Claxton in Greatham Deeds

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Introduction

	Families
	Contents
	Arrangement
	Related material - here

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Catalogue

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Families

The first person to feature in this collection is William Gibson, gentleman (died 1671), of the Gibson of Stranton and Hartlepool, Co. Durham family. As well as property in Stranton, where they built the East Hall, the Gibsons held lands etc. in the other nearby townships and parishes mentioned under Scope and content, including Claxton, Co. Durham. In 1698 the Claxton properties represented in the collection were sold to Cuthbert Watson, yeoman, of Stranton. They remained in the possession of his Watson of Sunderland descendants until their sale to Thomas Byers, esquire, of Newbottle, Co. Durham in 1778. By 1817, the date of the last document featuring Claxton, their owner was William Byers, esquire, of Eppleton, Co. Durham.

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Contents

Deeds, marriage settlements and papers relating chiefly to the West Pasture and other properties in the township of Claxton in the parish of Greatham, Co. Durham but also including references to properties in Hart, Seaton Carew, Stranton and Thorpe Bulmer, all in Co. Durham, 1670-1817. The final document in the series, dated 1826, is a lease to John George Lambton of Lambton Castle, Co. Durham of the right to construct a wagon-way from his colliery at the Quarter Way House, Houghton-le-Spring, Co. Durham to the River Wear. The chief families represented in the collection are the Gibsons of Stranton and Hartlepool, Co. Durham, the Watsons of Stranton and Sunderland, Co. Durham and the Byers of Newbottle and Eppleton, Co. Durham.

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Accession details

Transferred to the Library by A. Wood, County Archivist, Warwickshire County Record Office, Shire Hall, Warwick, 13 May 1959.

Conditions of access

Open for consultation.

Copyright and copying

Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from the Sub-Librarian, Special Collections (e-mail PG.Library@durham.ac.uk) and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. The Library will assist where possible with identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material

Arrangement

Chronological. The deeds were filed in two bundles (CLX 1-29; 30-68). Former numbering schemes are apparent from endorsements to various deeds.

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Finding aids

CLX 67, an abstract of title to a freehold estate at Claxton belonging to William Byers esquire, 1670-1817, may serve as a supplement to the catalogue for items CLX 1-65.

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Location of originals

Durham Probate Records Will of Thomas Byers esquire of Newbottle (DPRI/1/1785/B16/1-2).

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Related material - here

Durham Probate Records Will and inventory of William Gibson gentleman of Stranton (DPRI/1/1671/G6).
South Durham Deeds Agreement to postpone the payment of legacies charged on lands and messuages now mortgaged, as CLX 37 (SDD-6).

Catalogue

CLX 1   23 April 1698
Language:   English
1 June 1670Copy post-nuptial settlement (no.1) in the form of a [lease and] release by 1 to 2, their heirs and assigns for ever, of properties in Thorp Bulmer, Stranton, Hart and Claxton, County Durham (as described below). Upon trust:
Properties (a) to the use of 1 for his life, then to the use of his heirs in fee tail general; remainder to the use of 2 with provisions (as below) during remaining period of a 99-year term; remainder to the use of William Kitchine, eldest son of John Kitchine of Hutton Rudby, Yorkshire, deceased and nephew of 1, and his heirs male; remainder to the use of John Kitchine, younger brother of William Kitchine, and his heirs male; remainder to the use of Robert Gibson, eldest son of Anthoyn Gibson of Stranton, his heirs and assigns for ever.
Such remainders to occur upon the expiration of the 99-year term, during which 2 (i) to pay £10 p.a. to Isabel Kitchine, widow of John Kitchine and sister of 1, for her life; (ii) during the life of Elizabeth wife of 1, to pay £40 p.a. to John Kitchine, or, she pre-deceasing 1, to pay the same to Grace, Ann and Isabell, sisters of John Kitchine and nieces of 1; (iii) to pay residue of rents etc. to William Kitchine until he comes into possession of his father's estates in Hutton Rudby; (iv) Elizabeth Gibson dying or Hutton Rudby taken into possession by William Kitchine, to pay £100 each to Grace, Ann, and Isabell Kitchine at the age of 21 or marriage; (v) William and John Kitchine dying, Robert Gibson (and Thomas Gibson) to pay £450, a moeity of £900 raised out of (a) and (b), in equal shares to Grace, Ann and Isabell Kitchine at the age of 21 or marriage.

Properties (b) and (d) to the use of 1 for his life; remainder to the use of Elizabeth his wife for her life as a jointure, barring dower; remainder to the use of the heirs of 1. The lands then remainder separately:
Properties (b) remainder to the use of John Kitchine, nephew of 1 and second son of John Kitchine of Hutton Rudby and Isabel Kitchine, and his heirs male; remainder to the use of William Kitchine, elder brother of John Kitchine [jnr] and his heirs male; remainder to the use of 2 with provision during remaining period of 99-year term to pay, out of (b), £450, a moeity of £900 raised out of (a) and (b), in equal shares to Grace, Ann and Isabell Kitchine at the age of 21 or marriage; remainder to the use of Thomas Gibson gentleman of Norton, County Durham, his heirs and assigns for ever.
Properties (d) remainder to the use of William Gibson, son of Thomas Gibson of Norton, his heirs and assigns for ever.

Properties (c) to the use of 1 and his heirs; remainder to the use of 2 with provision during remaining period of 99-year term to execute the will of 1, then to the use of Elizabeth, wife of 1, for life as an addition to her jointure, barring dower; remainder to the use of John Kitchine, nephew of 1, and his heirs male; remainder to the use of William Gibson, son of Anthony Gibson of Stranton, his heirs and assigns for ever.

Recites: 31 May 1670 lease by 1 to 2 of the same properties.
Properties: (a) Thorpe Bulmer: manor house with appurtenances, Oxeclose, Bellasys Close, Horse-Close or Calfe-Close, Chappell Garthes, Roundhill field, Megson's garthes lying in Nelson's field, west part of Mill field (as now divided, with bounds), formerly the inheritance of Francis Lawson esquire, then John Wicliffe gentleman, then purchased by William Gibson of North Hart deceased, ancestor of 1;
(b) Stranton: moeities of Seat house Farm and lands, Coaleway close meadow, Middlemost Close meadow in the High Intacke, Dovecoate close, Little Intacke, Kings close pasture, arable grounds in Stranton townfields (parcel of Seat house farmhold), formerly in the possession of Nicholas Dodshon or Ann Hodshon, and conveyed by the latter to 1; meadow ground formerly in the possession of Thomas Mackerell; messuage and 70 acres arable and meadow formerly in the possession of William Harrison; 3 cottages [once] belonging to Gisborough Priory, formerly in the tenure of Edward Watson, and purchased jointly by Robert Gibson, Nicholas Dodshon and John Dodshon, from George Salter and John Williams, citizens of London, and then enfeoffed to the said Robert Gibson, and descending to 1; cottage, barn, garden and garth on the backside thereof on the South Rowe in Fishergate, formerly in the possession of John Fulthorpe gentleman, then purchased by 1; farmhold formerly in the possession of William Wrenn, with the corn fields (with bounds, and excepting particular lands sold by 1 to William Corker of Nether-Throston);
(c) Hart: farmhold in North Hart formerly occupied by Henry Gastell, and all other lands in Hart formerly in the possession of Robert Brandline esquire, then George Hallyman, then purchased by Robert Gibson, and descending to 1;
(d) Claxton: West pasture (100 acres; with bounds).
Consideration: 5s.
Witnesses: John Dunn, George Hippell, Mary Hall, Isabell Softley.
The copy's accuracy is certified by Robert Spearman and Nathaniel Newhouse; the original being in the possession of Robert Bromley gentleman of Nesbitt, 23 April 1698.
Paper; parchment tie   6 f
Formerly numbered: 1.
CLX 2   23 April 1698
Language:   English
20 May 1671Copy post-nuptial settlement (no.2), revising CLX 1, in the form of a [lease and] release by 1 to 2 and their heirs of properties in Thorp Bulmer, Stranton, Hart and Claxton, County Durham (as described above in CLX 1). Upon trust:
Properties (b) to the use of 1 for his life, then to the use of Elizabeth his wife for her life as a jointure, barring dower; remainder to the use of the heirs of 1; remainder to the use of John Kitchine and his heirs male; remainder to the use of William Kitchine and his heirs male; remainder to the use of Thomas Gibson his heirs and assigns for ever, with stipulation to pay £100 each to Grace, Ann and Isabel Kitchine.
Properties (c) to the use of 1 and his heirs; remainder to the use of John Kitchine and his heirs male, with proviso to execute the will of 1; remainder to the use of William Kitchine and his heirs male, repeating proviso; remainder to the use of Thomas Gibson his heirs and assigns for ever, with proviso to pay £100 each to Grace, Ann and Isabel Kitchine.
Properties (d) to the use of 1 and his heirs; remainder to the use of John Kitchine and his heirs male during the life of Elizabeth wife of 1, then to the use of William Gibson and his heirs male; remainder to the use of the right heirs of 1.
Properties (a) to the use of 1 and his heirs; remainder to Elizabeth, wife of 1, for her life as an addition to her jointure, barring dower, on condition she execute the will of 1, then to the use of William Kitchine and his heirs male, on condition he conform with his tutor's guidance regarding the settlement of the debts of his deceased father, John Kitchine, and the maintenance and education of his younger siblings; remainder to the use of John Kitchine and his heirs male; remainder to the use of Robert Gibson his heirs and assigns for ever, upon condition £100 each be paid to Grace, Ann and Isabel Kitchine.
Recites: 31 May and 1 June 1670 lease and release (CLX 1).
Consideration: 5s.
Witnesses: Raiph Tatam, Thomas Topping, Isable Softly.
The copy's accuracy is certified by Robert Spearman and Nathaniel Newhouse; the original being in the possession of Robert Bromley gentleman of Nesbitt, 23 April 1698.
With wrapper labeled: ‘Deed of settleme[nt and pap]er writings belonging to Mrs Hilton re[garding] lands at Claxton. Of no val[ue]. No. 5’, and ‘Deed to lead the uses of a fine of lands at Claxton. Mrs Hilton’.
Paper; parchment tie   5 f; 1 f
Formerly numbered: 2.
CLX 3   11 July 1679
Language:   English
Covenant by 1 and 2 to levy a fine of the premises (as CLX 1-2) to 3 to the use of 2 his heirs and assigns during the life of Elizabeth Gibson relict of William Gibson and now wife of Thomas Forster, after her death to enure to the use of 2 and his male heirs in tail general, remainder to the use of 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Witnesses: John Jefferson, John Porrett, Edward Wilson junior, Joseph Hall.
Consideration: £180.
Signed and sealed by all parties; lacking 2 seals.
Parchment, indented   1 m
CLX 4   11 July 1679
Language:   English
Bond in £360 by 1 to 2 to perform convenants as specified in CLX 3.
Witnesses: John Jefferson, John Porrett, Edward Wilson junior, Joseph Hall.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Parchment   1 m
CLX 5   [18th-century]
Copy CLX 3-4.
Watermarks: ‘G.R.’; ‘Pro patria’.
Paper   4 f
CLX 6-7   5 August 1679
Language:   Latin
Final concord (script and rescript) concerning 1 messuage, 1 barn, 1 stable, 1 garden, 20 acres of land, 30 acres of meadow, 70 acres of pasture with appurtenances in Claxton and parish of Greatham.
Consideration: £160.
CLX 7 subscribed with a record of the statutory four proclamation dates.
Parchment, indented   2 m
CLX 8   [18th-century]
Language:   Latin
Copy CLX 6-7.
Paper   1 f
CLX 9-10   2-3 April 1691
Language:   English
Lease and release by 1 to 2 to lead the uses of a common recovery from 1 to 2 of all his lands in Claxton and West Pasture (with newly erected messuage), as now divided, in Greatham, to be recovered by 3 (at Durham) to the use of 1(i) for life, remainder to 1(ii) as a jointure barring dower, remainder to the right heirs of 1(i).
Lease signed and sealed by 1(i); release signed and sealed by all parties.
Witnesses: Richard Miles, Ralph Watson, Francis Nicholas.
Endorsed: William Gibson; ‘These deeds mislaid and noe notice taken of them till after the Deed and Recovery to Warden and Paxton were perfected. Noe Recovery suffered hereupon’; ‘These not used not being discovered nor found till Cuthbert Watson's purchase’.
[CLX 24 recites 27 August 1686 marriage settlement between 1(i), James Burdon, Anthony Rutledge, covenanting half the Claxton premises to 1(ii) for life upon the death of 1(i)].
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 9-10.
CLX 11-12   7-8 November 1693
Language:   English
Lease and release to lead the uses of a common recovery by 1 to 2 of all his lands in Claxton including a newly erected tenement there, and West Pasture in Greatham, to be recovered by 3 to the use of 1 and his assigns for ever.
Consideration: 5s.
Lease signed and sealed by 1; release signed and sealed by all parties.
Witnesses: Christopher Fulthorp, Robert Spearman, Nathaniel Newhouse.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 5-6, and 11-12; lease endorsed ‘no.2’; release endorsed ‘no.11 & 12’.
CLX 13   16 January 1694
Language:   Latin
Exemplification of a common recovery on 15 December 1693 of 2 messuages, 50 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture with appurtenances in Claxton.
Pendant great seal (damaged).
Parchment   1 m
Formerly numbered: 5; 7; 13.
CLX 14   [18th-century]
Language:   Latin
Copy CLX 13.
Watermark: ‘Pro patria’.
Paper   2 f
CLX 15-16   30-31 January 1694
Language:   English
Mortgage in the form of a lease and release by 1 to 2 in trust to the use of 3 his heirs and assigns for ever of lands as CLX 11-12 (Michael Harrison undertenant), to secure the repayment of £200 and £30 with interest.
Consideration: £200 and additionally (on dorse) £30.
Lease signed and sealed by 1; release signed and sealed by 1 and 2.
Witnesses: (1) Michael Mickleton, Robert Smith, Robert Pattison; (2) Isaac Jackson, Robert Milbourn.
Endorsed: 31 January 1694 receipt of 1 for £200 from 3; 28 April 1694 receipt of 1(i) for an additional £30, signed and sealed by 1(i) and witnessed by Robert Smith, Nathaniel Newhouse, Robert Pattison.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 14-15; 8-9.
CLX 17   31 January 1694
Language:  Latin; English
Bond in £400 from 1 to 2 to perform covenants as specified in CLX 15-16.
Witnesses: Michael Mickleton, Robert Smith, Robert Pattison.
Seal of 1.
Parchment   1 m
Formerly numbered: 16.
CLX 18   2 March 1694
Language:   Latin
Final concord (script) concerning 1 messuage, 1 barn, 1 stable, 1 garden, 50 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture with appurtenances in Claxton and parish of Greatham.
Consideration: 100 marks.
Endorsed with a record of the statutory four proclamation dates.
Parchment, indented   1 m
Formerly numbered: 5.
CLX 19-20   12-13 March 1694
Language:   English
Lease and release by 1 to 2 of a messuage in Claxton and of West Pasture, now or late divided, at Claxton, parish of Greatham, lately in possession of William Gibson gentleman or 1.
Consideration: 5s.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Isaac Jackson of North Shields, Robert Milbourne of North Shields mariner.
Parchment, indented   2 m
Formerly numbered: 10-11; and 22-23.
CLX 21   27 April 1695
Language:   English
Further charge on mortgaged lands at Claxton to secure £70 with interest by 1 to 2 in trust to the use of 3.
Witnesses: (1) John Smart, Michael Mickleton, Robert Pallisor; (2) Thomas Pearson, Ralph White.
Endorsed with receipt of 1 to 3 for £70 (additional to £230 already received).
Parchment   1 m
Formerly numbered: 12; 17.
CLX 22-23   19-20 May 1698
Language:   English
Lease and release by 1 to 2 of lands as CLX 19-20.
Consideration: £465 paid by 2 to (1)(i); £400 paid by 2 to (1)(ii).
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: (1)(i) and (iii) Edmond Bell, John Crookes, Thomas Snowdon; (1)(ii) Ralph White, Nathaniel Newhouse.
Parchment, indented   2 m
Formerly numbered: 25-26; 13-14; (lease) 4.
CLX 24   1 November 1698
Language:   English
Case of Cuthbert Watson's title to Claxton lands, and opinion of J. Cuthbert: reciting conveyances and events 1670-1698, (not all of which present or described within CLX), and concluding the estate tail is effectively docked, and William Gibson son of Anthony Gibson and his heirs totally barred, and consequently that the said lands are well conveyed to Watson, requiring no supplementary conveyance.
Paper   2 f
CLX 25   21 June 1699
Language:   English
Exemplification of a common recovery made on 6 June 1699 of 2 messuages, 50 acres of land, 5 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture with appurtenances in Claxton.
Pendant great seal.
Parchment    1 m
Formerly numbered: 16; 31.
CLX 26   14 January 1707
Language:   English
Quitclaim (release of actions) by 1 to 2.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Susanna Gibson, Elizabeth Gibson, Dennis Sisterson.
Paper   2 f
Formerly numbered 10; 15.
CLX 27-28   30-31 July 1725
Language:   English
Pre-nuptial marriage settlement in the form of a lease and release of lands as CLX 19-20 by 1 to 2 to the use of 1 until the marriage of 3(ii) and 4(ii) with a £30 annuity thereafter, then to the use of 3(ii) and his heirs for life in trust to preserve the contingent remainder, then descending and remaindering by [tail special] of the marriage (preferring male primogeniture then females equally) with a £25 annuity to 4(ii) as a jointure barring dower, remainder to 3(ii) and his heirs with an additional £5 annuity to 4(ii), remainder to 1 and his heirs, subject to annuity to 4(ii).
Proviso that the personal estate of 3(ii) meet any shortfall in the annuities should both 1 and 4(ii) suvive 3(ii).
Powers to 3(ii) to lease the lands for no more than 8 years, and to charge the lands with no more than £400 for the portions of any children additional to a son issuing from the marriage.
Lease signed and sealed by 1; release signed and sealed by 3 and 4.
Consideration: £500 marriage portion of 4(ii) paid by 4(i) to 3(ii) at the direction of 3(i).
Witnesses: Robert Hilton, Lancelot Hilton, Christopher Railton.
Endorsed with 1 June 1726 receipt for £500 from 3(ii) to 4(i), witnessed by William Maddeson and Thomas Raisbeck.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 17-18.
CLX 29   19 and 24 May 1738
Case of Mr Bromley and his wife, and opinion of Richard Merlott: reciting conveyances and events before 11 July 1679-1736, (not all of which present or described within CLX), and concluding Bromley and his wife have no right or title in (dorse) 1 messuage, 1 barn, 1 stable, 1 garden, 50 acres of land, 10 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture in Claxton; with covering note from George Surtees, Chancery Office, to John Hutton at Durham, attorney-at-law, advising further consultation with Mr Rudd and that the client abandon his claim.
Paper   2 f
CLX 30   20 March 1751
Copy will of William Watson of Dodsworth Field House, Stranton, gentleman.
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Thomas Thoresby, John Wilson.
Paper; parchment tag   7 f
Formerly numbered: 19.
CLX 31-32   3-4 April 1752
Lease and release to lead the uses of a common recovery by 1 to 2 of lands as CLX 19-20, to be recovered by 3.
Consideration: 5s paid by 2 to 1.
Lease signed and sealed by 1; release signed and sealed by 1 and 2.
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Thomas Thoresby.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered 20-21.
CLX 33   2 June 1752
Exemplification of a common recovery on 15 May 1752 of 2 messuages, 60 acres of land, 50 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture in Claxton.
Pendant great seal.
Parchment   1 m
Formerly numbered: 22.
CLX 34-35   8-9 August 1760
Mortgage in fee in the form of a lease and release by 1 to 2 his heirs and assigns for ever of lands as CLX 19-20 (Jonathan Moody tenant), and leasehold interest in lands as (e), to secure the repayment of £1,800 with 4.25% interest.
Proviso that 1 levy to 2 a fine sur cognizance de droit come ceo [qu' il a de son done] of lands as CLX 19-20.
Recitals: (a) 25 March 1754 lease for 21 years by Rev. John Robinson D.D. the warden and scholars of Merton College to Thomas Rudd esquire of Durham City sole executor of Thomas Rudd clerk of Washington, County Durham, of a moeity of the manor of Stillington, and a moeity of the College's lands and tenements in the town and fields of Seaton Carew, formerly in the tenure of William Ward dyer of Guisborough and latterly of Thomas Rudd deceased; (b) 9 May 1756 lease for 20 years 11 months by Thomas Rudd esquire to William Chilton the younger gentleman of Carr House, Stranton, of a moeity of the land and tenements in the town and fields of Seaton Carew as part (a); (c) 25 April 1755 lease for 21 years by the warden and scholars of Merton College to William Norton and Ralph Robson gentlemen of the other moeity of lands as (a); (d) 16 February 1756 lease for 20 years 11 months by William Norton and Ralph Robson to William Chilton of lands as (c); (e) 2 June 1756 lease for 20 years 10 months by William Chilton to William Watson deceased of lands as (b), namely a messuage and garth (with bounds) lately occupied by Richard Robinson and 18 acres in two closes called Great South field and Little South field (with bounds) then occupied by William Watson [now] deceased, and 5¼ stints in the marshes, in Seaton Carew; (f) will of William Watson (CLX 30) devising to Cuthbert Watson and Anthony Wild (e) in trust to the use of 1 with a proviso to renew and to raise £200 in part of the portions for the testator's four daughters Ann, Eleanor, Mary, Jane, and to provide for their maintenance in the meantime.
Lease and release signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Christopher Chrishop.
Endorsed with receipt for £1,800 by 1 to 2.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 23-24.
CLX 36   9 August 1760
Release by 1(i) of Cuthbert Watson the younger of Houghton-le-Side and Anthony Wild of Houghton-le-Spring trustees of 1(iii), and of lands in Claxton, Elwick and Seaton Carew from £500 portion of 1(ii), with covenant by 2 to 1(i) to pay the remainder of the portion as yet unpaid at 4.25% interest.
Reciting: (a) will of William Watson (CLX 30) empowering his trustees to charge lands in Claxton with £100 each in part for the portions of Ann, Eleanor, Mary and Jane his daughters, and leasing to his executors for 1,000 years all his freehold lands in Elwick and Seaton Carew and all his leasehold interest in lands in Seaton Carew with a power to raise £1,500 out of his freehold lands and £200 out of his leasehold lands for their portions, £400 each to Ann, Eleanor and Jane and £500 to Mary, in trust to the use of 2 his heirs and assigns for ever; (b) intermarriage of 1, entitling Joseph Cradock to £500 portion of Ann, part of which remains unpaid.
Signed and sealed by 1(i).
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Christopher Chrishop.
Parchment, indented   1 m
Formerly numbered: 26.
CLX 37   11 August 1760
Agreement by 1(i) to 3 to postpone the payment of legacies due under the will of 1(ii) (CLX 30) and charged on lands and messuages now mortgaged by 2 to 3, with covenant by 2 to 1(i) to pay the same legacies with interest.
Reciting: (a) CLX 30; (b) majority of 1(i), acquiring a vested interest in her £400 portion; (c) CLX 34-35, and prior consent of 1(i) to postpone payment of £100 out of Claxton lands and her share in £200 out of leasehold lands in Seaton Carew.
Signed and sealed by 1(i) and 2.
Witnesses: Joseph Cradock, William Cradock.
Parchment, indented   1 m
Formerly numbered: 27.
For another copy see South Durham Deeds 6 (SDD-6).
CLX 38-39   25 August 1760
Final concord (script and rescript) relating to 1 messuage, 60 acres of land, 40 acres of meadow, 50 acres of pasture with appurtenances in Claxton.
Consideration: 100 marks.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
CLX 38 formerly numbered: 25.
CLX 40   18 May 1763
Bargain and sale in the form of a [lease and] release by 1 and 3 of lands (as below) (a-b) in Elwick to the use of 4 his heirs and assigns for ever;
Re-mortgage in the form of a [lease and] release by 1 of lands (c-g) in Stranton to the use of 3 to secure the repayment of £800 with interest;
Bargain and sale in the form of a [lease and] release by 5 of their interest in lands (a-b) to 6 to the use of 4 his heirs and assigns;
Bargain and sale in the form of a [lease and] release by 5 of their interest in lands (c-g) to 7 in trust to raise £400 portion of Jane Watson upon her majority and maintaintenance money until that time;
Release by 2(iii) and 2(iv) of lands in Claxton, leasehold lands in Seaton Carew and lands (a-g) from portions and maintenance money secured on them by trusts under the will of 1(ii) (CLX 30), excepting their contingent rights to the portion of their sister Jane Watson.
Lands: (a) messuage, dovecoat and lands in Elwick, parish of Hart, County Durham namely the meadow garth dovecoat hill kiln garths the tofts (7 acres) Callerknowle or Carrettknowle or Carrellknowle (12 acres) Kirkmoms whole acres (15 acres) Middlefield (15 acres) the Helaw (12 acres) the Barn Flatt (7 acres) the Letches (12 acres) with all tithes of the same; (b) all tithes of corn and grain of the farmhold in Elwick late belonging to John Sister deceased; (c) tenement and lands (formerly North Field) in Seaton Carew namely Long Flatts (48 acres 3 roods 5 poles, with bounds); (d) Gibbons Close in East Field, Stranton (8 acres, with bounds) purchased by 1(ii) from Thomas Corner and his wife Elizabeth Corner (1/3rd part) and Joseph Garthwaite and his wife Hannah Garthwaite and Edward Hunter and his wife Jane Hunter (2/3rds part); (e) freehold lands lying within 2 closes (18 acres, with bounds) called Great Southfield and Little Southfield in Seaton Carew, namely 3 acres 1 rood 14 poles in the Flatts called Crook Dike and Butterscroft, and 1 acre 23 poles in the Flatt called Mass Gate, with tithes of corn and grain of these parts and the residue lands of Great Southfield and Littlesouthfield; (f) tenement and garth on Seaton Carew High Street (with bounds); (g) 6 acres in Flatt called Crook Dike (with bounds) in Seaton Carew, with tithes of corn and grain.
Reciting: (a) CLX 30; (b) majorities of 2(ii-iv), acquiring a vested interests in their portions; (c) 9 August 1758 bond in £400 by 1(i) to 3 to secure the repayment of £200 with interest; (d) 1-2 May 1760 mortgage by lease and release by 1(i) to 3 of land as above to secure the repayment of £900 with interest, endorsed with further charge of (c); (e) full payment by 1(i) to 2(i) of the £500 portion of 2(ii); (f) 2 bonds each in £724 with interest severally by 1 to 2(iii) and to 2(iv) for their portions; (g) minority of Jane Watson, sister of 1 and 2(ii-iv); (h) agreement by 4 to purchase from 1(i), with the consent of 5, that part of his mortgaged lands in Elwick, and the proportional re-payment of £300 out of £2,100 principal owing to 3; (i) ambiguity in will of 1(ii) (CLX 30) in failing to identify which Cuthbert Watson (of three) is to act as devisee weakens vestment in co-devisee Anthony Wild, now deceased, necessitating participation of 5(i-iii) in this conveyance.
Considerations: £300 from 4 to 3; £1,800 from 4 to 1; 10s from 6 to 5; 10s from 7 to 5.
Signed and sealed by 1-6.
Witnesses: (2)(i, iii-iv), (3-4, 6) Christopher Chrishop, Thomas Simpson; (2)(ii) Christopher Chrishop, Richard Taylor; (5)(i) Richard Griffith, Christopher Chrishop; (5)(ii-iii) Christopher Chrishop, Ed[ward] Marley.
Endorsed with receipts of 3 to 4 and 1 to 4, same date, witnessed by Christopher Chrishop and Thomas Simpson.
Parchment, indented   6 m
Formerly numbered: 28.
See South Durham Deeds 6 (SDD-6).
CLX 41   24 June 1767
Re-mortgage by 1 to 2 of lands in Claxton [as CLX 19-20] to secure £1,600 and interest.
Reciting: CLX 34-35; prior sale by 1, with the consent and participation of 2, to Robert Preston of leasehold and freehold lands in Seaton Carew for £700, £200 of which paid to 2 as proportional part of the £1,800 principal owing to him, the Claxton lands to remain charged with £1,600.
Signed and sealed by both parties.
Witnesses: William Hoar, John Wrightson junior.
Parchment, indented   1 m
Formerly numbered: 29.
CLX 42   29 May 1773
Covenant by 2 to 1 to charge all his lands in Claxton with the payment of £530 with interest.
Reciting: (a) will of William Watson gentleman of Dodsworth Field House (CLX 30), father of 1 and 2, charging lands in Claxton with £100 and property in Seaton Carew and Elwick in parishes of Stranton and Hart with £400 upon her majority and maintenance money until that date, and £30 interest on the same having accrued; (b) CLX 41; (c) release by 2 of lands in Claxton and property in Seaton Carew and Elwick in Stranton and Hart parishes from her £500 portion, maintenance money with interest secured on them by trusts under the will of William Watson gentleman of Dodsworth Field House (CLX 30), father of 1 and 2; (d) 29 May 1773 bond in £1,060 by 1 to 2 for the repayment of £530 with interest.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Joseph Ritson junior.
Parchment   1 m
Formerly numbered: 30.
CLX 43   29 May 1773
Bond in £1,060 by 1 to 2 to secure the repayment of £530 with interest.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Ralph Bradley, Joseph Ritson junior.
Paper   2 f
CLX 44-45   23-24 March 1774
Mortgage in fee in the form of a lease and release by 1 to 2 of a messuage, and of several closes called West Pasture, in Claxton, formerly occupied by Jonathan Moody and now tenanted by Richard Walker, in trust first to secure the repayment of £1,600 principal with interest to John Reeve, in trust next for securing the payment to 2 of £500 with interest, in trust lastly to 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Reciting: CLX 42 and its recitals.
Consideration: 15s by 2 to 1.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Christopher Chrishop, P. Simpson Coulthard.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 31-32.
CLX 46-47   16-17 October 1778
Lease and release by 1-3 to 4 his heirs and assigns for ever of: (a) a messuage and lands as CLX 44-45 now tenanted by William Burton at £80 p.a.; (b) remaining 2 years of a 30 May 1766 lease by Richard Rawling gentleman of Hartlepool to 1 of the tithes of corn and grain of the same lands.
Reciting: CLX 34-35, CLX 41, CLX 44-45; outstanding sums of £1,600 and £500 remain owing to 2 and 3 respectively.
Consideration: £2,500 as follows, £1,600 by 4 to 2; £500 by 4 to 3; £400 by 4 to 1; endorsed with respective receipts of 1-3 to 4.
Lease signed and sealed by 1-3; release by all parties.
Witnesses: (1) William Hoar, Ralph Hoar; (2, 4) Hendry Hopper, Robert Clarke; (3) Mesham, John Wilson.
Parchment, indented   2 m
Formerly numbered: 33-34.
CLX 48   20 May 1781
Copy will of Thomas Byers esquire of Newbottle, County Durham.
Paper; parchment tag   4 f
Formerly numbered: 35.
For the proved will, see DPRI/1/1785/B16/1-2.
CLX 49-53   24 April 1793-25 January 1798
Receipts for legacies under the will of Thomas Byers esquire of Newbottle from his five daughters.
Wrapper (CLX 49-53) reuses a draft affidavit directed to John Wilde, attorney for Francis Marshall and Thomas Hutchinson, defendants of a plea of trespass on the case (debt of £6 16s 6d) brought by Robert Weems at Durham [?Court of Pleas], after 18 April 1791.
Paper   1 bundle (5 items); wrapper
CLX 54-55   5-6 February 1798
Reconveyance in the form of a lease and release by 1 to 2 his heirs and assigns for ever of: (a) messuage and lands, and West Pasture, in Claxton, now occupied by William Greveson and Jonathan Jackson; (b) messuage or burgage with the shops in the Low Street, Sunderland, formerly occupied by William Mitcheson, Thomas Gairns, Matthew Alis Barber, afterwards by James Gowen tobacconist, and now by George Wilson spirit merchant.
Reciting: CLX 48, devising residue of real property, the debts funeral expenses and legacies fully paid, to 2; CLX 49-53; majority of 1 on 22 August 1797.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: 1(i-ii) John Makepeace of Gray's Inn; 1(iii) John Moore; 1(iv) Francis Smales attorney-at-law of Durham City.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 1 m
Formerly numbered: 36-37.
CLX 56-57   27-28 July 1802
Mortgage in the form of a lease and release in fee by 1 to 2 of a messuage or tenement and farm and several closes now or formerly called the West Pasture, in Claxton, in trust to raise and retain £1,000 with 5% interest, in trust to the use of 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Reciting: £1,000 legacy by the 11 April 1800 will of David Wood tanner of Framwellgate to 2.
Consideration: £1,000; endorsed with receipt.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witnesses: Francis Smales, Ralph Lindsay.
Parchment, indented    1 m; 1 m
CLX 58-59   15-16 January 1805
Further charge in the form of a lease and release in fee by 1 to 2 of lands as CLX 56-57 in trust to raise £1,000 to repay mortgagees in CLX 56-57, in trust to raise and retain £600 with 5% interest, in trust to the use of 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Reciting: (a) CLX 56-57; (b) 16 January 1804 bond in £1,140 by 1 to 2 to secure the repayment of £570 with 5% interest, with agreement by 1 to charge his lands at Claxton and Newbottle with the same sum.
Consideration: £570 with interest owing upon bond (b); £30.
Signed and sealed by 1.
Witness: Edward Rowtree.
Parchment, indented    1 m; 1 m
CLX 60-61   13-14 November 1811
Mortgage transfer and further charge in the form of a lease and release by 1-2 to 4, with the privity of 3, of lands as CLX 56-57 now or late occupied by William Grieveson and Jonathan Jackson, subject to £1,000 charge as CLX 56-57, in trust to 4 to raise and retain £1,000 with 5% interest, in trust to the use of 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Reciting: (a) CLX 56-57; (b) CLX 58-59.
Consideration: £600 by 4 to 2; £400 by 4 to 1.
Signed and sealed by 1-3.
Witnesses: (1) James Simpson adjutant Durham Militia, J. Horner, quartermaster Durham Militia; (2) John Dunn, John Gregson.
Parchment, indented    1 m; 1 m
CLX 62   7 December 1811
Copy CLX 61, made [for John] Dunn of Durham, certified by Richard Medlay and William Tomlinson.
Paper; parchment tag   9 f
CLX 63   14 November 1811
Bond in £2,000 by 1 to 2 to secure the repayment of £1,000 with 5% interest, reciting CLX 61.
Signed and (wafer) sealed by 1.
Witnesses: James Simpson adjutant Durham Militia, J. Horner, quartermaster Durham Militia.
Endorsed with account of interest accruing 14 November 1811-10 November 1817.
Paper   2 f
CLX 64-65   22-23 September 1817
Mortgage transfer in the form of a lease and release by 1-2 to 3, of lands as CLX 56-57, subject to £1,000 charge as CLX 56-57, in trust to 3 to raise and retain £1,000 with 5% interest, in trust to the use of 1 his heirs and assigns for ever.
Consideration: £1,000 by 3 to 2; endorsed with receipt.
Signed and sealed by 1-2.
Witnesses: (1) Robert Waugh, Durham; (2) George Patrck, Durham.
Reciting: (a) CLX 56-57; (b) CLX 58-59; (c) CLX 60-61.
Parchment, indented   1 m; 3 m
CLX 66   23 September 1817
Bond in £2,000 by 1 to 2 to secure the repayment of £1,000 with interest, reciting CLX 65.
Paper   2 f
CLX 67   1817
Abstract of title to a freehold estate at Claxton belonging to William Byers esquire, 1670-1817 (CLX 1-65).
Paper; parchment tag   30 f
CLX 68   24 December 1826
Counterpart lease for 21 years by 1 to 2 of wayleave for wagon way(s) [later Lambton Railway, Houghton branch] with sideway for materials and coals exclusively to and from newly-opened colliery near Quarter-Way-House, Houghton-le-Spring, to the River Wear, the sea or other delivery port, with 2s 6d / waggon penalty for carrying materials or coals to or from any other colliery, with other usual conditions. Plan on m.1 (scale 10 chains or 7920:1).
Rent: £160 per annum for 50,000 chaldrons, with 3d / chaldron excess; double agricultural ground area rent; 20 fothers of best or main coal per annum.
Signed and sealed by 2.
Witnesses: John Ward, solicitor, Durham.
Parchment, indented    6 m