Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Jane Legge died early this morning.

Held my Girls’ and married women Confirmation Classes at the Vestry from 3 to 5.

A Vestry meeting was held in the Schoolroom at 7.

Visited Sibford Heath plantation which John West is cleaning of briars etc.

George Harris junior showed me a petition for raising money to pay expenses of endeavouring to obtain a free pardon for a man named Cross who was convicted of a rape on Bonner’s imbecile daughter at Wroxton a short time ago. Cross’s solicitor, being in difficulties, left Banbury on a sudden, having neglected the case which he had been paid to attend to. Cross’s friends aver that he had therefore not a fair trial – being left without a properly instructed counsel to defend him. Lord North, in whose employ the young man was, and his father is, takes an interest in the case.

I told George Harris (junior) that there was no occasion for begging round the country for that Lord North could and would easily do all that could be done without any expense.

Received a letter from Dr Hole.

Attended Guardians meeting at Banbury.

Brought the very foul condition of Sibford Pond before the Rural Sanitary Authority.

Visited Thomas Messenger in the Infirmary of the Union. he looked very ill, and seemed grateful for all that was done for him. He was up and dressed, but looked more fit for bed.

Bright cold morning.

Visited School and gave prizes for Religious Knowledge on report of Diocesan Inspector.

Visited Decimus Alcock (not in), David Hone senior.

Longmans returned “See and Say” with polite note of rejection.

Mr John Spraggett called with his little boy Victor and brought me a sovereign towards the organ fund from his mother in law – Mrs Harris that was. Sent the same to Mr Mann.

Buried Jane Legge.

Mr Norris of Swalcliffe wrote asking me whether we would allow a Swalcliffe boy to come to our school. He had been expelled from Swalcliffe School because the Governesses (4 in succession) could not manage him. I consulted with Mr Elley and replied that we would give the boy a trial, but that if he wanted “a good thrashing” we must send him back to Swalcliffe to get it.

Mr Shilson of Banbury called to introduce to me Mr Lawson of Wardington who is a candidate for the post of Medical Officer for one of the districts now vacant, in the Banbury Union. He seemed a very superior and able man and I was glad to be able to promise him my vote.