Pages 20 and 21 of the Robert Stephenson & Co Ltd minute book no.1

[Page 20]

It appearing to this Meeting that we labour under considerable disadvantages in not being able to found our own Cylinders & other Cast Metal Articles, it is resolved, that an adjacent piece of Ground, about 1800 Square yards, a Lease of 3 Lives Renewable, be purchased at 4/6 per yard, to erect a Foundry upon, & that the care of this Purchase be left to M. Longridge. It is contemplated that this extension of our Works, may involve a Capital equal but not exceeding the sum already invested in our Engine Manufactory.
A small modern Dwelling House now occupied by J Shevill, attached to the Premises above named to be bought for the Company by Geo: S. At a price not exceeding £120. - and the same is left to the care of George Stephenson -
[Signatures]
Edward Pease
Mich. Longridge
For Rob. Stephenson
Geo Stephenson

[Page 21]

Chester le Street 2nd March 1825
1 The piece of ground as staked out as per Ground Plan to be rented from Andersons Executors, until the Heir can give a legal Title to the Purchaser
2: Three or four Moulders to be procured against the time the Foundry is ready
3: From 50 to 100 Ton of Pig Iron to be ordered from Yorkshire, Wales & Scotland, if they can be procured
4. That the sum of Three Thousand Pounds be borrowed from Mr. Thomas Richardson, at five per Cent Interest, and paid over by him as wanted in sums not less than One Thousand Pounds at a time.
[Signatures]
Edward Pease
Mich. Longridge