Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

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.