Catalogue

4 November 1572 Letters Patent granting to Sir George Bowes of Streatlam, Knight (for services in the 1569 rebellion) and to David James and John Hutton, yeomen: the Manor of Bradley formerly the property of Robert Tempest and Michael his son, the Manor of Scruton and Markington, Yorkshire, formerly the property of Thomas Markenfeld, with all lands, messuages, mills, fisheries and all customary courts and rights in Bradley, Rogerley, Frosterley, Sonneyside, [B]lackbancke, Dryborneside, Newlandside, Rutoppe and Wolsingham and at Scruton and Markington, Yorkshire; 4 messuages and [120?] acres of land at Colyerley in the occupation of Thomas Coke, Richard Wright, Matthew Parker and Richard Pye; a messuage with lands and appurtenances in Vyhurst alias Ivyhurst in the occupation of Anthony Hall; 11 bovates of land and messuages and their appurtenances in Morden alias Mordon in the occupation of William and Robert Thomson and Thomas Mason; a messuage lands and appurtenances in Brusplatte in the occupation of William Dowthwayte (all the above formerly the property of Robert and Michael Tempest); 2 messuages and appurtenances and lands in Sunderland in the occupation of Gerard Salvin and Anthony Gelson formerly the property of John Swynborne; a messuage called Carterhouse in Fysheborne with all lands and appurtenances there in the occupation of Thomas Gale alias Gayles and Margaret his wife; a messuage, 4 closes of land and the herbage of two copices called Dalbanck Sprynge and Myddelton Spring at Dalbanck, Yorkshire in the occupation of Robert Markenfelde and late the property of Thomas Markenfelde; messuages and lands at Unthanke in the parish of Romylkyrke, Yorkshire; messuages and lands in Ellerton cum Bolton, Laverton, Grantley cum Hungate and Kyrke Staynley, Yorkshire, late the property of Thomas Markenfelde Granting all customary rights and privileges enjoyed by the previous owners of the lands to the use of G.B .,J. H. and D.J. and the heirs of G.B.in fee farm. Holding the Manors of Bradley and Scruton and premises in Rogerley Wolsyngham and Scruton in chief by the service of 1/40th part of a knight's fee; the Manor of Markyngton and the property in Colyerley, Ivyhurst, Lynte, Morden, Brusplat;Le, Sunderlande, Fyssheborne, Dalbanke, Unthanke, Romylchurche, Ellerton cum Bolton, Laverton, Grantley cum Hungate and Kyrke Staynley in free socage as with the Manor of East Greenwich Subject to: the life interest of Dorothy, wife of Michael Tempest, in the Manor of Bradley and property in Rogerley, Wolsingham etc; 13s.4d. annual rent from the Colyerley property payable to Kypyer Hospital; 15s.6d. annual rent from the Colyerley property to the Bishop of Durham; 10s.8d. annual rent from the Ivyhurst property to the Bishop of Durham; 43s.4d. annual rent from the Manor of Scruton and lands there to the heirs of Sir Christopher Pykeringe,Knight; 6s.8d. annual rent from the property at Dalbanke to the Archbishop of York; 4d. annual rent from premises in Unthanke and Romylkyrke to the said George Bowes; 9s.4d. annual rent from premises in Ellerton cum Bolton to Henry, Lord Scrope Fee farm rents to the crown: for the Manor of Bradley and lands in Rogerley and Wolsyngham £15 11s.3d. payable at the feasts of St. Martin in the winter (11 November) and Pentecost; for lands etc. at Colyerley £4; for property at Ivyhurst 16s.10d; for property in Morden 106s.8d. for property in Brusplatte 26s.8d; for property in Sunderlande £7; for property in Fyssheborne 40s.; for the Manor of Scruton etc. £11 4s.4d.; for the Manor of Markyngton etc. £7 11s.10d; for property in Dalbancke 53s.4d. for property in Unthanke 26s.4d; for property in Ellerton cum Bolton £4 3s.11d.; for property in Laverton 10s.; for property in Grantley cum Hungate 52s.; for property in Kryske Staynley 8s.2d

12 May 1655 (1) Joseph Cradocke of Harperley Hall, Doctor of Laws (2) George Bowes, second son of Ralph Bowes of Bradeley Hall, Esquire Bargain and sale by (1) to (2) of the yearly fee farm rent of £15 11s.3d. issuing out of the Manor of Bradley Consideration: 5s.

Office copy of the will of Ralph Bowes of Braidley, Esquire, bequeathing £500 to son Thomas Bowes and daughter Mary Bowes charged on the Manor of Braidley by the within recited power of appointment, 29 October 1681

1 - 2 May 1732 (1) Thomas Bowes of Bradley, Esquire, and Elizabeth his wife (2) Thomas Baker of Harperley, gentleman (3) Anthony Atkinson of Woodfield, gentleman Copy lease and release by (1) to (2) of the Manor of Bradley with Bradley Hall and Bradley Mill, Garfoot's Farm, Breckinghill and Snape Gate and other lands at Bradley as specified, being a deed to lead the uses of a common recovery; covenant by (1) to levy a fine that (2) may become tenant to the praecipe

7 June 1732 (1) Thomas Baker, gentleman, Plaintiff (2) Thomas Bowes, Esquire, and Elizabeth his wife, Deforceants Final concord of the manor of Bradley Consideration: 170 marks of silver

11 July 1732 (1) Anthony Atkinson, gentleman, Demandant (2) Thomas Baker, gentleman, Tenant to the praecipe (3) Thomas Bowes, Esquire, Vouchee Exemplification of a common recovery of 23 June 1732 of the Manor of Bradley, 20 messuages, 1 mill, 600 acres of land etc.

23 January 1753 Probate of the will of Thomas Bowes of Bradley, Esquire (dated 25 November 1751), devises real estate in Bradley and the township of Bradley with all his unsettled estates in Durham and copyholds in Wolsingham townfields etc. to George Bowes of Streatlam Castle and others for 600 years upon trust to pay £40 p.a. to his wife for life and raise various portions, subject thereto to younger son Robert Blakistone Bowes and his heirs

30 - 31 January 1756 (1) Robert Blakiston Bowes of Durham, gentleman (a son and devisee of Thomas Bowes late of Bradley) (2) Elizabeth Bowes of Durham, widow (relict of Thomas Bowes) (3) Ralph Clement of Hill Top in the parish of Forsett, Yorkshire, gentleman (4) Ann Clement of Hill Top, daughter of (3) Lease and release by (1) and (2) to (3) (being a settlement in contemplation of the marriage of (1) and (4)) of the Manor of Bradley and messuages, lands and farms there as specified to the use of (1) and (2) as specified and after the death of (2) (charged with a £60 annuity to (4))to the use of (2) and his heirs. Covenant of (3) with (1) to pay £500 within six months after the marriage and £1000 within six months of the death of (3) and his wife subject to various conditions; covenant by (1) to surrender copyholds to trustees nominated by (3) as further security for the annuity; covenant by (1) with (2) to allow (2) to receive a moiety of the rents of mines and quarries for life Duplicate of release

11 November 1762 (1) Robert Blakiston Bowes of Bradley, Esquire and Ann his wife (2) Ralph Clement of Hill Top, Yorkshire, gentleman, and Ann his wife (3) Sir Thomas Clavering of Axwell Park, Bart, and Christopher Wilkinson of Thorpe, Yorkshire, Esquire (4) Anthony Rakestraw of Barnard Castle, gentleman and Francis Haswell of Horsley, gentleman (5) Farrer Wren of Binchester, Esquire, and John Westgarth of Unthank, Esquire Release by (1) to (3) being an additional settlement of the manor of Bradley Bradley Hall, the farms of Brecken Hill and Snape Gate, Bradley Corn Mill and other lands and messuages specified in Bradley with all customary rights, courts etc, subject to an existing term of 600 years and annuity of £60 charged thereupon, upon trust for R.B. Bowes, Thomas Bowes his only son and their descendants as specified. Recites the will of Thomas Bowes of Bradley (1751) and subsequent deeds

15 June 1763 (1) Robert Blakiston Bowes of Bradley, Esquire (2) Henry Atkinson of Newcastle upon Tyne, merchant Mortgage by demise of 2000 yearsby(l)to (2) of the Manor of Bradley and lands and messuages in the said manor as specified Consideration: £900

31 July 1766 (1) Robert Blakiston Bowes,late of Bradley Hall, now of Sledwish, Esquire (2) Henry Atkinson of Newcastle upon Tyne, Esquire (3) Henry Thorpe of Bishop Auckland, Esquire Assignment by (2) to (3) of a mortgage by demise of 2000 years (D/CG17/10) as recited, also reciting that (1) has repaid £400 Consideration: £500

2 May 1767 Probate of the will of Robert Blakiston Bowes (late of Bradley Hall now of Winston) dated 13 January 1767,reciting D/CG17/10 and confirming its provisions, and bequeathing all personal estate to his wife

25 June 1774 Probate of the will of Ann Bowes of Bradley Hall, widow of Robert Blakiston Bowes dated 18 May 1774) devising the manor and estates of Bradley in the parish of Wolsingham upon trust for her son Thomas for life with power to charge annuities, jointures etc, with remainder in default of issue to testatrix's daughters

29 - 30 August 1779 (1) Thomas Bowes of Durham, Esquire, (only son and heir of Robert Blakiston Bowes) (2) Anthony Rakestraw of Barnard Castle, gentleman (who has survived Francis Haswell) (3) Henry Mills of Willington, Esquire and George Clement of Chester-le- Street, tanner (4) Christopher Johnson of Queen Street, Durham, gentleman (5) Francis Johnson of Aykley Heads, Durham, gentleman Lease and release by (1) to (4), being a deed to lead the uses of a common recovery of the manor and estate of Bradley

28 September 1779 (1) Francis Johnson, gentleman, Demandant (2) Christopher Johnson, gentleman, Tenant to the praecipe (3) Thomas Bowes, Esquire, Vouchee Exemplification of a common recovery dated 1 August 1779 of the manor and estate of Bradley (10 messuages, 500 acres of land etc) at Bradley, Wolsingham and Thornley

15 - 16 July 1782 (1) Thomas Bowes of Durham, Esquire (2) Jane Waugh of Durham, widow, and Robert Waugh of Sheffield, Yorkshire, gentleman Lease and release by (1) to (2), by way of mortgage, of the manor and estate of Bradley as specified Consideration: £300

14 - 15 February 1785 (1) Jane Waugh of Durham widow, and Robert Waugh of Sheffield, Yorkshire, gentleman (2) Thomas Bowes of Durham, Esquire (3) John Rakestraw of Barnard Castle, cordwainer (eldest son and heir of Anthony Rake straw) (4) The Revd Henry Hildyard of Bishop Auckland, clerk (executor and residuary legatee of Henry Thorp (5) James Smithson of Sunderland near the Sea and Jane his wife (formerly Jane Bowes, only daughter of Robert Blakiston Bowes) (6) Sir Thomas Clavering of Axwell Park, Baronet (who survived Christopher Wilkinson) (7) Farrer Wren of Binchester, Esquire (who survived George Bowes of Streatlam Castle and John Westgarth) (8) John Andrews of Hallgarth Street, Durham, Esquire (9) Bowes Grey of Durham, Esquire (10)John Tempest of Winyard, Esquire Lease and release by (1) (2) and (3) to (9) of the manor and estate of Bradley free from the equity of redemption contained in D/CG17/16 upon trust for (8) for a term of 3000 years (by way of a mortgage by demise) and upon repayment of £3000 due by (2) upon trust for (2) Assignment by (4) to (10) of a term of 2000 years and by (6) to (10) of another term of 2000 years and by (7) to (10) of a term of 600 years upon trust for (8) during the continuance of the mortgage and otherwise upon trust to attend the freehold. Recites previous deeds Consideration: £500 (8) to (4), £1500 (8) to (5), £300 (8) to (1), £700 (8) to (2)

22 - 23 May 1786 (1) Thomas Bowes of Durham, Esquire (2) John Andrews of Halgarth Street, Durham, Esquire (3) Henry Stapylton of Norton, Esquire (4) William Ambler of the South Bailey, Durham, Esquire and William Hoar of Durham, Esquire (5) Hendry Hopper of North Bailey, Durham, gentleman (6) John Tempest of Winyard, Esquire Lease and release by (1) to (4) of the Manor and estate of Bradley as specified upon trust to raise the sum of £3000 on 15 August 1766 for (3) and repay (2),thence upon trust to raise £2000 on the premises on 23 November 1766 otherwise upon trust for (1); covenant by (1) to surrender copyholds in the manor of Wolsingham to (4) upon the above trusts; assignment by (2) to (5) of a term of 3000 years of the Manor and estates of Bradley upon trust for (2) thence upon trust for (3) and otherwise upon trust to (3) attend the freehold of the premises; declaration that (6) is to stand seised of the premises comprised in three terms of 2000, 2000 and 600 years upon trust for (2) thence for (3) and subject thereto upon trust to attend the freehold; covenant by (2) to produce the deeds specified in the annexed schedule. Recites previous deeds Consideration: £2000 (3) to (1), £3000 owed by (1) to (2)

Duplicate of D/CG17/18

24 March 1853 (1) Revd. James Raine of Crook Hall, Durham, clerk; William Thomas Greenwell of Goulburn, Lancashire, Esquire; John Fogg Elliot of Elvet Hill, Durham, Esquire (executors of Thomas Bowes of Durham, deceased) (2) Thomas Baker the elder and Thomas Baker the younger, both of Bradley Hall near Wolsingham, farmers Counterpart lease from (1) to (2) of Bradley Hall Farm (730a.) for 10 years Rental: £395 p.a. plus £20 p.a. for every acre converted to tillage

Abstract of title (1785 - 1855) of James William Smithson, Esquire, to the Manor and estate of Bradley in the parish of Wolsingham, 1855

Abstract of a conveyance of 24 July 1855 from Thomas Bowes Smithson and others to James William Smithson of the Bradley and Thornley estates upon trust for sale, 1855

14 August 1855 (1) James William Smithson of Cephalonia, residing in Milan, Esquire (2) William Branson of Witton Gilbert, gentleman (3) George Smith of Durham, gentleman (4) John Straker of Newcastle upon Tyne, coalowner Copy conveyance from (1) to (2) of numbers 44 and 45 Old Elvet (two houses on the north side of the road) in the parish of St. Oswald and City of Durham; declaration barring dower; covenant by (1) and (4) to produce deeds specified on annexed schedule and recited in this deed Rent: 4d. p.a. to the Dean and Chapter Consideration: £465

14 August 1855 (1) James William Smithson of Cephalonia residing in Milan, Esquire (2) Thomas Hutton of Leazes Place, Durham, bookbinder (3) John Straker of Newcastle upon Tyne, coalowner Copy conveyance from (1) to (2) of a messuage and garth on the south side of Claypath; declaration barring dower; covenant by (1) and (3) to produce deeds specified in annexed schedule and recited in this deed Consideration: £520

Declaration by John Fogg Elliot of Elvet Hill, Esquire, regarding the family of Smithson, the residuary devisees under the will of Thomas Bowes, 8 November 1855

Opinion of Martin Dunn of Newcastle upon Tyne upon the tithe to the Bradley estate for the Smithson to Straker conveyance, 16 July and 19 November 1855

5 June 1856 (1) John Straker of North Shields, Northumberland, coal owner (2) The Stockton and Darlington Railway Company Copy covenant of (1) with (2) to produce specified title deeds relating to the Thornley Pit House Estate recently purchased by (2)

26 August 1856 (1) John Straker of North Shields, Northumberland, coal owner (2) The Revd. James Raine of Crook Hall, Durham, clerk, and John Fogg Elliot of Elvet Hill, Durham, Esquire Copy covenant of (1) with (2) to produce specified certificates of baptism, marriage etc. of the Bowes and Smithson families

26 August 1856 (1) John Straker of North Shields, Northumberland, coal owner (2) James Thompson of Bishop Auckland, timber merchant Copy covenant of (1) with (2) to produce the specified certificates of baptism, marriages etc. of members of the Bowes and Smithson families

Miscellaneous copies of baptism, marriage and burial certificates and related papers of the Smithson family. [Several of these relate to the United States of the Ionian Islands and are in Greek, 1813 - 1854

Letter from A. Storey at Durham to John Straker at Tynemouth discussing and forwarding title deeds to the Bradley estate etc., 16 December 1856

Extract from the Thornley Inclosure Award as to the allotments at Thornley Pit House awarded to Thomas Bowes (1772) with plan attached. This copy c.1850

Extracts from documents proving the payment of Miss Mary Smithson's legacy of £1000, 1845

Schedule of deeds(1572 - 1887)and documents relating to the Bradley Estate, 1893

1859 (1) John Straker of Tynemouth, Northumberland, Esquire (2) John Bradley Draft Lease from (1) to (2) of a parcel of land near Tow Law in the parish of Wolsingham for 11 years from 13 May 1859, reserving game and the right of (1) to repossess part of the lands for building lots etc. upon paying due compensation. Memorandum that (1) will pay all rates and taxes

20 July 1860 (1) John Straker of Tynemouth, Northumberland, Esquire (2) Joshua Bates and Thomas Baring, both of Bishopgate St., London, Esquires Copy of a deed of covenant by (1) to sell to (2) two parcels of ground in the parish of Wolsingham (17a.0r.2p.) as specified on the annexed map for £762 4s.8d., with an option expiring on January 1st 1870 for (2) to purchase two other plots of land (8a.3r.29p) in the said parish for £535 18s.4d; covenant by (2) to compensate any tenants of (1) as necessary

Schedule of husbandry for the part of the Bradley Estate in Mr. Baker's occupation, 1855 - 59

A list of proprietors of land in the parish of Wolsingham, n.d. [c.1860]

Miscellaneous offers for Bradley Hall and Brecken Hill farms, including letters of recommendation of W. Stobbs, 1859

Half yearly rental accounts for the Bradley Hall Estate with occasional covering letters from J. Roddam to John Straker, 1 January 1857 - 31 December 1874

Fire insurance policies and receipts for premiums for timber on the Bradley estate etc., 1868 - 1875

Abstract of the will of John Straker (12 May 1873) with various codicils, probate and appointment of trustees, whereby Bradley New Hall, Bradley and Snape Gate estates were settled on testator's son Herbert, 1893

Succession Duty accounts relating to the Bradley Estate, with details of the tenants, rental and area of the estate, 1887

18 July 1891 (1) Herbert Straker of Hartforth Grange, Richmond, Yorkshire, Esquire (2) Isabella Straker of Stagshaw House, Corbridge, Northumberland, widow (3) Charles Edmund Straker of High Warden, Northumberland, Esquire, and Frederic Straker of Stagshaw House, banker (trustees) Settlement of £11000 by (2) upon trust for her son (1) and his issue as specified. Power to (1) and (3) to raise up to a moiety of the vested or presumptive share of any child or grand-child of (1) for their respective advancement. Specification of suitable investments for the trust fund

18 February 1905 (1) John Coppin Straker of The Leazes, Hexham, Northumbeland, Esquire; Joseph Henry Straker of Howden Dene, Corbridge, Esquire; Charles Edmund Straker of High Warden, Hexham, Esquire; Alfred Hassall Straker of Stagshaw House, Corbridge, Esquire; and Frederic Straker of Angerton, Northumberland, Esquire (2) Herbert Straker of Hartforth Grange, Richmond, Yorkshire, Esquire (3) A.H.S. and F.S. above mentioned (trustees) Deed of covenant of (1) with (3) to pay £250 per half year to (2) for life reciting that (2) was a residuary legatee of John Straker with (1) but he was allotted securities in lieu of a share in Strakers and Love in view of his partnership debts in William Whitwell and Co. (This covenant represents an adjustment in favour of (2) in view of the increased worth of Strakers and Love)

Letter from Herbert Straker at Hartforth Grange to Clayton and Gibson regarding payments due under D/CG17/116, 4 July 1921

29 April 1925 (1) Charles Edmund Straker of High Warden, Hexham, Northumberland, Esquire; Herbert Straker of Hartforth Grange, Richmond, Yorkshire, Esquire; Frederic Straker of Angerton, Northumberland, Esquire; John Allgood Straker of The Leazes, Hexham, Esquire (the executors of Alfred Hassall Straker) (2) Herbert Straker aforesaid Assent of (1) to the bequest to (2) of one half share in the business of Strakers and Love, coal owners, reciting the will of A.H. Straker

Estate Duty and Succession Duty papers relating to the interest of Herbert Straker deceased in the 1891 settlement D/CG17/115, December 1929

Correspondence from J.J Roddam, Newtown, Stanhope to John Straker concerning the Bradley estate, lettings and tenancies, woodland, commons and inclosures, building of the Wear Valley Railway,agricultural topics and general estate business, game, dealings with Mr. Attwood re slag and iron works, building sites at Tow Law, possible sale of land by the Hon. H.A. Coventry etc., 11 September 1855 - 24 July 1873

Miscellaneous correspondence, accounts etc. between John Straker, Tynemouth; J.J. Roddam, Stanhope; Charles Attwood, Tow Law (including agreement for compromise in Straker v Attwood on behalf of the Weardale Iron Company); Thomas Baker, Bradley; Captain John Fenwick North Shields; James Fenwick, Bradley; Thomas Fenwick, Leeds; the Stockton and Darlington Railway Company; John Morley, Mining Engineer, Darlington; William Rutter; Thomas Sibbald, Bishop Auckland; A. Storey, Durham; Walker and Son (the Percy Ironworks),Newcastle upon Tyne; and others regarding Bradley estate matters, tenants, plantations, building works, conveyances and Straker's general business affairs, 29 November 1855 - 20 May 1879

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV 10 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Shows boundary of Bradley Hall estate Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV II 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV 13, 2nd edition, 1897 Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV 13, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV 14, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Show boundaries of the Bradley estate with certain annotations Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXV 15, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXXIII I, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Scale: 1 t6 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXXIII 2, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Shows field names acreages and boundaries of Bradley Hall estate Scale: 1 to 2500

Ordnance Survey plan, sheet XXXIII 6, 1st edition, 1856 - 1858 Shows boundary [of Bradley Hall estate?] Scale: 1 to 2500

Plans and elevation of unspecified house; n.d. [c.1860] No scale

Plan of lands adjoining the Lobley Hill Road and New Hall Estate, n.d. [c.1860] Scale: [c.1:2500]

Plan of New Hall Estate adjoining Bradley Hill and the Lobley Hill turnpike, n.d. [c.1860] Scale [c.1:2500]

Sketch plan of land near Bradley toll bar, Wolsingham, on the Lobley Hill and Burtryford Turnpike road, n.d. [c.1860] Scale: 1:2500

Plans of land purchased from Greenwell (plot 5), near Tow Law iron works, n.d. [c.1860] No scale [c.1:2500]

Plan of land at Tow Law adjoining that of The Weardale Iron and Coal Co., Ltd. and the Tow Law to Thornley road, n.d. [c1860] Scale: 1 to 2500

Bill of costs from Abraham Story to John Straker, 1866 - 1870

Receipt of Barclay and Co., Ltd. for various railway share certificates from Messrs. Charles Edmund and Frederic Straker, 14 January 1916