Chippenham <1>
July 11th 1822
Dear Sir –
I am anxious to explain to you, the cause of the Disbursements in last years Account appearing so heavy, as upon considering the Items which I have now inserted, I think you will agree with me that these should not be classed among average Repairs, being chiefly occasioned by Circumstances connected with the expiration of the Minority –
viz –
| Fire Insurance. first Premium – | 16·0·0 | |
| John <Cursick?> for a Skilling erected by him in 1820 – on promise of being repaid when the Estate was out of Chancery |  | 47·6·2 |
| Richd Joyce <2> for Malt &c to the Cask of Beer kept many years at the Abbey | | 5·10·0 |
| Inventory of Books & Furniture for new Lease – | 11·15·0 | |
| Melksham Vicarial Tythes, 7 yrs | | 12·0·0 |
| Court Bill once in 3 yrs deduct 2/3 – | 7·3·0 | |
| £99·14·2 |
You may depend upon my attending to your wishes respecting the Valuation of the whole Estate & I will endeavour to get it done with as little expence as possible – I hope I may be able to manage it, by detailing the Particulars of the Property & referring to former & present value of Rents, This with the Local Index & the Maps which I have by me, will probably enable a judicious valuer of Land to form a pretty accurate estimate of what the whole would sell for – By this Plan we shall avoid the heavy expence attending the actual survey of so extensive an Estate & shall do it without any publicity, which I imagine would be your wish. –
I forgot when I was in Town, to mention an alteration that should be made in the description of Queenfield Coppice, or Cloves Wood as I believe it is called in the Index – you will find it at No 202 – it was by mistake stated to be 10 Acres – it should be 21 Acres & I will beg the favor of your altering it accordingly –
I shall feel obliged if you will give me a Line when you leave England – stating where your Letters should be directed, during the remainder of the Summer –
I am Dear Sir
Your Obliged & Obedt Servt
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
31. Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.