Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Commenced examination of children in school in respective standards marking passes of each.

Went to concert at Tadmarton this evening. Took Bell, Rosa and Annie Smith. Supper at the Rectory.

Hancox the mason of Tysoe brought two tombstones for churchyard. One to Ann and Temperance Colegrave; the other, a white marble one with gilt lettering to Thomas Edward Colegrave. I inspected the stones before allowing them to be set up. The first mentioned was unobjectionable. The inscription on the 2nd runs thus:— “In loving memory of Thomas Edward Colegrave of Newcastle-on-Tyne. Died at Middleton in Teesdale”, etc. I pointed out to Hancox that there should have been a “who” before “died”. He said that was how Mr Fox sent him the inscription. I told him the omission was not serious enough to induce me to reject the stone, but that he should always submit the inscription to the clergyman before writing it on the stone. He said he knew he ought, for his book told him so; but he thought Mr Fox had submitted it to me. I told him Mr Fox had not done so, and that it was his business to submit such a matter to the clergyman in all cases.

Visited Mrs Durham, removed with 2 sons from Winderton to Sibford Gower

Continued examinations at school.

Took luncheon with Canon Payne. Paid him Loggin rent for year. Received from him 5/- which Buckingham had paid towards his rent. I said I would give Buckingham the balance 8/9 as I knew he was badly off, having a large family and having had a considerable amount of illness during the year.

Divine Service this evening. Very boggy and dirty, but a good many men were present.

Harry came home.

John Harris senior called and asked me to let him have 2 acre allotment about to be vacated by Esau Tarver.

Examined school.

Library Committee met in schoolroom this evening. Dr Routh came home with me afterwards. Told me that Mrs Holtom of Bilberry Cottage, Sibford Heath, was ill and needed some wine. I said I would send her some and go and see her. He told me of very bad rumours concerning Hands the tenant of the Heath Farm.

Rev Mr and Mrs Roberts of Long Compton called.

Mr James and Miss Minnie Smith came to early dinner. Annie and Harry returned with them.