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Document number: 3659
Date: 24 Apr 1838
Recipient: TALBOT William Henry Fox
Author: AWDRY William Henry
Collection: British Library, London, Manuscripts - Fox Talbot Collection
Last updated: 20th February 2012

Chippenham <1>
24 April 1838

Dear Sir,

I went over to Lacock on Saturday last – having been previously informed of the Fire at Henry Vennell’s Cottage – I then directed John Gale <2> to make an Estimate of the damage, in order that my Son West <3> might apply to the office upon the subject – As I was not quite well yesterday, West went over to Lacock for me & took the opportunity of examining the Premises at Bowden Hill <4> – I had no Idea that you would like to rebuild the Cottage, & you will, I am confident, be glad to hear that I am enabled to put Vennell (who is a very respectable Tenant) into another Cottage in the immediate neighbourhood, as Edwd Orchard is going away [illegible] Vennell is to take his at the time – & the Rent is just the same

Poor Vennell had his working Tools burnt & a little of his Furniture [illegible] being an industrious man, I am pleased to find that there is an Idea of subscribing a little Fund to get him on his legs again – Lady E.F <5> – was kind enough to intimate her intention of doing something for him, when the extent of his loss is ascertained – the Fire seems to have been entirely accidental & fortunately in the middle of the day – so that there was as little loss of Property as could have been expected & no personal injury –

As soon as we get an answer from the Fire office, I will take care to inform you the Particulars,

I am Dear Sir Yr Obliged Sert
W. H. Awdry

The garden is a very small one & I have promised to let Vennell continues to rent that in addition to his own Cottage –

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

Notes:

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

2. John Gale, carpenter at Lacock.

3. West Awdry (1807–1892), solicitor, Chippenham.

4. Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.

5. Lady Elisabeth Theresa Feilding, née Fox Strangways, first m Talbot (1773–1846), WHFT’s mother.

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