Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    L30/11/339/434
  • Title
    Letter from Mary Yorke to Lady de Grey [sent from St. James' Square?] Remarks about progress of workmen: a lock has been mended. The plumber arrived but could not determine where the water was stopped; he put up a ladder and left, saying he would return immediately, but did not. When the writer sent word that if he did not return she would find someone else, he replied that he was making a leaden coffin for the Duke of Northumberland [Hugh Percy, 2nd Duke of Northumberland] and would return tomorrow.
  • Date free text
    10 Jul 1817
  • Production date
    From: 1817 To: 1817
  • Scope and Content
    Comments realting to 'the great affair of the wall'. A note for Lady de Grey from Lady Hardwicke was delivered yesterday. The writer thought to take it back to Lady Hardwicke to ask if it should be forwarded to Wrest. All the ladies were out, except Lady Cocks who had just returned from Reigate. The writer saw the plan of the new building, but the room was dark and it was not clearly visable. The dining room seemed to be a good size, but at the same time a passage room. Writer discovered that the enthusiasm for improvement did not extend to the young folks. On her return, the writer saw a man in black measuring Lady de Grey's wall, and showed him the mark of 4' 6". Has heard nothing more. His Lordship [Lord Hardwicke?] has been making a speech in the House about Ireland. This morning the corner of the square was filled with carriages etc., the next door neighbours are setting off for France where they are to remian for twelve months. Seperate sheet of paper regarding a visit by James Cocks, returned from Italy, and his comments about what he had seen. Friday morning: the parish drain to the north is finished; the plumber has come and talked of a new leaden pipe, but has agreed to mend the old one. He and Hutchinson dug 2 feet into the ground and found there was no sort of drain to carry the water from the pipe. Bricklayers have been summoned to construct a drain to join the old drain by the gravel walk.
  • Level of description
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