Journal entry – John Grey – 3 Jun 1834

Tuesday 3rd June 1834



Had to settle several accounts with Mr Parkin for poor Bates due upon Woodlands. I am of opinion that the Hospital’s Woodlands generally bear too high a proportion in the valuation for the Poors Rates, but as the other contributors, with few exceptions, are their own Tenants, it would do little good, & cause much discontent, to shift a part of the burden from the Hospital to them.  Mr Storey of Wark sent me an account of £4 for work which I found it necessary to order to maintain the Pound fold there, the wall of which had been washed away by a Flood in the Tyne.   I have had several applications for repairs from Tenants in that district, some of whom state that their windows cannot be mended with Glass on acct of the rottenness of the frames, but have not hitherto attended to them, conceiving that the property would be transferred to the Duke.  I shall be glad to have the Boards instructions on this head. I regret to say that a continued drought with frosty nights is affecting the appearance of Corn very much in this Country, much of the Soil being of a gravelly nature & being besides wore out with constant tillage, its moisture is quickly exhausted & the Corn grows sickly for want of nourishment.