Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Distribution of coals commenced.

David Hone, who has not paid his allotment rent, sent his wife to ask for coal ticket. He would be sure to pay his rent on Wednesday as he had sold some Swedes which Reuben Sabin was to take in to Banbury on that day and would then receive the money for them. I let her have the ticket, and she paid the rent during the week.

Bessie wrote to Bell about the house in Richmond Terrace, Bayswater, which was given to Harriet for her life. The remainder of the lease, or rather the reversion, is to be sold, and Bessie thinks of purchasing it.

W. Lamb, assistant overseer, called for poor rates.

Webb drove Mrs Davies to Banbury to catch the 2.20 L&NW train to London.

Mr Wynne, the Conservative Candidate, called this afternoon, and at his request I got Charles Barnes to show him the way round the village and act as his nomenclator.

Received a Mourning Card from Mr T. P. Howe announcing the death of Mrs Wells on November 17th age 76.

Ruridecanal Chapter at Banbury Vicarage. The rain kept me at home.

Visited Miss Dix. Taught in School.

Visited Mr Davies. Sent out Church Defence Leaflets over the parish.

Thick fog. Rosa did not come down.

Fog and rain.

Taught in School this morning.

George Harris, draper of Banbury, called and I paid him Clothing Club account.

Visited Sibford Ferris allotments. D. Hancock still at work on the road.

Visited Widow Simmonds.

A very beautiful shower of meteors took place this evening. I never saw so many before.

Wrote to Mr J. Playster-Steeds of the London Literary Society asking him to return my manuscript.

Visited Hannah Keene. Received note from Mr C. Fortescue asking for use of School for a Conservative meeting on Monday next and inviting me to take the Chair.

D. Hancock who is still repairing road at Sibford Ferris allotments came to me for his wages to date.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning, and attended Choir practice this evening.

Mr Davies came to tea. Banns of Marriage published between Lambley, of Swalcliffe and Lines, daughter of John Lines, coal carrier of Sibford Ferris.

Showery, but mild. High wind at night.

St Andrew. Divine Service at 9.15.

J. Lamb called for Sibford Ferris poor rate.

Visited Sibford Ferris allotments. Called on Mr Woolgrove.

Mr Wynne, the Conservative Candidate, addressed the electors in the School room this evening. I took the chair. W. H. Harris (“Beardy Will”) of Sibford Ferris who was rather the worse for drink somewhat interrupted the speaker with ejaculations and remarks and there were some navvies from Hook Norton who tried to annoy him, but he took it all very good humouredly and the meeting passed off without any disorder. Mr Wynne came down here to supper, with Mr Davies, after the meeting.

I sold 7 pots of Blenheim apples today to a dealer from Milcombe at 5/- per pot.