Letter – Henry Richmond to William Darwin – 18 Jul 1764

To Mr Darwin Greys Inn                                                          Newcas[tle] 18 July 1764

London



Sir      I have recd the copy of the deed between Sir W[alte]r Blackett and Sir Tho[ma]s Wentworth concerning Weardale Leadmines.

Inclosed herewith I send you a copy of certificate or constal, which I have just met with in Sir W[alte]rs Study describing the Leases that had been let by the Crown of mines in Hexhamshire before the Grant of the Manor to Sir J[o]n[atho]n Fenwick in wch it is worthy notice that the Lease to George Whitfield is of the Ninth part of all ore to be gotten in all Lands & Hereditam[en]ts in East & W[es]t Allandale wch are two very large Grieveships and in them it can be proved that there were many inclosed copyhold Estates at that Time a day; and no doubt many inclosed Freehold Estates too. Now if the Crown had a power to grant such a Lease in these two divisions of the manor will it not be presumed, till something is shewn to the contrary, that it had the same power in the other divisions? And that the two Leases to Sir J[o]n[atho]n Fenwick dated 1st Jan[ua]ry 3 Char[le]s 1st gave him a right to work for coals & Lead ore in all parts of the Manor, even in inclosed freehold Grounds unless such Grounds had been sold, together with the mines etc within the same, before the date of the said two Leased, or unless the mines were already Leased to other persons.

The owner of a Freehold Estate called Warden, and who does suit and service for the same at Anick Grange Court is now trying for a Leadmine in the said Estate. It would therefore be proper also to see how this Estate which belonged to the Monastry of Hexham was sold by the Crown. I am afraid we have not so good a foundation to go upon for the Royalties of this Manor as for those of Hexham and you will find so I fancy if you take the trouble of revising the case you made out when Kirkheaton was in Question.    I am etc                            H R