Chippenham ^<1>
Aug^t 4^th 1825

Dear Sir/

On the other side, I have copied the Valuation of the two Cottages – at Notton & Bowden Hill ^<2> – for your perusal, at leisure – in case you should be inclined to sell these premises, I think it will be right to stipulate that the whole expense of the conveyances &^c should be paid by the Purchasers, as it is for their convenience that you part with them –

I have written to M^r King ^<3> respecting the Auction for the Melksham ^<4> Property which is appointed for the 13^th Sept^r – it was considered desirable to postpone it till that time on account of a Person being expected in the neighbourhood who is interested in the purchase –

I have appointed M^r Phelps ^<5> to the situation of Bailiff – & from what I have since seen of his abilities I am in hopes he will make a very useful one –

I ought to have mentioned the Rent of the two Cottages proposed to be sold – That near my Cousin’s Gate at Notton is £2– p^r annum. – the one near the Canal has been £3 ·· but as the house is nearly down, the Ground would in future I think let for about half that Sum –

I am Dear Sir Y^r obliged & obed^t Serv^t
W. H. Awdry

[on verso:]

(Copy)

Valuation of a Cottage House & Garden at Notton in the Parish of Lacock – the property of W. H. F. Talbot Esq & in the occupation of W^m Gray –

The Premises consist of a House of stone Walls & thatched having two Rooms & a Pantry on the ground story, with two Chambers over the same, The Floors & doors are in an indifferent state of repair – there is a small Garden adjoining the Cottage – The Value in Fee – (the Land Tax being purchased) is Thirty Six Pounds –

July 30^th 1825

(signed) John Darley ^<6>
architect & Land Surveyor
Chippenham

(Copy)

Valuation of the Cottage House out Buildings & Garden situate near the Wilts & Berks Canal at the bottom of Bowden Hill in the Parish of Lacock – the property of W. H. F. Talbot Esq. & in the occupation of Maria Pettiford –

The Premises consist of a House with stone Walls & thatched, having two Rooms & a Pantry on the Ground Floor & two Bed Rooms over & a back Garret – the whole of this Building is in a very delapidated [sic] & somewhat dangerous state also a stable & a Shed adjoining erected with Timber & covered partly with Pantiles & partly with Thatch – There is a Garden adjoining the House part of which is used as a Coal Yard & which with the Ground the Building stands on is about Twelve Perches of Land

The Value in Fee in its present state (the Land Tax being purchased) is Thirty Pounds –

July 30^th 1825

(signed) Jn^o Darley
&^c &^c–

H. Fox Talbot Esq^re

Albany
Piccadilly
London
Malvern ^<7>
[illegible deletion]
Worcester
Clifton ^<8>
Bristol

---

Notes:

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

2. Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.

3. Of William Read King & Son, solicitors, London.

4. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.

5. Philip Phelps, Surveyor of Taxes & Bailiff, Lacock.

6. John Darley (1786-1867), architect & surveyor, Chippenham.

7. Readdressed in another hand.

8. Readdressed in another hand.