Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Returned to Butler & Tanner the first proof of “The Teaching of the Prayer Book.” May God give it success!

Mrs Wilks (W. Kay’s daughter) came to say that Mr Bliss of the Savings Bank at Banbury had refused to give up the will of the late Eliza Harris to the executrix until he had seen me, and that she had written to say she would not distribute the money to the legatees till she had the will. She requested me to call and see Mr Bliss about it on the first opportunity, which I promised to do.

Taught in school. Much rain in morning. Stormy in afternoon.

Visited Dr Wilkinson. He was not at home, but I saw Mrs Wilkinson and her sister, Mrs Kershaw. She  invited me and Mrs Stevens to luncheon after the induction tomorrow.

Visited Sarah Lines.