Chippenham <1>
15 June 1836
Dear Sir,
On the other [signed?] Copy of the Answer of Mr Finch<2> to my letter expecting the Advowson of Fisherton Anger.<3> You will see he does not name any price tho' I asked him to do so.
I enclose a Circular to the Guardians respecting the Workhouses in this Union.<4>
I am Dear Sir Your obliged & obed Sert
West Awdry.
W.H.F. Talbot Esqr
[enclosure]
Fisherton
14 June 1836
Sir,
As my Freehold Property is situated in the Parish of Fisherton I shod very much like to purchase the Advowson and am willing to give a fair price for it, I should therefore wish you or Mr Talbot to furnish me with the lowest price he will take for it and also what Sum can be claimed from the present Incumbent's Representatives for Delapidations[sic].<5> with other particulars necessary
Your reply will oblige Sir Your most obed Sert
Signed - "C. Finch"
To.
West Awdry Esqr <6>
W.H.F. Talbot Esqr
Lacock Abbey
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Possibly Charles Finch, who ran a lunatic asylum in a large house at Fisherton Anger; the Finches were an old established family in the area.
3. Fisherton Anger, Salisbury, Wiltshire. WHFT had inherited the advowson (the right to present a new Rector to St Clement's Church) from his father, Davenport Talbot, and held it until 1849. The new Rector would enjoy the income and assets of the living, including the Rector's house. St Clement's was demolished in 1852 and parts of it were incorporated into the new St Paul's Church.
4. The enclosed circular has not yet been located.
5. Dilapidation would mean a bad state of repair, so presumably he is asking for an adjustment to the value of the advowson.
6. West Awdry (1807-1892), solicitor, Chippenham.