Journal entry – John Grey – 14 Mar 1834

Friday 14th March



I left Haydon Bridge early, intending to make a long excursion through the farms to the North of the Tyne.  Proceeded by Rattenraw, Tofts & to Grindon, examined the planting of the Ground from which the Trees had been burnt last year.  Much of it is done, but some parts are still too wet, in which I directed the Woodman to make open drains to carry off the surface Water.  Traversed the wide Allotments of Grindon Common to see where the Trials for Ore are intended to be made and to examine some stone fences under repair.  Came to Brokenheugh Colliery to ascertain the number of men employed and the state of the Workings.  The Seam is growing thinner of good Coal & the refuse increases & from present appearances, will be exhausted by the end of the Term which is at May 1835. Came through the farms of Brokenheugh, Allerwash & Fourstones to the Colliery there, wishing to ascertain the state of their Workings, for having been driven from the whole Coal by press of Water to work in the broken Coal, or pillars left formerly for the support of the Roof, part of which I understand to be below the village & Farm Buildings, there seemed reason to apprehend that if they were removed & a ‘Creep’ to follow, the buildings might suffer injury.   I found that my information was so far correct as to the working out some pillars, but Rewcastle assured me, that they were not in a situation to endanger the Houses.  I warned him to be up in his guard, as if damage should ensue, it must be at the risk of the Lessees.  I had some thoughts of going down the Pit, but finding that one of the Workmen had been killed only yesterday by the falling in of the roof, I considered it prudent to desist, especially as my exploring it could not have been attended with much good.  Under the circumstances of both these Collieries, it will be proper to have the examination of a practical Viewer, to see that the Hospitals interests are not prejudiced. Proceeding  by Westwood to see the new Cottages which are nearly built there, I reached Corbridge after a ride of nine Hours.