Lease by indenture of 'Kenyons' in Kirkmanshulme

From: Samuel Peploe, Bishop of Chester and Warden, and Fellows of the College To: John Siddall of Slade, Yeoman Messuage and tenement called 'Kenyons' in Kirkmansholme, formerly held by Joseph Kenyon, decd, since held by Abraham Kenyon, Clerk, now held by John Siddall, together with all parcels of land belonging thereto, known as: the Three Acres, The Two Marle Fields, the Barn Flatt and Orchard, the meadow, the wood, the Pilme, the High Bank and the Lower Bank. Containing 21 acres. Excepting all trees, woods and underwoods, and all mines, quarries and delfs of coal, cannell, stone or slate, or of any kind. With liberty to the Warden and Fellows and their men to enter the land with horses and carts etc to take wood and mine substances, as well as liberty to carry such substances from elsewhere in the Manor of Newton over the premises, paying recompense to the tenants for any damage. Consideration: surrender of current interest and estate, and a valuable sum of money. Term: 21 years. Rent: 21s per annum at the feasts of Christmas and St John the Baptist in even portions, and one capon or hen at Christmas. Also performing the accustomed suit and service at the Manor Court of Newton. Conditions: Repossession if rent late by 40 days and there is not sufficient distress, or if Lessee aliens without licence, except to his wife and children. Lessee to maintain premises at own cost, including all hedges, fences, styles, gates, ditches etc, and will repair decayed fences with quickset and to pay all taxes arising without abatement from the rent. Lessee to plant 8 young oak, ash or elm trees annually and must preserve them from damage by cattle, and must replace any that die. Lessee must not fell any trees, other than those allocated by the Warden and Fellows for the repair of the premises, upon penalty of the forfeiture of double the value of any felled trees. Lessee may make marle pits to use for the bettering of the premises. Signed: Thomas Cattell, Adam Bankes, Samuel Cestriens Guardianus, Richard Assheton. Seal missing. Witnesses on dorse: John Fletcher and Thomas Ravald.