Page entitled "A Clarification of facts re the Southwold Mary Gordon Legacy" signed by R F P Howarth MC "I am, yours obediently in C.J." which indicates he's a clergyman.
Provided to help make the documents held in Northampton more intelligible.
Addresses of the legal organisations involved; payments associated with the will/wishes of Mr Gordon; Gates, Cope Votive candle stand all mentioned as being in the possession of Southwold mission.
Enclosures listed [not present]: 3 signature slips for Bank; 2 petitions for faculties to receive converts; letter from Gordon a/c executors; letter from solicitor Diocese Westminster; letter from Finance Board Westminster; Proof of £13 due to Mission a/c from Gordon a/c

Re Estate of Mrs Mary Ten Broeck. Certifying that he attended American Consulate & made deposition in answer to interrogatories attached to commission. Has now found original letters not available at the time, details them & attaches them.

Mrs Ten Broeck's letter asking Diocese to pay £125/yr to March for unexpired period of her undertaking has been found. New York Commission now "closed" so letter may not be used as evidence. Sends enclosures showing he did his best.

Decision of the House of Lords in "Bourne v Keane" in 1919 - "since the passing of the Catholic Relief Act 1829 bequests of personalty to be applied for Masses for the dead are no invalid as gifts to superstitious uses". (Part of Lord Parmour's judgement quoted). Therefore propose to let the Deed remain as drawn.

As instructed by the executors of the estate of the late Mr Francis Easto Banham, a draft Declaration of Trust enclosed [not present] for the £1000 bequeathed as an Endowment Fund for St Benet's Beccles.
manuscript annotation: "Returned Endowment with a few comments."

Writing to Myles Osborne (Diocesan Financial Administrator): Clarifying the position with regard to the Estates Funds and the ability to retain Church, Presbytery and House. Necessary to meet tax liabilities consequently the House (40 Manor Road) will have to be sold but need the Bishop's urgent consent to proceed.

Miss Insley, deceased, left £900 for foundation masses for John Hickman (not deceased) and herself. Please confirm acceptance of the gift on behalf of the Diocese.

The notes contain the proposals for the trustees for the Banham £1000 endowment:

1. The Bishop of Northampton is always a trustee
2. The Abbot of Downside (or an OSB appointee) is the second for as long as the Beccles remains a Benedictine mission - goes to Northampton Diocese if that ceases
3. A lay trustee from Beccles congregation in consultation with the Beccles' rector and Bishop of Northampton.
   Write to RE Banham, the Abbot of Downside to this effect.

Need to make contact with the financial professionals (Finance Office - Dick Wilson) to ensure the large legacy remains on track - not unknown for a will to be challenged by relatives. You are doing a great job.

Will of Miss Insley for Peter Wilson to consider. Not sure how advantageous it might be for Parish or Diocese. £5190 in cash was passed to the Bishop by an executor for the purpose of putting the house [Manor Road?] to right. Chris Toller to talk to the Trustees.

Confirms that the building may commence according to the terms of the will. Keep Fr Wilson informed.

Letter based on Insley Will notes by Fr P Wilson. "But, after consultation, my advisors do not see the likelihood of our undertaking the construction of a church - at least in the foreseeable future."

Re Will of Mrs Ten Broeck. Enclosed letter from Mrs T. B. asking Diocese to undertake promises to Fr Allen. Gives details of her original promise, the degree of her fulfilment & amount owing Diocese. Bequest to March is generous but will not reimburse Diocese.

It would please the Bishop to see Mrs Simpson installed in the house for her greater comfort and good health. Grateful that she wishes to benefit the mission at Aldeburgh. Bishop not yet fit to do business and hopes to be out of bed by the end of the week.

Letter of Introduction [not present] for Mgr Redmond, Vice Rector of English College in Rome, to make arrangements to meet the Holy Father. 2 suggested paragraphs for inclusion in her Will to assign a sum to the RC Diocese within which Aldeburgh is situated. £10 to the Sick Clergy Fund will ensure a Mass is said for her by every priest in the Diocese on her death.

Passes on the comments from Witham Weld. The Trustees need to decide what they want to do. Before they approach an architect, he has costs associated with a 100 seat church with parish/social room.

Copy of will enclosed [not present] - aspects highlighted regarding building of a church being proposed by trustees in Dersingham. Questions about how the trust funds might be handled.

Mr Weld of Witham & Co now has the written wishes and told him that the will was not clear about the beneficiaries hence the need for the document to be passed to the Archbishop. £300 to Southwold immediately with remaining £200 upon the death of Mrs Gordon's sister (Miss Murry who is very old). Fee by the Westminster Finance Board is £10 - which both himself and Mr Weld thought excessive. Mr Weld's "would not be much".

Received £337:7:6 as part legacy remainder to come. Fees of £15 deducted. Requested explanation. Notes that the document was the only clear expression of Mrs Gordon's wishes.

Returning the written wishes of Mrs Gordon, but cannot understand why the will is not itself sufficient. Thanks the Canon for his kind address at the [Canon Mason's] installation.