Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Showery. Drove with Burdon to Sandford St Martin, to clerical meeting at Rev Edward Marshall’s. We went through Hook Norton, Swerford and Great Tew, but did not get wet. It was a long and tedious drive as the hills are bad and I did not know the way. Gave Mr Whitehead a lift on returning, and drove through Worton, South Newington and Wigginton. The drive home was very long and dull – but we escaped the rain both going and returning. Miss Marshall, and a sister of Dean Plumptre were at dinner.

Leah Sabin, sister of late Humphrey Sabin, called this morning about the girl Sarah Sabin and asked me to write to James’s Home Fulham to ask if they would take her in. I told her I would write, but could give no hopes of success. I thought the best thing would be for the girl to get a place. She is a very naughty girl; but perhaps hardly a fit subject for a “Home”.

There was a very severe thunderstorm this morning till about 11 o’clock : fine afterwards.

Drove Bell and Frank to Brailes Vicarage to call on Mrs Robert Braddell who returned from Singapore a few weeks ago. Found all in midst of preparation for removal, Mr Smith having resigned the Living and purchased a small house near the church which he has had enlarged and improved for his own occupation. He intends presenting Mr Garrard his curate and son in law to the benefice when all preliminaries are concluded.

Mrs R. Braddell and her baby look ill. Tom Braddell is in bad health, and came home with her. His wife is staying in Singapore, having been only recently confined.

Received reply from St James’s House, Fulham (Sister Elizabeth) to the effect that they were full, and all vacancies were promised.

Visited school.

Visited Widow Humphrey Sabin and her mother in law, Widow Henry Sabin, to speak about girl Sarah. She appears to be a very wicked girl who uses bad language, will not work, threatens her mother with violence and to cut her own throat. I did not see her as she was not at home.

I today replaced Harry’s name on the Books of Non Collegiate students at Oxford, sending Rev W. W. Jackson the Censor £1. 7. 6 for the purpose. He will allow him to go up for Mods in December without residing this term, as he is reading with me, and working better than he ever did in his life before.

Charles Holder called. I offered him the Furze Land at £10, and gave him 3 days to consider it.

Drove Bell and Frank to Banbury, the former having to go to the Dentist Heygate Brooks.