Deposition – John Maughan – 28 Nov 1757

John Maughan, 67, of Upper Houses in Whitfield, born at Greystones where his father farmed and he farmed after him. Described Whitfield boundary, and driving cattle and horses in summer to graze on Hareshaws. He remembered waifs and strays being impounded and released only when the owners had negotiated with Squire Whitfield.

‘About six or seven years ago, he this examinant was Overseer of the Highways in Parmently Quarter and the Roads from Leadgate to Long Cross being presented for being out of repair, one Thomas Read of Aydon was sent by the Justices to view the condition of the said Roads. William Alexander and this examinant attended the said view for Whitfield and Nicholas Watson of Taylorburn, John Richardson of Limestone Brae, John Chester of Hesley Well, and Thomas Armstrong of Ninebanks, all in West Allen, attended for Allendale and the said Watson, Richardson, Chester, and Armstrong all insisted that Allendale had nothing to do with the Repair of the Road from Knights Cleugh Head to the Long Cross.’