Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Showery and dull.

Visited Richard Austin, George Harris (out), Widow Hathaway, Jane Haynes, Joshua Lines, Sam Woolgrove, Thomas Rymill.

Attended Band meeting. William Green has left  the village, being unable to get work here, and has given up his instrument. His debts to the Band come to as much or more than he could be allowed on his retirement.

My birthday, age 54.

Visited Mrs Dix before church in consequence of a message from Miss Dix. She is very ill and not far from the end of her journey, though apparently not “sinking”. The prayers of the congregation were asked on her behalf.

The Banns of marriage were published between Henry Upton, Widower of Shenington and Maria Hone, spinster of this parish.