Journal Entry – William Hooper – 4 May 1833

Saturday 4th May 1833



Mr Walker of Broomhaugh brought me his proposal for renting Prudham Stone Quarry for fourteen years, upon terms which I had previously agreed with him to recommend to the Boards acceptance. – In the event of the Railway affording a cheap conveyance for this stone, there is every prospect of considerable demand, and the rent will, according to the conditions, increase in proportion. I have secured the privilege of obtaining whatever stone we may require for the purposes of the Hospital, at the mere expense of winning, which is all we gained by keeping it in our own hands, and as there is abundance of stone, I strongly recommend to the Board the acceptance of this offer, in which case I shall draw up three agreements to be signed by the Board and the Tenant, in the same way as with the farms. I told Mr Walker that if the Board accepted his offer, it could only be on the condition of a covenant for him to undertake to make immediate compensation for any damage which the working of the Quarry may directly or indirectly occasion to the adjoining property.



Receive a communication from Mr Lownds as to the mode in which he wished the remainder of the lead to be sent to Newcastle, and gave directions accordingly. Accompanied by Mr Hunt I examined into the whole of the Houses and lands occupied on Annual tenancy at Haydon Bridge, with a view to ascertain the value, and consider what alterations may be necessary.