Journal entry – John Grey – 10 Jul 1833

Wednesday 10th July 1833

	Received from Mr Thomas Dickinson applications from three parties for permission to make trial of certain veins in the Manor of Alstonmoor upon the usual terms, which I have authorized upon his recommendation & which are recorded in the customary manner in the Office Book – Had an interview with Mr Green respecting the repair of buildings at Whittle which were ordered according to estimate of 1832 - & for which he had prepared Timber and made the Doors etc – I afterwards rode to Whittle, to compare the present Buildings & his plan, which I think on the whole as commodious & likely to be done at as little expense as any other that would afford equal accommodation – I also examined all the farm & looked at two good fields of permanent Grass, which the tenant complains that he is now compelled to make hay from instead of grasing Cattle, which would be more advantageous to him, but certainly so to the land, in consequence of their having been cu from access to water, by the planting of the bank between them and the Brook – This planting however, is of many years standing – but I entirely agree with the tenant, that the exclusion from water, very much detracts from the value of the Fields – I wd however rather endeavour to obtain it by boxing or sinking than by making a lane through the wood & down a vert steep bank, as he proposes; and I shall make a trial against winter – 

      I also examined the Mill which is in very fair condition, & has annexed to it about 30 Acres of land of good quality – The Miller expected to have had a Stable built, in coming to the place three years ago, to hold three horses – As it is to join another building, only one gable would be required, which would reduce the expense – The poor fellow had two out of his three horses drowned a few days ago in the flood of the Tyne, & his brother narrowly escaped with his life. He seems to keep his place in good order.



	Thursday 11th July 1833

	I accompanied my Wife and family to Milfield Hill where I remained over the Friday.