CastleCombe July 15. 1855
My Dear Talbot,
I send this rather at a venture, not knowing if you are at Lacock, and with a vague misgiving that you are at present on the Continent – Especially as they tell me at the Athenæum you have not been seen seen [sic] there for some time past. My object is to tell you that it has been arranged that this year’s meeting of our Wilts Archæological & Natural History Association should be held at Chippenahm on the 11th & 12th of September. And as the unworthy President of said Society I have to Express to you the Earnest hope & wish of the Managing Committee that you will allow of a visit to the Abbey by a party consisting of much of the members & their friends as may desire to do so, on the second of these days vizt the 12th .
Lord Lansdowne has very kindly offered to open the House & grounds of Bowood to such a visit, but you know there is not much of antiquarian interest there. If, however, you admit them to Lacock on the road to Bowood, or from it, that will supply the deficiency fully. You will not be taxed for Entertainments, as other arrangements will probably be adopted for this end. Probably Other parties will be going simultaneously to other places, as Corsham, Malmesbury, Draycot, & this poor place. So that you need not fear being overwhelmed by a multitude – and indeed admission will be arranged by ticket, only for the [fitting?] parties.
If you are in the country at or about the time, it would, of course be only gratifying and an amiable thing on your part if you will attend our meeting at Chippenham on the 11th (as Lord L. proposes to do, if at Bowood). And would you be willing to read us, or send us a general paper on Lacock, or on any recent discoveries or matters you have ascertained beyond what Bowles has given – or on any Natural History subject, Botanical, Geological, &c (for all such fish come to our net) we should be still more obliged, for there seems likely to be a deficiency of such entertainment.
If this finds you at home, please to reply by Post to 1. Prince’s Gate, London, where I shall be during this week.
And Believe me Ever your’s very truly
G Poulett Scrope