Correspondence of Thomas Thynne, Viscount Weymouth with the families of Worsley,...

Correspondence of Thomas Thynne, Viscount Weymouth with the families of Worsley, Lowther, Packington, etc.

1. Letters of Sir Robert Worsley 4th Bart., of Appuldre--combe, Isle of Wight who married Frances daughter of Lord Weymouth. Many are merely letters of duty and affection or on business matters. The following contain matters of public interest: viz. -

(a) "Sir George Rook is not yet come to St Helens and the men of war now at Spithead are very much in want of provisions ..... The good news of Jamaica being safe from Ponti's squadron is most welcom and by the accounts we have great reason to hope the Admirall Newill will make him degorge his Spanish pieces of Eight": 12 June, 1697. f.7: (b) describing the discovery of a Coal mine in the Isle of Wight at Bembridge on Sir R. Worsley's lands and the result of experiments upon it: 10 Oct. 1697. f.11: (c) on the doings of the Fleet at Vigo, etc. "Since we have miscarried at Cadix and consequently cant annoy the Spaniards in Europe why should we not turn our forces against them and ye French in ye West Indy Islands, which would be for ye perpetual advantage of England, and could we but take Cuba we shall be for ever masters of ye Bay of Mexico and hinder Flotas returning to Europe": 25 Oct. 1702. f.15: (d) that the "King of Spain is to return to Spithead" his vessels having been driven by storm to this coast, and suggesting Carisbrooke Castle as the only place for a visit from him if he crosses to the Island, his own house at Appuldrecombe being damaged by the same storm: 23 Jan. 1704. f.23.

2. Letters of Sir John Lowther, 2nd Bart., Viscount Lonsdale and Baron Lowther (1696) who married Katherine, sister of Lord Weymouth. Fourteen letters, most of which are on matters of private business. The following are of more general interest: -

(a) Respecting the manor of Grayrigg Co. Cumb. which Sir John bought three years ago, and the trouble he has with his tenants who have gained a decree in Chancery commuting the ancient fines and services to a small payment to the great detriment of the landlords, etc. 9 Nov.1680 26 Dec. 1680. ff.84,86.

3. Letters (3) of Sir John Lowther: (a) "Our news is now all in expectation what the Prince of Orenges coming will produce ..... the Common Talk is, that the French will attaque Flanders, that the Spaniard tho' he cannot it he will nevertheless yeild nothing and therupon come on us to make good our part of ye Alliance", etc. London, 19 July, 1681. f.90: (b) on business matters: London, 10 Apr. 1682. f.92: (c) on business matters, ending "much if not all depends upon Affaires abroad, where it looks like war: London, 31 Mar. 1683. f.96.

4. Katherine, sister of Lord Weymouth, wife of Sir John Lowther, 2nd Bart., Visct. Lonsdale, to the brother. Twenty-five letters, mostly undated. ff. 108,112-158.

5. Sir John Ernle to Lord Weymouth, relating to a proposed marriage between Sir Richard Howe and Mary, sister of Lord Weymouth. Four letters. 1673. ff.160-166.

6. Sir Richard Grobham Howe, to Sir John Ernle, Wishford, 7 Mar. 1673[4]. f.168: (b) to Lord Weymouth, asking his support on his being chosen candidate for Knight of the Shire of Co. Wilts: Wishford, 14 Nov. 1685. f.181: (c) recommending a Bailiff to Lord Weymouth: Wishford, 16 May, 1687. f.185.

7. Sir Richard Howe, aft. Lord Chedworth, to his brother-in-law Lord Weymouth: thirteen letters on domestic and business affairs: 1681-1697. ff. 173-180, 183,187-201.

8. Mary, sister of Lord Weymouth, wife of Sir R. Howe: three letters to her brother: n.d. 1711. ff.171,203,205.

The following papers are also included:

(a) The will of Sir John Lowther, 1st Bart., 1675. Copy.

(b) Descent of Grayrigg and other manors Co. Westmorland, belonging to the Ducket family, 1630 - 1678. f.88.