Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

The written part of Harry’s examination in Divinity (Matthew, John and Acts) and Mods concluded at noon today.

He accompanied me to Jesus College to lunch with Mr Hughes.

We afterwards visited Rev F. and Mrs Wilson and went to Wheatley per G.W.R. in the evening to see Mrs Way and Miss Mawle whom we found at home. We took supper with them and left about 9 o’clock.

Met York Powell who asked me to dine with him at Christ Church this evening, but I declined, having appointed to meet Harry at 6 to dinner at our lodgings. I however promised to call on him at his rooms in “Canterbury” at 8pm, which I did, and enjoyed an hour or two talking of old times. he is editing a work on Icelandic Literature with VigFusson an Icelander, and other smaller works, for schools, “Pot boilers” we agreed to call them. He tells me he is also one of the delegates of the Clarendon Press, and Sub Editor (or Editor?) of the Historical Review.

Harry and I spent this afternoon in the Museum, the new Laboratory, Keble College Chapel Street.

There was a fall of snow this morning ; but it soon disappeared except on the shady sides of the College Quads.

Called on Herbert Jackson B.A., 19 John Street.

Our bill for the week’s board and lodging at Mrs Harvey’s including fire, light etc and 5/- for Harry’s room, was only £1. 17. 5½ although we fared sumptuously.

Left Oxford 2.45, arrived Banbury 3.20. Burdon met us with the carriage. Roads very muddy.

Taught in school this morning, and attended choir practice this evening.

There were 5 baptisms and a churching this afternoon.

Cold and dull.

Visited Misses Dix this evening.

received note from “Squire Norris” asking me to induct Dr Wilkinson into the Vicarage of Swalcliffe on Wednesday morning next at 10.30, which I expressed my willingness to do.

Miss Dix told me that Dr Routh’s horse fell with him last week and cut his face very much. He sewed the wound up himself at a looking glass. He removes the stitches today.