Letter – Henry Richmond to John Bell – 12 Sep 1765

To Mr John Bell at Mr Ellis’s in                                     Newcas[tle] 12th September 1765

Hexham



Sir          	You will see by the inclosed Letter wch I desire you will return me, that a Division of Keenley Common is resolved on by the Copyholders; in case they can obtain favourable terms of Sir Walter Blackett, as Lord of the Manor. Sir Walter desires you will consider the situation and circumstances of this Common, and what he should ask for his consent, and as an Equivalent for the restraints that may, by this inclosure, be laid upon his working the royalties. And whether it would not be better for him to have a certain annual sum, suppose 4d by the acre, or even less according to the general quality of the common rather than to take a sixteenth; as he has not, that I recollect, any Estate adjoining, to which his allotment can be laid- also you will consider what reservations are necessary whether the Limestone quarries should not be reserved, as Sir Walter has a draw kiln built there at present? Whether this common will be exempt from tithes for 7 years as barren heath within the meaning of 2nd & 3rd Edw[ar]d 6. Cap.13?  Whether there are any freeholds in the Grieveship, or that will be institled to a share of the common? Whether Sir Walter ought to make satisfaction for damage by working his Royalties; and if he ought, how the same is best to be ascertained? which with any other observations that may occur to you upon this matter I desire you will send me as soon as you conveniently can. If you are not well enough acquainted with the common you may write to Mr Westgarth of Coalcleugh for any Information you may want. I am etc  HR

P.S. Sir W[alte]r has appointed Lawyer Wilson to be the Steward of your Lead Courts in the room of Mr Collingwood who has resigned on acco[un]t of the precareousness of his health.