Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Went to Ryde. Rosa confirmed by Dr Samuel Wilberforce Bishop of Winchester in Ryde Parish Church. I arrived before close of address. Saw the Rector Rev Alexander Poole, who was Precentor of Bristol Cathedral when I was there. He was formerly curate of St Mark’s, Kemp Town, Brighton. I had a few moments conversation with him in the churchyard. Visited the Misses Moore, Missenden House, where Rosa is. Took a private lodging.

Walked to Shanklin and Ventnor with Mr Edward Moore.

Hired a horse and carriage and drove Rosa, Miss Dunsterville, and Miss E Dunsterville to Osborne and Whippingham. The horse went very well, but was very troublesome and particularly “screwy”. I found out after a time that the poor animal’s neck was galled by the collar and when I got back to Ryde talked severely to the owner for sending a horse out in such a condition. Of course he made a humble apology and said it should not occur again.

Returned to Oxford.

Cull of Balliol called this evening. He is going out as Head Master’s Assistant to the Government Academy at Colombo.

Drove Bell to Sandford, visiting.

Dined with Mr Lee at New College.

Called on Mr Taylor, organist of New College, and requested him to try my voice for chanting with view to a chaplaincy at New College.

Drove Bell to Sandford.

Sent Mr Lee notice of resignation of curacy of Sandford at Michaelmas next. Also to Bishop.

Mr Taylor tried my voice in the College Chapel.

Rev F A and Mrs Wilson etc came to tea.

Chamberlain and Hutton went down for vacation.

Mr and Mrs Wingate came to tea. They are lodging at Horspath.

Bell, self and G de Trafford dined with Rev F A and Mrs Wilson.

Drove to Sandford.

Trial of voices of candidates for vacant chaplaincy of New College.

Julius Sankey and Mr Pope came in evening.

Drove Bell to Wytham.

Preached Club Sermon at Sandford. Drove to Horspath and brought in Mr and Mrs Wingate.

Attended Ruridecanal Chapter at Dr Warburton’s, Iffley Rectory. Received a lesson in chanting from Mr Taylor, organist of New College.

Went to London and stayed at Thomas Brown’s, Bushey Villa, Burton Road, Brixton.

Went with Mr Brown to Curzon Chapel, Mayfair this morning. Hole is assistant curate there. We went to St Michael’s, Stockwell in the evening.

Met Hole at Waterloo Station and accompanied him to North Cheam.

Mr Hole had the Sunday scholars and teachers of St Michael’s, Stockwell to luncheon and tea.

Went to Islington with Mr and Mrs Hole. Called on Conrad Meyer.

Hole and I went to Wimbledon.

Returned from North Cheam to Oxford.

Drove to Wallingford. Took morning and afternoon duty. Harry accompanied me. Dined with Mr Hilliard, Churchwarden.