Introduction
The following information has been gained mainly from the chief agent letter books and quarterly account books. As these are only a partial record of the Blackett land and business interests in North East England, the management structure proposed below should be regarded as provisional, particularly where the estates are concerned. For the lead mining part of the business there is more information that survives, for example detailed account books. There is therefore more confidence about this element. It is noticeable how loose the management structure was. Thus there was no one person with overall command of all three of the lead mining districts until Thomas Sopwith was appointed to this role in 1845. There was never any one person with overall responsibility for the vital operation of ore and lead transport, although John Erasmus Blackett argued that such a post was needed. There were no officials responsible solely for the important process of ore washing until 1805 when washing master posts for each district were created. The Blaydon refinery seems to have been separately managed from the smelting operations. Some of the mining and smelting stewards appear to have been responsible for land and property as well. Short biographies are provided for several of the people listed here.
Proprietors
The owners of the business were successive heads of the family/ inheritors of the northern estate. Their tenures were as follows:
c.1660-1680: Sir William Blackett I (1st baronet)
1680-1705: Sir William Blackett II, third son of the above
1705-28: Sir William Blackett III, son of the above
1728-77: Sir Walter Blackett (nee Calverley), nephew of the above
1777-92: Sir Thomas Blackett (nee Wentworth), cousin of the above
1792-1831: Diana Beaumont and Colonel Thomas Richard Beaumont, daughter and son-in-law of the above
1831-48: Thomas Wentworth Beaumont, son of the above
1848-1907: Wentworth Blackett Beaumont, 1st Lord Allendale, son of the above
Chief Steward
The salaries for the chief and second lead stewards should be treated with some caution. These men were also granted “perquisites”, principally the right to use their horses for haulage at the mines under their control. This second income added very considerably to the remuneration of the posts, so that the real income was a good deal more than the salary recorded in the accounts.
No attempt has been made to analyse the use of the terms “steward” and “agent” which are applied in the letters somewhat interchangeably. The impression is that the word “steward” is used more frequently throughout the period. For consistency the word “steward” is here used throughout.
Based: Newcastle office
Salary: J.E.Blackett £210
Responsible to: the Blacketts or Beaumonts
Responsible for: Overall responsibility for a) Lead Mining b) Lead smelting and refining c) Land and property in the North East. Manager of the three lead mine stewards, the mill steward, the Newcastle office staff and the Blaydon refinery. Manager of the estate stewards.
Tasks: Production of annual accounts for whole lead business, selling lead, silver and litharge to merchants, setting the top price for miners’ bargains, ensuring appropriate quantity of lead gets to market to maximise profits, raising cash to make pays, negotiating leases for Weardale mines, paying taxes. The steward also had a wide range of involvement in management of all the estates. He looked after the interests of the Blackett family when major infrastructure projects such as toll roads and parliamentary enclosures were in development. Channel of communication between owners and the lead mining business.
Postholders:
c.1698 Thomas Brumell (Recipient of a letter from Thomas Featherstone which implies Brumell was responsible for managing Blackett’s lead business)
by 1706 – 1717 John Wilkinson, who had worked for Sr Wm Blackett II, and managed the estate during minority of Sir Wm Blackett III and after his majority from 1711
1717- mid 1720s Robert Todd, previously steward of Kenton estate and colliery. He was still receiving cash on behalf of the business in early 1727
c.1724 – 1735 Lancelot Allgood. In his will of 1728 Blackett directed that Lancelot Allgood continue to manage his estate, assisted by Joseph Richmond, his book-keeper and cashier. Allgood appointed receiver of estate rents to service interest on a large loan from Thomas Guy to Blackett.
1735 – 1763 Joseph Richmond. Promoted from cashier on the death of Allgood. Described himself in 1759 as “receiver and general accomptant” and that he had then been employed for nearly 32 years, which might mean he was taken on in 1727 shortly before the death of Salkeld. Died and replaced by his son
1763 – 1776 Henry Richmond. Some overlap towards the end of his tenure with J.E.Blackett when Richmond was unwell. Had also been working in the office at least as early as 1757.
1773 – 1804 John Erasmus Blackett (retired in 1804)
1805 – 1807 Christopher Blackett. Introduced new structure including washing masters.
1807 – 1827 Martin Morrison. Died 1827.
1827? – 1832 Thomas Crawhall appears to have served as head agent until after the death of Diana.
1832 – after 1844 Benjamin Johnson
Newcastle Office staff
The following names also occur in the documents, although their roles are not always clear
by Apr 1722-1727 Thomas Salkeld, Newcastle merchant, possibly acting as cashier until death btwn July-Nov 1727.
1727-35 Joseph Richmond, cashier, possibly brought in to replace Salkeld in his final months. In post by February 1727.
c.1777 – c.1786/7: Cuthbert Peart
1794 – 1832: Thomas Crawhall. Started at age of 15, rose to be chief agent. Dismissed by Thomas Wentworth Beaumont (TWB) and replaced with Benjamin Johnson, who had been TWB’s own agent at Bywell.
c.1787 – c.1798: Joshua Straker. Also had a candle business of his own (JEB letter Oct 21 1787). Appears to have left through ill health in 1798
1792? – 1794: Isaac Hunter III. Employed in Newcastle office before returning to assist his father at Dukesfield and then taking his place as agent there in 1796
Auditor
1828 – 1833 James Losh was auditor for this period at a salary of £500 p.a. This appears to have been a new position, presumably introduced by Diana to give her a trusted senior adviser alongside the appointment of Thomas Crawhall to replace Morrison. Losh died in 1833
Lead Mining
Mine Steward, Allenheads
Based: Allenheads
Salary: £60
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Under stewards, miners, ore washers
Tasks: Development and operation of mines, employing miners and setting bargain rates, lead ore washing, ensuring correct quality of ore sent for smelting, delivery of ore to mills? Rentals, repair and maintenance of Allenheads estate properties (see eg Hunter a/cs 1776). Keeping accounts of expenditure and ore raised from the mines and submitting such accounts to the chief steward
Postholders:
c.1668 – 1693 Richard Mowbray. March 1669: Baptism of Hannah daughter of Richard Mowbray, steward at East Allenheads, and he was buried (as ‘Mr Richard Mowbray’) in Sept 1693.
1694 -1724 Succeeded by nephew George Mowbray, son of John, lead mill steward at Dukesfield. Mowbray resigned at Christmas 1724.
1725 – ? John Armstrong. A John Armstrong was a partner in a lead mining lease at Hill Close on Alston Moor from 1704 onwards.
? – 1753 Robert Dixon
1753 – 1775 Caleb Hunter. Died 1775
1775 – 1795 Westgarth Forster senior. Dismissed in 1795.
1795 – 1812 Thomas Crawhall. Died 1812
Second steward , Allenheads
Based: Allenheads
Salary: £40 1788 – 1795
Responsible to: Mine steward, Allenheads
Responsible for:
Tasks:
Postholders
c.1728 – 1777 Richard Allgood. In 1758 Richd Allgood had been “above 30 years” at Allenheads
1777 – 1786 James Mulcaster. When appointed described (in a JEB letter book) as a single man of between 40 and 50. It was helpful that he had an income of £40 pa, a house and small farm. Retired and later given annuity of £10 pa which continued until at least 1798.
1786 – 1788 Thomas Westgarth. Had been third steward. Died.
1788 – 1795 Westgarth Forster junior. Had been third steward. Moved to Coalcleugh. Diana Beaumont wrote of him in a letter in 1795 “Young Foster (sic) drinks as hard as his father”
1795 – 1805 John Crawhall (son of Thomas, chief Allenheads mine steward). Dismissed
Third steward Allenheads
Based: Allenheads
Responsible to:
Salary: Archer received £30 1788 – 1795, 1799 George Crawhall received £30, 1802 Wm Crawhall received £40
Tasks:
Postholders:
? – 1775 Robert Allgood. Dismissed.
1775 – 1777 Lancelot Allgood. Dismissed
1777 – 1786 Thomas Westgarth. Promoted to second steward
1786 – 1788 Westgarth Forster junior. Promoted to second steward
1788 – 1795 Thomas Archer. Dismissed. Possibly not another third steward appointed immediately after Archer
1799 – 1802 George Crawhall (son of Thomas). Moved to be steward in Weardale
1802 – 1812 William Crawhall (son of Thomas)
Mine Steward, Coalcleugh
Based: Coalcleugh
Salary: £60 (Westgarth in 1760’s and Jos Dickinson 1792)
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Under stewards, miners, ore washers
Tasks: Development and operation of mines, employing miners and setting bargain rates, lead ore washing, ensuring correct quality of ore sent for smelting, delivery of ore to mills? Keeping accounts of expenditure and ore raised from the mines and submitting such accounts to the chief steward
Postholders:
By 1726 – ? Robert Armstrong (brother of J. Armstrong at Allenheads) Retired.
? – 1756 Thomas Armstrong, son of Robert. Died.
1756 – 1762 Richard Harrison. About 50 when appointed and lived nearby. Old Robert Armstrong petitioned for the post to be given to his son John, described in the letter book as “the soberest of the family” (sober probably means steady). Harrison is a relation of Robert Armstrong
1762 – 1763 William Hodgson. From Alston. Given responsibility for Killhope as well –previouly Killhope was responsibility of Allenheads steward. Caleb Kidd appointed as under steward with responsibility for Killhope at £20 salary
1763 – 1776 William Westgarth. Had been a London Lead Company agent, but dissatisfied and applied for Blackett position. Also responsible for Killhope. Died.
1776 – 1805 Joseph Dickinson. Had been under steward to Westgarth. Dismissed in 1805 reorganisation.
1805 – 1812 – ? Joseph Little
Second steward , Coalcleugh
Based: Coalcleugh
Salary: £20 in 1762. In 1771 Forster’s salary £40 Crawhall’s £40 in 1784 increased to £45 in 1791 on appointment of fourth steward
Responsible to: Mine steward, Coalcleugh
Responsible for:
Tasks:
Postholders
? – 1762 George Armstrong, son of Robert. In 1757 described in letter book as a “very worthless person”. Dismissed.
1762 – 1771 Joseph Dickinson “provided he come and live there” was a condition of appointment.
1771 – 1775 Westgarth Forster senior. Appointed by William Westgarth (who was related to him) Moved to be chief steward at Allenheads in 1775. After Forster’s appointment as 2nd steward Dickinson continues as 3rd steward at £25
1775 – 1776 Joseph Dickinson. Appointed chief steward when Westgarth died. Thomas Crawhall appointed third steward 1775 – 76 at £25.
1776 – 1795 Thomas Crawhall. No third steward – presumably this had been a post created to assist the ailing William Westgarth. However third steward reintroduced in 1788 and fourth steward in 1791. Crawhall promoted to chief steward at Allenheads
1795 – 1805 Westgarth Forster Junior. Moved from Allenheads when his father dismissed as steward there in 1795. Dismissed in 1805
Third Steward, Coalcleugh
Salary: 1788 £25, 1789 increased to £30, 1791 to £35
Postholders:
1788 – 1794 William Peart
1791 – 1794 – ? Thos Dickinson appointed as fourth salaried person at £20. Increased to £30 when Peart goes and is not replaced and to £40 in 1800
? – 1803/4 – ? Joseph Dickinson junior was third steward
Mine Steward, Weardale
Based: New House, Ireshopeburn
Salary: No 18th c account books for Weardale survive
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Under stewards, miners, lead ore washers
Tasks: Development and operation of mines, employing miners and setting bargain rates, lead ore washing, ensuring correct quality of ore sent for smelting, delivery of ore to mills? Keeping accounts of expenditure and ore raised from the mines and submitting such accounts to the chief steward
Postholders:
pre -1728 – 1758 John Peart. Died. Or is there a Cuthbert Peart before John?
1758 – 1770’s?Thomas Maughan. Had been under steward to Peart. Died
pre 1785 – 1802 Thomas Emerson. In later life became ill, and son worked alongside him
1802 – 1817 Thomas Emerson Junior. Died
Second steward , Weardale
Based: New House, Ireshopeburn
Salary: No 18th c. account books for Weardale survive. £25 in 1755
Responsible to: Mine steward, Weardale
Responsible for:
Tasks:
Postholders
? – 1755 John Gibson. died
1755? – 1758 Thomas Maughan. Promoted to chief steward
? – ? Thomas Emerson junior
? – 1802 Lancelot Allgood. Resigned.
Third Steward Weardale?
Reading of the letter books suggests that there may have been a third steward post in Weardale.
? – 1755? Thomas Maughan?
1755 – ? John Peart? son in law of John Gibson, related to Mr Peart. Estate of £40 pa
Lead Smelting and Refining
Chief Mill Steward
Based: Dukesfield
Salary:
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Mill clerks at the individual smelt mills
Tasks: Overall responsibility for the smelt mills and the lead smelting side of the business, lead carriage (principally east hand carriage?), negotiations with lead carriers to ensure timely delivery of lead to market. Keeping and submitting lead smelting accounts to the chief steward. Also responsible for the Woodcroft and Lintzgarth estates in Weardale
Postholders:
c.1666-1687? John Mowbray appears to have been resident in the area from late 1660s, probably co-inciding with the building of the mill. Died in 1687
c.1687 – 1699 Thomas Featherstone died
1699 – 1728 John Featherstone, son of Thomas. Died; probate granted 7 March 1728
1728 – 1764 Isaac Hunter I. Died and succeeded by his son
1764 – 1796 Isaac Hunter II. Died. Succeeded by his son
1796 – 1804 Isaac Hunter III. Dismissed in July 1804
1804 – 1807 John Sadler. Dismissed in May 1807
1807 – 1809 William Westgarth (died 1809). Buried at Slaley 1/1/1810
1810 – 1814 John Curry (died 1814 and buried at Slaley)
?1814 – 1826 – 1836 Jonathan Sparke
Mill Clerk, Dukesfield
Based: Dukesfield
Salary
Responsible to: Chief mill steward
Responsible for: Smelters, and after a refinery was built at Dukesfield presumably responsible for the refiners as well
Tasks: Ensuring quality of smelted lead, keeping records of ratio of bings of ore smelted to fodders of lead produced, keeping records of lead sent to Blaydon, preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual accounts
Postholders:
? – 1729 – ? Vickers or Dickinson
1723? -1786 Francis Salkeld. Appears to have been nephew of Thomas Salkeld, agent to Sir Wm Blackett III in 1720s. In 1762 he applied to keep a public house and was refused by Richmond, who said his salary was ten pounds more than Jack Harrison’s, who apparently ran a public house without Richmond’s knowledge (see Rookhope below). In 1784 William Westgarth (son of W.Westgarth the Coalcleugh agent) was appointed his assistant. In 1786 Salkeld had a stroke, and his death was reported in the Newcastle Courant on 13th May ‘in the 75th year of his age …served [Blacketts] 63 years..’ JE Blackett says he was in post for fifty years
pre 1804 – 1807 ? Wm. Westgarth succeeded Salkeld. In 1804 “for some time past the superintendence of a great part of the lead as well as the ore carriage has rested on him” . Promoted to Dukesfield stewardship when Sadler dismissed
Mill Clerk, Allenheads
Based: Allenheads
Salary
Responsible to: Chief mill steward
Responsible for: Smelters
Tasks: Ensuring quality of smelted lead, keeping records of ratio of bings of ore smelted to fodders of lead produced, keeping records of lead sent to Blaydon, preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual accounts
Postholders:
? – 1729 – ? Vickers or Dickinson
Pre 1757 – 1761 Jack Lee “either very sick or very drunk” in 1757 and another clerk must be looked for
1761 -1771 John Crawhall. Died. Succeeded by his son
1771 – 1775 Thomas Crawhall. Moved to be mine steward at Coalcleugh
Up until 1803 Isaac Hunter responsible for mill accounts
1804 John Sadler responsible
From 1805 John Curry responsible for mill accounts
? – 1800 – ? “Sparkes’s son”
? – 1803/4 – 1812 – ? John Curry
Mill Clerk, Rookhope
Based: Rookhope old mill, then Lintzgarth mill
Salary: Ten pounds less than Dukesfield clerk (see above)
Responsible to: Chief mill steward
Responsible for: Smelters
Tasks: Ensuring quality of smelted lead, keeping records of ratio of bings of ore smelted to fodders of lead produced, keeping account of lead sent to Blaydon, preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual accounts
Postholders:
? – 1729 -? Rud or Rudd
pre 1759 – 1770 John Harrison. In later years “superannuated” and his son did the work for him
1770 – 1776 Isaac Walton. Died
Up to 1800 Isaac Hunter responsible for accounts of the mill. From 1801 it is Thomas Smith
1801 – 1812 – ? Thos Smith
Allen Mill
Taken in hand by Col Beaumont from previous lessees in 1795. Refining starts 1797
Up until 1800 Isaac Hunter is responsible for accounts at the mill. From 1801 it is William Dixon
? -1800 -? Sparke
1801 – 1812 – ? William Dixon
Blaydon Refinery Steward
This term is not used in the letter books, and the references in the letters to named individuals do not illuminate their job titles. Blaydon refinery seems to have been acquired from the London Lead Company in 1706. This seems to have been a post requiring specialist smelting expertise and experience
Based: Blaydon
Salary:
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Blaydon refinery and lead wharves. Possibly also responsible for managing the Winlaton estate?
Tasks: Deciding which lead to refine, Refining lead for silver and litharge, accounting for lead deliveries from the mills, receiving rents and making annual accounts for the Winlaton estate?
Postholders:
? – 1729 -? Mr Dalton. 1765 Wm Dalton dies whilst in post at Blaydon. Same man? He has a son aged about 23 but not qualified to follow his father
1765 – 1773 – ? Robert Mulcaster . Had been smelter for London Lead Co at Acton.
? – 1773 Matthew Reynaldson. (Winlaton steward?) Is he the same as Rennison and Reynoldson below?
1773 – 1779 Robert Morrow. (Winlaton steward?) 1779 letter says he is responsible for producing accounts for Lead Account and Land estate. He succeeded Matthew Reynaldson. Dismissed for being always drunk “almost constantly in liquor
? -1794 – 1807 Robert Mulcaster. In a document of the rentals of the late Sir Thomas (ie c. 1792/3) Mulcaster is identified as collecting the rents from Winlaton
1808 – 1812 – ? John Mulcaster
Blaydon Second Steward/Clerk?
There are references in the letter books to further people based at Blaydon, and suggestions that these too might have had some responsibility for recording the rents received from the Winlaton tenants. Had responsibility for accounting for all lead received from the mills and sending this information back to the mill agents as well as to the Newcastle office, and there are indications he was also responsible for organising the Winlaton tenants and/or other carriers to undertake the ‘East hand’ lead carriage from Leadhills at Apperley Bankfoot to Blaydon.
Postholders:
Mr. Robinson in 1728 and 1733 – based at Blaydon?
Matthew Rennison pre 1754 – 1757 – ? also involved in dealings with Winlaton tenants. Winlaton estate steward? Seems likely to be the same person as Reynoldson or Reynaldson
Matthew Reynoldson or Reynaldson ? – 1764 – to 1773 – lived at Blaydon – also had some responsibility in dealings with Winlaton tenants. In 1766 Mr Reynoldson appears to be responsible for shifting the lead from Blaydon. Died in 1773
1773 – 1779 Robert Morrow. (Winlaton steward?) 1779 letter says he is responsible for producing accounts for Lead Account and Land estate. He succeeded Matthew Reynaldson. Dismissed for being always drunk “almost constantly in liquor
Mr Emerson – 1794 – 1800
Land and Property
Wallington Steward
Based
Salary £100 for Wray
Responsible to: Chief steward
Responsible for: Managing Wallington estate and tenant farms
Tasks:
Postholders:
pre 1762 – 1767 William Robson. Died
1767 – 1768 Mr. Wray. After he left this position continued to provide advice about the value of standing timber on all the estates to Richmond. Lived in Hexham. A man of the same name supplied candles to Wolfcleugh mine in the 1770’s and 80’s.
1768 – 1775 Ralph Forster. Dismissed in disgrace
1777 Wallington leaves the Blackett portfolio on the death of Walter Calverley Blackett
Hexham Steward
Based
Salary
Responsible to: Chief agent
Responsible for: Oversight of the Blackett’s directly owned property in the Manor of Hexham. Receiving rents from Hexham estate, land agent matters in Manor of Hexham? Hexham Abbey?
Postholders:
pre 1756 – 1763 Richard Ellis. retired from receiving rents and succeeded by Bell
1763 – 1809. John Bell (c.1736 -1809). In 1770 Bell was given a house in Newcastle, but later moved back to Hexham Abbey. In November 1763 Richmond told Bell that he was required to give a bond as security to Sir Walter Blackett, suggesting no more than the £2000 which Ellis had given.
1809-39? John Bell junior (c.1775-1839) appeared to replace his father as Bailiff of the Manor of Hexham. Bell junior died in 1839 aged 64 (obit notice in Northern Liberator, 6th July 1839)
Hexham Court Steward
Based: Lawyer Wilson lived in Newcastle (at least in 1768)
Salary: In 1771 Wilson described as being on a “general retainer”.
Responsible to: The Blacketts
Responsible for: Must have had a function in the courts at Hexham, but also appears, often in conjunction with Mr Fawcett, to have given general legal advice on estate matters
Postholders: Until 1765 Mr Collingwood, who resigned then on ill health grounds
1765 – 1792(?) William Wilson (“Lawyer Wilson”) was appointed as “Steward of your (Mr Blackett’s) Head Courts.” He was dead by 1792. Not to be confused with Lawyer Richard Wilson of Leeds who bought the Kenton estates from Mr Blackett
Hexham Bailiff/Attorney
Based:
Salary:
Responsible to: The Blacketts or Beaumonts as Lords of the Manor of Hexham
Responsible for: The operation of the Manor of Hexham and its courts. Also appears to have done other legal work for the Blacketts. Senior to the Hexham Steward who was his deputy
1764 – 1801 Ralph Heron Bailiff of the Manor at Hexham. In 1776 Ralph Heron described as attorney. Acted in “law business” for the Blacketts. Died and succeeded by his son.
1801 – ? Walter Heron
Hexham Deputy Bailiff/ Clerk to the Court
? – 1764 – ? John Bell. Residing at Richard Ellis’s. 1769 Richard Ellis died and John Bell succeeded him. Was this as Hexham steward? Later John Bell lived at Hexham Abbey.
Land Steward
1803 – ? Mr Thomas of Denton Hall. In 1803 Diana and Colonel Beaumont appointed their first land steward for the northern properties. Diana had wanted this post holder to live at or near Dukesfield
London Attorney
Based: Grays Inn, London
Salary
Responsible to: The Blacketts
Responsible for: Legal matters to do with Blackett estates, including sales and leases. Acted as London bankers?
Postholder:
pre 1729 – 1759 Christopher Denton. Died.
1759 – 1777 William Alvey Darwin. Married in 1772. In 1777 retired from law and moved to Sleaford
1777 – ? Thomas Wall. Although Wall dealt mainly with Sir John Trevelyan’s accounts he did at first deal with wider Blackett accounts because Sir John Trevelyan was Sir Walter Blackett’s executor and it took a while to separate everything out. (Following Sir Walter Blackett’s death in 1777 John Trevelyan, his nephew, inherited the Wallington estate)
Newcastle Lawyer
Based: Newcastle
Salary: In 1769 described as having a “general retainer” from Sir Walter Blackett
Responsible to: The Blacketts
Responsible for: Dealt with legal issues concerning leases on estates, gives legal opinions on deeds etc. Often consulted together with Mr. Wilson. In 1769 Fawcett was chosen as the Recorder in Newcastle.
Postholder: pre 1757 – 1782 – ? Christopher Fawcett (“Lawyer Fawcett”)
Colonel and Diana Beaumont’s Yorkshire people.
Although the following had roles in Yorkshire in managing the Bretton estate, they were also involved in the management of the northern lead mines, particularly Mark Skelton, Cockshutt and Bowns. Their roles and responsibilities are currently unclear, and particularly their roles viz a viz the northern mines. Under the Beaumonts they seemed to have seniority over anyone in Newcastle. During the time of Sir Thomas Wentworth/Blackett, his Yorkshire affairs were managed by Luke Noble.
Bretton Land Agent
? – 1780’s – 1792? Joseph Deakin
1792 – 1796 Mark Skelton Snr. Attorney at law, Skelton had worked for the Beaumonts from at least 1790. In 1792, when they inherited, Colonel and Diana Beaumont appointed Skelton as land agent for the Bretton estates. He was dismissed in 1796 and died in 1825. Also concerned in financial matters in the northern lead mines
1796 – 1812 Charles Bowns. A lawyer and professional land agent, Bowns was appointed as senior agent on the Bretton estate at 4% of the rents. Letters show he had wider interest in the northern mines and visited with James Cockshutt. His role here is not clear. Bowns resigned his agency
1812 – 1828 George Horsington. Horsington was dismissed by Diana because she claimed that he kept two sets of books and that he brought his mistress to live close to Bretton. In a notorious case at York Assizes he sued Diana and was awarded £1,700.
Bretton Steward
? – 1800 Tweedale
1800 – Joseph Deakin His role is unclear. He was sent the lead mine and mill accounts when appointed
Confidential Adviser/Auditor? Accountant?
? – 1798 John Cockshutt was reported to be confidential adviser to Colonel Beaumont. He died in 1798 and was replaced by his brother
1798 – 1819 James Cockshutt. James Cockshutt’s precise role is unclear but, with Bowns, he was very influential in the northern lead mines, producing a number of proposals for structural reorganisation to the Colonel and Diana Beaumont. They evidently trusted his judgement. He died in 1819.
Lawyer
1812 – 1820 James Wheat. There were two James Wheat’s – father and son
1820 – ? Robert Rodgers
