In the autumn of 1857 John Grey lost his money when the Newcastle Bank failed, and he had to sell “the much loved paternal estate on Tweedside” Writing to his daughter Josie on Christmas day 1857 “ I have not yet disposed of Ord. You are right in thinking of my feelings in regard to it. I often find it presented to my mind’s eye as formerly, in walking by the silvery Tweed, gliding along its shores, covered in parts by trees of my own planting- which I may never look upon again; but I have made up my mind.”

Memoir of John Grey of Dilston by Josephine Butler, 1874, page 204.

John Grey , George's eldest son, was left West Ord which was being farmed by John and Richard Archbold in 1790. He was also left part of the fishing rights on the Tweed called High and Low Bells.

The Will of George Grey of West Ord, Sandy House and Milfield, 30 September 1790. This is a repetitive document which is 11 pages long. The original is held at Durham.‘ Right: George's signature from his will. Reproduced by permission of Durham University Library. (DPRI/1/1791/G5/1-11) & (DPRI/2/30 p208-216)

" 1791 The Will of George Grey formally of West Ord but late of Milfield in the Parish of Kirknewton in the County of Northumberland. ?Gent. decd. Regd."

According to a history of the Ord family .

"Later Ralph Orde, who owned the whole of West and East Ord, died in 1688 without male issue. His unmarried daughter Elizabeth had two illegitimate children by Sir William Blackett. The male child died in 1719. Sir William had no male heir and his natural daughter Elizabeth Orde was made his heir, on the condition that she married his cousin Sir Walter Calverley, and that he Sir Walter change his name to Blackett. Sir Walter and Elizabeth had only one child who died in 1752 and on Sir Walter's death all his estates including Wallington and West and East Ord passed, via his sisters marriage, into the Trevellyan family. In 1769 West Ord comprising 309 acres was let out to Archibald on a 21 year lease at £130 a year and the salmon fisheries at High and Low Bells were let for 9 years at £330 a year. The estates were sold by the Trevellyans to George Grey in 1788."

The fishings were less valuable by 1816 when John Grey wrote to his wife: " Milfield Hill. I was on the far hill this morning before sunrise, and not within doors again till six this evening. George* came here early on Saturday morning, and we rode together to West Ord, where he boated across the river, and went to see his sheep and cattle on turnips on the other side, while I took advantage of the delightful day to mark off the new fences and plantations that are to be done this season. Philip has had hard work to bring the ‘Unity’ sloop to her moorings. She is now tied with cables to the plantation below the house, and I have let her to some men to take to pieces. They had to caulk her to keep out the water, and then fix a row of empty casks along each side to make her float over the shallows. After all she grounded often, and took three tides, and the help of both men and horses to get her home. I suppose there never was so large a vessel as high up the Tweed, and perhaps none whose voyage excited so much observation and amusement since the days when St. Cuthbert’s Stone boat* scudded up the tide. I had two offers for my fishing on Saturday- one of £100 and another of £150- but have not resolved to take either. It is poor doing; but these industrious Dutchmen send so many fish to our markets now, that they are little worth”

Memoir of John Grey of Dilston by Josephine Butler, 1874, page 28.

*George, John's brother.

*refers to the stone boat or coffin broken in two pieces which used to be near the ruined chapel of Tillmouth, where the Till and Tweed met. Now lost it was supposed to be the boat which took the body of St Cuthbert down the Tweed from Melrose to Tillmouth.

(Page 1) This is the last Will and Testament of me George Grey of West Ord in the County of Durham but now of Milfield in the County of Northumberland Gentleman. First I order and direct that all my Just Debts and the Expenses of my Funeral shall be fully paid and satisfied by the Executrix and Executors of this my Will heretofore named And I do hereby Give and Devise unto my Eldest Son John Grey when and so soon as he shall attain the age of Twenty Three years All that my Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold with the several Cottages Garths Lands and Grounds thereunto belonging with their and every of their Rights members and appurtenances situate lying and being within the Town Township Precincts and Territories of West Ord in the County Palatine of Durham aforesaid in as full and ample manner as the same is now in the possession of John and Richard Archbold And also that my one full undivided, fourth part, the whole into four equal parts or shares to be divided, Of all those Piscanies or Fishing Waters situate on the South side of the River Tweed in the County Palatine of Durham aforesaid commonly called or known by the names of High Bells and Low Bells with my full fourth full part of the Batts or Islands on the North side of the said River Tweed adjoining upon the said Fishings and commonly called by the name Low Bells, Batts or Islands and now in the possession of the Old Fishing Company of Berwick (Subject nevertheless to such Mortgages or other Incumberances as shall or may at the time of my decease affect the same )To Hold the same to my said son John Grey his Heirs and Assigns for ever But if my said Son John Grey shall happen to die before he shall attain such age of Twenty Three years and without lawful issue Then and in that case I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold And also the said one full undivided fourth part of the said Fishings, (subject or as aforesaid) unto my second Son George Grey when he shall attain the Age of Twenty One years To Hold the same to my said Son George Grey his Heirs and Assigns forever But if both my said Sons John Grey and George Grey shall happen to die before either of them shall attain such Ages as aforesaid and without lawful Issue Then and in that case I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold and also the said Fishings ( Subject to as aforesaid) to my third fourth fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of me the said George Grey as they shall be or seniority of Age and Priority of birth the Elder of such Son and Sons and his Heirs being always to be preferred to the younger of such Sons and his Heirs. To hold the same to such Son His Heirs and Assigns forever And in default of such issue I Give and Devise the same premisses (subject as aforesaid) to my Daughter Margaretta Grey and her Assigns during the Term of her natural life without impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Fortfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold and also the said Fishings and premisses to John Burn of the Borough of Berwick upon Tweed Esquire and George Cully of Fenton in the County of Northumberland Gentleman and their Heirs during the natural life of the said Margaretta Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders herein after listed from being destroyed But nevertheless to permit and suffer the said Margaretta Grey to receive (subject as aforesaid) the Rents Issues and profits of the said premisses during her natural life for her own use and benefit and from and after the decease of the said Margaretta Grey I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold and also the said Fishings ( subject nevertheless to such Power of charging the same premisses or any part thereof with the payment of the Sum of Six hundred pounds as hereinafter mentioned) to the First son on the Body of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey lawfully to be begotten and the Heirs Male of the Body of such first Son lawfully Issuing And for default of such Issue. I Give and Devise the same Estates to the use and behoof of the Second, third, fourth fifth and all and every other Son and Sons on the Body of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey to be begotten severally successively and or Remainder one after another and as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs male of his body shall be preferred an take before the youngest of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing and for default of such Issue I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold and also the said Fishings and premisses to all and every the Daughter and Daughters on the body of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey to be begotten and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take both the

(page 2) Freehold and Inheritance of the said Premises as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any of such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the surviving Daughter and Daughters of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants if more than one such Daughter and if there shall be but one such Daughter Then I Give and Devise the same premises to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid Then I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold and also the said Fishings and premises unto my daughter Mary Grey and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural Life without Impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the same premisses unto the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural Life of my said Daughter Mary Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Daughter Mary Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premises during her natural life for her own use And benefit and from and after the decease of my said Daughter Mary Grey I Give and Devise the same Premisses ( so charged or chargeable as aforesaid and also subject to such power of charging the same premisses by the said Mary Grey with the payment of the sum of Six Hundred pounds as hereinafter mentioned to the First, Second, Third Fourth Fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons on the Body of my said daughter Mary Grey to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another and as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And for default of such Issue I Give and Devise all the said Premises to all and every the Daughter and Daughters on the Body of my said Daughter Mary Grey to be begotten and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the same as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any of such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the Surviving Daughter and Daughters of my said daughter Mary Grey and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants if more than one such Daughter And if there shall be but one such Daughter then I Give and Devise the same premises to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue as aforesaid and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid Then and in that case I Give and Devise the same premisses to all and every such Daughter and Daughters as I shall happen to leave behind me or shall be born in due time after my decease and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter or Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the same as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the Surviving Daughter and Daughters and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common if more than one such Daughter and if there shall be but one such Daughter then I Give and Devise the same to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue as aforesaid and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid and subject as hereinafter mentioned I Give and Devise All my said Capital Messauge Tenement or Farmhold and premisses situate in the Town Township Precincts and Territories of West Ord as aforesaid (Except the said Fishings) unto my Brother John Grey of Heaton in the County of Durham Gentleman and his Assigns during the term of his natural life without impeachment of Waste and from and after determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the said last mentioned premises unto the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural life of the said John Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainder hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to Permit and suffer the said John Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premises during his natural life for his own use and benefit and from and after the decease of the said John Grey

Two photos of West Ord today from their web site here. Thanks to Carol Lang for permission to use them.

George left an annuity of £50 a year to his wife Mary. This would have an income value of about £80,160.00 in 2012 according to the measuringworth website.

(Page 4) Hereditaments and Premisses at Sandy house aforesaid (subject as aforesaid) unto my said son John Grey when he shall attain the said Age of Twenty three years To hold the same to the said John Grey his Heirs and Assigns for ever But if both my said sons George Grey and John Grey shall happen to die before either of them shall retain such Ages as aforesaid and without having lawful Issue Then and in that Case I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage at Langton And also my said several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and Premisses at Sandy house aforesaid (subject as aforesaid) to my third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of me the said George Grey as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of birth the Elder of such Son and Sons and his Heirs being always to be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and his Heirs To hold the same to such Son his Heirs and Assigns for ever And in default of such Issue I Give and Devise the same lasts mentioned premisses to my said daughter Mary Grey and her Assigns during the term of her natural life without Impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the same premisses to the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural life of the said Mary Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed But nevertheless to permit and suffer the said Mary Grey to receive (subject as aforesaid) the Rents Issues and profits of the said premisses during her natural life for her own use and benefit and from and after the Decease of the said Mary Grey I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage and Langton And Also my said several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid (subject as aforesaid and also subject nevertheless to such Power of charging the same premisses with the payment of the sum of Six Hundred Pounds as hereinafter mentioned) to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons on the body of my said Daughter to begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another and as they shall be in seniority of Age and Priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And for default of such Issue I Give and Devise the same premisses to all and every the Daughter and Daughters on the Body of my said Daughter Mary Grey to be begotten and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the said premisses at as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the surviving Daughter and Daughters of my said Daughter Mary Grey and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies Lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants if more than one such Daughter And if there shall be but one such Daughter Then I Give and Devise the same premisses to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid Then I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage at Langton And also my several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid unto my said Daughter Margaretta Grey and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural life without Impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the same premisses unto the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural life of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to permit and suffer my said Daughter Margaretta Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premisses during her natural life for her own use and benefit and from And from and after the Decease of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey I Give and Devise the same Premisses so charged

(page 3) I Give and Devise the said last mentioned premises charged and chargeable as hereinbefore last mentioned to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of the Body of my said brother John Grey begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing and in default of such Issue as aforesaid I Give and Devise the said last mentioned premises so charged or chargeable as aforesaid to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of the Body of my Brother William Grey of Kimmerston in the County of Northumberland Gentleman begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in and Remainder one after another as they shall be in the Seniority of Age and priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and sons lawfully Issuing So as every Elder of such sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective bodies Issuing AND as to the said one full undivided fourth part of the whole into four equal shares to be divided Of the said Piscanies or Fishing Waters called High Bells and Low Bells with the fourth part of the said Batts or Islands called Low Bells Batts or Islands I Give and Devise the same unto my said brother William Grey and his Assigns during the Term of his natural life without Impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the same premises unto the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural life of the said William Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders herein after Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to permit and suffer the said William Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premises during his natural life for his own use and benefit And from and after the decease of the said William Grey I Give and Devise the same premises to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of the body of my said Brother William Grey begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of birth and to the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as that every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And in default of such Issue as aforesaid I Give and Devise the same premises to the First, second, third, fourth, fifth and every other the Son and Sons of the Body of my said Brother John Grey begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another as they shall be in Seniority of Age and priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing AND in default of such Issue I Give and Devise the said Capital Messauge Tenement or Farmhold and the said Fishings and premises as aforesaid or such part thereof in respect whereof such default shall happen to my own Right Heirs for ever And I Give and Devise unto my said son George Grey when and so soon as he shall attain his said age of Twenty one Years All that my Capital Messauge in Langton in the Parish of Kirk newton in the county of Northumberland And also my several Messuages Farms Lands and Hereditaments in Sandy house in the parish aforesaid and now in my own possession Together with all common Right thereunto belonging Subject nevertheless to an annuity of Fifty Pounds payable out of the said premises to my Dear Wife Mary Grey and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural life To Hold the same to the said George Grey his Heirs and Assigns for ever But if my said son George Grey shall happen to die before he shall attain such Age of Twenty one years and without Lawful Issue Then and in that case I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage at Langton and also my said several Messuages Farms Lands

(page 5) Or chargeable as aforesaid And also subject nevertheless to such power of charging the same premises with the payment of the Sum of Six hundred pounds as hereinafter mentioned to the First, second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the son and sons on the Body of my said daughter Margaretta Grey to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another and as they shall be in Seniority of Age and Priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And for default of such Issue I Give and Devise all the said premisses to all and every the Daughter and Daughters on the Body of my said daughter Margaretta Grey to be begotten and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the same as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any of such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the surviving Daughter and Daughters of my said Daughter Margaretta Grey and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants if more than one such Daughter And if there shall be but one such daughter then I Give and Devise the same premisses to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue as aforesaid (and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid) Then and in that case I Give and Devise the same premises to all and every such Daughter and Daughters as I shall happen to leave behind me or shall be born in due time after my decease and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the same as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any of such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the Surviving Daughter and Daughters and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common if more than one such Daughter and if there shall be but one such Daughter then I Give and Devise the same to the two of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of such Issue and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid And also subject to the further Annuity of Ten pounds to my said Wife Mary Grey upon such contingencies as hereinafter mentioned I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage at Langton And also my said several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid unto my Brother Edward Grey of Morpeth in the County of Northumberland Surgeon and his Assigns during the Term of his natural life without Impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the said premises unto the said John Burn and George Cully and their Heirs during the natural life of the said Edward Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to permit and suffer the said Edward Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premisses during his natural life for his own use and benefit and from and after the decease of the said Edward Grey I give and devise the said premises (charged and chargeable as hereinbefore last mentioned) to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other Son and Sons of the Body of my said Brother Edward Grey begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in Remainder one after another as they shall be in Seniority of Age and priority of Birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons Lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And for default of such Issue I Give and Devise all the said premises to all and every the Daughter and Daughters on the Body of my said Brother Edward Grey begotten or to be begotten and to the several and respective Heirs of the Body and Bodies of all and every such

(page 6) Daughter and Daughters such Daughters if there shall be two or more to take the same as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants and if any of such Daughter or Daughters shall die without Issue of her or their Body or Bodies then as to the share or part of her or them so dying I Give and Devise the same to the Surviving Daughter and Daughters of my said Brother Edward Grey and to the Heirs of her or their Body or Bodies Lawfully to be begotten as Tenants in Common and not as Joint Tenants if more than one such Daughter And if there shall be but one such Daughter then I Give and Devise the same premisses to the use of such one Daughter and the Heirs of her Body And in default of all such Issue as aforesaid (and so charged or chargeable as aforesaid) I Give and Devise the same Capital Messuage at Langton and also my several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid unto my said Brother William Grey and his Assigns during the Term of his natural life without impeachment of Waste and from and after the determination of that Estate by Forfeiture or otherwise I Give and Devise the said premisses unto the said John Burn and George Cully……. and their Heirs during the natural life of the said William Grey Upon Trust to preserve the contingent Remainders hereinafter Limitted from being destroyed but nevertheless to permit and suffer the said William Grey to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of the said premisses during his natural life for his own use and benefit and from and after the decease of the said William Grey I Give and Devise the same premises (charged and chargeable as aforesaid) to the First, Second, third, fourth, fifth and all and every other the Son and Sons of the Body of my said Brother William Grey begotten or to be begotten severally successively and in Reminder one after another as they shall be in Seniority of Age and priority of birth and the several and respective Heirs Male of the Body and Bodies of all and every such Son and Sons lawfully Issuing so as every Elder of such Sons and the Heirs Male of his Body shall be preferred and take before the younger of such Sons and the Heirs Male of their respective Bodies Issuing And in default of all such issue I Give and Devise the same premisses to my own Right Heirs for ever Provided always nevertheless and my mind and Will is that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey or any Daughter or Daughters which I may happen to leave behind me or shall be born in due time after my decease when she or they shall respectively be in the possession of all or any of the said premisses by Virtue of the Limitations aforesaid and whether they shall be sole or Married by any Deed or Writing or Writings under her or their Hand and Seal or Hands and Seals respectively attested by two or more credible Witnesses or by any Writing or Writings purporting to be her or their last Will and Testament or last Wills and Testaments to be by her or them Sealed and published respectively in the presence of three or more credible Witnesses to charge upon the said premisses or such parts thereof as they shall respectively be entitled to under the Limitations aforesaid by way of Demise for any Term or number of years or otherwise as shall be therein expressed each of the said two Capital Messuages Tenements or Farm holds at West Ord and Fishings And the said Capital Messuage at Langton And also the said several Messuages Farm lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid (exclusive of and over and above all other Incumberances affecting the same or any of them) to and with the payment of the Sum of Six Hundred Pounds of Lawful Money of Great Britain by each of my said Daughters when they shall respectively be in the possession of the said premises unto or for the benefit of all and every or any one or more in Exclusion of the Rest of the Child or Children of my said Daughters respectively (other than and except the Eldest Sons…… of my said Daughters respectively for the time being) the same Monies to be raised levied and paid at such time or times and in such parts shares and proportions manner and form as my said Daughters respectively shall by such Writing or Writings or last Wills and Testaments attested as aforesaid Limit direct or appoint with or without Power of Revocation any

(page 7) Thing hereinbefore contained to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And I will and direct that my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey and all and every other my said Daughters my said Brothers John Grey, William Grey and Edward Grey and every of them as and when they shall respectively come to and be in the actual possession of the said Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold at West Ord and also the One full undivided fourth part of the said Fishings And also all the said Capital Messuage in Langton Also the several Messuages Farms Lands and Hereditaments in Sandy house aforesaid so to them respectively devised by Virtue of the Limitations aforesaid shall have full power and Authority to Demise and let all or any part of the said premisses to any person or persons whomsoever for any Term or number of years in possession at the best improved yearly Rent that can be gotten for the same without taking any Fine or Foregift for the making of any such Demise or Lease and so as no such Lease shall be made just dispunishable of Waste and that the Rents to be thereby reserved be made payable to such person or persons as shall for the time being be entitled to the Freehold of the same premisses by virtue of the Limitations contained in this my Will and so as a clause of Reentry be inserted in every such Lease in Case the Rent thereby to be received be not paid within Sixty days at the most ?next after the same shall become due and payable and so as the counterpart of every such Lease be duly executed by the respective Lessee or Lessees therein named And I do hereby Give and bequeath unto my said Dear Wife Mary Grey and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural life One annuity or ?clear yearly Rent or sum of Fifty Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain free of all Taxes and other deductions to be Issuing and payable out of my said Capital Messuage at Langton And also my said several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premisses at Sandy house aforesaid the same Annuity to be paid and payable by equal half yearly payments the first payment to commence and be made at the expiration of Six Months next after my decease And I order and direct on Nonpayment of the said Annuity or any part thereof for the space of Forty days next after the same shall become due and payable as aforesaid that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Wife Mary Grey and her Assigns to distrain for the same and for all Arrears thereof and for the Costs and charges attending such distress or distresses and to impounded detain and keep or sell the same until the said Annuity and the Arrears thereof and all the Costs and charges attending such Distress or distresses shall be fully paid and satisfied And I do hereby direct and declare that the said Annuity hereby given to my said Wife Mary Grey and her Assigns for her life is in full recompense and satisfaction and ?bar of all ?Dower and Title of Dower and ?Hinds?Finds at the Common Law which my said Wife can or may claim or be entitled to of in to or out of any of my said Capital Messuages Lands Tenements Hereditaments and premises whereof or wherein I now am or at the time of my decease shall be ?seized of or for any Estate of Inheritance And my Will and mind is that in case all my Children shall happen to die without Issue of them or any of them in the life time of my said Wife Mary Grey and if she will continue my Widow Then I do hereby Give and Bequeath unto my said wife Mary Grey and her Assigns for and during so long time as she shall continue my Widow and Unmarried One Annuity or further Sum of Sixty Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain free of all Taxes and other deduction to be Issuing and payable out of my said Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold of West Ord aforesaid Also one Annuity or further Sum of Ten Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain free of all Taxes and other deductions to be issuing and payable out of my said Capital Messuage at Langton And also my said several Messuages Farms Lands Hereditaments and premises at Sandy house aforesaid (over and above the said Annuity of Fifty Pounds so charged thereon as aforesaid to my said wife Mary Grey during her life) the said two Annuities to be paid and payable by equal half yearly payments (that is to say) Martinmas day and Whitsunday the first payment to be

(page 8) Made on such of the said days as shall next happen after the decease of all my said Children without Issue as aforesaid Together with all and every the Remedies known in the law for the Recovery of the said Annuities or either of them in case of nonpayment as are hereinbefore given to the said Mary Grey for Recovery of the said Annuity of Fifty pounds And I do hereby declare it to be my Will that my said Estates and premisses shall be alone liable to the payment of any Mortgage Money and other Incumberances which may affect the same at the time of my decease and that no part of my personal Estate shall be applied towards payment thereof until all my personal Bonds or such other Debts as I may happen to owe shall be fully paid and satisfied And I do hereby order and direct and my mind and Will is that in case my said brother John Grey or his Heirs or any other person or persons who shall under and by virtue of the Limitations aforesaid come to be in possession of the said Capital Messuage Tenement or Farmhold of West Ord (Except my own Children and their Issue) Then and in that case I do hereby charge and make liable the said premises at West Ord to and with the payment of the Sum of One thousand Two Hundred Pounds of lawful money of Great Britain to be equally divided amongst all and every the Child and Children of my Sister Margaret Vardy deceased late the Wife of Thomas Vardy of Fenton in the County of Northumberland aforesaid Gentleman to be paid to them their Executors and Administrators in equal shares and proportions without Interest as and when they shall severally attain their respective Ages of Twentyone years And in case one or more of the Children of my said Sister Margaret Vardy shall happen to die before his her or their respective Ages of Twenty one years and without Issue I Give and bequeath the share or shares of him her or them so dying to the Survivors and Survivor of them in equal shares and proportions And I do hereby Give full Power and Authority to the said John Grey or his Heirs or any other person or persons who shall under or by virtue of the Limitations aforesaid come to the possession of the said premisses of West Ord to charge by way of Demise for any Term or number of years the said Capital Messuage Tenement or Farm hold and premisses to and with the payment of the said Sum of One thousand Two Hundred pounds for the benefit of the Children of my said Sister Margaret Vardy in case any of them shall be living when the said John Grey or such other person shall come to the possession thereof but not otherwise Also I do hereby give to my said Dear Wife Mary Grey the use of all my Household Furniture Plate Linen and China for and during the Term of her natural life if she continues my Widow but not otherwise And I do direct that Inventories thereof be taken by my Trustees hereinafter named immediately after my decease And I do hereby declare that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Wife at any time during her Widowhood to give and distribute the same unto and amongst all and every my Children or such of them as shall be then living in such shares and proportions as my said Wife shall by any Writing or Writings under her Hand and Seal testified by two or more credible Witnesses or by her last Will and Testament in Writing or any Writing purporting to be her last Will and Testament testified as aforesaid direct give and appoint and in default of such direction gift or appointment or in case my said Wife shall not continue my Widow as aforesaid Then I Give and bequeath the same unto such of my children as shall be living at the decease or Remarriage of my said Wife to be divided and distributed amongst them in equal shares and proportions by my said Trustees And my mind and Will further is that in case my said Wife Mary Grey shall at any time or times during her Widowhood and until all my children shall attain their ages of Twentyone years be aminded and desirous to live continue and be with my said children in the House wherein I now reside at Milfield or in any other House wherein I shall happen to live and receive from my said Trustees proper and sufficient allowance for her and my Children Board Clothing and Education in as full and ample manner as in my lifetime Then and in that case I do hereby give her full power and Authority so to do And I do direct that the said Annuity of Fifty pounds so payable to her as aforesaid shall for such time or times as she shall so reside with my said children and receive such allowance and board as aforesaid go and pass into the Residuum of my personal Estate and be deemed and taken as part thereof

(page 9) And I do hereby Give and bequeath unto my said Dear Wife Mary Grey the said Edward Grey, John Grey, William Grey and Thomas Vardy their Executors Administrators and Assigns the several Farms now occupied by me during all my Right title and Interest therein And also all the Corn Hay and Straw in my Barns Granaries and Stock Garths and also all the Crops of Corn and Grain that shall be growing upon my said Farms at the time of my decease and all the live Stock consisting of Horses, Cattle and Sheep And also all the Implements of Husbandry in upon or belonging to any of my said Farms and all my ready Money and Securities for Money also at either my personal Estate and Effects of what nature or kind soever (Except my Household Furniture Plate Linen and China) upon the Trusts and for the purposes hereinafter mentioned (that is to say) Upon Trust that my said Wife Mary Grey the said Edward Grey, John Grey, William Grey and Thomas Vardy and the survivors and survivor of them and the Executors and Administrators of such survivor do and shall as soon as may be after my decease and until my said Son George Grey shall attain his said age of Twenty one years continue carry on and manage the several Farms of which I shall be in possession at the time of my death during the Residue of the respective Leases or contracts thereof and not only to do every Act and thing which shall be deemed necessary by them for that purpose but also to take a new Lease or Leases thereof and of any other Farm or Farms And upon this further Trust that if my said Trustees or Trustee for the time being shall think it for the advantage of my said children to sell the Leases of my said several Farms or any of them and the Stock thereof or of any part thereof and to convert all or any part of my personal Estates and the profits thereof into Ready Money I do hereby give them full power and Authority so to do And do and shall in the first place thereout pay and satisfy all such Bonds and personal Debts as I shall happen to owe at the time of my decease and from and after such payments as aforesaid I Give and bequeath the one Moiety or full half part of all the Rest Residue and Remainder thereof unto my said son John Grey his Executors Administrators and Assigns when and as soon as my said son George Grey shall attain the Age of Twenty one years Subject nevertheless to the payment of the Sum of Five hundred Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain a piece to my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey their Executors and Administrators to be paid by my said Son John Grey without Interest when and so soon as my said Son George Grey shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years But in case my said Son George Grey shall happen to die before he shall attain such Age of Twenty one years Then and in that case I do hereby order and direct the said two Legacies shall be paid and payable to my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey by my said Son John Grey at their respective Ages of Twenty one years without Interest And the remaining Moiety or full half part thereof I Give and bequeath unto my said son George Grey his Executors Administrators and Assigns when he shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years Subject nevertheless to the payment of the Sum of Two hundred and Fifty Pounds of lawful Money of Great Britain a piece to my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey their Executors and Administrators to be paid by my said Son George Grey without Interest when and so soon as my said Son George Grey shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years But in case either of my said Sons John Grey and George Grey shall happen to die before he shall attain such Age as aforesaid and without lawful Issue Then I Give and bequeath all the said Rest Residue and Remainder of my said personal Estate (subject and liable as aforesaid) unto the Survivor of them the said John Grey and George Grey his Executors Administrators and Assigns when he shall attain such age as aforesaid And also subject to the payment of the further Sum of Five hundred pounds of Lawful Money of Great Britain a piece to my said Daughters Margaretta Grey and Mary Grey their Executors and Administrators to be paid by the Survivor of them my said Sons John Grey and George Grey without Interest when and so soon as my said son George Grey shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years But in case both my said Sons John Grey and George Grey shall happen to die before they shall attain such Age as aforesaid and without lawful Issue by them or either of them Then I Give and bequeath all the Rest Residue and Remainder of my personal Estate unto and amongst all and every my children which I may happen to leave behind me or shall be born in due time after my

(page 10) Decease their Executors and Administrators in equal shares and proportions share and share alike at their respective Ages of Twenty one years and in case any one or more of my said children shall happen to die before his her or their respective Ages of Twenty one years and without Issue I Give and bequeath the share or shares of him her or them so dying to the Survivors and Survivor of them in equal shares and proportions And my mind and Will is that in case my said Son George Grey shall attain his said age of Twenty one years there shall be any Sum or Sums of Money remaining from my personal Estate and from the Rents of my Real Estate after payment of all my Bond Debts and such other personal Debts as I may owe the allowance for my said Wife and Children and the Legacies to my said Daughters as aforesaid Then I order and direct that the same shall be divided and distributed unto and amongst my said Wife Mary Grey in case she shall remain my Widow and my said two Sons John Grey and George Grey in equal shares and proportions And I do hereby declare that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Wife at any time during her Widowhood to Give and bequeath her part or share of my said last mentioned personal Estate unto and amongst all and every my children or such of them as shall be then living in such shares and proportions as my said Wife shall by any Writing or Writings under her hand and Seal testified by two or more credible witnesses or by her last Will and Testament in Writing testified as aforesaid direct give or appoint And in default of such direction gift or appointment and in case my said Wife shall not continue my Widow as aforesaid Then I Give and bequeath the same unto and amongst all and every my Children who shall be living at the decease or Re Marriage of my said Wife in equal shares and proportions when they shall respectively attain their respective Ages of Twenty One years And I do hereby direct that the share or part of my said personal Estate which shall come to my said Wife Mary Grey by virtue of the bequest aforesaid shall remain in the hands of my said Sons John Grey and George Grey at and after the rate of Four per cent per Annum until the decease or Remarriage of my said wife And in case all my said children shall happen to die without Issue then I Give and bequeath all my said personal Estate unto and amongst my said Brothers the said Edward Grey John Grey and William Grey their Executors and Administrators in equal shares and proportions And my further Will is and I do hereby direct that if any dispute difference or controversy shall when my said son George Grey shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years happen to arise between my said Sons as to the Farms they shall respectively hold or as to the Division of the Stock that may be thereon that then such dispute difference or controversy and all other disputes that may happen to arise touching any of the bequests in this my Will shall be finally ended and determined by my said Trustees or the Survivor of them without any Suit at Law or in Equity or any further trouble on Account thereof or relating thereto And I do hereby commit the Guardianship of all my Children unto my said Wife Mary Grey my said brothers Edward Grey John Grey William Grey and Thomas Vardy and the survivors and Survivor of them and the Executors and Administrators of such Survivor And I do hereby declare that my said Wife Mary Grey Edward Grey John Grey William Grey and Thomas Vardy shall have full powers and Authority until my said son George Grey shall attain his said Age of Twenty one years to receive all the Rents Issues and profits of my said Estates of West Ord and Fishings and Sandy house And shall and ?do out of such Rents pay and discharge all such Interest Money as shall from time to time become due and payable in respect of any Mortgage money that may affect the said premisses And also shall and ?do by and out of the Overplus of such Rents and profits of my said premisses after paying such Interest as aforesaid pay and apply the same for and towards the Maintenance and Education of my said Children until my said son George Grey shall attain such Age as aforesaid and after such payments as aforesaid the Overplus (if any)shall go and pass into the Residuum of my personal Estate and be applied towards payment of any debts as aforesaid And in case my said Wife shall not continue my widow but shall again marry I do hereby order and direct that the Annuities Legacies and bequests hereby made for her and every

(page 11) Other matter clause and thing herein contained shall cease and determine and be no longer paid or payable (except the said Annuity of Fifty pounds payable to her out of Sandy house Estate) and shall not Act in the Trusts or Guardianship of my said children but the same shall devolve upon the remaining Trustees and Guardians And I do hereby name and appoint my said wife Mary Grey my said brothers Edward Grey John Grey William Grey and Thomas Vardy Executrix and Executors of this my Will and Testament hereby revoking all other Will and Wills by me at any time or times heretofore made and I declare this present writing to be my last Will and Testament And I will and direct that my said Wife Mary Grey my said Brothers Edward Grey John Grey William Grey and Thomas Vardy or either of them their or either of their Heirs Executors Administrators or Assigns shall not be answerable or accountable for any loss or damage which shall or may happen or befall any sum or sums of Money which they shall respectively receive by virtue of the Trusts aforesaid unless the same shall happen by their wilful default nor one of them for the other or others of them but each of them for his her or their own Acts Deeds Receipts and conduct only and not otherwise and that it shall be lawful for them or any of them by and out of the same premisses to retain and reimburse themselves and to allow to their co-Trustees or co-Trustee all costs charges and expenses which they or any of them shall or may sustain expend or be put into in and about the Execution of the Trusts hereby to them respectively reposed In Witness whereof I the said George Grey the Testator have to this my Will written on this and the Ten preceding sheets

Set my Hand and seal the Thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand seven hundred and ninety. Geo. Grey Signed sealed published and declared by the said George Grey the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as Witnesses thereto John Ellison James Turnbull Willm. Graham Junr Sworn before me Jo. Rumney ?Serv

This will was proved on the eight day of Octr. 1791 by Mary Grey Widow Edw. Grey John Grey William Grey & Thos Vardy the Exors named To whom admon was granted they having been duly sworn before the Revd Joseph ?Rumney , Clerk ?for will & faithfully to execute etc Under £2000 W Maxwell Deputy Registor

"(1) Sir Walter Blackett of Wallington, Northumberland, Bart., and Dame Elizabeth his wife. (2) Robert Hilton of the City of Durham, Gentleman, and Christopher Denton of Gray's Inn, Middlesex, Gentleman. Lease for a year by (1) to (2) of the Manor of Ord, the Capital Messuage of West Ord, the Capital Messuage of Unthank, the free fishing in the River Tweed called High Bells and Low Bells, and other properties. Consideration : 5 shillings." Dated 8 May, 1753 from Durham Archives. (ff.1-2id "BRA-1041-6a" repository code="GB-UkDhU")

Durham also has: Bundle of title deeds and leases re ½ of High and Low Bells fisheries. BRO 10/1/168b 1788 - 1842. Bundle containing purchase deed by Trustees for the Berwick Shipping Co. of ¾ of Abstells, Whitesands and Boatholes and ½ of High and Low Bells, 6 July 1844; deed of declaration of trust, 6 Sept. 1844; abstract of title to the fisheries, 1844 - 1848; schedule of deeds to a + b, 1844 - 1848 and Sketch of River Bed at South and Low Bells from OS plus memorandum on Low Bells boundaries with regard to the land - island or "Bat": James Paxton. ( BRO 10/1/263)

To be SOLD by Private Contract, THE Mansion- House, Offices and Estate, called WEST ORD, pleasantly situated on the Southern Banks of the Tweed, and near the town of Berwick; containing upwards of 300 acres of rich, arable, meadow and pasture ground; now tenanted by the Executors of William Archbold, deceased, by Lease, which will expire the 12th May, 1785, at the yearly rent of £150. This Estate is free from hay tithe.The tenant pays all taxes and Fesses (except land tax). The above estate is subject to a yearly rent of £2.14s. 8d. Also an Estate, called MIDDLE-ORD, adjoining West Ord, containing near 400 acres of rich, arable, meadow and pasture ground, abounding with good-marle ; has an excellent farm-house and offices, and several cottages; now lett to John Anderson by lease, which will expire the 11th May, 1783, at the yearly rent of £180. Part of this estate is also free from hay- tythe; and the tenant pays all taxes and fesses (except land tax).These estates are freehold, capable of great improvement, and the buildings are in good repair. The tenants will shew the premises. These estates are intended to be sold separate. Likewise to be SOLD, The valuable Fisheries in the River Tweed, called High-Bells and Low-Bells, with the Island, containing about three acres and an half, and a Plot of Ground lying, on the North side of the River, containing about an acre. Also the valuable Fishery in the said river, called Needle Eye and Whitesands. These several Fisheries are freehold, and are now let to Selby Archbold and Partners, for three years, from the 10th October, 1776, at £400. a year. They are intended to- be sold in two lotts. The Tenant of West-Ord will shew the Fisheries. Further particulars may be had, by applying to Mr Tho. Wall, at his Chambers, Paper-Buildings, Temple, London; John Erasmus Blackett, Esq; or Ralph Heron, in Newcastle upon Tyne. The Newcastle Courant.11/07/1778 & 15/08/1778 & General Evening Post (London), September 15, 1778; Issue 6977. Classified advertisements.

To be SOLD by PRIVATE CONTRACT, THE MANSION-HOUSE, OFFICES and ESTATE, called WEST ORD, pleasantly situated on the Southern Banks of the Tweed, and near the town of Berwick; containing upwards of 300 Acres of rich, Arable, Meadow and Pasture Ground; now tenanted by the Executors of William Archbold, deceased, by Lease, which will expire the 12th May, 1794, at the yearly rent of £180. This Estate is free from hay Tithe. Also the ESTATE, called MIDDLE ORD, adjoining WEST ORD, containing near 400 acres of rich, Arable, Meadow and Pasture Ground, abounding with good Marle; has an excellent Farm- house and Offices, and several Cottages; now let to John Anderson, at the yearly rent of £210. Part of this Estate is also free from Hay Tithe. These Estates are Freehold, capable of great Improvement, and the Buildings are in good Repair. The Tenants will shew the premises. N. B. These Estates will be sold either together or separate. Likewise to be SOLD by private Contract, The valuable Fisheries in the River Tweed, called HIGH BELLS and LOW BELLS, with the ISLAND, containing about three Acres and an Half, and a Plot of Ground lying on the North Side of the River, containing about an Acre. These Fisheries are now let to John Burn and Partners, for three Years, which will expire the 10th 0ctober, 1785, at £340 a Year. The Tenant of West Ord will shew the Fisheries. Further particulars may be had, by applying to John Erasmus Blackett, Esq. in Newcastle upon Tyne; or Mr. William Winship, at Wallington. S t. James's Chronicle or the British Evening Post (London, England), June 21, 1785 - June 23, 1785; Issue 3790. Classified advertisements