Journal entry – John Grey – 2 Nov 1833

Saturday 2nd November 1833



Rode in the morning to Haydon Bridge and met Mr Howden to consider of the best and cheapest mode of constructing the conduit to carry water across the field previous to its entering the pipes at the Alms Houses, by which it is to be conveyed to the Inn.  Mr Howden is to ascertain the price at which circular tyles can be brought from Newcastle, which are better than a stone conduit, if they can be had at the same cost.   Proceeded to the farm of Lees to inspect it, with a view to its future management, this being the only farm of those now to let, which I had not hitherto examined.  The land is in fair condition, but many of the fences are old and bad, & the housing is very much so.  Returned by Esphill & Lightbirks, to which the present Tenant entered only at May Day last.  He complained at that time to Mr Hooper of the manner in which the new Turnpike had cut small angular pieces of the fields making then inconvenient to cultivate, & wished to have some fences removed that the detached pieces might be annexed to adjoining fields.  Mr Hooper left it to me to examine and decide upon the propriety of doing so, which I necessarily deferred till after the harvest was over.  I fully concur in the necessity of removing some of the fences though not to the extent desired by Mr Peacock & of making one new fence.  I shall desire Mr Hunt to measure the Hedges to be taken up and to let it by the lump, to some of the labourers in the neighbourhood during the winter while work is slack.  The expense will not be great. Reached home after dark having been drenched in rain for eight hours.