Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended School Attendance Committee at Banbury.

Dr Hudson had reported that one child had died in Banbury and another had been nearly killed by overpressure at school. He had written to the Newspapers as well as the Board of Guardians about the matter. But his statements were contradicted, and as those who know him have little or no confidence in him, owing to his drinking propensities, no serious action was taken in the matter.

Bell, Frank and Webb went into Banbury with me. They returned to Sibford. I went on to London by the 1.15 train and thence to Brighton where I arrived at 7 pm. Put up at the Grand Hotel. Wrote to Rev. A. Humphrey Rector of Thorpe Mandeville who had asked me to send Frank to him to school. I told him my movements were at present so uncertain that I would continue to teach him myself for the present.

I walked from West to East end of Brighton and back.

Called on Harcourt, Mills & Co, House Agents on the King’s Road, no. 79, who sent a clerk to show me some furnished and unfurnished houses.

Afterwards called on Mr Dutton Briant, 29 Queen’s Road with whom I had had some correspondence and from there to see Mr William Olding, 4.5.6. Brunswick Road who wishes to let the houses where he has successfully conducted a Boarding School for 32 years. He is a local preacher and lecturer, and his school has dwindled down to a handful of boys. The place was quite unsuitable for me. He was a pleasant and apparently prosperous but somewhat bumptious man.

Met Mr. J. C. Fraser an old pupil, at the Grand Hotel just as I was leaving this morning. Left Brighton 1.25. Arrived Banbury 7.16. Webb met me at the station.

Very cold N.E. Wind at Brighton, but bright sunshine.

Fine and bright day.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning. Attended Choir practice this evening.

Miss Dix came to sit with Rosa this evening whilst Bell and I went for a walk.