Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Visited Burdon’s wife with Mrs Stevens.

Very find day. Drove to the “Furze Land” found all crop removed; only some straw left. Called on Mr Woolgrove and he advised me to apply to Hancox for half year’s rent. Mr Woolgrove said the spending price of the straw would nearly cover the other half. Called on Mr Routh, who seemed to think we were unduly suspicious of Hancox, and would not advise putting a distress in. I wrote to Hancox asking him to call at 7 this evening and pay the half year’s rent had promised. He wrote in reply that he could not meet me, but that he was going to sell his corn directly and then would be very happy to settle up. This evening Mr Woolgrove called and told me he had learnt that Hancox had removed the straw, having sold it to Soden, of the White House. I therefore wrote a second note to Hancox and told him that I had heard he had sold the straw and should be glad to have his assurance that he had not done so, as it was contrary to his agreement with the Trustees. I told him I would allow proper spending price. For this I received no answer.

Visited Samuel Woolgrove, Joshua Lines, Richard Austin and Mark Barnes whom I cautioned with respect to his daughter’s conduct.

Visited Mr Oddie. He was not in, but I saw Mrs O.

Held choir practice this evening for Harvest Festival next Sunday. There was a very good attendance.

Richard Austin’s niece, Coles, a woman of 45 or more who is a notorious drunkard came and asked for some port wine and brandy for him. But she brought no doctor’s order, and I did not feel that I could trust her, as she steals her uncle’s money when she can get a chance and gets drunk. So I took some wine and brandy with me and entrusted them to her father who said it was of no use to trust her.