Letter – Nicholas Walton to Thomas Wood – 29 Mar 1785

Document Type: Letter
Date: 29 Mar 1785
Correspondent: Nicholas Walton
Recipient: Thomas Wood
Archive Source: TNA ADM 66 98
  • Transcription
  • Comments (0)
  • Change font
    If columns/tables do not appear straight, change font
Farnacres 29 March 1785

Directions to Thomas Wood



      He is to go to Langley Lead Mill on Thursday Morning. When there, he is to consider with Messrs. Mulcaster what Iron of different sorts, Cast Iron for the Stamp Mill and its Gudgeons, and Brasses for the Stamp Mill will be wanted, and to make Moulds for such things as the sizes can be ascertained for.

      To consider with Messrs. Mulcaster of the Situation of the Stamp Mill, and as it is intended that the Water Wheel is to be worked at all times when there is spare Water, Messrs. Walton & Turner think it will be proper to have it of the same Diameter as the Wheel that is now in the Mill which is 24 ft.

      As Messrs. Mulcaster are now fully informed as to the intended situation of the new Buildings and know of the Alterations proposed, they will be enabled to explain to Thomas Wood what is proposed to be done, which will shew him in what manner to adapt the several Movements so as to answer the intended purposes. 

      Such Wood as appears to be proper to be made use of, which ought to be winter felled, must be fixed upon, marked and felled with all possible expedition, and <…. …….> got to Langley Mill as will suit the intended uses as soon as possible.

      The Oak Wood which will be wanted must be fixed upon, marked and cut down as soon as possible, and such part of it as will be wanted, removed with[ou]t loss of time to Langley Mill, and the remainder taken care of and an Acct. deliv[ere]d by Mr. Wood or his Man of what Tops and other wood not wanted are left at the place where the wood is cut down.

      A Valuation is to be made of each Tree including the Tops at the time of marking the same, which Valuation is to be sent to Mr. Walton Junr. at Farnacres.

      The Cast Iron and Brasses to be got from Mr. Harrison in Pipewell Gate.

      Thomas Wood is desired particularly to consider whether an Improvement might not be made in the manner of working the Bellows, so as to make the Water Wheel move slower than it does at present, and answer the same purpose.

      It is supposed that the present Wheels with Buckets of the present Dimensions will answer the purpose, but this being only supposition, the Determination of the Fact must be by experiment, and if it shd. be found that the present Buckets are too small, it will only be proper to take off the present Buckets, to increase the Breadth of the Soles, and to enlarge the Buckets, as there is not a Doubt but there is a sufficiency of Water to do the whole works with a Wheel of 24 ft. Diameter at the High Mill exclusive of the Slag Mill Works after the making of the last mentioned alteration of enlarging the Buckets.

      Walton & Turner

Leave a comment

We welcome further information or corrections on topics and incidents mentioned in individual letters. It might take a while before your comments are checked for adding to public view within the website. We cannot undertake further research in response to questions.

Your email is never published nor shared. Required fields are marked *

*

General Discussion
Suggested correction or addition

*

  Return to search results or refine/create new search
The Dukesfield Smelters and Carriers Project aimed to celebrate and discover the heritage of the Dukesfield Arches & lead carriers' routes between Blaydon and the lead mines of Allendale and Weardale. A two year community project, it was led by the Friends of the North Pennines in partnership with Hexhamshire and Slaley Parish Councils and the active support of Allendale Estates. It was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the generous support of other sponsors. Friends of the North Pennines: Charity No:1137467