Letter – Nicholas Walton to William Corbett – 29 Dec 1738

      Ravensworth Castle  Decemr  19 1738

To Wm Corbett Esqr



Sir

      Mr John Wake a Common brewer in Newcastle and of of [sic] good Repute has proposed to us to take Dilston House on Lease for 21 Years at £10 per Ann where he proposes setting up a Common Brewery & would by the two Coppers and other brewing [Implements] which are now a Dead Stock upon the Hospitals hands. He has given us an offer to be P[ar]tners with him in the undertaking which we have agreed to Accept of provided the Hospital have no Objection as we hope they will not in a thing that no way interferes in their Intrest.

      The present Tenant is James Thompson a Tenant at will at the yearly Rent of Six pounds with the allowance of 30 fother of Coales for Airing the Rooms, wch allowance of Coales we expect to have for that purpose. We presume it will be Necessary to advertise six Months according to the Act of Parliament so that any other person may have an opportunity of offering what Rent they please and as soon as it is so advertised a proposal shall be made by us in conjunction with Mr Wake and whatever any other person may offer for it we will give or More than any body.

      We hope the Directors will give their Concurance in this & we begg you will  lay it befor them at their first Meeting, so as no time may be lost in putting in an advertisement and youle greatly oblige

      Sr Your Most Hble Servts

      NW & HB