Chippenham ^<1>

9^th May 1834

Dear Sir /

The amount of Vicarial Tythe now paid by your Lands at Lacock is I believe about £53– p^r annum – but if the full amount was paid according to your ancient reference Books – it would probably be ab^t £60–

I still think that there must be some Clause inserted in the new Tythe Bill to enable give the Commissioners discretionary Powers, in particular cases – as it appears to me almost impossible, that Rent can always be a criterion of the Value of Tythe – As far as your interest is concerned, I apprehend that you would be a gainer by having such a Criterion, as I have little doubt that it would at this time raise the amount of your Rents for rectorial Tythe –

I have sent your Note to Tho^s Moore ^<2> & hope I may be enabled to inform you that the Vestry will engage the Person recommended by M^r Baker ^<3> – I will take care to write to you immediately that I receive their decision–

I understood from John Gale ^<4>, that he had marked the Elevation in a way for you to see the Plan of the new Building & am sorry to find by your Letter that it was not so – I will take care to get it for you, forthwith – It was understood at the Vestry, that there would be plenty of room for the Governor & an apartment for holding the Vestries –

I am Dear Sir
Y^r Obliged Ser^t

W. H. Awdry

W. H. F. Talbot Esq M.P.
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London

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Notes:

1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.

2. Thomas Moore (possibly d. 1854), member of the Lacock Parish Vestry.

3. Thomas John Lloyd Baker (1777–1841), High Sheriff.

4. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.