Letter – Henry Richmond to Walter Blackett – 18 Jan 1765

To Sir W[alte]r Blackett B[arone]t MP in                     Newcas[tle] 18th Jan[ua]ry 1765

Half Moon Street Piccadilly London



Hon[ou]rd Sir       I have sent under another cover by this post the petition for the Bridge at Hexham which by a Letter  from Mr Heron I find the Justices have ordered to be wrote over again with the addition of the word considerable. I have got it signed to day by such of the Commissioners of the Military road as I could meet with in Town.

Mr Blake did not come.

I see by the Memorandum relating to the rights of the Corporation that there was a Agreement made in 43 Hen 3rd with the Prior and Convent of Durham among other things, that their Tenants at So[uth] Shields should bake and brew only for themselves and not for Strangers. What the other things are that are contained in this Agreement I cannot tell. perhaps the Town Clerk may be able to find this Agreement, if you chuse to order him to search for it. If South Shields is allowed a Market the next thing will probably be an application for one for North Shields which is a more considerable Town. But as judgement was given against the Prior of Tinmouth, with respect to his claiming a Market at North Shields, in the Kings bench 7 Ed[ward]:1st; I should apprehend the same reason or Custom will hold against one at So[uth] Shields and that the Town of Newcastle will be prejudiced  thereby by lessening the markets here. But of this you are the best judge. I acquainted Mr Clayton yesterday of the contents of your Letter from Durham and he promised to speak to the ushers of the Head School and let me know their answer before post time, which is now so near That I must close my Letter expressing only the satisfaction I should have in knowing you are well after your Journey. I am etc   Hen Richmond.