Chippenham <1>
13th March 1835
Dear Sir,
I annex a Copy of the Report wch I have recd from the Parties appointed to fix a Rent for the use of the spring of Water at Nash Hill <2> I put Mr Phelps <3> into possession of your opinions upon the subject, previous to his meeting Captn Rookes <4> Surveyor & requested that they would agree upon an Umpire (in case of their differing in opinion) previous to entering upon the discussion I therefore hope that the result may be satisfactory to you I am happy to find, that there is no doubt of the measure proving advantageous to the Land, as it will tend, constantly, to drain it, & this you are aware, is of great importance to the Nash Hill Farm I should certainly have been pleased if a larger Rent had been fixed, but as I fully entered with Mr Phelps, into the view wch you took of the Measure, in reference to the possible sale of the Farm, another day, I can not doubt of his having done his Duty, on your behalf
I will desire my Son <5> to make a Draft of the proposed Lease to Captn Rooke, wch shall be sent for your approval, previous to its being submitted to Captn R. You are aware that he has agreed to pay all expenses of this nature I will take care to attend to your wishes respecting the Garden &c. during your absence
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged Svt
W. H. Awdry
(Copy)
Lacock 12th March 1835
We the undersigned having viewed the situation of the intended Pipes and Reservoir to be laid by Captn Rooke R. N. through the Lands of WHF Talbot Esq. and also the spring in the Home ground of Ash Hill Farm from whence it is intended to take a Supply of Water for Lackham House <6>, are of the opinion, that three Guineas Per Annum is an Adequate Rent to be paid for the Water of the said Spring, and for permission to lay down and construct and to continue for the Term of Fifty years such Pipes Drains and Reservoirs as Captn Rooke shall think proper for conducting the Water there from to Lackham House
This Estimate is made upon the supposition that the said Capt Rooke will agree to repay to the said WHF Talbot or his Tenant, all damages which may be occasioned by opening the Ground for laying the said Pipes Drains and Reservoirs and also for their subsequent Repairs
Signed)Philip Phelps
[N.P.?] Cotterell
W.H.F. Talbot Esq.
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Nash Hill, also Naish Hill, a hill and farm 1 mi NE of Lacock, Wiltshire.
3. Philip Phelps, Surveyor of Taxes & Bailiff, Lacock.
4. Captain Frederick William Rooke (17821855), of Lackham, Wilts.
5. West Awdry (18071892), solicitor, Chippenham.
6. Lackham House, Wiltshire, 2 mi NW of Lacock: Awdry family home.