Chippenham <1>
25th Janry 1837
Dear Sir /
I now feel quite satisfied that there is nothing to be apprehended on the subject of the Gates at Bewley Common <2> the Clerk of the Roads does not claim the right to prohibit their erection as heretofore from any recent local Act of Parliamt but in consequence of their being considered a general nuisance
If this is proved to be the case, of course it will be fair for the Commissioners of the Road to call on the Leazeholders of the Common to keep a person at each Gates, at reasonable Hours & this may be done at a trifling expence by an old person in a Sentry Box as in the Neighbourhood of Mr Ashes House at Langley Common but to suppose that the Commissioners would have power to prevent the Common being [illegible] during the Summer (wch must be the case if there were no Gates erected) is quite out of the question
I have had what I suppose to be a slight attack of Influenza & was afraid of going to Lacock on Monday, but sent one of my younger Sons with the Plan of the Railway thinking you were there & he left it with Admiral Feilding <3> who talked of sending it to you in a Parcel the lower Line in red is the new one & it does not appear to take more of your Land, than the original Line, & Mr Osborne <4> appears disposed on the part of the Company, to offer every thing that is liberal in the way of compensation & it is fortunate with respect to your Property that the Line of the Railway is entirely behind Inwood <5> & away from the Village
I have £100 ready to pay on account of Arrears & will trouble you to mention when you write next where you would wish it paid Mr Gundry <6> asked me the same question with reference to a small Balance of yours in his hands
I am Dear Sir Yr obliged Sert
W. H. Awdry
Mr Coombs in a Letter this morning received asks for your present residence, and whether you are likely to remain there for a few days I have replied that you are at Sidmouth
W: Awdry.
H. F. Talbot Esq
Post office, Sidmouth
Devon
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Bewley Common, Wiltshire, 1 mi E of Lacock.
3. Rear Admiral Charles Feilding (17801837), Royal Navy; WHFTs step-father.
4. Of Osborn & Sons.
5. Inwood, near Lacock, Wiltshire.
6. Gundrey & Co.