Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 18 Nov 1791

      Farnacres, 18th. Novem. 1791

Jn Ibbetson Esq.



Sir,

      Herewith you receive the Moor Masters Reports of Mines worked and unworked in the Manor of Alston Moor for Nine Months ending at Midsummer last and also an Account of all the Lead Ore raised at the sundry Lead Mines in the Manor of Alston Moor from Mich[aelmas] 1789 to Michs. 1790 with the Duty thereof all which you are desired to lay before the Board.

      On the 28th Septemr. last we acquainted you with an intention of applying to Parliament the insuing Session for an Act for the Division of Allendale and Hexhamshire Commons at the same time taking notice that exclusive of the other advantages which might be expected from the Dividing of the Commons it would in our opinion afford a good opportunity of settling a Boundary which had been in dispute between the Lords of the Barony or Manor of Langley and the Owners of the Regality or Manor of Hexham time beyond the memory of Man, being part of the Boundary of the Common proposed to be Divided; that the number of Acres in dispute was 868 most of which was barren heath and that acts of Ownership had been exercised by each of the adjoining Lords that it would seem to be by far the most eligible way in settling this matter to run a Line East to West through the Ground in dispute so as to give an equal quantity to each Manor in every part and to have the Line fixed by the Act to be obtained for the intended Division as the Boundary between the Two Manors in all Future Times; that in our opinion it would save a great deal of expence in litigation which might otherwise take place and that we have reason to believe Sir Thomas Blackett Lord of the Regality of Hexham would be agreable to have this dispute settled in the above manner and therefore desired the Boards immediate directions. Having received an intimation that Sir Thomas Blacketts principal Agent at Hexham is very desirous to have the Boundary set out as above described we think it our Duty to take the first opportunity of writing to you upon the Subject because we realy think the Boundary by dividing the Grounds equaly will be the best way of putting an end to a dispute which has so long subsisted that it may be a difficult thing to determine whether the Owners of the Barony of Langley or of the Regality of Hexham may have the advantage in point of Right. If the Board should agree with us in opinion they will be pleased to give the directions to proceed in this busyness with all possible expedition or otherwise an opportunity may be lost which may never again present itself and the intended Division be put an end to.

      A Bill is as we are informed now preparing but we are not yet so sufficiently acquainted with its contents or rather intended contents as to be enabled to write you satisfactorily upon the subject. 

      We are Sir, Your most Obedt. Servts.

      Walton & Turner



PS The Commons in Allendale & Hexhamshire are said by many of the Proprietors to consist of 60,000 Acres — 15000 Acres of the improvable parts of which it is proposed to inclose and that the remaining part shall be enjoyed in Common in certain proportions or Stints; but we beg leave to reserve ourselves for the present as to any opinion we are to give respecting what is intended as to the Divisions.