Journal entry – John Grey – 24 Sep 1834

Wednesday 24th



Occupied in making up the calculations of the last two days valuations. Gave instructions to Mr Weatherly, the late Bailiff on the northern Estates, but now established as a Surveyor at Hexham, to go over the Fields in Dilston Haugh that have been intersected & altered by the Railway & Turnpike, to Survey & lay them down upon the Plan, according to their present contents.  It is inconvenient not to know the quantities, in keeping the Tillage Book, but a wrought statement in letting suitable Land like that, might lead to future disagreement and contention, I think it better therefore, to have it ascertained before any mistakes are made.  Directed Mr Hunt to put up a few written Notices, in Corbridge, that any person wishing to occupy some Acres of Land near to the Bridge, as Garden Ground might apply to him for information respecting it, thinking that we should be such means be able to know whether it would be worthwhile, or not, to sever such Land from the Farm.   Examined Mr Bones’ Petition herewith returned, I think his case deserving of relief.  He unfortunately gave a bonus for the Lease of a Farm which has proved too dear; which was in fact giving away part of his Capital for the privilege of wasting the remainder.  As he expected that the Farm contained 306 Acres, exclusive of Pit heaps, of which I should think there are upwards of 20 Acres, it would seem not unreasonable that he should be allowed for them at the average rate per acre over the Farm for the past, & that they be deducted from it in future.  And should those Pit heaps which have been planted on the adjoining Farm, be found to succeed in producing Trees, it would be applying these to the best purpose to plant them too, of this the next winter will give proof.  Directed Mr Hunt on various subjects, & make the necessary arrangements for my absence in the North.  Received £48.9.3 Interest from the Alston Road Trust, & paid £230 as an instalment for the new House. 



[rent calculation entered opposite in pencil:]



Rent £485 taken May 1828

306 If 306 acres gives £485 what will 286 acres give

286                    £453  6  7 1/4

                         31 13  4 3/4

                                     6 yrs to May 1834

                        190  0  4 1/2



Arrears £167 10 last rent day

242 10 another half year due