Blandford
Oct. 3d 1826
Dear Sir,
I have the pleasure to acquaint you, that the Property at Lacock sold well yesterday – We had the good luck (as at Melksham <1>) to have Competitors which I hoped might be the case – I subjoin the Particulars – I have not (without my Book) the Nos to refer to but I have no doubt you will make them out by the description – It is possible, that the half acre of Land at Bowden Hill <2>, may not be sold at present, as there was a doubt stated at the Auction of there being a Life upon this Lot – I am of opinion, even if it should prove so, that the Lease may not be good, as I do not think from what I observe in the Life Book, that the Conditions have been fulfilled, but in order to prevent any difficulty at the Auction, I stated that I would return the deposit Money if there was a Life upon it & it was then to be considered as not being sold – I found this was the only method to find out its real value of it as free Land – and if Mr Mr [sic] Bruges <3> is anxious for it, he will of course offer Terms (subject to the Life), should it prove to be in existence – I hope to be at home on the Evening of the 10th Inst –
I am Dear Sir Yr obliged & obedt Sert
W. H. Awdry
| Valuation – | sold for | |
| Cottage at Nash Hill <4> | £20 – | £23 – |
| Withy Beds – &c | – 20 – | 26 – |
| Cottage at Bewley <5> | – 40 – | 49 – |
| Wood land at Loxwell (called White Strip) |
– 50 – | 70 – |
| Land at Bowden Hill | – 30 – | 37 – |
The Timber on the Wood land is to be taken at a valuation – it is of small value – probably 5 or 6 £ – as soon as I know the Solicitors of the Parties, I will send the particulars to Mr King <6> – The Purchase Money to be paid on the 1st of Janry or Interest from that time –
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
31. Sackville Street
Piccadilly
London
Notes:
1. Melksham, Wiltshire: market town near Lacock, 2 miles S.
2. Bowden Hill, Wiltshire, 1 mi SE of Lacock.
3. Thomas Bruges of Seend (d 1835); JP, Melksham banker, landowner, surveyor and mathematician. For reasons yet to be determined, in his will Thomas bequeathed a sum of money to Mary Anna Fry (b 1793) spinster sister of the photographic pioneer Peter Wickens Fry (1795-1860).
4. Nash Hill, also Naish Hill, a hill and farm 1 mi NE of Lacock, Wiltshire.
5. Bewley Common, Wiltshire, 1 mi E of Lacock.
6. William Read King & Son, solicitors, London.