Lacock Abbey
Thursday –
My dear Henry
Mr Jennings <1> called today to ask if you would assist the good people of Lacock in a rejoicing which they propose to have on the occasion of Mr Sotheron’s election <2> – There are to be games & feats of dexterity – & prizes of hats & waistcoats to be distributed among a few of the best performers – In the evening a display of fireworks on Bowden Hill <3> – in view of Mr Sotheron’s windows – & of ours Mr Jennings says – Saturday has been fixed – as Mr S. himself will be at home that day – I saw a list of subscriptions – Sir John Awdry <4> &c – Mr Jennings himself gives 10/– & all the farmers & shopkeepers &c &c smaller sums – None of the gentry have put down their names for more than 10/– but as only £8– have been raised in all – some of the chief promoters will have to make up the deficiency – The fireworks alone come to about £5– The first idea was to have had a feast – but that was given up as being too expensive & less intellectual. – The present notion appears to me a very good one – if the occasion justifies any kind of merry-making – I hope to have your answer on Saturday morning & I have asked Mr Jennings to call that day –
I am in great hopes you will continue to escape catching a fresh cold now that the weather is so much warmer – We got a little walk this morning early – but it was very showery afterwards – an excellent day for softening gingerbread – I expect you will find it in good order when you come back –
No further news from Margam <5>. I hope you have written –
Your affectionate
Constance –
Charles <6> asked earnestly to go & see you today. –Notes:
1. Joseph Cave Spicer Jennings (fl.1839–1859), surgeon.
2. Thomas Henry Sutton Sotheron Bucknall Estcourt (1801–1876), MP, sat for North Wiltshire from 1844 to 1865.
3. Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock
4. Sir John Wither Awdry (1795–1878), JP & Chief Justice, Bombay Supreme Court.
5. Margam Park, Glamorgan: home of Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot.
6. Charles Henry Talbot (1842–1916), antiquary & WHFT’s only son.