Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Visited School. Marked registers. Spoke to Henrietta Harris daughter of William Harris (Quaker) of Sibford Ferris of whom Mr Elley complained that she refused to curtsey as all girls were required to do on leaving school. I told her that if she came to the school she must not expect to be treated differently from the other children. She said her mother told her not to curtsey. I told her she must submit to the rule if she came. Mr Elley told me subsequently that she had not been to school since.

Rheumatism in head.

Very wet, cold and windy.

Still very wet, cold and windy.

Same kind of weather as yesterday and Sunday.

Visited Mary Wilks, Mary Weaver, Solomon Geydon, Mrs Spicer who told me her boy William had got a situation in a milk walk in London. Visited Misses Dix. Drove to Banbury to meet Mr Maclean.

Drove to Lower Tysoe to see Hancox, monumental mason, about grave stone for which myself and others have subscribed (Harry collected) £4.9.9. to memory of late James Barnes, for 25 years clerk of this parish. It was a very fine afternoon and Bell accompanied me.

Fine day.

St James. Divine Service at 9.15. Visited School. Visited Sylvia Sabin who is unwell. gave her 2/6. Also Widow William Keene – gave her 1/-. Drove to Brailes. Webb went away for holiday till Tuesday next. Paid fare of himself and boy from Banbury to Oxford and back.

Drove to Banbury. Maclean accompanied me.

Attended Boys’ Sunday School this morning. Visited Thomas Manning Senior and Dr Routh this evening.

The wife of William Harris (late farmer and butcher) is very ill and doctors do not give her much hope.

Very fine morning. Drove Mr Maclean to Hook Norton where he joined Rev Mr Gem (Curate) to go to London. Rosa accompanied me. I afterwards drove Bell to Epwell, etc. Harry Shelswell brought his work to me. Miss E Dix, Miss Gibbs and Herbert Gibbs came to tea.

Attended re-opening of Sutton under Brailes Church by Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol.

Harry came home unexpectedly and rather unwell having resigned his mastership in Derby School.

Mr Maclean returned from London. Mr and Mrs Smith and the girls came. The girls to tea, Mr and Mrs Smith afterwards.

Alice Holtom having returned from the Hon. Mrs Hamilton at Pimlico, Mrs Smith asked me yesterday whether she would be able to go to her for a few weeks to do needlework, as her servant who usually does it is ill. As Alice was willing to go I sent Webb to drive her over to Brailes.

Visited David Hone and Jarvis.

Went to Brailes Vicarage to luncheon to meet Mr Hicks Rector of Fenny Compton and his wife.

Smallpox and scarlet fever at Brailes.

Severe storm of thunder and lightning this evening. Harry Shelswell brought his work to me this morning.