Chippenham <1>
21 July1857
Dear Sir,
I was going to call at the Abbey last Week on my return from our Assizes when I found you had left and I was uncertain about your address – I have seen some of the parties interested in the Seend iron Mines and I have been in communication with the Duke of Somersets Steward on the subject but nothing definite has been decided on. I believe there will be a Meeting of the different Landowners shortly at which I have been requested to be present, and will give you the result as soon as the Meeting has taken place – Have you heard anything from Mr Mansel Talbot <2>? I hear from Captn Gladstone <3> that the New Church is to be consecrated on the Twenty Eighth inst You will receive the usual Petition from Mr Clarke <4>, the Bishops Registrar, for your Signature in the meantime – I hope you are better since I last saw you –
I remain yours obliged
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot (1803–1890), immensely wealthy landowner, mathematician & politician; WHFT’s Welsh cousin.
3. Captain John Neilson Gladstone (1807–1863), MP.
4. Charles S Clarke, Secretary to Bishop of Gloucester & Bristol.