Journal entry – John Grey – 6 Nov 1834

Thursday 6th November



After looking to some repairs, the Wood depot at Haydon Bridge, the new Woodmans house which has been got off one end of the Shed in the Wood Yard, & some damage done to the haugh at Lipwood by the late flood breaking in behind a Wear [sic] by the side of the Tyne, I proceeded to Langley Mills, where I wished to make some enquiry into the practicability and probable cost of making a long horizontal Chimney to convey the Smoke, so injurious to the Cattle in the neighbourhood, towards the top of a barren hill where it could do so little damage.  I am convinced that it is practicable & that the deposit of Lead found in the Chimney, would go far, in a few years to defray the expense of erecting it.  Looked at the house which ought to be occupied by old Mulcaster, but is now deserted, he being still in Jail, & his Wife gone elsewhere.  It was promised that he should hold it & some ground for £10 a year for life.  When he may return to it I cannot tell, but it is in such bad condition, that I shall deem it necessary to have the roof repaired, to prevent its becoming uninhabitable.  Went on to Alston, & had daylight to walk up the Nent & examine the repair of the Bridge & road to which the Board subscribed £5.  It has been well done & is a great improvement upon the old dangerous path.  Passed the evening in conference with the Moor Master & Clerk of Deliveries. 



I regret that I am not able to report any improvement in the productiveness of the Mines in the Hospitals Manors but a good specimen of Ore had that morning been cut in Nent Force Level which the Miners consider a favorable indication.