britannica' and was an authority on the works of Leigh Hunt, Lytton and Charles Dickens. In 'N. & Q.' for September 4th, 1875, he wrote an interesting reply to Mr. Townshend Mayer in reference to Lord Lytton's introduction of his contemporaries into his 'King Arthur.' Kent's long life was devoted to literature, and in recognition of his services a Civil List pension of 100l. a year was conferred upon him. He was one of the most lovable of men, and the inscription he caused to be placed on Leigh Hunt's tomb might well find a place on his—"Write me as one who lives his fellow-men." We who knew him say of him, as Leigh Hunt said, "Right friend and gentleman."