Deeds relating to lands of various tenures mainly in Co. Durham, some of which belonged to Durham Bishopric estates, which papers they complement. Besides title deeds there are some 18th and 19th century plans of Ryhope, a few books containing estate memoranda, and some farm leases. The material and dates concerned are:
- 1673-1833 - Tithes of Ryhope, Co. Durham
- 1595-1892 - Ryhope deeds, land.
- 1726-1800 - Ryhope, deeds, a cottage
- 1670-1906 - Books, plans, vouchers relating to William Scurfield's land at Ryhope
- 1653-1868 - Hamsterley deeds
- 1653-1877 - Lynesack, Softley, West Auckland, etc., deeds
- 1623-1855 - Miscellanea
- 1694-1762 - Christopher Johnson's Book
Christopher Johnson's Book is a volume (now rebound in 5) of lawyer's working papers and precedents, containing 175 copies, drafts, etc., relating to Co. Durham. The numbering of the items (1555-1708, with some discrepancies) implies that it was once part of a larger series. It contains three main groups of material, drawn from local examples:
- Fines and recoveries
- Business transacted by George Baker (d. 1774) of Elemore Hall, Co. Durham
- Marriage settlements