Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Mrs Turner assisted with Penny Bank.

Held girls’ Confirmation Class in vestry at 3 pm and boys in schoolroom at 7.

Eliza Lamb called about her Son in Law Lovell and the Farm which he appears very anxious to have.

Went to Brailes to tea. Took Rosa, Annie Martin and Kirkland. Charades in the evening. Mr Smith has had cold and thinks he will not be able to preach for me next Thursday evening as he had promised.

Mrs Stevens and myself went to Blenheim Farm to call on Mr and Mrs Hitchcox and found him in bed with some kind of skin disease which was painful. He has been attended by Doctor since Sunday.

Visited Fardon’s daughter who wishes to gain admission to the Radcliffe Infirmary. I told her I could give her a letter – but Wednesday, not Saturday as she told Mrs Stevens, was the day for admission of in-patients.

The Church Bell tolled this morning for Thomas Aris who died in the Lunatic Asylum at Littlemore where he has been a patient for many years.

Drove Bell, Rosa and Annie Martin to Balscot and Wroxton. Called on Mr Izatt. Not at home.

Drove alone to Banbury.

Divine Service at 7 pm in Church. As Mr Smith did not come I did all the duty as usual.

Mr Kirkland was taken ill whilst at his studies this morning with something like an epileptic fit of a mild form. I was much alarmed. Got him to bed and sent for doctor who was away at Hook Norton at the time but came during the afternoon. He said it was something approaching epileptical congestion of the brain – arising from irregular action of the liver. Recommended more abstemious diet and regular exercise – gave medicine etc.

I distributed prizes in School awarded by Diocesan Inspector to (1) Emma Webb (2) Eliza Harris who had Bishop’s prayer book – Emma Webb having received it last year was ineligible (3) William Webb (4) Laura Webb (5) Olive Harris.

Went to Banbury and brought out Harry who has come home for a couple of days.

A Vestry meeting was held in School room at which I presided for nomination of Guardian Overseers and Waywarden.

Mr Hiorns came to me this morning and asked me to write him a notice to quit his farm at Farmington next Michaelmas which I did.

Intensely cold northeast wind. Slight fall of snow last night. Kirkland somewhat better. Doctor came twice.

Annie and Clarkson Smith came to tea. Harry, who walked over to Brailes this morning with Annie Martin, returned to Brailes with them.

Horsman called and I paid him £2.7 for my walls.