Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Drove to Brailes. Dined at Canon Payne’s this evening; Mr Barker, Diocesan Inspector, Squire Norris and Mr Cookes of Tadmarton were there.

Rev Mr Barker Diocesan Inspector inspected the School and took luncheon here. I afterwards drove him to Epwell.

Confirmation classes at 3 and at 7.

Mr Montagu promised to take funeral of Widow Hathaway for me on Wednesday.

Mr Castle of Oxford surveyed the Heath Farm under the guidance of Mr Thomas Hitchcox and Mr Woolgrove.

Widow Hathaway buried. Mr Montagu performed the service.

I went to London accompanied by Mr Kirkland. Put up at the Queen’s Hotel, St Martin’s Le Grand.

Visited Mr and Mrs Woolcock this evening.

Visited Captain Dutton this evening – no one at home.

Snowstorm early this morning – heaviest in London this season. I was told the snow lay 18 inches deep on Westminster Bridge.

Visited Mr and Mrs Mountain this evening.

Returned home. Annie Martin met me at Paddington accompanied by her cousin Captain Ferguson. She came down to Sibford on a visit. I left Kirkland in London till Monday morning as he wished to attend the services at St Paul’s and Westminster Abbey.

Taught in Sunday School morning and afternoon. Snowstorm today: but there was none last week while there was a great deal in London.

I observed after Church this afternoon some of the girls who go to the Methodist Chapel followed by some lads among whom was Austin’s elder apprentice, and the boy Lines who comes to my confirmation class – who were snowballing them. William Spicer who was not at Church last Sunday nor today was following them.

Visited Robert Austin and spoke to him about his apprentice. He gave him a pretty good character on the whole.

St Matthias. Divine Service at 9¼ am.

Miss E Dix assisted at Penny Bank.

Visited Meadows and John Harris, Anna Young who is ill; also James Kaye whose wife is not likely to live. She is insensible now; has been an invalid for years but though I have seen her several times, she has usually been very inaccessible. I told Kaye and his daughter as I have told them before to send for me at any time if she would like me to pray with her.