Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Slight snow on the ground.

Dr Hole and I walked about South Hampstead this morning. It is an excellent neighbourhood and the houses are very good. Many new ones are in course of erection.

This afternoon Dr Hole went to Ely – and I went to Canonbury to see Aunt Emma. She told me that Tom Howe and his father had become reconciled since the death of Mrs Wells whose property goes to Tom and the rest.

I got back to Goldhurst Terrace at about 9 pm.

At Bournemouth yesterday I went over some new houses, one of which would suit us and Rosa very well as it has good rooms on the ground floor so that she could be accommodated without difficulty. The address is Burslem House near St Peter’s Church. Agents Keene & Son, 1 Regent Terrace., Bournemouth. It has a level entrance through a conservatory porch. Ground floor 4 rooms and WC. Lift from kitchen to what I must call “upper basement”. 2 staircases. South aspect. 5 bedrooms on each of two floors. W.C. on each floor: pleasure gardens at back.

Went to Surbiton to see a School and premises which were for transfer but the outside and surroundings were sufficient. I turned up my nose, turned on my heel and returned to London arriving at Goldhurst Terrace : found that Hole was also returned from Ely.

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.