THE following item is taken from the Journal of this time in 1752:

"Whereas it has been maliciously reported by some evil-minded persons, in order to prejudice my trade, that I have not workmen sufficient to make such work as I pretend to do, I seek to satisfy the public by taking this opportunity to acquaint them that they may be furnished with all sorts of grates, fenders, plate-warmers, fire shovels, tongs, guns, nails and ironmonger's goods by their humble servant John Soule at his Brick Work near the Henwick Hill Turnpike."