Chippenham

2 May 1863

Dear Sir,

I have just been with M^r Merewether ^<1> to Bowden to see about a Site for the new parsonage – it is thought that the Garden at the bottom of the Hill which you were good enough to offer to Capⁿ Gladstone ^<2> would not be so convenient a situation as one nearer the Church – and it is therefore proposed to purchase a Leaze on the Common and with your permission as Lord of the Manor to enclose a small quantity – about an Acre just below the church – You are the Owner of 15 out of 31 Leazes in the Common and I am requested to ask if you wo^d be good eno’ to sell one Leaze (which represents an Acre of Land) for the intended parsonage. The Leazes are let at 30/- each for the Season – so that £45– or £50– wo^d be about the value for the purchase in <fee?> – Perhaps you will kindly let me know your views on the subject, at your Convenience and I will communicate them to M^r Merewether and the Gladstone family.

I remain
Your obliged

West Awdry.

H F Talbot Esq

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Notes:

1. Henry Alworth Merewether, snr (1780–1864), author, barrister, Town Clerk of London & Sergeant-at-Law.

2. Captain John Neilson Gladstone (1807–1863), MP.