Chapter Estates Timber Account

Accounts of disbursements, receipts, and notes concerning the one-off sale of timber from the Chapter Estates in 1756, and the items on which the proceeds were spent.

In 1756 it was brought to the attention of the Warden and Fellows that the trees growing on the Chapter Estates were 'going to decay' because of their great age and because of the 'clandestine' tree lopping carried out illegally by the tenants. It was agreed by the Chapter to sell 1600 trees from the estates for £950. The 1600 trees were described as 'a great incumberance and detriment to the lands upon which they grow, as well as annually decreasing in their value'. Other young trees were to be left standing, which were sufficient for the upkeep and maintenance needs of the properties on the Estates. The Chapter sent Thomas Moss, Fellow, to gain permission for their spending plans from the College visitor - the Bishop of Chester. The plans were approved and the money arising from the sale of timber was spent on the following things: 1) the expenses involved with tree felling and valuation. 2) to pay off a debt owing to Mr Bower and Mr Wroe for giving up their rights to the land upon which St Mary's Church had recently been built. 3) to pay towards a steeple for St Mary's Church. 4) to pay for new silver plate for St Mary's Church. 5) to build a house upon the unleased land in the Parsonage. 6) to purchase 6 pews in St Mary's Church for the use of the Warden and Fellows in perpetuity. Surplus money was also spent on sundry items by the Rev Mr Thomas Moss, including the renovation of the Chapter House at the Collegiate Church.