Journal Entry – William Hooper – 23 Feb 1833

Saturday 23rd February 1833



In a Minute of the late Board of Directors, dated the 8th of February 1826, the Receivers were directed to carry into effect all the arrangements proposed by Mr Taylor, and among these, was the building of Receiving Houses for collecting the Duty ore, in three different parts of the Manor.  Upon this order, without further reference to the Board, the Receivers agreed for the purchase of land necessary for the one at Nenthead, and also for that at Hudgill Burn, and built the Receiving Houses at an expence of more than twelve hundred pounds!, but up to this hour the land has never been conveyed to the Hospital, nor the consideration money paid, and one of the parties in particular, claimed interest upon the purchase-money.  The lands in question belong to three distinct proprietors of the name of Dickenson, the cheapest of which was from Mr Thos. Dickenson the Moor-Master – the whole amounting to about £37. – Having consulted Mr Bainbridge as to the most inexpensive mode of obtaining a safe conveyance of the property, I instructed him to prepare an instrument which he considered would be effectual, and which several of the Tenants who have executed and paid for their Leases, applied to me claiming a return of the expenses, on the plea of these others remaining exempt from it.  Under these circumstances, I see no other way of getting over the difficulty, than that of giving each of the refusing parties notice to quit – the terms expire in 1836, and the notice to quit can only be acted upon in 1834, and should the Hospital be obliged to let them for these two years at a few pounds less rent, which is not improbable, it will be a far less expensive and less objectionable evil, than refunding the Lease-money.  I will be glad of the Board’s instruction on this, recommending that I should be directed to serve the notice, so as to put an end to the claim of the other parties, and make the best terms I can for securing the tenancy of these farms till 1836, when most of those in the Manor will be out of Lease.  A deputation of Miners applied to me stating the inconvenience and loss they were sometimes liable to, and which also caused loss to the Hospital, by the necessity of their being obliged to allow veins to remain dormant and unworked for three months, in order to get rid of refractory or insolent partners, and requesting that regulations to obviate this necessity might be established, similar to what has been done by the Marquess of Cleveland.  I asked to see these regulations, but a copy could not be obtained.  One of the party however undertook to procure them, and give them to Mr Dickenson, who is to forward them to me, when I promised to give the subject consideration, and report it to the Board.  Matthew Hetherington the Tenant of Lowbyer Inn applied to me, stating the losses he is now sustaining, from the total want of business, and that he believed it would be impossible for him to continue the Inn upon any terms.  Upon a full explanation of his expenses and returns, there appeared too much truth in it, and I believe nothing but his excellent management could have kept him from ruin.  I asked him, if he would feel disposed to try the House at Haydon Bridge, which he seemed much disposed to do, and it is my opinion that if such an arrangement can be made upon proper terms, it would be a very desirable on for the Hospital.  Mr Dickenson of Spency  Croft South Farm (the Moormaster) also applied for a reduction of rent, stating that he could not continue it upon the present rent, and that he would prefer submitting the farm to competition – I told him, I could not advise the Board to reduce the rent, or to advertise it at the period; but if he desired it, the farm could be advertised for a term in the Autumn to be entered upon in May 1834, and that I would have no objection to submit to the Board to lower his rent for the year commencing in May next, to the sum it might afterwards let for, should there be any reduction.  I also agreed to his sister continuing to occupy Old Manor Farm for one year from May next, and that it should be advertised for a term with Spency Croft.



Returned to Haydon Bridge, and found that my decision at Dilston Mill had produced the desired effect, and that on Monday next, I was to have full and entire possession.