Chippenham <1>
20h Sept 1832
Dear Sir,
Myles of the Red Lion <2>, is about to quit Lacock, having taken an Inn at Langley <3> wch he thinks more likely to suit him – of course, he must give half a years notice to determine his tenancy, but there having been a young Man recommended by Stephen Fussell <4>, who will take <to?> Myles’ stock & furniture immediately, I think it will be much better for the Inn that the Place should not be untenanted or without a resident Tenant for half a year – The young man wishes to have the inside of the House made a little more respectable in appearance & if you would allow about £30 – out of the first years Rent I think he will pay interest for the Money in addition to the Rent – if you should feel disposed to agree to this offer, I will take care to have Vouchers for the expenditure – which would be for the purpose of painting & Papering &c – it certainly is very bad at present, but as the Rent is low, I have always declined doing any thing in this way –
The recommendation by Fussell is a great point with me, because I am satisfied that he would not bring any one into the Parish who would be likely to increase the Poor Rates – I beg the favor of an early answer & remain
Dear Sir
Yr Obliged Servt
W. H. Awdry
P. S. I shall endeavour to get 10 PCent for the £30 – if it is expended, wch I think fair under such circumstancesW. H. F. Talbot Esq
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. The Red Lion Inn, Lacock.
3. Near Chippenham.
4. Stephen Fussell, church warden. This name appears on the 1826 Tenant Registry, but is still mildly illegible.