Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Preached at Blisworth church this evening and afterwards took supper at the Rectory with the family and Mr Hughes. In conversation with the Rector I found that Rev Montagu Payne who is in charge of Sibford and was placed there by Mr Bourchier, was formerly assistant curate of Blisworth where quadam Dominica apparuit in pulpiti cum duobus oculis purpureis quos obtinuerat pugnaus in domo publica. Statui me eum dimissurum esse ea parochia Sibfordiense simulac vicarius facturus sim.

Went to Northampton with Hughes. Returned thence to Oxford by 5.25 pm train.

The Misses Gibson came to tea with Rosa. I walked to Horspath and back this evening.

Wingate came to dinner. Hired pony and drove to Abingdon together.

Mr Alison came to dinner. He afterwards accompanied me as far as Horspath. Walking on his way to his curacy of Great Milton. I assisted Wingate at Funeral and Evensong and walked home.

Mrs Atkinson wife of the Rector of East Hendred, sent her servant to ask me to take services there morning and afternoon next Sunday next which I promised to do.

Sent copy of specimen pages of Alcestis to Butler and Tanner.

Bell returned from Cheltenham.

Took train to Didcot and then cab to East Hendred where I took morning and afternoon service for Mr Atkinson, the Rector. In the evening I walked back to Didcot, as there was no conveyance to be got. The country is “downy” and bleak.

Bell brought from Cheltenham Centum librae

Left Oxford for London this morning. Met Hole by accident. Went on to Ipswich and put up at Christ’s Hospital.

Accident while driving with J P Howe in his pony cart. We were run into by a luggage cart on Stoke Bridge and had a narrow escape.

Aunt Howe and Miss Abbott went to London. I went to Harwich and Dovercourt in steam-boat. Harry returned from Oxford to Rossall. His bill for half year was £39.0.4.

Rev Mr White, Rector of St Peter’s, called on me at Christ’s Hospital.

Spent afternoon at California with J P Howe, Lieutenant Dutton, etc.

Preached at St Peter’s this morning and read prayers this evening. Took supper with Mr and Mrs White at the Rectory.

Left Ipswich for St Botolph’s, Colchester, with Lieutenant Dutton and stayed a day or two with him. Emma remained in Ipswich. J P Howe accompanied us, but returned this evening.

Went to Walton on the Naze for the day with Lieutenant Dutton.

I insured my life in the Railway Passengers accidental Death Insurance Co through Lieutenant Dutton and paid £4 premium for the year. I purchased some Japanese handkerchiefs and a circular silvered frame mirror at Colchester.

Visited the camp, castle and various churches in Colchester.