Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 14 Nov 1795

John Ibbetson						Farnacres 14th November 1795



Sir

	Mrs Brown who farms Langley Castle grounds having had very great losses, but particularly of late Years by the death of several Horses etc entirely owing to the poisonous quality of the Lead Mill Smoke and Water impregnated with Particles of Lead Ore, which are unavoidably carried down the Stream that runs from Langley Mill thro’ Langley Farm, has applied to us and requested that the Grounds liable to receive injury from the Causes abovementioned may be taken by Greenwich Hospital and an Annual Allowance made to her out of the Rent of £112:10.. now paid for her Farm.

	In consequence of Mrs Browns application the Ground has been viewed and Messrs Mulcaster consulted upon the occasion and as they confirm what Mrs Brown has represented and think it absolutely necessary that the Hospital shd relieve her by taking the Ground in which the Horses etc have been poisoned, we on Monday last went upon the Spot and made an Estimate of the annual Value of the Ground amounting to Fifteen Pounds.

	As it is the Opinion of Messrs Mulcaster as well as ourselves that it will be impossible for Mrs Brown to continue her Farm, without being utterly ruined, unless the Grounds above referred to are taken from her, and an annual Allowance made to her, we beg to leave to recommend that being done by the Hospital, and. That such Allowance to the amount of Fifteen Pounds may be made to her upon the 12th Day of May annually. After the 12th Day of May 1796.

	Though the Grounds in which the damage has been done are certainly unfit for Cattle of any kind to Graze upon, yet we are inclined to think that considerable parts thereof may be made beneficial to Greenwich Hospital by being planted with Wood and therefore advise the Directors to make Tryal as to that in Winter 1796 & Spring 1797.

	We send you herewith Copies of the Proceedings of the Last Juries for the Baronies of Wark & Langley last Month, upon which as also what relates to the damaged Grounds near Langley Mill we shall be glad to receive the Boards commands & are Sir

	Your most obedt Servt

		Walton & turner