Description:The Sutherland Papers contain the household accounts kept for Sir John Leveson by his servants and possibly by himself. The accounts can be dated as preceeding 1585 as they refer to John’s first wife Margaret Manwood whom Sir John married in 1579.
The accounts refer primarily to expenditure in London, providing an insight into the purchases being made by the family and reflecting how they spent their money.
Many entries in the accounts are for travel expenses, listing payments for ‘bothier’ (boathire). One entry, perhaps made by Sir John Leveson himself, lists a payment of five shillings and sixpence ‘for my bothier from Gravesend to London to buy thinges’.
The accounts indicate that journeys were often made to procure goods such as food and clothing from London. Many payments refer to the purchase of sugar and salt, including payments ‘for carying the barrill of sugar to billinsgate’. Purchases of clothing feature frequently, again indicating the good quality of life which the Leveson family had. A payment of seven shillings is listed as ‘paid the shoemaker’.
Sir John Leveson’s first wife Margaret also made purchases in London. Money was paid out for ‘bothier’ for Margaret. The accounts also indicate that Sir John Leveson bought gifts for his wife. A payment of 11 pence is listed ‘for gloves for her’, in addition to a payment of 4 pence ‘for a lace for her band’ and a payment of 2 shillings and 6 pence ‘for a necklace for her’.
Money spent on practical items required for the household also features in the accounts, including payments for ‘faggots’ for the fire and a payment for ‘twoo matts’. A more peculiar payment is listed for ’20 sword hangers’ alongside a payment of five pounds for ’20 arming swords’. Perhaps these were required by Sir John Leveson in his professional capacity?