The papers relate to estates of the Grey family situated in the northern part of Northumberland, around the family seat of Howick, at Ancroft and Tweedside to the north, and around Chevington to the south.
The records are voluminous, and include deeds, legal papers, correspondence, tenancy agreements, farm leases, rentals, colliery papers, drainage papers, valuations, accounts, household books, vouchers, statistical returns, maps and plans, and other materials concerning farming and estate management. Most of the papers relate to the 19th and 20th century (up to the 1930s, approx.), but the deeds date from the 16th century.