Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Went on excursion with North Oxford Archaeological Society to Thame, Chinnor, Shirburn Castle and Watlington, where we dined. Drove home through Chalgrove Field and Chiselhampton. We had a couple of drays with 3 or 4 horses each. Coming down Cowley Road into Oxford all the horses in my break went down. Heads and tails hoofs and legs seemed inextricably intermingled. But they soon untangled themselves, jumped up and went on again without the slightest injury. I hurt my heel somewhat in jumping from the carriage. The whole expense of my “day out” was 9/5, viz dinner 3/2, dray 6/3.

My bruised heel kept me in doors all day. Mr R F Heath called this evening.

Preached at the asylum this morning and at Sandford this afternoon. Preached at Carfax for Fletcher this evening and to enable me to do so Lee took my duty (my last) at New College Chapel.

Bell, Rosa, Harry and I took tea at Rev F A Wilson’s.

Visited patients at asylum at Littlemore. Dr Heurtley Sankey returned with me to tea and supper.

Bell went to Cheltenham.

Dined at Rev F A Wilson’s with Rosa and Harry.

Took morning and afternoon services at Upper Heyford for Mr Mount. Mr Heath called this evening.

Walked with Harry and Mr Heath this evening.

Miss Harbage and Mr Pedder were here this evening.

Drove Rosa to Horspath to Wingate’s. Harry walked over in the evening and drove Rosa back. I walked back.

Wingate came in to dinner. I walked to Horspath with him and back.

Went to Blisworth to see Hawker Hughes who is spending his Long Vacation in taking charge of parish for Rev Canon Barry the Rector.

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.