Journal entry – John Grey – 14 Oct 1834

Tuesday 14th October



Had a visit of Mr Johnson, an Agent of the Railway Co. & went over with him the Plans of the way through the Hospitals Property from Hexham to Haydon Bridge, pointing out certain alterations which it would be a saving of the Hospitals Lands & for the convenience of the Farms, if they could adopt, also stipulating for the removal of certain Fences & roads, the present lines of which would be rendered inconvenient, by the intervention of the Railway.  To the latter he readily agreed , & undertook also, that the former suggestions should be brought under the consideration of the Directors, who had every wish to meet my views, & who would give me an opportunity of attending their general Meeting to explain & enforce them.  I then went to the Low Grounds of Dilston , where Mr Weatherly is engaged in surveying the Fields that have been intersected by the new Road, to give him instructions - examined our banks & wears which I had not seen since a heavy Flood that took place in my absence & which I found all safe.  Returned to meet Mr Fenwick from Newcastle, whom I had engaged to come here on his way to hold the Courts at Haydon Bridge & Wark, that the Tenants might meet him to sign the Leases which they entered to at May day last. The stamped copies he will transmit to the Hospital. While I retain one in the office here on plain paper, & give another to each Tenant for his guidance. Although the Tenants are much satisfied at getting so cheaply off for their Leases, some of them hesitated to sign them, owing to the Great Depression of markets.