Journal entry – John Grey – 26 Aug 1833

Monday 26th August 1833



       I was surprized by a visit from Mr Shield of Stublick this morning, informing me that Mr Bell had advanced several new claims, such as leading to drains, working the turnip land of next year, as a preparation for this years corn crop, although he had last year, the benefit of the turnips produced, changing some roads etc, in consequence of which the arbitrator on the part of the Colliery Lessees, had declined to enter into the valuation at all.  After the trouble I had taken to investigate Mr Bells claims, and the pains I had been at, to do justice go both parties, & the conclusion to which, as I hoped, I had finally brought all matters in dispute by obtaining their signatures to a written agreement, I did feel that in the raising of claims so unheard of and inadmissible by Mr Bell, was taking a step beyond the ordinary scope of human patience to submit to.   I immediately addressed a letter to the Arbitrators enumerating each distinct item upon which, according to the Agreement, they were required to put a value, and stating that if either party should neglect or object to have that acted upon forthwith, I should sent Mr Hunt to take possession of the Corn and have it reaped on account of the Hospital, leaving the objecting party to find his remedy.  This Mr Shield willing acceded to.   Mr Shield had previously bargained to pay Mr Bell £27 for the Corn growing upon that portion of the land occupied by Turnbull.   

       I am informed by a Letter from the Surveyor of County Bridges that the Fences at the south end of the Bridge here, belong to the Trustees of the Hexham Roads and not to the County, they having been altered by the change of Road.   I don’t know how this happens to have been omitted in former settlements with the Trustees or that no permanent fence has ever been put up; but have written to Mr Ruddock, Clerk to the Trustees, respecting it.  A Stone wall is the only fence in such a situation.  After being released from the Office, I spent some hours among the workmen on the Tyne Banks - the flood in the river having entirely subsided, they had returned to the Wears which they had been driven from, & which, I was glad to find had not sustained the slightest injury in the interval and gave me great hope that they will not affect the purpose which I anticipated.