London, England April-December 1876

                                         (Ramsgate April-July/Isleworth July-December 1876)
Ramsgate April - July 1876

After a brief visit with his parents in the Netherlands, Vincent returned to London when he received a job offer as assistant teacher at a boarding school in Ramsgate. He had enjoyed his previous time in London and looked forward to going back. He often frequented art galleries, and his artist’s eye began emerging in his descriptions of his surroundings in his letters to Theo, in which he also began including sketches.  
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   View of Royal Road Ramsgate (drawing)-May 1876

                                                                                                    Isleworth July-December 1876

During this time in England, he worked in two different schools, the second one as assistant preacher in a parochial school in Isleworth.
His interest in religion was growing, and he preached his first sermon at Isleworth in October 1876. Although no one could question Vincent’s sincerity in his religiosity, like his father, he was found wanting in his ability to reach and retain his audience, yet still he aspired to “a position in connection with the church” according to his letters and the resume he sent to Theo.

                                  Churches at Petersham and Turnham Green - November 1876