Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

William, Harriet, Bell and I took train at Swanwick for Winchester via Southampton.

Visited Winchester Cathedral where we spent two or three hours. Doctor Kitchin, the Dean was gone to Durham, to the Deanery of which he has been recently appointed, but he has not taken up his permanent residence there yet. We had luncheon at a Restaurant, and then walked as far as the College, but did not go in. We got back to Swanwick in good time without going to Southampton, and in the evening William, Harriet, Bell and I went to supper with Miss Lukin and Mr Lynn.

Fine morning. William and I went for a walk. In the afternoon, it was extremely cold, so we stayed indoors afternoon and evening.

Very showery morning, but William drove me to Swanwick Station with “Peggy” and the dog cart, Maude and Bell in pony cart. We escaped the rain. Maude went as far as Southampton with us on business. We left Swanwick at 9 am, and Southampton about 10.5. Left Basingstoke 11.25. Met Izatt at Reading. He told me that nearly all his glebe at Streatley had just been sold for about £11,000 which would greatly increase the value of the Benefice. It has been invested with the Ecclesiastical Commissioners at 3% in Indian Securities. J Lively met us at Oxford with the mare at 2.30. I told him to put her up for a rest at the Red Lion. Then we drove home reaching it about 5.30, found Bessie and Rosa all right. We had had five changes: Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester, Reading and Oxford.

Letter pasted into the diary:

Burscough Vicarage.
West Ormskirk.
27 Oct 1894.

Rev. dear sir,
Messrs ????? Stack & Co recommend me to send you particulars of my benefice for exchange. I am willing to exchange at a slight sacrifice, and the value of this living without profits from the land is slightly in advance of yours. Including the key crops the value of the living is over £260 – and we have a first rate market here when all kinds of farm produce are immediately disposed of.

The payment for duties with troops is also increasing, and may be expected to add £10 or £12 more on to the living very shortly.

If you care to negotiate I should be pleased to hear from you, and especially as to what prospect there may be of a Vicarage house being built.

Faithfully yours
JHE Bailey.