| Description | Parties: 1. William Downes of Worth co. Chester Esq., 2. Thomas Mellor the elder of Pointon [Poynton] husbandman.
Signed and sealed: Tho. Mellor his marke T & Seale.
Witnesses (endorsed): Roger Rixton. William Thomson.
Contract for the working of coal. William Downes grants coalmining rights in the demesne lands of Worth for 12 years after the finding of coal there. All coal found is to be for the use of William Downes and he is to provide Windlass, a Rope, baskets and buckets as needed for the sinking operations, and when coal has been discovered new coal baskets besides the windlass and rope, which are to be kept in repair by Mellor. Downes is to pay Mellor 8¼d. per quarter for all coals raised and "layd vpon the Bank" and to allow one quarter weekly out of the reckoning for Candle light, beside sufficient timber and wood for the use of soughing, baskets, pickhelves and other necessities in or about the coal works, and timber therefor to be felled by Mellor at his own costs. Downes is to sink such further shafts as may be necessary at his own costs, at every six roods upon the level, for the raising of coal, an will pay Mellor 4s. per yard for every yard sunk in these shafts. Downes to allow Mellor £20 per week for wages.
English
Mark: None Thomas Meller. |