Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Penny Readings and Musical Entertainment in School Rooms this evening.

Mr. Oddie read a humorous poem on the planting of the Jubilee Oak, which appears to have been either his or Mrs Oddie’s composition.

John Lively commenced thatching at the Vicarage.

Hannah Legg sent early this morning to ask me to lend her 10/- on her coal ticket in February, in order to get some boots for her boy Jesse Lively. I sent her 10/-.

Joshua Lamb called for poor rate for Loggin Land, Sibford Ferris. He told me that James Lines (soldier) and George Buckingham – both married – had set out this morning to walk to Manchester in search of work on the new Ship Canal. Work here is very scarce. I have been told by several that no less than 43 men applied at Coles’s at the Elm one day last week for work.

William Lamb called about Quit rents due to Mr. Sheldon of Brailes as Lord of the Manors of Sibford Gower and Sibford Ferris. The Court Leet was held last Monday at the old house in Sibford Ferris and adjourned to the Wykham Arms for dinner. Mr. Hancock Solicitor of Shipston attended on behalf of Mr. Sheldon. William Lamb was appointed steward and his duty is to collect the rents. They have not been collected for 16 or 17 years. But he asks for only 7 years and will be content to take 6 years. The sum charged to me is 6 pence per annum for a part of the Church Close.

A shilling and a halfpenny is charged for the School master’s house. Thirteen shillings and fourpence per annum is charged for the Heath Farm and Allotments.

I did not pay him anything, but said I would consult the Trustees at the next meeting. It is a question whether the payment of these Quit rents can be enforced, not having been demanded for so long a time. One reason for the omission was the death of Mr. Hancock Senior, Solicitor of Shipston who was the former officer representing the Lord of the Manor.