George Aelred Kindersley was 54 when he became Cathedral Prior of Belmont. Born at Cudalore, India, he had spent all his life from the age of eleven at Downside, except for four years as a Novice and Junior at Belmont (1879-1883). At Downside he had filled a succession of offices, had taught in the school and was Master of Ceremonies at the time of the opening of its Abbey Church in 1905. One year after that he became claustral Prior of Downside under Abbot Cuthbert Butler. Two years later he set up the Downside Noviciate and became Novice Master.
In his relations with the community at Belmont, Prior Kindersley was somewhat hampered by his temperament and manner. Very tall and gorgeous in appearance, with “beetling brows,” he appeared formidable, while, unlike his predecessor, he was not what is called a “good mixer” nor did he have that geniality and personal charm. He was an intensely shy and self-conscious man who hated any display of emotion or sentiment, and his shyness often made him appear brusque. He was also older than many of the monks in the community, which also created a certain distance.
Nevertheless, many of the monks could tell of great kindness received at his hands, and were edified by the example of his personal observance of the role, his unfailing attendance in choir (he was invariably the first down to Choir at Matins). They found him to be sympathetic and understanding.
