Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Attended meeting of Banbury Clerical Club at Wigginton Rectory. Drove through Swalcliffe Grange Farm and took Frank as far as Wigginton Heath to open the gates. It was intensely cold. On my return, through Hook Norton, I met Dr Routh who asked me whether I would be willing to superintend Examination of School of Art at Sibford Friends’ School. He is Secretary but could not undertake the matter entirely. I said I would do what I could.

Mrs Davies was here to tea. Miss S. Dix called.

Visited Hannah Keene. Administered Holy Communion to her, her son Richard from Lillingstone Lovell, her daughter from Sulgrave, and Emma Lines, who is nursing her. Mr R. Lamb takes an interest in her and promises to see that she shall want for nothing.

Miss S. Dix called to show me a note she had received from Canon Payne of Swalcliffe about the rent she is asking for her house at Swalcliffe and which Mr Merritt White, who is probably coming as his curate, wishes to take. She asks £25 per annum for it or £21 without Stable and Orchard. Mr Payne says it is an “exorbitant” rent; bust as she gave £500 for the house a very few years ago and has spent £35 in repairs during 5 years, it allows her considerably less than 4 per cent for her money ; and this cannot be exorbitant.

Attended Board of Guardians Meeting at Banbury. Took Mr and Mrs Davies and Frank in.

Old Mr Wills a very lame man (a quaker, uncle to Mr John Wills) who has lodged with Mr Elley for some time, died suddenly aged 84. He had been poorly since Wednesday, but up to that time had been wonderfully well and active, though “stone deaf”.

David Hone died aged 82.

Buried Mary Evans, aged 70.

Visited John Reason, Hannah Keene, Hannah Simmons, Mrs Elley, Mr W. Fox, Phoebe Payne.

Intensely cold today. I had a severe shivering fit this evening. Never felt so queer in all my life.

Hannah Keene died at 2 pm, age 82. W. Bonner called before H. Keene died and spoke about arrangements for nursing her. I told him he had better see Mr R. Lamb.

I am suffering from a cold, and therefore did not go out all day.

Attended Boys’ School this afternoon.

Held Children’s Service at 3. Service at 6.30pm. Mr Davies preached.

Mrs Davies was here during evening to stay with Rosa.

Webb is better. I visited him.