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Miscellaneous documents

Reference: D/X 1015 Catalogue Title: Miscellaneous documents Area: Catalogue Category: Other Records Description: James Raine: letters to Edward Blore

Covering Dates: 1814-1824

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Catalogue Description

James Raine: letters (1814-1824) to Edward Blore, deposited 17 February 1993

(Acc: 2269)

James Raine was born at Ovington.

From a relatively early age he showed an interest in historical study. He became a close acquaintance of Robert Surtees who was to write The History and Antiquities of the County Palatinate of Durham. He also became friends with Edward Blore an illustrator who was to produce many of the plates for Surtees' History.

Raine was to become author of several historical works including St. Cuthbert, The History and Antiquities of North Durham, and also completed the last volume of Surtees' History following the death of Surtees. Indeed Raine was a founder member of the Surtees society.

During the period covered by the letters (1814-1824), Raine was employed in a variety of capacities. At the age of 21 he became a master at Durham School, he was later to become Dean and Chapter librarian and rector of Meldon in 1822.

For a full transcript of the letters with notes and introduction see Surtees Society vol 200, Raine Miscellany, edited by Angela Marsden. This volume is available in the searchroom. Note that there are slight differences in the order and numbering of the letters in this catalogue and the above volume.

Catalogue Contents

James Raine (1791-1858) (Ref: D/X 1015/1-33)

Letter from J. Raine of Ovington, not far from Romaldkirk, Yorkshire to Edw[ar]d Blore, esq., 10 Upper Tichfield Street, Fitzroy Square, London, reporting that the writer has been asked by the Dean and Chapter to make an index of their seals; also giving news of various friends and acquaintances, 9 January 1814
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine of Durham to Edw[ar]d Blore esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, asking the reason for Blore's short visit to Mainsforth [home of Surtees]; also asking that a seal be made for Mr. Carr (sketch of Carr's coat of arms included on letter); reporting that the writer will not proceed with the index of Dean and Chapter seals 'except they will allow me to have the charters', 5 February 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine of Durham to Edw[ar]d Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, stating that the writer is pleased by the impression of the seal made for him by Blore and wishes the seal to be sent to him immediately; also reporting that Smirke stayed only 2 weeks and only drew royal seals [held by the Dean and Chapter] 'as far down as John' for wood engraving; enclosing a plate of one of Bishop Ranulph's charters for Blore to make 'a facsimile engraving' on it; also giving news of friends and acquaintances, 9 May 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine of Durham to Edward Blore esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, asking what has become of the seals which were being made for the writer, Patrick George and Carr; also mentioning that Smirke has died and that Lysons would not benefit much from his sketches; mentioning that the writer does not know how Surtees' history is progressing; also that the writer has met Mr. C. Sharpe in Hartlepool with whom he corresponds on the subject of his [Sharpes] history; giving news of work done on restoring the cathedral and also news of acquaintances and members of the clergy, 23 August 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine of Durham to Edward Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, thanking Blore for the seals he had made for the writer, also reporting that Tom Shipperdson, 'our worthy though eccentric friend' has been appointed [as rector] of Bow; describing some discoveries made by the writer at the Bishop's Castle and Hart; also giving news of acquaintances and members of the clergy, 7 October 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine of Durham to Blore, asking that Mr. Carr and Mr. Georges' seals be forwarded immediately; also mentioning Dr. Whitaker [the historian]; reporting that S[urtees] 'has come to a determination to print the Coldingham papers, seals etc.' if the D[ean] and C[hapter] will not do so themselves, 22 November 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Mainsforth to Edward Blore esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, asking if the Pittington plate has arrived safely; also giving an account of how the other visitors are keeping themselves occupied during their visit to Mainsforth; also pointing out a few inaccuracies in the plates of the cathedral choir prepared by Blore for [Surtees] History of Durham; but mentioning that these errors should be easily rectified, 21 December 1815
(1 paper)


Letter from Ja[mes] Raine, Ovington, to Edw[ar]d Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London; reporting a discovery made at Staindrop [church] by Stothard [the artist]; also mentioning that the writer has been copying the section on the North Riding of Yorkshire from Dugdale's visitation of 1665; giving news of acquaintances and members of the clergy, 8 January 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edw[ar]d Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, concerning criticism of two of Blore's plates of the cathedral [for inclusion in Surtees' history]; also mentioning that the amended versions of the two plates are a great improvement; reporting that the writer has taken up etching and he wishes Blore to send impressions of plates for him to copy, 4 February 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, thanking Blore for the plate [sent to the writer to copy] and also asking that he send a set of points and pieces of copper [for etching]; also giving news of various forthcoming marriages, 4 March 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edw[ard] Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, concerning Dr. Whitaker, to whom the writer agreed to give up his 'mass of information' relative to Richmondshire in return for Blores engagement as Whitaker's draftsman; reporting on that matter that Whitaker cannot employ Blore exclusively but that he would be able to use him for 'drawing seals etc.'; also mentioning that Blore has most of the drawings of those seals which are worth engraving for Whitaker but that the writer would approach the Dean and C[hapter] to ask for leave [to draw or copy other seals or charters?]. (drawing of arms from Richmond church on reverse and fine pencil drawing on cover), 3 April 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edward Blore, esq., 6 Goswell Street Road, London, reporting that Dr. Whitaker is very anxious to get the writer's papers [about Richmondshire], but permission [to copy or engrave?] the seals of the Dean and Chapter seems unlikely to be given unless Blore agrees to 'furnish drawings of the seals'; also asking what has become of The History of Durham [by Surtees]; also stating the merits of The History of Hartlepool [by Cuthbert Sharp] and giving details of a discovery by Stothard [an artist] at Staindrop Church; giving details of forthcoming marriages and news of acquaintances, 26 May 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore, esq., at Mr. Naysmith's, 47 York Place, Edinburgh, relating that permission had been given at the annual chapter meeting for access to be given to original seals (see D/X 1015/11 and D/X 1015/12) and to the manuscripts held by Surtees; also reporting that the writer is thinking of drawing up a prospectus [for his book The History and Antiquities of North Durham] for publication in various newspapers; (also giving sketch of Vescy's seal), 23 November 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. R[aine], Durham to Edward Blore esq., Mr. Nasmyth's, 47 York Place, Edinburgh, writing to accompany a proof prospectus for The History and Antiquities of North Durham and mentioning that the writer would like the prospectus printed in an Edinburgh newspaper; also requesting on Mr. Surtees' behalf that Ralph Sherwood should be introduced by Blore to Walter Scott, (letter written on proof prospectus), Tuesday evening [10 December 1816?] postmarked 12 December 1816
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edward Blore, esq., Mr. Nasmyth's, 47 York Place, Edinburgh, explaining that the writer cannot send the Coldingham charters to Mr. Thomson as they have been misplaced in the library; also mentioning that the writer intends to spend his holidays at Bamb[o]ro[ugh] with Mr. Burrell and also that a hoard of coins had been found there, n.d. postmarked 22 May 1817
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edw[ard] Blore, esq., Mr. Naysmith's, 47 York Place, Edinburgh, concerning plans for the holidays; mentioning that the writer has been asked by Mr. Burrell to stay a few days at Broomepark prior to going with him to Bamborough but has also been asked by Mr. George to go to Edinburgh for a few days at the same time; enquiring whether Blore, if the writer were to come to Edinburgh, would accompany him back to Bamborough and spend a holiday there, 31 May 1817
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Broomepark to Edward Blore, 2 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, explaining that the writer and Mr. Burrell will not reach Bamborough until 2 July 1817, and asking if Blore wants to change his plans because of this, Saturday morning [28 June 1817], postmarked 29 June 1817
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore esq., 12 Quebec Street, London, concerning studies of various Northumberland castles to be made by Blore for Mr. Burrell; and also mentioning a rectorship at Brantingham which had been offered to Carr and is due to be offered to the writer if Carr refuses it; also reporting that Surtees is recovering after a fall from his horse and asking if [J.M.W.] Turner had reached London with his drawings of various County Durham locations, 7 December 1817
(1 paper)


Letter from [J. Raine] to Edw[ard] Blore, esq., 12 Quebec Street [Oxford Street], London, explaining that the writer is going to 'Teesdale rather than Tweeddale' due to a change of plan by Mr. Burnell [of Broompark]; also mentioning that the matter of who is to be rector at Brantingham has not yet been decided; also explaining the confusion regarding 3 proof impressions of Walter Scott which had been left at the writer's home, 16 December 1817
(1 paper)


Letter from J.R[aine] to Edward Blore, esq., 12 Quebec Street, Oxford Street, London, concerning drawings of Northumberland castles to be done for Mr. Burrell and also reporting thast the writer has been in Islandshire doing research; mentioning the beauty of the Berwick Corporation seal and also that the writer hopes to spend a few weeks in Berwick in summer; also mentioning the matter of subscriptions to various books and also asking for a list of subscribers [to the writer's book, The History and Antiquities of North Durham], stating that the writer is not to become vicar of Brantingham as Carr has accepted this living; asking if Blore wishes to spend summer at Broomepark, n.d. postmarked 26 January 1818
(1 paper)


Letter from J.R[aine], Durham to Edward Blore, esq., 12 Quebec Street, Oxford Street, London, asking why the writer has not heard from Blore for quite a time and also asking for a list of subscribers [to the writer's The History and Antiquities of North Durham] to be sent; also enquiring whether Blore had drawn the seal of Adam Swinburne, 16 February 1818
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore, 27 King Street, Portman Square, London, thanking Blore for the seal which he sent; also mentioning that the writer and Mr. Burrell visited Mainsforth and 'a general plan was formed to muster at Bamborough in the beginning of July'; also that the writer has postponed printing a subscription list to his history; giving news of the marriage of an acquaintance, 6 April 1818
(1 paper)


Letter from J. R[aine] to Edward Blore, esq., 28 King Street, Portman Square, London, stating that the writer is looking forward to seeing Blore in Bamborough in July; also informing Blore that 'they must contrive to visit Coldringham and Bedlington' and 'that drawings of the Farne Islands etc. remain to be made', 14 June 1818
(1 paper)


Letter from James Raine to Edward Blore, esq., at Mrs. Lucas', Ripon, stating that the writer is looking forward to meeting Blore in Richmond; and roughly explains the travelling arrangements, n.d., postmarked ? May 1820
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edw[ard] Blore, esq., Mrs. Lucas', Ripon, explaining that the writer was unable to visit Blore in Ripon due to Carr's ill health; also congratulating Blore on his recent marriage; mentioning the matter of engravings of the Coldingham seals for inclusion in the writer's History and Antiquities of North Durham, n.d., postmarked 13 May [1820?]
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Oxford Street, London, giving details of the writer's journey back [from London following a visit to Blore]; also including a poem by the writer about a warming pan and a sketch of the same, asking Blore to pass on the writer's regards to Rowland Hill and Mr. Ellis, 18 January 1821
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Oxford Street, London, mentioning that Mrs. Surtees is in Hendon looking after a sick friend; also requesting that the copy of the Ballads which the writer left at Blore's house should not be shown to anyone as 'he is under a promise to Surtees', 27 January 1821
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore, 56, Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, advising Blore about an old sword which the writer had promised to Dr. Meyrick; also mentioning armour at Holy Island and also the Newington Vestry Bill; also stating that the writer had been asked to give advice to the Dean and C[hapter] concerning their new catalogue of manuscripts; asking Blore to come to Berwick in summer; also including note addressed to Mrs. Blore regarding a warming pan which the writer had sent to her, 14 May 1821
(1 paper)


Letter from J. R[aine] to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square [London], mentioning the writer's pleasure that 'the seals of Scotland have been set right' and also advising that Blore's engraving of Bishop Flambard requires adjustment (includes sketch of adjustment required); also referring to Miller and his tithe case and stating that [Cuthbert] Sharp's appointment at Sunderland 'will furnish Joseph Hume [a politician] with a topic of conversation in the House of Commons', n.d. but cover annotated in later hand as 'after May 1821'
(1 paper)


Letter from J. R[aine] to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, London, mentioning discoveries made in the rolls chapel concerning Meldon, [the writer's new rectory] by Mr. Taylor; also referring to an original conventual seal of Durham which was 'blown down my [the writer's] chimney'; inviting Mr. and Mrs. Blore to visit the writer at Meldon 'as soon as the house and glebe are recovered from the great Greenwich Monster' [Greenwich Hospital], 16 March 1822
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine to Edw[ard] Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, stating [jokingly] that the writer intends to travel to Blores for a visit by coal keel or Berwick smack but mentioning later 'upon second thoughts I shall be safer in the mail [coach]', 14 December 1822
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, regarding the writer's forthcoming visit to Blore in London; also mentioning that the writer will 'try to comply with your [Blore's] request' regarding the Scottish Royal seals; requesting that a meeting be arranged between the writer and Mr. Caley who may be able to help with the writer's dispute at Meldon, (letter written on printed list of Durham School Christmas examination results, 1822), 24 December 1822
(1 paper)


Letter from J. Raine, Durham, to Edward Blore, esq., 56 Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square, London, stating that the writer has been successful in his claim against the directors of Greenwich Hospital regarding Meldon and that he now has entitlement to the tithes in kind or equivalent rather than 'the modus previously paid', also stating that Surtees has been dangerously ill but is now recovered; asking to subscribe to Blores Meditation among the tombs; also requesting that Mr. Petrie bring back a book lent by the writer as it is required to complete the catalogue of manuscripts [of the Dean and Chapter], 13 February 1824
(1 paper)