Chippenham <1>
7th August 1826
Dear Sir,
I have never heard of the report you mention, respecting the sale of Bowden <2> – nor do I think it at all probable, as Mrs Dickinson <3> has the Property for her Life – I do not know whether Mr Harman <4> has the power of selling – if he has, I should not be surprized if he were to do so eventually, as I understand he has a Place in Hertfordshire, where he now resides – I will take care to inform you if any thing should be said upon the subject in this Neighbourhood – I understand that Spye Park <5> is not yet let – whenever it is, I will bear in mind, your wishes upon that subject also –
With regard to selling at this time by Auction, I should say generally that it would not answer to do so – but with small things, such as those I mentioned, wch would most probably be purchased for local convenience – I do not apprehend it would make much difference, & after the Valuation is made (which will do for another time, if not now sold) the expence of the Auction would be but trifling – my reason for pressing it at this time, is the dangerous state of one of the Cottages & which I could not recommend you to repair, but the Farmer in the Neighbourhood having applied to me to purchase it, I conclude he will give at least, the value of it & if you approve it I could offer it to him at the valuation of your surveyor – the little Wood & the other Cottage might be left for an Auction, till times are better –
I am Dear Sir
Yr Obliged & obedt 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. Bowden Park, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.
3. Elizabeth Dickinson (d. before 1833), of Bowden Park.
4. Ezekiel Harman.
5. Spye Park, Wiltshire, 2 mi SE of Lacock.