This extraordinary correspondence was kept by Henry Gladwell, bailiff to the Drayton estate in Northamptonshire. It begins in 1785 with the passing of the estate to Viscount Sackville when still a minor and the setting up of a trust to secure the management of the estate and Lord Sackville’s income. Once Lord Sackville comes of age it illustrates his growing interest in the running of the estate and the welfare of its tenants. There are illuminating references to redecoration of rooms and the introduction of heating. Most entertaining are letters written to Gladwell and his wife by Lord Sackville’s sister, Diana Lady Glandore.
The most unusual aspect of the correspondence is that Gladwell kept not only the letters sent to him but also copies of his replies, so creating a fascinating story.