Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

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.

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.

Sent to Mr Lawrence, the College Steward cheque for £7.10, for Instrument of Presentation and Stamp.

Went to Sandford. Paid some farewell calls and brought away my surplice etc.

Instituted to the Vicarage of Sibford at Registrar’s Office by Dr John Fielder Mackarness, Bishop of Oxford.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Paid above £3.3 to Radcliffe Infirmary.

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.