Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Bell – 7 Jun 1792

Mr John Bell						Farnacres 7th June 1792



Sir

       As in all probability the Hexhamshire and Allendale Division Act will soon receive the Royal Assent I beg leave to mention to you that it appears to me a likely thing that we shall have difficulties in ascertaining what are Incroachments such as are to be comprehended within the

Division and as all such as are to be comprehended must be rode in when the Boundary of the Common is perambulated, at least such of them as touch upon the Boundary, it would seem necessary to take immediate steps for ascertaining as far as may be such Incroachm[en]t which will expedite the perambulation and be otherwise very <vague>. Having been with Mr Heron I named this to him and he told me that some years ago you and he went thro’ the whole of the Incroachments. I therefore hope that from your knowledge of this matter and the Notes you would of course make upon the view with Mr Heron you will be enabled to do a great deal towards ascertaining the Incroachments that are to come into the Division.

       The Long Ditch from Kilhope Cross to Hard Rig Currock between Hexham Regality and Alston Moor manor having lately been cleaned out I wish very much to have a View and thorough examination thereof previous to the riding of the Boundary and that Stakes of Redwood Fir of 6 feet in length sh[oul]d be drivin down at each Angle till their Tops are level with the common surface of the Ground. – I propose Fir as being more likely to continue sound than any other wood and no Sap to be made use of. If you think well of this I will order 80 Stakes to be made at Newcastle and send them up to Alston and will give you, and such others of Sir Thomas Blacketts Agents as may be thought proper, a meeting upon the Spot and see the Stakes fixed and it will be necessary to have Mr Fryers Assistance as he has a Plan with the bearing and measure of each Line which will enable us to ascertain the Angles with precision being 78 in number w[hi]ch with No1 at Hard Rig Currock and Killop Cross will make in the whole 80 places for Posts or Stakes. – I desire to hear from you the first opportunity and am

       Sir Yr Most Humble Servt

       Nich Walton Junr



PS I have every reason to think that Fir will continue sound underground many Hundred years. I w[oul]d propose the Stakes to be 3 Inches Square which will make 30 Feet Cube measure of wood for the whole.