Chippenham <1>
13 July 1836
Dear Sir,
I have had another application thro' a friend of Mr Finch<2> to purchase the living of Fisherton<3> - He now offers £1400· and I think would rather give £1500 than lose it - Have you made any arrangemt with Captn Rooke<4> or any other person for Sale of the Advowson?<5> I intended waiting upon you but have been prevented by attending a Meeting of the Magistrates which is not yet concluded.
I am Dear Sir Yours faithfully & Obliged
West Awdry.
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.
4. Captain Frederick William Rooke (1782-1855), of Lackham, Wiltshire.
5. 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.