Chippenham <1>
18 Feb. 1862
Dear Sir,
I have delayed writing longer than I ought to have done in the hope of being able to give you some more definite information about the Iron Works at Seend but though I am told that a new Company is formed and matters are progressing more favorably I cannot find that any thing is sufficiently settled to enable one to form any accurate opinion as to its ultimate success. Your Library has been repapered and I hope you will like it – I selected the Paper at Bath – I am sure you must all have been very sorry to hear of the death of poor Mrs Gladstone<2> – Sir John Awdry <3> too has lately lost his Eldest Son – When I was at Lacock the other day Mr Blomfield <4> told me he was making up his School Accounts and asked me if I had received directions to pay your Annual Subscriptions – Shall I do so? I have received the money for two acres of the Plantation at Nethermore wch I sold at £42· an Acre. There are about 1½ Acres more to cut – Wilkins <5> recommends its being planted with Potatoes this Year which I think wod clear the Land and probably produce a good Crop
Two Cottages in very fair condition have lately fallen into your hands by the death of old Mrs Barton, and two more which are not so good – [severely?] worth repairing – I am glad to be able to report all things well at Lacock and with kind regards to Mrs Talbot <5> and your daughters
I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry.
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Elizabeth Honoria Gladstone, née Bateson (d. 1862), wife of Captain John Neilson Gladstone (1807–1863), MP.
3. John Awdry (1766–1844), solicitor, Reybridge.
4. Arthur Blomfield (b. 1827), curate of Lacock.
5. George Wilkins (b. 1814), gardener at Lacock.
6. Constance Talbot, née Mundy (1811–1880), WHFT’s wife.