Letters relating to the dispute with the Donaldson-Hudsons over ownership of Goldstone Common and the Manor of Goldstone
Correspondence that survives includes letters between Hugh Ernest Vardon, Thomas Beeston and Gordon Warren, transcriptions of which are copied below. Gordon was Hugh's brother-in-law and worked as a partner of the law firm in Market Drayton that later became known as Warren Upton & Garside.
The Thomas Beeston to whom Hugh Ernest Vardon wrote was the son of Thomas Beeston who was agent to William Vardon, and who had lived at Goldstone Hall itself. The younger Thomas lived in Market Drayton and appears to have continued his father's role acting for the Vardons. Hugh was William Vardon's nephew, the son of William's younger brother Hugh James Vardon.
11th September 1885
Transcript of a letter from Hugh Ernest Vardon to Thomas Beeston. This letter is enclosed in a pack that has, on the outside, a heading reading:
11 Sept 1885
Thos. Beeston
Hollins Rent last of Balce Paid
=
Game
=
re Goldstone Common.
Giving Beeston authority to take action in case of Trespass &c.
=
Copy of authority
Astbury, Ewell
Surrey. 26 Decr 1895
Dear Sir
Replying to that part of your letter of the 24th relating to Goldstone Common Gravel Pit, I am obliged by the information therein given – as having seen the reports of the Rural District Council meetings in the Local Paper, I had rather expected to have heard from you on the subject. I may here mention that I am Lord of the Manor of Goldstone and my predecessors were so before
Believe me
Yours faithfully
Hugh E. Vardon
Thos Beeston, Esqr.
6th June 1896
Transcript of a letter from (George) Gordon Warren, solicitor, who was brother-in-law to Hugh Ernest Vardon.
Poynton House
Market Drayton
June 6. 1896
My dear Hugh
Your letter duly received I have no doubt that you are correct that your shooting use of Goldstone Common would be strong evidence to repeel a “non user”
Yours sincerely
Geo Gordon Warren
H. E. Vardon
Astbury
Ewell
Surrey