Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Received note from Mr Henry Stevens, GWR Reading, telling me that ?Frankwell? House, the residence of the Hon Mr Fiennes is in Berkshire; and enclosing a slip of paper in his father’s handwriting giving the population of Swalcliffe etc as follows:

Went to Oxford to vote for public orator in place of late Dr Mitchell, Principal of Hertford College. I voted for Mr Nettleship of C. C. College as also did Mr Hughes and Mr Jackson, tutor of Worcester, who had canvassed me. But Mr Dallin, of Queen’s, the only other candidate beat him by nearly 200 votes. The poll was open from 2 till 7.30 pm.

Mary Anne Gough called this morning with some flowers for me.

Received letter from Messrs Munton and Stockton. They have in their possession some deeds belonging to the feoffees of the Sibford Charity which they will give me if I call. They intimate that there will be a small charge of 13/4 for search and attendance on Mr Fortescue.

Ascension Day. Holy Communion at 8am. Morning Prayers at 10, Service with sermon at 7, when 50 persons were present in congregation.

Elizabeth Manning returned thanks at 2nd service for benefits received at Horton Infirmary.

Mrs F Milburn and Mr Oscar Shelswell were at early service. I called on them at their mother’s.

Visited Elizabeth Manning, gave her 2/6, the last of the 8 I promised her. Also Marion Hone who was out. Left 2/- with her sister for her. She says Hands is always sending her sister Maria out to beg for him. The young woman does not like it. I said I would rather she did not do it and that Hands has no occasion to beg, if he will only work like other men.

Called on Mrs James Rimell and Miss Dix.

Went up to Heath Farm with Poulton and Horsman to see about repairs. Mr Stephen Hands, the tenant, seemed unwilling that I should go down to the new larch plantation to see what timber there was fit for use. But I went through it accompanied by Poulton senior. We found that all the largest trees, from 50 to 100 in number, had been cut and removed.

Wet.

Rehearsal for Choral Festival at Banbury, Christ Church. Gascoigne took the choir. I drove Miss S Dix and Rosa.

Drove to Brailes with Rosa. Miss Honor Braddell was there. Observed horses in allotments as I passed. On returning saw them in the pound. Tay the blacksmith told me they belonged to Stephen Hands.

Very wet.

Visited Boys’ School this afternoon and taught. Preached at Brailes this evening, Mr Smith being rather unwell.