Letter – Shute Barrington to Arthur Mowbray – 21 Dec 1797

      Cav: Square Decemr. 21st 1797

Mowbray,

      I am so convinced that the inclosure at Weardale will add to the prosperity and plenty of the County of Durham, by the great quantity of Land which it must bring into cultivation, that it will have not merely my good wishes but (as far as I can go with propriety) my aid and assistance. I may not be able to assent to some things in an Episcopal Estate, which I might in what is merely my own private property. Not that I am aware of any difficulty arising in the present instance on that account; as in the only questionable point it seems to occur that of the limited Stints I perfectly approve of what is proposed the taking the opinions of the Attorney & Solicitor General. If they think I have no claim in that respect, my own inclination will be to abide by their decision.

      With regard to the Compensation for Tythes, it will probably be more desirable for the proprietors (and I am not apprized of any objection) that an Allotment in Land should be made at once, without embarrassing the Lands to be improved with any Money or other rents, and any encumbrances upon them. This is a subject I would wish them to consider among themselves and if they prefer such an allotment They will of <course> propose the proportion that has been usual in similar inclosure. I write the more freely and openly on the subject, and wish this letter to be communicated to the proprietors, as I hope that in consequence of it a liberal and candid discussion and arrangement will take place in the manner most beneficial to all the parties interested.

      I am, &tc

      S.D.

Public

      

      Cav: Square Decemr. 21 1797

Mowbray,

      I have very little to add to the letter which accompanies this: My wishes that the proprietors should arrange among themselves the terms on which they desire an Inclosure. If any part of their plan is liable to objection, as injurious to the just claims of the See, or The Rectory, or in any other respect it will be easy to explain the objection, and probably not difficult to obviate it.

      I should be better pleased if they would propose a small Allotment (four or five hundred Acres, or even less) for support of Parochial Schools &tc. If they would adopt the idea, on your own personal suggestion I should like it, but I do not wish you to press it. When the proportions of Allotment for The Lord & Church are fixed, the arrangement and application of them will be a subject of consideration for the Rector and me, and everything related to that matter may be put out of the question for the present.

      As the Allotments for the Leaseholders will be held for the same terms as the present Leasehold Estates are respectively held for I fear there will not be a sufficient length and continuity of tenure to encourage the Cultivation of them. This however is a subject of delicacy to me and any proposal about it can only originate with the Tenants. If you thought proper to have (as of yourself) a conversation on the subject with one of the longest and most liberal Leaseholders, he might probably make a proposition of a money rent in lieu of The Bishop’s interest; so as for him to have the Allotment in fee simple liable to a cheap rent per Acre, and I upon receiving that proposition, should have time to consider whether I can with propriety assent to it. If I can, the others will probably make the same application. I mention this in confidence and am

      &tc S.D.



Private

[annotated:]

Decemr. 21st 1797 Copy of two Letters to Arthur Mowbray