Letter – Nicholas Walton to Thomas Simpson – 30 Jun 1752

To Mr Simpson              				Ravensworth Castle  June 30 th 1752



Sir

      We rece’d your favor of the 24th Inst. and observe the Resolution of the Gentlemen of the Chapter of Carlisle have come to, in regard to the Renewal of the Leases of Dilston and Lorbottle Tythes.  In answer to which we do assure you we lett Lorbottle Tythes for no more than thirty six Pounds p annum, out of which we pay Land Tax and Four Pounds Dean and Chapter Rent.  That forty five Pounds p annum is our valuation of Dilston Tythes, out of which we also pay Land Tax and five Pounds p annum Dean and Chapter Rent. There cannot be any other Rental given of Lorbottle Tythes, that are lett to Mr Richd. Dobson for a Term of Years at £36 p Annum and that we receive of him and no more, and we are not able to give any particular valuation of Dilston Tythes.  We have been open with the Chapter, and desire to conceal nothing from them; and in order that they may have all the satisfaction we can give, we have thought it best to have a valuation made by indifferent Persons who compute Dilston Tythes to be worth fifty Pounds and tho’ it is contrary to our own judgement, we are ready to submit to it, to make an end.  We suppose no allowance is made for Land Tax, so that had the Tythes been renewed at the end of Seven years, the then Fine would have been Seventy and seven pounds, and consequently according to the method you mention, the Fine now would be one Hundred and ninety two Pounds and ten shillings.  This we will recommend to the Board of Directors to give on renewing these leases, and hope the Gentlemen of the Chapter will accept of it.  We doubt not but the Directors for Greenwich Hospital will enter into the same Covenants we did on the last Renewals, and as soon as the Fine is fixt, we will procure their Letter as you direct, together with the present subsisting Leases, and an authority to you to surrender them on granting new ones.  The Law Bill of £30..1.. due to Mr Dobinson with the Arrears of the customary Rent shall be paid with the Fine.  And as the Leases of Dilston Farms will expire before another Renewal, the Tythes shall be lett seperate, so that we hope no difficulties will attend any future Renewals.  We beg you will again see the Prebends and lay this which is a true state of the affair before them, and on receiving your answer the compleating the whole shall meet with no delay with us.  We beg our Complim’ts to the Prebends and are

      Sir your most obedt. hble. Servts.

      Nicholas Walton    Hugh Boag