Catalogue

14 January 1723/24 (1) Thomas Bowes of Durham City, gent. (2) Robert Wharton of Durham City, gent. Mortgage for the residue of a term of 21 years for securing a further £500 and interest in closes called Woodhouses or Woodhouse Closes and Bracks with appurtenances near Bishop Auckland

19 and 20 May 1726 (1) George Bowes of Bradley, esq.; Elizabeth Varey of Gateshead, widow; and Hutton Middleton of London, gent., executors of the late Thomas Cradock of Durham City, esq. (2) Thomas Bowes of Durham City, gent. (3) Richard Smith junior of Old Elvett, Durham City, gent. Lease and release from (1) to (3) to the uses of (2) as specified of the manor of Appleton upon Wyske, Yorkshire, with messuages and lands in the townships of Appleton upon Wyske and Brumpton upon Swaile, Yorkshire; messuages and lands at Quarry Hill, Brancepeth, formerly the estate of the late Thomas Cradock; and all those messuages called Woodhouses/Daniel Woodhouses in the parish of Saint Andrew's Auckland with all tithes whatsoever, in the possession of (2)

17 September 1632 (1) Linley Wrenn of Binchester, esq. (2) Ralph Tateham of Rerryhill, yeo.; and Robert Tateham, his son Quitclaim of all tithes etc. of a tenement called Le West Isle in the parish of Auckland St. Andrew in the tenure of Ralph Douthwaite, parcel of the prebend of Auckland and Binchester, held by a charter dated 15 May 1609 Consideration: £20

27 November 1632 (1) Lindley Wren, esq.; and Francis Wren of Henknowle, gent. (2) Robert Tatam [Tateham], esq. Feoffment of a farmhold within the lordship of Brancepeth in the township of Byarsgreene and Hermutehagh called The West Isle of a yearly rent of 42s. containing c.50a. with boundaries as specified Consideration: £243 10s.0d. and 42s. p.a.

13 December 1667 (1) Robert Tatum of Litle Stainton, gent. (2) Gilbert Trotter of Helmden Hall, gent. Release of tithes of grain and corn issuing out of lands as at D/Br/D 4 above Consideration: £20

13 December 1667 (1) Robert Tatum, gent. (2) Gilbert Trotter, gent. Feoffment of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above Consideration: £341

16 December 1669 (1) Richard Bowser of Bishop Auckland, gent. (2) Gilbert Trotter, gent. Release of all tithes whatsoever arising out of lands as at D/Br/D 4 above Consideration: £15

1 May 1673 (1) Gilbert Trotter, gent. (2) George Wilkinson junior of Byersgreene, gent. Release of all tithes whatsoever arising out of lands as at D/Br/D 4 above Consideration: £15

2 May 1673 (1) Gilbert Trotter, gent. (2) George Wilkinson junior, gent. Release of all tithes of grain and corn issuing out of lands as at D/Br/D 4 above Consideration: £20

2 May 1673 (1) Gilbert Trotter, gent. (2) George Wilkinson junior, gent. Feoffment of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above Consideration: £355

4 and 5 October 1744 (1) Hugh Greenwell of Binchester, yeo.; and Elizabeth, his wife (nee Ellison) (2) Thomas Sanderson of Hunwick, yeo. Lease and release and settlement on the marriage of (1) and to the use of (1) of a moiety of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above and all tithes whatsoever, together with a moiety of a farm in Morden called Calverley's Farm, as specified

7 and 8 June 1754 (1) George Wall of West Isle, yeo. (2) John Wall of West Isle, yeo., his son Lease and release of a moiety of lands and tithes as at D/Br/D 5 above Consideration: £140 and an annuity of £7

29 and 30 March 1757 (1) John Wall, yeo. (2) George Wall, yeo. (3) Joseph Dixon of Sedgefield, gent. Mortgage by lease and release for securing £140 and interest from (1) and (2) to (3) of a moiety of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above

11 and 12 May 1764 (1) John Wall, yeo., and Margaret, his wife (2) Joseph Dixon, gent., now of Knaresborough, Yorkshire (3) Hugh Greenwell of Biers Green, gent. Lease and release from (1) and (2) to (3) of a moiety of all lands and tithes as at D/Br/D 5 above; and covenant to levy a fine Consideration: £140 from (3) to (2) and £220 from (3) to (1)

22 February 1765 (1) Hugh Greenwell, plaintiff (2) John Wall and Margaret, his wife, deforceants Final concord for a moiety of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above Consideration: 100 silver marks

22 February 1765 (1) Hugh Greenwell, plaintiff (2) John and Margaret Wall, deforceants Final concord as at D/Br/D 20 above

20 and 21 June 1783 (1) Hugh Greenwell, now of Byars Green, gent. (2) John Sanderson of Byars Green, gent. (3) John Greenwell of Willington, gent., son of (1) Lease and release from (1) to (3) of two separate moieties of lands as at D/Br/D 5 above, with all tithes whatsoever

16 October 1667 (1) John Walker of Byers Green, yeo. (2) Christopher Todd of Byers Green, glover Grant of tithes arising out of a house and garth belonging to (2) and a close called Greenwell Field in the township of Byers Green Consideration: 40s.

13 February 1768 (1) Ralph Crowe (2) George and Robert Applegarth Surrender of a close called West Close and a garden [in Byers Green] for securing £170 and interest as specified

13 February 1772 (1) George Applegarth of Crawley, yeo.; Robert Applegarth of Royal Oak, Heighington, yeo.; and Ralph Crowe of Byars Green, yeo. (2) John Dodgson of Fogg Close Hill House, Merrington, gent. Copy surrender of lands as at D/Br/D 25 above for securing £220 and interest

4 September 1772 (1) Michael Middleton of Byersgreen, yeo. (2) Luke Seymour of Woodhouse Close, St Andrew Auckland, yeo. Copy surrenders of a cottage and 1/2a. of land [in Byers Green], as specified; and a close called Greenwell Field of c.2a. [also in Byers Green] to the use of John Mason of Binchester Whinns, yeo.

3 May 1773 (1) John Middleton (2) Michael Middleton Copies of 2 surrenders of a close called Greenwell Field [in Byers Green] of c.2a. and a cottage with 1/2a. of land [also in Byers Green], as specified; the former to the use of (1) for life

7 May 1777 (1) Rev. John Gordon, D.D., Archdeacon of Lincoln; Margaret Wright of Byars Green, widow; and John Wright, yeo., her son (2) Luke Seymour, yeo. Copy surrender of Greenwell Field of c.4a. [in Byers Green] to the use of John Mason, yeo

12 May 1777 (1) Ralph Crowe, yeo. (2) John Mason, yeo. Release of 2/3 tithes issuing out of the West Close of c.13a. in Byers Green, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £30

12 May 1777 (1) Ralph Crowe, yeo., and John Dodgson, gent. (2) Luke Seymour, gent. Copy surrender of the West Close and garden [in Byers Green] to the use of John Mason, yeo.

15 March 1779 (1) Margaret Wright, widow and John Wright, yeo. (2) John Mason, yeo. Release of tithes issuing out of Greenwell Field of c.4a. in Byers Green as specified and any lands on the moors or commons to be allotted in respect of those lands Consideration: £15

1 January 1799 Copy admittance of John Mason of Little Burn, Brancepeth, gent., into 2 closes called Cooper's Closes of c.7a. and a close of c.2.5a. called Edger's Close in Brancepeth, part of the rectory

2 April 1799 Copies of 4 admittances of Luke Seymour, junior, gent., into a cottage and 1/2a. of land; Greenwell Field of c.2a.; Greenwell Field of c.4a.; and West Close with garden, as specified

3 April 1799 (1) John Mason, gent., and Esther, his wife (2) Luke Seymour, junior, gent. (3) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (4) John Maling of the Grange, Bishopwearmouth, esq.; and James Wilson of Sunderland near the Sea, gent. Release from (1) to (3) and covenants to levy a fine of Cooper's Closes, and Edgars Close as specified; and all tithes arising out of Greenwell Field as specified, and out of moors or commons allotted in respect of that land; and 2/3 of tithes arising out of West Close as specified Consideration: £1,700

3 April 1799 (1) John Mason, gent., and Luke Seymour junior, gent. (2) John Maling and James Wilson, esqs. Copies of four surrenders of a cottage and tenement [in Byers Green] as specified; Greenwell Field of c.2a. as specified; Greenwell Field of c.4a., as specified; and West Close with garden, as specified to the use of William Russell

4 April 1799 Copy admittance of William Russell, esq., into Cooper's Closes and Edgar's Close, part of the rectory of Brancepeth, as specified

17 June 1799 Copy will dated 27 April 1763 of George Markendale of Biers Green, yeo., as follows: To Ralph Crow, his nephew all lands etc. in Byers Green as sole executor, to be chargeable for all legacies to family as specified

16 July 1799 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) John Mason, gent., and Esther, his wife, deforceants Final concord for 20a. of land etc. in the parish of Brancepeth Consideration: 100 silver marks

16 July 1799 (1) William Russell, esq. (2). John and Esther Mason, gent. Final concord as at D/Br/D 39 above

Abstract of the title, 19 April 1745 - 1799, to certain freehold or customary and copyhold lands, tithes etc., in the townships of Brancepeth and Byers Green belonging to John Mayson and contracted to be sold to William Russell, esq., 1799

16 December 1875 Copy admittance of William Snowball of Byers Green, farmer, into the north part of a cottage and garden with the old houses and other houses newly-erected, together with the allotment set out in respect of those premises on the division of Byers Green Common upon trusts as specified in surrender of 28 May 1838

8 February 1876 (1) William Snowball, farmer; Hackworth Snowball of Wolsingham, farmer; and George Curry of Bishop Oak, Wolsingham, gent. (2) Rt. Hon. Gustavus Russell, Viscount Boyne and Baron Brancepeth, of Brancepeth Castle Copy surrender and defeasance of lands as at D/Br/D 42 above

27 May 1704 Copies of letters patent dated 28 July 1611 and 24 July 1619 concerning the rectory and church [impropriate] of Bishop Middleham together with globe lands and tithes in Bishop Middleham, Cornforth Thristlington and Mainsforth as specified Endorsed: An exemplification at the request of Gilbert Spearman, gent. and his wife

28 March 1718 (1) James Close of Furnivalls Inn, London, gent. (2) Wandesford Gill, Henry Cranmer, John Blakey and John Swinnerton of Furnivalls Inn, gent. (3) Theodore Johnson of Furnivalls Inn, gent. (4) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, esq., and Margaret, his wife (nee Peirson) Mortgage for a term of 2,000 years from (4) to (3) of the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham, together with glebe lands and all tithes as specified Consideration: £1,250 (parchment, 4 membranes) Attached: 28 March 1718 (1) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, esq. (2) James Close of Furnivalls Inn, London, gent. Bond in £2,500 from (1) to (2) to perform covenants set out in the above indenture

Abstract of Mr. Ralph Lambton' s mortgage, 12 September 1774 - 6 March 1780, upon tithes at Cornforth and Bishop Middleham, and copyhold lands at Bishop Middleham, late the estate of Ralph Hopper, esq., 29 April 1796

Additional abstract, 20 February 1706 - 28 March 1718, of deeds and writings touching the estate at Bishop Middleham, 29 April 1796

21 February 1706/07 (1) Gilbert Spearman of Bishop Middleham, gent., and Margaret, his wife (2) William Peirson of Stokesley, Yorkshire, esq., and Robert Spearman of Durham City, gent. (3) John Crosby of Old Elvet, near Durham City, gent., and James Peirson of Forcett, Yorkshire, gent. Marriage settlement on the marriage of Gilbert and Margaret Spearman, being a lease and release from (1) to (2) of a messuage farmhold and lands in Thorneley Gore called High Gore, as specified; a messuage, farmhold and lands in Thorneley Gore called Low Gore, as specified; a messuage and lands in New Elvett as specified, together with the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham and farms with glebe lands, also all tithes of corn and grain arising out of lands in the townships of Middleham, Cornforth, Thrislington and Mensforth, as specified (parchment, 3 membranes) Attached: 8 November 1709 (1) William Peirson, esq. and Robert Spearman, gent., plaintiffs (2) Gilbert Spearman, gent., and Margaret, his wife, deforciants 2 copies of final concord between (1) and (2) for messuages and lands at Thornley Gore, Durham City, Bishop Middleham, the rectory of Bishop Middleham, together with lands and tithes in Bishop Middleham, Cornforth, Thrislington and Mainsforth Consideration: £220

4 March 1717/18 (1) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, esq. (2) John Atkinson the elder of Marske, Yorkshire, yeo., and John Atkinson the younger of Marske, yeo. (3) James Close of Furnivalls Inn, London, gent. Assignment of a mortgage for the residue of a term of 500 years from (2) to (3) with the consent of (1) of the rectory and church impropriate with globe lands and tithes [of Bishop Middleham] as specified Consideration: £100 (parchment, 1 membrane) Attached: 3 April 1711 (1) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, gent. (2) John Atkinson the elder and John Atkinson the younger of Marske, Yorkshire, yeo. Mortgage for a term of 500 years of the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with globe lands and tithes of corn and grain, as specified Consideration: £100 (parchment, 1 membrane) Attached: 3 April 1711 (1) Gilbert Spearman (2) John Atkinson the elder and John Atkinson the younger Bond in £400 to perform covenants set out in indentures of even date

16 May 1741 (1) George Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq. (2) Ann Sneyd of Lichfield, Staffordshire, spinster (3) Charles Howard of the Close of the Cathedral Church of Lichfield, gent., and Robert Spearman of Old Acres, esq. Marriage settlement on the intended marriage of (1) and (2) for the conveyance from (1) to (3) of the impropriate rectory of Bishop Middleham together with all freehold, leasehold and copyhold lands and tithes belonging to (1) upon specified trusts

26 February 1767 (1) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Margaret Wasey of Soho, Middlesex, spinster (3) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho, esq. (4) Anna Susanna Spearman, spinster Assignment from (2) to (3) of a moiety of sums of money and rents from estates etc. in exchange for a sum of £3,000 and release from (1) to (3) and (4) with the consent of (2) of the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with a close called Horsley Potts in the township of Cornforth of c.8a. as specified; a cottage and lands of c.9a. as specified in a lease dated 24 April 1762; and assignment from (3) to (4) of a moiety of a tenement, garth and lands as specified in a lease dated 8 October 1764

11 June 1767 (1) Joshua Peele, gent., demandant (2) Christopher Johnson, gent., tenant (3) William John Spearman Wasey, Elizabeth Honoria Wasey and Anna Susanna Spearman, vouchees Exemplification of a common recovery for messuages and lands in Bishop Middleham and tithes issuing out of lands at Bishop Middleham, Cornforth, Thrislington and Mainsforth

2 December 1767 (1) Samuel Egerton of Tatton Park, Cheshire, esq. (2) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho, Middlesex, esq., and Anna Susanna Spearman of Soho, spinster (3) Jeremy Sneyd of Dorset Court, Middlesex, esq. Assignment of a mortgage for the residue of several terms from (1) to (3) at the request of (2) of the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with globe lands and tithes as well as all other lands formerly demised by Gilbert Spearman in Bishop Middleham, as specified

17 November 1769 (1) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) William John Spearman Wasey, of Soho, Middlesex, esq. Quitclaim of all leasehold, freehold and copyhold lands formerly belonging to late George Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq., lying in County Durham

20 November 1769 (1) Anna Susanna Spearman of Litchfield, spinster (2) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a moiety of the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with glebe lands and tithes; a capital mansion house and several closes called North Draker Close, East House, Calf Close, Brick Kilnfield, several parcels in the North Pasture as specified, East House Stack Yard, East House Lane, Calf Close Meadow, East and West Merry Knowles Field, Little Pasture, part of North Pasture, Gatfield, South Drakers Close, South Low Meadow, North Low Meadow, Drakers Crooks Pasture, part of Drakers Lane, Burdons Lane, East, West Middle and Far Sprucely and two houses as specified, all of which are in Bishop Middleham

20 November 1769 (1) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho, Middlesex, esq. (2) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a moiety of the rectory and lands in Bishop Middleham as at D/Br/D 60 above

20 November 1769 (1) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho, Middlesex, esq., and Anna Susanna Spearman of Litchfield, Staffordshire, spinster (2) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of several closes called Capons Flatts and Swan's Nest, in Bishop Middleham

21 November 1769 (1) Anna Susanna Spearman (2) Ralph Hopper Counterpart lease as at D/Br/D 60 above

21 November 1769 (1) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Anna Susanna Spearman of Litchfield, Staffordshire, spinster Lease [being part of a lease and release] of several closes called Capon Flatt and Swans Nest in Bishop Middleham as specified, held under a lease for lives from the Bishop of Durham

21 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. (2) Robert Hopper Williamson of Whickham and Newcastle, esq. (3) Rev. Edward Davison of Brancepeth and John Davison of Bishopwearmouth, gent. (4) William Henry Lambton of Lambton Hall, esq. (5) Margaret Cuthbert of Old Elvet near Durham City, spinster (6) William Russell of Newbottle, esq. (7) Robert Surtees of Mainsforth, esq. (8) John Maling of the Grange, Bishopwearmouth, esq., and James Wilson of Sunderland, gent. (9) John Robson of Durham City, wine merchant, and William Shields of Durham City, mercer Release from (2) to (6) with the consent of (1) and (7) of the rectory and lands as at D/Br/D 60 above to the uses as specified; and covenant to surrender from (1), (2) and (4) to (8) copyhold lands as specified in 27 surrenders dated 3 June 1793; and covenant to surrender from (1), (2) and (4) to (9) of a close called the Gardiners Close of c.3a. together with certain copyhold lands as specified in 3 surrenders dated 3 June 1793; and assignment from (3) to (6) at the request of (1) and (2) of parts of the tithes assigned to Elizabeth Hopper on 1 June 1779, for several terms of years; and assignment from (4) to (6) at the request of (1) of all tithes in Cornforth as specified in an indenture of 6 March 1780; and assignment from (5) to (6) of all freehold messuages as specified in an indenture of 12 May01784 for the residue of a term of 2,000 years; and assignment from (5) to (7) of freehold messuages as specified in an indenture of 12 May 1784 for several terms of years; all to the uses as specified Consideration: £2,000 from (6) to (3); 3 sums of £1,500 from (6) to (5); £7,150 from (6) to (1); £1,310 from (7) to (1); £2,000 from (6) to (3); £3,000 from (1) to (4)

29 September 1714 (1) Edward Birkbeck of London, gent.; Mary Birkbeck, spinster and Catherick Birkbeck of Horneby, Westmoreland, esq. (2) Joseph Tanner of Hollingbourn, Kent, gent. Covenant to levy a fine of a moiety of the rectory, glebe lands and tithes of the church of Bishop Middleham as specified for securing a mortgage for a term of 999 years Consideration: £120 Attached: 2 November 1714 (1) Joseph Tanner, gent., plaintiff (2) Edward, Mary and Catherick Birkbeck, deforciants 2 copies of a final concord for lands as above Consideration: 100 silver marks

n.d. [post 1736] (1) Peter Hammond, demandant (2) Hendry Hopper and Edward Goddard, gents., tenants (3) George Spearman, esq., and William Rippon, vouchees Extract from a common recovery by double vouchee for 6 messuages and lands in Bishop Middleham together with the rectory, glebe and tithes of Bishop Middleham

5 April 1760 Will of George Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq., as follows: All lands to William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and others as executors upon trust to sell and place sums out at interest for Sarah Spearman, his wife, his servants, and children Endorsed: Mr. Spearman's children: Elizabeth Honoria aged 19 and upward, wife of Mr. Wasey; Anna Susanna aged 16 and upward; Margaretta Maria aged 12 deceased

Order confirming a [judgement] of 4 April and payment of the principal and interest to Mrs. Vasey in the case Vasey and Spearman v Howard, 21 May 1765

Statement of the case and order for the conveyance of the estate to the plaintiffs, concerning William John Spearman Wasey, esq., Elizabeth Honoria, his wife and Anna Susanna Spearman, plaintiffs, v Charles Howard, esq., for lands belonging to the late George Spearman [in Bishop Middleham], 26 November 1766

25 February 1767 (1) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Anna Susanna Wasey of Soho Square, London, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of all the rectory or parish church impropriate of Bishop Middleham with glebe land and other tithes together with a close called Horsley Potts of c.8a. in Cornforth, as specified

16 May 1769 (1) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho Square, London, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife; and Anna Susanna Spearman of Lichfield, Staffordshire, spinster (2) Charles Elliott of Cornforth, blacksmith Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a close called Horsley Potts, of c.8a. in Cornforth as specified with all tithes of grain and corn

2 September 1769 (1) Rt. Rev. Richard Lord Bishop of Durham (2) William Jepson of Heighington, gent. Lease for a term of several lives of a messuage in Bishop Middleham and several parcels of land called Westfield of c.54a., as specified, together with 2 parcels of land near Middleham called Capons Flatt and Swans Nest, of c.9a. as specified Consideration: 34 shillings per annum

22 and 23 November 1769 (1) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Joseph Yates of Stoke Newington, Middlesex, esq. Lease and release of all tithes of grain and corn from lands at Middleham and Mainsforth in the parish of Bishop Middleham as specified

12 May 1771 (1) Charles Elliott of Cornforth, blacksmith and Ann, his wife (2) Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq. Release of a parcel of ground called Horsley Potts of c.8a. in Cornforth, as specified together with tithes of grain and corn Consideration: £121

Receipt of James Leighton of Bishop Auckland for £760 and £4 13s.6d. received from Ralph Hopper esq., for copyhold closes of c.32a. called the Lames and Foomerts in Bishop Middleham, 2 August 1774

15 March 1779 (1) Francis Cooper of London, merchant and Lucy his wife (2) Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of all tithes of corn and grain from lands in Middleham and Mainsforth in the parish- of Bishop Middleham as specified

14 April 1780 (1) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho Square, London, esq., and Rev. William Vyse, D.L., rector of Lambeth, Surrey (2) John Cuthbert and Robert Hopper of the Inner Temple, London, esqs. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of the rectory or parish church impropriate of Bishop Middleham and glebe land and all other tithes as specified; a capital mansion house and lands belonging to the late Ralph Hopper in Bishop Middleham parish called North Draker Close, East House Calf Close, Brickhill Field, part of North pasture of c.12a.3r.14p. and another part of North pasture of 8a.3r.31p. and another part of North pasture of c.6a.2r.36p., East House Stack Yard, East House Lane, Calf Close Meadow, another part of North pastureof 5a.24p. and 5a.18p., West and East Merry Knowles, Little pasture, part of North Pasture Gatfield, part of North pasture of c.4a.1r. South Drakers Close, South Low Meadow, North Low Meadow, Drakers Crooks pasture, part of Drakers Lane of c.la.1p., Burdons Lane, East, West, Middle and Far Sprucely, with gardens and houses etc., together with several closes called Capon Flatt and Swans Nest all of which are in Bishop Middleham as specified

n.d. [post 1782] (1) John, Bishop of Durham (2) George Ewbank of Stockton, merchant Abstract of a lease for lives dated 13 June 1782 of a messuage and lands in Cornforth, as specified Consideration: 46 shillings per annum

Receipt from Richard White of Ford, Bishop Wearmouth, gent., for £300 received from Elizabeth Hopper of Crookhall, widow, for lands as specified in indentures of 1 June 1779, 1 May 1783

Receipt from Thomas Bird of Bishop Wearmouth for £300 and interest for lands as specified in indentures of 1 June 1779 received from Elizabeth Hopper of Crookhall, widow, 29 November 1791

16 May 1795 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. (2) William Russell of Newbottle, esq. Articles of agreement between (1) and (2) for the surrender of a capital mansion house etc. at Bishop Middleham together with freehold,leasehold and copyhold lands in Bishop Middleham and Cornforth as specified

Receipt from Margaret Cuthbert of Durham City, spinster for £1500 due on mortgage of an estate in Bishop Middleham, sold by J.T.H. Hopper, esq., to William Russell, esq., 21 November 1795

Receipt of Messrs. Edward and John Davison for £2000 due on a mortgage of an estate at Bishop Middleham sold by J.T.H. Hopper to William Russell, esq., 21 November 1795

Receipt from J.T.H. Hopper, esq., for £2,150 being part of the purchase money of Bishop Middleham estate, received from William Russell, esq., 18 December 1795

21 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. (2) Robert Hopper Williamson of Whickham and Newcastle, esq. (3) Rev. Thomas Ewbank of Stockton (4) Anthony Tilly of Broomside, Pittington, gent. (5) William Russell of Newbottle, esq. Release from (1) to (5) with the consent of (2)-(4) of several closes in Bishop Middleham called Capons Flatt and Swans Nest of c.9a., as specified, together with a close in Cornforth called Horsley Potts of c.8a., as specified, to uses as specified Consideration: £10,650

21 July 1796 (1) Gilbert Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq., and George Spearman, esq., eldest son (2) Hendry Hopper of Durham City, gent. (3) Peter Hammond of flolton Hall, Yorkshire, gent. (4) Dame Elizabeth Halliburton of Durham City Attested copy of a lease and release to make a tenant to the praecipe for suffering a recovery dated 1 and 2 November 1736 from (1) to (2) for the rectory and church impropriate of Bishop Middleham with glebe lands and tithes; and a farmhold and lands in Thornley Gore called High Gore, as specified; a farmhold and lands in Thornley Gore called Low Gore, as specified; a freehold messuage and garden in New Elvet, as specified

21 July 1796 (1) Hendry Hopper, esq., demandant (2) John Ward, gent., tenant (3) J.T.H. Hopper, esq., vouchee Copy exemplification of a common recovery dated 21 August 1793 between (1) and (2) for the castle of Witton, the manors of Witton and Hamsterley, the park of Witton, with lands in Witton, Hamsterley, Witton Row, Escomb, Newton Cap, West Auckland and Bedburn; the rectories and advowsons, the churches of Witton and Hamsterley,with tithes etc. arising out of lands aforesaid; messuages in Bishop Middleham and Shincliffe

John T.H. Hopper's receipt for £700 paid by William Russell, being part of a principal sum of £10,650 for purchase of lands in Bishop Middleham, 25 July 1796

Receipt from Thomas Hopper of Durham for £528 in part of the purchase money of Bishop Middleham estate, received from William Russell, esq., 20 January 1798

29 June 1798 (1) Anthony Tilly of Broomside, Pittington, gent. (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a close called Horsley Potts of c.8a. in Cornforth as specified

6 October 1798 (1) Robert Surtees of Mainsforth, esq. (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Assignment of a lease for the residue of a term of 21 years of a cottage and 9a. of arable land belonging thereto, in Bishop Middleham as specified, at yearly rent of 11s.1d. Consideration: £4 10s.2½d.

Rough calculations of receipts on deeds for lands at Hardwick and Bishop Middleham, January - September 1801

Letter from Thomas Calvert at Durham to William Russell at Brancepeth concerning a lease of lands from the Bishop of Durham [in Bishop Middleham], 7 February 1804

28 March 1804 Copy admittance of Rowland Webster of Stockton, esq., into a close of c.2a.3r. called Paradise Field [in Stockton], as specified

Bill and receipt from Arthur Mowbray [solicitor] for work carried out for William Russell during the purchase of lands at Bishop Middleham and Newbottle, 1800 - 9 June 1804

30 and 31 May 1716 (1) Edward Birkbeck of London, gent., and Mary Birkbeck, spinster, his sister, and Catherick Birkbeck, his father (2) Richard Ashe of Lyons Inn, Middlesex, gent. Lease and release of a moiety of the rectory of Bishop Middleham together with all lands, tithes etc. thereto belonging late in the tenure of Gilbert Spearman and Mary, his wife Consideration: £1,100

9 February 1765 (1) William John Spearman Wasey of Westminster, Middlesex, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife (2) Margaret Wasey of Westminster, spinster Assignment of a mortgage for securing £3,000 and interest to a moiety of all profits arising from the sale of the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham with all glebe and other lands, tithes etc. held in trust under a deed of lease and release dated 15 and 16 February 1741

8 April 1767 (1) William John Spearman Wasey and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife, and Anna Susanna Spearman of Soho, spinster (2) Christopher Johnson of Durham City, gent. (3) Joshua Peele of Symonds Inn, Middlesex, gent. Bargain and sale inrolled to lead the uses of a common recovery of all the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham with all glebe lands, other lands and tithes thereto belonging, inrolled 27 May 1767

22 November 1769 (1) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, esq. (3) Anna Susanna Spearman of Littlefield, spinster Mortgage for securing £6,600 and interest from (1) to (3) of all the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham etc.; a freehold capital mansion house in Bishop Middleham with freehold lands called North Draker Close, East House Calf Close, Brick Kiln Field, several parts of North pasture, as specified, East House Stackyard, East House Lane, Calf Close Meadow, West and East Merry Knowles, Little pasture, part of Drakers Close, Gatfield, Drakers Crooks pasture, part of Drakers Lane, Burdons Lane, East, West,Micdle and Far Sprucely, flower garden, backyard, wilderness, the old wood road, Stackyard, folds stables and barns, West garden and house and garth, bowling green and Brick Dyke Wood, all in the parish of Bishop Middleham Assignment of a mortgage of a tenement, garth and arable lands called Hollands, as specified Mortgage of several closes called Capons Flatt and Swans Nest in Bishop Middleham, as specified Covenant that a messuage and two lands in Cornforth shall stand seised, in trust for (3) Covenant to surrender from (2) to (3) all copyhold lands called Middle Hollins, Lames, Pondfield, West Croft, Meadow Lames, South Hollins, Cole Croft, Cole Crop, South Cole Crop, 2 parcels of land called West Foumarts and 2 called East Foumarts, as specified, a house and garth held by John Mowhray; Croft Garth, 2 parcels called Lyndsay Bank, Flatts pasture, Middle and Far Flatts, Flatts Lane, held by William Mowbray; North and South Cottage Meadow, West Paddock, Low Garden, Fish Pond, and Pike Pond held by Martin Mensforth; a house and garth, Butler Garth, East Paddock/Colt Paddock, and a plantation called Middle Paddock, held by Thomas Dodd

6 March 1780 (1) John Cuthbert, esq., and Robert Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Ralph Lambton of Lambton Hall, esq. Mortgage for securing £3,000 and interest, of all tithes whatsoever issuing out of Cornforth; and covenant to surrender as a further security, copy-hold lands including a close called Butler Garth, as specified, with a cottage and garden adjoining, a stable, as specified, a seat house, as specified, 3 closes called The Paddocks with boundaries as specified, a cottage and Smith's shop as specified, 27a.1r.2p. of land in the West field, a moiety of one cottage, a moiety of a moiety of one cottage of 7a.; a moiety of 10a. in Low Foomarts as specified. the moiety of 16a.2r.5p. of land, with boundaries as specified, a moiety of a house, garth, barn and stable and 11a of land lying in Cole Croft with boundaries as specified and 6a. of land in Lames Close, a moiety of a moiety of a cottage and 7a. of land as specified, a moiety of 10a. of land in Low Foomarts with boundaries as specified, a moiety of 16a.2r.5p. in Foomarts with boundaries as specified, a moiety of a house, garth, barn and stable and 6a. of land in Lames Close as specified, a barn, garden and croft, as specified, 2 cottages as specified, 1.5a. of land, late the waste of the lord, and called Brick Dyke Waste, with boundaries as specified, the moiety of a bake house as specified, the north part of a cottage containing 2 chambers and stack garth as specified, all of which lands are in Bishop Middleham

15 April 1780 (1) William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and Rev. William Vipe, D.L., rector of Lambeth, Surrey (2) Richard Vyse of Lichfield, Stafford, esq. (3) John Cuthbert and Robert Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esqs. Reconveyance from (1) and (2) to (3) of all lands as at D/Br/D 103 above Consideration: £2,400 from (3) to (2) and £1,511 17s.1d. from (3) to (1) and (2)

9 May 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. (2) John Ward of Durham City, gent. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of Witton Castle, the manors of Witton and Hamsterley; the rectory impropriate of Witton and Hamsterley; the advowson of Witton and Hamsterley and all freehold lands in Witton and Hamsterley late property of John Cuthbert; a farmhold in Hamsterley as specified; 3 messuages with a close adjoining in Witton, with boundaries as specified; lands allotted to John Cuthbert on the inclosure of the moors of Witton and North Bedburne as specified; the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with a capital mansion house and lands as specified; a messuage and garth in Shincliffe, as specified Consideration: 5s.

13 October 1736 Copy will and codicil of Gilbert Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq., as follows: To William Cuthbert of Newcastle, esq., nephew; Robert Spearman of Old Acres, esq., cousin; and William Spearman of Old Acres, gent., cousin, all real estate whatsoever, excluding the manor of Thornlaw, the north aisle of Kellow Church called Thornlaw porch, the perpetual patronage of an in-brother at Sherburn Hospital, and the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham and lands thereto belonging, to sell and apply the money upon trusts as specified; and also the above exceptions upon trusts as specified for George Spearman, his son and heir as specified, with annuities to members of family as specified Many monetary bequests to family William Cuthbert, Robert and William Spearman and George Spearman are constituted executors

16 February 1741/42 (1) George Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq., and Ann, his wife (nee Sneyd) (2) Charles Howard of the close of the Cathedral Church of Lichfield, Stafford, gent., and Robert Spearman of Old Acres, esq. Mortgage being a marriage settlement, of the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham together with all glebe and other lands, tithes etc. in Bishop Middleham; and assignment of a lease for several terms of 21 years of premises called Croft Hill, Wilson Close and The Hollands upon the several trusts as specified Consideration: £3,000 and interest

23 October 1749 (1) Nicholas Lambton of South Biddick, esq., and George Baker of Ellimore Hall, esq. (2) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of pasture ground called Sprewesley and North Leez in Bishop Middleham and a freehold farmhold called Holford Farm/Holford House together with closes called Little Close, Nine Layers, Spence Meadow, Draker Lane, The Grainge, Bridge End Close, Marle Pitt Close and the Lane containing c.43a. in Bishop Middleham and Sedgefield Consideration: 5s.

23 June 1764 (1) Charles Howard, gent. (2) William John Spearman Wasey of Soho, Middlesex, esq. (3) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. Deed for vesting in (3) the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham with glebe and other lands, tithes etc. thereto belonging; a close called Horsley Potts in Cornforth of c.8a. with boundaries as specified, together with all other lands conveyed to Charles Howard and Robert Spearman as in D/Br/D 108 above, upon the several trusts as specified Consideration: 5s.

17 May 1769 (1) William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife, and Anna Susanna Spearman of Lichfield, Staffordshire, spinster (2) Charles Howard, gent. (3) Charles Elliot of Cornforth, blacksmith Deed to lead the uses of a final concord from (1) to (3) of a close called Horsley Potts of c.8a. in Cornforth, with boundaries as specified together with all tithes of corn and grain Consideration: £110

21 November 1769 (1) William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and Anna Susanna Spearman, spinster (2) Ralph Hopper of Inner Temple, London, esq. (3) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, esq. Release from (1) to (2) of a moiety of the rectory improriate of Bishop Middleham with all glebe and, other lands, tithes etc., thereto belonging; and a capital mansion house with lands in Bishop Middleham called North Draker Close, East House Calf Close, Brick Kiln Field, several parts of the North pasture as specified, East [louse Stackyard, East House Lane, Calf Close Meadow, West and East Merry Knowles Field, Little Pasture, South Drakers Close, South Low Meadow, North Low Meadow, Drakers Crooks Pasture, part of Drakers Lane, Burdons Lane, East, West, Middle and Far Spruceley, Flower garden, Backyard, Wilder-ness, the old wood road, Stack yard, folds, stables, barns, West Garden, house and garth, Bowling Green, Brick Dyke Wood and one other house as specified; also release from (1) to (2) of a moiety of all lands as above; also covenant to surrender from (1) to (2) of copyhold lands called Middle Bollins, Lames, Pond Field, West Croft Meadow, South Lane Meadow, South Bollins, Cole Croft, Cole Crop, South Cole Crop, 2 parcels called West Foremarts, 2 parcels called East Fourmarts Lane, South Lames Lane, and house and garth, Croft Garth, 2 parcels called Lyndsay Bank, Flatts Pasture, Middle and Far Flatts, and Flatts Lane, North and South Cottage Meadow, West Paddock, Low Garden, Fish and Pike Ponds, a house and garth, East/Colt Paddock, a plantation called Middle Paddock also in Bishop Middleham; also release from (1) to (2) of closes called Capon Flatts and Swans Nest in Bishop Middleham Consideration: £12,600 (parchment, 9 membranes, applied seals) Attached: 20 November 1769 (1) Anna Susanna Spearman, spinster (2) John Cuthbert, esq. Letters of attorney to act concerning the above

21 February 1770 (1) Ralph Hopper, esq. (2) Philadelphia Cuthbert of Holbourn, London, spinster (3) John Cuthbert and John Read of Inner Temple, esqs. Assignment from (1) to (3) being a settlement on the marriage of (1) and (2) of the capital mansion house with lands as specified in D/Br/D 112 above, upon trusts as specified Consideration: 5s.

1 June 1779 (1) Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq. (2) Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq. (3) Elizabeth Hopper of Crook Hall near Durham City, widow Assignment from (2) to (3) of all tithes of corn and grain [in Cornforth ?) Consideration: £2,000

10 May 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. (2) John Ward of Durham City, gent. (3) Hendry Hopper of Durham City, esq. Release from (1) to (2) to create a tenant to the praecipe for suffering a common recovery of Witton Castle, the manors of Witton and Hamsterley; the rectories impropriate of Witton and Hamsterley with the advowsons and all other lands of William Cuthbert deceased in Witton, Hamsterley, Witton Rowe, Escombe, Newton Cap, West Auckland and Bedburne; a farmhold and lands of John Cuthbert in Hamsterley with tithes; 3 cottages and a close in Witton with boundaries as specified, belonging to John Cuthbert; lands allotted to John Cuthbert on the inclosure of Hamsterley and Witton moors or commons; the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham with glebe and other lands, tithes etc. thereto belonging; a capital mansion house with messuages in Bishop Middleham belonging to (1) as specified; a messuage and garth in Shincliffe as specified Consideration: 10s.

Annotated abstract of deeds and writings 13 October 1736 - 20 May 1795 relating the title to freehold, copyhold and leasehold messuages, lands, tenements, tithes and hereditaments at Bishop Middleham, the property of J.T.H. Hopper, esq., 27 September 1795 Endorsed: Mr. Hoar to peruse on behalf of Wm. Russell, esq., the purchaser

22 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, esq. (2) William Russell of Newbottle, esq. (3) Robert Surtees of Mainsforth, esq. (4) Hendry Hopper, esq. (5) John Maling of the Grange, Bishop Wearmouth, esq., and John Robson of Durham City, wine merchant Assignment of several terms of years from (1) to (5) in trust for (2) and (3) in the rectory impropriate of Bishop Middleham with glebe and other lands, tithes etc.; together with other lands and tenements previously assigned to Samuel Hill and Edward Bird Consideration: 10s

22 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, esq.; Robert Hopper Williamson of Whickham, esq.; and William Henry Lambton of Lambton Hall, esq. (2) John Maling, esq., and James Wilson of Sunderland, esq. Copies of 21 surrenders in trust for William Russell of: (a) 27a.1r.4p. lying in the West Field with boundaries as specified, except for the Cornfield and Gardiners Closes; (b) a moiety of one cottage; (c) a moiety of one cottage and 7a. as specified; (d) 10a. in Low Foomarts with boundaries as specified; (e) 16a.2r.5p. in Foomarts with boundaries as specified; (f) a house and garth in Bishop Middleham as specified, with 11a in Colecroft with boundaries as specified and 6a. in Lames Close; (g) one barn and garden in Middleham, 2 cottages as specified; (h) 1.5a. of land called Brick Dyke Waste, with boundaries as specified; (i) the moiety of a bakehouse in Middleham; (j) the moiety of a bakehouse in Middleham; (k) a stable of c.14 yards x 5 yards, as specified; (l) a cottage and garden adjoining; (m) a close called Muller Garth with one toft, fold, yard and stack yard in Cotesworth; (n) 3 closes called The Paddockswith boundaries as specified; (o) a little house called a seat house, as specified; (p) 31a.1r.1p. in Foomers with boundaries as specified; (q) a close called Lames of c.5a.; (r) one acre of land; (s) a mansion house with garden and one other garden, parcel of 1 cottage and 5a. as specified; (t) the north part of a cottage containing 2 chambers and stack yard, parcel of 1 cottage and 2a.

25 March 1717/18 (1) Joseph Tanner of Hollingburne, Kent., gent. (2) Richard Ashe of Lyons Inn, Middlesex, gent. (3) John Blakey of Furnivalle Inn, London, gent., and John Swinerton of the same place, gent. (4) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, esq. Assignment of a mortgage for the residue of a term of 999 years from (1) to (4) of the rectory or church impropriate, glebe lands and tithes etc. of Bishop Middleham, as specified Consideration: £141 being part of the absolute purchase money of £1,050

26 and 27 March 1718 (1) Richard Asshe of Lyons Inn, Middlesex, gent. (2) Wandesford Gill and Henry Cranmer of Furnivalles Inn, London, gent. (3) Gilbert Spearman of Durham City, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (2) of a moiety of the rectory and church impropriate, glebe lands and tithes of Bishop Middleham as specified Consideration: £1,050

Decree no.4 in the case William John Spearman Wasey esq., Elizabeth Monoria, his wife, Anna Susanna, and Margaretta Maria Spearman v Charles Howard, esq. concerning lands belonging to the late George Spearman [in Bishop Middleham], 1 April 1762

22 March 1765 (1) Charles Howard, gent. (2) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. Copies of 4 surrenders of a moiety of a cottage and 7a. of land as specified; a house and garth, 11a of land in Cole Croft and 6a. of land in Lames Close, as specified; 10a. of land in Low Foomarts, as specified; and 16a.2r.5p. of land in Foomarts as specified, all of which are in Bishop Middleham

6 June 1767 (1) John Cuthbert, esq. (2) Anna Susanna Spearman, spinster Copies of 4 surrenders of a cottage and 7a. of land; a moiety of 10a. of land in Low Foomarts as specified; a moiety of 16a.2r.5p. in Foomarts as specified, and a moiety of a house and garth, 11a. of land in Cole Croft as specified and 16a. of land in Lames Close, as specified, all of which are in Bishop Middleham

6 June 1767 (1) John Cuthbert, esq. (2) William John Spearman Wasey of London, esq. Copies of 4 surrenders of a moiety of a moiety of a cottage and 7a. of land as specified; a moiety of 10a. of land in Low Foomarts, as specified; a moiety of 16a.2r.5p. of land in Foomarts as specified; a moiety of a house and garth, 11a. of land in Colecroft and 6a. of land in Lames Close, as specified, all of which are in Bishop Middleham

11 May 1771 (1) Charles Elliot of Cornforth, blacksmith and Ann his wife (2) Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a parcel of ground called Morsley Potts of c.8a. in Cornforth as specified together with tithes of corn and grain

10 February 1776 (1) William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife (2) John Cuthbert of Witton Castle, esq. Copies of 20 surrenders from (1) to (2) of 2 cottages as specified; 1.5a. of land called Brick Dyke Waste, as specified; a close called Butler Garth, as specified; a cottage and garden; a stable; a little house called a seat house; 3 closes called The Paddocks, as specified; a cottage with smith's shop and garden, as specified; 27a.1r.2p. of land in the Westfield, as specified; a moiety of a cottage; a moiety of a moiety of a cottage and 7a. of land, as specified; a moiety of 10a. of land in Low Foomarts, as specified; a moiety of 16a.2r.5p. of land in Foomarts, as specified; a moiety of a house and garth, 11a. of land in Colecroft, and 6a. of land in Lames Close, as specified; a moiety of a moiety of a cottage and 7a. of land, as specified; a moiety of 10a. of land in Low Foomarts, as specified; a moiety of 16a.2r.5p. of land in Foomarts, as specified; a moiety of a house and garth, 11a. of land in Colecroft, 16a. of land in Lames Close, as specified; a barn and garden; the north part of a cottage and Stackgarth, as specified, all of which premises are in Bishop Middleham in trust for Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq., and for payment of £5,400

10 February 1776 (1) William John Spearman Vasey, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife (nee Spearman) (2) John Cuthbert of Witton Castle, esq. Copy surrender of a moiety of a bakehouse in Bishop Middleham

n.d. [post 1778] Copy of the will dated 12 October 1778 of Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq., as follows: To John Cuthbert, William Rudd and Robert Hopper, as executors, all real and personal estate, except household goods upon specified trusts for payment of £2,000 each to Mary Philadelphia Hopper and Dorothy Ann Hopper, his daughters, who relinquish all rights to estate to John T.H. Hopper, his son To Philadelphia Hopper, his wife, all household goods, except books which go to his son Many smaller bequests of sums of money All surplus of rents and profits of real and personal estate to his wife and her assigns for life

17 February 1779 Probate and extract of the will dated 6 May 1767 and proved at London on 4 March 1777 of Joseph Yates of Stoke Newington, near London, as follows: To Lucy Yates, daughter £3,000 in funds in the Bank of England at 21 years To his wife, all the rest and residue of estate in funds and household goods for life and thence to his daughter To John Yates, his brother an annuity of £10 10s. with provision for the bequest of all his estate on the death of his wife and daughter, together with provision for other relatives in the same event Executors are Joseph Charles and Joseph Armitage

16 March 1779 (1) Francis Cooper of London, merchant and Lucy, his wife (nee Yates) (2) Joseph Armitage of London, merchant (3) Margaret Yates of Stoke Newington, widow (4) Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq. (5) Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq. Release from (1) to (5) with the consent of (2)-(4) for tithes as specified in indentures of 15 March 1779 [in Bishop Middleham] Consideration: £2,500

12 July 1779 (1) Ralph Hopper, esq., plaintiff (2) Francis Cooper and Lucy, his wife, deforciants Final concord for tithes issuing out of lands at Middleham and Mainsforth Consideration: 100 silver marks

12 July 1779 (1) Ralph Hopper, esq., plaintiff (2) Francis Cooper and Lucy, his wife, deforciants Final concord of the tithes of Middleham and Mainsforth Consideration: 100 silver marks

4 March 1780 (1) William Rudd of Durham, esq. (2) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq., and Robert Hopper of Inner Temple, esq. Quitclaim of all right and title to the real and personal estate of Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq.

n.d. [post 1792] Copy of the will, dated 17 April 1792, of George Ewbank of Stockton, gent., as follows: To Ambrose Hodgson of Darlington all household goods to the use of his wife until death or remarriage,thereafter shared between 2 children To his wife £20 To Ambrose Hodgson £700 upon trust for his wife; on her death £400 to Dorothy, his daughter, and £300 to Rev. Thomas Ewbank, his son, with residue of his estate His wife and son are constituted joint executors

6 and 7 May 1793 (1) Mary Philadelphia Hopper of Durham City, spinster (2) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, a cornet in the Dragoons (3) Robert Hopper Williamson of Newcastle, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (3) of the rectory and church impropriate and glebe lands and tithes of the church of Bishop Middleham; a capital mansion house and lands in Bishop Middleham, as specified; and a messuage and garden in Shincliffe, as specified Consideration: £2,000

13 and 14 April 1795 (1) Miles Monkhouse of Newcastle, esq., and Dorothea Ann, his wife (nee Hopper) (2) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (2) of a legacy of £2,000 issuing out of the rectory or church impropriate glebe lands and tithes of Bishop Middleham, a capital mansion house and lands in Bishop Middleham, as specified and a messuage and garth in Shincliffe, as specified

Letter from Francis Witham at Gray's Inn to T. Hopper, esq., enclosing marriage articles and a bond (not included), 17 November 1795

11 March 1796 Copy letters of administration of the goods of Samuel Mill, late of Shenstone Park, Staffordshire, esq., including the rectory and church impropriate with glebe lands and tithes of Bishop Middleham together with divers closes in the parish of Bishop Middleham, granted to Hendry Hopper of Durham City, esq.

30 June 1796 Copy admittance of John Leighton of Old Elvet, esq., into a parcel of land of c.8a. as specified [in Bishop Middleham]

20 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, Robert Hopper Williamson, Rev. Thomas Ewbank and Anthony Tilly (2) William Russell Lease [being part of a lease and release] from (1) to (2) of several closes of land in Bishop Middleham called Capons Flatt and Swans Nest of c.9a., as specified; a messuage and garth in Cornforth, as specified; and a close in Cornforth called Morseley Potts of c.8a., as specified

21 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson (3) Robert Surtees (4) William Russell Assignment of a leasehold for the residue of a term of 21 years from (2) to (3) at the request of (1) of 9a. of land in Bishop Middleham; and assignment of a leasehold for the residue of a term of 21 years from (2) to (4) at the request of (1) of a cottage in Bishop Middleham as specified Consideration: £1,310 from (3) to (1) and £10,650 from (4) to (1) respectively

21 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson (3) Thomas Woodifield of Winyard, gent. (4) William Russell Assignment of a leasehold for the residue of a term of 21 years from (2) to (4) at the request of (1) of several closes called the North Middle and South Hollies and the Round Mill of c.23a. in Bishop Middleham, as specified Consideration: £10,650

15 August 1796 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, esq., deforciant Final concord for 9a. of land and 2 messuages with 10a. of land, and 8a. of land all of which are in Bishop Middleham Consideration: 100 silver marks

Receipts from Thomas Hopper for the payment of several sums of money by William Russell, 8 October 1796 -19 May 1798

24 October 1797 (1) Rt. Rev. Shute [Barrington], Lord Bishop of Durham (2) Robert Surtees of Mainsforth, esq. Counterpart lease for a term of 21 years of a cottage and 9a. of land in Bishop Middleham, as specified Consideration: 11s. 1d. per annum

30 June 1798 (1) Anthony Tilly of Broomside, Pittington, esq. (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Release of a parcel of land in Coraforth called Horsley Potts, of c.8a. as specified Consideration: £9 7s.8d.

31 May 1793 Copy admittance of John Thomas Hendry Hopper, esq., Cornet in H.M. First or Royal Regiment of Dragoons into a house called The Dwelling House in Bishop Middleham, as specified

31 May 1793 Copy admittance of John Thomas Hendry Hopper into 31a.1r.1p. pf land lying in Foomers in Bishop Middleham, as specified

31 May 1793 Copy admittance of John Thomas Hendry Hopper into 1a. of land in Bishop Middleham

31 May 1793 Copy admittance of John Thomas Hendry Hopper into a close called Lames of c.5a. in Bishop Middleham

31 May 1793 Copies of 17 admittances of John Thomas Hendry Hopper as heir at law of the late John Cuthbert of Witton Castle into: a parcel of land of 27a.1r.2p. in Bishop Middleham township as specified; a moiety of one cottage; a moiety of a cottage and 7a. as specified; 10a. of land lying in Low Foomarts as specified; 16a.2r.5p. lying in Foomarts as specified; house and garth in Bishop Middleham as specified, and 11a. of land in Colecroft as specified, and 6a. of land in Loan's Croft as specified; a barn and garden in Bishop Middleham, as specified; 2 cottages, as specified; 1.5a. of land called Brick Dyke Waste and a parcel of land called The Paddock, as specified; a moietv of a bakehouse in Bishop Middleham; a stable as specified; a cottage and garden; a close called Butler Garth with a toft, a fold yard and stock yard in Cotesworth, Bishop Middleham; 3 closes called The Paddocks as specified, formerly parcel of the Island Farm in the manor of Bishop Middleham; a seat house as specified; the north part of a cottage as specified

3 June 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson Copies of 17 surrenders from (1) to (2) for lands as specified in D/Br/D 154 above, upon trusts as specified in the will of (1)

3 June 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson of Newcastle, esq. Copy surrender of 31a.1r.1p. of land lying in Foomers in Bishop Middleham as specified

3 June 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson Copy surrender from (1) to (2) of a close called Lames containing c.5a. in Bishop Middleham

3 June 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson Copy surrender of 1a. of land in Bishop Middleham

3 June 1793 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper (2) Robert Hopper Williamson Copy surrender of a messuage or mansion house with garden and one other garden, parcel of one cottage and 5a. of land in Bishop Middleham as specified, upon trusts as specified in the will of (1)

20 July 1796 (1) John Thomas Hendry Hopper of Witton Castle, esq., and Robert Hopper Williamson of Whickham and Newcastle esq. (2) William Russell of Newbottle Lease [being part of a lease and release] of the rectory and glebe lands of Bishop Middleham together with the tithes arising out of Bishop Middleham, Mainsforth and Corneforth, together with a capital messuage and lands in Bishop Middleham as specified, giving field names Consideration: 5s.

29 June 1804 Decree granted to John Griffith of Durham City, gent. for the administration of the estates of Hendry Hopper of Durham City, gent., in Morden township as specified, with will dated 30 March 1750 of Hendry Hopper annexed

3 and 4 September 1804 (1) Hannah Reed of Durham City, widow (2) Bridget Reed of Durham City, spinster (3) John Coulthurst of Cargrave, Yorkshire, esq., and Margaret, his wife (4) Oliver Farrer of Bedford Square, Middlesex, and James Farrer of Lincoln's Inn, Middlesex, esqs. (5) Hannah Jane Cookson of Upper Brook Street, Middlesex, widow (6) Robert Hopper Williamson of London, banker (7) Samuel Castell of London, banker (8) Randle Wilbraham of Rode Hall, Somerset and Laetitia, his wife (9) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (10)John Maling of Grange, esq., and Robert Allan of Sunderland, esq. Lease and release from (1)-(8) to (9) of all freehold lands and closes in Sedgefield as specified, of c.70a. and also of all copyhold land held by the lord of the manor of Bishop Middleham in Bishop Middleham as specified, together with a messuage and 58a.19p. in Hauxleyfield in the township of Sedgefield, with named closes Consideration: £6,200

30 December 1800 (1) Rt. Rev. Shute [Barrington] Lord Bishop of Durham (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Counterpart lease for a term of several lives of 5 parcels of land in Bishop Middleham called East and West Capons Flatt and Swans Nest of c.10a.3r.23p. as specified Consideration: 8s.8d. per annum

30 August 1661 (1) Nicholas Frevile of Hardwick, esq. (2) John Tempest of Old Durham, esq., and John Rushworth of Lincolnes Inn, Middlesex, esq. (3) Thomas Lamb of Biddick, esq., and Margaret, his wife, daughter of (1) Counterpart deed to declare the uses, in lieu of a marriage portion, of an acre of land in the Westfield of Sedgefield, one cottage and 2 oxgangs of land in Sedgefield; 40a. of land in the North Field of Sedgefield called Dead Flatt, 43a. in the said North Field, half an oxgaag of land in the North Field called Knotty Hille, a close in Sedgefield of c.6a. called Noble rent, 2 front steads with garths at the east end of Sedgefield, all of which are copyhold lands; all closes of land in Midlam called Willy Carr Horse Carr and Horse Carr Side, and 3a. of land in the Westfield of Sedgefield held of the Bishop of Durham for a term of 3 lives; 11a. commonly called Bush Leazes, parcel of a great pasture called Spruseley in Bishop Midlam also leased from the Bishop of Durham for a term of 2 lives

11 May 1791 (1) John Burdon of Hardwicke, esq. (2) Matthew Russell of Newbottle, Esq. Lease (being part of a lease and release) of the manor of Hardwick with the capital messuage of Hardwick with appurtenances as specified, a marsh called Willey Carr with several freehold messuages, farms etc. and 6 oxgangs of land, several marsh or carry grounds in Hardwick, Sedgefield and Bishop Middleham as specified; a parcel of ground at the west end of Sedgefield used as a garden, with boundaries as specified; 3 freehold closes of c.14a. part of the East Moor in Sedgefield with boundaries as specified; 3 closes of land in Sedgefield formerly called Ladie Close now called Gregsons Fall, of c.12 with boundaries as specified; a farmhold and lands of c.100a. in Bradbury; a farmhold called Hogshouse Farm, and lands called Farfield, Farpasture, Foxton Hill, East field, Middle field, South East Pasture, South field, West field, house and green of c.173a. in Morden except for 10a. in Foxton Hill as specified; a farmhold called Holford Farm/Holford House and closes called Little Close, the Kyne Layers, Spence Meadow, Draker Lane, The Grainge, Bridge End Close, the Marle Pit Close, and the Lane of c.43a. in Bishop Middleham and Sedgefield Consideration: 5s.

11 May 1791 (1) John Burdon esq. (2) Matthew Russell, esq. Lease (being part of a lease and release) of all that pasture ground called Sprewsley and North Leeze in Bishop Middleham now divided into 3 closes called Sprewsley Hill of c.53a with boundaries as specified, 2 closes called North Leeze or Bush Leezes of c.14a., with boundaries as specified; 2 closes called Middleham Moors or Hutchinsons Moors of 33a., with boundaries as specified, 5 other closes called North Leeze/Bush Leeze of c.30a, with boundaries as specified Consideration: 5s.

17 June 1683 Copy will of John Brabant of Bishop Middleham, clerk, as follows: To John Brabant, son, all leasehold land in Aycliffe To Elizabeth Brabant, wife, a moiety of all leasehold land in Bishop Middleham for life To Robert Brabant, son, a moiety of all leasehold lands in Bishop Middleham together with his mother's moiety on her death Minor bequests of money to family and poor of Bishop Middleham Elizabeth Brabant is sole executrix

3 August 1684 Copy will of Elizabeth Brabant of Bishop Middleham, widow, as follows: To Robert Brabant, son, a part of Lawsland which is leased for years Small monetary bequests to family Dorothy [Brabant], daughter is sole executrix

17 June 1702 (1) John Hutchinsen of Bishop Middleham, yeo. (2) Margarett Conyers of South Biddicke, widow Assignment of a lease for a term of lives of a close in Sprewsley of c.18a. with boundaries as specified [in Bishop Middleham] Consideration: £110 4s.10½d. p.a.

9 March 1705 (1) Margaret Conyers of Durham City, widow (2) John Hutchinson of Sedgefield and Robert Lyn of Mainsforth, yeos. (3) Simon Lodge of Walker Field, gent. Assignment for the lives of (2) from (1) to (2) of part of the grounds called Sprewsley and North Leezes as divided, in the township of Bishop Middleham in the possession of Anne Hutchinson, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £13 5s.0d. from (2) to (1) and 8s.1½d. p.a.

A list of deeds relating to Sprusely etc., 4 February 1638 - 24 March 1712

29 December 1749 (1) Luke Rawling of Bishop Middleham, esq. (2) Henry Pickering, on behalf of John Burdon, Esq. Agreement for the conveyance of Sprucely Farm, Bishop Middleham, held of the Bishop of Durham for a term of 3 lives , at £15 p.a. Consideration: £550

30 and 31 May 1732 (1) Robert Hutchinson of Mainsforth, gent. (2) Thomas Lambton of Hardwick, esq. Lease and release of a part of the ground called Sprewsley in Bishop Middleham held by (1) with boundaries as specified Consideration: £175 8s.1½d. p.a. to the Bishop of Durham

8 April 1746 (1) Nicholas Lambton of South Biddick, esq. (2) Thomas Lambton of Hardwick, esq. Feoffment of part of the lands called Sprewsley in the occupation of (1) in Bishop Middleham, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £6 7s.8d. and 8s.1½d. p.a. to the Bishop of Durham

1 Juno 1749 (1) Nicholas Lambton of South Biddick, esq.; Robert Surtees of Redworth, esq., and Dorothy, his wife; Dorothy Lambton, widow; Barbara Lambton, spinster; John Rawling of Darlington, apothecary, and Thomasine, his wife; Margaret and Philadelphia Lambton, spinsters; and William Allison of Hartlepool, master mariner (2) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of part of the lands called Sprewsley in the occupation of the late Thomas Lambton, in Bishop Middleham Consideration: 5s.

29 November 1749 Abstract of a lease for lives from the Bishop of Durham to John Burdon, esq., of all that pasture ground called Sprewsley and North Leez in Bishop Middleham, with boundaries as specified

19 and 20 March 1751 (1) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. (2) Luke Rawling of Bishop Middleham, gent. Lease and release of a term of lives in 5 closes called North Leez or Bush Leezes containing c.30a. of land, with boundaries as specified [in Bishop Middleham] Consideration: £6 12s.6d. and 8s.8d. p.a. to the Bishop of Durham

3 and 4 February 1752 (1) Luke Rawling of Bishop Middleham, yeo., and Elizabeth, his wife (2) Robert Brabant of Bishop Middleham, yeo.; Mary Swainston of Gainforth, widow; and John Brabant of Ferryhill, grocer (3) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. Lease and release of a term of lives from (1) to (3) in lands as at D/Br/D 180-181 above Consideration: £250 8s. p.a., to the Bishop of Durham

5 May 1797 (1) Rt. Rev. Shute [Barrington], Lord Bishop of Durham (2) Matthew Russell of Hardwick, esq. Lease for a term of 3 lives of all the pasture ground called Sprewsley and North Leeze in Bishop Middleham divided into several closes viz. 3 closes called Sprewsley Hill of c.53a. and two closes called North Leeze or Bush Leeze of c.14a. and two closes called Middleham Moors or Hutchinsons Moors of c.33a.; 5 closes of land called North Leeze or Bush Leeze of c.30a., a close called Northfield of c.4a. with boundaries as specified Consideration: £2 8s.10d. p.a.

24 October 1749 (1) Nicholas Lambton of South Biddick, esq. (2) George Baker of Ellimore Hall, esq. (3) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. Release for a term of several lives of all those leasehold parcels of land called Sprewsley and North Leeze as specified, a freehold farmhold called Holford Farm/Holford House with closes called Little Close, Kyne Layers, Spence Meadow, Draker Lane, The Grainge, Bridge End Close, Marle Pitt Close and the Lane of c.43a. in Bishop Middleham and Sedgefield Consideration: £1,120 from (3) to (2) and £372 2s.2d. from (1) to (2)

12 May 1791 (1) John Burdon of Hardwicke, esq. (2) William Russell of Newbottle, esq. (3) Matthew Russell of Newbottle, esq., son of (2) Release absolute for a term of 3 lives as specified from (1) to (3) of 3 closes called Sprewsly of c.53a., 2 closes called North Leeze/Bush Leezes of c.14a., 2 closes called Middleham Moors/Hutchinsons Moors of c.33a., 5 other closes called North Leeze/Bush Leezes of c.30a. [in Bishop Middleham] Consideration: £16,000 from (2) to (1) part of the principal sum of £40,000

20 January 1801 (1) Rt. Rev. Shute [Barrington], Lord Bishop of Durham (2) William, Lord Auckland, and Sylvester, Lord Glenbervie (3) Matthew Russell, esq. Grant of the reversion from (1) to (3) of a messuage called Sprewsley and 16 closes of land in Bishop Middleham as specified, as shown on the endorsed sketch plan, sold for the redemption of land tax Consideration: £108 12s.3d.

2 and 3 July 1746 (1) Thomas Lambton of Hardwick, esq. (2) William Allison of Hartlepoole, master mariner Lease and release being a mortgage for securing £200 and interest of part of the lands called Sprewsley in the occupation of (1) in Bishop Middleham

11 April 1738 Copy will of Robert Hutchinson of Bishop Middleham, gent., as follows: To Robert Leighton of Hartlepool, gent., cousin, all freehold and leasehold lands in Bishop Middleham and all copyhold lands in Bishop Middleham lying at Holdforth/Holdforth Bridge To John Leighton, son of Robert, all copyhold lands in Carlton To Robert Leighton, son of Robert, all copyhold lands in Bishop Middleton to which he is entitled on the death of his mother To John Dunn, brother [in-law] all lands at Whorlton and a leasehold close in Bishop Middleham, late the estate of Thomas Oswald, called Newton Lands To Alice Pemberton, sister in law, £100 Robert Leighton the elder is sole executor

18 September 1739 (1) William Cuthbert of Newcastle, esq.; Robert Spearman of Old Acres, esq.; and William Spearman of Old Acres, gent. (2) George Spearman of Bishop Middleham, esq. Quitclaim of all manors and real estate whatsoever belonging to the late Gilbert Spearman Consideration: 5s.

20 February 1770 (1) John Cuthbert of Inner Temple, London, esq. (2) Philadelphia Cuthbert of Holborn, London, spinster Bond in £4200 for the payment of £2100

26 April 1774 (1) Farrer Wren of Binchester, esq.; Dorothy Leighton of Bishop Auckland, widow; and James Leighton, her son (2) Ralph Hopper of Bishop Middleham, esq. Copies of surrenders of 1a. of land; one close called Lames containing c.5a.; and 31a.1r.1p. lying in Foomers, with boundaries as specified [all in Bishop Middleham]

10 February 1776 (1) William John Spearman Wasey, esq., and Elizabeth Honoria, his wife (2) John Cuthbert of Witton Castle, esq. Surrender of a moiety of a bakehouse in Middleham

12 May 1784 (1) Robert Hopper Williamson of Whickham esq. (2) Margaret Cuthbert of the Bailey, Durham City, spinster Mortgage for a term of 2000 years of a freehold capital mansion house and lands in Bishop Middleham called North Draker Close, East House, Calf Close, Brick Kiln Field, several parts of North pasture of c.12a.3r.13p., 8a.3r.31p., 6a.2r.36p., 5a.18p., East House Stackyard, East House Garden, Calf Close Meadow, West and East Merry Knowles, Little pasture, part of North pasture, Out Yield, part of North Pasture of 4a.1r., South Drakers Close of 8a.1r.1p., South Cow Meadow of 5a.4r.1p., North Low Meadow of 4a.32p., Drakers Crooks pasture of 12a.1r.3p., part of Drakers Lane of 1a.1p., Burdons Lane of 2r.9p., East West and Middle and Far Sprucely, flower garden, backyard, Wilderness, Old Wood road stackyard, folds, stables, barns, West Garden house and garth, Bowling Green and Brick Dyke Wood, as specified Consideration: £1,500

15 August 1796 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) John Thomas Hendry Hopper, esq., deforciant Final concord for 9a. each of land, meadow, pasture and common of pasture for all cattle, in Middleham/Bishop Middleham; 2 messuages, 10a. of land and common of pasture for all cattle in Cornforth; and 8a. each of land, meadow, pasture and common of pasture for all cattle in Cornforth Consideration: 100 silver marks

20 January 1801 [registered 15 June 1803] (1) Rt. Rev. Shute [Barrington] Lord Bishop of Durham (2) William, Lord Auckland, and Sylvester, Lord Glenbervie, 2 of H.M. Commissioners for land tax (3) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle Grant of reversion for redemption of land tax from (1) to (3) of 4 parcels of land in Bishop Middleham containing c.27a.33p. in occupation of John Lynn and delineated on the endorsed sketch plan Consideration: £53 19s.6d. from (3) to (1) and £106 15s.0d from (3) to (2)

20 January 1801 [registered 15 June 1803] (1) Shute [Barrington], Bishop of Durham (2) William, Lord Auckland, and Sylvester, Lord Glenbervie (3) William Russell Grant of the reversion for redemption of land tax from (1) to (3) of 5 closes in Bishop Middleham called Drakers Lane, Swans Nest, West Capon Flatt, East Capon Flatt, and Modesty Bank, containing c.10a.3r.23p. and in the occupation of George Taylor as delineated on the endorsed sketch plan Consideration: £22 12s.2d. from (3) to (1) and £44 14s.6d. from (3) to (2)

10 July 1817 Memorandum of the moiety paid by Edward Smith to Matthew Russell for cleaning the boundary stills in the Poors Carrs, Bishop Middleham

2 June 1749 (1) Nicholas Lambton of South Biddick, esq., and Robert Surtees of Redworth, esq., and Dorothy, his wife (2) Dorothy Lambton, widow; Barbara Lambton, spinster; John Rawling of Darlington, apothecary; and Thomasine his wife; Margaret Lambton, spinster; Philadelphia Lambton, spinster (3) William Allison of Hartlepool, master mariner (4) John Burdon of Cleadon, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (2) with the consent of (3) and (4) of lands called Sprewsley in Bishop Middleham township as specified Consideration: £10,800

26 March 1750 (1) Ralph Ord of Sedgefield, yeo., and Robert Wetheritt (2) Philip Laws of Sedgefield, carpenter Copy surrender from (1) to (2) with covenant to resurrender upon payment of £120 of 2 closes called Great and Little Holdsforth [in Sedgefield]

20 October 1757 (1) John Ball of Ware, Hertfordshire, esq., and Hon. Charles Manson of Spring Gardens, Middlesex (2) Rev. Granville Wheeler of Leek, Nottinghamshire (3) Sir John Tyrrell of Heron, Essex, bart. (4) John Burdon of Hardwick, esq., and Thomas Henzell of Grey's Inn, Middlesex, gent. Covenant from (1)-(3) to (4) that lands as specified in Sedgefield, late belonging to John Ball of Sedgefield, are unencumbered

5 July 1758 (1) Hon. Robert Ord, esq., Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Court of Exchequer; Francis Ball of Noble Street, Middlesex, gent.; Hon. Charles Manson of Spring Gardens, Middlesex, esq.; Granville Wheeler of Leek, Nottinghamshire; Sir John Tyrrell of Essex, bart.; William Rugge of Conduit Street, Middlesex, esq. (2) William Calvert of Thames Street, London, cheesemonger (3) Robert Gakes of Stockton, mariner Quitelaim from Robert Ord and Charles Manson to (3) of all copyhold lands in Sedgefield as specified including lands originally known as Ryall Field in Bishop Middleham

6 November 1780 Copy admittance of Ann Scafe of Bartram Leazes, widow and Mary Ingleby of Bartram Leazes, spinster, cousins, of 53a.1r.1p. of land in Ryall Field, Bishop Middleham

7 November 1780 (1) Ann Scafe; Mary Ingleby; Dorothy, Hannah, Elizabeth and Charlotte Spearman, of Durham City, spinsters (2) John Tempest of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Copy surrender with defeasance of 3 undivided 4th parts of 53a.1r.1p. in Ryall Field, Bishop Middleham, in trust for Dorothy, Hannah Elizabeth and Charlotte Spearman divided equally

19 November 1787 (1) Dorothy Spearman of Durham City, spinster; Thomas Wilkinson of Coxhoe, esq., and Hannah Elizabeth, his wife; Thomas Swinburne of Pontop, esq., and Charlotte, his wife; Calverly Bewick, esq., and Margaret, his wife; John Tempest of Brancepeth Castle, esq.; Ralph Shipperdson of Pittington Hallgarth, esq. (2) John Metcalfe of Durham City, gent.; Martin Darnton of Holywell, gent.; John Taylor of Ash, gent. Copy surrender and defeasance of 53a.1r.1p. in Ryall Field, Bishop Middieham upon trusts as specified in indentures dated 8 August 1787

27 May 1789 (1) John Ralph Fenwick and Dorothy, his wife; John Metcalfe of Durham City, gent.; John Taylor of Ash, gent. (2) Calverly Bewick of Close House, Northumberland, esq.; and John Tempest of Winyard Copy surrender with defeasance of 53a.1r.1p. of land in Ryall Field, Bishop Middleham

12 May 1790 (1) John Ralph Fenwick of Durham City, doctor in physic (2) Calverley Bewicke of Close House, Northumberland, esq.; and John Tempest of Winyard, esq. (3) Joseph Stokell of Sedgefield, gent. (4) John Burdon of Hardwicke, esq. (5) William Kent of Newcastle, esq. Covenant to surrender from (1) to (4) with consent of (2) and (3) in trust for (4) of copyhold lands of 53a.1r.1p. in a close called Ryall Field in Bishop Middleham Consideration: £1,800

14 June 1732 (1) William Davison of Beamish, esq. (2) William Briggs of Bishopton, yeo. Counterpart lease for a term of 6 years of farm and land at Bishopton in tenure of (2) Consideration: £80 p.a. and £5 p.a. per acre ploughed

26 April 1587 Copy royal grant to Charles Blenkinsopp, gent., and John Tailor, yeo., of messuages and lands at Quarrell Hill, Hallowell, Pedge Bank, Hedleyhope; a moiety of a messuage and lands at Stavely (Stanley), manor of Whitworth; messuages and lands at Tudhoe, Elwick, Bynchester, Billirawe; all part of lordship of Brancepeth; Strickley Park in Langley Forest, Wakerfeild, and Hobson's Field, part of lordshipe of Rabye, as specified

8 August 1627 (1) Sir John Walter, Knt., Chief Baron of the Exchequer; Sir James Fullerton, knt., gentleman of the bedchamber; and Sir Thomas Trivor, knt., baron of the exchequer (2) Henry Gybb of London, esq. Assignment of a lease for the residue of a term of 99 years of the castle of Brancepeth together with the East and West Park Consideration: £40 per annum

27 March 1634 (1) Henry Gibb of London, esq. (2) William Davy of Horneby Castle, Yorkshire, esq. Assignment of a lease for the residue of a term of 99 years of His Majesty's manor of Brancepeth with the East and West Park Consideration: £4,000

17 May 1634 (1) Henry Gibb of London, esq.; John Young, professor of theology, of Winchester; and John Sandeleuce, a gentleman of the bed chamber (2) Thomas Lord Fauconberg, baron of Yarum [Yarm]; Patrick Curwen of Workington, Cumbria, bart.; and Conyers Darcy of Horneby Castle, Yorkshire, esq. Bargain and sale enrolled of the castle of Brancepeth together with the East and West Park worth an annual rent of £40 Consideration: £3,000

15 June 1637 (1) William Darcy of Witton Castle, esq. (2) Nicholas Cole of Kepeyere [Kepier], gent. Assignment of a lease for the residue of a term of 99 years of the castle of Brancepeth together with the East and West Park Consideration: £5,900

17 June 1637 (1) William Darcy of Witton Castle, esq.; Thomas Lord Falconberge baron de Yarum [Yarm]; Patrick Curwen of Workinton, Cumbria, bart.; and Conyors Darcie of Horobie Castle, Yorkshire, esq. (2) Ralph Cole of Gatoshoado, esq. Bargain and sale enrolled of the castle of Brancepeth together with the East and West Park Consideration: £2,000

24 May 1636 (1) Dame Anne Midleton of London, widow; Nicholas Corselis of London, merchant; Thomas Houlkor of Inner Temple, London, gent.; and James Dawbney, citizen and merchant taylor of London (2) Nicholas Cole of Newcastle, merchant Assignment for the residue of a term of 99 years of the manor of Brancepeth together with lands in Elden, Eldon, Ivesley, Waterhouse, Stockley, Elme Parke, Helm Parke, and Hedley Corneshawe and Hedley with Corneshawe with exceptions as specified Consideration: £5,100

24 May 1636 (1) Dame Anne Midleton, Nicholas Corselis, Thomas Houlkor and James Dawbney (2) Nicholas Cole of Newcastle, merchant Copy assignment as in D/Br/D 215

24 May 1636 (1) Dame Ann Middleton of London, widow; Abraham Corselis of London, merchant; and John Jones of London, gent. (2) Raphe Cole of Newcastle, esq. Bargain and sale inrolled of the manor of Brancepeth together with lands in Elden, Eldon, Ivesley, Waterhouse, Stockley, Elme Parke, Holme Parke, Abbotts Close, and Hedley cum Corneshawe or Hedley with Corneshawe, with exceptions as specified Consideration: £5,100

24 May 1636 (1) Dame Anne Midleton, Abraham Corselis, and John Jones (2) Raphe Cole Attested copy of D/Br/D 217 above

22 July 1637 (1) Rowland Wall of Willington, yeo. (2) George Morrison of Stockley, yeo., and John Arrowsmith of Brancepeth, yeo. Assignment for the residue of a term of 99 years of a messuage in Willington, as specified, together with 15a. of land thereto belonging as specified

Summons to the tenants of the manor of Brancepeth to attend a court leet at Brancepeth Castle upon 17 April 1716, 3 April 1716 Endorsed: The above document was produced in Chancery in the case between Rt. Rev. Joseph Lord Bishop of Durham and others, plaintiffs v William Belasyse and others, defendants, 16 September 1751

15 August 1732 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Thomas, Viscount Fauconborg; Sir Thomas Frankland of Thirkleby, Yorkshire, bart.; and Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of the manor or lordship of Brancepeth with Brancepeth Castle and lands called East Park, Morley Farmes together with farms in Brancepeth and Stockley as specified, several farms called Waterhouses and Ivesley all in the parish of Brancepeth as specified (parchment, 1 membrane) Attached: Note of grants of land in Birtley, part of Brancepeth lordship, by letters patent, 1593 and 1597

27 March 1779 (1) John Tempest of Winyard, esq. (2) Farrer Wren of Binchester, esq.; and Robert Shafto of Whitworth, esq. Lease and release being a mortgage for securing £40,000 and interest upon trusts in the will of John Tempest and pursuant to a decretal order of the Court of Chancery at Durham of the manor of Brancepeth with Brancepeth Castle, Brancepeth Park together with lands belonging to (1) in Brancepeth of c.105a.; a farmhold of 147a.2r.17p. as specified; East Park Farm of 240a.3r.2p.; Lodge Farm of 308a.3r.20p.; Scripton Farm of 141a.3r.10p.; a farmhold of 46a.3r.9p. as specified; Morley Farm of 289a.1r.32p.; Quarry Hill Farm of c.173a.; a cottage and close of la.1r.25p., as specified; Stockley Farm of 148a.3r.34p.; 4 closes of 18a.1r.30p. as specified; Barnish Beggar Farm of 282a.7p.; a close called Fawdons Close of 11a.1r.27p.; a farmhold of 163a.2r.37p. as specified; Hewitts Close of 4a.1r.23p.; a farmhold of 4a.1r.19p. as specified; Weather Hill Farm of 191a.3r.32p.; Wooley Hill Farm of 167a.2r.15p.; Middles Farm of 218a.1r.12p.; Standalone and Bail Hill Farms of 214a.24p. and 134a.1r.34p.; High Waterhouse Farm of 243a.1r.23p.; South High Waterhouse Farm of 246a.3r.6p.; Low Waterhouse Farm of 348a.; Hayslett House Farm of 210a.2r.29p.; Ivesley Farm of 574a.36p.; yearly rents called Thornley Acre Money; Morley Colliery; Stowhouse Colliery; Dearness Head Colliery; Thornley Stone Quarry; and cottages as specified, all which farmholds etc. are in the parishes of Brancepeth, Lanchester, Wolsingham, Witton upon Wear, St Andrew Auckland, and St. Oswald, Durham

6 May 1796 (1) Gore Townsend of Hannington Hall, Warwickshire, esq., and William Mellish of London, esq. (2) Anne Tempest of Little Grove, East Hornet, Hertfordshire, widow (3) George Pearson of Durham City, esq., on behalf of William Russell of Newbottle, esq. Articles of agreement for the sale of Brancepeth estate including lands in Brancepeth, East Park, Lanchester, Cornsoy, Hedley, Thornley, Wolsingham, Witton Upon Wear, Auckland St. Andrew, St. Oswald, Brandon, Stockley, Willington, Waterhouses and Ivesley

12 May 1797 (1) Gore Townsend and William Hellish (2) Anne Tempest (3) Sir Henry Vane Tempest of Winyard, bart. (4) Rev. Nathaniel Haines of Nottingham, D.D. (5) Charles Boldero of Bedford Square, Middlesex, esq.; George Hibbert of London, esq. (6) Robert Shafto of Whitworth, esq. (7) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (8) Ralph Ord of Sands, esq. Mortgage for securing £40,000 and interest from (1) to (7) with the consent of (2) and (3) of all lands as at D/Br/D 222-223 above

Orders to pay 3 sums of £10,000, £2,000 and £3,000 to Rowland Burdon within 40 days, 2 months and 4 months, 12 May 1798

Undertaking of William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, to pay £11,000 to Rowland Burdon, esq., for the mortgage of the Brancepeth estate, on 12 May 1800, 12 May 1798 Endorsed: Receipt for same, 15 May 1800

Order to pay £15,750 to Rowland Burdon for the mortgage of the Brancepeth estate on 12 May 1799, from William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, 12 May 1798

Receipt of Lewis Legg for £800 received from William Russell, esq., 19 May 1798

29 May 1798 (1) Sir Henry Vane Tempest (2) Rowland Burdon of Castle Eden, esq. (3) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Reconvoyance upon paying off a mortgage debt of £40,000 from (1) to (3) with the consent of (2) of all lands as at D/Br/D 222-223 above

Undertakings of William Russell of Brancepeth Castle to pay 3 sums of £5,750, £5,000 and £5,000 to Sir Henry Vane Tempest, bart., upon the 12, 15 and 18 May 1799, 21 June 1798

Draft on the Sunderland Bank from William Russell to Rev. Nathan Haines for £5,104 3s.4d., 22 October 1798

Receipt of Rev. Nathan Haines of Nottingham, D.D., for £5,000 received from William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq., as part payment of a mortgage on Brancepeth estate, 22 October 1798

Letter from Nathan T. Haines at Nottingham to William Russell at Brancepeth acknowledging receipt of a draft of £270 16s.8d., 24 November 1798

Undertaking of William Russell to pay £2,875 to Messrs. Mills, Hopper and Co., within 40 days, 15 March 1799

Undertaking to pay £5,000 to Messrs. Wetherell, Clement and Co., on 13 July 1799 [from William Russell of Brancepeth Castle], 11 April 1799

Draft on Barclays Bank, London, from William Russell to Rev. Nathan Haines for £10,000, 28 October 1799

8 December 1804 (1) Thomas Maynard of Durham City, gent. (2) William Russell of. Brancepeth Castle, esq. Articles of agreement between (1) and (2) for the purchase of a fee farm rent of 8 shillings issuing out of lands in Stockley Consideration: £7 16s0d. Endorsed: The opinion of William Williams upon the legality of the foregoing articles of agreement, 10 October 1804

3 February 1686/87 Copy letters patent reciting letters patent 2 April 1571 and 25 September 1628 and including references to the manors of Brancepeth and Raby, 20th century notes to the page numbers on which these references occur

19 April 1701 (1) Sir Ralph Cole of Brancepeth Castle, bart., Dame Katherine, his wife, and Nicholas Cole, esq., his son and heir (2) Sir Henry Belasyse of Potto, Yorkshire, Knt. (3) Ralph Lambton of Barnes, gent., and John Lambton of Lambton, gent. (4) Henry Kayes and Peter Moyle of Inner Temple, London, esq. (5) Mark Shafto of Whitworth, esq., and Richard Belasyse of Lincoln's Inn, Middlesex, esq. Mortgage for a term of 500 years with covenant to levy a fine from (1) to (3) to the use of (2) for securing annuitiesof £500and £200 for life, of the manor of Brancepeth, together with Brancepeth Castle, lands called East Park, 2 messuages called Morley farms as specified; several farmholds in Brancepeth as specified; several farmholds in Stockley as specified; several farmholds in the parish of Brancepeth called Waterhouses and Isely; excepting West Park and Helme Park as specified Consideration: £16,800 from (2) to (1)

2 May 1701 (1) Ralph Lambton, gent., and John Lambton, gent., plaintiffs (2) Ralph Cole, bart., Catherine, his wife; and Nicholas Cole, esq., deforceants Final concord for the castle and manor of Brancepeth with appurtenances Consideration: 1,460 silver marks

1704 (1) Sir Ralph Cole, bart. (2) Sir Henry Belasyse, Knt. Copy assignment of the residue of a term of 99 years of the lordship and manor of Brancepeth, excepting only the castle of Brancepeth together with the West Park and Helme Park as specified

16 December 1715 (1) Sir Henry Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, Knt., and Sir Mark Cole of West Park, bart. (2) Rev. William Burletson of Teston, clerk (3) Cuthbert Watson of Stranton, yeo. (4) John Humble the younger of Hutton Hendry, yeo. Assignment of a mortgage for the residue of a term of 1,000 years from (1) and (3) to (4) of a farm called Morley Farm, and several messuages called Waterhouses and Iseley [in the parish of Brancepeth], as specified Consideration: £1,600

12 October 1717 Original will of Sir Henry Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, Knt., as follows: To James Fynney, D.D., Prebend of Durham Cathedral; Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq.; and Dame Fleetwood Belasyse, his wife, all real estate and personal estate not already bequeathed, upon trust for Dame Fleetwood and William Belasyse, his son, as specified. Includes lands at Potto in Cleveland, Shadforth, and Brancepeth Minor monetary bequests to family Endorsed: Proved at London, 15 January 1717/18 Memoranda that the writing is the will of Sir Henry Belasyse, 25 September 1718

6 and 7 July 1732 (1) Thomas Wilkinson of Durham City, esq., and Dame Fleetwood Belasyse, widow of Sir Henry Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, knt. (2) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release of Brancepeth Castle together with all lands belonging to the late Sir Henry Belasyse

8 August 1732 (1) William Belasyse, esq. (2) Dame Fleetwood Belasyse, widow Demise for securing an annuity of £300 from (1) to (2) of lands as at D/Br/D 249-250 above

9 August 1732 (1) Dame Fleetwood Belasyse, widow (2) Henry Belasyse, esq. Redemise in return for a yearly rent of £300 from (1) to (2) of lands as at D/Br/D 249-250 above

9 August 1732 (1) Dame Fleetwood Belasyse, widow (2) William Belasyse, esq. Counterpart of D/Br/D 252 above

9 Juno 1763 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Bridgot Belasyse, spinster, daughter of (1) (3) George Eckersall of Lincoln's Inn Fields, esq., and James Davison of Hanover Square, Middlesex, gent. (4) Joseph Godfrey of London, esq. Assignment of the residue of 2 terms of 200 years and 500 years from (1) to (3) with the consent of (2) of several farms situated in the East Park, in Brancepeth as specified; several farms at Stockley as specified; several parcels of ground at Stockley as specified; several messuages with cottages in Stockley as specified, upon the several trusts as specified

9 June 1763 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Bridget Belasyse, spinster, daughter of (1) (3) George Eckersall of Lincoln's Inn Fields, Middlesex, esq., and James Davison of St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex, gent. (4) Joseph Godfrey of London, esq. Release from (1) to (3) and (4) of several farms in the East Park, Brancepeth, as specified; several farms in Stockley, as specified; several closes in Stockley, as specified; and several messuages in Stockley, as specified; and assignment of 2 terms of 200 and 500 years from (3) and (4) to (1) in exchange for a sum of £10,000 for (2), of the manor of Brancepeth with Brancepeth Castle and lands belonging thereto

8 June 1764 Copy will of William Belasyse, esq., as follows: To Bridget Belasyse, his daughter, as sole executrix, all real and personal estate Small monetary bequests etc. to friends

18 June 1765 (1) Alexander Hamilton of Lincoln's Inn, Middlesex, esq. (2) William Belasyse, esq. (3) Thomas Watts and William Hamilton of Lincoln's Inn, esqs. Mortgage for securing £7,000 and interest from (1) to (3) at the request of (2) of farms called High Waterhouses, High Waterhouse West Farm, Standalone Farm situate at Low Watorhouses, several messuages at Ivesley, Morley Farm, Hayslett Farm, Low Waterhouse Farm, as specified, all of which are in the parish of Brancepeth; with schedule of deeds, 19 April 1701 - 16 August 1732

19 and 20 February 1767 (1) William Belasyse, esq. (2) Christopher Johnson of Durham City, gent. Mortgage by lease and release for securing £2,000 and interest, of 2 farms called Weatherhill and Middles, formerly part of Brancepeth Common, allotted to (1)

4 and 5 June 1769 (1) Bridget Belasyse of St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex, spinster (2) George Eckersall, esq. Mortgage by lease and release for securing £3,200 and interest of farms at East Park and farms, closes and messuages at Stockley, as at D/Br/D 255 above Endorsed membrane 2: 25 January 1770, Statement that the above property shall stand seised for a further sum of £800

8 November 1771 (1) Christopher Johnson, esq., and Bridget Belasyse, spinster (2) Richard Hoare of Fleet Street, London, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of Weatherhill and Middles farms as at D/Br/D 258-259 above

12 and 13 May 1777 (1) Simon Le Blanc of Inner Temple, London, esq., and Henry Christopher Wise of Hampton, Middlesex, esq. (2) John Eckersall, esq., and Catherine, his wife (nee Wathen) (3) Rt. Hon. Henry Earl Fauconberg (4) John Tempest, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (4) of the farms at East Park and farms, closes and messuages at Stockley as at D/Br/D 255 above Consideration: £4,000

20 May 1777 (1) Diana Chudleigh of Chalmington, Dorset, spinster (2) Rt. Hon. Henry Earl Fauconborg and John Tempest, esq. Release of a legacy of £25,400 arising out of the manor of Brancepeth

20 May 1777 (1) Mary Russell, spinster; Charlotte Henrietta Johnstone, spinster; Ann Wilkinson, spinster; Thomas Pitt, esq., and Isabella, his wife; Thomas Williams of Epsom, Surrey, esq., and Mary, his wife; John Eckersall, esq.; Ann Marsham; Lady Frances Tollemache Marlborough Hardy and William Pratt (2) Rt. Hon. Henry Earl Fauconborg and John Tempest, esq. Release of legacies for various sums, specified, arising out of manor of Brancepeth

Copy decree in the case between Lady Ann Belasyse by the Rt. Hon. Henry Earl Fauconborg, her father, and Bigoe Charles Williams, an infant, by Thomas Williams, his father, plaintiffs and John Tempest, esq., defendant, concerning legacies under the will of Bridget Belasyse issuing out of lands at Brancepeth, 10 December 1777

Copy of D/Br/D 269 above, 10 December 1777

Order to enlarge the time in the decree for the payment of the two legacies of £1,000 in the case as at D/Br/D 269 above, 14 May 1778

16 July 1742 (1) Edward, Lord Bishop of Durham (2) William Bellasyse of Brancepeth, esq. Assignment of a pew in the north aisle of the parish church of Brancepeth

27 March 1779 (1) John Tempest, esq. (2) Farrer Wren and Robert Shafto, esqs. Copy release as at D/Br/D 292, 293 below

19 December 1789 Copy probate of the will dated 2 October 1789 of John Scarth of Cornsay, yeo., as follows: To John Darnel of Thornley, gent., and Silas Angus of Brancepeth, yeo., as executors, all real estate in Cornsay and elsewhere upon trusts for his wife, and David Scarth, his brother, for life, and also for David and John Scarth, his nephews

Letter from Arthur Mowbray at Sherburn to William Russell at Newcastle concerning the cost of purchasing Brancepeth estate, supply of bread corn and want of money at Hardwicke, 15 August 1795

Letter from George Pearson at London to William Russell at Newbottle concerning negotiations for the purchase of Brancepeth for £75,000, 16 April 1796

Letter from George Pearson at London to W. Mowbray at Sherburn concerning the valuation of Brancepeth estate, 16 April 1796

Copy letter from William Russell at Newbottle [to George Mowbray at London] concerning his wish to proceed with negotiations for the purchase of Brancepeth estate, 18 April 1796

Letter from George Mowbray at London to William Russell at Newbottle concerning Mr. Benfield's interest in the purchase of Brancepeth estate, they should conclude quickly to prevent his stepping-in with an offer, 21 April 1796

Copy letter from Arthur Mowbray at Sherburn [to George Pearson at London] sent to William Russell at Newbottle with information after a cursory survey of Brancepeth estate, 26 April 1796

Letter from George Pearson at London to Arthur Mowbray at Sherburn stating that he has offered £75,000 for the estate on Mr. Russell's behalf, and giving details of payment and completion dates, 28 April 1796

Letter from Arthur Mowbray at York to William Russell at Newbottle congratulating him on the purchase of Brancepeth estate, 6 May 1796

Letter from George Pearson at London to William Russell at Hardwick concerning the execution of articles for the purchase of Brancepeth and urging him to take possession soon and make an inventory, 10 May 1796

18 February 1797 Copy probate of the will and codicils of John Tempest of Wynyard, esq. Will dated 31 July 1793; first codicil dated 1 April 1794; second codicil dated 2 June 1794; testator died 13 August 1794 Probate granted by the Prerogative Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury: includes bequests relating to lands in County Durham including the manor of Brancepeth

Abstract of title, 5 February 1689 - 14 May 1777, to Quarry Hill Farm at Brancepeth, late the estate of John Tempest, deceased, with notes by William Hoar, 31 January and 13 April 1797

11 May 1797 (1) Gore Townsend of Hannington Hail, Warwick, esq.; and William Mellish of London, esq., trustees of late John Tempest; Anne Tempest of Little Grove, East Hornet, Hertfordshire, widow; and Sir Henry Vane Tempest of Winyard, bart. (2) William Russell of Newbottie and Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of the manor, castle, farms and lands of Brancepeth, as at D/Br/D 292-293 below

Letter from H.T. Vane at Wynyard [to William Russell], concerning a settlement for the payment of £40,000 [in legacies] out of the Brancepeth estate, 16 December 1797

Letter from William Russell at Brancepeth [to H.T. Vane at Winyard] in reply to D/Br/D 279 above, 17 December 1797

An Act for vesting in new trustee the sum of £40,000 given by a codicil annexed to the will of John Tempest, esq., to Farrer Wren and Robert Shafto, esqs. upon certain trusts in the said codicil mentioned, 1797

Sir J. Mitford's opinion respecting Brancepeth estate (concerning payment of £40,000) with copy letter from Richard Legord at London to Sir H.T. Vane, 14 February 1798

Statement of the case on behalf of William Russell concerning payment of £40,000 due on mortgage of Brancepeth estate, 30 March 1798

21 April 1798 (1) Sir Henry Vane Tempest, bart. (2) William Russell, esq. Articles of agreement respecting payment of £40,000 due on mortgage of the Brancepeth estate

Bill from Thomas Maynard for work carried out for William Russell on the conveyancing of Brancepeth estate, 14 April - 12 May 1798

Bill from Thomas Maynard for work carried out for William Russell on the conveyancing of Brancepeth estate, April - 30 June 1798

28 May 1798 (1) Sir Henry Vane Tempest, bart., and Rowland Burdon of Castle Eden, esq. (2) William Russell, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of the manor, castle, park, lands and farms of Brancepeth as at D/Br/D 292-293 below

Depositions of George Sidgwick of Tudoe, husbandman and Cuthbert Dodds of Tudoe, farmer, concerning the gelding delivered to the lord of the manor of Brancepeth, William Belasyse, esq., on behalf of John Dunn sometime in the 1760s, 17 October 1798

Deposition of John Gill of Brancepeth, weaver, as at D/Br/D 288 above, 17 October 1798

William Russell's rough notes concerning the manner of paying £40,000 due on a mortgage of the Brancepeth estate, 1798

Letter from Thomas Maynard at Durham to William Russell at Brancepeth concerning the taking of Dr. Haines' signature to a deed, 24 November 1799

15 and 16 May 1777 (1) Rt. Hon. Henry, Earl Fauconborg (2) John Tempest of Winyard, esq. Lease and release of Brancepeth manor, with Brancepeth castle, park and lands of 105a.3r.18p.; a farmhold held by Robert Wilson, as specified; East Park Form, as specified; Lodge Farm, as specified; Scripton Form, as specified; a farmhold held by Ralph Megson, as specified; Morley Farm, as specified; Quarry Hill Form, as specified; a cottage and close held by Thomas Pattinson; Stockley Farm, as specified; 4 closes held by George Marshall; Barmish Beggar Farm, as specified; Fawdon's Field; Fawdons Close; a farmhold held by William Pattinson; Hewits Close; a messuage held by John Cumming; Weather Hill Farm, as specified; Wooley Hill Farm, as specified; Middles Form, as specified; Stand Alone and Bail Hill Farms, as specified; High Waterhouse Farm, as specified; South High Waterhouse Farm, as specified; Low Waterhouse Form, as specified; Hayslett House Farm, as specified; Ivesley Form, as specified; Cornsey Acre money; Thornley Common Acre money; Morley Colliery, Stowhouse Colliery and Dearness Head Colliery; Thornley Stone Quarry, and several cottages, as specified, all of which are in the parishes of Brancepeth, Lanchester and Stockley, with schedule of legacies owed from the lands Consideration: £70,000

26 and 27 March 1779 (1) John Tempest, esq. (2) Farror Wren of Binchester, esq., and Robert Shafto of Whitworth, esq. Lease and release for securing £40,000 to (2) of the manor of Brancepeth, castle, farms and lands as at D/Br/D 292-293 above upon the trusts of a codicil to the will of John Tempest, esq., deceased, and pursuant to a decretal order of the Court of Chancery at Durham

27 March 1779 (1) John Tempest of Winyard, Esg. (2) Farrer Wren of Binchester, Esg., and Rohert Shafto of Whitworth, Esq. Copy release for securing £40,000 and interest to (2) of the manor of Brancepeth, farms and lands as at D/Br/D 292-293 ahove

12 and 13 May 1777 (1) Thomas Watts of the Sun Fire Office, London, esq., and William Hamilton, esq. (2) Rt. Hon. Henry Earl Fauconborg (3) John Tempest of Winyard, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (3) of farms and lands as at D/Br/D 257 above Consideration: £7,000

31 March 1628 Royal charter granting lands in Brancepeth to Lancelot Fetherstonhaugh and heirs

22 December 1714 (1) Mary Fetherstonhalgh of Newcastle upon Tyne, spinster (2) John Hull of Branspeth, joyner Lease for 9 years of a messuage and orchard, with close called Hellshole Close adjoining, in Branspeth as specified Consideration: £6 p.a.

15 October 1717 (1) Mary Fetherstonhalgh of North Bailey, Durham City, spinster (2) Ralph Fetherstonhalgh of Newcastle upon Tyne, gent., and Thomas Lewen of Durham City, gent. (3) Thomas Wilkinson of Crosgate, Esg. Copy release [made 26 April 1806] from (3) to (2) on the intended marriage of (1) and (3) of lands in Stanley, Tuddoe, Stockley and Branspeth, to uses as specified

9 August 1734 Copy will dated 26 March 1733 and codicil dated 8 February 1733/34 of Thomas Wilkinson of Old Elvett, Barrester at Law, as follows: To his wife a burgage in Old Elvett and a little farm at Tudhoe and rents due from estate at Brancepeth on condition she renew leases of lands at Stanley and Wingate to William Shaftoe; to Anthony and Richard Wilkinson, residue of lands in County Durham as executors; monetary bequests to family and friends etc.

2 Novemher 1752 (1) Anthony Wilkinson of Crosgate, Durham City, esq., and Richard Wilkinson of Crosgate, esq. (2) Ralph Bates of Newhottle, esq. Copy release and partition [made 29 April 1806] of manors and lands etc. at Wingate, Wheatley Hill, Tursdale, Brancepeth, Stockley, Stanley and Tudhoe, formerly belonging to Thomas Wilkinson, upon trusts as specified

3 April 1758 Copy will of Anthony Wilkinson of Crosgate, as follows: To Margaret Wharton, his daughter £100; his wife to keep his 4 unmarried daughters out of her large jointure of Newlands and Consett, but also given legacies as specified; to Thomas, his son, all messuages at Wheatley Hill and Wingate; to William, his eldest son, tithes at Consett, lands at Wolsiogham West Field and lands and tithes at Ash [Esh]; to Gilbert, his son, messuages etc. at Crosgate, Elvett, Bishopton, Sockhurn, Girsby, Brancepeth and Stockley; to his wife, house in Crosgate if she shall limit her jointure over Newlands and Consett; Gilbert Wilkinson is sole executor

6 December 1764 Copy will of Gilbert Wilkinson of Branspeth, as follows: To William Wilkinson of Newcastle upon Tyne, esq., and Thomas Wilkinson of Kingston upon Hull, esq., his hrothers, all messuages etc. in Crosgate, a messuage etc. in New Elvett, lands at Framwellgate, Bowes's Close, corn tithes at Bishopton, messuages and lands at Branspeth, Stockley and Whitton, together with copyhold lands at Ryton, as specified, as joint executors

26 March 1766 (1) William Wilkinson, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson, now of New E1vett, Durham City, esq. (3) Percival Clennell of Newcastle upon Tyne, esq. Copy articles of agreement [made 2 May 1806] between (1) and (2) for the partition of the estates of the late Anthony and Gilbert Wilkinson in Whitton, Brancepeth, Stockley Sheriff Meadows, Tenter Hills, Bowes Close, South Street, New Elvett, etc. as specified; and agreement for the release to (3) of all lands as above for the better vesting of the same

23 and 24 October 1777 (1) John Tempest of Winyard, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson of Brancepeth, esq. Lease and release of a garden in the parish of Brancepeth, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £160

24 September 1782 Copy will dated 11 January 1768 (and codicils dated 11 December 1777, 25 January 1782 and 23 February 1782) of Thomas Wilkinson of New Elvett, esq., as follows: To Thomas Wilkinson, his son, all lands in Yorkshire, as specified in the marriage settlement of the testator, with remainders as specified; to Joseph Williamson and John Moses of Kingston upon Hull, esqs., all real and personal estate in Yorkshire and Durham, upon trusts, as specified; codicil substitutes Calverly Bewicke of Close House, Northumberland, esq., his son in law for the late John Moses; codicil substitutes Sir Thomas Heron Myddleton, bart., for Calverley Bewicke

28 June 1783 (1) Fewster Johnson, Captain in the 7th Regiment, Queens Dragoons and Jane, his wife (nee Wilkinson) (2) Sir Thomas Heron Middleton, bart., and Joseph Williamson, esq. Release of a legacy of £1,500 bequeathed under the will of the late Thomas Wilkinson

31 December 1789 (1) William Watson Bolton of Kingston upon Hull, surgeon and apothecary and Ann, his wife (nee Wilkinson) (2) Thomas Wilkinson of Brancepeth, esq. Release of a legacy of £1,500 bequeathed under the will of the late Thomas Wilkinson

25 January 1790 (1) Anthony Wilkinson, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. Release of a legacy of £3,000 bequeathed under the will of the late Thomas Wilkinson

2 January 1792 (1) William John Wilkinson, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. Release of a legacy of £3,000 bequeathed under the will of the late Thomas Wilkinson

1 May 1795 (1) Margaret Wharton of Old Park, widow (nee Wilkinson) (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. Release of a legacy of £450 bequeathed under the will of the late Thomas Wilkinson

10 January 1806 (1) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. (2) William Russell, esq. Articles of agreement for the purchase of a messuage etc. in Brancepeth in which (1) now lives and several other messuages and lands in Brancepeth and Stockley, as specified Consideration: £5,250

10 January 1806 (1) William Russell, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq., on behalf of William Gascoyne of Brancepeth, blacksmith Memorandum of an agreement for a lease for 99 years of a blacksmith's shop in Brancepeth Consideration: £1 10s.0d. p.a.

12 and 13 May 1806 (1) Thomas Wilkinson, esq., and Ellen, his wife (2) George Francis Lynn of Southwick Hall, Northampton, esq., and Mary, his wife (3) Jane Wilkinson of New Elvett, widow (4) Maria Isabella Wilkinson of New Elvett, spinster (5) William Russell, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (5) with the consent of the other parties of a mansion house etc. including blacksmith's shop, and a close used as a garden by James Shaw, in Brancepeth, and all other messuages and lands of (1) in Brancepeth and Stockley Consideration: £5,250

13 May 1806 (1) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. (2) William Russell, esq. Covenant to produce deeds for lands as at D/Br/D 315-316 above, with schedule of deeds, 3 April 1758 - 2 January 1792

13 May 1806 (1) William Russell, esq. (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq. Bond in £7,000 for the payment of £3,500 Endorsed: Receipts from Thomas Wilkinson, 13 May 1807 and 13 May 1808

11 June 1806 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) Thomas Wilkinson, esq., and Ellen, his wife; George Francis Lynn, esq., and Mary, his wife, deforceants Final concord for messuages and lands in Brancepeth and Stockley Consideration: 100 silver marks

11 June 1806 (1) William Russell, plaintiff (2) Thomas and Ellen Wilkinson and George Francis and Mary Lynn, deforceants Final concord as at D/Br/D 319 above

Abstract of the title, 31 March 1628 - 2 January 1792, of Thomas Wilkinson, esq., to hereditaments in Branspeth and Stockley purchased by William Russell, esq., 14 April 1806

28 March 1634 (1) Alice Robinson of Branspeth, widow (2) Richard Hutchinson of Hummersley, gent. Assignment on the proposed marriage of (2) and Jane Robinson, daughter of (1) of a farmhold called Boggle Hole together with 4 closes of land, part of the manor of Brancepeth

13 March 1670/71 (1) Sir Ralph Cole of Brancepeth Castle, bart. (2) John Browne of Durham City, gent. Feoffment of lands as at D/Br/D 322 above Consideration: £65

13 March 1670/71 (1) Ralph Cole of Brancepeth Castle, bart. (2) John Browne of Durham City, gent. Bond in £150 for the performance of covenants set out in indentures of even date

22 March 1670/71 (l)John Browne, gent. (2) Richard Hutchinson of Hummersley, gent. Acknowledgement from (1) that lands as at D/Br/D 323 above are enfeoffed to him for the use of (2)

4 October 1679 Extract from the will of Richard Hutchinson of Durham City, gent., bequeathing a farm in Brancepeth called Boglehole to Elizabeth Hutchinson, his daughter

1 and 2 May 1712 (1) Elizabeth Hutchinson of New Elvet, Durham City, spinster (2) Thomas Wardell of Stanley, yeo. Lease and release of the farmhold called Bogglehole together with 4 closes, as specified, part of the manor of Brancepeth Consideration: £200

2 May 1712 (1) Elizabeth Hutchinson, spinster; Hannah Browne, widow; and Elizabeth Browne, spinster, both of New Elvet, Durham City (2) Thomas Wardell, yeo Bond in £400 to perform covenants as set out in D/Br/D 327-328 above

2 May 1712 (1) Elizabeth Hutchinson, spinster; Hannah Browne, widow; and Elizabeth Browne, spinster (2) Anthony Ettricke, Nicholas Hall, William Lee, David Dixon, John Crosby, Henry Husby,Nicholas Paxton, esqs. Power of attorney to act in any suit for a debt of £400 brought by Thomas Wardell, yeo.

Memorandum of an agreement for the sale of an estate in Brancepeth from Elizabeth Hutchinson to Thomas Wardell, n.d. [1712]

21 and 22 August 1713 (1) Thomas Wardell of Quarryhill, yeo (2) Robert Johnson, second son of Richard Johnson of Brancepeth East Park, yeo., and Christopher Wall of Durham City, cordwainer (3) John Wardell, eldest son of (1) (4) Elizabeth Johnson, eldest daughter of Richard Johnson Lease and release from (1) to (2) upon the proposed marriage of (3) and (4) of lands as at D/Br/D 327-328 above, to the uses of (1) and (3) as specified Consideration: £60 and household goods to the value of £40 from Richard Johnson to (3)

8 July 1728 Probate of the will dated 16 June 1728 of Thomas Wardell of Brancepeth, as follows: To John Wardell, his son, Bodgell Hole farm in Brancepeth; to Jane Wardell, his wife, an annuity of £4 for life out of the above estate, as sole executrix Small monetary bequests to children and grand children

28 June 1748 Probate of the will dated 17 May 1748 of John Wardell of Pagebank, as follows: Elizabeth Wardell, his wife, and George Wardell, his son, are joint executors, the latter to pay small sums of money out of the estate of Boggle Hole at Brancepeth, to members of the family

11 March 1780 Probate of the will dated 22 October 1779 of Thomas Wardell of Melsonby, North Yorkshire, yeo., as follows: To Thomas Wardell, his son, all estate in Brancepeth called Boggle Hole; to Thomas and Elizabeth Wardell, his wife, as joint executors, all estate in Melsonby, together with household goods and ready money for life of Elizabeth and thereafter to Mary and Ann Wardell, his daughters, all household goods except those bequeathed to Thomas, together with £150 and £140 each respectively etc.; to Elizabeth Smith, his daughter, 1 guinea

Letter from Thomas Wardell at Melsonby to James Shaw at Brancepeth, concerning a bond from William Russell and recomnending his nephew for a position as hind, 26 February 1817

Letter from Thomas Wardell at Melsonby to James Shaw at Brancepeth concerning deeds relating to Boggle Hole, 6 April 1817

Letter from Thomas Wardell at Melsonby [to James Shaw at Brancepeth] concerning the descent of Boggle Hole through his family and requesting the cost of levying a fine, 22 April 1817

12 and 13 May 1817 (1) Thomas Wardell of Melsonby, Yorkshire, yeo (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release and covenant to levy a fine for lands as at D/Br/D 327- 328 above Consideration: £800

20 May 1817 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) Thomas Wardell, deforceant Final concord for 2 messuages and lands in Brancepeth Consideration: 100 silver marks

20 May 1817 (1) William Russell, esq. (2) Thomas Wardell Final concord as at D/Hr/D 340 above

Bill from J. Ward for work carried out for William Russell on the conveyance of Boggle Hole estate, 26 May 1817

Receipt from J. Ward for £20 15s.0d. received from William Russell for the conveyance of Boggle Hole estate, 28 May 1817

25 February 181g (1) Thomas Wardell (2) James Shaw for William Russell Memorandum of an agreement for the purchase of Boggle Hole for £800

Copy extract of the enclosure award for Brancepeth and Stockley Moors relating to the allotment awarded to Thomas Usher, 8 January 1759

15 and 16 December 1817 (1) Thomas Usher of Great Aycliffe, yeo (2) Thomasine Usher of Brancepeth, widow (3) Matthew Russell of Brancepeth Castle and Hardwick, esq. Lease and release from (1) and (2) to (3) of a plot of land of c.lr.28p. formerly part of Brancepeth Moor, granted to Thomas Usher in right of his cottage in Brancepeth, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £60

3 and 4 January 1763 (1) Robert Clerk of Burnigill, gent., and Mary, his wife (2) Christopher Vickars of Pagebank, yeo., and Isabell, his wife (nee Harrison) (3) John Bird the elder of Sherburne House, gent., and William Swalwell of Shadforth, gent. (4) John Bird the younger of Sherburne House, gent. Lease and release and covenant to suffer a common recovery from (1) to (3) of a close of c.2a. called Kiplings Close in Brancepeth townfields, with boundaries as specified, with a house and garth belonging to it, with boundaries as specified; 2 closes called Shoull Flatt and Buckburn Close in Brancepeth, with boundaries as specified; a cottage house and garth in Brancepeth built by Sir Ralph Cole, bart., with boundaries as specified; a close of c.2a. called Hulls/Jefferson's Close, in Brancepeth, with boundaries as specified; a parcel of land of c.6a. formerly part of Brancepeth Common allotted to (1); and a messuage called Beggar Hall with garth and close of c.10a. belonging to it in Brandon called the Intack/The Toft/The Croft, as specified Consideration: £300

28 June 1763 (1) Robert Clark, yeo. (2) Martin Doubleday of Butterby, gent.; Gilbert Snowdon of Haswell, gent.; and Henjamin Whitaker of Durham City, woolen draper (3) The creditors of (1) as specified Release from (1) to (2) for the payment of debts to (3) of lands as at D/Br/D 348-349 above, with a schedule of crops and animals at Burnigill Farm; a schedule of household goods at Burnigill; and a list of creditors with the amounts owed to each

7 and 8 January 1765 (1) George Clark of Burnigill, yeo. (2) James Clark of Burnigill, Fee. (3) Joseph Ayre of Sunderland Bridge, yeo. Mortgage by lease and release for securing £400 and interest from (1) and (2) to (3) of lands as at D/Br/D 348-349 above, excluding the cottage and garth in Brancepeth built by Sir Ralph Cole, bart., and the allotment of c.6a. formerly part of Brancepeth Common

4 October 1853 (1) Hon. Gustavus Frederick Hamilton Russell of Brancepeth Castle and Emma Maria, his wife; and Gustavus Russell Hamilton Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Edward, Lord Bishop of Durham (3) Rev. John Duncombe Shafto, rector of Brancepeth Conveyance from (1) to (3) with the consent of (2) of a parcel of land of c.1r.7p. adjoining Brancepeth churchyard for an extension to the churchyard Consideration: £1

30 May 1727 (1) George Bowes of Bradley, esq. (2) Thomas Howes of Quarry Hill, gent. (3) Richard Smith the younger of Old Elvet, Durham City, gent. Assignment from (1) to (3) at the direction of (2) of a judgement for debt in the Court of Pleas, Durham, against Thomas Howes of Durham City, deceased, father of (2); and power of attorney from (1) to (3) to sue for recovery of outstanding debt Consideration: £139

4 January 1730/31 (1) Thomas Bowes of Quarry Hill, gent. (2) William Wilkinson of Crossgate, Durham City, gent. Assignment from (1) to (2) of several closes called Coopers Closes, and Edgers Close in Brancepeth as specified [part of the rectory of Brancepeth]

2 February 1732/33 (1) William Wilkinson of Crosgate, Durham City, gent. (2) Thomas Bowes of Qearry Hill, gent. (3) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Assignment of a mortgage for securing £1,200 and interest from (1) to (3) at the direction of (2) of closes in Brancepeth called Coopers Closes and Edgars Close, as specified [part of the rectory of Brancepeth]

7 March 1744/45 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Martin Hull of Brancepeth, joiner Articles of agreement between (1) and (2) for the purchase of a messuage, dwelling house and garden in Brancepeth, as specified; a piece of waste ground in the lane called Beggars Lane, 2 closes in Brancepeth called Coopers Closes of c.7a.; and a close called Edgers Close of c.2.5a. Consideration: £245

29 and 30 April 1745 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Martin Hull of Brancepeth, joiner Lease and release of a messuage in Brancepeth with garden, front stead on Beggars Lane, 2 closes in Brancepeth called Coopers Closes of c.7a., and one other close called Edgers Close of c.2.5a. al.so in Brancepeth as specified Consideration: £245

30 April 1745 (1) William Belasyse of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (2) Martin Hull of Brancepeth, joiner Assignment from (1) to (2) of a messuage and dwelling house with garden in Brancepeth, as specified a piece of waste ground in Beggar Lane, 2 closes in Brancepeth called Coopers Closes of c.7a. and a close called Edgers Close, also in Brancepeth of c.2.5a. [part of the rectory of Brancepeth] Consideration: £245

30 April 1745 (1) William Belasyse, esq. (2) Martin Hull, joiner Deed of indemnity for the sum of £245 in case (2) should at any time be ejected from lands as at D/Br/D 360 above

2 and 3 May 1783 (1) Martin Hull, joiner, and Thomasine, his wife (2) John Mason of Brancepeth, gent. Lease and release with covenant to levy a fine of 2 closes called Coopers Close and one close called Edgers Close in Brancepeth, as specified; with covenant to produce deeds and schedule of deeds, 30 September 1696 - 1 March 1755 Consideration: £326

3 May 1783 (1) Martin Hull, joiner and Thomasine, his wife (2) John Mason of Brancepeth, gent. Assignment of 2 closes called Coopers Closes and 1 close called Edgers Close in Brancepeth, as specified Consideration: £320 and 8s. p.a. to the rector of Brancepeth

17 May 1783 (1) John Mason, gent., plaintiff (2) Martin Hull, joiner and Thomasine, his wife, deforceants Final concord for 20a. of land etc. in Brancepeth Consideration: 100 silver marks

2 and 3 April 1799 (1) John Mason of Lath Barn, Brancepeth, gent., and Esther, his wife (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release of lands as at D/Br/D 362-363 above Consideration: £1,700 8s. and 5½d. p.a. to the rector of Brancepeth

Office copy of the will dated 8 March 1784 and proved at Durham, 4 May 1805, of Martin Hull of Brancepeth, joiner, as follows: To John Mason of Brancepeth and Martin Darnton of Burnigill a freehold messuage in Brancepeth, as specified; in trust for his wife, and Mary Wilkinson, his daughter and heirs; also all other messuages in Brancepeth in trust as above

1 May 1779 (1) John Greenwell. of Little White, Brancepeth, farmer, and Thomas Thompson of Brancepeth, wheelwright (2) Martin Button of Brancepeth, gardener Assignment of a feoffment in a tenement and garth in Brancepeth in the occupation of Robert Darling, butcher, with boundaries as specified Consideration: £107 2s.0d.

18 September 1784 Copy of the will of Richard Threlkeld of Brancepeth, as follows: To Henry Threlkeld, his son, a messuage and garden in the occupation of Thomas Wardle and George Middleton [in Brancepeth]; to William Threlkeld, his son, 7s. per week out of estate in Brancepeth with John Husby, his son in law, as trustee; to Isabella Busby, grand-daughter £100 out of estate in Brancepeth; to Margaret Threlkeld, his daughter, all other real and personal estate as trustee and executrix, for life,thereafter all real estate to Isabella Busby, his daughter

Abstract of the title, 11 February 1757 - 18 September 1784, of Margaret Threlkeld and Isabella Busby, to a messuage in Brancepeth sold to Martin Button, n.d. [post 1784]

7 February 1795 Copy of the will dated 25 March 1788 of Henry Threlkeld of Newington Butts, Surrey, as follows: To Margaret Threlkeld and Isabella Busby, his sisters and Threlkeld Husby, his nephew as executors all leasehold messuages at Moorsley, held of Dean and Chapter, all messuages at Thistle House near East Burdon and a house in the Farsonage Row in Brancepeth to the uses as specified viz:; to Catherine, his wife, £120 p.a. for life, surplus after paying quit rents etc. to Margaret Threlkeld and Isabella Busby, with remainders as specified

13 May 1801 (1) Margaret Threlkeld of Brancepeth, spinster (2) John Busby of Bishop Wearmouth, gent., and Isabella, his wife (3) Martin Hutton, gardener Release from (1) and (2) to (3) of a cottage and garth in Brancepeth with boundaries as specified; covenant to levy a fine; and covenant to produce deeds, with schedule of deeds, 10 March 1729 - 18 September 1784 Consideration: £180

12 and 13 May 1814 (1) Martin Button, gardener (2) Isabella Busby, widow (3) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release from (1) to (3) of a cottage and gart at D/Br/D 373 above, together with one other house and garth in Brancepeth, with boundaries as specified, a ruined cottage in the township of Stockley; and an allotment of c.20p. formerly part of Stockley Common and allotted to Sir John Eden, bart., with boundaries as specified Consideration: £550

12 May 1814 (1) Martin Button, gardener (2) William Russell, esq. Lease [being part of a lease and release] of a house and garth in Brancepeth with boundaries as specified; a ruined cottage in Stockley and an allotment formerly part of Stockley Common Consideration: 5s.

Bill and receipt from J. Ward [solicitor] for conveyancing work carried out for William Russell for a property in Brancepeth, purchased from Martin Button, 7 April - 3 October 1814

26 March 1903 (1) Rev. Frederick Ware Glyn of Brancepeth Rectory (2) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (3) Rt. Hon. Gustavus Russell, Viscount Boyne of Brancepeth Castle, patron of Brancepeth rectory Conveyance from (1) to (3) of c.38a. of glebe land in Brancepeth, as specified on the endorsed ink and water-colour plan Consideration: £3,420 from (3) to (2)

28 March - 9 April 1903 Receipts for a valuation of timber at Brancepeth and for solicitors costs, relating to D/Br/D 378 above

9 December 1698 (1) John Harland of Helminton Raw, butcher and Dorothy Harrison of Durham City, spinster (2) Thomas Bowes of Durham City, gent. Release of a close of meadow and arable ground called Jacksons Close in the townfields of Brancepeth of c.2a. as specified Consideration: £57 15s.0d.

29 and 30 September 1696 (1) John Edger of Durham City, yeo., and Elizabeth, his wife (nee Jackson) (2) John Harling of Helminton Rawe, butcher Lease and release of a close of meadow and arable land called Jacksons Close in the townfields of Brancepeth, of about 2a., as specified Consideration: £55

7 July 1674 (1) Sir Ralph Cole of Brancepeth Castle, bart. (2) John Cocke, clerk, vicar of the parish church of Elvet, Durham City Mortgage for a term of 999 years of several closes called The Lady Closes, part of the manor of Brancepeth as specified Consideration: £500

7 July 1674 (1) Sir Ralph Cole, bart. (2) Rev. John Cock Counterpart mortgage as at D/Br/D 383 above

26 and 27 September 1689 (1) Sir Ralph Cole, bart. (2) Rev. John Morton, prebendary of Durham Cathedral Lease and release, and covenant to levy a fine for lands as at D/Br/D 383 above Consideration: £840

27 September 1689 (1) Sir Ralph Cole, bart. (2) Rev. John Morton Counterpart release and covenant to levy a fine as at D/Br/D 386 above

27 September 1689 (1) Rev. John Cock and Sir Ralph Cole, bart. (2) William Wilson of North Bailey, Durham City, gent. (3) Rev. John Moreton Assignment of a mortgage for the residue of a term of 999 years from (1) to (2) of lands as at D/Br/D 383 above Consideration: £500 from (2) to Rev. John Cock

Receipt of Rev. John Cock for £500 received from William Wilson, gent., 27 September 1689

Receipt of Sir Ralph Cole for £840 received from Rev. John Morton, 27 September 1689

23 April 1813 Letters of administration of the goods of the late William Wilson, gent., limited as to the residue of a term of 999 years in lands as at D/Br/D 383 above, granted to William Oliver of Durham City, gent.

30 June 1813 (1) William Oliver, gent. (2) Morton John Davison of Beamish, esq. (3) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. (4) Richard Kirton of Durham City, gent. Assignment of the residue of a term of 999 years from (1) to (4) in trust for (3) of lands as at D/Br/D 383 above

14 March 1743/44 (1) [missing] (2) Robert Mitcheson Copy surrender of a house and garth for securing £40

28 and 29 September 1750 (1) George Pickering of Fatfield, yeo. (2) William Wailes of Hilly Raw, yeo. Mortgage by lease and release for securing £40 and interest, of a house and garth in Brancepeth together with a close called Dean Close in Brancepeth township Consideration: 4s.11d. p.a. to the rector of Brancepeth

17 May 1755 (1) George Pickering, yeo (2) William Wailes, yeo (3) Thomas Thompson of Brancepeth, wheelwright Release from (1) to (3) of lands as at D/Br/D 394-395 above Consideration: £200

30 May 1761 Copy admittance of Joseph Simpson, gent., into a house and garth together with a close called Law Dean, part of the rectory of Brancepeth

2 and 3 October 1761 (1) Thomas Thompson, wheelwright and Sarah, his wife (2) Joseph Simpson of Brancepeth, gent. (3) John Greenwell of Little White, yeo. Lease and release and covenant to levy a fine from (1) and (2) to (3) in trust for (1) of lands as at D/Br/D 394-395 above Consideration: 4s.11d. p.a. to the rector of Brancepeth

29 January 1794 Probate of the will, dated 16 December 1793, of Thomas Thompson of Lanchester, carpenter, as follows: To John Thompson, his son, all lands called Lower Dean in Brancepeth with remainders as specified; to Elizabeth Stobbs, his daughter, a copyhold house and garth in Lanchester and a close of c.2a. on Collings Green in Lanchester together with all ready money and household goods as sole executrix

Office copy of D/Br/D 400 above, n.d. [post 29 January 1794]

20 May 1801 (1) John Thompson of Hylton North Ferry, Monkwearmouth, yeo. (2) James Gainer junior of Brancepeth, cordwainer and John Wheatley of Brancepeth, yeo. Grant of a life estate in lands etc. on the east Side of Brancepeth township as specified Consideration: £35

6 and 7 February 1807 (1) James Gainer, cordwainer, and John Wheatley, yeo. (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release of lands as at D/Br/D 402 above Consideration: £50

24 August 1809 (1) Elizabeth Brown of Lanchester (2) James Shaw for William Russell, esq. Memorandum of an agreement for the purchase of property in Brancepeth, together with a field called Lower Dean near Brancepeth Consideration: £420

8 November 1809 (1) Thomas Wilkinson of Edmondbyors, yeo.; Martin Wilkinson of Red House, Hexhamshire, Northumberland yeo.; William Turner of Erring Bridge End, Northumberland, yeo., and Isabella, his wife (2) Brack Shorter of Newcastle, gent. Memorandum of an agreement for the purchase of property in the parish of Brancepeth Consideration: £425

21 and 22 September 1810 (1) William Brown of Lanchester, tailor, and Elizabeth his wife (formerly Stobbs) (2) William Russell of Brancepeth Castle, esq. Lease and release and covenant to levy a fine of a freehold close called Lower Dean/Law Dean of c.4a. in Brancepeth Consideration: £420

Copy promissory notes from William Russell esq., for the payments of £100 and £250 to William and Isabella Brown, 24 September 1810

9 October 1810 (1) William Russell, esq., plaintiff (2) William and Elizabeth Brown, deforceants Final concord of 5 messuages and lands in Brancepeth Consideration: 100 silver marks

9 October 1810 (1) William Russell , esq. (2) William and Elizabeth Brown Final concord as at D/Br/D 410 above

Letter from William Johnson at North Shields to Colonel Mills requesting permission for Mrs. Waugh to see the conveyance [of lands called Lower Dean?], 6 November 1834