Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

My first turn as Manager at the Banbury Savings Bank. Received £330.15.

Paid Cave £25.10 for charity coals.

Met Mr Payne on returning from Banbury. He knows nothing of the missing deed.

Mr and Mrs Routh junior called. Mr R told me as Mr Payne did yesterday that there had been two fatal cases of scarlet fever at Tadmarton during the past week. Mr Payne thought it would spread, Mr Routh thought not.

Called on the Misses Dix this evening by request to meet Mr Henry Sheorns, son of the late vicar of Swalcliffe. Took supper with them.

Received letter from Mr Fortescue stating that he forwarded last feoffment deed to Mr Payne on conclusion of business relating to sale of cottages belonging to the Charity and that he had Mr Payne’s receipt for the same. Sent Mr Payne his letter.

Posted at church door the notice respecting new feoffment as required by the Charity Commissioners.

Visited Mrs Hands, Mrs Shelswell and her patient Miss West, an elderly lady who is of unsound mind. Mr Routh tells me her delusion is that she is “reprobate of God”. But she is a person who has led a religious life and always busied herself in doing good.

Visited Boys’ Sunday School, also Sarah Green. Attended choir practice this evening.

Preached sermons morning and afternoon for Curates’ Augmentation Fund. The offertories amounted to £1.3.9.

Met Mrs Tennant this evening and had some conversation with her.

Drove to Brailes. Sent £1.3.9 to Curates’ Augmentation Fund.

Canon Payne called; said that he did not remember anything about the missing deed.

Wrote to Messrs Munton and Stockton, Solicitors, Banbury asking whether they knew anything about the missing deeds.

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.