Chippenham <1>
2d March 1836
Dear Sir/
I attended the Board of Guardians this Morning & after much discussion on the subject of the Workhouses, it was resolved, that those of Lacock Chippenham & Corsham <2> – should be rented for another year – in the mean time, the expediency of consolidating the System will be decided upon, & some Persons were named as a Committee, for selecting about four Acres of Ground in this Neighbourhood, & the Architect was directed to give an Estimate of the Expence for building a large Workhouse divided into Wards, in order to make come to a decision, on the 18th of this Month, whether it will be for the advantage of the Union, to build a n new Workhouse, or enlarge the one at Chippenham – I gave my Opinion decidedly, as to the prudence of seeing how the new System works, before any considerable expence is incurred, but it seemed to be the opinion of the Majority, that the system could not work properly, until the Workhouses were consolidated – I read that part of your Letter relating to the Subject, to Mr Clutterbuck <3> – & you may depend upon hearing further, either before the Meeting on the 18th or afterwards – as may be necessary, for your consideration – I will take care that you shall have such a List of the Co Tenants in arrear for Cottage Rents – as you desire –
As I understood from Captn Rooke <4> that he was in no hurry respecting an Answer to his last application – I have not called on him since – but waited till he might see me at Lacock on some Monday, which I suppose he will soon do & when I will give him your Proposal on the Subject –
I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged Sert
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esqr
31 Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Corsham Court, Wiltshire, 3 mi NW of Lacock: seat of Ld Methuen.
3. Thomas Clutterbuck (1779–1852).
4. Captain Frederick William Rooke (1782–1855), of Lackham, Wilts.