Memoranda and expenses book of Rev. Seth Ellis Stevenson, rector and headmaster of Retford, Nottinghamshire, 1760-1777

Seth Stevenson meticulously recorded his expenses and activities in this account book, covering the period 1760-1777. Gardening achievements, climate, visits and professional activities are recorded in sections headed 'Memoranda' while columns of 'Household Expenses' record what he spent on food, drink, coal, clothing and servants. Although the volume lacks the subjective and personal comments that private diaries often contain, a vivid picture of the life of this radical cleric can nevertheless be formed from his accounts and memoranda.

The Rev. Seth Ellis Stevenson was the son of Helen Ellis and the Rev. Henry Stevenson (fl 1708-1748), the headmaster of East Retford Grammar School (now King Edward VI School) from 1708 until his death. Seth Stevenson was educated at Peterhouse and in 1748 succeeded his father as headmaster of the school. He was ordained deacon in the same year and became a priest in 1751, and rector of the church at Treswell, Nottinghamshire. Stevenson was a keen gardener and supplemented his income through horticultural enterprises. He was involved in the development of the Chesterfield Canal, frequented the local branch of John Wilkes' Free and Independent Club and was the secretary of a circulating library. He remained headmaster of the school until his death on 17 July 1793.

The volume is arranged chronologically.

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REPROGRAPHIC: Reprographic copies can be supplied for educational use and private study purposes only, depending on access status and the condition of the documents.

COPYRIGHT: Permission to make any published use of the volume must be sought in advance in writing from the Keeper of the Department of Manuscripts and Special Collections (email mss-library@nottingham.ac.uk). The Department will try to assist in identifying copyright owners but this is often difficult and responsibility for copyright clearance before publication ultimately rests with the person wishing to publish.

LANGUAGE: English

The volume was acquired by The University of Nottingham's Library from E.W. Williams.

• Wigan Library: Diary of Rev. Seth Ellis Stevenson's Diary, 1752-1755.

• A history of King Edward VI Grammar School Retford, A. D. Grounds, 1970, R. Martin and Co (Worksop)