Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine. Breakfasted in Oxford Street after an hour’s walk and then visited the Royal Academy. Walked thence to Army and Navy Hotel, where I dined with W. Wingate – meeting his brother Reginald on my way who was going to dine with some friends. After dinner Wingate and I went to the Globe Theatre to see a comedy called The Private Secretary, which was very amusing. I walked back as far as the Army and Navy Hotel with W. where I took leave of him, without going in, as it was late. He has arranged to leave England with his wife on the 15th July, having arranged to leave his children at Southsea. I then walked on to my rooms and was very tired when I arrived, the London stones being very hot and hard to the feet after the country roads I have been accustomed to for so long.

As we were coming out of the theatre Mr William Hutton, an old Oxford pupil, who has since then succeeded to his paternal inheritance of some £4000 a year, accosted me. He had seen us enter the theatre and waited till we came out. His wife and his aunt were with him, and he introduced us to them. He was in town to consult Dr Sir W. Gull for some complaint of the chest.

After an hour’s walk I breakfasted right well and reasonably in Regent Street. Went thence to Club. Met Mr Henry Walford of Banbury in New Bond Street.

Went to Inventions Exhibition. 2/6 day – and not so crowded as it was on Monday which was a 1/- day.

Heard the Siamese Band perform on their curious instruments in the Albert Hall.

Met Mr Hutton and his wife and aunt again – also Mr Henry Walford and Miss Matilda Dix, of Brighton.

Had a shilling dinner at the “School of Cookery” – cheap and nasty.

Spent nearly all the daylight in examining the Invalid Chairs in the Exhibition. But there were not many.

The illuminated fountains were much finer than on Monday night.

Took supper at Club before going to bed.