Chippenham <1>
17 Nov: 1858
Dear Sir,
I have attended a Committee Meeting this afternoon about the proposed alteration of the Schools but it was getting too late when we separated to allow me to call at the Abbey to speak to you on the subject. The Committee determined to call a Vestry Meeting for the 25th inst for the purpose of ascertaining the feeling of the Parish as to a Sale of the present Workhouse when no longer wanted as such – and adapting it to Parish Schools – I will, if possible, attend the proposed Vestry Meeting and acquainting you with the result.
I have made Enquiries at Corsham about the admission of Old Farmer Hayward <2> into the Alms house there – I found as I expected, that there are no male Inmates, tho’ they are not positively excluded by the rules; The Chaplain told me he had never heard of an instance of the kind and he thought it would be extremely inconvenient to admit males. I have not yet been able to make any Enquiries about Haywards present residence & circumstances but will do so, and let Mrs Talbot <3> know the result and return her Mrs Widowson’s letter.
I am Dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Thomas Hayward, farmer, Lacock.
3. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.