The birth and parentage of Bishop Challoner have always been somewhat obscure. The first life by the Rev. James Barnard was published only three years after his death. But, though Barnard knew him for twenty years, his first chapter is disappointing. There are about fourteen pages on the marks of the Church and only about twelve lines on the early life of Challoner!

Unlike parts one and two, the third section of the Ripon diary is almost solely concerned with political matters. Ripon's initial reluctance to assert himself politically, following his conversion, began to disappear as the prospect of a general election approached. He was now determined on a political career once again and as a result accepted numerous invitations to speak at Liberal party rallies in late 1879 and early 1880: so many that he began to feel that he might appear too ambitious. Toward the end of 1879 he noted in his diary that he would turn down an invitation to speak at a Liberal meeting in Leeds precisely because he had recently put himself forward so much. It is revealing of his renewed political ambition that Ripon ultimately changed his mind and went to Leeds.

Monday 29th Sept.

Went out stalking with Finlay got nothing, had 2 chances & wounded the fist stag but could not find him – a wild day & the wind very bad on the hill – Monro saw my stalk through a glass & says that the stag was badly wounded & turned down just behind us – There is not much news in the papers, except an account of a successful attack by the tribes on one of our convoys.