Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

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

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

Received and returned to Spottiswoode and Co proof for New Edition of U.K.S. Boys’ Standard V.

Mr Mack, from Ceylon, a pupil of Cull’s called yesterday. Sent proof of Hecuba to Hughes. Cheque to Davenport, Registrar and Secretary to Bishop for Institution fees including the very modest sum of a guinea for Stationery! £6.0.6.

Mr Hill called. I walked with him to Iffley corner.

Bell and I called to see Miss Heath who is ill. Received GLB account from Longmans. The dividend this year is small. But the stock in hand is 126,488 as against 53,300 last account.

Mr Fraser went to London. Returned this evening. Braddell and de Teissier had leave to go up the river for the day. Went to Sibford. Met Mr Bourchier at the Railway Station.

A very dark drive back from Sibford to Banbury. Hughes came to supper. We talked over the proof of Hecuba.

Rev Abraham Spencer, Curate of Steeple Aston, called.

Frank Coghlan, of Balliol, called this afternoon. Bell, Rosa and I went to Misses Hooper’s this evening.

Heavy rain this afternoon. Called on Hughes this evening.

To Sibford. Paid old John Harris for work in garden at Vicarage during vacancy, £4.14.5. Received rent of cottage from him £1.11.1 and for potatoes which he had sold 5/1.

Talked with Mr Hitchcox about new lamps for the church. The old moderators are useless. Also spoke about the timber belonging to Poulton carpenter, which encumbers the grass land in front of the church. Hitchcox said he would speak to the surveyor about it. He is way warden.

Hughes came this afternoon. I wrote to Rev Canon Payne, Vicar of Swalcliffe.

Bell and Rosa went to German Reed’s Entertainment this evening.

Called on Rev Taylor Taswell this evening.

Called at Jesus College this evening. Played whist with Hughes and other fellows.

Went to Swalcliffe on visit to Canon Payne. He met me at the Banbury Station.

Storm last night. Calm and mild this morning. Walked to Sibford this morning to services. Gave notice of service next Wednesday evening. Very heavy showers during the day. Walked back to Swalcliffe this evening.

Canon Payne lost his wife about the beginning of the year, and feels it very keenly. It seems impossible to get a smile out of him or to take interest in anything.

Walked from Swalcliffe to Sibford. Examined Loggin Allotments and spent an hour in the school. Walked back to Swalcliffe. After lunch Canon Payne drove me to Banbury and I returned to Oxford.