Francis Egerton, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, the 'Canal Duke', inherited his title at the age of 11. After a broken engagement to Elizabeth Gunning, he devoted himself to his vast estates, especially Worsley, which were rich in coal. The Duke and his agent in Worsley, John Gilbert, determined to build a canal from Worsley to Manchester and Salford to convey coal to these expanding markets. James Brindley was engaged as engineer for the project. The first Bridgewater Canal Act was passed in 1759, and the canal reached Manchester in 1764. The canal was extended to Runcorn in 1776, linking Manchester with the Mersey estuary. The Duke died in 1803 and is buried at Little Gaddesden, near Ashridge in Hertfordshire.
The archive consists of over 900 individual items relating to the family history of the Egertons, and the acquisition of land and the building of the Bridgewater Canal, including correspondence, accounts, etc. of the canal and the underground mines at Worsley. There is also material relating to the Duke's Dock at Liverpool, and to the Bridgewater Trust. The manuscript material includes letters from the 2nd Duke to his sisters in the 1730s and the 3rd Duke's correspondence during his Grand Tour in 1753. The collection also includes books, journal articles and ephemera relating to the canal, and contains the drafts of unpublished family chronicles compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s.
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Papers relating to the Duke's will and estate, correspondence of the 2nd Duke, Grand Tour of the 3rd Duke, family portraits and other pictures, family history and London houses. Also the purchase of land for the canal, and for the extensions to Runcorn in the 1780s and to Leigh in the 1790s, and annuities and rent paid.
Contains summary of the Duke's will and various historical notes.
Consists of 9 pages, signed by Strachan Holme, including details of sources of Estates, Scroop's marriage settlement, the bill of complaint against Rachael Russell, second wife of Scroop.
Produced by Josolyne, Miles, Page and Company Chartered Accountants. Lists properties, royalties from lessees during previous seven years, amount of coal taken from Bridgewater collieries, amounts expended on development.
These letters, sometimes written in English and in other instances in French, give an insight into contemporary events seen in the Duke's travels and show his affection for his sister and homeland.
Consists of eight letters, five written by R Wood, the recipients of whom were the 'Bedfords' and the 'Gowers'. On the envelope in which these were kept was written 'Letters to Lord Stafford' and then in red ink and bracketed was written 'Lord Trentham'. As the actual letters do not definitely address anyone by name, they are assumed to be written to Lord Gower. Mr. Wood, an eminent traveller who was to undertake the care and education of the Duke during his travels, writes in the form of reports about the young Duke. Francis, 3rd Duke of Bridgewater is the writer of the other three letters, and in them he gives an interesting self-portrait of himself at that period of his life. These letters are written in his own handwriting and represent one of the very few occasions anything originating positively from his own pen is to be seen in the entire archive.
Contains general material, correspondence, photographs, press cuttings and plans.
This note gives details about a passage (to or into) Cleveland Court and a large house, formerly called Berkshire House, which, being purchased by the Duchess of Cleveland, took her name and was parted into several houses, the chief of which is inhabited by the Earl of Nottingham. It also describes stabling and some houses which run down to St. James Park Walls, and refers to a map - almost certainly item 1/7/b or 1/7/c
A scale is drawn which seems to be about 20ft. to an inch
Includes list of horses sold by the Duke of Bridgewater at Caddesden in 1764.
Includes Worsley Parish Church Empire Day service programme and a newspaper article from the Manchester Guardian entitled 'The Duke of Bridgewater A Bicentenary Canal-maker and Coal-owner'.
Comprises an anecdote from the Duke's life concerning his relationship with his employees.
Includes press cutting entitled 'Day by Day - Dr and Mrs John Thomas' Papers to the British Association.
Relates to offer for sale of drawing by James Seymour of horse named Star which belonged to the 1st Duke of Bridgewater.
Relates to painting of 3rd Duke of Bridgewater in possession of Miss Tyldesley.
Relates to collection of information on the life and times of Francis, Duke of Bridgewater for a proposed radio play.
Contains accounts and receipts relating to the purchase of land for the Bridgewater Canal.
Signed S B Bayley, Receiver, for two year's rent paid by Mr Hough.
Diagram showing the lockage and height of the summit of the canal.
Signed S B Bayley, Receiver, for four and a half year's rent paid by Mr Hough.
Contains various receipts, accounts and letters.
Letter includes original wax seal of Duchy of Lancaster.
Fragile
Promissory note is signed by Joseph Hardy, Leadenhall Street, London and the firm of David and Moses Solomon and Company. Torn paper mentions Mr Smith and Mr Clough.
Mr Sergeant is named as the executor of the late Mr Butterworth Bayley who had been Rector of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Family history, including details of the Duke's funeral procession. Land purchases for the Canal, including Altrincham, Dunham Massey, Lymm, Monton, Timperley, Worsley, 1759-1767. Expenses of James Brindley and Mr Gilbert. Proposed terminus of the Canal in Manchester, and possible extension to Stockport.
The notation on the back of the photograph indicates that the ladies are Lady Alice Egerton and Lady Blanche Egerton and their horses Duchess and Ginger Blue.
The notation on the back of the photograph indicates that the ladies are possibly Lady Caroline Duncombe and Elizabeth, Countess of Desart, sister of Mary Dow, Countess of Ellesmere.
Includes agreement between William Tomkinson, acting for the Duke, and James Watson on behalf of Lady Penelope Cholmondley and Richard Wainwright's lessee of the tenement called Westwood.
Includes agreement between William Tomkinson, acting for the Duke, and James Watson on behalf of Lady Penelope Cholmondley and John Key, a yeoman lessee of Keys Tenement at Moulton Green.
Petition sets out an alternative proposal for a different termination point.
Includes material relating to proposed extension of canal to Stockport and purchases of land in Dunham and Lymm.
Includes copy of letter sent to Lord Strange and others seeking assistance to prevent the extension bill being passed.
Signed by Isaac Worthington and John Gilbert and witnessed by George Cooke and Thomas Gilbert.
Gives tenants' names and descriptions and value of land, and also includes land belonging to Charles Warburton.
Land purchases for the Canal in Worsley, Barton, Patricroft, Cornbrook, Lymm, Runcorn, Sale, Trafford and Hulme. Also details of annuities being paid, a list of the Duke's purchases in Lancaster and Cheshire between 1759 and 1773 and his annual outgoings on navigation and colliery concerns in Lancashire and Cheshire in 1773.
Land purchase records, including receipts for the purchase of lands from George Lloyd and later communications from him regarding his intention to foreclose on the mortgage on the Duke's estate in Hulme. Lloyd, owner of Hulme Hall, was one of several squires who objected to the Bridgewater Canal passing close to his house, and the Duke was eventually forced to buy his whole estate and mortgage it back to Lloyd.
Land purchase records, including a list of the Duke of Bridgewater's purchases and the annual outgoings from his navigation and colliery concerns in Lancaster and Cheshire.
Appears to be an account submitted to the Duke of Bridgewater for purchase of lands and timber in Norton during 1773.
Details of parcels of land, measurements and value in the Acton Grange vicinity in Ackers, Norton.
Includes fee to be paid to General Cholmondley in connection with a tree.
Unsigned agreement relating to land in Runcorn out of the freehold estates of Dr Alcock.
In the letter Mr Hardman pleas for help in acquiring a different access to his home so he would not have to pass his neighbours the Dwyers who use 'liberal language'.
Details of recompense in lieu of a bridge over the canal in Thelwall.
Land from the field called the Pichous and from Taylors Garden.
Land purchases for the Canal at Appleton, Ashmore, Dunham, Grappenhall, Halton, Knot Mill, Lymm, Norton, Preston-on-the-Hill, Runcorn and Stockton Heath. Also annuities paid and a description of the audits at Worsley, legal opinions on the Duke's powers under the various Acts of Parliament, and a 1772 petition from the miners at Worsley for their wages.
Land purchase records, including Dr Blackstone's opinion relative to the Duke's powers, particulars of the lands purchased from the Countess of Stamford, and a petition from colliers.
An account of what ground the Duke of Bridgewater's Cornhill has taken from Roscoes tenement.
Gives what appears to be legal interpretations regarding the Duke's powers under acts for making his canal.
Gives account of persons present at the 'meeting' and detailed description of boundary of lands.
Mr Henshall appears to represent the proprietors of the Staffordshire Navigation who sold the land for the canal at Preston on the Hill.
Outlines the problems of the present payment site at Shaving Lane.
Detailed document with dates, measurements, etc.
Includes names of tenants and fields
Includes names of tenants and fields
Land purchase records, including detailed account of lands in Barton and Stretford purchased from Humphrey Trafford and receipt for completion of Sarah Runcorn's annuity in full.
Includes tenant John Ashton, measurements taken by Benjamin Sothern and John Chandler.
Includes copy of subpoena dated 28 November.
Payment to William Runcorn of the annuity due to his late mother, Sarah Runcorn, who died 16 December 1788.
Land purchases for the Canal from Agden, Appleton, Bollington, Cornbrook, Grappenhall, Haydon, Latchford, Lymm, Longford Bridge to Throstlenest, Preston-on-the-Hill, Thelwall.
Land purchase records, including rents due to Lady Stamford for lands taken for the navigation, particulars of the lands purchased from the Countess of Stamford and valuation of land belonging to Humphrey Trafford.
Yearly value agreed to by Messrs. Gilbert and Worthington. Includes lists of fields and tenants.
Refers to the possible offering for sale of certain lands no longer under entail which Sir Dakinfield might be prepared to sell.
From Middlewood Slack near Worsley Mill to Salford and Caddishead Green near Hollin Ferry in the County Palatine of Lancaster. Includes names of landowners
Includes names of tenants
Land purchase records, including an account the lands situated in Bollington and owned by the Countess of Stamford. Also includes George Merchant's letter to the Mayor or Liverpool suggesting the construction of a pier or barrage across the River Mersey and the use of a waterwheel to supply Liverpool with fresh water.
Includes land measurement and receipt for purchase of land from Mr Mulligan's estate in Lym.
Land belonging to Mr Gatley, Mr Whitelegg, Mr Potts, John Hardy and Thomas Shaw.
Includes names of lessees and tenants.
Suggests constructing a pier or barrage across the River Mersey in order to resist the tide and help provide navigation free from tidal hazards. Also advocates using a waterwheel to supply Liverpool with fresh water. Name is misspelt as Merchant in the endorsement, but in the main body of the letter it is clearly given as Marchant.
Measured by John Perkinson and John Young. Reference to Jonathan Worthington and Joseph Hampson.
Land purchases for the Canal in Appleton, Grappenhall, Halton, High Walton, Knot Mill, Lymm, Monton, Norton, Runcorn, and for the Leigh extension in the late 1790s. Includes various accounts relating to the Duchy of Lancaster. Also includes a number of documents relating to Thomas Butterworth Bayley.
Land purchase records, including details of assignments, leases and rents for Knot Mill and account of the lands purchased from Sir Richard Brookes.
Includes details of assignments, leases and rents for Knot Mill between 1717 and 1765.
Signed by Sarah Rawlinson, Mulberry Street Manchester.
Lands in Norton, Acton Grange and Asmoor in Halton. Includes names of lessees, tenants and fields
Includes names of tenants and fields
Land from the end of John Wood's town field taken to repair a breach in the banks of the canal in Bollington
Land purchase records, including Preston and Lancashire audits and declaration of the accounts of Thomas Butterworth Bayley. Bayley was connected with the building of the New Bailey Prison in Salford.
Land owned by Henry Mather, William Kerfoot, Mrs Derbyshire and Sir Nathaniel Duckenfield. Includes sketch plan of land which includes Mr Jason Green's land purchased by His Grace and Limerick - His Grace's land
Refers to the manner of Mr Crowther's death at Stretford about four years previous, occasioned by a fall from his horse into a ditch in which he was suffocated and comments that the land has been rented by the Duke from 16 October 1773.
As to the honours of Lancaster and Halton, the lordship of Furness and their augmentation of the Duchy of Lancaster and Chester with the chantry rents there. Declared by Thomas Butterworth Bayley whilst alive. Copies deal with the accounts from the declaration by the surviving executors of Mr Bayley, who died on 24 June 1802.
Details debenture fees due, auditors fees payable, etc. Lists various chapels and schools.
Concerns searches of property and arrears of rent at Eccleston Parva, Thornton and Mill Hill.
Gives details of an estate in Greenhalgh called the 'Old Quaker's', discusses the history of its ownership and present owner with reference to rents due, etc.
Lists yearly rents and total due.
Seems to be financial details of amounts due to diverse persons and companies.
Denotes Mr Bayley and Mr Gibson as recipients.
Includes signature of Thomas Butterworth Bayley.
Includes signature of Thomas Butterworth Bayley.
Lists with notes re. irrecoverability and whereabouts of individuals.
Various detailed account books relating to the Bridgewater Estate, including details of all land purchased for the Bridgewater Canal between 1760 and 1775.
Detailed accounts, including various costs such as workmen's wages, garden bill, pigeons, beans, wheat, fagots, shooting and sack carrying, etc.
Inside cover inscribed J Gilbert, Worsley, 14 March 1790.
Includes names of landlords and tenants, including Doctor White, James Partington, William Falkner and Thomas Chadwick.
Includes names of land owners.
Detailed accounts including payments for purchases, taxes and repairs, and payment of rents and allowances to tenants. 1766 accounts include Duke of Bridgewater's signature.
Detailed accounts, including various costs such as carrying hampers to London, hops, wheat, beans, wood, fagots, shooting and sack carrying, etc.
Detailed record of all purchases, broken down by township, name of individual from whom the land was purchased and other associated material, including details of annuities paid. Includes quantity of land purchased, price paid and date transaction was completed. Ref 9/539 appears to be an updated version of this booklet, covering the period until 1799. Full title is 'an account containing the several purchases made by the Duke of Bridgewater for the purpose of making his navigation from Worsley to the River Mersey at Runcorn and the branches from it to Manchester and Preston, wherein the purchasers in each township are kept separate or as nearly so as they could be ascertained'.
Includes sections headed John Gilbert, building and repairs, rents and allowances to tenants, improving land, payments on His Graces own account and purchase and interest.
Includes sections headed payments for taxes, payments for building and repairs, rents and allowances to tenants, improving lands, payments on His Graces account for his own use and purchases and interest.
Includes Messrs. Smith and Teasdale, James Wainwright, Mr Worthington, Stephen Woodward, Mr Merrick of Warrington, Peter Bankes, representatives of James Brindley deceased and the proprietors of the navigation from the Trent to the Mersey.
Includes sections headed payments to His Grace as for his use, payments for repairs, payments for taxes, payments for rents and allowances to tenants, contingent expenses and payments for purchases and interest.
Includes sections headed payments to His Grace as for his use, payments for purchases and interest of money, payments for taxes, payments for repairs, rents and allowances to tenants and contingent expenses.
Includes sections headed payments to His Grace or for his use, payments for purchases and interest of money, payments for taxes, payments for repairs, rents and allowances to tenants and contingent expenses.
Includes sections headed payments to His Grace or for his use, payments for purchases and interest of money, payments for taxes, payments for repairs, rents and allowances to tenants and contingent expenses.
Family history, including details of John 3rd Earl of Bridgewater, Scroop Egerton, 4th Earl and 1st Duke, 2nd Duke and of 3rd Duke, and the Sutherland and Gower families. Mainly notes collected by Strachan Holme in the 1920s.
Notes and extracts compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s. Includes transcripts of the wills and codicils of the Right Honourable Jane, widow of John Third Earl of Bridgewater and funeral certificates of the Third Earl and Countess of Bridgewater.
Notes and extracts compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s. Mainly concerning Scroop, the Fourth Earl, but also includes note about the Second Duke, John, who died a minor, and comments about the Duchess and her second marriage, as written about by Mrs Hugh Windham.
Notes and extracts compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s. Includes transcript of 'letter to the Parisians and French nation upon inland navigation'.
Notes and extracts compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s. Includes transcript of Will of George Granville Second Marquis of Stafford and First Duke of Sutherland, extracts from Earl Granville's private correspondence and extracts from the letters of Harriet, Countess of Granville. Also includes 3 original letters, sent to the First Duke of Sutherland in 1818 and 1819.
Contains a detailed record of land purchased to build the Bridgewater Canal, a record of payments made during the construction, details of the underground inclined plane at Walkden Moor Colliery near Worsley, a payment book for labourers and gardeners, and family Chronicles written by Strachan Holme in the 1920s.
Notes and extracts relating to the life of the Third Duke of Bridgewater, compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s. Includes information on the Chancery suit against Rachael, Duchess of Bridgewater, the Duke's relationship with Lieutenant General John William (afterwards the 7th Earl of Bridgewater), the Reverend Francis Henry Egerton, Sam Egerton of Tatton, Thomas Brindley and John Brindley, Roman relics at Castlefield, and the Bridgewater Superintendents.
Detailed record of all purchases, broken down by township and name of individual from whom the land was purchased. Includes quantity of land purchased, price paid, date transaction was completed and other associated material, including details of annuities paid. Appears to be an updated version of 7/517/1, including information about additional areas such as Bedford and Astley. Full title is 'an account containing the several purchases made by the Duke of Bridgewater for the purpose of making his navigation from Worsley to the River Mersey at Runcorn and the branches from it to Manchester and Preston, wherein the purchasers in each township are kept separate or as nearly so as they could be ascertained'.
Detailed record containing date, trade (labourer, carpenter or gardener), name of worker and amount paid to them. Rear of volume gives similar details for quarry workmen.
Detailed record of payments made during the construction of the Bridgewater canal, including annuities, purchases, rents, trespass and damages. Many of the receipts, etc. which are contained elsewhere in this collection can be cross-referenced in this volume. For preceding volume see 11/550.
Booklet containing a written transcript of the paper by Francis Egerton contained in 'Transactions of the Society Instructed at London for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce', 1800. A plan and section of the underground inclined plane at Walkden Moor Colliery near Worsley in Lancashire is glued inside the front cover. Also includes a letter from Jese Walker, dated 30 August 1943, which accompanied the book when it was sent to the Earl of Ellesmere. The inclined plane, which allowed boats in the underground canal to be transferred from one level to another, was heralded as a triumph of engineering, and the Duke was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Arts.
Abstracts of title deeds relating to the Duke of Bridgewater's estate, plus one cellar book.
Hand-written account of drinks consumed, restocked, etc.
A compilation of abstracts of deeds and other pertinent data affecting the title to pieces of property, made for the purpose of title examination. Covers the counties of Bedford, Buckingham, Chester, Durham, Hertford, Lancaster, Middlesex, Northampton, Salop, Suffolk, Westmoreland and York. Volume is in chronological order and includes an index of place names.
Lists the date of the deeds, purchase money, yearly rent and by whom leased or sold. Although the cover gives the date as August 1798, it contains information about deeds dating from 1660 until around 1863. Partially indexed by area, it includes a section on title deeds granted for coal. Front and rear covers also contain information, sometimes in the form of newspaper cuttings, about the death of various individuals, including Lady Cholmondeley, the Duke of Bridgewater, Sir Archibald Macdonald, John Gilbert, Sir William Cubitt and the Duke of Sutherland. A few loose pages at the rear of the volume contain lists of documents relating to Egerton v Guest.
Lists the date of the deeds, purchase money, yearly rent and by whom leased or sold. Contains information about deeds dating from 1760 until around 1846.
Payment books, including a detailed record of payments made during the construction of the Bridgewater canal and payments to workers, the Duke's cellar book and an Act of Parliament from 1721 to make the river Mersey and Irwell navigable.
Hand-written account of drinks in the cellar, recording the dates on which they were consumed. Sometimes records the reason for their consumption, e.g. the entry for Monday 27 September 1790 records 'Lord Grey de Witton all night here' and that 4 bottles of port and 1 bottle of claret were consumed. Also useful for tracking the Duke's movements, e.g. entry for 31 May 1787 notes that 'His Grace the Duke of Bridgewater left Worsley after a stay of 11 weeks and 3 days'. Cover of book records that it was kept by John Collier, Butler to Mr Gilbert.
Appears to be total payments for services, purchases, wages, etc., including work on the canal.
Payments to workers, listing their names, occupations, number of days worked and wages paid. Includes miners, masons, labourers, blacksmiths, bricklayers, wood cutters and lime burners.
Detailed record of payments made during the construction of the Bridgewater canal, including purchases of land, annuities, rents, trespass and damages. Many of the receipts, etc. which are contained elsewhere in this collection can be cross-referenced in this volume. Contains index of names of people who received money for trespass or damage done by building the canal, which includes the places where the lands lay. Appears to be preceding volume to 9/541.
Inside cover contains letter from F Smith, Bridgewater Offices, Manchester to William Cantrill, dated 4 December 1866, which accompanied the volume, instructing it to be filed in the strong room.
Papers relating to the Duke's docks and business affairs at Liverpool, and dealings with the Liverpool Corporation.
Much of this is correspondence relating to the purchase by the Duke of land near the Salthouse docks, and subsequent battles with the Liverpool Corporation.
Includes detailed valuation of land near the Salthouse docks in Liverpool, owned by Messrs Barnston and Mears.
Mr Turton writes in great detail about his efforts in pursuance of 'the Liverpool business' concerning Mr Barnston and Mr Mears.
Gives financial details of the residue of the lease purchased by the Duke. Also refers to Henry Marshe of Ecleston, William Marshe Mears, Thomas Mears, Roger Barnstone and Robert Barnstone of Chester.
Suggests that his eldest daughter's name be considered.
Refers to Mr Brindley, an old servant of Mr Phillips, and Robert Wood aged about 7, son of Robert Wood of the Parish of St. George's, Hanover Square.
Refers to Duke's desire to nominate Robert Wood as a life in the lease.
Land on the south side of the south quay of the new Salthouse dock. John Okill's profession is given as timber merchant. Refers to the representatives of the late William Marsh deceased. Indenture dates are 7 May 1768 and 21 August 1769.
Very angry letter, heavily underlined throughout to emphasise points, relating to payment method of rent by tenants.
Draft of Gilbert's reply, containing many alterations.
Relates to moiety in land at Salthouse dock, Liverpool.
Relates to land late belonging to Roger Barnston, Thomas Mears and Okill.
Commissions his son to explain matters relevant to the Duke's attempts to obtain an extension similar to that granted to Mr Rathbone by the Mayor of Liverpool.
Relates to land sold to the Duke, attempting to clear the matter of the bonds, payments and rights to the land near Salthouse Dock.
Requests permission to take water from the Duke's dock to clear his own water source that operates his refinery which is blocked by mud.
Demanding the right to his water, etc.
A collection of questions, comments, etc. largely indecipherable.
Draft of DBA/12/567.
Also refers to various Parliamentary Bills with which he is involved, including his 'Poor Bill'.
Re. petition for renewal of lease of land purchased from Messrs. Barnston and Mears.
Re. petition to have John Gilbert Junior, aged about 29, added as a Life to the lease of land near Salt House dock.
Draft of DBA/12/590.
Also mentions Hindley Sunday School houses.
Re. discharge of goods on His Grace's premises.
Re. meeting with Council Committee to discuss the Duke's application regarding the lease.
Copy of DBA/12/589.
Request to rent part of the Duke's land.
Discussing the Duke's petition.
Re. fixing a meeting for the renewal of the Duke's lease.
Rough draft of DBA/12/605.
Suggests new date for proposed meeting re. the Duke's lease. Gilbert noted his reply to this by copying it at the bottom of the letter.
Detailed report of his meeting with the Committee from the Council regarding the Duke's petition.
Rough draft of DBA/12/607.
Reports Liverpool Council Committee's position on the Duke's petition, etc.
Replying to the Mayor's letter about the petition regarding the Duke's lease.
Gives details of the wall and sough he is having built.
Includes copy of letter from B Sothern to Mr Rathbone.
Requests the services of Mr Wallwork in giving advice and assistance in laying the sough that supplies the refinery with water.
Gives report on the state of business, including the safe arrival of the Northwood.
Gives an extract of Mr Maddock's opinion in the case of the Duke's request to renew the lease.
Draft of DBA/12/619.
States that he must await the Duke's directive in the matter.
Appears to be some sort of assessment and advice pertaining to future action in the matter.
Reports severe problems in passage of flats due to slutching of banks, blaming the Corporation and Mr Rathbone for extending so far into the sea.
Reports having discussed the accident likely to have happened to the Hulton with Mr Rathbone, quoting him as to his opinion about the pier and wall.
Refers to the Corporation's lease to Messrs. Barnston, Mears and Okill.
List of 48 people and their home towns. Some have annotations such as 'dead', 'no such person', etc. Copy of DBA/13/679, although some of the annotations are different.
Detailed document, explaining the circumstances leading to the dispute and outlining the Solicitor General's opinion on the case.
Details the inability to get flats away out of the dock, due to the extension of William Rathbone's pier. Helps to explain what lay behind the case between William Rathbone and the Duke, and of Liverpool Corporation's actions as they affected the Duke's operations.
Reporting damage of a bale of printed cotton in the Liverpool flat.
About the 'Liverpool business'. Signs himself 'your much obliged nephew and servant' and transmits news about his sister and family.
Writes about the case of the Duke v Rathbone.
About the Docks at Liverpool and the forthcoming trial.
Includes details about having to cut the ropes of Mr Rathbone's vessel after it was laid alongside the Duke's slip.
About the difficulty of getting the flats out of the dock on account of Mr Rathbone's extensions.
About the difficulty of getting the flats out of the dock on account of Mr Rathbone's extensions.
His account of the Lives in the Duke's leases, reporting his efforts to establish details about persons and their whereabouts.
About difficulties in getting out flats.
Further papers relating to the Duke's Dock and business affairs at Liverpool, and dealings with the Liverpool Corporation.
Much of this is correspondence relating to the purchase by the Duke of land near the Salthouse docks, and his subsequent battles with the Liverpool Corporation.
Discusses the implications of a conversation between John Gilbert and the Liverpool Dock Master Mr Maddox, son of the late Rector.
Refers to Ben Sothern, Mr Allen and 'Willie' Rathbone.
Includes observations about the tides.
Refers to Joseph Lee, otherwise known as Crownest, who has immense knowledge of the tides.
Discusses forthcoming appointment to meet with the Duke.
Informing Mr Gilbert of the opinions of Mr Maddox, the Dock Master of King's Dock.
Reports the blowing down of Mr Rathbone's wall and details of his conversation with Mr Bendon.
Informing him of the people who have been to view the extensions at Liverpool.
Relates to Duke of Bridgewater v Rathbone.
Written immediately after returning from the Assizes at Liverpool.
Re. the Liverpool Corporation and the Duke's rights and legal intentions.
Re. his conversation with Mr Statham.
Requests that a deputation from the Corporation members be given the opportunity to try to make rapprochement between the Duke and the Liverpool Corporation. Gives great credence to the Duke's part in the development of Liverpool by his endeavours.
Copy of DBA/13/654.
Sets out the Duke's complaints against the Liverpool Corporation, and his determination to 'take the opinion of a jury'.
A list of questions about the Liverpool Docks, including the building of various docks and Rathbone's different inclosures.
Re. the case of the Duke of Bridgewater v Rathbone.
Scribbled note recording comments of Mr Berry.
Re. payment of expenses for a journey taken by Mr Cross on behalf of the Duke.
Re. payment of expenses for a journey taken by Mr Cross on behalf of the Duke.
Making proposals from the Corporation of Liverpool to the Duke of Bridgewater for renewal of his leases.
Copy of DBA/13/664.
Includes individuals functional description, e.g. Town Clerk, Treasurer, Recorder.
Relates to the writ served on William Rathbone, including proposed damages.
Relates to the writ served on William Rathbone.
Suggests that an end to the disagreement is probable, with the Duke obtaining his lease and rights without the case proceeding further.
Order, signed by Richard Kelsall, for the Committee to comply with the wishes of the Duke.
Protesting the Corporation Committee's intention to give the Duke the lease and resolve the differences.
States that it is the sincere wish of the Committee to terminate the present differences.
Relates to the draft of the lease from the Corporation of Liverpool.
Re. his meeting with the Liverpool Committee to discuss the draft of the lease. Suggests that the Liverpool Corporation appear disposed to grant the Duke all necessary powers.
Legal document relating to the claim by the Duke of Bridgewater for compensation for injuries (e.g. delays and losses) resulting from William Rathbone's pier.
List of 48 people and their home towns. Some have annotations such as 'dead', 'no such person', etc. Original of DBA/13/679, although some of the annotations are different.
Shows area of Duke's Dock, King's Dock, new warehouse, temporary basin, Duke's Place, Mersey River, Gower Street, Trentham Street, Corn Hill and Salt House Dock. Similar to DBA/14/692.
Remarks on the Liverpool plans, dealing with the King's Dock, Duke's Dock, piers, sand and mud banks raised. Gives details of various constructions, including their geographical position, measurements, ownership. Mentions Mr Rathbone's wall or pier and the Liverpool Corporation's wall or pier.
Additional papers relating to the Duke's Dock and business affairs at Liverpool, and dealings with the Liverpool Corporation. Includes details of tonnage at the Duke's Dock.
Small booklet listing depths to rock in the ground at Liverpool. Appears to refer to a plan, which is not present
Although Parliament passed this Act, the Sale Moor to Stockport canal was never built.
Handmade and typed booklet describing the making of the Bridgewater Navigation, the purchase of the Old Quay Navigation and the sale of the whole to the Bridgewater Navigation Company Limited. No indication who the author is or when it was produced, although it was possibly compiled by Strachan Holme, librarian at Bridgewater House during the 1920s.
Hand-made written and bound booklet. Nominates the Duke of Bridgewater, the Earl of Derby, Lord Grey de Wilton, Lord Sefton and Bamber Gascoyne as trustees. Uncertain whether this scheme was ever adopted.
Details points raised at Council meetings during the period 1714 to 1786.
Mainly consists of various notes, lists, etc. relating to the Duke's Dock at Liverpool.
Small note, signed by J Owen from T Hallwood, giving the distance as 40 yards 3 inches.
List of documents covering the period 1753 to 1861.
Contains figures for Egerton Dock, Dukes Dock and Heathfield dockage.
Similar to DBA/13/680. Includes proposed arcade.
Estimate of the price and other details of land the Duke desired to purchase near the Liverpool dock.
Relates to the Duke's writ against the Liverpool Corporation.
Relates to the Duke's writ against the Liverpool Corporation.
Reports upon his meeting with a committee of the Liverpool Corporation.
Relates to the draft of the intended lease from the Corporation.
For settling the business of the intended lease to the Duke. Gives details of members present, proposals and resolutions.
Re. the saltworks belonging to Mr Blackburn.
Re. the saltworks belonging to Mr Blackburn.
Relating to books brought up by him from Ashbridge to Bridgewater House.
Lengthy legal document.
Also includes ships in dock at Hull on 20 January 1787.
Gives totals for each country.
From John Hookey, Tide Surveyor.
Account of events at the Duke's dock.
List of 24 names. See also DBA/12/626 and DBA/13/679.
Probably written by Mr Gilbert. This represents the clearest statement of the situation regarding the Duke's case against William Rathbone and the Liverpool Corporation.
Mainly relates to the administration of the docks in Liverpool by the Trustees in the years following the Duke of Bridgewater's death, including material relating to the building of a warehouse by Messrs Pauling and Henfrey of Manchester. Also includes correspondence and reports on steam and paddle wheels for tugs.
Relates to the building, by Messrs Pauling and Henfrey of Manchester, of a warehouse at the Docks in Liverpool belonging to the Trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater, for the use and occupancy of the Merchants Company.
Detailed agreement between the Trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater and Messrs Pauling and Henfrey.
Relates to payment to Messrs. Pauline and Henfrey.
Relates to payment to Messrs. Pauline and Henfrey.
Much of this material relates to the administration of the docks in Liverpool by the Trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater.
A series of calculations of the superficial square yardage of diverse parts of the Liverpool Docks.
Relate to a plot of land in Liverpool.
Robert Bradshaw was a trustee in the will of the Duke of Bridgewater and George Case was Chairman of the Committee of finance on Liverpool.
With Robert Haldene Bradshaw, a trustee of the devises of the late Duke, for a pier or wharf to be erected.
Re. mortgage deeds on premises erected by Mr Drinkwater when in possession of the wharf.
Agreement between William Cubitt and Jesse Hartley re. the construction of a wall on the outside of the Duke's Dock, Liverpool.
Re. lease of land in Duke's Place and near the King's Dock, Liverpool.
Includes details of dockage, wharfage and warehouse rent.
Gives details of all buildings, total size of the estate and value on that date. Signed by John Stewart, surveyor.
Cost of proposed work and details of finance.
Re. raising money for new works at Runcorn.
Discusses raising of finances for Runcorn and Liverpool improvements.
Re. borrowing money.
Instructs him to expediate the Runcorn loan by writing to Mr Slater.
Asking what additional steps have been taken about the loan for the Runcorn docks.
Includes statement showing the amount of rent contracted in the year 1851 for the premises at the Duke's Dock, Liverpool. Also includes the amount of Poor rate assessment for the entire property at Duke's Dock.
Requesting instructions as to acceptance of loan.
Covers period June 1829 to December 1847.
Re. loan arrangements.
Advises that Miss Atherton wishes Slater and Heelis to receive her interest on her loan form the trustees.
Re. payment to Liverpool Corporation.
Correspondence respecting the renewal of the loans.
re. running water from King's Dock to the Duke's Dock.
Documents listed cover the period 1847 to 1863 and relate to the Liverpool Dock loan.
Correspondence and reports on steam and paddle wheels for tugs.
Soliciting patronage for his invention of an improved paddle wheel named Skene's patent paddle wheel. Letter includes printed diagram.
Soliciting patronage for his invention of a new paddle wheel.
Concerning the motion to be put to Parliament re. the danger attending steam navigation.
Re. improvements with the construction of steam boats.
Seeking patronage for his new steamboat for canals.
Seeking patronage for his work on steam engines for canals.
Report compiled by George Marsden, Christopher Rippon and Charles Mitchell criticising the tug. Report headed Bridgewater offices, Manchester, and addressed to George Lock.
Contains correspondence on the sinking of the galliot Commerce in the River Mersey in 1815, plans and correspondence relating to the Liverpool docks, and statements of accounts for the Bridgewater Trust.
Relates to the sinking of the galliot Commerce in the River Mersey and subsequent claims for compensation.
Regarding claims for compensation for items lost as a consequence of the sinking of the galliot Commerce.
Gives details of the galliot Commerce and the attempts to raise her.
Gives details of the galliot Commerce and attempts to raise her.
Informing him that he has seen two of the owners, John Keyzar and John Critchley and informed them of Mr Bradshaw's directions. Names a Mrs Lewis and John Williams as other owners.
Informing him that George Keyzar, John Critchley, Mrs Lewis and John Williams are the owners of the galliot Commerce.
Gives details of cargo shipped on the Commerce.
Gives the name of William Owen of Hill Street, Harrington, as being one of the owners.
Mainly consists of correspondence.
Conveys the offer of land fronting the north side of the King's Dock for purchase by the Duke of Bridgewater.
Re. the offer of land to the Duke, giving reasons for the non-acceptance.
Respecting the two paddles now fixed at Liverpool.
Re. proposed tunnel at Liverpool from the Duke's Dock, including drawing of plan.
Stating that the north pier must be extended and a culvert from the Salthouse Dock made.
Re. insertion of Lord Gower's in the lease from the Corporation's Trustees.
Stating that the King's Dock will go dry on 23 August.
Respecting rounding the corner of the wall and arcade at Liverpool.
Re. distance from the Duke's warehouse to the King's Dock.
Includes sketch for the posts and lamp irons.
Re. exchange of land at Liverpool.
Includes sketch of proposal for erection of posts.
Respecting the intended new piers at Liverpool. Includes a sketch of the proposed alterations with measurements.
Details of profits from trade, etc., including profits from the Bridgewater Canal
Attached is a small printed list detailing the progressive increase of dock duties at Liverpool from 1752 until 1797.
Covers the years 1799 until 1803.
Debts due from the late Duke of Bridgewater at the time of his decease.
Covers the years 1826 to 1829. States that two thirds of the amount is payable by the Marquis of Stafford and one third by R H Bradshaw.
Deals with the year's profits arising from various accounts including the navigation, collieries, etc.
Lists details of weight and freight and tonnage of goods in the quarter of Christmas 1835. Lists all expenditure individually, including labour, wages, etc. the areas concerned being Manchester and Liverpool, Liverpool and Preston Brook, also between Liverpool and Runcorn.
Includes Bridgewater Trust accounts and financial reports, correspondence relating to the administration of the Estates and items relating to the River Medlock.
Includes details of trade on the Bridgewater Canal, as well as calculations of the costs and working expenses. Also information relating to the dispute between the Bridgewater trustees and the Railway companies over freight charges, and a Government inspection report of the Bridgewater Trust Collieries.
Provides information about the role of John Gilbert and Thomas Gilbert in the Duke's affairs.
A list of documents, covering the period 1819-1833, which were received into the Worsley Hall offices.
Includes reference to excavations in Egypt and Jerusalem.
Account, addressed to the Earl of Ellesmere, written 38 years after the event.
Gives figures for weight transported and income generated. Figures broken down into tonnage, freight, coal and passengers.
Statement on the traffic on the Bridgewater Canal, broken down into specific journeys, e.g. Manchester to Runcorn, etc.
Cost, excluding the Leigh coal trade, of one 30 horse power boat and 8 twenty horse power boats.
Cost, including the Leigh coal trade, of 10 boats of thirty horse power.
Relates to traffic arrangements with the Bridgewater trustees.
Outline of the dispute between the Bridgewater trustees and the London and Northwestern Railway and the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway over freight charges.
Cost, including the Leigh coal trade, of 10 boats of thirty horse power.
Includes details of schools, sick payments, etc. funded by the Earl of Ellesmere. Also provides precise figures for each colliery, including depth of pit, number and thickness of seams and number of tons raised in 1852.
Covers the period 1840 to 1855, detailing the aggregate amount of Chief Rents in each township.
Details of legal transactions with Messrs. Tindall and Varey, Messrs. Slater and Heelis, Mr Duncan and various sundry matters.
Statement of the mortgage and bonded debts of the Earl of Ellesmere and the Trustees of the late Duke of Bridgewater.
Re. Algernon's pay as superintendent.
Re. arrangement with the North Staffordshire Company.
Documents relating to loans to Bridgewater trustees from Hutchinson and others.
Correspondence relating to the administration of the Bridgewater Estate, including the Guardianship of Francis Charles Egerton, the 3rd Earl of Ellesmere.
Re. enfranchisement of trustees copyhold property in Halton
Recording release from Mr Pendlebury of a plot of land in Prussia Street, Manchester from Samuel Kay, Robert Lomax, John Bentley and Richard Hampson to Lord Francis Egerton.
Includes copy of letter from Jason Blenkinsop, London and North Western Railway Solicitors Office, Euston.
Re. counterpart demise to Messrs. Briercliffe and Ridyard of land in Little Hulton.
Acknowledging receipt of three copies of the late Duke of Bridgewater's will.
Algernon Egerton became Superintendent of the Bridgewater Trust in 1855, and this letter was written following the death of George Granville Egerton, 2nd Earl of Ellesmere, in 1862. He provides information about the Trust to the Countess, one of the guardians of Francis Charles Egerton, 3rd Earl of Ellesmere, instructing her as to her duties and benefits.
The two Guardians were Mary Louise, Countess of Ellesmere and the Honourable Francis Egerton, appointed for the Right Honourable Francis Charles Granville Egerton.
Detailed reply to a letter received from the Countess, giving information about the collieries, the building of a new embankment on her land and funding for various aspects of the collieries.
Provides a detailed statement of the financial situation of the Bridgewater Estates and Trusts, income accrued and payments to be made with special reference to Lady Ellesmere.
Pencilled note describes this as the Rock Life Mortgage - Bridgewater Estates Act 1865.
Re. Old Quay shares.
Transfer of shares from George Samuel Fereday Smith of Manchester to Edward Shipley Ellis of Leicester.
Transfer of shares from the Earl of Ellesmere to Sir Edward William Watkin of Northenden in the County of Chester.
Transfer of shares from William Slater of Manchester to Richard Withers of Liverpool.
Transfer of shares from George Loch in the County of Sutherland to William Philip Price of Tibberton in the County of Gloucester.
Transfer of shares from Algernon Egerton to William Fenton of the Beaumonds in Rochdale. William Fenton was one of the owners of Fenton's Bank in Rochdale.
Re. land tax at Dunham Massey. Relates to land for the Bridgewater Canal bought from the Stamford family.
Re. Mr Smith's declaration of trust in respect of shares in the Old Quay Company.
Re. the proposed removal from the Crown Street offices in Manchester to the Walkden offices of the accounts and transactions of the principal business of the Bridgewater Trust.
Requesting two copies of the Duke of Bridgewater's will.
Re. sale of the Navigations and other property.
Re. land tax on canal township of Dunham Massey.
Lists names and addresses of those to whom copies were sent between June 1892 and April 1893.
A list of papers filed in the cashiers' office relating to the River Medlock, covering the period 1826 to 1848.
Detailed written reports, produced at the Bridgewater Trust offices in Manchester, including information about revenue, expenditure, etc. The report is broken down into the various branches of revenue, such as the Bridgewater Canal and carrying agencies, the Old Quay agencies, the Staffordshire trade, the colliery sales, estates and farms, etc. The reports were produced for James Loch by C W Rippon, Cashier, and as well as the actual figures also include his written comments.
Includes list of purchases by the Duke of Bridgewater, excluding purchases made for his navigable canal and Documents relating to the purchase of lands from Humphrey Trafford.
By Sir Methuen and William Lee against Charles Gibson, concerning the lands in the Manors of Worsley, summoning Scroop, 1st Duke of Bridgewater to appear.
Documents relating to the purchase of lands from Humphrey Trafford for the construction of the Bridgewater Canal.
A survey of all the land belonging to Mr Trafford that is cut and set out for the use of the canal from the Turnpike Road near Longford Bridge in Stretford to Barton Lane at the west side of the New Bridge.
Joseph Hampson and another to Matthew Lonsdale.
Set out for the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal by John Parkinson.
Land lying between Barton Bridge and Longford Bridge and Throstlenest. Includes names of lessees and occupiers.
From Longford Bridge to the end of the meadow on the Cheshire side of the River Mersey (Beaufort Lodge).
From Longford Bridge to the end of his meadow on the Cheshire side of the River Mersey and from the bridge at the Throstlenest to Hulme.
Lying between Longford Bridge and Barefoot Hough for the use of His Grace's Navigation.
Lying between Barton Bridge and Longford Bridge and Throstlenest.
Land held or occupied by Peter Markland, John Turner, Humphrey Trafford, the late Mr Barlow and Joseph Hampson.
Lying between Barton Bridge or Longford Bridge and Throstlenest. Document lists tenants names, land quantity, value for acre, number of years purchase and total value.
Includes schedule of title deeds for the Mersey and Irwell navigation, printed copies of the Bridgewater Canal acts and the Duke of Bridgewater's will, and letters and prints relating to Old Bridgewater House, formerly Cleveland House.
Inside cover inscribed 'schedule of the several title deeds, writings and other documents belonging to the company of proprietors of the Mersey and Irwell navigation - register of receipts for deeds lent or otherwise disposed of'. Documents listed cover the period 1734-1871.
Printed copy of acts of Parliament relating to the Bridgewater Canal, covering the period 1734 to 1790.
Covers the period 1759 to 1819.
Inscribed 'The Bridgewater Trustees, Bridgewater Offices, Walkden'.
Material relating to Old Bridgewater House, formerly Cleveland House.
Copy of DBA/19/929, produced by C M D Scott.
Re. history of Old Bridgewater House.
Contains reminiscences of Old Bridgewater House.
Re. Old Bridgewater House.