Item 1845/9 - Letter from J. Gibson

1 item, paper

Letter from J. Gibson to William French, written from Jesus College. Seen Mr. Humfrey again regarding the terms of the lease for the farm. Mr. Pemberton said he had no record of a lease referred to by Mr. Humfrey. Humfrey doesn't want to become the tenant and work the farm himself, but just wants to take on the tenancy to help out his nephew. Humfrey also wants to let out the farmhouse to a draper in Cambridge called Wallis, who is also an experienced insurer. The nephew, who is married with some family, will also live in the house, working under him. Mr. Pemberton feels it would be advantageous to have Humfrey as a tenant. The nephew's wife is a niece of Wallis. Had written to Mr. Salvin a week ago to say he had been appointed architect for the restoration of the Chapel. Salvin then described his impression of the original appearance of the Chapel. Salvin wanted to see what original fabric survived so plaster and rubble facing was removed from the East wall and portions of the five light early English windows were uncovered. Also they discovered a large arch on the east wall of the south transept suggesting the existence of a south aisle to the choir. Removing some of the plaster in the south choir also showed the continuation of the arches. Portions of wall have been removed. tower windows in the east wall of the north transept and a very fine pillar was discovered. Salvin says the next job must be to remove the plaster from the choir after which he will make a full survey which he will send with drawings along to the Lodge to be considered. The new design should incorporate as much of the original as possible. The weather does not permit Mr. Empson to go to Eltisley but he feels he has enough knowledge of the farm to make an greement without a survey.