Catalogue

North Bitchburn Coal Company

Reference: D/NBCC Catalogue Title: North Bitchburn Coal Company Area: Catalogue Category: Business and Industry Records Description:

Covering Dates: 1837-1962

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North Bitchburn Coal Company

Catalogue Contents

North Bitchburn Coal Company (Ref: D/NBCC) (Ref: D/NBCC 1/1-52-10/1-15)

Introduction

The North Bitchburn Coal Company was formed in 1839 upon the acquisition of the North Bitchburn coalfield on a lease for lives from the Bishop of Durham. Although boring commenced on the Bitchburn estate in 1841, there were lengthy delays before the colliery was operational. One of the principal difficulties was the abandonment by the West Durham Railway of a proposed branch line to the Hunwick coal field. Sinking operations finally began on 27 August 1845 and by 1847 the North Bitchburn colliery was in full operation.

Much of the initial capital for the undertaking was provided by the Backhouse family, bankers, of Darlington. Frederick Backhouse acted as the company treasurer. By 1849 the shareholders listed in the North Bitchburn partnership deed were H. Brougham, Henry Stobart, J. C. Hopkins, John Mounsey, Thomas Mounsey, William Shields, Thomas Crawford, Alfred Kitching, H. S. Stobart, Richard Ableson, H. Thomson, John Middleton, Charles Robson, Thomas Bradley and Isaac Laws. Many of these retained a lasting interest in the company.

The original lease for lives of the North Bitchburn coal royalty, renewed in 1847, was exchanged for a fixed term lease from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1859. The history of the company for the remainder of the nineteenth century was one of steady acquisition and expansion. The 1850s saw the initiation of coking operations and a brickworks using the fireclay extracted during the mining process. In 1867 a sanitary pipeworks was established at North Bitchburn. Thereafter mining operations were extended to Rough Lea, Storey Lodge, Gordon House, Randolph and Thrislington collieries.

With the 20th century came a decline in the North Bitchburn Coal Company's fortunes, and on 26 February 1920 the company was purchased by Pease and Partners, Ltd. By 1932 Peases refused to fund any further losses and the company was placed in the hands of the receiver. Under a scheme of arrangement Thrislington colliery was tranferred to Henry Stobart and Company in return for the liquidation of the North Bitchburn Coal Company's debt (£119,751) to Pease and Partners. The profitable sections of the operation were transferred to a new company, the North Bitchburn Fireclay Company

Ref: D/NBCC 1/1-52

ADMINISTRATION minutes letter books and correspondence

Ref: D/NBCC 2/1-18

DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS prospectuses reports and circulars to shareholders deeds of settlement and co-partnership directors' attendance

(For annual directors' reports, see FINANCIAL RECORDS)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/1-58

PROPERTY colliery leases and deeds colliery housing

Ref: D/NBCC 4/1-48

FINANCIAL RECORDS annual reports and accounts valuations and calculations of initial operating costs operating and wages costs staff salaries property valuations North Bitchburn Coal Company in receivership

Ref: D/NBCC 5/1-12

PRODUCTION AND SALES mineral analysis manager's reports brickworks sales

Ref: D/NBCC 6/1-6

PEASE AND PARTNERS LIMITED

Ref: D/NBCC 7/1

PHOTOGRAPHS

Ref: D/NBCC 8/1-12

PLANS

Ref: D/NBCC 9/1-8

PRINTED MATERIAL

Ref: D/NBCC 10/1-15

MISCELLANEOUS Bolam and Redworth Coal Company Ltd. North of England School Furnishing Company Ltd. Durham Coal Owners' Association McLachlan and Co. Ltd. (Haughton Bridge Wagon Works, Darlington) T. & R. W. Bower Ltd. Polam Hall School Limited Netherton Coal Company Limited Other

(Ref: D/NBCC 1/1-8)

ADMINISTRATION

Minutes

Ref: D/NBCC 1/1

North Bitchburn Coal Company minute book of general, special general and committee meetings, 7 October 1840 - 5 August 1873

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/2

North Bitchburn Coal Company minute book (no. 2) of general, special general and committee meetings, 26 September 1873 - 25 April 1887 For enclosures, see D/NBCC 1/8

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/3

North Bitchburn Coal Company minute book (no. 3), of general, special general and committee meetings, 10 August 1887 - 7 November 1893

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/4

North Bitchburn Coal Company Limited minute book (no. 4), 16 January 1894 - 13 November 1901 At front: list of references to use of company seal, n.d.

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/5

North Bitchburn Coal Company Ltd minute book (no. 3), indexed, 8 August 1914 - 26 June 1918

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/6

North Bitchburn Coal Company Limited minute book (no. 4), indexed, 28 November 1918 - 26 January 1926

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/7

North Bitchburn Coal Company Limited minute book (no. 6), 28 June 1932 - 27 July 1934

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/8

Draft reports, notes and copy correspondence relating to the minutes of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, 1883 - 1887

(7 papers)

(Ref: D/NBCC 1/9-37)

Letter books and correspondence

Letters to, and from, Henry Stobart, manager of North Bitchburn Coal Company, 1840 - 1857

Ref: D/NBCC 1/9-19

Letters from Edward Backhouse of Ashburne House, Sunderland, to Henry Stobart of Etherley near Bishop Auckland, regarding negotiations for the purchase of the lease of Railey Fell, Low Etherley, Bitchburn and Brusselton coal royalties by two separate agreements, 2 December 1837 - 22 February 1838

(11 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/20

Mr. Clarke and Captain Purse's authority [to Henry Stobart] for treating with Edward Backhouse regarding sale of Etherley, Railey Fell and Bitchburn, Darlington, 26 December 1837

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/21-22

Letters from Rev. George Ford Clarke of Watlass Rectory to Henry Stobart of Etherley discussing terms for sale of Bitchburn and Brusselton coal fields, 30 December 1837 and 2 January 1838

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/23

Letter from Harvey and Wood of Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, to Messrs. Bayley and Newby requesting terms for the purchase of the Bitchburn coal royalty, 18 January 1838 Endorsed: letter from William Bayley of Stockton to Henry Stobart of Etherley enclosing the above and acknowledging that the property is already sold, but advising that Mr. Clarke's sanction should be obtained before reply, 20 January 1838

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/24-25

Letters from William Watson of Byers Green Hall to Henry Stobart offering his services as resident viewer to the East Bitchburn shareholders, and stating charges for his services at Hemlington, 8 October 1840

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/26

Letter from George Fossick [shareholder] of Stockton to Henry Stobart expressing his dissatisfaction at the long delay in opening the North Bitchburn coalfield, and requesting a report on progress and opinion on the prospect of him obtaining the long promised situation as manager, 7 April 1843

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/27

Letter from E. Backhouse of Ashburne House, Sunderland, to Henry Stobart agreeing to purchase T. Crawford's interest in the North and South Bitchburn and Brusselton royalties for £1000, 3 January 1844

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/28

Letter from E. Backhouse of Ashburne House, Sunderland, to Henry Stobart regarding the desirability of sinking a pit as soon as the weather will permit, with observations on projected profitability and opinion as to the lease of Brusselton and the sale of North Bitchburn shares, 14 December 1844

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/29

Letter from R.A. Douglas Gresley of Bishop Auckland to Henry Stobart, enclosing a copy extract from a letter received from William Bayley, in which Bayley refuses to admit any alteration to the draft surrender of the Bitchburn leases, 26 December 1846

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/30

Copy letter from Henry Stobart, Etherley, to William Bayley, regarding renewal of the North Bitchburn and Brusselton leases, 30 December 1846

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/31

Letter from William Bayley, Darlington, to Henry Stobart, giving proposed arrangements for renewal of colliery leases, 2 January 1847

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/32

Letter from John Mounsey, Sunderland, to H. Stobart, acknowledging receipt of shareholders' meeting resolutions, and enclosing cheque to pay calls on his shares, 7 February 1849

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/33

Letter from H. Barnes of Stockton to Henry Stobart of Old Etherley, supplying names of the shareholders from the North Bitchburn partnership deed in his possession, 14 June 1849

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/34

Letter from H. Barnes of Stockton to Henry Stobart, regarding the settlement of the late William Bayley's bill for legal expenses against the North Bitchburn Coal Company, 11 July 1850

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/35

Letter from H. Barnes of Stockton to Henry Stobart, regarding settlement of Bayley's bill, 17 July 1850

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/36

Account of legal expenses from 1838 to 1847, payable by the North Bitchburn Coal Company to the administratrix of William Bayley, 1850

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/37

Letter from Edward Backhouse of Ashburne House, Sunderland, to Henry Stobart, providing a list of shareholders in the Brusselton and South Bitchburn royalties and their proportional shares of the amount required to liquidate the debt owing to the Darlington Bank, 29 October 1852

(1 paper)

Letter Books (Ref: D/NBCC 1/38-43)Ref: D/NBCC 1/38

Private letter book of H. S. Stobart, 3 August 1847 - 17 December 1858 and W. R. Innes Hopkins (no. 8) indexed, 16 February 1883 - 1 March 1898

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/39

Private office book (no. 1), indexed, 1 January 1875 - 15 August 1887

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/40

Private Office letter book, indexed, 15 August 1887 - 20 November 1890

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/41

Private Office letter book (no. 18), indexed, 9 February 1875 - 4 August 1884

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/42

Private Office letter book (no. 4), indexed, 1 August 1889 - 25 April 1893

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/43

Private Office letter book (no. 5), indexed, 27 April 1893 - 4 December 1896

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

General correspondence (Ref: D/NBCC 1/44-52)Ref: D/NBCC 1/44

Correspondence concerning the Victoria and Marshall Green seams, North Bitchburn royalty, and negotiations with the trustees of R. C. Duncombe Shafto's estate, 2 February - 15 August 1907 Includes: plan of property

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/45

Miscellaneous correspondence relating to various matters, including lease and sale of colliery land, charitable donations, and compensation for damages to property, 1907-1939 Includes: lease of site for Salvation Army Barracks, West Cornforth, 1923; site for High Grange War Memorial Mission, 1920-1922; contribution to Hunwick Church funds, 1920; advances in wages at Brick and Pipe Works during and since the War, 1921; analysis of Victoria Seam samples, 1907 and 1917, and of borehole sections, 1932; extinguishment of manorial incidents, manor of Evenwood, 1935; damages to Small Leazes Farm, 1934; contribution for Jubilee Day to Rough Lea Lodge of the Durham Colliery Mechanics' Association, 1935; land for burial ground at Howden le Wear, 1934; sale of firebacks, 1934-1936; contract for sale of coal to I.C.I. Billingham Works, 1935-1936; staff pension scheme, 1936; accounts of Newton Cap Brickworks, 1937; survey of surface streams by S. W. Durham Reconstruction and Development Board, 1937; amendments to Durham District (Coal Mines) Scheme, 1930, on the opening of Newton Cap Colliery, 1935; land for Hunwick allotments, 1937; site for housing development at Rough Lea, 1939; sale of coals to Wolsingham Steel Co., 1938; proposed new building for North Bitchburn Fireclay Co., 1939; damages to Rough Lea Farm, Hunwick, 1934-1936, and to Hunwick Hall Farm, 1937

(172 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/46

Correspondence regarding closure of North Bitchburn Colliery, 17 January - 27 July 1921

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/47

Correspondence file: W. E. Donald of Henry Stobart and Company , Ltd., with the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 1923 - 1924

(95 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/48

Correspondence relating to Mrs. Shafto's lease of 7 a. of land, the site of North Bitchburn Colliery Pipe Works, and arbitration regarding disputed rent increase, 19 February 1927 - June 1933 Includes: account of costs of erecting and enlarging new sanitary pipe works at North Bitchburn, 1868-1872, and copy of leading conditions for an agreement for lease of 3 small freeholds at Hunwick, from Thomas Edward Yorke to the North Bitchburn Coal Company, 18 December 1889.

(165 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/49

Correspondence relating to Captain H.R. Yorke's Hunwick royalty, and lease of same to the North Bitchburn Fireclay Co., Ltd., in place of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, in receivership, 1930-1935

(79 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/50

Correspondence relating to the sale of Newton Cap Brickworks by Messrs. Dunn & Miller to the Fir Tree Coal Company, Ltd., including agreement for sale on 23 August 1935, 1935-1937

(21 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/51

Correspondence between Newton Cap Brickworks, Ltd., and Sir Arthur Wood, bart., of the Mining Offices, The Hermitage, Chester-le-Street, regarding the take-over of the company from Messrs. Dunn & Miller by Fir Tree Coal Company, Ltd., 1935-1937

(36 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 1/52

Correspondence regarding the lease by the North Bitchburn Fireclay Company, Ltd., of further takes of land from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and from Captain H. R. Yorke, that is the South Bitchburn, Birtley and Hunwick royalties, Newton Cap Shale and Clay; Toronto, Bishop Auckland, and the remainder of the Hunwick royalty, 1937-1941

(48 papers)

(Ref: D/NBCC 2/1-5)

DIRECTORS AND SHAREHOLDERS

Prospectuses

Ref: D/NBCC 2/1

Draft prospectus for the North Bitchburn and Brusselton Coal Company (capital £64,000 in shares of £1000 each), with list of shareholders, addressed to Henry Stobart, n.d. [c. 1839]

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/2

Prospectus of the Bitchburn and Brusselton Coal Company, with the addition of estimated costs for winning and working the Bitchburn and Brusselton royalties, 19 February 1839

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/3

Draft prospectus of the North Bitchburn Coal Company (capital £40,000 in shares of £1000 each), with list of shareholders and estimated cost of winning, n.d. [c. 1840]

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/4

Prospectus of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, with variations to the list of shareholders, n.d. [c. 1840]

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/5

Prospectus of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, with further variations to the list of shareholders, n.d. [c. 1840]

(1 paper)

Reports and circulars to shareholders (Ref: D/NBCC 2/6-12)Ref: D/NBCC 2/6

Report of Henry Stobart and Thomas Crawford to shareholders of North Bitchburn Colliery, 7 October 1840

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/7

Draft of D/NBCC 2/6, 1840

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/8

Report of Henry Stobart and Thomas Crawford to a meeting of the Bitchburn Coal Company owners, 8 May 1841

(3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/9

Copies of circular sent to the shareholders of the North Bitchburn Coal Company proposing a meeting at Bishop Auckland on 13 July to view the coal field, Mr. Stobart in attendance to explain past delays and the future prospects of the Company, 5 July 1843

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/10

Copy of circular sent to shareholders of North Bitchburn Coal Company by Henry Stobart advising date of next meeting, 9 December 1844

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/11

Circular for a meeting of the North Bitchburn Colliery proprietors, issued by Henry Stobart, 19 August 1845

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/12

Copy of circular addressed to the North Bitchburn shareholders, 1 April 1847

(1 paper)

Deeds of settlement and co-partnership (Ref: D/NBCC 2/13-17)Ref: D/NBCC 2/13

Copy deed of co-partnership of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, 23 October 1866

(1 volume, card bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/14

Deed of co-partnership and supplemental deed of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, 6 July 1879 Includes: manuscript amendments as effected by supplemental deed, 10 February 1886

(1 booklet, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/15

Copy deed of settlement of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., (incorporated 2 July 1890), 7 May 1890

(1 volume , leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/16

Copy deed of settlement of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 7 May 1890 Shows alterations made by resolutions of the Company to May 1894

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 2/17

Copy deed of settlement of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., as altered by resolutions of the Company to March 1897, April 1897

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Directors' attendance (Ref: D/NBCC 2/18)Ref: D/NBCC 2/18

Directors' attendance book of the North Bitchburn Coal Company , Ltd., Darlington, 18 February 1903 - 24 April 1923

(1 volume, leather bound)

(Ref: D/NBCC 3/1-41)

PROPERTY

Colliery leases and deeds

Ref: D/NBCC 3/1

8 May 1856 (1) William Joplin of Bishop Auckland, gent. (2) Ann Appleton, wife of James Appleton of Penn Road, Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, gent. (3) George Canney of Bishop Auckland, doctor in medicine, and John Hedley of South Hetton, engineer Copy conveyance in fee by (1), at the request of (2), to (3) of land at Kate's Close in the township of Hunwick (3a. 1r. 22p.), except mines and minerals Schedule of deeds, January - May 1819 Consideration: £745 from (3) to (1)

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/2

23 September 1857 (1) George Canney of Bishop Auckland, surgeon, and John Hedley of South Hetton, engineer (2) Henry Sobart of Etherley, John Mounsey of Sunderland near the Sea and John Castell Hopkins of Redcar, Yorkshire, esquires Copy agreement for the sale by (1) to (2) of New Hunwick Colliery and royalty in the township of Hunwick and Helmington Includes: plan Consideration: £7000

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/3

17 May 1860 (1) Thomas Fletcher late of Bishop Auckland, butcher, now of Horton Inn, Northamptonshire, yeoman (2) John Fletcher of Hunwick, yeoman (3) William Fletcher of Holme Mill near West Auckland, miller (4) George Brass of Brackenbury Leazes in the township of West Auckland, farmer and Margaret, his wife, formerly Margaret Fletcher (5) Henry Fletcher of Hunwick, farmer (6) John Kellett of Crook, builder, Thomas Snowdon of Helm Park, coal owner and George Love of Bitchburn, colliery agent Copy conveyance by (1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) to (6) of five sixths of the coal under lands in Hunwick, St. Andrew Auckland [property, acreages and boundaries specified] Includes: plan Consideration: £1000 from (6) to (1) - (5)

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/4

8 August 1861 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) Henry Stobart of Etherley House; John Mounsey of Sunderland near the Sea, and John Castell Hopkins of Cintra near Torquay, Devon, esquires Copy lease by (1) to (2) of North Bitchburn Colliery, at Hunwick Moor, Newton and Newton Cap, with other lands specified, and marked on accompanying plan Term: 42 years from 1 January 1859 Rent: £125 p.a. and tonnage rents as specified For enclosures, see D/NBCC 3/5-6

(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/5

Plan of property comprised in North Bitchburn Colliery lease (D/NBCC 3/4), 8 August 1861 Scale: 16 chains to 1 inch [1:12672]

(1 plan, waxed linen, 39cm x 35cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/6

Notes regarding terms and conditions of North Bitchburn Colliery lease (D/NBCC 3/4), n.d. [c. 1900]

(6 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/7

4 November 1861 (1) Matthew Bell of Woolsington, Northumberland, esq. and Elizabeth Anne, his wife (2) Henry Stobart of Etherley House; John Mounsey of Sunderland near the Sea; and John Castell Hopkins late of Cleveland Lawn near Middlesbrough, Yorkshire, but now of Cintra near Torquay, Devonshire, esquires Copy lease by (1) to (2) of ancient land (2a.3r.5p.) at Rough Lea, St. Andrew Auckland, with liberty to build thereon Includes: plan Term: 63 years from 23 November 1857 Rent: £90 p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/8

15 January 1862 (1) John Kellett of Crook, builder; Thomas Snowdon of Helm Park, coal owner; and George Love of Bitchburn, colliery agent (2) Henry Stobart of Etherley; John Mounsey of Sunderland; and John Castell Hopkins of Torquay, Devonshire, esquires Copy conveyance by (1) to (2) of coal mines under lands in the township of Hunwick Consideration: £3580

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/9

Draft agreement between the North Bitchburn Coal Company and George Hutchinson of West Witton, and Henry Grieveson of Darlington, both merchants, for the lease of coal mines and premises at Rumby Hill, 1867

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/10

8 May 1872 (1) Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Darlington (2) The North Eastern Railway Company Copy agreement for laying water pipes along the side of the line from Hunwick Station to Rough Lea Colliery Rent: 14s.2d. p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/11

6 December 1875 (1) The Hon. Charlotte Lyon Bowes, Lady Glamis, of Pauls Walden, Hertfordshire, widow (2) John Bowes of Streatlam Castle, esq. (3) The Rt. Hon. Claude Bowes, Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne and the Rt. Hon. Sir William Hutt, of Grosvenor Square, Middlesex, K.C.B. (4) Thomas Ingledew and Robert Hedley Charlton, both of Middlesbrough-on-Tees, Yorkshire, coal owners Copy lease by (1) and (3) with the consent of (2) to (4) of part of Evenwood royalty called Storey Lodge, within Evenwood Park and copyhold lands in Gordon, Evenwood and Ramshaw Term: 20 years from 1 May 1873 Certain rent: £100 p.a., and other rents as specified

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/12

13 December 1875 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (Durham Bishopric Estates: Auckland St. Andrew parish) (2) John Mounsey of Sunderland (only surviving lessee of a lease dated 8 August 1861) Licence for (2) to assign to the North Bitchburn Coal Company the North Bitchburn Colliery, except that part of the Five Quarter Seam assigned by (1) on 6 April 1865 for the residue of a term of 42 years

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/13

31 December 1875 (1) Henry Bell of Woolsington, Northumberland; Charles Loraine Bell of the Board of Trade Offices, Whitehall, Middlesex; and Nathaniel George Clayton of Newcastle on Tyne, esq. (2) Henry Smith Stobart of Witton-le-Wear; William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Grey Towers, Yorkshire; and John Shields of Western Lodge, esq. Copy lease by (1) to (2) of a piece of ground (5a.3r.13p.) at Rough Lea Farm, St. Andrew Auckland, with liberty to build thereon Term: 46 years from 23 November 1874 Rent: £120 p.a. Includes: plan and copy deed to rectify an omission in the above to reserve a right of way along the southern boundary of the property leased, 22 November 1876

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/14

Copy agreement between the Auckland District Highway Board and the trustees of the North Bitchburn Coal Company as to the repair of a portion of road at Beechburn Bank, Witton le Wear, 20 September 1877 Includes: plan

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/15

1 March 1880 (1) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Grey Towers, Cleveland, Yorkshire North Riding, esq.; Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, esq., and John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, esq., sub-lessors (2) John George Chapman of Tower Hill, Middleton St. George; George Morson of Beechburn; Cuthbert Morson, Farrer Morson and William Morson of Crook, coal owners Sublease for 15 years by (1) to (2) of coal and fireclay under 100 a. of land near North Bitchburn Recites lease of 8 August 1861; also sublease of 14 December 1875 Includes: plan Certain rent: £100 p.a. and tonnage rents as specified Endorsed: surrender of sublease 19 January 1893, and memorandum and agreement regarding the rights of other parties to bring coal through the seams comprised in the above deed, 16 September 1880

(Parchment, 1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/16

15 March 1880 (1) James Copeland, accountant, and Matthew Richley, tailor, both of Bishop Auckland, trustees of the estate of Patrick Campbell, deceased (2) Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, on behalf of the North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy agreement for the removal of pillars in the five-quarter seam of coal underlying freehold lands at Hunwick Consideration: £17.10s per acre, £60 in compensation for damage to the surface up to 19 September 1879, and compensation for any further damage thereafter Includes: copy report of William Lishman of Witton-le-Wear, mining engineer, 24 November 1879

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/17

1 May 1880 (1) Rev. George Hanbury Fielding of 17 Hereford Square, South Kensington, Middlesex, clerk in Holy Orders (2) Mary Rebecca Fielding of 17 Hereford Square, South Kensington, Middlesex, widow, and Henry Johnes Fielding of the same, esq. (3) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Grey Towers, Cleveland, Yorkshire North Riding; Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower; and John Shields of Western Lodge, city of Durham, all coal owners Copy lease by (1) and (2) to (3) of the coal, iron-stone and fireclay under land (83a.2r.29p.) at Cringle Dykes in the township of Hunwick and Helmington Term: 21 years from 1 July 1877 Certain rent: £150 p.a. and tonnage rents as specified Includes: detailed covenants for proper operation of the mine 17 May 1899 (1) Henry Johnes Fielding of 17 Hereford Square, London, esq. (2) Minna Emilie Elizabeth Fielding of Penmorlan, Colwyn, Denbigshire, widow of George Hanbury Fielding, deceased, and (1) (3) Minna Emilie Elizabeth Fielding (4) The North Bitchburn Coal Company Limited Copy lease by (1) and (2) with the consent of (3) to (4) of the residue unworked of the coalmines under land (83a.2r.29p.) at Cringle Dykes, excepting surface rights and right of way as specified Term: 21 years from 1 July 1898 Certain rent: £150 p.a.

(1 volume, cloth bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/18

Memorandum of agreement between Strakers and Love and the owners of North Bitchburn Colliery for the working of the Main Coal Seam (Brockwell Seam) underlying and adjoining Helmington Hall, 29 May 1880

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/19

20 September 1880 (1) George Stratton of Clyde House, Spennymoor, agent for Robert Duncombe Shafto of Whitworth Park, esquire (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Yorkshire North Riding, esq., agent for the North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy memorandum of agreement for the lease for 7 years by (1) to (2) of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, before 13 May next Rent: £150 p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/20

15 May 1882 (1) John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, and William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, esqs. (2) John George Hargreaves of the city of Durham, gent. Copy mortgage by (1) to (2) of a freehold messuage, 5 cottages and 30a. of land at Hunwick, St. Andrew Auckland, and a copyhold farmhold at High Oaks Row and 88a.2r.8p. of land at Newton Cap Schedules of property Principal: £2500 and interest Includes: memorandum of surrender of copyhold property at the manor court of Bondgate in Auckland, 1882

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/21

1 June 1882 (1) William Dowson of Middleton St. George, coal agent, and Priscilla Dowson, his wife (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, esqs. Copy covenant for surrender to (2) of copyhold farmhold at High Oaks Row and several fields [named] (88a.2r.8p.) in the township of Newton Cap

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/22

27 July 1882 (1) James Copeland of Bishop Auckland, accountant, and Matthew Richley of the same, tailor (2) John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, and William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, esqs. Copy conveyance by (1) to (2) of a messuage, 5 cottages and 30a. of land at Hunwick, St. Andrew Auckland, and the mines under the same, except those reserved by deeds dated 10 August 1849 and 17 May 1860 Consideration: £1600

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/23

2 December 1882 (1) William Barclay Peat of Middlesbrough, chartered accountant (2) Susanna Gibson of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, widow (3) Edward Charlton of Evenwood, mining engineer; Robert Hedley Charlton of Middlesbrough, coal merchant; and Thomas Charlton of Evenwood, commission agent; administrators and trustees of the will of Thomas Charlton, deceased (4) John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, and William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, coal owners Copy assignment of lease by (1), (2) and (3) to (4) of Storey Lodge Colliery at Evenwood Term: residue of term of 21 years granted by lease dated 6 December 1875 Consideration: £5000 to (1), £4650 17s.6d. to (2) Includes: schedule of deeds 6 January 1857 - 18 July 1882and copy licence by John Bowes, esq., and others, to assign the lease of Storey Lodge Colliery to Messrs. Shields and Hopkins, 25 November 1882

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/24

19 July 1883 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, and John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, esqs. Licence for (2) to work away portions of the barrier in the Main Coal Seam in North Bitchburn Colliery, comprised in a lease dated 8 August 1861 Consideration: £1149

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/25

22 April 1884 (1) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, and John Shields of Western Lodge near the city of Durham, coal owners (2) George Love of Wolsingham, colliery owner; George Pears of Witton-le-Wear, colliery owner; William Hogg of Kirkby Stephen, Westmorland, railway station master; and John Proud of Bishop Auckland, solicitor Copy sublease by (1) to (2) of coal and fireclay under land at Rumby Hill, including parts of the Constantine and Ballarat Seams as specified Term: 20 years from 1 January 1875 Certain rent: £100 p.a., and tonnage rents as specified Includes: plan

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/26

13 March 1888 (1) Rev. George Hanbury Fielding of Knill Rectory, Kington, Herefordshire, clerk in Holy Orders (2) Henry Johnes Fielding of 17 Hereford Square, South Kensington, Middlesex, esq. (3) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, city of Durham, coal owners Copy deed to alter the rent of fireclay at Cringle Dykes

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/27

15 July 1889 (1) James Thompson of Hurworth-upon-Tees, esq. (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins and John Shields on behalf of The North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy agreement for the lease to (2) of coal at Blakeley Hill near Hunwick Term: 10 years from 30 June 1889 Certain rent: £200 p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/28

12 March 1890 (1) Rose Charlotte Duncombe Shafto of 10 Collingham Gardens, South Kensington, Middlesex, widow (2) Rev. Edward Abercrombie Wilkinson of Whitworth Vicarage, Spennymoor, clerk in Holy Orders; Robert Charles Duncombe Shafto of Whitworth Park, Ferry Hill; and of Putney, Surrey, esq.; and John Guscotte of 19 Essex Street, Strand, Middlesex, esq. (3) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, the registered offices of which are at Witton-le-Wear, Darlington Copy lease by (1) to (3) of land (8a.1r.38p.) at Howden in the township of Witton-le-Wear, as a site for brickworks and branch railways Term: 21 years from 1 August 1889 Rent: £150 p.a. and other rents as specified Includes: correspondence regarding damaged land at Howden, 10 August - 18 October 1909 and plan

(1 file and 3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/29

13 July 1899 (1) The Rt. Hon. Claude Bowes Lyon, Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne (2) George Auldjo Jamieson and James Haldane, both of St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, accountants (3) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease by (2) at the request of (1) to (3) of the Whin Dyke mineral estate (30a.) in the township of Evenwood, St. Andrew Auckland Recites Bishop's lease of the same to Lady Glamis and her heirs, 14 July 1848 Plan missing Term: 33 years if (1) shall live so long Rent: £100 p.a. and tonnage rents as specified

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/30

31 August 1900 (1) William Esdaile Winter of Bedford Row, London, esquire (2) Robert Charles Duncombe Shafto of Whitworth Park, esquire (3) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease for 21 years by (1), at the request of (2), to (3) of the Victoria Colliery, within the freehold portion of the Beechburn Estate (540a.) in Witton-le-Wear Rent: £300 p.a.

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/31

2 August 1902 (1) The North Eastern Railway Company (2) The Thrislington Coal Company, Ltd., the offices of which are at Thrislington Colliery, West Cornforth Copy agreement allowing (2) to lay a pipe under the railway at Ferryhill for the purpose of carrying away surface water. Includes: copy memorandum that the North Bitchburn Coal Company, having acquired (2) above, undertake to observe the conditions of the above agreement, 9 June 1910, and plan

(1 volume, cloth bound, and plan)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/32

13 May 1904 (1) John Thomas Vart of Matlock Bank, Derbyshire, gent. (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease for 15 years by (1) to (2) of Buckheads Farm (129a.1r.38p.) in the township of Evenwood Rent: £180 p.a. Includes: schedule of property

(1 volume, cloth bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/33

14 June 1904 (1) The Rt. Hon. Claude George, Earl of Strathmore and Kinghorne (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy deed varying the provisions of 6 April 1897, of the lease of Gordon House Colliery Includes: plan

(1 volume, cloth bound, and plan)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/34

6 February 1908 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease by (1) to (2) of mines of coal, ironstone and fireclay within lands at Hunwick Moor, Newton and Newton Cap and other lands in the parish of St. Andrew Auckland, forming part of North Bitchburn Colliery Term: 20 years from 1 January 1900 Certain rent: £1000 p.a. and tonnage rents as specified

(1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/35

3 November 1921 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease for 10 years by (1) to (2) of mines of coal, ironstone and fireclay, in the parish of St. Andrew Auckland, forming part of the North Bitchburn Colliery Consideration: rents and royalties as specified

(Parchment, 1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/36

26 April 1928 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. (3) Pease and Partners, Ltd. Copy lease by (1) to (2) of coal and fireclay in the Busty, Constantine and Top Main Seams in part of the South Bitchburn Royalty, as an addition to the mines comprised in the existing lease of the North Bitchburn Royalty of 6 February 1908 and 3 November 1921 Term: residue of term granted by the North Bitchburn lease Rents: tonnage rents as specified, to go in liquidation of the certain rent reserved by the North Bitchburn lease

(1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/37

30 July 1931 (1) The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Copy lease for 20 years by (1) to (2) of coal, ironstone and fireclay, within the North Bitchburn and part of the South Bitchburn royalties Consideration: rents and royalties as specified in the principal lease

(1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/38

Letter from Henry Chaytor, Witton Castle, Darlington, to Col. Stobart, regarding an unspecified dispute involving Chaytor as tenant of Witton Row Common, 5 December 1862

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/39

An extract from the boundary riding of Bitchburn royalty, about 'Oakes Row', n.d. [c. 19th c.]

Ref: D/NBCC 3/40

Summary of acreages of estates in the North Bitchburn and Rough Lea Royalty, n.d. [c. 1900]

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/41

Notebook summarising the chief terms of leases at Gordon House, Randolph and Storey Lodge collieries, June 1901

(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)

Colliery housing (Ref: D/NBCC 3/42-58)Ref: D/NBCC 3/42

29 July 1858 (1) John Kellett of Crook in the parish of Brancepeth, builder (2) Henry Stobart of Etherley, esq.; John Castell Hopkins of Cintra, Torquay, Devonshire, esq.; and John Mounsey of Sunderland-near-the- Sea, esq. Copy lease for 21 years by (1) to (2) of 14 cottages at Hunwick Edge in the townships of Hunwick and Helmington Rent: £100 p.a. For enclosure, see D/NBCC 3/55

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/43

28 January 1867 (1) William Dale Trotter of Bishop Auckland, esquire (2) John Castell Hopkins of Surbiton, Surrey, esq.; William Brougham of Brougham near Penrith, Cumberland, esq.; and Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, esq. Lease for 21 years by (1) to (2) of 12 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common, Witton-le-Wear Rent: £7 5s.0d. p.a. per house Endorsed: plan of property

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/44

27 January 1868 (1) William Dale Trotter of Bishop Auckland, esq. (2) John Castell Hopkins of Surbiton, Surrey, esq.; John Mounsey of Hendon Hill, near Sunderland, coal owner; and Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, esq. Lease for 21 years by (1) to (2) of 3 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common Rent: £7 5s.0d., p.a., per house Endorsed: plan of property

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/45

27 January 1868 (1) William Dale Trotter of Bishop Auckland, esq. (2) John Castell Hopkins of Surbiton, Surrey, esq.; John Mounsey of Hendon Hall, Sunderland, coal owner; and Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, esq. Lease, and counterpart, for 21 years by (1) to (2) of 12 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common Rent: £7 5s.0d., p.a., per house Endorsed: plan of property

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/46

22 January 1869 (1) William Dale Trotter of Bishop Auckland, esquire (2) John Castell Hopkins of Surbiton, Surrey, esq.; John Mounsey of Hendon Hill, near Sunderland, coal owner; and Henry Smith Stobart of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, esq. Lease for 21 years by (1) to (2) of 9 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common, Witton-le-Wear Rent: £7 5s.0d., p.a., per house Included: plan of property

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/47

9 May 1888 (1) Thomas Dundas Bruce of Bishop Auckland, agent for the owners [named] of the property conveyed (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, near the city of Durham, coal owners Copy agreement for lease to (2) of 12 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common, Witton-le-Wear Includes: plan Term: 12 years from 28 January 1888 Rent: £6, p.a., per house

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/48

13 May 1888 (1) Robert Wood of East Murton, near Sunderland, fruiterer (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins, on behalf of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Witton-le-Wear Copy agreement for lease for 10 years to (2) of 8 dwellinghouses at Hunwick [occupiers named] Rent: £25 p.a. Includes: letters from (1) regarding sale of the houses and cancellation of the lease, 2 and 13 February 1897

(1 file and 2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/49

1 June 1888 (1) John Nicholson of Hunwick, miner (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton-le-Wear, on behalf of the North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy agreement for lease for 10 years to (2) of 4 messuages at Hunwick, now in the occupation of William Crossing and Ralph Leadley and of 2 unoccupied messuages Rent: £12 10s. p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/50

21 August 1888 (1) James Copeland of Bishop Auckland, stone merchant, and Mark Jopling of the same, accountant (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, Durham, esqs. Copy lease to (2) of 8 dwellinghouses and 6 dwellinghouses at North Bitchburn, and 10 dwellinghouses at Oaks Row, Quarryburn, now in the occupation of (2) or their workmen Term: 10 years from 1 January 1888 Rent: £40, £31 10s. and £38 10s. p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/51

4 June 1889 (1) Thomas Dundas Bruce of Bishop Auckland, esq., agent for the owners [named] of the property conveyed (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, near the city of Durham, coal owners Copy agreement for the lease to (2) of 12 dwellinghouses on Hunwick Common and a piece of ground behind the same Term: 11 years from 26 January 1889 Rent: £5 p.a. per house

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/52

1 October 1889 (1) Nathan Bradley of Witton-le-Wear, colliery agent (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, Durham, trustees for the North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy lease for 10 years to (2) of 12 dwellinghouses at Howden-le-Wear in the township of Witton-le-Wear, bounded on the north by the highway from Bishop Auckland to Wolsingham [other boundaries specified] Rent: £65 p.a.

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/53

19 October 1889 (1) John Thompson of Howden-le-Wear, draper (2) William Randolph Innes Hopkins of Witton Tower, Witton-le-Wear, and John Shields of Western Lodge, trustees for the North Bitchburn Coal Company Copy lease for 10 years to (2) of 9 cottages at Howden-le-Wear in the township of Witton-le-Wear, bounded on the north by a cottage and the highway from Bishop Auckland to Wolsingham, and on the west by Church Street [other boundaries specified] Rent: £54 p.a. Includes: letter from (1) acknowledging receipt of lease, n.d.

(1 file and 1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/54

1 January 1890 (1) Thomas Young of Howden-le-Wear, postmaster (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company Memorandum of lease for 10 years to (2) of 3 cottages in High Street, Howden-le-Wear Rent: £16 10s. pa.

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/55

Copy letter from W. R. Innes Hopkins, for the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., to W. Copeland of Staindrop, M. D., regarding the terms of tenure of cottages at Cockfield, 7 December 1894

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/56

20 January 1914 (1) George William Lazenby of 15 Encombe Terrace, Ferryhill Station, builder (2) The North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd. Agreement for the erection by (1) of 71 dwellinghouses at West Cornforth Consideration: £195 8s.7d. for each of the 35 larger houses, £168 for each of the 36 smaller houses

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/57

Correspondence between North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., and G. W. Lazenby, regarding construction of cottages at West Cornforth, 29 October 1914 - 13 September 1916

(17 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 3/58

Calculations of cost of contract to build new houses at West Cornforth for Thrislington Colliery, 1915 (9 papers) For plans of West Cornforth housing see D/NBCC 8/8-12

(Ref: D/NBCC 4/1-3)

FINANCIAL RECORDS

Annual Reports and Accounts

North Bitchburn Coal Company

Ref: D/NBCC 4/1

Report of W. B. Peat and Co., chartered accountants, of Royal Exchange, Middlesbrough, regarding income tax returns of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 7 May 1902

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/2

Annual statements of account, and reports of the directors, of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 1903 - 1920, 1926 - 1927

(20 papers, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/3

Auditors' reports (no. 2) of North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., y/e 31 March 1912 - 31 March 1918

(1 volume, leather-bound)

Pease and Partners Limited (Ref: D/NBCC 4/4-5)Ref: D/NBCC 4/4

Reports of directors to ordinary general meetings of Pease and Partners, 16 May 1923 - 19 June 1944, The Times reports of company meetings, 31 May 1938 - 27 May 1939, and report and proceedings of the general meeting of Pease and Partners, Ltd., 26 June 1928

(15 files and 1 booklet, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/5

Annual reports and statements of account of Pease and Partners, Ltd., y/e March 1947 and 1948

(2 papers, printed)

Henry Stobart and Company, Ltd. (Ref: D/NBCC 4/6)Ref: D/NBCC 4/6

Annual statements of account and directors' reports of Henry Stobart and Co., Ltd., 1926; 1933 - 1946; 1948

(17 papers, printed)

North Bitchburn Fireclay Company, Ltd. (Ref: D/NBCC 4/7-8)Ref: D/NBCC 4/7

Annual reports and statements of account of the North Bitchburn Fireclay Company, Ltd., y/e 1934, 1962

(2 papers, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/8

Local share list issued by Todd and Crone, stock and share brokers of Middlesbrough, including entry for North Bitchburn Fireclay Company, Ltd., 1 December 1961

(1 paper, printed)

Valuations and calculations of initial operating costs (Ref: D/NBCC 4/9-20)Ref: D/NBCC 4/9

Valuation of Bitchburn coal field belonging to Richard William Christopher Purse, December 1837

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/10

Accounts for the purchase of the lease of coal royalties by the Brusselton and South Bitchburn Company from the trustees of R. W. C. Purse, 1838 - 1840

(1 booklet)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/11

Valuation and estimate of mining the Bitchburn coal royalty, by John A. Forster, 7 November 1838

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/12

Estimate for winning and working the Bitchburn coal fields, 1839

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/13

Accounts of South Bitchburn and Brusselton Coal Company, 1840 - 1854, and memorandum of payment of bishop's rents for Bitchburn and Brusselton royalties, 11 September 1854

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/14

Letter from William Watson of Byers Green Colliery to Henry Stobart, discussing wayleave dues and enclosing an estimate of the cost of winning a colliery on the Hemlington estate to the Bitchburn coal seam, and profit likely to arise from the same, 5 October 1840

(3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/15

W. Watson's calculation of railway dues from Byers Green to Port Clarence, n.d. [c. 1841]

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/16

Copy of Mr. Watson's calculations on the rate of railway dues from North Bitchburn to Hartlepool and Port Clarence, 1841

(2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/17

Note of rates of tolls on the West Durham Railway, per act of parliament, n.d. [c. 1840]

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/18

Note of the depth of the Bitchburn pits, taken by a line, 27 June 1843

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/19

Offer of the Hartlepool Dock and Railway Co., to the owners of Bitchburn, for railway dues, 5 October 1844

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/20

Letter from Thomas Crawford of Bowes House to Henry Stobart, enclosing his estimate of the expense of winning and working North Bitchburn main coal seams, 7 December 1844

(2 papers)

Operating and wages costs (Ref: D/NBCC 4/21-27)Ref: D/NBCC 4/21

Table showing comparative cost account of the collieries belonging to the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., for the years 1883 - 1893

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/22

Annual statistics for the comparative cost of coal raising at North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 1889 - 1908

(1 volume, leather quarter-bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/23

Summaries of costs for extracting coals and coke, at an unspecified colliery, 1907 - 1917

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/24

Half-yearly summaries of weekly cost accounts in connection with Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act 1912, for North Bitchburn, Rough Lea, Randolph, Gordon House and Thrislington collieries, 1916 - 1923

(14 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/25

Estimated costs of Thrislington Colliery, working and idle, and prices obtainable for coal, 14 July and 9 November 1921

(4 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/26

Annual summaries of wages at Gordon House colliery 1893 - 1922, and at North Bitchburn and Rough Lea collieries 1896 - 1922

(3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/27

Half-yearly summaries of weekly wages costs, Gordon House colliery, 1918 - 1923 Summaries to mid-1919 incomplete

(18 papers)

Staff salaries (Ref: D/NBCC 4/28)Ref: D/NBCC 4/28

Record of salaried staff, including name, date of birth, date of commencement of employment, salary and salary increases, May 1900 - January 1936

(1 file)

Property valuations (Ref: D/NBCC 4/29-30)Ref: D/NBCC 4/29

Valuation of Quarry Burn Brewery Farm and coal remaining to be worked under the same, for Randolph Colliery, Evenwood, 21 April 1913 Includes: plan

(1 paper and 1 plan)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/30

Valuation of Cringle Dyke's farm and coal remaining to be worked under the same, 21 August 1916

(2 papers)

North Bitchburn Coal Company in receivership (Ref: D/NBCC 4/31-48)Ref: D/NBCC 4/31

Scheme of arrangement re Pease and Partners, Ltd., and re The Companies Act, 1929, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Bennett, 30 April 1931

(1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/32

Letter from the Advisory Committee of Pease and Partners, Ltd., recommending the adoption of the scheme of arrangement by the 5 per cent debenture stockholders, unsecured creditors and shareholders, 4 May 1931

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/33

Circular from Pease and Partners, Ltd., to the 5 per cent debenture stockholders, unsecured creditors, and shareholders of the company, containing extracts from the Advisory Committee's report on the financial and commercial reorganisation of the business, 5 May 1931

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/34

Notice of order for separate meetings of the 5 per cent debenture stockholders, and of the unsecured creditors of Pease and Partners, Ltd., to consider a proposed scheme of arrangement, 5 May 1931

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/35

Notice of extraordinary general meeting of Pease and Partners, Ltd., to consider a special resolution [specified], 5 May 1931

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/36

Summary of the effect of the main provisions of the scheme of arrangement for Pease and Partners, Ltd., 24 November 1932

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/37

Summary of the effect of the main provisions of the scheme of arrangement for Pease and Partners, Ltd., n.d. [c.1936]

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/38

Letters from Trotter, Bruce and Loft, solicitors, of Bishop Auckland, to R. J. Mounsey and to Charles Peat, M.P., regarding the position of the 5% mortgage debenture holders in the North Bitchburn Coal Company. Ltd., with respect to the sale of Thrislington Colliery to Henry Stobart and Co., Ltd., 13 December 1932 - 6 February 1933

(6 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/39

Order sanctioning scheme of arrangement and confirming reduction of capital re Pease and Partners, Ltd., and re The Companies Act, 1929, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Maugham, and related notices, letters and scheme, 23 January 1933

(1 file and 6 papers, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/40

Notice of judgement re the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd.: Reginald Joseph Mounsey v the Company, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Maugham, 2 May 1933

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/41

Letter, and draft of same, from Henry Stobart and Company, Ltd., to the holders of the 5 per cent debenture stock, containing proposals to obtain new capital following the reorganisation of the parent company, Pease and Partners, Ltd., 28 August 1933

(2 papers, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/42

Papers relating to the receivership of North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., including notice of judgement in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, in the matter of North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., regarding the sale of Thrislington Colliery to Henry Stobart & Co., Ltd., and settlement of sums owed to Pease and Partners, 1932 - 1933 Includes: letter advising of the redemption of a mortgage on J. Mounsey's shareholding , 1868

(74 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/43

Papers regarding the valuation of North Bitchburn and Rough Lea collieries and clay works, with letters refusing offer of sale of the same, 1932 - 1933

(4 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/44

Letter from G. C. Heslop of Saltburn to Mr. Mounsey, regarding the working cost of North Bitchburn Colliery, 6 May 1933

(1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/45

Papers relating to the receivership of North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., including list of properties acquired 1913 - 1930, report on properties at Bishop Auckland and Howden-le-Wear, 1933, and report of a meeting of the 5% First Mortgage Debenture Holders, 1932, 1932 - 1937

(34 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/46

Correspondence regarding transfer of the assets of the old North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., to a new company formed by debenture holders, 26 February - 2 March 1934

(3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/47

Scheme of arrangement re Pease and Partners, Ltd., and re The Companies Act, 1929, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery Division, before Mr. Justice Crossman, 20 November 1936

(1 file, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 4/48

Notice of order for separate meetings of the shareholders of Pease and Partners, Ltd., to consider a scheme of arrangement between the company and its debenture stockholders, credit note-holders and shareholders, 25 November 1936

(1 paper, printed)

(Ref: D/NBCC 5/1-6)

PRODUCTION AND SALES

Mineral Analysis

Ref: D/NBCC 5/1

Laboratory notebook of Lloyd and Company, Linthorpe Iron Works, containing chemical analysis of mineral samples from a wide variety of sources in County Durham and elsewhere, October 1874 - 16 May 1878

(1 volume, cloth bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/2

Reports of analysis of coke from North Bitchburn Coal Company, 1879 - 1894

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/3

Annual mineral statistics of North Bitchburn Coal Company (North Bitchburn, Rough Lea, Howden, Randolph, Storey Lodge, Gordon House and Thrislington collieries), with annual mineral statistics [printed] of the Durham and Northumberland Coal Owners' Associations annexed, 1903 - 1913

(22 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/4

Mineral statistics of the North Bitchburn Coal Company, Ltd., 1918 - 1921

(1 file)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/5

Analysis of the Rosebery Mines ironstone, 18 July - 5 August 1908

(6 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/6

Summary of heights of coal in all workings at North Bitchburn, Rough Lea, Howden, Randolph, Gordon House and Storey Lodge collieries, January 1899

(1 paper)

Managers' reports (Ref: D/NBCC 5/7-9)Ref: D/NBCC 5/7

Report on the collieries and works of Henry Stobart & Co., Ltd., for the year ending 31 March 1923, by W. E. Donald, manager, 1 May 1923 For enclosures, see D/NBCC 10/15

(1 volume, card bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/8

Report on the collieries and works of Henry Stobart & Co., Ltd., for the year ending 31 March 1924, by W. E. Donald, manager, 1 May 1924

(1 volume, card bound)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/9

'Board folder' of R. J. Mounsey, containing copy monthly reports of the general manager of Henry Stobart and Company, Ltd., 1933 - 1934

(93 papers)

Brickworks (Ref: D/NBCC 5/10-11)Ref: D/NBCC 5/10

File marked 'Bricks', containing analyses of mineral samples, papers relating to ganister quarries, silica bricks for Skinningrove, Shaw's gas kiln, and general correspondence regarding brickworks operation, 1920 - 1926 Includes: 2 plans of sections showing brickwork for blast furnaces, stoves and kilns at Skinningrove Ironworks for Pease and Partners, Ltd., 1924

(149 papers and 2 plans, paper, 82cm x 57cm, and 78cm x 56cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 5/11

File marked 'Brick Committee April 1925 'containing statistics of North Bitchburn Brickworks costs, prices, wages and sales, description of brickworks, committee reports, correspondence with Pease and Partners, and newscuttings from The Iron and Coal Trades Review, 1921 - 1927

(97 papers)

Sales (Ref: D/NBCC 5/12)Ref: D/NBCC 5/12

Register of contracts (indexed) for the sale of coke, coal and dry fire clay, by the North Bitchburn Coal Company, including name of purchaser and quantity, quality, price, delivery and payment details, 30 August 1879 - 23 December 1893

(1 volume, leather half-bound)

PEASE AND PARTNERS LIMITED (Ref: D/NBCC 6/1-6)Ref: D/NBCC 6/1

General and Special Rules and Regulations and Conditions of Hiring to be observed by Officers and Workmen employed at Upleatham, Hob Hill, and Lofthouse Ironstone Mines belonging to J. & J. W. Pease..........1867, Darlington, 1867

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 6/2

Ironstone Mines belonging to Messrs J. W. Pease and Co: Special Rules for the conduct and guidance of the persons acting in the management, and of all persons employed in or about the Mine, Newcastle on Tyne, 1874 Includes: abstract of The Coal Mines Regulation Act 1872, 35 & 36 Vict., Cap. 76

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 6/3

Copy memorandum and articles of association (8 August 1882), certificate of incorporation (19 August 1882), agreements, schedules of deeds and balance sheets (24 August 1882), and trust deed to secure debenture stock (2 October 1882), of Pease and Partners, Ltd.

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 6/4

Copy valuation of the collieries of J. Pease and Partners, and valuation of ironstone mines and limestone quarries of J. W. Pease and Company, for Pease and Partners, Ltd., 30 June 1881 Includes: J. PEASE & PARTNERS - valuations of Adelaide, St. Helen's and Tindale, Windlestone, Peases' West District, Brandon and Esh collieries, and new winning at Flass. J. W. PEASE & CO. - valuations of Upleatham, Crag's Hall, Lofthouse, Whitecliffe & Lingdale ironstone mines, and Frosterley and Broadwood limestone quarries

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 6/5

Copy valuation of collieries, ironstone mines and limestone quarries of Pease and Partners, Ltd., 30 June 1891

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 6/6

Pease and Partners, Ltd., valuation of collieries and mines, 30 June 1896 Includes: valuations for Adelaide, St. Helens, Windlestone, Peases' West District (Roddymoor and White Lea, Bowden Close, Stanley, Wooley), Brandon, Esh and Ushaw Moor collieries, and for Upleatham, Loftus and Lingdale ironstone mines, and for Broadwood, Frosterley and Rogerley limestone quarries

(1 volume, leather bound, printed)

PHOTOGRAPHS (Ref: D/NBCC 7/1)Ref: D/NBCC 7/1

Photograph of North Bitchburn Coal Company offices at Witton-le-Wear, with, standing outside north entrance, J. H. Trimnell, W. R. I. Hopkins, C. Widdas, R. Pattison, C. Hopkins, W. Jenkinson, A. H. Trimnell and G. Heslop, April 1887 Endorsed: memorandum that the offices were leased from the Stockton and Darlington Railway Co. in 1857, n.d.

(1 black and white photograph, 14cm x 19.5cm, card mounted)

PLANS (Ref: D/NBCC 8/1-12)Ref: D/NBCC 8/1

Plan of buildings, etc., at Rough Lea Colliery on allotment ground belonging to Helmington estate, n.d. [late 19th] Scale: 1 chain to 1 inch [1:792]

(1 plan, waxed linen, 47cm x 28cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/2

Map of East Coast royalties, marked on a plan showing the position of collieries adjacent to Seaham harbour and docks, n.d. [late 19th c.] Scale: 1 inch to 1 mile [1:63360]

(1 plan, paper on linen, folded, 52cm x 67cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/3

Plan of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners' North Bitchburn royalty and Mr. Shafto's freehold royalty, and letter advising grant of application to work the Victoria and Marshall Green seams, 3 April 1907

(1 plan, waxed linen, 34cm x 36cm, and 1 paper)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/4

Plan of Ecclesiastical Commissioners' and Shafto's royalties, and the Victoria Colliery, at North Bitchburn, n.d [c. 1907] Scale: 6 inches to 1 mile [1:10560]

(1 plan, waxed linen, 46cm x 48cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/5

Plan of royalties at Randolph Colliery, showing freehold and copyhold land, n.d. [c. 1900] Scale: 1:2500

(1 plan, waxed linen, 199cm x 41cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/6

Plan of Fishburn coal royalty, marked on Ordnance Survey sheets XXXV NE, SE and XXXVI, NW, NE, SW, SE [2nd edition, 1898] Scale: 6 inches to 1 mile [1:10560]

(1 plan, paper on linen, folded)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/7

Plan of Thrislington coal royalty, marked on Ordnance Survey sheets XXXV, NW, NE, SW, SE, 2nd edition, 1898 Scale: 6 inches to 1 mile [1:10560]

(1 plan, paper on linen, folded)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/8

Plan of site for proposed new houses at West Cornforth, n.d. [c. 1915] Scale: 1:2500

(1 plan, waxed linen, 23cm x 28cm)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/9-11

Block plans showing arrangement of proposed new houses at West Cornforth, for Thrislington colliery [3 different layouts], n.d. [c. 1915] Scale: 1:500

(3 plans, waxed linen, each 57cm x 62cm, coloured)

Ref: D/NBCC 8/12

Plan of Thrislington Colliery houses (freehold and rented) in West Cornforth, n.d. [c. 1915] Scale: 25.344 inches to 1 mile [1:2500]

(1 plan, waxed linen, 31cm x 46cm, coloured)

PRINTED MATERIAL (Ref: D/NBCC 9/1-8)Ref: D/NBCC 9/1

John Kirsopp, Junr., Supplement to the Plotted Vertical Sections of the Northumberland and Durham Coalfield, 1908 Includes: analyses and classified lists of Northumberland and Durham coals, obsolete vend names, and list of colliery owners and pits. Map

(1 volume, leather half-bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/2

Translation from German of Developments in connection with the manufacture of coke: the influence of the quality of coke upon the working of blast furnaces and proposals for the improvement of the same, an address delivered by Dr. Heinrich Koppers before the Blast Furnace Committee of the German Metallurgists' Association, 28 May 1921. Related correspondence, tables and illustrated brochure for Koppers' Coke Oven Plant and Coal Washer at the Works of the Yorkshire Coking and Chemical Company Ltd. issued by Koppers' Coke Oven Company, Ltd., of Glossop Road, Sheffield, 1923 - 1925

(22 papers and 1 booklet, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/3

William Alexander Lee, Thirty Years in Coal 1917 - 1947, The Mining Association of Great Britain, 1954

(1 volume, cloth bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/4

George Lister, Chronological Records of Coal Mining, Transport, etc., in Northumberland and Durham from A.D. 1180 to 1839, 1944; third issue, 1948

(1 booklet, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/5

R. A. Mott and G. J. Greenfield (ed.), The History of Coke Making and of the Coke Oven Managers' Association, The Coke Oven Managers' Association, Cambridge, 1936

(1 volume, cloth bound, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/6

Stanley Smith, Report of the Committee appointed to Report upon the Carboniferous Limestone Formation of the North of England, with special reference to its coal resources, North of England Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, 1912

(1 volume, card bound, printed; 3 plates)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/7

Consett Iron Co., Ltd., 'Economies of Silica', reprinted from the Gas Journal, 21 October 1925

(1 booklet, printed, illustrated)

Ref: D/NBCC 9/8

Consett Iron Co., Ltd., Refractory Materials, brochure of silica, semi-siliceous and fireclay bricks manufactured at Templetown Brickworks and Delves Brickworks, Consett, n.d. [c. 1925]

(1 booklet, printed, illustrated)

(Ref: D/NBCC 10/1)

MISCELLANEOUS

Bolam and Redworth Coal Company Limited

Ref: D/NBCC 10/1

13 May 1913 (1) The Governors [named] of Guisborough Grammar School, Cleveland, Yorkshire North Riding (2) The Bolam and Redworth Coal Company Limited, registered office Dixon Terrace, Darlington Licence for 4 years for (2) to bore for coal at Bolam (362.5a.) and conditional agreement to grant a mining lease of the same. Schedule containing heads of lease and covenants. Detailed plan of property Rent: £5 p.a.

(1 file)

North of England School Furnishing Company, Ltd., Darlington (Ref: D/NBCC 10/2-3)Ref: D/NBCC 10/2

Annual reports and statements of account of the North of England School Furnishing Company, Ltd., y/e 1916 - 1940

(29 papers, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/3

Notices of extraordinary and separate general meetings of the North of England School Furnishing Company, Ltd., with related correspondence and memorandum as to dividends, June - November 1920; June - July 1937

(12 papers and 3 files)

Durham Coal Owners' Association (Ref: D/NBCC 10/4-6)Ref: D/NBCC 10/4

Copy further report of the Special Eight Hours' Committee to the Durham Coal Owners' Association, regarding removal of restrictions on output and efficiency, 12 November 1926

(3 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/5

Terms for resumption of work offered by the Durham Coal Owners' Association to the Durham County Mining Federation, 25 November 1926. Includes: covering letter, and table of wages payable, December 1926

(3 papers, printed and typescript)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/6

Durham Coal Owners' Association statistics of weekly pays, 1941 - 1943

(3 papers, printed)

McLachlan and Co., Ltd. (Haughton Bridge Wagon Works, Darlington) (Ref: D/NBCC 10/7)Ref: D/NBCC 10/7

Duplicate order and notice of proceedings re. McLachlan & Co., Ltd.: Wynn-Williams v The Company and another, in the High Court of Justice, Chancery division, 1929. Correspondence relating to the sale of Haughton Bridge Wagon Works, Kinross Street, Darlington (belonging to McLachlan & Co., Ltd., in receivership) to Messrs. Llewelyn Wynn - Williams and R. J. Mounsey, 1928 - 1930. Annual statements of account, y/e 1930 - 1931; 1933 - 1958; 1960 - 1961.

(112 papers)

T. & R. W. Bower Ltd. (Ref: D/NBCC 10/8-9)Ref: D/NBCC 10/8

Copies of General Manager's monthly reports for T. & R.W. Bower, Ltd., October 1933 - August 1934

(38 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/9

Annual statements of account and directors' reports of T. & R. W. Bower Limited, 1934 - 1944

(11 papers, printed)

Polam Hall School Limited (Ref: D/NBCC 10/10)Ref: D/NBCC 10/10

Draft balance sheet, profit and loss account and trading account for Polam Hall School, Ltd., y/e 31 August 1959

(3 papers)

Netherton Coal Company Limited (Ref: D/NBCC 10/11)Ref: D/NBCC 10/11

Correspondence and cancelled certificate in respect of the shareholding of R. J. Mounsey of Blackwell Hill, Darlington, in the Netherton Coal Company Limited, Newcastle on Tyne, and voluntary liquidation of the same, 20 September 1917 - 20 June 1952

(13 papers)

Other (Ref: D/NBCC 10/12-15)Ref: D/NBCC 10/12

Miscellaneous vouchers for coal sales at Northgate Bridge Depots, Darlington, 1855 - 1858

(11 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/13

Address to the voters of the Auckland Division by Henry Chaytor of Witton Castle, parliamentary candidate, 5 November 1885

(1 paper, printed)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/14

Copy deed of covenant [blank] and rules and regulations of the Enamelled Sanitary Fireclay Manufacturers' Association, 1918, and correspondence relating to the North Bitchburn Coal Company's subscription to the same, 29 - 30 April 1919

(1 file, printed, and 2 papers)

Ref: D/NBCC 10/15

Miscellaneous colliery and fireclay works correspondence, also extract from the memoirs of Robert Swan Stanley of Alnwick regarding the coke-making indusry and Strakers and Love Limited (19th c.), 1923 - 1951

(6 papers)