The Mainprice Deposit

This large collection of deeds and papers mainly concerns land and property in Lancashire and Cheshire, but other counties also feature, including Essex, Hertfordshire and Middlesex. The collection also contains twelve documents relating to Chetham's Hospital's estate at Sutton on the Hill, Derbyshire, which was sold in 1919 to raise capital for the Hospital.

The collection consists of deeds and miscellaneous papers, with a large number of mortgages, wills, probates, leases and releases, conveyances, and bargains and sales.

The legal firm of Taylor, Kirkman and Mainprice was founded in the late 19th century. It became the solicitors to the Feoffees of Chetham's Hospital and Library, and this connection led to the deposit of a large collection of deeds and papers in Chetham's Library during the 1940s. The firm continues to practice but has been incorporated into Butcher and Barlow solicitors. Its offices are located in Bramhall, Cheshire.

The collection has been divided into six sub-fonds:

• Documents relating to Lancashire, Cheshire and other counties, 14th century-19th century
• The Chetham/Clowes Deeds, 15th century-19th century
• Documents relating to the Astley-Nicholson family of Dukinfield, co Ches, 1779-1913
• Documents relating to the Gorton and Culceth families, 1640-1813
• Documents relating to Lancashire and Cheshire, 1564-1809
• Documents relating to counties other than Lancashire and Cheshire, 16th century-19th century

There are no restrictions on access to this collection. Viewing is by prior appointment. Please contact archivist@chethams.org.uk.

Deposited by Taylor, Kirkman and Mainprice, solicitors, between October 1940 and [1946].