Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

1874, October 24, Saturday

My birthday, age 42. Thomas Braddell went to Mongewell Park on a visit to Mr Fraser. Called at New College this evening to see Mr Lee, but he was in chapel.

Got address of College lawyer, W C Lawrence, Cirencester.

Went to Banbury (for Sibford) and put up at the “White Lion”.

1874, October 25, Sunday 

Drove over to Sibford this morning, and took the duty in Church for the first time, having told Mr Payne that I should not require his services after last Sunday.

1874, October 26, Monday

J Braddell returned from Mongewell, bringing notes from Mr Fraser Senior and Fraser Junior saying that the latter wishes to stay at home with his brother and sister for the week. I replied.

1874, October 27, Tuesday

Received “Instrument of Presentation” to Sibford Vicarage from Mr Lawrence of Cirencester, through Mr Lee. The Bill, including stamp is £7.10. Called on Mr Lee at the Bursary, also at his house, where I saw Mrs Lee.

1874, October 31, Saturday

Went to Sibford. Hired horse and dog-cart from Chester, where I put up at Vicarage Stable. Pay 6/- on each occasion for horse and trap.

1874, November 1, Sunday 

Read my self in at Sibford and celebrated Holy Communion. Drove back to Banbury in evening and reached home at about 8. I slept at School house where Mrs Elley got me tea etc etc and made me very comfortable.

1874, November 2, Monday

Mr Fraser returned in time for breakfast. I voted for two Conservatives at the Oxford Election for Town Councillors.

1874, November 3, Tuesday

de Teissier out late this evening, with permission, to visit a friend from London. Called on Mr and Mrs Wilson this evening.

1874, November 4, Wednesday

Went to Sibford. Took Rosa. Churchwardens met me by appointment at the School house. Mr Bruton, Diocesan Surveyor came whilst I was there. Went over Glebe etc with Mr Hitchcox, Vicar’s Warden, and Mr Herbert, Glebe-tenant. Called on Mr Mawle, Misses Dix, Mr Fox, Mr Turner and other parishioners. Mr Woolgrove paid me £3.3 collected in Church for the Radcliffe Infirmary.

1874, November 7, Saturday

Went to Sibford. Received from Ecclesiastical Commissioners £13.7.9 and from Mr Hitchcox (balance of sequestration) £17.5.6. Fraser went home till Monday. I had to wait two hours in Banbury for horse and dog-cart.

1874, November 8, Sunday 

Called on Hughes at Jesus, after my return from Oxford, but he was not in.

Received first proof of “Hecuba” from Butler and Tanner.

Hecuba is a title in Stevens and Hughes’s “Analytical Classical Series” (see 26 March 1874).

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Read about the Rev Edward Stevens here.