Tue 22 Nov 1836
From John R Denyer
To Mr W P Richards
8 Wellington Street, Strand
Proposal for extension of railroad from Bristol to Coalpit Heath near Sodbury to unite with Cheltenham & Great Western Union a little below Stroud. Coal may be introduced in opposition to that brought by canal.
Letter from Mr Ricardo. Very depressed state of clothing trade at Chalford and introduction of navigators to make railroad causing alarm in district. For proposed fund [to protect property], no sum larger than £25 should be paid.
Mr Ferrabee proposes to erect a crane at Bowbridge. His premises let to persons who have recently established a sawing mill (about half way between Brimscombe & Stroud) for converting English timber for Birmingham and other markets. Object to keep a stock of foreign timber and deals. Advantage to Canal in tonnage and disadvantage in occasionally obstructing the Towing path when timber is swinging across it. Fear of insufficient room for a full sized vessel to pass when another is occupied at the crane as at the Gas Works at Cirencester.
Tenant of [Sapperton] mill, (held upon lives by the Company under Earl Bathurst of which only one survives viz Mr L Chambers), has given notice to quit, aiming to reduce his rent of 30 guineas per annum. The mill is situated near the Sapperton end of the tunnel to provide water to Summit level, in which it totally failed. Place is very dilapidated and the Company’s payment to Lord Bathurst is £1 5s per annum.
Every exertion is being used to push coals along Canal to meet a frost and water is considerably improved but not full.
The Cheltenham & Great Western Railway began last week to pay the T&S Canal for ranging poles erected opposite Mr George’s orchard.
