I think the abundance of farms were long term "rentals", and I do see the farms you mentioned "to let" in the old newspapers on occasion.
However, I have not yet finished hunting, but I did come across an interesting (and very long!) article, which was a letter written by a Samuel Walker, of Hope Farm, Baildon, in 1878.
He appears to be looking for land to buy in New Zealand.
If this Samuel is a son of John, perhaps you are interested in it. He mentions a "Tom" a lot, who is also looking to buy land, perhaps a brother. (It is far too long to type up if there is no family connection!)
And welcome to Rootschat!
