Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

My birthday sexagesima secunda. Deus mecum sit.

William took me to see the new church and Vicarage, which are in course of erection for Loxheath, (or Locks Heath) Sarisbury with money left by a lady for the purpose.

Called on Miss Lukin, the owner of a good deal of property about here, and William’s landlady. She has a young(?) gentleman living with her as a sort of secretary. He was adopted when a child by a lady who was a great friend of Miss Lukin’s. The latter promised to keep him after the death of the former. He is about 38 or 40, and his name is Lynn. She is probably 70 and calls her Polly. William Green says scandal-mongers cannot let them alone.

There was a heavy shower whilst we were there, but we waited till the sun shone forth again. The air is very mild here and yet extremely bracing I should think. In the afternoon William drove Bell, his wife and myself to Wickham, said to have been the birthplace of “William of Wykeham” Bishop of Winchester and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford. It is a pretty little place with some good country seats and our drive was a pleasant one, notwithstanding frequent showers. We returned by Fareham, a market town at the head of an arm of Portsmouth harbour, and about 5 miles from Portsmouth. In the evening all except Mrs Green and Charlie, who had troublesome colds, walked to the Mission Church (School Church) a very nice little one, with a good, though small choir. I would have willingly assisted Mr Shepherd, but we were late.