Journal Entry – William Hooper – 16 Jan 1833

Wednesday 16th January 1833



Enquired as to the practice and usual charge for the copy of a Plan such as Throckley Enclosure, and found that two guineas would be usually charged by surveyors of eminence; Accordingly sent to Mr Fryer stating what I had done, and offering to pay him two guineas, and £2.5.0 for the Vellum and Case – He was absent, and not to return until Monday. Arranged with Mr Bewcastle to settle the account upon these terms, if Mr Fryer will give a bill & receipt. Mr Fryer, and his father previously, had for very many years been employed an surveys, and Plans required by the Hospital, and from the testimony of the Clerks, some stated facts, and reference to Plans, his charges have been grossly extravagant, and his surveys not very accurate; while in every case of Inclosure, wherein he has been named in the Act to Survey and Allot, there has been much disregard of the Hospital’s Interests as Lords of the Manor. The notoriety of this fact was illustrated to me by the following anecdote which I deem it right to record. When the Receivers rode the Boundaries of Hareshaw Common, with a view to its enclosure, some years ago, a Workman of the Duke of Northumberland, accosted the Gentleman who held the flag at one boundary, and said ‘Well then, I suppose there is to be an inclosure Act for this Common? – I am thinking, if so, I can tell ye the Lords allotment? It will be ‘Blackamoor Skirts’ for nothing will ever thrive there, and ye always hae the worst of it.’ 



Sent the Plan and Copy of Throckley Award to the Hospital.

Wrote to Mr Cookson to expedite the transfer of the Lead Wharf Lease, and to request a note from him consenting to pay £350.



Engaged all day in arranging Papers etc for removal.