Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Left Colchester for London. Stayed the night at “The Rose” Wigmore Street, Cavendish Square. Mrs Howe and Miss Abbott were staying there on a visit to Mr and Mrs Woolcock.

Called on Mr Fraser, 1 Palace Houses, Kensington Gardens W, who had written to say he would like to confer with me about preparing his son J C Fraser for Christ Church.

Went to East Dulwich with Mr Mountain. Staid there.

Mr Mountain and I called on Charles Eve and Shrapnell. I preached at St John’s East Dulwich in morning and read prayers in evening. Mr Morse, the vicar, came to supper.

Returned to Oxford. Mr John Christian Fraser came as pupil to prepare for Christ Church, Oxon. Terms 150 guineas.

Walked to Horspath and back.

Mr and Mrs Wingate came to dinner and staid the night.

Mr and Mrs Wingate returned to Horspath. I drove to Sandford.

Mr and Mrs Wingate came. Fraser went to Mongewell Park till Monday.

Bell drove Rosa to Horspath. I walked. Rosa staid the night with Mrs Wingate. I drove Bell back.

Mr Lee away from Sandford. I preached in morning. Wingate walked from Horspath and preached in afternoon. I drove him back to Horspath and preached for him in the evening.

Took leave of Mr and Mrs Wingate, as they return to Walford tomorrow.

Fraser returned from Mongewell in time for breakfast.

Drove Bell to Sandford. Met Mr and Mrs Lee there who had ridden over.

Hole came from North Cheam. We attended a meeting of the “Evangelical Conference” at the Corn Exchange. Mrs Pearsall Smith delivered an address.

The College having renewed the offer of Sibford Vicarage, Hole and I went over to see it. Saw Miss Sarah Dix in the church.

Mr Hill, of Littlemore, called. Mr Hole left.

Hughes called.

Fraser’s cousin came to luncheon. I heard Lord Radstock speak in the Corn Exchange.

Drove to Sandford. Hughes left Oxford for a few weeks.

Mr R F Heath came to tea.

Harry’s birthday – age 15. Mr and Mrs F A Wilson came to tea. Also their two boys and Mr and Miss Owen Jones. Fraser rode to Mongewell this afternoon.

Mr and Mrs Lee and Mrs Lee Senior were there. I called at Rev F A Wilson’s in the evening.

Mr Fraser returned from Mongewell before breakfast. Mr and Mrs Julius Sankey and Rev Taylor Taswell called.

Walked to Kidlington with R F Heath and took tea at the Inn.

Braddell returned for Michaelmas term.

Bell and Rosa went to Ryde. Called at Mr Aldridge’s this evening.