TREE’s archival investigation into Lacock’s colonial connections

Summary:

In 2025 the Trust for Records of Enslavement and Emancipation (TREE) prepared a verified evidence pack to support future updates to the National Trust’s interpretation work at Lacock. This case study outlines how TREE researched and traced eighteenth century East India Company capital into the Talbot family inheritance, drawing on rarely cited primary material held at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre (WSHC).

The Challenge:

Lacock Abbey’s links to empire have long been noted, yet several aspects of the financial inheritance behind the Talbot family remained unclear. There was limited consolidated evidence showing the precise origins of early eighteenth century wealth. The National Trust, WSHC and academic partners required a clear evidence trail that could be relied on for future interpretation work.

TREE’s Role:

TREE carried out a structured archival review of the Davenport papers at WSHC, including:

• East India Company account records from 1711 to 1714

• The 1751 family settlement referenced in an 1821 indenture

• Associated legal, financial and legacy documents

Materials were photographed, catalogued, cross referenced, and assessed for evidentiary reliability. The research was completed by TREE founder Matt Johnston and TREE co founder Sunday Johnston.

The Evidence:

The record set confirmed that a significant portion of the Talbot inheritance derived from capital accumulated during Davenport’s service in the East India Company. The key findings included:

• Detailed trading and account records showing accumulation of private wealth

• Confirmation of capital carried into the 1751 settlement

• The inheritance of this settlement into the Talbot line

• Direct financial continuity from early colonial commerce into nineteenth century ownership at Lacock

The findings have been shared with National Trust teams working on the Colonialism and Historic Slavery programme.

Outcomes and Impact:

The evidence pack has strengthened the historical basis for Lacock’s future interpretation work. TREE’s involvement has helped consolidate a fragmented set of eighteenth century records into a clear and verifiable genealogy of wealth. This work supports the National Trust’s wider aim to present historically accurate, evidence led narratives about sites with colonial connections.

Next Steps:

TREE will continue to work with WSHC and National Trust colleagues on future archival investigations. Institutions seeking support for evidence reviews or colonial era document analysis are invited to contact TREE through the foundation website.