Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 26 Dec 1797

      Sherburn 26th Decr. 1797

My Lord,

      On Saturday last Scruton informed me that the Land-owners of Weardale had desired the meeting to be postponed for a few days, as they were not quite ready; this gives a little Time in Case any Thing occur.

      I see no Hardship in Lockwoods paying Money that he received at Mayday last.

      I am persuaded that some propositions will be made by the proprietors as to Parochial Schools, I gave the hint thro’ Scruton.

      As your Lordship does not like Rent Charges in Lieu of Tithe, would it not be better to name three proper persons in the Act to ascertain what ought to be a fair Compensation to the Rector for Tithes, to be allowed in Land.

      If the Leasehold Allotments could be made free, by the Act, on payment of about nine years purchase, this would encourage the division, and raise I do suppose a good Sum of Money; to be applied, in part, to the Building of Chapels, and the Residue in Land or public Securities for the Benefit of the See. This is the first Thought on this point. If this or something similar is not adopted, probably giving a little Encouragement in Renewals at the outset may be right.

      I have had a Letter from Buddle, he advises Boring for Coal at Bedlington. I have wrote and desired him to forward me an acc[oun]t of what he recommends, and the probable Expense; that I may lay it before your Lordship. I’ll have the Survey fixed with him, one Way or the Other soon, and it shall by one or both be put forward.  I have received a Letter from Lawson as to the half years Interest of £1000 / Bedlington which I will remit tomorrow. He asks to have the Principal at Mayday next, I will write that I will consider it, and give him an Answer shortly.

      I have had a good deal of Talk with Mr. Pearson on the Weardale Business, every Care shall be taken in the proceedings in drawing the Case, and in expediting the Business; by

      My Lord, Your Lordship’s very much obld. & mot. obdt. able. Servant.

      Arthur Mowbray



The Honble. and Right Revd. The Lord Bishop of Durham.