A surveyor's report on the Church and Presbytery in St Ives. Conclusion: "These buildings are in a reasonably sound condition with the exception of the roof over the Presbytery and the ceilings mentioned in the report." Referring to a proposed internal rearrangement of the Presbytery and extension to the Church, it lists other work items, with a cost estimate, to be taken into account: New roof (£1200), ceilings (£150), replacement of floor (£350), Redecoration (£300), New garage (£350).
UnknownSt Ives (Cambs)
171 Archive Record results for St Ives (Cambs)
There is a "tangle" with Fr Ketter legally letting the property from 13 January 1908 for 3 years. Outlines the situation, comments on standing their ground and refusing to pay for others expenditure (but that will mean constraining Mr Cotman's goods) and suggests that a compromise deal with Cotman as "our tenant". He will see the Bishop on Wednesday to discuss.
Manuscript notes in a different hand [Bishop Keating?]:
"Think over these points between now and Wednesday...." [lists a number of questions ]
The Studio was let by Fr Ketterer with express or implied Authority and the Agreement has been confirmed by rent being received under it. Mr Smith's £13.10.0 comprises £5 to County Council for some building or fixtures of theirs, and, Sanitary convenience £8.10.0. Mr Day has instructed repairs to the floor, some £2 to £3. He suggests surrender of the lease upon payment of £13.10.0 to Mr Smith's estate. Encloses rough copy of the sub-lease.
Manuscript pencilled annotation: "The Studio, St Ives. I am in receipt of your Letter of 7th instant with copy agreement, & thank you for your courtesy. I will confer with my Committee upon the matter & will write further to you in due course." [draft response by Fr Tonks]
Writing from Great Billing, Fr Ketterer did not authorize the cookery room or the W.C. - did not know about them until months later. Similarly about the key and the sub-letting. He had intended to protest but in the hurry of his departure which was quite unexpected he completely forgot the matter.
Ketterer, Constantine Rev (-1940)Note that his offer has been declined. His client will therefore arrange to assign the lease to Mr Cotman, or someone else if needed.
Day, George Dennis (1860-1948)Accept surrender of lease provided you pay rent due according to agreement with Fr Ketterer. Also letter from Mr F G Cotman stating he will be our tenant from 15 February next and pay £20 per annum rent. No to paying £16.10.00 for repairs.
Tonks, Joseph Rev (1863-1943)Fr Wilson has discussed the Studio with Mr King (Mr Pauling's agent in St Ives). Mr G A Smith's additions have improved the letting value of the Studio. Still thinks £20 per annum is excessive and they are unlikely to return the Studio to its previous condition. He includes a copy of the receipt for the rent paid , £10, which is all he has received,
Wilson, Alfred Rev (-1936)Copy of an agreement to grant way leave for a drain. Between Miss Sarah Ann Skeeles of Slepe Cottage, King's Road and Rev Joseph Tonks of the Presbytery, Kettering, Northamptonshire. The drain is connected to a Scullery and WC at the Studio and crosses under her land to access the public sewer in East Street. 2/6d is the annual rent for this. Cotman named as a sub-tenant.
[assumed to have been drawn up by G D Day]
Headed "Paid by Fr Wilson". Three headings - Church, Studio, House. It lists a few items of expenditure of maintenance/repair for each heading between Oct 1907 and April 1909.
Not signed or dated. Assumed to be written by Fr Wilson.
Referencing a partnership to be dissolved on 11 October 1909, Skeeles is asking that some glazing be repaired - estimated cost 11/6d - it had been broken before they hired the yard. Fr Purcell suggested to write to ask permission to remove a portion of the blacksmith's large circular forge (originally used for wheel-tyre work) which he can use for his own work. He will get his men to do the change and make good the brickwork - gratis.
Skeeles, John MrResponding to a letter of the day before, Fr Purcell declines to have anything to do with the matter. "With deference" he suggests that Trustees make decisions and bear the cost of them in relation to this property. Being asked "To settle it in the interests of the Mission" only means he must bear the cost - he declines. It is not the lease, but the need to assist with repairs. Also suggests that the diocese bears the cost of consulting Mr King.
Purcell, James Rev (-1942)Reminding Fr Tonks that Mr Skeeles is requesting assistance for repairs, which he says was not in good repair prior to becoming tenants. Fr Purcell does not want the role of landlord - he will accept rent for the benefit of the Mission, but if the diocese should take the rent directly then fine so long as they make up the difference to the Mission. St Ives does not have the surplus to make up such difference; neither should the parish priest have to use his "meagre income" meet such expenses. Fr Purcell then refers the matter back to the owners!
Purcell, James Rev (-1942)He has read Mr Cotman's letter forwarded to him by Fr Tonks. Fr Purcell details the many problems in the state of repair of the Studio. Consulting Mr Skeeles it is apparent that the water ingress through the roof is very bad and makes the place untenantable in wet weather. It will require more than just replacing the slates. Fr Purcell says "my exemplary predecessors don't seem to have troubled their heads about the property beyond getting the money for them". He is completely ignorant of the terms of the sub-let tenancy and "my exemplary predecessors have not left any statements to guide me". He has just learnt from Mr Cotman that another arrangement had been made for the lease directly with the Trustees, of which Fr Purcell is completely ignorant. He finishes by saying "I am afraid £5 is a material consideration here".
Purcell, James Rev (-1942)Frederic Cotman, returned last Thursday to find the roof of the Studio so "distressfully", wishes to know who is bound to do the repairs. He does not want the burden of the whole of the outside repairs on his shoulders. Mr Jackaman, his lawyer in Norwich, made a mistake in his transaction with Mr Day who acts for Mrs Smith. Cotman will do his duty but wants fair play. Fr Purcell knows of this case. Cotman cannot stand the expense and asks for an interview with Fr Tonks.
Cotman, Frederic George MrWriting from a Fulham, London address. Studio keys are with Mrs Claude Smith - The Cross (Tailor). Mr Skeeles knows the trouble - he is my neighbour and a builder having a yard at the back. Unable to say when he can get to St Ives to meet Fr Tonks.
Cotman, Frederic George MrWriting from a Fulham, London address. Fr Tonks will agree with him that something needs to be done with the roof of the Studio . It could not have bene in structural repair when he took it over.; quite untenantable. "This is very distressing to me as I have a good deal of work to accoplish in the room." He cannot be expected to bear the burden of repairs.
Cotman, Frederic George MrStudio - wooden building, slated roof, lighted by a skylight. Roof has sprung, especially around the skylight, this now lets in water. Describes work in estimate from Mr Skeeles dated 3 June 1910.
Builders yard and sheds - blacksmith's forge in shed - tenant wishes to remove two feet of brickwork to facilitate access when storing cement. Tenant asks for 11/- the amount paid for repairs to the window - if granted he will execute roof repairs at own cost.
"The Studio was the former church and is now let to Mr F G Cotman for £10 per annum. The yard is let to Mr Skeeles for £10 per annum."
Formal estimate for work to be done to the Studio, East Street, St Ives.
- Wrought iron tie rod - 15/-
- Remove slates above skylight, replace lead, relay slates, make good - £2.0.0
- Clean down, paint skylight twice, replace broken glass - £1.0.0
- To prepare, stop up, paint twice whole outside of building - £4.0.0
Progress report on work being done on The Studio. Not yet complete - roof done; painting remains to be done. Builders will get round to it when they can. No rent received from Mr Cotman - can Fr Tonks get it from him?
Purcell, James Rev (-1942)Writing from the Studio, St Ives. Enclosed a rent cheque for £15. Work done to the room has made him considerably more comfortable. Pleased to see [Fr Tonks?] if he is in the neighbourhood. p.s. "I never can remember the dates for paying such."
Cotman, Frederic George Mr