Reference
Z22/2
Title
Letter to Reverend John Steel From T J Stephens, 4 Charlotte Street.
Date free text
24 Jul 1862
Production date
From: 1862 To: 1862
Scope and Content
"According to appointment I went to Great Horkesley yesterday and saw Mr Barnes and Mr Smith the valuer for the executors. Mr Barnes I found a very Gentlemanly and intelligent person and Mr Smith a good man of business. From what I could judge I apprehend no difficulty in conducting the business with them. We were occupied the whole day in taking the inventory and valuing the fixtures and other effects. We did not complete the valuation for there are a few items we differ in opinion as to the value, but we shall be able to arrange by letters. The corn crops I would not take for I found our opinions differed more in them than in any others. They will therefore be sold by auction so that you can purchase if you please. The hay we agreed upon, except the exact allowance from the first of June. The cows they would not give me a price of but wanted me to select which I pleased and Mr Smith would purchase them at the sale. That I declined doing; they will therefore be offered for sale and from what I gathered they expect them to fetch very high prices. I saw nothing particular in them, nor would I advise you to give a high price for any of them. The two I liked best are the one with a calf and the Aldernay cow about 5 years old; at £16 each they might be worth purchasing but much beyond that they would not. Mr Barnes told me the Land Tax was not upon the Glebe Land alone, but was upon the Tithes also. Nothing was said about the crops or fruit in the garden, nor plants I expect therefore the late incumbent did not purchase them and I did not in any way allude to them. Mr Smith has promised to send me two or three catalogues and to you also. We shall therefore see what is for sale and can purchase accordingly. Mr Barnes effidently (sic) considers you are bound according to the custom to take to(sic) all fixtures and other things that normally pass from one incumbent to another. I finding the price asked for the vinery, forcing pits and glass lights including everything as they now are did not amount to £70 included them in my inventory. I did expect a much larger sum would have been asked. The iron handles ___ fencing, fittings of stable, stack of hay, kitchen range and brewing utensils will cause the valuation to ___ up, but I hope to fix it at an amount under £400, including all I have alluded to and all the other fixtures, including the external blinds which are very necessary to the house. I could not make nay examination about the Hall stove. It is to be sold. I saw it but do not much like it. The dilapidations will be gone into immediately upon the goods being removed after the sale. I was much pleased with the place; it is really beautiful and I trust yourself and Mrs Steel may have many years of good health and much happiness to enjoy the Rectory of Great Horkesley"
Level of description
item