London
Wednesday evening August 4th /69
My dear Father
I saw the doctor today who says I may go down – I do shall endeavour to get to Lacock on Friday, but if I do, I shall go by the 2 oclock train, so that if I am not there by about dinner time I need not be expected. –
I have bought the Camden Society’s publication of Dineley’s Manuscript. <1> – It is in 2 vols price £1.16.0, being a photolithographic facsimile throughout with some notes added. –
I find ver many very interesting things in it. – .
The view of Lacock is very small, and Canon Jackson’s <2> enlargement seems a pretty good one. It is difficult to see any details on the South wall. <3> – The Dineley describes a good deal of painted glass that he saw in the Abbey which does not now exist. – He draws one piece viz a figure of St Augustin [sic]. <4> I have no doubt that the view of old Lackham House <5> whic by Grimm <6> which I saw in the British Museum represents the back or principal entrance which is shown in Dineley’s view. – Dineley’s is microscopic but luckily Grimms is very distinct. – . …
There are drawn in this book some trophies on the over the tombs of Col Sherrington Talbot <7> and one of the Montague’s in Lacock church. <8> The tombs are not shown Curious banners &c, which will interest you. –
There is a drawing of Spye Park House, <9> called Spye Park Lodge which I think agrees with my theory of its being the same house which was lately pulled down.
I should like to see the original view of Lacock. – The best If it wh were enlarged by photography, perhaps some details might be made out which are not plain on the small scale. –
Will you mention that I shall come on Friday, or if not; then on Saturday?
Your affect son
Charles –
[envelope:]
H. F. Talbot Esqr
Laycock Abbey
Chippenhan
Wilts
Notes:
1. Thomas Dingley or Dineley ( ca.1650–1695), antiquary; History from Marble (London: printed for the Campden Society, 1867–1868), a collection of epitaphs, church notes, and sketches of domestic and other buildings of the midlands and western counties.
2. John Edward Jackson (1805–1891), antiquary, canon of Bristol, 1855
3. Lacock Abbey.
4. St Augustine (354–430),
5. Lackham House, Wiltshire, 2 mi NW of Lacock: Awdry family home.
6. Samuel Hieronymus Grimm (1734–1794), water colour painter; chiefly noted for his skill and accuracy as a topographical draughtsman. [See Doc. No: 09432].
7. See Doc. No: 07555.
8. St Cyriac’s Church, Lacock.
9. Spye Park, Wiltshire, 2 mi SE of Lacock.