Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 14 Apr 1770

Part of Messrs Walton & Smeatons Letter of 14th Apr 1770 to J Ibbetson Esq



      We have been applied to by some of the principal Lessees of Mines in Alston Moor to lay it before the Board of Directors that they should contribute with them towards making convenient Roads in Alston Moor for the Carrying of the Lead Ore. The Governor & Company Wilkinson's Company and Sir Lanc. Allgood have already upwards of £400 in this Work of which Roads the Hospital has equally the advantage in the Carriage of their Ore while the Hospital Sold the Duty there could not properly be any call upon the Hospital on this Account because the Lessees are to deliver it at the Mines clear of all Charges; and it was not to be expected that the Purchasers of these Dutys for a year would become Voluntary contributors; but now that the Hospital are become Smelters it seems reasonable that the Hospital should contribute to a benefit enjoyed in common with the Lessees. A Piece of Road has been pointed out to us as necessary to be made at Nenthead where the principal Mines are and which will connect the principal pieces of Road already made together: it measures 528 yards extending from Rampgill Shop to Nenthead Smelt Mill and is estimated to cost £50 -- and we are assured that it will be Undertaken for that Sum or less: we therefore recommend it to the Directors to contribute that Sum of Money towards the making of the Carriage Roads in Alston Moor to be laid out in the place above mentioned or elsewhere as shall be seen as most convenient and without Specifying the particular place.





At a Meeting of the Directors of Greenwich Hospital at Salter's Hall on Wednesday the 25th April 1770.



A Letter from the Recrs. dated the 14th Instant was read. Resolved That they be empowered and directed, for the reasons they have given, to contribute the Sum of £50 towards the making of Ore Carriage Roads in Alston Moor; to be laid out on the place mentioned in their said Letter, or elsewhere, as shall be found most convenient.