The John Bargrave Collection

On September 18th 1654, acting through his friend Maulger Norton of St Nicholas, Richmond, Bathurst got a lease for all the lead and coal mines in Arkenearthdale and New Forest from the Citizens of London. This was for 21 years with £24 10s annual rent. There is evidence, however, that he was leasing the mines prior to this date as, in 1651, he paid £10 10s rent for the mines "for the use of the Commonwealth". It is possible that he took the mines after Ambrose Pudsay's lease expired.

Two years later, on May 30th 1656, again acting through Norton (whose daughter, Mary, married John Yorke of Bowerley, Nidderdale in 1660), Dr Bathurst purchased outright the Manors of Arkengarthdale, New Forest, East and West Hope and other lands in Yorkshire and Durham from the relieved citizens for £2100. The mineral rights were reserved in the sale.' The Commissioners sent to view the estate had valued them at £2500, but Norton argued successfully for a reduction of £400. The annual value of Arkengarthdale rents at this time was £56 18s 6d (Tyson, 15)