Black returns (not present) papers concerning the water tank repairs at Plas Penrhyn.

The letter concerns B.D.S. Lock (of Coward Chance).

This is an account statement from Heald and Nickinson with the Estate executors, encl. V.A.T. invoice.

"I am writing to let you know that agreement has been finally reached with the Estate Duty Office and outstanding estate duty has now all been paid." "A Conference with Counsel has been arranged ... on Tuesday next 16th December."

"Conference with Counsel: Mr Colin Rimer, December 16 1975, J Black, P Brown, A Felton, C Farley".

The account of the conference concerns possible serious liabilities toward John Conrad Russell and Katharine Tait. Inflation is a factor. The Russell Estate does not want to sell copyrights.

The letter concerns various liabilities of the Russell Estate and a request to deal with Black's invoice relating to John Conrad Russell's claims.

Enclosed is a copy of paragraph 8 of the former Affidavit sworn by Edith. The paragraph concerns Edith's financial position. She has marked it up with detailed updates. She gave a lot of her capital to the BRPF.

Enclosed is a letter, record 313632, from Mrs. Edwards, a member of the domestic staff at Plas Penrhyn, concerned about her legacy in BR's will.

Mrs. Edwards, a former member of the domestic staff at Plas Penrhyn, was a beneficiary.

Edith corrected this typewritten draft; beneath the draft Christopher Farley wrote the names of Black, Fleet and Felton with tasks assigned to them. The letter concerns the lease and the owner's intentions. Her "21-year lease on Plas Penrhyn ends in the second quarter of this year." The rent is already known to rise from £200 to £550. Sir Osmond Williams was the owner.

The letter, covering 2 sides, concerns Edith's detailed financial situation, to replace the affidavit of 1974.

Black sets out an option for Plas Penrhyn. "In this way you would have the security of knowing that you could live in the house for the rest of your life at a fair rent, and Sir Osmond would know that he and his family would obtain possession of the house on your death." There are three penciled "OK" remarks in the margin; Edith noted: "The 'OK's' in the margin are made by Sir Osmond Williams."

The letter concerns Edith's financial affairs and the legacies to Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Mullock, and is annotated by Edith.

The letter concerns the BR Estate's being able to pay bequests, in this case from a codicil that BR didn't sign.

The letter, addressed to "Michael", concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. She wants Black's letter of 9 February, record 134053, returned to her.

Mrs. Lloyd was surprised to receive the cheque (for £100). "Lord Russell ... was a model patient and to me it has been a great privilege to be and shall be of service." (Was she a caregiver?)

Mrs. Edwards had received her legacy cheque.

Mrs. Jones' family thank Edith for the bequest cheque of £50.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. Edith asks if there is anything further to do on the affidavit on the Dora-John case.

Black is "pleased to see that the terms for the new [Plas Penrhyn] lease are agreed." The Dora- John case proceeds.

This document is Edith's draft affidavit at Lincoln's Inn. Also in the file are an affidavit of Felton's (document 314641B and an "Opinion in the Matter of the Estate of Bertrand Arthur William Earl Russell Deceased", 12 April 1976 (document 313641C).

Edith's draft affidavit (with handwritten changes) updates her financial situation.

This document is Felton's draft affidavit at Lincoln's Inn. 

The Counsel has agreed to the payment of Katharine Tait's legacy. Edith has written copious notes in the margin including information on John provided by Sarah that he is living at Peers' Hostelry and plans to take his sear in the Lords.

Edith raises various questions in hopes of getting decisions made and action taken. She asks if John will draw Peer's pay.

John Conrad Russell is under the care of the Court of Protection.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease; Edith wrote notes on this letter about contacting Osmond Williams.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. Black thanks Edith for letting him know that John Russell has taken his seat in the House of Lords. The enclosed letter is from Edward Jones & Son, record 134069.

Edward Jones & Son are acting on behalf of Osmond Williams, owner of Plas Penrhyn.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease and the inheritance claim affidavits.

Edith has noted on the letter that she signed, had witnessed, and returned the Affidavit that was enclosed.

The letter concerns a letter from Edith to the Trustees of the Atlantic Peace Foundation.

Edith is looking forward to receiving the new lease for Plas Penrhyn.

The letter concerns payment under the terms of the new Plas Penrhyn lease (with increase withheld until the lease is signed).

Black encloses a letter he sent to Edward Jones & Son re the Plas Penrhyn lease, record 134076.

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease, which is awaited.

This letter concerns John Russell's inheritance claim; Edith wrote notes on this letter. She notes that John spoke in the Lords on a debate initiated by Fenner Brockway.

This letter concerns the end of the BRPF's tax appeal; the enclosed letter is to Ken Fleet, record 134079.

On whether Mr. Perry's donation of £500 for the BRPF's tax appeal should be returned to him, the appeal having not resulted in costs for the action.

The letter concerns John Russell's inheritance claim. "... because of all the enforced delay in tax and other settlements, I have had to draw largely on my own capital." John seems to be earning a Lords stipend.

Black will look into the points Edith raises in her letter of 30 July.

This letter was sent to Edith with a compliments card. No word has been received on the lease.

Kate Tait's lawyers are asking for interest to be paid at at a higher rate; Black suggests compromising at a rate of 7 1/2 per cent.

Felton writes about computing the new amount of interest to be paid to Kate Tait. The letter was sent to Edith with a compliments slip.

Edith wants to know how much the increased interest would amount to before agreeing.

They are awaiting affidavits from Taylor, Dora's lawyer, re John's case.

Felton's calculation is that Kate Tait should be paid an additional £505.02. Edith's personal tax rate on Estate income is about 70%, so the payment would come at little cost. Tax withheld would be 35%.

"My own capital is nearly exhausted and I should like to receive something from the Estate." 

"It seems a pity that the Estate should linger unsettled."

Edith agrees to Kate's payment, so long as Felton and Farley are agreed.

The contribution that "the County Council will make for John's maintenance" is not yet known.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. Edith's undated draft reply, record 134092, is written at the foot. The letter has "Disregard" written on it.

This draft reply concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease and is at the foot of Black's letter.

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease.

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. The letter is signed "Michael."

This letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn lease. It is written on the verso of record 134093.

Mr. Black is away.

Black sends Edith the Plas Penrhyn lease. On the envelope Edith wrote: "Signed & witnessed 18/1/77, Posted to J. Black 20/1/77."

Edith is returning the Plas Penrhyn lease to Jack Black. The letter includes financial information about the payments. She also wrote financial information on two small slips of paper clipped to this letter.

The lease was received. Black will find out what adjusted payments Edith should make.

The Estate "has now entered its eighth year without settlement ... [the] strain for Lady Russell in not knowing her real financial circumstances ... must be very considerable ... It really is very worrying that she continues to live alone and has no idea if and when she may be able to have someone live in to help with some of the essential housework."

Chris writes on his Ramsden Road letterhead.

The enclosed letter is to Christopher Farley, record 134102.

"I am very sorry that Lady Russell should find herself in this uncertain state for so long. The matter is by no means neglected and I will do whatever is possible in these almost Dickensian proceedings to bring things" to a conclusion. "In the meantime I think the executors should certainly consider getting someone to live in to help Lady Russell", "considering the income of the Estate, whatever the outcome of the inheritance proceedings."

The letter concerns catching up with the Plas Penrhyn rent.

This draft is written on the verso of Black's letter of 18 February, record 134103.

The enclosed is from Edward Jones & Son, record 134106.

The letter concerns the Plas Penrhyn rent.

John Russell "has been accepted by the Richmond Fellowship Hostel" which "is an indication of his continuing mental disability." The enclosed letter, 134108, is from Lewis W. Taylor & Co.

Re John Russell: "Do your clients concede that he is by reason of mental disability incapable of maintaining himself?" His income is set out.

Does Mr. Taylor know that Edith's money is dwindling, she asks.

He has met with Mr. Taylor in connection with bringing John Russell's proceedings to an end.

This undated draft is in reply to Black's letter of 21 April, record 134110.

Edith complains that no mention is made in a document of BR's will and his careful apportionment of monies to John and other.

This carbon was sent to Edith Russell with a compliments card. Felton merely emphasizes the need for knowing of the powers concerned.

Edith wants to know why BR's will is not taken into account for the distribution of the residue of his estate, of which she is an executor.

"Instructions to Counsel to Advise in Conference", High Court of Justice, between John Russell as plaintiff and Edith Russell, Christopher Farley, Anton Felton, and Kate Tait as defendants.

The intent is to question why the residue of BR's estate is not going to the BRPF as much as he intended in his will.

The letter concerns Edith's will and her wishes being by way of fulfilling BR's intentions.

The enclosed document is a typed mimeograph, "Lord Russell Deceased Re: Administration". Edith wrote comments on both the letter and the document which has been assigned number 313687A.

The concern is how much should be paid to John Conrad Russell now and in the future. The capital for his annuity is held by the Estate.

The enclosed document is a typed mimeograph, "Russell Deceased Re: Inheritance Claim", 12 May 1977. There is a second document with the same title, 16 May 1977. All the paragraphs in the letter and the two documents have been numbered from 1 to 37. Present at the first meeting were Anton Felton, Christopher Farley and Ken Fleet; at the second meeting Mr. Taylor was on the telephone. The documents have been assigned numbers 313688A and 313688B.

The letter mainly concerns the pros and cons of the sale of BR's copyrights, which provide the bulk of the Estate's income; John Russell is also discussed.

The letter concerns the sale of copyrights from the Estate to the BRPF to meet its debts.

The enclosed letter is to Anton Felton, record 134121.

On the sale of copyrights and mutual interests.

The letter concerns the Estate; Edith has written very detailed questions and comments on the letter.

The letter was signed by Christopher Jackson for Jack Black. The enclosed letter is from Lewis W. Taylor & Co., record 134124.

"I agree to your proposal that John should be offered £3,000 per annum, but that no capital should be set aside for him."

"The letter concerns John Russell's income." "You are correct in thinking that once the settlement of John's claim has been achieved the trustees of the estate will hold the copyrights and distribute John's income to him with the balance of income coming to you as the residuary beneficiary."

This document is the affidavit of Dr. R.E. Senior on the health of John Conrad Russell.

This document is the affidavit of Dora W. Grace (Russell) on her finances and those of John Conrad Russell's behalf. Exact dates are provided for various persons.

This document is (a photocopy of) the certified copy of an entry of birth for John Conrad Russell. The initials "DWG 1" may refer to it being for Dora W. Grace's 1st child.

This document is a receipt for witnessing the signing of documents.

This file folder, F-18, contains an envelope, letters, and documents. On the envelope Edith wrote: "Retirement Pension." The documents are from the Department of Health and Social Security; there are also handwritten notes by Edith.

The seven letters, 1972 to 1975, have each been given a document number, 313701 to 313707. Their entries follow.

On Edith's tax returns for 1970-72 (2 years).

On a UK Social Security pension for Edith.

Black needs BR's birth and death certificates and Edith's birth certificate for the pension application.

On providing birth and death certificates.

"I was horrified to read of the terrible death of Lucy."

Black notes that Edith's pension will be backdated to 20 Dec. 1973. This is not the earliest possible date, but it is most unusual and in Edith's favour. He advises her not to pursue the matter.

Edith asks if her pension entitles her to all the perks of old age pensioners and names some. 

This is a receipt signed by Russell (in Edith's imitation of his signature) for a payment by Mr. Raab for an interview on 12 July 1965 that appeared in 2 parts in the Sunday Citizen (B&R E65.06).

Note: Files 1 to 6 in Box 17.53 were removed by the archivist from a binder kept by Christopher Farley. The binder was labelled Felton & Partners. The letters contained in the binder were written on three different letterheads: Felton & Partners, Continuum Ltd., and Continuum 1 Ltd.

"[E]verybody now appears to agree that the Archives should be assigned to the Peace Foundation. This would result in miniscule Income [Tax?] on you personally and, if you were to survive five years from the date of the assignment, no Estate Duty."

Felton mentions collecting the Russell Archives on Saturday.

The letter concerns Felton seeing BR's accountant, Mr. Madams, as soon as possible.