Letter – Nicholas Walton to Henry Wastell – 1 Jan 1742

To the Rev Mr Wastall				Ravensworth Castle January 1 . 1741 



	Soon after you acquainted us with your Intentions of Dividing * Inclosing a part of Wark Common we represented it to our princip[a]ls which you have a Transcript of Their answer thereto

	‘The Rec[eiver]s acquainted the Board they have lately been Informed that the Freeholders who have a share in the Herbage of Wark Common intend to apply to Parliament for an Act to Impower them to divide a part of it, in which division they Acknowledge the Comiss[ioner]s as Lords of the Mannor and wou’d accordingly set them off their share without putting the Hospitall to any Expence; and that it may appear to be an advantage to the Hospitall, the Rector of Simonburn will take to farme the Comiss[ioner]s Allotment at a Reasonable Rent for a Terme of Years.

	‘Ordered that the Receivers do send the Board an Accot. of the Extent of the Common & the Custom of the Mannor, & what number they may be who have a Right of Common and ro Acquaint the Freeholders, that if they do not lay the whole of their proceedings before the Directors & have their Consent before they go to Parliament they shall oppose their application.’



      You will therefore be pleased to acquaint the Freeholders with what the Board require and give us your answer as soon as you can in which please to mention what number of acres are in ten ded to be inclosed with the name of the part of the common: The  Number & Names of the Freeholders & what proportion the Hospitall will be intituled to according to the Custom of the Mannor & when that is done it shall have no delay with Sir

      Your most Hble Servts Walton & Boag