Journal entry – John Grey – 17 May 1834

Saturday 17th May 1834



This being the Great Fair of Stagshaw Bank about a mile from Corbridge, with reference to which I deferred the Rent days in this part till the following Week, a suspension is put to all other business than what takes place there, where all the County is assembled. Prices for Stock were rather upon the decline, yet a great many Sales were effected.  I had conversations with several Tenants, respecting matters connected with their Farms and the payment of their Rents, also with the Railway Agent concerning the line through Fourstones, which I wish them to lay nearer the River, as not more injurious to them, & less so to the Hospitals Property, which he seemed individually willing to accede to & promised that the attention of the Committee should be drawn to my suggestions before fixing the line definitively.  He also undertook to let me know in a fortnight how Allerwash Mill would be affected by it, as upon that must depend the propriety of repairing it in its present situation.  A fine rain came on which will be favorable for the Country, though it rather interrupted the business of the Fair.