Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Very fine day. Did not attend the Guardians’ meeting at Banbury to day, as my carriage is under repair and I do not like driving my mare in the dog-cart whilst her cough is so troublesome lest she should fall.

Went to Dr Routh’s this evening.

Brought Rosa down – with help of Webb, Cook and Bell and carried her into the garden.

Very fine and warm.

Visited Adams at Chilloway Barn, Mr Mann has brought him and his family including a married son from Chesham.

Visited William Barnes and saw his wife who said her father had been going better of late and had apologised to her for his roughness on Club day.

Walked to Swalcliffe this evening to meet Cassie Heming and Frank where they had been to return basket brought with flowers and strawberries by Miss Norris.

Fine and bright. Miss Dix called this evening.

Taught in Boys Sunday School this morning.

Band of Hope Tea. Many children away from school this afternoon in consequence.

Visited Joshua Lines; who told me his child Kate had been much frightened by a dog belonging to Lewis Poulton which was “set on her” by his farm boy, a nephew of his wife’s. The boy denied it, Lewis took his part. So he and Joshua almost came to blows.

Visited Sam Woolgrove, Widow Robinson, H. Keene, B. Aris Senior, J. Reason.

George Harris (Hancox’s son in law) having repaired my carriage, I drove Bell, Cassie and Frank to Brailes to a Bazaar got up by Mr Smith for Church. We lunched at the Vicarage with Mr and Mrs Smith and Mr and Miss Flower.

James Hancox is going to the seaside for the benefit of his health as he seems to be going into a “decline”. I gave him £1 towards his expenses. Went to see him and wished him “God speed.”

Visited Elizabeth Manning, Mrs Manning Senior and John Manning, Carpenter, lately in business with his brother in Oxford where they failed. He has taken the house and workshop formerly occupied by late Thomas Manning.

Very dull and cloudy, storm threatened this afternoon, but did not break.

Visited John Lively, Thomas Wilks, Sarah Green, Richard Wilks, Benjamin Aris Senior, Miss Somerton.

Miss M. Dix called. Also Mrs Willy and her two daughters. I drove Cassie Heming and Frank round Epwell, Shutford, Tadmarton and Swalcliffe.

Elijah Hancox called and paid rent of Furze Land.

Robert Austin called and paid half rent of farm for half year in advance and I gave him discount 12/- at 4%.

Taught Boys School this morning. Miss M. Dix called.

George Harris called and paid me his rent. Jesse Bishop also called and paid me half rent for farm for half year in advance on which I gave him discount at 4 per cent.

I drove Bell out. Called on Rev. Simund Smith at Tadmarton. Not at home. Drove round by Hook Norton and called on Rev. Mr Cox.