Letter – George Delaval to Joseph Soames – 20 Nov 1735

Sir

	As I find your name at the head of the Comissrs intrusted with the care of the late Lord Derwentwater Estate, and having the honr I hope to be remembered by you, I take the Liberty to acquaint you, that I am at present Tennant to that Estate for the Tyths for the Parish of Kirkwhelpington in the County of Northumberland in which lies a Considerable part of my Estate  But as some part of the Parish have this year refused to pay me Tyths where I conceive I had a right to demand them, I think it my obligation as much as it is my Interest to acquaint the Comissrs in what Manner I suffer in my Tyths.  I hope you will pardon me Sr that I give you this trouble in particular not knowing how to address my self to the Comissrs in General.

	The Duke of Somersett is Lord of the Mannor of Kirkwhelpington, in wch Township there are only two small Freeholds one belonging to Mr Aynsley of little Harle & the other to the Execurs of Daniel Cragy of Westfarle.  The Duke of Somersett at the instance of his Tennants agrees to a division of the Common belong[in]g to the Town of Kirkwhelpington some few years agoe & a proper share was sett off to Mr Aynsley and Cragy in right of their Freeholds.  The Duke’s Tennants pay Tyths for all their Lands, but the two Freeholds above mentioned pay a Modus wch they say extends to the share of Common allotted them upon the division but I am informd this Modus cannot include the Lands taken off the Common for which the Duke of Somersetts Tennants all pay me Tythe, As this is not only a loss to the Estate but to me as Tennant  I hope the Comissrs will order some proper Method to be taken by wch they may recover a right they undoubtly have to the Tythe of that share of the Common allotted the above mentioned Freeholders.          I am with Great respect

Sir	Your most Obedient Hble Servt   

      Geo Delaval

Bavington                                              

20th Novr 1735