Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Delightful weather.

Amy Ferguson left for London. I drove her, Bell and Harry to Banbury.

Met Mr Norris in Banbury. He said he feared the college would have some difficulty in getting a suitable man for Swalcliffe.

Fine again. Drove Bell and Frank to Hook Norton to send a telegram to Novello, Ewer & Co for some Harvest [Carols].

Miss Buller called this afternoon to say “goodbye” as she returns to Leeds tomorrow. She is a daughter of a Colonel Butler, niece of Lord St John and of Sir Redvers Buller. She has been a (mental) patient of Dr Routh’s for a few weeks here, but previously at Miss Godson’s Hook Norton. She lodged for a short time at Mrs Turner’s, when she had with her a very intelligent and lady-like companion who had been one of the governesses in the Leeds High School for girls but has since gone to Girton College Cambridge.

Drove to Banbury for the Harvest Carols which I want the choir to practice tomorrow. Took Bell and Frank.

Wombwell’s Menagerie was there. So I treated Frank to a view whilst Bell went on to Graham-Jones’s.

Very fine Sunday. Took Boys’ School morning and afternoon. Attended choir practice at night, a large number being present. The boy Edgar Lines behaved very ill and as he did not mend when I spoke to him I sent him out of the room.

Fine. Visited William Payne and Mrs Dix, who was worse yesterday. Miss E.Dix was there.

Miss Dix called here this evening and said she had been told that Mr Willy was a candidate for Swalcliffe, which I can scarcely believe.

St. Matthew’s day. Divine Service at 9.15. Cold and windy, but no rain.

I heard that Elijah Hancox of the “Slat-house” opposite the Vicarage was about to leave Sibford. He is tenant of the “Furze or Fuel Land” at £11.5 per year, and has not paid his half year’s rent, due last March with grace till June. He has promised me several times to call and pay it, but has not done so. I went down to consult Mr Woolgrove as to what we should do. He was at home, but just going to bed, but agreed that I had better see whether there was anything on the land which could be seized for 9 months’ rent, and then put the matter into Messrs Fortescues’ hand. Called on Routh about the same matter, but he was not at home.