Chippenham ^<1>

29^th Oct 1830

Dear Sir,

I beg to acquaint you, that M^r Michell ^<2> went with me to Lacock on the 27^th Ins^t (having previously agreed with the parties) & admitted John Gale ^<3> & John Barton ^<4> – as Copyholders – He had also agreed upon terms with John Smart, for the House he now rents opposite the Church – but as he would not raise the money for his Fine before next Spring – his admission was deferr’d till that time – John Gale has taken the Cottage now rented by Rich^d Banks in Church Street at £4 · 4 · 0 – p^r an^m for which he pays a Fine of £40 – & a Quit Rent of 6/8 p^r an^m to put in 3 Lives – John Barton has the Cottage now rented by Widow Frayling in Church S^t at £4 · 4 · 0 – p^r an^m for which he pays a Fine of £45 & a Quit Rent of 2/2 – to put in 3 Lives – both Parties are to keep the Premises in repair, from this time –

The payment of these Fines, will enable me to pay £100 – more, to your Account at Mess^rs Gundeys ^<5> – since the £600 – on the 20^th Ins^t –

It has been quite a relief to my mind to get this arrangement completed respecting the new Copyholders – as it would have been so very awkward if either of the two old ones had died & I could only find those two, remaining upon the Manor Book – We can now depend upon a Homage ^<6> for any special purpose without going out of the Parish –

I have had, as usual on the Audit, several applications respecting casual repairs. They are not of an expensive nature, but require attention before the winter to prevent their getting worse – Will you allow me to go on with such matters as these, for the present, until you have finally determined the question subject respecting Repairs? – I trouble you with the question, thinking you might not have entirely made up your mind upon the point –

I am Dear Sir
y^r obliged & obed^t Ser^t

W. H. Awdry

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Notes:

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

2. Edward Michell, solicitor, Chippenham.

3. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.

4. John Barton (1802–1863), son of Benjamin and Catherine Barton.

5. Misspelling for Gundrey & Co.

6. The body of tenants attending a manorial court, or the jury at such a court.