The collection provides good coverage of the properties of the Kirke family of East Markham,Nottinghamshire from the 16th to the 20th centuries, although it lacks any substantial evidence ofrentals or any quantity of maps. The bulk of it comprises title deeds and associated papers. Theseare heavily concentrated on East Markham and East Retford, although other properties and adjacentcounties, are also listed. Miscellaneous estate papers include copies of enclosure acts for EastMarkham, Pinxton and Headon cum Upton in Nottinghamshire, and there is an account book detailing theexpenses of the Leverton enclosure in 1796-1799. A couple of printed items concern turnpike roads.Manorial records for the Soke of Dunham in the 16th and 17th century are present, including copiesof 'The custome of Dunham Soke', 1652.
The documents of title have been kept in original bundle arrangements, which sometimes includepersonal letters, genealogical items and even verses together with the legal and financial documentsconcerning properties. There is, for instance, a letter from Florence Nightingale (1856) concerningthe Scutari hospital in the Crimea. Many papers concern the Kirke, Tye and Wrench families and theirgenealogy and properties, including copies made by F.H. Wrench in 1916-1917 of the Kirke schedule ofdeeds in 1781. Personal accounts and diaries include records of Ann Kirke and Hannah Browne, and acommonplace book is present, containing accounts, medical receipts, and horticultural notes.
A small number of papers relate to militia provision and training in the early 19th century.Account books, with some rentals, are mainly from the 18th to mid-19th centuries. They include somepersonal accounts, and a record of the building accounts for Mirfield Hall, 1774-1779. Maps andplans are in general 19th-20th century, but the surveys include a few 18th century items, includingan account of the arable lands in the open fields of East Markham.