Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Ibbetson – 28 Sep 1791

John Ibbetson Esq.r

Farnacres 28th September 1791

Sir,

      Notices having been given of our intention to apply to Parliament for an Act for the Division of Allendale & Hexhamshire Commons, upon which the Hospitals Tenants have Common Right for Estates in Hexhamshire the rental of which amounts to £701. 17. 6 per ann., we have tho[ugh]t. proper to take the sentiments of the Tenants upon this business, and find that they are in general for a Division. — We thought it the more necessary to know their inclinations, as the Farms in Hexhamshire have been lately Let upon Leases for 21 years, There is a Provision in each Lease by which, in case of a Division taking place, the Tenants are to pay such additional Rents for the Allotments as shall be determined by persons to be indifferently chosen. We are not sufficiently informed as to the intended Terms upon which the Division is proposed to be carried into execution, but as soon as we do know, the Board may be assured we will write further upon the subject; however, in general, we think it is probable that it will be for the interest of the Hospital that a Division should take place, and that the expenses of obtaining the Act and making the Division will not be very considerable as it is proposed to sell Common to pay a part of that expence. — Independent of the other Advantages which may be expected from this Division, it will, in our opinion afford a good opportunity of settling a Boundary which has been in a dispute between the Lords of Langley Barony and the Lord of the Regality or Manor of Hexham time out of mind, and is part of the Boundary of the Common now intended to be divided. The Number of Acres in dispute is 868 most of which is barren Heath, and Acts of Ownership have been exercised by each of the adjoining Lords, in that it would seem to be by far the most eligible way, in settling this matter, to run a Line thro’ the Ground in dispute from East to West, so as that each Manor will have an equal quantity in every part, and to have that Line fixed by the Act to be obtained for the intended Division as the Boundary in all future times. This, in our opinion, will save a great deal of expence in litigation which may otherwise probably take place, and we have reason to believe that Sir Thomas Blackett, Lord of the Regality of Hexham, would be agreable to have this dispute settled in the above manner. We therefore beg to have all the Boards immediate Directions in this business, as a Bill is now preparing with intent to bring this matter before Parliament next Sessions.

      We inclose you our Cash Accot. for last Month upon which there is a Balance of £2350 —10¾ in favor of Greenwich Hospital, and our Contingent Accot. For Six Months ending 31st Augt. amounting to £472. 7: all which you are desired to lay before the Board, and you will be pleased at the same time to acquaint the Directors that we propose making a Remittance of £2000 — in a Post or two.

      Herewith you will receive Five Lead Mining Proposals which you are desired to lay before the Board. — We are,

      Sir Your most Obedt. Servts.

      Nich Walton Junr	JohnTurner