Chippenham

24 Nov: 1853

Dear Sir,

I have remitted £500 to your account with the Cumberland Union Banking Comp^y at Keswick thro’ Mess^rs Barclay & C^o of London and £400 to Mess^rs Coutts & C^o.

It will not be necessary for you to make a fresh return of taxable Articles till March next, for the next years Assessment –

I spoke to M^rs Marchant sometime ago about her parochial Allowance and advised her not then to make any application for an increase, lest it sho^d have a contrary effect – but the present high prices of provisions may perhaps be urged successfully, now, and I will mention it her case at the next Board.

I remain dear Sir Yours obliged

West Awdry

H F. Talbot Esq
P.S.I attended a Meeting at Lacock on Saturday about enlarging the Church yard – I find we could add about 30 poles by throwing in the old Manor Yards, but there was a strong desire shown by many present to purchase half an Acre of Land out of the Village, and I was desired to consult with you on the subject and to ask if you would be disposed to sell the Parish about that quantity either from the field at the Corner of the Village rented by Philps, towards adjoining the Road leading to Melksham, or from that at the top of the Hill above the Vicarage where the old Barn stands, on the road leading to Chippenham. If you should be coming to the Abbey perhaps you will be good to let me know that I may wait upon you on the subject.