Shrewsbury <1>
31st August 1818.
Carissima Madre, <2>
I was so unlucky as to pass through Chester during the time the Post Office was shut, by which I lost the chance of receiving a letter from you. As it happened, I might just as well have staid a day at Chester on purpose, for when I arrived here, I found it was the wrong day for the Hereford Coach. By way of doing something however, I have been up to the top of the Wrekin by Wellington, whence I had an extensive view, tho' it would have been much finer, had not the air been very misty.
I was 24 hours at Liverpool, and had time to see it comfortably. I thought it a very handsome town. Its wealthy and modern appearance form a great contrast with the antique appearance of Chester. Pray write to me soon & direct to Penrice, <3> whether I intend to make all haste - Love to all
Yr Affte Son
W. H. F. Talbot
Do you know Lord Kenyon? <4> I passed his house yesterday. Do you know Lord Berwick? <5> I passed his today. I took a doleful stroll thro' the ruins of Wroxeter. <6> -
[address panel:]
The Lady Elisth Feilding
31 Sackville St
London
Notes:
1. Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
2. Dearest Mother.
3. Penrice Castle and Penrice House, Gower, Glamorgan, 10 mi SW of Swansea: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
4. George Kenyon, 2nd Baron Kenyon (1776-1855). The house visited was probably Gredington, Shropshire.
5. Thomas Noel Hill (1770-1832), 2nd Lord Berwick; his house was Attingham Park, Shrewsbury.
6. Roman Fort and Bridge, Wroxeter, Shropshire.