Whitfield

The Low Mill, later known as Whitfield mill, was a smelter situated in Doddbank (or Todbank or Podbank) on the west bank of the River Allen by Cupola Bridge. It was leased by the London Lead Company for 99 years in 1706 but may have been in existence before that date. It was phased out when the London Lead Company bought the Nenthead Mill in 1745 and closed in 1811.

On Dec 5th 1667 Sir Thomas Fenwick leased the lead mines in East and West Allendale to William Pearson. The lease was to expire in 1669 but in 1660 the remainder of the lease was transferred to William Barkett (sic). On 5th Dec 1667 Sir Thomas Fenwick leased the Allendale Mine to Sir William Blackett for 23 years. At the same time Fenwick sold his extensive estates including the Hexham Abbey lands to Sir William. Sir William Blackett purchased the Manor of Hexham from Sir John Fenwick in 1694. (Some sorting out of dates required here!)

Matthew Whitfield, the last of the line, sold his estate to John Ord, a Newcastle attorney. William inherited the estate on the death of his father.

"William Ord MP bought the Manor of Whitfield and Ouston in 1750" - Notes in the front of Woods transcript of the Whitfield Registers.

Extract from old Ordnance Survey map marked up by Woods
with locations from the 1752 Blackett estate map