Sir James Clavering (1680-1748) was a typical member of the lesser gentry in County Durham, but he had widespread family connections throughout the North East and became interested in national politics and the coal-trade. Collection contains letters from Anne Clavering, Thomas Yorke and John Yorke, miscellaneous business letters, letters from his wife, Catherine and to his son, George.

This study focuses on the British dimension of the American Revolution from its origins to the declaration of independence in 1776 and its aftermath.