Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Mrs Shelswell has been very ill during the past 10 days, but is getting better. I called to enquire after Church this morning but did not go in.

Visited Thomas Holland, Mary Hone and Jane Legge. Did not go out in evening, my cold not being gone.

Attended Penny Bank. Visited W. Payne. Walked with Bell round Pound Lane, Pig & Whistle etc.

Wrote to Mr. Sheldon of Brailes, Lord of the Manor of Sibford, requesting him, in the name of various parishioners to put a stop to building operations commenced by John Adkins, Stone Mason, on one of the plots enclosed from the waste on the Green at Burdrop, where he is about to construct a workshop and a cottage unless prevented. Miss Dix came to me and asked us to write, as the proposed erection would be a nuisance to many of the Burdrop people.

William Holland’s wife called and asked if I could give her something “to get bread” as her husband had no work. I gave her 2/-.

Left Oxford for London at 9 am. Called on Dr. Stone, 14 Dean’s Yard, Westminster, Medical Referee for the Clergy Mutual Association, as the Directors wished me to do. He examined me and did not keep me for long. So I went on to Victoria, took train for Paddington and left for home by the 1 o’clock train. Arrived at Banbury at 3.20 but it was so wet that my horse was not in. I therefore took a cab out which cost me 9/-, which is about the same as 2nd Class fare from Banbury to London.

Emanuel Dale, a young man about 21 called and asked for assistance to pay his railway fare beyond Bletchley where he is going to a situation tomorrow. He is to have 8/- per week only and £5 at Michaelmas. He is to keep himself. So much for the permanent rise in wages effected by the Agricultural Labourers’ Union.

I distributed Coal tickets this evening at the Schoolroom and talked seriously to some of the women about the irregularity of their children’s attendance at School.

I withheld Ezra Green’s ticket, as school pence was owing, and Thomas Holland’s, as he owes 10/- for allotment rent. The respective amounts were paid a day or two afterwards and I gave them the tickets.

Mary Lively came for some wine for her daughter Elizabeth Manning and asked whether I could do anything for the daughter Ada who is going to a situation at or near Leamington next week. I asked what she wanted. She replied “Some flannel for a petticoat”. I promised to ask Mrs. Stevens to get it for her, which I did and sent it up.

Harry and Vere went to Brailes to play in a football match against Shennington. I drove them, taking Rosa, and continuing the journey came home via Winderton.