Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Wrote to Mr Richardson, solicitor of Bristol, and sent present of book to his son. “Alice in Wonderland” and “Alice through the Looking Glass”. I did this as some return for what I thought Mr Richardson’s kindness in not charging me for what he did in the case of myself v. Bessell, for when I proposed to pay him he asked me not to mention it. I know him before as acting in W B Morgan’s ??? when I was one of his creditors and was made Trustee. He afterwards sent in his bill in which he showed great liberality to himself.

My “contract” pony cast a shoe as Harry was driving him from Ayers’s. So I had to hire another from the Lamb and Flag and paid 9/- for it. I was very late at church, but Lee suspected what had happened.

Called on Rev Mr Kitchen at Sandford Hill.

Bell returned from Cheltenham.

Commemoration, took Chamberlain. Lent Overend £5 to take his degree.

Overend, York-Powell, Fletcher and other friends took their B.A. today. Overend left for Ireland.

Paper Mill at Sandford burnt down. Dined at New College with Mr Lee and Mr Daniel.

Received letter from Mr Hutton, of Ward End Hall, asking terms. He has a son whom he wishes to be prepared for Queen’s.

Received letter from Mr Hutton, of Ward End Hall, Birmingham, saying he would pay me £50 to take his son for 3 months and prepare him for matriculation. Extra weeks to be in proportion.

Removed from 4 Park Terrace to “The ?Limes?”, Bradmore Road, Norham Manor, a quite new house. Only 2 or 3 houses in the road are completed and inhabited. The road has only recently been opened out.

Took my pupils and Harry, who is under home tuition at present, for a drive to Woodstock.

Attended clerical meeting at Mr Thomas’s Garsington rectory.

Chamberlain went home to Catton, Norwich.

Preached “club sermon” at Sandford and took all the duty. Rev R. W. M. Pope accompanied me. I did not stay to the club dinner, though I was invited, as the invitation was unexpected. William Hutton came as pupil.

Went to Sandford, school inspection by H.M.I. There was a concert in the schoolroom in the evening. I stayed, and drove home with Mr Lee.

Bell went to Cheltenham.

Bell returned from Cheltenham.

My holiday as regards Sandford commenced today. Took duty for Archdeacon Pott at Abingdon to which I drove. Preached at St Michael’s in the morning and at St Nicholas in the afternoon.

Mr Tankerville Chamberlain, late of Magdalene College, called this morning during my absence. He has made the acquaintance of Harry and my pupil, Chamberlain, but as he bears an indifferent character, I have warned both of them to have nothing to do with him.