Chippenham <1>
9th May 1834
Dear Sir /
The amount of Vicarial Tythe now paid by your Lands at Lacock is I believe about £53– pr annum – but if the full amount was paid according to your ancient reference Books – it would probably be abt £60–
I still think that there must be some Clause inserted in the new Tythe Bill to enable give the Commissioners discretionary Powers, in particular cases – as it appears to me almost impossible, that Rent can always be a criterion of the Value of Tythe – As far as your interest is concerned, I apprehend that you would be a gainer by having such a Criterion, as I have little doubt that it would at this time raise the amount of your Rents for rectorial Tythe –
I have sent your Note to Thos Moore <2> & hope I may be enabled to inform you that the Vestry will engage the Person recommended by Mr Baker <3> – I will take care to write to you immediately that I receive their decision–
I understood from John Gale <4>, that he had marked the Elevation in a way for you to see the Plan of the new Building & am sorry to find by your Letter that it was not so – I will take care to get it for you, forthwith – It was understood at the Vestry, that there would be plenty of room for the Governor & an apartment for holding the Vestries –
I am Dear Sir
Yr Obliged Sert
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq M.P.
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Thomas Moore (possibly d. 1854), member of the Lacock Parish Vestry.
3. Thomas John Lloyd Baker (1777–1841), High Sheriff.
4. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.