Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Epiphany. Divine Service at 9.15. Visited School this afternoon also William Barton – and Widow Sabin who was in great trouble because her grandson William had enlisted in the 52nd the Oxfordshire regiment – he is now at Cowley Barracks. She thought he would have such dreadful hardships to undergo. But she says he is a total abstainer and appeared likely to keep the pledge. I told her I thought soldiering was a much better thing for a young man in the present day than loafing about a country village and that he would not have to endure the hardship of being out of work and half starved in the winter; and that he would have many inducements for good and steady conduct. She seemed to take comfort in the thought that he would be obliged to keep himself clean.

Heavy fall of snow all day, but very little wind. Roads blocked in every direction. No post – Railway lines blocked and telegraph communication interrupted. I never seemed in so much danger of my life as in going to and returning from Epwell yesterday. I went up to School this morning – only 6 children were present. I ordered School to be closed for this afternoon at least.

Bright sunshiny morning. Carrier’s cart(? s) not able to go to Banbury. Austin Gardner drove but had to go over ploughed fields part of way – had to return several times and make fresh start. He drove tandem – but managed to go and return, only damaging some of his harness.

I walked to Sibford Ferris where a gang of men was engaged in digging out the snow, having been set on by Mr. Routh, Senior who is Waywarden. Our Way Warden at Sibford Gower Mr. Henry Hiorns has done nothing.

Visited Hannah Keene, Eli Webb, John Padbury and Job Harris.

Met Mr. Woolgrove, who had started to go to Banbury with Austin Gardner, but not thinking it safe for himself with his damaged arm, got out and returned. There are rumours of several persons in neighbouring parishes having been lost in the snow but no one of my parishioners has suffered any injury, so far as I can ascertain. A little damage has been done to some cottage and barn roofs.

Harry Lines, Carrier of Sibford Ferris, made the journey to Banbury and back.

No post again today but Fred Inns who saw the postman at Swalcliffe brought me one or two letters. Harry returned from Brailes but with some difficulty.