Journal entry – John Grey – 9 Jan 1834

Thursday 9th January



A Wet day throughout. Had a meeting with Mr Walker, Agent for the Railway Company respecting its course through the Hospital estates to the west of Hexham, & requested him to fix particularly its position at Allerwash Mill, as the end of the Stable, which I examined there some days ago is in danger of falling, but if the rail-way should interfere with it, it would not be right to repair it at present. Received the Plans of the proposed House at Dilston from Mr Kay & wrote on the subject to Mr Jay.  There is a Blacksmiths Shop at Haydon Bridge, for which a rent of £3 a year is received.  It is not in good condition and the occupier states his willingness to pay £6 (or perhaps he might be inclined to give more) if the Board wo’d  expend £40 in raising it, so as to give him a room above to live in, & grant him a lease.  The cost of the building according to the calculation which I have got from Benson, will be about £45 besides leading the materials, which the Blacksmith will undertake.  The question with the Board is whether they will lay out the £40 for the additional rent of £3 during a lease of 21 years, at the end of which they will be in possession of improved premises.