LIGHTHOUSES - 1673 [OSBORNE (Sir Thomas, 1st Earl of Danby, Marquis of Carmathen, 1631-1712, Lord High Treasurer of England)]

Autograph Letter Signed to the Lord Treasurer from  Sir John CLAYTON  (Lighthouse Builder) referring to "ye discourse I had lately with yr Lordship about ye affaire of ye lighthouses. I have here presented your Lordship with a booke drawen by Mr Hare who settled ye agreement between all the partys ...", but changing the name in order to "performe the covenant of 500£ per annum to yr Lordship instead of Blake Robinson ...", subject to his approval the "draft it shall immediately be ingrossed & I shall attend ... to seale it to you ...", 1 side 4to., with original integral autograph address leaf with seal, no place, 21st July

Sir John Clayton & George Blake were granted licence in 1669 to build a double lighthouse at St Nicholas' Gatt, and lighthouses at Cromer, Flamborough Head and Farne Island. Trinity House opposed them all as useless, but by 1676 they were all built, however only the one at St Nicholas' Gatt was lit. In 1676 Sir John was given licence to take tolls for lighthouses erected by him. At Flamborough Head the voluntary dues from passing ships were inadequate and so the light was never kindled. This tall octagonal tower of chalk was the first to be built on that spot in 1674 and still stands there. Sir John was knighted in 1644.

Item Date:  1673

Stock No:  3361      £150

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