Scope and Content
1) Johnson Masters, Dunstable, straw hat manufacturer; John Jarvis, Dunstable, straw hat manufacturer; George Osborn, Dunstable, draper; James William Blackwell, straw hat manufacturer; Edward Fryer, late of Dunstable, now of Baldock, brewer; John Young, Dunstable, grocer, Samuel Chambers, Dunstable, grocer (trustees of the Dunstable Gas and Coke Company).
2) Edward Burr, Dunstable, esq; Richard Gutteridge, Dunstable, farmer; Henry Goude, Dunstable, farmer; Samuel Burgess, Dunstable, tailor; William Elliott, Dunstable, straw hat manufacturer (Directors of the said company)
3) Colin Brothers, Horatio Brothers, the Gas Works, Leighton Buzzard, gas makers.
It has been agreed that a lease should be made to 3) of the Dunstable Gas Works from 6 October 1844, now in consideration of rents, covenants etc 1), by direction of 2) lease to 3)
- piece of ground on part whereof the Dunstable Gas Works now stands on N E Side of turnpike road from Dunstable to Hockliffe formerly part of Dog Kennel Close, Dunstable. W to E in depth 81 feet, N to S in width 60 feet.
- messuage or tenement, with retort house, offices and buildings erected thereon.
Also with Gas Works apparatus, retorts and the main and other pipes, lamp posts, lamp brackets, lamps, lanterns and service pipes and utensils, profits, advantages and appurtenances (as in Schedule) but excepting the right of nailing fruit trees to ouside of N, E and S walls of said buildings doing as little injury to said walls as possible.
Term 15 years from 6 October 1844.
Rents for first 5 years of term £100 pa, for second 5 years of term £125 pa, for last 5 years of term £150 pa to be paid half yearly.
also 3) covenant with 1):
to pay rents and taces (except landlord's property tax)
to keep buildings in repair and give them up in good working order at the end of the lease
to continue mains and gas pipes in their present position or in the position in which they are placed with consent of 2). Position not to be changed without consent of 3 of directors in writing.
No subletting without consent.
Premises to be used for a gas manufactory to supply Dunstable with gas at present prices not exceeding 12s 6d for 1000 cubic feet.
1) and 2) may enter and inspect the premises twice a year.
If rent in arrears for 40 days then 1) may re-possess premises.
At end of term will pay 3) such sums of money as on a valuation by 3 indifferent persons (one chosen by 2), one by 3) and one by the other 2 valuers) shall be found to have been expended by 3) on repairs etc. Approval having been obtained if expenditure is mroe than £300.
If Lighting Inspectors controlling public lights in Dunstable decline to contract with 3) then 3) may end lease by giving notice to 3 of 2) in writing.
If lease is continued then reduction of £25 pa may be made.
Schedule
With list of names of those with light meters and service pipes. Details of line of main pipes and of the goods at the Works Buildings.
Signatures of 1) and 2)
Endorsed witnesses: Stephen Stimpson, Dunstable; Thos Long, Euston Sttion; Rich Stocker, Baldock.