Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Went home, leaving Maclean at Sussex Hotel at my charges. Very wet drive from Banbury to Sibford.

Note from Canon Payne respecting Hiorns and the Heath Farm. Called at Canon Payne’s lodge and left message for him. Mr Hiorns called to see me this evening.

Taught in Boys’ Sunday School this afternoon.

Visited Mrs Pearce, Mrs Mawle, the Misses Dix, Hannah Keene, Job Harris, Mr Woolgrove (not in), Joseph Payne, Thomas Sabin (not in).

Left for Brighton taking with me Bell, Rosa, Harry, Frank, Mrs Elley, Jane Messenger and Marion Harris. Harry left us at Victoria to visit Mr Crowther Smith at Sutton. We arrived at 30 Medina Villas, Cliftonville, about 7pm from Victoria, via Horsham – found Mr Maclean awaiting us there – the servants having left the keys with him. The gas meter stood at 10½ ; 6 ; 3.

Before I left home Mr Hiorns called about farm. I embodied what he said in a note to Canon Payne and sent him the draft lease.

Sent Lands Improvement Company £9.4.11 being 37th instalment. Harry came from Sutton.

Sent telegram to Rev J Hodgson Vicar of Bloxham asking if he could let his curate take my duty for me on Sunday next. Replied that he was away. Ultimately arranged that Mr Cave should take duty at Sibford on Sunday 28th inst.

Went home to Sibford. Mr Kirkland came to Brighton for Michaelmas term.

Visited Mrs Pearce and Mrs Mawle. Dined with Misses Dix and took tea with them. Drove to Winderton this evening to preach for Atkinson, Mr Smith being in Switzerland.

Routh sent me some Bromide of Potassium for headache from which I have been suffering.

Returned to Brighton, calling on Canon Payne on the way to Banbury to speak with him about lease of farm – Dr Routh came there. We decided to refer disputed points to Mr Fortescue the Solicitor of Banbury and to ask Mr Hiorns to call and see him.

St Michael’s in morning. Trinity, Hove in evening.

Mr Cave, curate of Bloxham, took duty at Sibford. Mr Woolgrove entertained him at early dinner.