Letter – Nicholas Walton to Richard Horne – 9 Oct 1750

To Mr Horne                                          Ravensworth Castle October 9th  1750



Sir      

      In looking through the Lead Mines in Alston moor I find a Discovery is made lately in a Rivulet called Crossgill Burn of a Vein which has in it malleable Lead; it lyes in such a situation that a Tryal of it may be made at a small expence, and as it is so uncommon a thing I would recommend it to the Board to make the Tryal at their expence.  I think it will not cost above £15 or £20.  The Mines in general are in a flourishing State and I hope will be more so as it is said the Earl of Carlisle will join some of the Adventurers in making some considerable Tryals.

      When I was at Hexham the Earl of Northumberlands Bailiff came to me and demanded several Rents payable out of Buteland Whittle Dilston and Corbridge.  I gave him for answer that we apprehended the said Rents were not claimed by the Duke of Somerset at the time of the Forfeiture and so of course were not due, but that I would acquaint the Directors of the Hospital with his having made a Demand and give him their answer which you will be pleased to enable me to do as soon as it is convenient.  You will be pleased to observe there are several Rents which have been formerly paid to the Duke of Somerset out of the Derwentwater Estate, but have been discontinued since Michaelmas 1736 for the reasons mentioned; a particular of which I send you inclosed with the Sums in an additional Column which are now demanded.  I suppose we shall in course have a demand made for all the rest, those now demanded being what falls within the District of the Bailiff of Corbridge.   I am for Mr Boag & Self

      Sir    Your most hble. Servt.       Nichos. Walton



The Farm Rents said to be payable out of the Derwentwater Estate to the Duke of Somerset, but not having been claimed or allowed by the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Estates of Certain Traitors are not paid yet

                                       Rents demanded

Spindleston for Castleward    £- 13  4

Do.         for cornage        -  2  8

Alnwick House and Closes       -  4  2

Middletonhall a Fee Farm Rent  - 10  -

Do.           a banquet        - 12  3

Do.           for Cornage      -  2  -

Buteland for Castleward        - 13  8      – 13  4

Do.      for Cornage           -  -  8      incl above 

Corbridge Eals                 -  9  6      1  2 10

Part of Dilston                -  6  -      incl above

Midrigg                        -  5  4      incl above

Dilston Estate                 - 13  4      - 11  4

Throckley Estate               2 15  7 1/2

Warkworth Burgage              -  1  1 1/2

The Manor of Derwentwater      -  2  -

Whittle for Castleward         -  4  6      -  6  8

Do.     for Cornage            -  1  4      incl above

                              £7 17  6