Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

The Schools did not meet till 10 a.m. which I consider a mistake : owing to holidays.

Taught Boys in afternoon and Choir practice this evening.

St Bartholomew. Divine Service at 9.15.

Fine day.

Bell and I drove to Brailes. Saw Mr and Mrs Smith and Sophie.

Harry returned, having resigned his tutorship at Kentisbury, the salary being “too small”, £80 and furnished rooms. But he has to pay 3/- or 4/- per week to the old woman who waits on him.

I sent Webb in with the mare to fetch him from the station.

Paid for Sunday School Tea. There were 115 present. There was a great deal left and the cost was £1.15.8½.

Mrs Shelswell, Harry Shelswell, Arthur Shelswell, Mrs Davies and Miss Brown were here to tea.

I walked to Swalcliffe this evening.

Rain most of the day.

Received letter from Saunders Tobacconist of Banbury about debt owing to him by Harry. I handed it to Harry.

Edith Brooks was to have left today but was hindered by the rain.

Visited Sarah Keen.

Edith Brooks left for Clifton – Webb drove her to Banbury.

Harry was out till 12 p.m. which did not please me.

Visited Widow Simmonds.

Bonner called and told me that Miss Dix had written to Mr Sankey with the view of getting Sarah Green out of the Littlemore Lunatic Asylum. Mr Sankey had replied that it would not be advisable unless there was someone to take care of her who could keep her in some restraint. Bonner had told her she would be better left where she is.

Visited Charles Legge, Ezra Green, David Hone senior, Widow Hunt, Thomas Aris, Joseph Dale (not at home).

Harry took Boys School this morning. I took it this afternoon, and attended Choir practice this evening.

Drove to Banbury. Called for Davies at Swalcliffe Vicarage. Took him in and out.

Sent Frank to Wheatley on a visit to Miss Mawle and Mrs Way.

Rain in afternoon.

Visited Anna Wilks. She has recently lost a daughter, who was married to a builder at Wolverhampton? A child of this daughter is staying with the grandmother for a time. She seems a nice child and tells me her name is “Ivyser” (query – a corruption of Iviça) Hayward.

Visited Widow Humphrey Sabin, Eliza Barnes, Tennent, Mrs Lively, Thomas Coleman.

Inns called here this evening for subscription to the Flower Show.

Rev G. Davies removed from Swalcliffe to Mrs Turner’s at Burdrop. He has agreed to stay as Curate of Swalcliffe till the end of January.

Mr Davies called this evening.