link to Talbot Project home page link to De Montfort University home page link to Glasgow University home page
Project Director: Professor Larry J Schaaf
 

Back to the letter search >

Result number 129 of 216:   < Back     Back to results list   Next >  

Document number: 2033
Date: 27 Jul 1830
Postmark: 27 Jul 1830
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: FEILDING Charles
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 21st January 2012

My dear Henry

I have been out of Town for a couple of Days & did not receive your Letter till my return, I must there direct this to Lacock – I have seen several Horses for you but none that I like, except at too large Prices – I do not however yet despair – & at all events you may ride when you will please the Mare I have got for the double purpose of carrying myself & the Girls. <1> – I am very unlucky – in Dorchester <2> having an inflammation in his eyes, which will I fear end in Blindness – at this moment when in truth it is impossible to walk, I miss the convenience of the cab very much – I should think your Pony will carry you much better after all this rest, if you will have him taken up & physicked than he did last year – We saw the Review very pleasantly from Ld Dudleys <3> upper windows, it was really a fine sight – the King <4> is doing more than any of his subjects could – & I wish he may not be the worse for his exertions in this weather – I am glad to hear from Fitzsimmons <5> that Strong <6> is at work – I must stay for the Levee <7> on the 4 Augt but the next day I conclude we shall leave Town – whether by the Isle of wight for a couple of Days sailing is not yet determined – but likely –

GOD bless you

C. F.

W. H. Fox Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Chippenham


Notes:

1. Caroline Augusta Edgcumbe, née Feilding, Lady Mt Edgcumbe (1808–1881); WHFT’s half-sister and Henrietta Horatia Maria Gaisford, née Feilding (1810–1851), WHFT’s half-sister.

2. His horse.

3. John William Ward, 1st Earl Dudley (d. 1833).

4. William IV (1765–1837), King of England (1830–1837).

5. Cornelius Fitzsimmons, Scottish gardener at Lacock Abbey.

6. Strong's identity has yet to be established. However, Awdry met Mr. Strong at Box [see Doc. No: 02006], the Wiltshire hamlet whose quarry originally provided Lacock Abbey with its stone. It is possible that Strong was there temporarily to select stone for the renovations at Lacock Abbey, but given the expansion of the area in the 19th c., perhaps Strong was resident there. The 1841 census for Box (the earliest one available) points to two possibilities. The first, James Strong (b. 1796), was a mason, but the Lacock mason, Charles Selman Banks (1805-1881) did most of the masonry at Lacock at this time. Thomas Strong (b. 1781) was a builder, and seems the more likely candidate.

7. A reception with the King.

Result number 129 of 216:   < Back     Back to results list   Next >