Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Hole being Curate of St Michael’s, Stockwell, I was invited to preach this afternoon and to read prayers in the evening, which I did. During the afternoon service time the Rev Watson, MA, formerly Headmaster of the Stockwell Grammar School, living in a street close by, murdered his wife under circumstances of great horror. Of course the deed was not known till the evening at the earliest, as there was no one else in the house at the time. He was doubtless insane and was ultimately acquitted on the ground of insanity and ordered to be detained during Her Majesty’s pleasure.

I went to Mr Estall’s to supper this evening.

Took Louie Mountain and Lottie Eve to Foot’s Cray and called on Aunt Green.

Left London for Brighton and stayed at Aunt Emma’s, Chatfields Hotel.

Called to see Old Cocksedge and Mrs Shelburne at Kemp Town. Did not see the latter; but saw Elizabeth Powell, her niece.

Returned from Brighton to Oxford via Victoria and Paddington.

Duty at Sandford. Walked both ways. Performed my first Baptism and visited a sick man in afternoon.

Bell went to Cheltenham. Received £50 from Longmans on Grade Lesson Books etc account.

Duty at Sandford. Dined at New College this evening by Mr Lee’s invitation.

Went to hear “Father Ignatius” Rev Lyne, a Deacon who addressed a large audience in the “Old Music Room”, Holywell Street on the “Duties of the Clergy,” admission 1/-.

Usual duty at Sandford.

Bell returned from Cheltenham. I met her at Swindon, as she was unwell.

Mr Owen, our surgeon, re-vaccinated Harry and Rosa. A good deal of smallpox in Oxford.

Received £8 from Mr Morgan, Cathedral Grammar School, Bristol, in part payment for furniture etc which I left there, by cheque from Longmans for 8 lessons in the U.K.S. written by Mr Morgan.

Usual services at Sandford.

Dined at New College with Mr Lee and was introduced to Mr Daniel, fellow of Worcester College.

Called on Mr Daniel, Worcester College, with view to putting down my name there.

Wrote to Provost of Worcester (Dr Cotton) about putting my name down there.

Called on Dr Cotton, Provost of Worcester. Bell was taken ill. I sent for Mr Owen, Surgeon, and a nurse.

Bell confined prematurely of a boy 8.30 am. Six months only. I baptized the infant “William”.

Received note from Provost of Worcester conveying permission to enter the college subject to satisfactory reference to Rev G W Kitchin. I therefore wrote to the latter.