Chippenham <1>
24h Sept 1831
Dear Sir,
I have examined the Census of 1821 at Blanchard’s House & am satisfied that the Blunder arose in the way which I mentioned to you the other day – at the foot of Page 14 the number is stated to be 397 – & at the top of Page 15 it is carried forward as 297 & I traced it on from that time & the error is continued – I have seen Mr Gundry <2> also & on the subject of a Petition to the H. of Lords, he desires me to inform you, that he believes the whole of the Burgesses <3> (as well as himself) are of opinion that it would be improper to present any further Petition grounded upon the [illegible deletion] former statement, which they now consider incorrect –
I have inquired respecting the Book which Bradbury <4> took to Town & am informed that he has not yet recd it –
As the Weather continues so fine, I am now glad that I set the men to work in the Stew ground immediately after I saw you – I had doubted about waiting till after the Equinox – but was told by a Person who rents a good deal of Land, that it might be better to set about it at once –
Mr Spencer’s <5> term in his House, will expire at Michaelmas – what Rent shall I now ask for the Premises? – when I last spoke to him upon the subject, he appeared to wish that it should be left entirely to you – only requesting me to state, that he had laid out a considerable Sum in Repairs – & that he had not put you to any expence whatever since Mr Brindley left it If you are likely to be at Lacock by the middle of October, it will not be necessary for you to trouble yourself upon the subject before your return. –
I am Dear Sir Yr much obliged Servt
W. H. Awdry
W. H. F. Talbot Esq
Post office
Derby
Notes:
1. Chippenham, Wiltshire: largest town near Lacock, 3 miles N.
2. William Gundry, banker, Chippenham .
3. Of Gundrey & Co.
4. George S Bradbury, governor of Union Workhouse, World’s End, Chippenham.
5. Dr Henry Spencer (1805-1842), surgeon in Chippenham. [See Doc. No: 02065].