Ascham House, Englefield Green, Surrey
4 December, 1852
Sir,
I am much obliged by your letter of enquiry which I have just received. My House is situate on Englefield Green, about 4 ½ miles from Windsor. My number of Pupils is eight; but since Michaelmas I have had only six; & one of these will leave me at Xmas having completed his education. I have therefore three Vacancies at Xmas. The five remaining are
1. H. Wormald (aged 16 years) a Ward of Mr Upton’s, Solicitor, of Leeds, about to obtain a Commission in the Army by purchase;
2. A young Greek (16 years) a protegé [sic] of Sir John Lubbock, Bart to be prepared for Cambridge;
3. A son of Hon. A. Capel (15 years) for Cambridge;
4. His brother (13 years) for the Navy;
5. A Ward in Chancery (12-13 years).
In every respect my Pupils are treated as sons of Gentlemen; and the domestic arrangements are those of a Gentleman’s Family, to which Mrs Allen & myself have always been accustomed.
I have much pleasure in referring you to W. Prichard Esq. Solicitor, 99 Newgate Str, London, who had two sons with me to Midsummer last, now at Harrow. I undertake to prepare my Pupils for the Public Schools, and for the two Universities. I have always the assistance of a Graduate of Oxford (or of Cambridge), so that they obtain more than the usual advantages of private Tuition and superintendence. I was for some time a Private Tutor at Cambridge to Pupils recommended to me by Dr Whewell, at that time College Tutor at Trinity, through whose recommendation to Sir John Lubbock (an intimate friend) I have received my Pupil from Salonica. After leaving the university I prepared a son of Mr Grasett for Cambridge (being at the same time Tutor to his younger brothers), to whom I may also refer you, – though he is not acquainted with my present establishment, – Elliot Grasett Esq 6 Chesham Street, Belgrave Square.
My Pupils are carefully instructed in Classics & Mathematics, and are attended by a French Master twice a week. At the same time they receive a sound English Education with regular religious instruction. Other masters are easily obtained at the usual Fees. My terms are according to age, and average one hundred Guineas. I shall be happy to state them definitely, if you favour me with particulars of age and requirements.
I shall arrive at Swindon at 10ּ12 A.M. on Monday the 13th instant; & shall be able to spare a few hours in the middle of the day, and, returning to Swindon, continue my journey by a later train, if you desire a personal interview: and it will give me much pleasure to wait upon you under any circumstances, or to add further particulars – if required – in writing.
I am, Sir, Your faithful Servant
Stephen Allen D. D.
H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esq
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts