Diary of Rev Edward Stevens

Severe storm last night. Wind very high.

Cleopatra’s needle lost in Bay of Biscay but recovered next day. Five men supposed to be lost out of crew of Olga which was towing her.

The storm blew down several large trees, one of mine. It blew down 12 sacks of apples in my orchard, broke chimney cowl to pieces, stripped some thatch off my cottage and did other small damage.

Received parcel of books for Lending Library from the Book Society – 79 in number; not quite enough to begin with.

Holland junior called to ask for James Sabin’s allotment. I told him he would have to pay the rent 5/- in advance. This he was not prepared to do. I told him I would keep it open a little time for him.

Visited Meadows, gave his wife 10/- towards Doctor’s bill.

Married Thomas Green son of Joshua Green to Esther Holtom, daughter of John Holtom.

Visited school and Heath allotments. Gave Tarver junior permission to remove some clay from his allotment to his father’s to benefit the soil of each.

Jesse Bishop has a fine crop of carrots. He says they grow 10 to 20 tons per acre. He reckons to have 10 to 12 this time. He gets £2.15 per ton for them at Banbury.

He asked me whether I should turn him out of his allotment because he had taken a few acres of ground near bottom of Pitch Hill. I told him I should not. But if he took a farm it would be a different matter.

Visited John Coleman this evening. He has bought the crop on James Sabin’s allotment and thinks it would not be right to seize it for the rent. I told him he had better not remove it for a few days. He says James Sabin is not likely to pay unless forced to do so.

St Luke’s day. Banbury Fair. Nearly everyone is gone there – only 24 children at school and they all little ones.

Service at church. Only 3 persons besides my own family, the school and the clerk.

Sent £3.10 to Radcliffe from offertories on 7th inst.

Miss E Dix called about Ezra Hillman – gave her £1. She said that would make enough for all his expenses. He will be at Eastbourne 3 weeks free and then, if they will keep him, 3 weeks more at 10/- per week. His travelling expenses and washing have to be provided for.

His mother called on me this afternoon. I told her my servant should drive him to Banbury station by 8.29 tomorrow morning, but it would be much safer for Ezra if she could get Mr Richard Lamb to lend his covered sociable for the purpose. Mr Lamb promised to lend it and someone to drive.

Widow Young called and asked for a pair of boots for her eldest son who is going into service at Hampton Lucy near Wellesbourne. William Spicer is going to the same place.