Robert Grace to Benjamin Franklin, December 30, 1745

December 30, 1745

Abstract : Robert Grace, merchant, leases to Benjamin Franklin, “Typographer,� for 14 years beginning Jan. 1, 1746, the lot, with all buildings and other improvements thereon, beginning at John Jones’s lot on the north side of Market St., running eastward 17 ft. to the Widow Read’s 7 lot, then northward 164 ft. to Jones Alley (or Pewter Platter Alley, now Church St.), westward 34 ft. to Thomas Shute’s lot, southward 62 ft., then eastward by John Jones’s lot 17 ft., and then southward 102 ft. to Market St. Franklin is to pay £55 lawful money of Pennsylvania annually, in equal installments on July 1 and January 1, with a right to Grace to enter and distrain in case of default. Franklin is to keep the property in repair. No one is to exercise the trade of baker or brewer on the premises. 8 By a memorandum at the end, dated March 28, 1757, the lease is extended for seven years beyond its original term at an annual rental of £60.