Journal entry – John Grey – 10 Apr 1834

Thursday 10th



Was engaged with various Letters and accounts, which had accumulated in my absence.  Walked out afterwards to see what had been done in cutting the foundations and drains for the new House, to examine the state of the Dam at Dilston Mill, & see the Road Surveyor respecting the Walls he is building along the sides of the new Road, the Coping of which I did not consider to be sufficient without being pointed with Lime, which he agreed to.  Received from Messrs Murray an estimate of the repairs necessary at Woodhall & Plankey Mills.  The Cylinder at Woodhall is absolutely & immediately necessary, & the Water & Pit Wheels at Plankey so rotten that they are in danger of going to pieces daily & perhaps damaging by their bad condition, other parts of the Machinery.  An Oak had been cut down in the Wood long ago for the purpose of repairing this Wheel, but never yet applied.  It would probably be well to do what is needful at the beginning of the new Leases, by which the Tenants must be bound to maintain the Machinery in good repair.  I have not obtained any other Estimate, & therefore cannot say that a lower than Murrays might not be had, but he has done the Work at Alston & Newlands Mills so well that I think it would not be wise to employ an inferior hand.  The Estimates I shall send for the Boards inspection.