Francis Gil of Rainton, mason, Michael Burton of Burniston, ‘vestiarium’, and Miles Rainforth of Rainton, yeoman, to Wm Robinson, Bart, Lord of the Manor and Peculiar. Jurisdiction of Rainton, in £300. To execute the will of Leonard Robinson, having been granted the administration by Wm Robinson, to pay all debts and legacies and make a new inventory. Paper. Signed and sealed by the obligors.
In the W. Riding, and 'An account of what the Liberty (of Ripon?) has not paid to the W. Riding' – though charged by order from the several sessions.
Condition that Sir John Dawnay performed all covenants in the feoffment of 11 Apr 1586.
John Lamburne and Mary, his wife, to Anne Norton, daughter of John Norton, for the lives of the lessees. High House Close and Chambers Close in Newby. Rent. A red rose.
Samuel Brailsford at York to Sir Tancred Robinson, Bart., about drawing a plan of Rainton.
E Ellis at Clifton to Sir Wm Robinson. He had almost completed a survey of lands in Rainton and compared them with Sir Wm’s terrier. Desired permission to lead sand from Clifton Moor for laying flags between Mr Bowes’s house and Burton Stone. Suggested enlarging a house for a tenant who had been given notice.
E Ellis at Clifton to Sir Wm Robinson in London, reporting that he had dispatched the copies of Court Roll for lands in Strensall and Acomb manors bought from Mr Leonard Thompson. He had visited Newby and describes the progress of building and the condition of the stock. John Rainforth’s land in Rainton was less than specified in the terrier and one of the Duke of Devonshire’s tenants had ploughed 14 perches from it. He had written to Mr Sam.l Brailsford the Duke’s Surveyor.
E Ellis at Clifton to Sir Wm Robinson in London, Mr Brailsford had replied by reproaching him, not offering a restitution of the land, and had previously insisted on a road over Brown Moor to the Broom and a moiety of the wastes. He himself had allowed him ½ acre of land in Broomside Field which he thought belonged to Sir Wm but was not in the Terrier.
E Ellis at Clifton to Sir Wm Robinson. He had attended to a complaint that preparation were not made for finishing the tithe barn at Dishforth. Hoped to settle the dispute with Mr Brailsford without recourse to law.
Sir William Robinson at Newby to Mr Godfrey Heathcote, about their proposed exchange of lands. Asking that Mr Brailsford should send his map of Rainton and proposing to arrange a meeting with the Duke of Devonshire in London.
Godfrey Heathcote at Chesterfield to Sir Wm Robinson, Mr Brailsford was to deliver a copy of his map and receive a copy of Sir Tancred’s terrier, for the comparison of the particulars. Raises the question of the ploughing of land in Burcarfied, Rainton, called Brown Moor. This was formerly set aside to pay for bread and ale perabulation of the boundaries of the manor. Since this custom ceased it had been enjoyed by Ric. Rainford, one of Sir Tancred’s tenants, rent free, provided he maintained a certain fence and gate. The remainder had been left for herbage to the Town Shepherd at 10s. p.a. rent payable to the schoolmaster or in the event of a vacancy to be used for the repair of the highways. The writer hopes that it was not intended to claim sole right to this land by sowing it, as he believed that His Grace (the duke of Devonshire), was entitled to half of it.
Showing the new and old ways across the moor and the owners and tenants of neighbouring lands.
Sir William Robinson at Newby to Mr Godfrey Heathcote at Chesterfield, informing him that he has sent a copy of his letter to Mr. Boldero, his solicitor, who would reply.
From Sir William Robinson to Mr L Boldero at South Cave, by Howden Bag, hoping he and Mr Heathcote will be able to settle the affair of Rainton manor.
L Boldero at S. Cave, to Sir Wm Robinson at Newby, stating his opinion on the title to (Rainton) Manor.
E Ellis at Clifton to Sir Wm Robinson, concerning his estate. He had distained 2 horses to prevent a tenant defrauding him of his rent. News of his stock, and the amount of the stone dressed and carted. The Duke’s tenants were still going over Brown Moor although it was ploughed and sowed suggests that a road through would be the best solution.
Hugh Bethell, Esq, and William Bethell, gent. of Ellerton, Co. York, to Thos Chator, gent. of Butterby, Co Durham. The remainder of a term of 21 years in the tithes of corn, grain and hay of Clifton, formerly in the tenure of John Thorne and now of Thos Chaytor. Reciting Letters Patent of 28 Feb 1584 leasing the tithes to Jas Kirton, Gent, for 21 years, and the latter’s assignment, dated 4 July 1584 to Hugh Bethell and Wm Bethell. The tithes had previously belonged to the Treasurer of the Metropolitan Church of York and been demised by the late Duke of Somerset to Sir Nich. Fairefaxe, Kt., and Wm Fairefaxe, his son. Parchment. Signed and sealed by Hugh Bethell and Wm Bethell.
Demand note from the Mayor of Pontefract for the last half year’s payment and all arrears, to be paid on Fri, 21 Oct. at Widow Foster’s house at 'the signe of the Starr, in Stonegate'.
Receipt for 314 14s for 2 years’ fee farm rent due 25 Mar last.
For £17 10s for 2½ years’ rent due Michaelmas 1649, an allowance of 2s 6d in £1, 43s 3d (sic) being deducted.
For £3 13s 6d.
For £3 13s 6d.
For £3 13s 6d. Subscribed ‘Abated 3s 6d of this rent’.
Receipt For £3 13s 6d.
For £7 7s.
For £13 13s 6d.
For £13 13s 6d.
Petition for a new lease of Clifton Tithes – by Wm Robinson. He had received them by assignment from Thos. Chaytor. Subscribed. '30 May 1598. to Wm Robinson, tenant, for 21 years, fine £52.'
For £13 13s 6d.
For £13 13s 6d.
For £13 13s 6d.
For £13 13s 6d.
For £7 10s.
For £7 10s.
Order of Wm Lasdall, Official Principal of the Consistory Court of York that the inhabitants of Clifton and parishioners of St Olave’s were to pay their tithes to Sir Wm Robinson, Kt. Subscribed 'This mandate was executed by me, John Bellwoode, 13 July 1634'.
For £4 from Wm Robinson.
For £3 10s from Sir W, Robinson, Kt.
Copy notice that some burgesses of Pontefract had contracted for the free farm of the tithe of grain and hay of the rectory of Clifton (amongst others) at £7 7s p.a., for the use of the school master of the free school in Pontefract, the poor in Knowles’s almshouse and St Nicholas’s Hospital in Pontefract.
For £3 10s (printed form).
For £3 13s 6d.
For £7.
From Rt. Bewlay at York. He had viewed the estate and valued every close according to the old survey. The closes had been divided since it was made. He thought the rents would remain at £515 2s 0d p.a. There were some bad tenants. Housing was in a bad condition as Sir Tancred (Robinson) would not spend money on repairs. He could not advise on how many years purchase should be offered. Land in Yorks. Had recently been bought 'more by humour than teal value'. And had risen from 20-27 to 33-40 years’ purchase. The map of Rawcliffe could only be amended after a new survey. Enclosed. Details of unexpired leases of the estate.
To Mr Bewlay. Sir Wm Robinson’s estimate of £`4000 as the value of Rocliffe was too high, but he had offered £12,000 to prevent the estate going out of the family. Desired Mr Bewlay to meet Mr Bowes and give their joint opinion of the true value. Enclosed a copy of Sir Wm Robinson’s estimate.
Wm Bowes to Mr Bewley re the value of Rawcliffe Manor. He consider 38½ years purchase, the price Sir Wm (Robinson) was asking Sir Thos. (Robinson) to be reasonable. Rawcliffe was in good condition and near York. Good lands in Yorks. Were selling at 35-40 years purchase. The land tax did not amount to 10d in £1, when that tax was 2s. no valuation had been made of the 200 acres of common, of which 3 or 4 tenants reaped the whole benefit. If the common were enclosed it would increase the value of the estate. Few estates worth £500 p.a. were 'less burthened with farm-houses'. Fewer than 4 would suffice if the lands were let to York Butchers. Expresses his regard for Sir Thos. Robinson and hopes he will be the purchaser. The manor would sell for more if it were advertised and probably more still if sold in parcels.
Rt Bewlay at York to (Sir Thos. Robinson), informing him of his meeting with Mr Bowes. As Sir Wm (Robinson) had no children, the estate would probably descent to Sir Thos’s son. The whole estate could be sold for 35 years purchase. Mr Bowes thought a great part of it would sell for 40 years purchase. The estate was very desirable by reason of the turnpike road would enable the and adjoining closes to be let to the York people for conveniency, for more than their real value. The housing was in poor condition. He had received £100 from Mr Worsley.
From Rt. Bewlay enclosing (and correcting) a letter from Mr Bowes. No estimate could be made of the common, it being let with the farms, unless they could be let for the same rent without the common and it could them be enclosed.
Sir Thomas Robinson to Mr Bewlay, thanking him for his opinion. He would not increase his offer of 35 years’ purchase to his nephew although he expected the latter would try to get more by advertising the estate. Doubted whether this would prove successful.
From Rt. Bewlay. Closes near York and the turnpike road would sell at 40 years purchase; he would not predict the sale price of the rest. Regretting that agreement could not be reached with Sir Wm (Robinson). Enclosing a bill for £100 from Mr Worsley.
On the value of the reversion of £14,000 after the decrease of a person whose life is valued at 12 years, the rate of interest being 3½% or 4%.
Thomas Robinson to Whitehall to his nephew, Sir Wm Robinson, repeating his offer of £12,000 for the immediate purchase of Rawcliffe estate or £8000 for the reversion, and his proposal to refer the matter to arbitrators.
Of Wm Robinson at Park Place replying to his uncle: also regretting their disagreement, but refusing to sell Rocliffe for £12,000. Would accept £9264 19s 3 d for the reversion, (the true present value of £14,000 to be received 12 years hence at 3½% compound interest) Considers arbitration unnecessary between friends.
With the terms of their leases, and details of annual disbursements from the Rawcliffe estate. Land Tax when assessed at 4s. in £1 amounted to £40 16s and 3d and was paid by (Sir Wm Robinson). He considered it should be paid by the tenants. Rocliffe was bought from Wm Singleton in 1582, and belonged before then to the Ingleby’s.
From Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place, acknowledging receipt of the last half year’s rent charge and a promissory note for £850, which completed the payment of the consideration money. His wife was rather better and would be glad to see Sir Thos’s daughter, Fanny, when she was passing through.
From Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place informing Sir Thos. Robinson that Mr Boldero had brought the deeds, and that he and Mr Wilmott would meet him the next day to execute them. Mr Boldero would take care of the ceremony to be performed in Westminster Hall, either by his wife’s appearance or by Commission.
Suggesting that Sir Thos. Robinson pay £4.000 or £5,000 down and the remainder by instalments at £2000 p.a. and mortgage the estate to Sir Wm Robinson as security for the remainder.
From Sir Wm Robinson at York. He hoped Mr Bewlay and his principal Mr Brooks would accept his proposal of £4 p.a. for Rocliffe instead of £10 p.a. He was to receive their answer next morning before Commissioners met, and would return to Newby the following day. Postscript. He had agreed with Mr Bewlay and Mr Brook to pay £5 3s. 10d additional land tax and was going to the cockpit to acquaint the commissioners that there would be no interruption to the ….. Bill.
From Sir Robinson at Newby expressing his hope that the land tax had been finally fixed, excluding only improvements Mr Bewlay’s copies of letters, rentals and land tax bills were correct. He would be away from home during the Assizes, having promised to attend the High Sheriff in York
From Sir Wm Robinson at Soho Square, on the question of a qualification. He suggested putting Sir Thos. Robinson in possession of Rocliffe for £3,000, the value the latter put on the fee when he bought the reversion. The rentals had increased since them from £515 2s 0d to £539 12s 0d. Recommended him to continue Mr Ellis as his steward.
Number of leases expiring each year, present rents and proposed increases. Names of tenants whose leases expired in 1756, 1757 and 1758 with amount of rent paid and the increase.
Addressed to the Rt. Hon. Sir Thos. Robinson.
To Mr Bewlay at York, requesting him to obtain from Mr Ellis of Clifton particulars of Sir William Robinson’s estate of Rocliff with some lands in Skelton, which the latter wanted to sell: and to advise as to the number of years purchase which would be considered reasonable. He might consult Mr Bowes for the purpose.
From Rt Bewlay at York, promising to inspect the estate as soon as he obtained the survey from Sir Wm (Robison) Mr Ellis had informed him that the estate was worth more than £550 p.a.
From Rt. Bewlay at York, promising to inspect the estate as soon as he obtained the survey from Sir Wm (Robinson). Mr Ellis had informed him that the estate was worth more than £500 p.a.
From Rt. Bewlay at York to Sir Thos. Robinson, Knight of the Bath, at Whitehall. He had received the map and rental of Rawcliff from Mr Ellis and would view the estate as soon as the weather improved.
From Henry Boldero at London to Mr Elias Ellis at Clifton near York, informing him that he has credited Lady Robinson with £100 guineas on his behalf.
Paid for each part of the estate in 1742, with a note of subsequent abatements and additions.
Number of cattle belonging to tenants at Rocliffe which died of distemper; and the contributions made towards their loss.
From Wm Bowes at York to Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place, London, informing him that the inhabitants of Walmgate were about to petition Parliament for an Act enabling them to relinquish their right of common in the town-fields of Foulford in exchange for land to be held in severalty. He suggested that such a scheme for Clifton would be most beneficial. Mr Ellis agreed that it would improve Sir Wm’s estate and enable the inhabitants of Clifton to get rid of the City’s claim which was 'always troublesome and sometimes expensive'. It would also enable the family to enclose Clifton and Rocliffe moors and to increase the rents of a great many valuable closes near York.
Last Michaelmas Term a son in law of Mr Bellwood discussed with him the stipend to be paid by Wm Robinson, which he alleged had been awarded to him by the Judges of Assize for reading the scripture at Marigate church. He expected the writer to remember that Wm Robinson had promised an allowance to his father in law. Suggests that he give him something “to stoppe hys mouthe”, and asks him to assist Thos. Scudamore.
Elizabeth Harling of York, widow and executrix of Peter Harling, innholder, deceased, oratrix, and Timothy Hudson of York, tanner, orator; William Knight, rector of St Trinity, Goodramgate, vicar of St Maurice & curate of St Michael le Belfrey and others unnamed, defendants. Timothy Hudson had been seised, in fee simple, prior to 1721, of a close containing 3 acres of meadow at the Bowtham end of Clifton, and had leased it to Peter Harling with a close of pasture containing 2 acres, whereon a house formerly stood. The latter close was used as pasture, 1721-5. Peter Harling held it until his death about 1 year ago. Although no tithes had been demanded from the close by the Dean and Chapter or by any curate of St Michael le Belfrey within living memory, Wm. Knight, for the last 7 years rector of St Trinity Goodramgate, and vicar of St Maurice and now also curate of St Michael le Belfrey by appointment of the Dean and Chapter, had brought an action against Peter Harling in the Ecclesiastical Court for non-payment of tithe of 3 acres of meadow. He claimed the penalty of the double value of the tithes of hay for 1721-25. St Michael’s church was not a rectory and had no rights of baptism or burial distinct from the Cathedral Church of St Peter. The rectory of St Wilfrid’s was united with St Michael le Belfrey giving it the reputation of a rectory.
Subscribed 9 September 1738. Mr Taylor received in his lifetime £29 13s, in full satisfaction of his charges.
As in CLY/3/1/12/1. Includes the statement 'N.B. this poor parson was drawn into this suit, by the Dean and chapter of York, obliging him to accept a Lease from them of these Tyths at £8 a year when they appointed him their Curate, tho’ they have had no right to these Tyths since the Dissolution of the office of Treasurer in the Church of York.' Paper. 14 sheets.
Of Elizabeth Harling, widow, and Timothy Hudson, tanner. They did not know the acreage of Eliz. Harling’s land nor that it was leased from Timothy Hudson. They leased the rectory of St Michael le Belfrey to Wm Knight, 6 June 1721, and the tithes thereof were due to them or their said lessee. Paper. 7 pages. Incomplete.
Of Wm Knight, Clerk, one of the defendants. He did not know how much land Eliz. Harling possessed in Clifton out of which he claimed tithe, but believed it to be more than 4 acres, as the land was let for £6 p.a.: he did not know the land to have been leased by her husband from Timothy Hudson. He had been Rector of St Trinity, Goodramgate, and St Maurice for 7 years; he was subchantor and one of the Vicars Choral, but not at the time when he leased the rectory of St Michael le Belfrey from the Dean and Chapter, 6 June 1721, about a fortnight after his induction as rector of St Trinity and St Maurice. Paper 12 sheets.
Of Mr Knight, defendant (as above, CLY/3/1/12/5).
Paper. 4 sheets.
13 exceptions only. Paper. 4 sheets.
Francis Taylor to Sir Wm Robinson, proposing to raise the cost of the tithe suit against Mr Knight by a levy of 3s in £1 on the lands in Belfrey’s parish.
Of Francis Taylor for £17 4s paid by Sir Wm Robinson, Bart., towards the cost of the tithe case.
Bill of Expenses incurred and Receipt of Cath. Clapham, widow of Chas. Clapham, for £15 for his fees.
Of Timothy Hudson for £21 12s. He had charged only for his payments, not for his time, but hoped that Widow Harland would be compensated for her attendance over a period of years.
Sin títuloWilliam Bowes, gent. of York, to Sir Tancred Robinson, Bart, of Newby, in £100. To indemnify the owners of lands and tenements in Clifton in the parish of St Michael le Belfrey against the executors of Francis Taylor, decd. They had entered a bond to pay his fees and disbursement in a cause between Eliz. Harling, widow, plt, an Wm Knight, clerk, dft. Concerning the payment of tithes. The fees had been paid before Francis Taylor’s death, after which Wm Bowes had succeeded him.
Of Wm Bowes for £30, his costs in the case Harling v. Knight.
In the Court of Exchequer, of John Bellwood of York, clerk, vicar and curate of the rectory of St Olive’s parish. Claiming that on the Dissolution of St Mary’s Abbey a stipend of £6 was granted to the vicar of that church and his successors to be paid by the impropriator of the rectory. He was also to receive his diet and to be allowed to pasture his cattle on the common. The complainant had been admitted as vicar by Toby, (Tobias Matthew), Archbishop of York, 32 years previously. Sir Wm Robinson of Rawcliff, Kt. impropriator of the rectory had received tithe worth nearly £200 p.a. for 20 years, but for the last 14 years had refused to pay the vicar his salary of £6 p.a., provide his diet worth £20 p.a. or allow him to pasture his cattle on the commons of Rawcliff or Clifton, worth 40s p.a. Requesting a writ of subpoena against Sir Wm Robinson. Paper, 9 sheets.
By Sir Wm Robinson, Kt., dft. He did not know that John Belwood was Vicar of St Olive’s nor that a stipend, diet and right of pasture had been granted to the holder of that office since the Dissolution of St Mary’s Abbey. He did not know that such payments had ever been made or that the complainant had been appointed and admitted as vicar. He had been impropriator of the rectory for 22 years and had received the tithes worth about £100 p.a. the complainant had made no claims to the salary etc. until recently. Endorsed for Sir Wm Robinson at Mr Barker’s, a goldsmith near Charing Crosse. Paper. 9 sheets.
John Bellwood to Sir Wm Robinson in £100, to accept the arbitration of Sir Bourchier of Beningbrough Grange, knight, and Wm Weddell of Earswicke, Esq. on his dispute with Sir Wm Robinson. Paper. Signed and sealed by John Bellwoode.
An indenture reserving to the Queen for the rectory 10s p.a. and of and for the same rectory for the curate £6 p.a., the latter to be paid to the Receiver of the Exchequer.
Rectory of St Olave’s. In the accounts of the Minister for 26 Eliz:- 4d p.a. from Wm Wilkinson, chaplain of St Olave’s, viz. for the tithe of wool and the lessor tithes belonging to the Rectory, in addition to £6 received by him.
Of William Patten, Receiver in the County of York, 6 Eliz. And in the stipend of Alexander Adams, curate or Vicar of St Giles in Geligate, at 66s 8d p.a. Certified a true copy by Nicholas Spackman, Deputy Auditor. Endorsed 1653. curate of St Gile’s Salary.
Confirming, after searching the records concerning St Olive’s, that Wm Wilkinson was curate and farmer of the small tithes, and received £6 p.a. Queen Elizabeth conveyed the profits in 28th year of her reign to Sir Christopher Hatton. He passed them to Sir Thos. Cromptom who, in 38 Eliz. obtained the annexation of St Gyles to St Olave’s with a yearly allowance of 5 marks in-lieu of £6. Whoever served the cure could expect only 5 marks and whatever the parish might give him.