Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Fine. Omnibus called at Christ Church Vicarage by my orders and got me to station in good time to leave by 9.40am train. Hole gave me cheque for £1. 1. to cover travelling expenses. Arrived at Victoria at 11.30. Went by “Underground” to Praed Street Paddington where I arrived at 12.15 Left 12.30, arrived at Banbury at 2.48. At 4 Harry drove his mother in. I put up the mayor for a rest and feed. Harry left for London. I drove back to Sibford at 5.30.

When at the Banbury cross, where I took up Bell on my way out, I seemed for a few minutes to be unable to control either my speech or my thoughts completely. And to have a slight headache. It lasted about 5 minutes and I think arose from wearing my hat all day and from costiveness. I felt an unwillingness to converse, lest my talk should be incoherent. I took some Eno’s fruit salt when I reached home and got better. Bell and I met Rev Mr Warren, curate of Grimsbury and his mother and had a little talk with them.

I found Miss Lottie at Sibford. She came last Thursday.

Mrs Whitfield of Blenheim cottages came with her daughters and a man named Hall to put up the Banns of Marriage. He said he was residing in Sibford and would continue to reside during publication of the Banns.

Cold. Taught in Boys’ School this morning. Rosa called on Mrs H Shellswell. She is worse again, suffering from jaundice. I got through my duties fairly well.

St Barnabas. Divine Service at 9.15. Took Penny Bank and Clothing Club. Visited Widows Anna Aris and Green. Susan Hunt was taken to her son Andrew’s at Banbury. During my absence last week Mrs Padbury sent proposed inscription for her late husband’s tomb-stone. I marked it “Approved”, signed it and returned it to her to-day. On Saturday, notice came from Charity Commissioners that they had received declarations in the matter of removal of trustees (Phillips and Miller) from Loggin and Town Estates Charities and the business was now completed. This evening I walked round Temple Mill, “The Gate Hangs High” and Sibford Ferris with Miss Sottick.