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The Bristol & Exeter Railway
and Messrs. John and Robert Sharpe
Contract No. 4E abstract:
1. The Bristol & Exeter was to have branches from Bridgwater, Somerset to Tiverton, Devon.
2. John Sharpe and Robert Sharpe of Sampford Arundel, Somerset [document is not dated but Robert Sharpe's son Charles James was born at Sampford Arundel in 1843]
3. Contract for the value of £24,130, included earth works, bridges, masonry and permanent ballasting. It excluded the laying of the permanent way and rails.
4. The contract was for a section of line extending southwards from a chain stake fixed in the ground in Broadclist, Devon, for two miles and four chains to the parish of Silverton, Devon. (number 69 on the plan).
5. Plans prepared by, or under the direction of Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
6. The contractors were given free access to the drawings and plans, which were deposited with the Resident Engineer, and were at liberty to make copies for themselves if they so desired.
7. The contractors could be paid in installments for work completed, as certified by Brunel, or the principal engineer of the company.
8. PENALTIES:
8.1 The contractors agreed to a penal sum of £2000, if they had not completed half of the total quantity of earthworks within four calendar months, and an additional
£20 for each week until the first half was completed.
8.2 Also the £2000 payment would have to be made if the work was not completed within eight calendar months, and would pay a penalty of
£100 for each week which the work over ran.
8.3 If within any particular fortnight, the contractors failed to make enough progress to complete the works on time (by the judgement of the pricipal engineer) then
the contractors would be liable to pay a penalty.
8.4 If the contractors neglected to take off enough of the turf and top soil a sum of 6d per each square yard would be levied.
9. Any machinery, engines, tools, utensils or materials brought onto site would be considered property of the company. On completion of the contract the company may give them to the contractors, in addition to payment, in consideration of their performance.
10. Works to commence within 10 days of after notice is served.
11. Contractors to maintain the line for 12 months after completion.
12. If, in the opinion of the principal engineer, the contractors were failing to make adequate progress, then the contractors would provide additional workmen, engines, tools or machinery as required by the engineer.
13. The contractors were required to employ at least one foreman on site at all times within the hours of work. If the principal engineer considered any of the foremen to be incompetent, or acting improperly, the engineer could request his removal and replacement.
14. The contractors must not obstruct or interfere with any public or private road or path. Any damages or injuries arising from any such actions would be the contractors responsibility.
15. The contractors were not to make use of any of the land adjoining the ground where the works were being executed, without the premission of at lease two company directors, or of the owners, leasees and occupiers.
16. Waste earth to be deposited wherever the principal engineer determined.
17. The contractors would be liable for the destruction or interference with any viaducts, bridges, masonry work, canals, streams etc. The company reserved the right to award appropriate damages to effected parties and deduct this from the sum owed t the contractors. Any deficiency to be made up by the contractors.
18. If the company had reason at any point to be dissatisfied with the progress or quality of the works, they were to give orders in writing for the contractors to make them good. If after 7 days the contractors had failed to do so then the company would take control of the works and give them to another contractor.
19. If the principal engineer was not satisfied with the quality of materials being used by the contractors, he could request their removal and replacement.
20. If the principal engineer was not happy with the quality of workmanship or construction with any part of the works, he could request that it be taken down and re-done.
21. The contractors had no authority to make alterations, ommisions or additions to the plans.
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