Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

The ground was slightly covered with snow this morning.

Drove to Banbury Board of Guardians. Pond business not mentioned.

Miss S. Dix called this evening.

John Adkins called to speak about the pond.

Old Richard Payne died at 6.30 pm after only two days illness – aged 84.

Mr J. Pettipher’s baby died.

Visited Widow Charlotte Harris, Mary Lively, Elizabeth Holland.

Sent for Lucy Lines to speak privately about confirmation.

Visited Ann West, Thomas Henry Hone, Benjamin Messenger, Mr George Dix, Edward Scruby, W. Barnes

Met Rev. John Powell, son-in-law of Mr Henry Norris, of Swalcliffe Park who was bringing me a note from Miss Norris relating to the arrangements for the confirmation.

Alice and Lily Mountain came on a visit. I sent Webb to meet them at Banbury as I had rheumatism in my left hand and could not drive.

Summer day. Taught Boys School ini morning.

Buried Richard Payne at 5 pm.

Visited Dyer at Colony whose wife is very ill with bronchitis. She did not want to see anyone, so the husband said.

Ann West came to the Vestry at 4.30 about confirmation, I find she cannot read at all.

Visited Mrs Shelswell.

Fine day.

Confirmation at Swalcliffe. Bishop Dr John Fielder Mackarness. Chaplain Mr Holmes. Canon Payne, ill and consequently unable to be present. I called to see him. Mr Smith Rector of Tadmarton, Mr Willy Curate of Epwell, Mr Gerahty, Curate of Shutford and Mr Powell were the only clergy present.

I presented 42 candidates, viz. 17 boys, 16 girls, and 9 married women.

Dined in the evening at Mr Norris’s. Mr Smith of Tadmarton and myself were the only local clergy there and indeed the only guests except the Bishop and his chaplain.

Visited School this afternoon and had my boy candidates in church for half an hour before going down to the confirmation.

Harry returned to Kentisbury but I had to provide him with travelling expenses as usual.

Visited Hannah Keene.

High wind and clouds of dust.

Visited John Horsman and wife, also Thomas Webb.

Alice and I walked to Brailes this evening to take some Four Shire Books, but did not call at the Vicarage.

Pleasant shower this morning.

Drove to Banbury and took duty at Savings Bank.

Visited Anna Aris and Miss Dix.

Met Dr Routh who told me he wished to withdraw from the Trusteeship of the Town Estate, because Mr Mann had told Robert Austin what transpired at the last meeting which has made the latter very dissatisfied and rude to the doctor in consequence. I told Routh that we could not spare him and that if R. Austin was rude he had better take no notice of him; Austin can not have any right to complain at having to leave the farm, for it was he who gave the Trustees notice.