[ The Le Fleming family of Rydal Hall. ] 16 manuscript items from the family papers of Barbara Le Fleming Benson (sister of Sir Daniel Fleming), including material relating to a disputed will, miscellaneous correspondence and genealogical memoranda.

The Le Flemings of Rydal Hall were a leading Cumbrian family, notable as the landlords of the poet William Wordsworth. The present collection of 15 items derive from the family papers of Barbara Le Fleming, eldest child of Roger and Ann Fleming, and sister of Sir Daniel le Fleming (c.1785-1821), 5th Baronet, who married John Benson (1780-1830) in 1809. The first five items listed below concern the 'bone of Contention' that was the will of Daniel Fleming; the next six are miscellaneous items, including three letters to Mrs Benson and a banking bill; and the last five items contain material relating to family history. The collection is in fair overall condition, on aged and worn paper. SECTION A: Correspondence relating to the Will of Daniel Fleming, 1835-1838. Five items. ONE: John Benson to 'Dear Barbara [Benson]'. Carlisle; 16 November 1835. Explaining that 'the Rydal money is still a bone of Contention', and giving his reasons for objecting to a proposition put forward by her brother's son. TWO: W. N. Hodgson to Mrs Benson. Carlisle; 28 March 1836. Advising her to accept 'a small sum' rather than 'run the risk of wasting a large portion of the money in legal proceedings'. With transcript of letter to him 'for Mr. Capes [by] J Stuart', Grays Inn [London]; 27 February 1836, 'Re Sir D. Fleming deced'. THREE: Edward Tatham, solicitor, to [Mrs Benson]. Kendal; 28 April 1838. 'I learn that Mr Harrison is supposed to have taken the money or some of the money which was agreed to be divided, but that you are not on some account considered in strictness to be entitled to any part. However be this as it may, as it should seem the sum you have expected to receive was to arrive from the effects of the late Mr Daniel Fleming Mr. Carlyle as his sole Executor is the proper person to apply to for it.' FOUR: Rev. Irving Carlyle to Mrs Barbara Benson. New Mills, near Stockport; 28 June 1837. 'I am the Sole Acting Executor of the late Mr. Daniel Fleming [...] the Executors of your Brother, the late Sir Daniel Fleming, have entered into an amicable agreement with me as to the disposal of the £2500 referred into [sic] your letter, and which was awarded to the late Mr. Daniel Fleming by a decree of the Court of Chancery. By this arrangement it has been agreed that, after the payment of debts and expenses, you are to receive one sixth equal share of the said £2500'. With letter to her from James Burrow. Crosthwaite; 8 July 1837. With a transcript of the two letters with accompanying note: 'These were copied from the original letters verbatim by Joseph Little | on the 11 July. 1838.' FIVE: Copy of letter from M. H. Quayle to 'Sir Richard Rev. Sir Richard [Le Fleming (1791-1857), 6th Baronet]'. Douglas; 26 December 1838. Describing difficulties surrounding his aunt's will. SECTION B. Miscellaneous personal papers, 1813-1874. Six items. SIX: Daniel Fleming to his aunt Miss Fleming, at Lowther St, Whitehaven. From Hill Top, Crosthwaite, Kendal; 10 April 1813. Sending presents for her, 'Sir Joseph Senhouse and Mr. Hamilton', and describing how 'Michael' has taken 'a prize into Port (viz) Bermuda, they have got a French Vessel call'd the Martin', and expressing sadness at 'the Death of poor Senhouse Wilson who the Navy'. SEVEN: W. F. Grayson to Mrs Benson. Douglas; 4 April 1837. Urging her to apply for the post of the recently-deceased 'Mr John Grave who has conducted the Post Office here for 30 years & a most worthy man'. With signed autograph copy of reply by Barbara Benson, describing her indisposition and that of her husband. EIGHT: Christopher Hodgson to Mrs Benson (at 8 Wood St, Toxteth, Liverpool). Carlisle; 15 December 1839. Mostly regarding 'William', whom he is anxious should fall 'into a situation'; and describing 'the Fire in Mr Mantons shop'. NINE: Banking bill headed 'Mrs. Benson | To J. Jackson Dr., with entries dated from 1838 to 1841. TEN: 'C Hodgson' to his mother Mrs Hodgson of 52 Rendal St, Everton, Liverpool. St Bees Grammar School, Cumbria; 13 October 1874. In envelope with Penny Red stamp and St Bees postmark. The envelope also contains a bird's wing, with feathers. ELEVEN: Autograph Note in the third person from Mrs John Pemberton to Mrs Benson. Barnes; 19 September [no year]. SECTION C. Genealogical material relating to the Le Fleming family. Five items. TWELVE: Copy of register of christening by Andrew Hudleston, Minister, the Chapel of St Nicholas, Whitehaven, in the Parish of St Bees, on 6 April 1784 of 'Barbara [daughter] of Roger and Ann Fleming'. Addressed (with red wax seal and Whitehaven postmark) to 'Miss Fleming | Hill-top | Kendal'. THIRTEEN: Letter from 'A ' to Mrs Benson, Stricklandgate, Kendal. 13 April 1826. Containing local and family news, together with an 'Extract from the parish Register of Bishopwearmouth in the County of Durham - Witness my Hand April 12th. 1826 | G Stephenson Curate of Bishopwearmouth'. FOURTEEN: Unattributed short memorandum on Richard le Fleming. Dated 25 April 1869. FIFTEEN: Unattributed transcripts of accounts of two family weddings, in 1857 and 1861 SIXTEEN: Unattributed transcript (8pp., 8vo) of published account of the early history of the family. Somewhat faded, on worn paper.