The Large Estates
The three richest Northumbrian Catholic estates, those of Derwentwater, Widdrington and Collingwood, were the principal targets of the Commission. With Derwentwater and Collingwood dead, Widdrington under sentence of exile, and Charles Radcliffe in exile, the government felt their estates were ripe for picking.
Collingwood's entire estate was sold in 1719 for a bargain price, and the family lost these lands for good. However, in 1724, Collingwood's widow gained a grant from the profits of the purchase of nearly £10,000 to support herself, her children and her brothers. The estates of the Radcliffes and Widdringtons need closer consideration.