Letter – Arthur Mowbray to Shute Barrington – 22 Jan 1798

      Sherburn 22nd January 1798

My Lord,

      The Boring for Coal at Bedlington Buddell estimates £133 15s 0d. Extracts £76.5.0. together £210. and without a Boring, he thinks no one will lease the Mine at a fair Price. If the Seam is found, which he believes there is little doubt, on a Vend of 15,000 Chaldrons, which is deemed very moderate, the Colliery will pay a handsome Rent, and the Expenses of Winning, say from 12 to 16,000£ with Interest in twenty one years, and leave £3,000 p. ann profit.

      This is Mr. Buddell’s opinion in a Conversation I had with him last Week, but if a larger Vend can be had, the profits in Course will be more. This depends on Exportation, the Wayleave we consider very clear, as to what is to be worked from under the Leasehold to the high or old Staith, and by Mr. Pearson’s opinion a Stage Way from thence along the Freehold Waste to the deep Water in Cooper Pool; In Course, I hope, if we have the Coal safe, and good, we will find a Way without difficulty to the Markett.

      I will consult Buddell further as to the agricultural Report.

      I met at Wolsingham last Thursday the Committee deputed by the Land Owners of Weardale. Mr Pearson & Mr Scruton attended. The Acre Money for the stinted pastures they seem to object to. I shewed them my Report as to the Improvement (from the minutest Calculations) a division would cause; and, that the Land owners would annually receive £30,000. this they seemed to allow, but said, rather than give up their Rights, and pay Acre Money, they would continue as they are; they purpose having another Meeting, and desired that they would consider, and make a proposal as to the Share or Sum to be charged. I told them that probably your Lordship would consent to appropriate a part for Schools &tc &tc. However, after the Meeting Pearson, Scruton and myself were of Opinion that if your Lordship thought right, to write Coln. Beaumont and could procure a favourable Answer from him that he wished a division, such a Letter would completely do the Business, as one half of Weardale are influenced by the Coln. Such a Letter we wish to put into Scruton’s Hands, to shew to several of the proprietors, and if your Lordship approve and can procure it, the sooner the better.

      I am My Lord, Your Lordships very much obld. and most obdt. hble. Servt.

      Arthur Mowbray



P.S. Coln. Beaumont is in London.



The Honble. & Rt. Revd. The Lord Bishop  of Durham.