Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Holy Communion 17/3.

Administered Holy Communion at 9 to Mrs Pearce, Mrs Shelswell of Shenington, Mrs Wait , Mr Pearce and Mrs Shelswell of Burdrop.

Went to Brighton, taking Mr Maclean with me. Put up at Old Ship Hotel.

The Thomas Aris mentioned in the enclosed cutting from last Saturday’s “Times” is I believe a former parishioner of mine who left Sibford last winter. I am not sure that the statements are correct, as he had a pretty good situation here as carter to Mr Timms of Hook Norton Leas which he sacrificed through his own indifference. But I thought it would probably do more harm than good if I were to write to the magistrate on the subject.

Cutting from The Times

At LAMBETH, Mr. Saunders, the magistrate, alluded to the case of a poor man named Thomas Aris, living at 451, Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, who had formerly been in the police force, and who by severe illness had been unable to follow any employment after he left the force. In his desperation, seeing his wife and children in actual want, he had smashed a sheet of glass and was given into custody. He appeared on crutches in court and his character was found to be satisfactory. The magistrate, on the first hearing, gave him a sum from the poor·box, and several sums had been forwarded to the court for his assistance. Mr Saunders said he considered it was a deserving case, and handed Aris the amount sent to the court, expressing a hope that on the case becoming better known further assistance might be forwarded. Aris expressed his thanks for the kindness shown him.

Harry returned from Bridlington to Sibford.

Took house 30 Medina Villas, Cliftonville, furnished, for a month from Monday next at 5 guineas per week.

Left Old Ship Hotel, not having slept at all since I took up my quarters there, and removed to Sussex Hotel, Cliftonville.

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.