Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

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.

Thomas Atkins said to me he should much like to see a reading room established in the village. “So should I, but I do not see how it is to be supported if we start one. I might get £10 or £12 to put up rooms. But it ought to be self supporting after that.”

“Certainly it should, Sir”. “Well, there would be required for rent etc., say

That is to say it would require 90 members at a penny per week each to keep the thing going even if it were started fully provided. Do you think we should be able to get that number of members, or anything near that number for say a couple of years?”

“I am sure you would not, Sir”

“I have thought about the matter ever since I have been at Sibford, and don’t see my way to starting it with any prospect of success.” There’s the rub, and Adkins saw it as well as I. He said there was a talk among the Quakers of starting one at Sibford Ferris, where there are certainly not half a dozen young working men.

Library committee meeting in school room at 7pm decided to have tea and entertainment on January 4, Wednesday next.

Col. Ommanney called to ask about Sibford Ferris allotments, some of the men are wanting more land under the Act of 1887.

Frank commenced making a collection for a present to Mr and Mrs Elley on their resignation.