Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Harry came via Hook Norton. Extremely wet. Fortunately Dr Routh was there and gave him a lift to Sibford Ferris.

I was in bed till evening with severe attack of wind spasms. Harry took morning and afternoon service for me.

Fine. The spasms are better but followed by diarrhoea.

Frank went to Banbury in Mrs Ainge’s wagonette en route for Chislehurst where I suppose he will stay till Easter.

Lewis Poulton called and paid me £2 for Major Goddard’s subscription to charities in parish. I paid him 10/- subscription to Sibford Benefit Club. I could not find his account against me, about £1.11 including 5/- charged for some 6 or 8 hurdles which I had borrowed for marshy spot in orchard. As I did not want to keep them I offered to pay him 2/6 for their use, but he wished me to cross out the charge altogether. He spoke of Jesse Bishop’s bad behaviour to Mr Woolgrove and said he thought it would be a good thing to let him see the Trustees if they were willing and it would be found that he really had no ground of complaint against any of us.

Annie Inns brought an electro plated Entree dish as a wedding present to Harry from the Church Wardens and parishioners. The collection was started by Miss S Dix. Quakers (Mr Oddie and others) subscribed as well as Church people. The dish cost 50/- and there is a balance in hand towards a second present. Harry is delighted. Mr and Mrs Riddle called this afternoon. Mr R kindly volunteered to take my service next Sunday afternoon if I were not well enough to do it.

Rain early this morning which cleared off. Then the weather became very bright and fine. I kept my bed till tea-time.

Harry drove his mother to Banbury en route for London where he is to be married to Miss Mabel Leake at All Saints’ Church Notting Hill tomorrow. Frank is to be “Best man”. James Lively walked in and brought the carriage home.

The BCS met at Broad Street Schoolroom Banbury by invitation of Mr Warren and other curates of Christ Church. Of course, I was quite unable to be present, but I sent Warren Mr Laughorne ‘s letter from Coblenz and asked him to read it to the meeting.

Mr Jewell called this evening and said that as he had taken another business in Banbury he wished to give up my land, etc, and would be glad if I would allow Henry Bishop to succeed him as from last Michaelmas. He would want the house. I replied that I did not wish to let the house, but would think about the matter.

My spasms and diarrhoea continue.

Harry married Miss Mabel Leake at All Saints’ Notting Hill.

Mr Riddle called. I was in bed asleep. Rosa was out. So none of us saw him.