Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Cold East wind.

Inspected Sibford Ferris allotments.

Visited George Payne, John Reason.

Spoke again to Eleanor Hone about having the man Mumford living in her house, although she is not married to him, and reminded her that the 3 months of their banns would soon be out. She said the man never had enough money to get married with, he spent it all in drink. I told her I would marry them for nothing and lend her the money to pay the clerk his fee – but that she ought not to have the man there until they were married. She told me Mumford was brother to Dorcas Scruby’s mother – a bad lot to the backbone, I am afraid.

Attended Brass Band this evening.

Charles Barnes called and said he had no coal for Church fires, Mr Woolgrove having omitted to send it. So I told him to order some at Charles Lines’s to go on with.

Drove Kitty Rogers to Hook Norton. Called on Hiatt the Draper, who told me Dorcas Scruby had had goods from him in advance on her Clothing Club ticket, and having got the ticket had apparently taken it to another tradesman.

Visited T.H.Tarver, Thomas Coleman, George Green.

William Gaydon’s wife came this morning and asked me whether she might have the coal and clothing. I replied that she could not, as her husband was not born in Sibford Gower.

Taught Boys’ School this morning and attended Choir practice this evening.