BAYSWATER

As the Great Depression hit Gibbons found himself over-extended, and was forced into bankruptcy. The present item is scarce. The only copy on JISC is at the Paul Mellon Centre Library. 68pp, 8vo. In grey printed wraps, and with purchase slip tipped in. In fair condition, lightly aged and worn. At head of title-page: ‘By Direction of Lieut.-Col. SIR WALTER GIBBONS, K.B.E., D.L. Following the Sale of the Freehold, and the proposed conversion of the Property into high-class Residential Flats.’ ‘Conditions of Sale’ on reverse of title. 974 lots.

The proprietor, T. H. Watkins, was a private tutor in Kensington, west London, who over a number of years placed a series of advertisements in The Times, the last of which, 9 September 1895, boasted that his 'pupils during 25 years have taken the highest places for I.C.S., F.O., Interpreterships, Woolwich Staff Coll., Sandhurst, Coopers-hill, Woods and Forests, Militia, &c.' Watkins was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, and his entry in Peile's 'Biographical Register' of the college (1913) states that he was 'son of Thomas: born in London. Educated at Bonn University.

1p., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on aged paper. Addressed on reverse of second leaf to 'Mr. Danl. Flexney | Westborne Place | Bayswater | near London', with two postmarks in red ink, one round and the other oval (the second in two parts), both giving year 1818. Docketed and with the following note above the text of the letter: 'From Lieut Col George Napier | To Mr. Danl.