QSR1840/4/10/4

Report to the Justices at the Michaelmas Sessions from Francis Giles, County Surveyor

19 October 1840

From: 1840 To: 1840

Due to a severe sprain in his right ankle he is unable to inspect the two works he had repaired before the last Midsummer Sessions (Eaton Bray and Clophill Bridges) or those works he has executed since the last Sessions (repairs of Slapton, Billington and Cow Meadow Bridges), the removal of the prisoners' privy at the Shire Hall and the alterations of the Gaoler's and Keeper's seats in the Crown Court, and the repair of Harrold Bridge. He is also unable to attend the court at Bedford. £30 and £6 were ordered at the last Sessions to be paid for the repairs of Eaton Bray Bridge and Clophill Bridge respectively. As he was not able to see the works at that time and the contractors Messrs Francis were in great need of the money he ordereed the payments to be made to them, relying on their known character to make good any deficiency on his survey. Repair of Slapton Bridge at joint expense of counties of Bucks and Beds - Messrs Francis have reported to him that this work is done. He had arranged to meet mr Green the surveyor for Bucks to survey it but was unable to do so due to his accident. He has required Mr Green to send a copy of his report to Bedford. If that is satisfactory he recommends the sum of £22 to be paid to Messrs Francis subject to his inspection of the bridge. Repairs of Billington Bridge - Messrs Francis have also reported to him their completion - recommends £15 to be paid to them subject to his inspection. Cow Meadow Bridge repairs - Messrs Francis have reported completion and he recommends payment of £12 subject to inspection. Removal of prisoners' privy and alterations to gaoler's and keeper's seats - Messrs Francis have reported these to have been done. Recommends payment of £10 subject to inspection. Repairs of Harrold Bridge - Mr Joseph Hensman the contractor has reported completion. Recommends payment of £17 1s 0d subject to inspection. In pursuance of directions received at last Sessions he wrote to Mr Brown, agent of Lord de Grey requesting him to repair the part of the bridge which belongs to his Lordship, and received the answer annexed. In consequence he has deferred any application to the other owners of the bridge until he has further instructions from the Court. Suggests there should be an investigation of the liability of the County to undertake these repairs. Cupboard with shelves to be put up in the Grand Jury room - has received 3 designs from Messrs Woodroffe - recommends either No.2 or No.3. Stanbridge Ford Bridge - has been requested by the Clerk of the Peace to suspend repairs pending inquiry into improvement of this bridge. Recommends that any work should be suspended until next spring. Requests payment of his salary and assures the Court he will inspect the works as soon as he is able to do so.

item

Giles, Francis,
Hensman, Joseph,
Francis,
Woodroffe,
Brown, Thomas,
Earl de Grey

EATON BRAY, CLOPHILL, Slapton [Buckinghamshire], BILLINGTON, HARROLD, STANBRIDGE, specific bridges, County Surveyor, Bedford Shire Hall