Wlliam Stebbing, later Editor of The Times, writes home from Lincoln College Oxford 1851

 

William Stebbing (1831-1926)  writes to his father from Lincoln College, Oxford, where he is preparing his submission for the Hertford prize in Latin. He writes about his liking for the city and details some expenses. In later life he worked for The Times where he was Editor for a short period in 1877-78 and was the author of several books.

 

Transcription

Datelined: Lincoln College March 27^th

Addressed to: Rev H Stebbing D.D.  Residence  St James’s Chapel   Hampstead Road London

Despatch Postmark: OXFORD Mr 27 1851      postage stamp removed

 

Dear Papa

I have been hindered from writing before by .... the examination for the Hertford; and now I hope you will consider my having to give in on Monday a Latin verse poem sufficient excuse for the proposed shortness of this letter. I am wanting to get home now as soon as possible as Lincoln College is gradually beginning to assume the appearance of a quiet gentleman’s house and this character can be as well supported at home. How I like Oxford! It quite lives up to my expectations. What a pity it is that each man is not allowed to carry with him every vacation a certain number of bells, Oxford bells, and not those unharmonian [unharmonious?] London ones!!! The weather remains as unsettled as ever, and an evening or two back I had a splendid walk along the banks of the Cherwell. The meadows by the side were all flooded. So for a little while the scene might be imagined to represent a calm evening on the lake of Geneva when suddenly a tremendous shower burst down just furnishing the counterpart. However you can’t have any idea what a feeling of security one has in wrapping the gown all round and quite despising the idea of getting wet. As I told you in my last letter I think I shall have enough to pay the servants’ thirty shillings and the two terms grocery bill with 10s more. If I do not hear from you I shall take it for granted that you prefer paying next term, which will do just as well. I hope Beatrice and Freddy and all at home are well. Theophilus told me they were getting so. I shall try and get home by Monday evening or Tuesday. I remain

Your most affectionate son

William Stebbing