Stevens 1894-08-08

Text, letter

Slight showers this morning, fine afternoon. Drove to Shipston to lunch at Dr Caldicott’s with other members of the IV shire Book Society We appointed Mr Boddington, Vicar of Honington, Librarian in place of Cox of Hook Norton, who is leaving for his late father’s living in Devonshire.

Dr Routh sent me a note asking me as a great favour to read part of the funeral service over his late wife’s body in Church and to let it then be taken to the Quakers’ Ground for burial. After consideration I went to Miss Dix’s where the note had been written. Miss D, Miss S D and Mary Thame were there. There was no time to consult Dr Wood, the Archdeacon, or the Bishop, so after reading the Burial act of 1880 which permits a clergyman to read the funeral Service in unconsecrated ground, I thought, in the exercise of Charity, I should be able to accede to the Doctor’s request. But I did not make up my mind till after my return home, when I wrote a note to Dr Routh and Miss Dix that I would accede to the request. The doctor sent a grateful reply. I preserve both his letters.

The late Isaac Padbury’s gravestone was brought this morning by Hancox of Tysoe. I went up to see it. Mrs Padbury was there. C Barnes was out. Mrs Page called at the Vicarage this morning. Mrs Colegrave was at Miss Dix’s is when I called last night. I received notice respecting school drawing from Department of Art, S. Kensington which I took to the school and sent in to Mr Langley.