Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Took train for Victoria where Vere left me to go to his parents at Upper Norwood.

I took a cab to Paddington, and having washed and dined, left London by a somewhat later train than that I usually travel to Oxfordshire by namely the 1 o’clock. However, I arrived home in good time in the evening, in excellent health, having enjoyed my holiday extremely and derived much benefit of various kinds from it. The total expenses for myself and Vere were some two pounds less than £100.

I am thankful to say I find all well. Bell and Frank were in Brighton where they had been for a fortnight before the 3rd of October on which day I went abroad with Vere and Rosa joined her mother and Frank whilst Harry went to Oxford. They left Brighton about a fortnight ago and stayed at Mrs Mountain’s, Westbrook, Alleyn Park, Dulwich for a week, returning to Sibford about a week ago.

During my absence my Sunday services were taken as follow:-

Oct 9 morning Rev Edward Marshall; afternoon ditto

Oct 16 morning Rev T Smith or Mr Dodgson, his curate; evening Rev G Montagu

Oct 23 morning Rev T Smith or Mr Dodgson, his curate; evening Mr Montagu

Oct 30 morning Mr Smith or Mr Dodgson; evening Mr Montagu

Nov 6 morning Mr Dodgson; afternoon Mr Smith and the Bishop of Moosonee.

The latter preached for his diocese. Mr Smith had written to me to ask my consent, but his letter reached my hotel in Rome after I had left. I have not yet received it. Mrs Sheorns, under the circumstances said she thought I should have no objection, and my people were very pleased to hear the Bishop and to assist him in proportion to their means. He had the morning offertory and also the afternoon collection.

During my absence David Hancox the landlord of the “Bishop Blaise” Inn was married elsewhere, by Banns published here. Miss Cook who keeps the post office at Sibford was married to a labourer of Epwell named Hewings, by Mr Montagu by licence.

And an elder daughter of Gaydon, farmer of The Cross, Sibford Gower was married in my church after banns by Rev T.H. Cookes Rector of Tadmarton.

I paid Mr Marshall the usual fee of £2.2 for his help in my absence and made Mr Montagu a present of a similar sum. Mr Smith’s assistance was in return for assistance rendered him by myself.

Mrs Turner took charge of the Penny Bank in my absence. Mr Elley paid Webb for me out of money I left with him for that purpose. He also forwarded letters to Mrs Stevens.

Mr Elley and Dr Routh took Heath Allotment rents. Mr Woolgrove, Mr Turner and Dr Routh took charge of Allotments money.

During my absence Mrs Thame, sister of the Misses Dix died.