Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Called on Poulton about repairs to farmhouse, etc. Told him slates should be used. He asked whether  Green of Swalcliffe or ?Storsman? of Sibford was to do the masons’ work. I told him I would let him know.

Visited Widow Manning and gave her 2/6.

Visited Mrs Hands who looks cleaner and more comfortable than for a long time. A young woman, daughter of Mary Hone, has been attending to her. I called and paid her 2/- for her work.

Visited Mr Whale and Mrs ?James? Rimell. Mrs Hiorns came in whilst I was there.

Met old Benjamin Aris and gave him 2/-. He tells me he and his wife have only 1/6 a week each allowed them by the parish. That the Guardians expect their sons to keep them, but they do not.

Entertainment took place in schoolroom this morning. There was not a large audience and several friends having failed to render the help promised, a great deal of work fell on me.

Visited school. Called on Mrs Ellis, but did not see her husband. She says he wanders in mind very much.

Mr Woolgrove called this evening. He has been collecting the subscriptions from the occupiers of pews to pay church expenses. Mr Hitchcox collected in Burdrop. Mrs Eliza Lamb laid £1 and a half sovereign on the table and told Mr H to take which he liked. He took the half sovereign.

Mrs Prophett of Little Sibford offered Mr Woolgrove 1/-. He refused to take it and said she must give up her pew. She replied that she would not give up the pew so long as she lived, and gave him 2/-, saying that it was only since I had come to Sibford that she had been called on to pay. Mr W replied that I did not trouble myself about it, but that it was the churchwardens’ business to collect the money and pay the bills.