Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Returned to Sibford, arriving at Banbury at 3.20 pm. Very cold. Skating going on at Oxford and at Broughton, but the frost is breaking up.

Bought a bird cage at Whiteley’s this morning as a birthday present for Rosa.

Taught in Boys’ School this morning.

Two baptisms and one churching this afternoon. Attended Choir practice this evening.

Taught in School this afternoon.

Visited Hannah Simmonds who had written a note to me during my absence from home asking me to call, as she wanted to see me very particularly. I found that her son John Lines had behaved so violently in the house to his own sister who was visiting her mother, that John Holtom had given him notice to leave : he having rented the cottage at 10d per week for his mother. Now she was in a fix as her son would not give her the money to pay the rent with, and Holtom would not have him for a tenant. I told her to apply to the Receiving Officer, and said I would speak to her son or his wife on the first opportunity.

Drove to Banbury. Took Mr Davies to meet his son and brought them both out. Sent off a hamper of apples to Dr Hole and also one to Bessie. On my return I sent Webb with the mare to take parcel of Four-Shire Books to Brailes.

Gave out Charity Clothing tickets at School this evening. Elizabeth Holland told me she had paid C. Barnes for digging grave for her child in the summer, and so I gave her her ticket. I told her in November when I gave her coal ticket that she should have done so before. She then said she would pay him all before the clothing was given out. So I went to C. Barnes and asked him about it. He said she had not paid him anything.

Ellen Hone came and asked for her clothing ticket. I refused to give it her whilst she was living an immoral life with a man to whom she was not married. She was a little demonstrative and rude, but not very, considering.

Anna Aris called and said she was going to London to nurse the wife of one of her sons who was ill, and asked me to give her her charity in money. I gave her 5/- which was the amount of her clothing ticket.

Lewis Poulton called this evening to pay me Major Goddard’s subscription of £2 to Sibford Charities.

He spoke about the School fees and said it was rather hard that he should have to pay 3d per week for his children, whilst Thomas Adkins, whose wages were higher than his, paid only 1d.

Mrs Davies and their son Lloyd called this afternoon.

Mr Davies preached for me this evening.