Chippenham ^<1>
12^th Dec^r 1836

Dear Sir /

I am happy to inform you, that there was not much damage to your Timber at Lacock, in the last Storm – two Elms were blown down in the Shrubbery – one of them behind the Sphynx, & the other near Lady Elisabeth’s ^<2> Garden, near towards the Wall – but I hope they will not be materially missed, when they are removed –

I wish I could report as favorably about the Houses – to these – there has been considerable damage on the Roofs Chimnies Windows &c – fortunately, the Repairs during last summer, were unusually light, so that I am in hopes our average expenses will not be much heavier for the year – The Family left the Abbey this Morning –

I remain Dear Sir Y^r Obliged Ser^t
W. H. Awdry

My Son ^<3> enclosed a Letter for you to Lord Ilchester ^<4> at Melbury, ^<5> last Week – w^ch I hope you have rec^d by this time –

H. F. Talbot Esq
Post Office
Sidmouth
Devon

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Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.

3. West Awdry (1807–1892), solicitor, Chippenham.

4. Henry Stephen Fox Strangways, 3^rd Earl of Ilchester (1787–1858).

5. Melbury, Dorset: one of the Fox Strangways family homes; WHFT was born there.