Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Bright and frosty.

Visited David Hone, Sally Lines, Mrs Shelswell.

Taught in school this afternoon.

Miss Dix called this evening and paid me as Treasurer of the Town Estates £1:15 which she owed Elijah Hancox for butter etc. I gave her a receipt for it and an undertaking, on the part of the Trustees, to repay it whenever she called on me to do so.

Visited Joseph Green.; Coles, Sibford Ferris whom I found better. He was up last Sunday and has been down every day since though his daughter told me last Saturday? that Doctor gave little hopes of any permanent improvement but said he might “patch him up for a bit.”

I had collections in church today for the churchwardens’ ??? fund. There was a half sovereign ini the bag this morning and another this afternoon. I think on only two previous occasions have we had gold given at a collection since I have been here. The total amount was £2. 5. 9, which I sent to Frederick Inns by the Clerk.

Drove Harry to Banbury this evening. Took Burdon who brought carriage back. Put up at the Temperance Hotel to be ready for first train to Oxford in the morning for Harry’s Moderations and Divinity Examination. It was a very wet and sloppy drive the roads being in an exceptionally bad state.

I went to the Old Church and heard part of a sermon by Rev W. E. Buckley, Rector of Middleton Cheney.

Harry and I went to Oxford by 8.30 am train. His examination commenced at 9.30. He takes up for his Mods, Divinity (now separate), Mathematics and Classics.

I tool lodgings at Mrs Harvey’s, 83 James Street, Iffley Road. Harry had a bedroom in house opposite. 12/6 week for my room and sitting room, 1/- per night for Harry’s bed. Called on Macey at St Stephen’s House. Out.

Very stormy night. I thought the roof was coming off.

Called on Hughes at Jesus College – not in.

Called on Macey and gave him £2 entrusted to me by his father yesterday.

Severe storm at night.

Called on Hughes, who asked me to dine tomorrow, but I declined, being unwilling to leave Harry to himself. I promised to lunch with him tomorrow and take Harry with me.

Mr Cox, Rector of Hook Norton, is taking my service at Sibford this evening. On my return I found that Mr White read prayers, Mrs Stevens having asked him to take the service, as the storm was so severe she thought Mr Cox would be unable to come. There were 38 or 40 people present though the weather was very bad – heavy rain with wind.

It was a very stormy night at Oxford.