Journal entry – John Grey – 18 Apr 1835

Saturday 18th April 1835



      Set off early to Wark where I met Mr Storey the Bailiff of that district and went over with him the parcels of land & allotments described in the Draft Conveyance to the Duke which I had carried with me to compare with Plans on the spot.  The descriptions seem to be all correctly given.  We then proceeded five miles northward to Bellingham where I wished to examine the Glebe Land, the Incumbent having written to me expressing his Fears that the current which would in time of flood be forced through a dry arch of the new Bridge might break with such force against the Bank as to wash away part of the Field.  There seems to be good grounds for his suspicion.  I therefore pointed out the mode in which I thought a Wear should be constructed to preserve the Land, which Mr Beattie undertook to describe to the Committee under whose direction the bridge has been built, with a request from me that they would take to defending the Hospitals Property, & that he would communicate to me their answer.

      As I trust that no impediment will now occur to prevent the transfer of the Barony of Wark to the Duke, I must take the liberty to request the direction of the Board respecting such communication as it may be thought necessary to give Mr Storey for having performed the duties of Bailiff, since the time that it was expected his services to the Hospital would have terminated.  He had the promise of being retained in the Office by the Duke, & has consequently continued to do the business of the Manor Courts, collect the Tolls of Bellingham Fairs, the Fee Farms Rents and every other requisite business.   He has besides been very obliging in attending to any matters in which I required information and assistance, but as the Duke has not yet got possession of the Property, Mr Storey cannot reasonably expect that he should allow him a Salary.  We had some conversation on this subject today, when I promised to bring it under the consideration of the Board.  

      [marginal pencil note: ‘£40 per annum paid to 31 Dec 1833.  payed at the former rate until the property is made over’]