Chippenham
19 Dec. 1862
Dear Sir,
Captn Gladstone <1> has I believe written to you about his application to get Bowden Hill formed into a separate District for Ecclesiastical purposes, intending with the assistance of Mr Merewether <2> to increase the Endowment and to build a small Parsonage House at the bottom of the Hill. I have told him that I consider your consent as Patron will be required, as well as that of Mr Paley <3> as Vicar – I understand the latter has been given –
I have received poor old Haywards <4> Xmas application – Please to say whether I am to give him 10s/. as usual – and whether you wish me to pay your annual School Subscriptions –
I remain dear Sir Yours obliged
West Awdry.
Notes:
1. Capt John Neilson Gladstone (1807–1863), MP.
2. Possibly Henry Alworth Merewether, snr (1780–1864), author, barrister, Town Clerk of London & Sergeant-at-Law.
3. Rev James Paley (1790–1863), Vicar at Lacock.
4. Thomas Hayward (1781-1865?), former inn keeper in Chippenham, manual laborer, and pensioner - see Doc. No: 06568.