Order of Wm Lasdall, Official Principal of the Consistory Court of York that the inhabitants of Clifton and parishioners of St Olave’s were to pay their tithes to Sir Wm Robinson, Kt. Subscribed 'This mandate was executed by me, John Bellwoode, 13 July 1634'.
For payments by Sir Wm. Robinson and Sir Tancred Robinson of land tax assessemnts, poor, church and highway dues for various properties in Clifton. (on the dorse of a receipt dated 10 Mar 1701/2 are Wm Etty’s receipts for the several sums of £25, £5 and £15 received by him in 1702 for work done at Sir Wm Robinson’s house).
For land tax, window duty, poor assessment of Mint Yard, church dues and (17 Apr 1734) the rebuilding of Skip Bridge and transportation of felons, payable for Sir Wm. Robinson’s house in Blake Street.
Receipts for keeping Clifton Court. 11 receipts of Wm. Bowes for £1 1s. p.a. received from Sir Tancred Robinson for holding Clifton Court each Michaelmas.
Includes rent for Ascrigg Mill, land tax for lands in Clifton, Strensall, Towthorpe, Earswick, Haxby. Osbaldwick and Murton, tradesmen’s bills, grocer’s accounts, salaries of the Vicars of St Olave’s and Strensall, his sister’s (Mary Robinson’s) annuity, payment for a rampart at Walmgate Bar, carriage duty, fee farm rent, rents to the Vicar of Skelton and the Archbishop, glazing Osbaldwick church windows, repairing Skelton churchyard fence, repairing and leading the windows at Giles House without Bootham Bar, and for Sir Tancred Robinson’s monument made by John Carr.
For £4 from Wm Robinson.
For £3 10s from Sir W, Robinson, Kt.
Copy notice that some burgesses of Pontefract had contracted for the free farm of the tithe of grain and hay of the rectory of Clifton (amongst others) at £7 7s p.a., for the use of the school master of the free school in Pontefract, the poor in Knowles’s almshouse and St Nicholas’s Hospital in Pontefract.
For £3 10s (printed form).
For £3 13s 6d.
For £7.
Also includes Sir Thomas Robinson’s papers and correspondence relating to his purchase of the estate from Sir William Robinson, his nephew.
From Rt. Bewlay at York. He had viewed the estate and valued every close according to the old survey. The closes had been divided since it was made. He thought the rents would remain at £515 2s 0d p.a. There were some bad tenants. Housing was in a bad condition as Sir Tancred (Robinson) would not spend money on repairs. He could not advise on how many years purchase should be offered. Land in Yorks. Had recently been bought 'more by humour than teal value'. And had risen from 20-27 to 33-40 years’ purchase. The map of Rawcliffe could only be amended after a new survey. Enclosed. Details of unexpired leases of the estate.
To Mr Bewlay. Sir Wm Robinson’s estimate of £`4000 as the value of Rocliffe was too high, but he had offered £12,000 to prevent the estate going out of the family. Desired Mr Bewlay to meet Mr Bowes and give their joint opinion of the true value. Enclosed a copy of Sir Wm Robinson’s estimate.
Wm Bowes to Mr Bewley re the value of Rawcliffe Manor. He consider 38½ years purchase, the price Sir Wm (Robinson) was asking Sir Thos. (Robinson) to be reasonable. Rawcliffe was in good condition and near York. Good lands in Yorks. Were selling at 35-40 years purchase. The land tax did not amount to 10d in £1, when that tax was 2s. no valuation had been made of the 200 acres of common, of which 3 or 4 tenants reaped the whole benefit. If the common were enclosed it would increase the value of the estate. Few estates worth £500 p.a. were 'less burthened with farm-houses'. Fewer than 4 would suffice if the lands were let to York Butchers. Expresses his regard for Sir Thos. Robinson and hopes he will be the purchaser. The manor would sell for more if it were advertised and probably more still if sold in parcels.
Rt Bewlay at York to (Sir Thos. Robinson), informing him of his meeting with Mr Bowes. As Sir Wm (Robinson) had no children, the estate would probably descent to Sir Thos’s son. The whole estate could be sold for 35 years purchase. Mr Bowes thought a great part of it would sell for 40 years purchase. The estate was very desirable by reason of the turnpike road would enable the and adjoining closes to be let to the York people for conveniency, for more than their real value. The housing was in poor condition. He had received £100 from Mr Worsley.
From Rt. Bewlay enclosing (and correcting) a letter from Mr Bowes. No estimate could be made of the common, it being let with the farms, unless they could be let for the same rent without the common and it could them be enclosed.
Sir Thomas Robinson to Mr Bewlay, thanking him for his opinion. He would not increase his offer of 35 years’ purchase to his nephew although he expected the latter would try to get more by advertising the estate. Doubted whether this would prove successful.
From Rt. Bewlay. Closes near York and the turnpike road would sell at 40 years purchase; he would not predict the sale price of the rest. Regretting that agreement could not be reached with Sir Wm (Robinson). Enclosing a bill for £100 from Mr Worsley.
On the value of the reversion of £14,000 after the decrease of a person whose life is valued at 12 years, the rate of interest being 3½% or 4%.
Thomas Robinson to Whitehall to his nephew, Sir Wm Robinson, repeating his offer of £12,000 for the immediate purchase of Rawcliffe estate or £8000 for the reversion, and his proposal to refer the matter to arbitrators.
Of Wm Robinson at Park Place replying to his uncle: also regretting their disagreement, but refusing to sell Rocliffe for £12,000. Would accept £9264 19s 3 d for the reversion, (the true present value of £14,000 to be received 12 years hence at 3½% compound interest) Considers arbitration unnecessary between friends.
With the terms of their leases, and details of annual disbursements from the Rawcliffe estate. Land Tax when assessed at 4s. in £1 amounted to £40 16s and 3d and was paid by (Sir Wm Robinson). He considered it should be paid by the tenants. Rocliffe was bought from Wm Singleton in 1582, and belonged before then to the Ingleby’s.
From Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place, acknowledging receipt of the last half year’s rent charge and a promissory note for £850, which completed the payment of the consideration money. His wife was rather better and would be glad to see Sir Thos’s daughter, Fanny, when she was passing through.
From Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place informing Sir Thos. Robinson that Mr Boldero had brought the deeds, and that he and Mr Wilmott would meet him the next day to execute them. Mr Boldero would take care of the ceremony to be performed in Westminster Hall, either by his wife’s appearance or by Commission.
Suggesting that Sir Thos. Robinson pay £4.000 or £5,000 down and the remainder by instalments at £2000 p.a. and mortgage the estate to Sir Wm Robinson as security for the remainder.
From Sir Wm Robinson at York. He hoped Mr Bewlay and his principal Mr Brooks would accept his proposal of £4 p.a. for Rocliffe instead of £10 p.a. He was to receive their answer next morning before Commissioners met, and would return to Newby the following day. Postscript. He had agreed with Mr Bewlay and Mr Brook to pay £5 3s. 10d additional land tax and was going to the cockpit to acquaint the commissioners that there would be no interruption to the ….. Bill.
From Sir Robinson at Newby expressing his hope that the land tax had been finally fixed, excluding only improvements Mr Bewlay’s copies of letters, rentals and land tax bills were correct. He would be away from home during the Assizes, having promised to attend the High Sheriff in York
From Sir Wm Robinson at Soho Square, on the question of a qualification. He suggested putting Sir Thos. Robinson in possession of Rocliffe for £3,000, the value the latter put on the fee when he bought the reversion. The rentals had increased since them from £515 2s 0d to £539 12s 0d. Recommended him to continue Mr Ellis as his steward.
Number of leases expiring each year, present rents and proposed increases. Names of tenants whose leases expired in 1756, 1757 and 1758 with amount of rent paid and the increase.
For rents received for Lord Gratham and disbursements made.
Addressed to the Rt. Hon. Sir Thos. Robinson.
To Mr Bewlay at York, requesting him to obtain from Mr Ellis of Clifton particulars of Sir William Robinson’s estate of Rocliff with some lands in Skelton, which the latter wanted to sell: and to advise as to the number of years purchase which would be considered reasonable. He might consult Mr Bowes for the purpose.
From Rt Bewlay at York, promising to inspect the estate as soon as he obtained the survey from Sir Wm (Robison) Mr Ellis had informed him that the estate was worth more than £550 p.a.
From Rt. Bewlay at York, promising to inspect the estate as soon as he obtained the survey from Sir Wm (Robinson). Mr Ellis had informed him that the estate was worth more than £500 p.a.
From Rt. Bewlay at York to Sir Thos. Robinson, Knight of the Bath, at Whitehall. He had received the map and rental of Rawcliff from Mr Ellis and would view the estate as soon as the weather improved.
Incomplete series.
From Henry Boldero at London to Mr Elias Ellis at Clifton near York, informing him that he has credited Lady Robinson with £100 guineas on his behalf.
Includes Terrier of Rentall of York and Acomb (1738), note of purchases made at York (to 30 December 1740), contents of land at York and Acomb (1740). Terrier of Rentall of York and Acomb (1746), Terrier of Clifton (1746) and Clifton Rentall (1746).
Accounts of the produce of Rowcliffe Ings and Unthank Close, estimates of the profits thereof, costs of foddering horses, summer pasture on the Manor Shore, amounts of manure let to Unthank Close.
Paid for each part of the estate in 1742, with a note of subsequent abatements and additions.
Number of cattle belonging to tenants at Rocliffe which died of distemper; and the contributions made towards their loss.
From Wm Bowes at York to Sir Wm Robinson at Park Place, London, informing him that the inhabitants of Walmgate were about to petition Parliament for an Act enabling them to relinquish their right of common in the town-fields of Foulford in exchange for land to be held in severalty. He suggested that such a scheme for Clifton would be most beneficial. Mr Ellis agreed that it would improve Sir Wm’s estate and enable the inhabitants of Clifton to get rid of the City’s claim which was 'always troublesome and sometimes expensive'. It would also enable the family to enclose Clifton and Rocliffe moors and to increase the rents of a great many valuable closes near York.
Also includes a copy, giving acreage, annual rent and value of all property, his wife’s jointure, legacies and bonds. Total assets amounted to £14, 073.
Includes a tithe dispute between the curate of St Olave's and Sir William Robinson; papers between the curate of St Michael le Belfrey and Sir William Robinson, and papers relating to a riot on Rawcliffe Moor.
Last Michaelmas Term a son in law of Mr Bellwood discussed with him the stipend to be paid by Wm Robinson, which he alleged had been awarded to him by the Judges of Assize for reading the scripture at Marigate church. He expected the writer to remember that Wm Robinson had promised an allowance to his father in law. Suggests that he give him something “to stoppe hys mouthe”, and asks him to assist Thos. Scudamore.
Includes various papers relating to the dispute, including copy bills, answers of the Dean and Chapter, copy answers, exceptions, letter, receipt and expenses.
Elizabeth Harling of York, widow and executrix of Peter Harling, innholder, deceased, oratrix, and Timothy Hudson of York, tanner, orator; William Knight, rector of St Trinity, Goodramgate, vicar of St Maurice & curate of St Michael le Belfrey and others unnamed, defendants. Timothy Hudson had been seised, in fee simple, prior to 1721, of a close containing 3 acres of meadow at the Bowtham end of Clifton, and had leased it to Peter Harling with a close of pasture containing 2 acres, whereon a house formerly stood. The latter close was used as pasture, 1721-5. Peter Harling held it until his death about 1 year ago. Although no tithes had been demanded from the close by the Dean and Chapter or by any curate of St Michael le Belfrey within living memory, Wm. Knight, for the last 7 years rector of St Trinity Goodramgate, and vicar of St Maurice and now also curate of St Michael le Belfrey by appointment of the Dean and Chapter, had brought an action against Peter Harling in the Ecclesiastical Court for non-payment of tithe of 3 acres of meadow. He claimed the penalty of the double value of the tithes of hay for 1721-25. St Michael’s church was not a rectory and had no rights of baptism or burial distinct from the Cathedral Church of St Peter. The rectory of St Wilfrid’s was united with St Michael le Belfrey giving it the reputation of a rectory.
Subscribed 9 September 1738. Mr Taylor received in his lifetime £29 13s, in full satisfaction of his charges.
As in CLY/3/1/12/1. Includes the statement 'N.B. this poor parson was drawn into this suit, by the Dean and chapter of York, obliging him to accept a Lease from them of these Tyths at £8 a year when they appointed him their Curate, tho’ they have had no right to these Tyths since the Dissolution of the office of Treasurer in the Church of York.' Paper. 14 sheets.
Of Elizabeth Harling, widow, and Timothy Hudson, tanner. They did not know the acreage of Eliz. Harling’s land nor that it was leased from Timothy Hudson. They leased the rectory of St Michael le Belfrey to Wm Knight, 6 June 1721, and the tithes thereof were due to them or their said lessee. Paper. 7 pages. Incomplete.
Of Wm Knight, Clerk, one of the defendants. He did not know how much land Eliz. Harling possessed in Clifton out of which he claimed tithe, but believed it to be more than 4 acres, as the land was let for £6 p.a.: he did not know the land to have been leased by her husband from Timothy Hudson. He had been Rector of St Trinity, Goodramgate, and St Maurice for 7 years; he was subchantor and one of the Vicars Choral, but not at the time when he leased the rectory of St Michael le Belfrey from the Dean and Chapter, 6 June 1721, about a fortnight after his induction as rector of St Trinity and St Maurice. Paper 12 sheets.
Of Mr Knight, defendant (as above, CLY/3/1/12/5).
Paper. 4 sheets.
13 exceptions only. Paper. 4 sheets.
Francis Taylor to Sir Wm Robinson, proposing to raise the cost of the tithe suit against Mr Knight by a levy of 3s in £1 on the lands in Belfrey’s parish.
Of Francis Taylor for £17 4s paid by Sir Wm Robinson, Bart., towards the cost of the tithe case.
Bill of Expenses incurred and Receipt of Cath. Clapham, widow of Chas. Clapham, for £15 for his fees.
Of Timothy Hudson for £21 12s. He had charged only for his payments, not for his time, but hoped that Widow Harland would be compensated for her attendance over a period of years.
Robinson; familyWilliam Bowes, gent. of York, to Sir Tancred Robinson, Bart, of Newby, in £100. To indemnify the owners of lands and tenements in Clifton in the parish of St Michael le Belfrey against the executors of Francis Taylor, decd. They had entered a bond to pay his fees and disbursement in a cause between Eliz. Harling, widow, plt, an Wm Knight, clerk, dft. Concerning the payment of tithes. The fees had been paid before Francis Taylor’s death, after which Wm Bowes had succeeded him.
Of Wm Bowes for £30, his costs in the case Harling v. Knight.
In the Court of Exchequer, of John Bellwood of York, clerk, vicar and curate of the rectory of St Olive’s parish. Claiming that on the Dissolution of St Mary’s Abbey a stipend of £6 was granted to the vicar of that church and his successors to be paid by the impropriator of the rectory. He was also to receive his diet and to be allowed to pasture his cattle on the common. The complainant had been admitted as vicar by Toby, (Tobias Matthew), Archbishop of York, 32 years previously. Sir Wm Robinson of Rawcliff, Kt. impropriator of the rectory had received tithe worth nearly £200 p.a. for 20 years, but for the last 14 years had refused to pay the vicar his salary of £6 p.a., provide his diet worth £20 p.a. or allow him to pasture his cattle on the commons of Rawcliff or Clifton, worth 40s p.a. Requesting a writ of subpoena against Sir Wm Robinson. Paper, 9 sheets.
By Sir Wm Robinson, Kt., dft. He did not know that John Belwood was Vicar of St Olive’s nor that a stipend, diet and right of pasture had been granted to the holder of that office since the Dissolution of St Mary’s Abbey. He did not know that such payments had ever been made or that the complainant had been appointed and admitted as vicar. He had been impropriator of the rectory for 22 years and had received the tithes worth about £100 p.a. the complainant had made no claims to the salary etc. until recently. Endorsed for Sir Wm Robinson at Mr Barker’s, a goldsmith near Charing Crosse. Paper. 9 sheets.
John Bellwood to Sir Wm Robinson in £100, to accept the arbitration of Sir Bourchier of Beningbrough Grange, knight, and Wm Weddell of Earswicke, Esq. on his dispute with Sir Wm Robinson. Paper. Signed and sealed by John Bellwoode.
An indenture reserving to the Queen for the rectory 10s p.a. and of and for the same rectory for the curate £6 p.a., the latter to be paid to the Receiver of the Exchequer.
Rectory of St Olave’s. In the accounts of the Minister for 26 Eliz:- 4d p.a. from Wm Wilkinson, chaplain of St Olave’s, viz. for the tithe of wool and the lessor tithes belonging to the Rectory, in addition to £6 received by him.
Of William Patten, Receiver in the County of York, 6 Eliz. And in the stipend of Alexander Adams, curate or Vicar of St Giles in Geligate, at 66s 8d p.a. Certified a true copy by Nicholas Spackman, Deputy Auditor. Endorsed 1653. curate of St Gile’s Salary.
Confirming, after searching the records concerning St Olive’s, that Wm Wilkinson was curate and farmer of the small tithes, and received £6 p.a. Queen Elizabeth conveyed the profits in 28th year of her reign to Sir Christopher Hatton. He passed them to Sir Thos. Cromptom who, in 38 Eliz. obtained the annexation of St Gyles to St Olave’s with a yearly allowance of 5 marks in-lieu of £6. Whoever served the cure could expect only 5 marks and whatever the parish might give him.
From all actions and demands, arrears of rent, and claims to lands in Clifton or Rocliffe or £6 p.a. formerly claimed by him therefrom. Conson: unspecified. Paper. Signed and sealed by John Bellwoode.
Granted by Mr Robinson, and accounts of the half yearly rents due from lands formerly belonging to St Mary’s Abbey. Includes Strensall, Walmgate, Baldersby, Roecliffe, Coppergate etc.
Robinson; familyFrom Robt. Squire for £22 4s 5¼ and £25 respectively, paid by Sir Wm Robinson towards the lead works in Arklegarthdale and the law suits.
Robinson; familyBetween 1. Sir Wm Robinson of Newby, Bart, 2. Robt. Squire of York, Gent, 3. Chas Bathurst of Clynt, Esq, Robt Byerley of Goldsbrough, Esq, Edw Bower, Wm Bower and John Bower, all of Bridlington Quay, merchants, Gregory Elsley of Kirkby Malzeaard, Gent., John Langstaffe of Crossbutts, gent., and Thos Langstaffe of Fremington, Gent. Paper. 7 sheets.
Robinson; familyExercise book containing the general survey for the inclosure by John Lund, 19 Apr 1771, with names of closes, acreage and tithes paid.
Robinson; familyFor 1616-17. Of Wm Worsley, Collector of the rents and farm lately of St Mary’s Abbey. The tenants of Clifton windmill, formerly in the tenure of Wm Stable at 13s 4d p.a. owed 106s 8d for 8 years’ arrears. Reciting the grant of Clifton manor at £39 18s 5d rent to Richard Swayne and Richard Ryves who conveyed it to Robt. Saymour and Wm Blake. They conveyed it to Wm Robinson of York, alderman. The windmill was granted in fee simple at 13s 4d p.a. rent to George Lowe, esq., and Edmund Sawyer, gent, by Letters Patent, 19 Feb. 1615.
Robinson; familyBy John Malcolme, Rouge Herald and Jas. Currie, Ormand Pursuivant, factors for Sir Jas. Balfour of Kinnaird (?) kt., Lyon King of Arms, of dues paid by Sir Wm Robiesone of Newbie, kt. For his recent knighthood received from his Majesty. Signed by John Malcome, and Jas Currie and witnessed by Robt. Trotter merchant, burgess of Edinburgh and Geo. Fergwsone, one of the King’s trumpeters. Also includes receipt by the said Geo. Fergusone on behalf of his brethren, of money due to them from Sir Wm Robisone, as above. Signed by Geo Fergwsone and witnessed by J Malcom and J Currie.
Robinson; familyGranted to Sir Wm Robiesonn, for good and true service to his majesty. Signed by Sir John Hay of Laud, kt clerk to the King.
Robinson; familyOf Sir Wm Robesonne of Newbie, as a burgess and gild brother of Edinburgh. Signed by Alex Guthrie, Common Clerk.
Robinson; familyRichard Popleton of Clifton for threatening William Burneston.
Robinson; familySimon Webster for selling ale without a licence, selling it at more than 1d a quart and harbouring ill company.
Robinson; familyEdward Drew, Millicent Drew and Ann Gamble for threatening Thos. Goodale and Robt. Goodrick. Subscribed by John Oliver, constable of Clifton: Edw. Drew was committed to the House of Correction for 3 to 4 days.
Robinson; familyJohn Brathwate, Alehouse keeper, for keeping a house of disorder and entertaining disorderly company and suspicious persons.
Robinson; familyCase for the parties and evidence of witnesses in the disputes of Sir Wm Robinson complainant, with John Wells, defendant 1635, and Peter Wells, defendant, 1637.
Relates to the messuage (Carter's Farm) and arable lands in Clifton had been leased for 31 years by letters Patent of Elizabeth to Sir Edw. York, Kt., who had assigned them to the dft. for a term long since expired. At the time of his lease there was a barn of 2 bays which was extremely old and rotten. There was no growing timber for its repair and it was of little use as he had enclosed most of the arable land, so he allowed it to fall down through the decays of the main timber. His term had expired 3 or 4 years, since, but he had continued as tenant under the complt. At an increased rent of £20 p.a. the old rent being about 44s. He had doubled the value of the arable lands. He was also seised for life of another messuage and lands (Well’s Farm), formerly belonging to St Mary’s Abbey and granted by Letters Patent of 25 Nov. 32 Eliz (1589) to Thos Wells, the dft’s. uncle, for the lives of the said Thos. and Jane, his wife, and himself. Two barns of 2 or 3 bays each formerly stood on this land during the lives of Thos. and Jane Wells, but were totally decayed. The dft. came into possession 2 or 3 years since, both barns having fallen down. He had preserved the timber unused. Part of the messuage which was in great decay before his entry had fallen down but he had rebuilt it at great expense. He denied that he had pulled down any barns or used or disposed of the timber to his own advantage and he had not promised the plt. to build any barns. He had not cut down 40 ash trees, nor any others except such as were necessary for fencing and firing, nor had he committed any waste. He had not exchanged any of the plt’s lands nor annexed them to his won. He denied that the barns were of the alleged value and that the plt. was unable to pay the rent to the Crown as a result of his actions. Subscribed (in Latin). The defendant was sworn on 17 Jan 10 Chas. (1635). Jo. Bisshop, T. Atkinson. Paper. 14 sheets.
He reaffirmed that the dft. had pulled down the barns and carried away the timber to his own land or otherwise disposed of it. He had allowed the dwelling houses to fall down and had converted the timber and chambers thereof to his own use, and had promised to repair the hoses and erect new barns. The complt. denied that the premises were in decay when the dft. entered them. The dft. had not improved the freehold ---. (p.3 missing). He had taken 40 ash trees in addition to all necessary “boots” (allowances for timber for repairs and fuel) and has sold some, used other himself and committed waste in the other woods. Since the suit commenced, the dft. had cut down 4 ash trees worth 6s 8d each and taken them away. He had exchanged and enclosed his land in the manor whereby the complt. Could not distinguish which lands belonged to him nor for which lands the rent was payable to the Crown. And had enclosed his lands with those which were part of the manor in an attempt to disinherit the complt. of the latter. the dft. might have had a lease of the premises for 31 years. But this had expired 6 years ago, since when the dft. had allowed the messuage to become ruinous and had pulled down the barn an cut down trees. All improvements made by the dft. had been solely for his own advantage. Paper. 9 sheets (p.3 missing).
He was seised of the manor of Clifton including a messuage called Carter’s or Wells’s Farm and 2 closes of pasture thereunto belonging , called Eshtree Close and Moorebroate Close in Clifton. John Wells of Clifton held them for several years of Queen Elizabeth, paying £3 9s 2d p.a. rent, until the rent and reversion were granted to the complt., to whom he then paid the rent. His lease expired on 25 Mar. 1629/30, but he continued as tenant at will to the complt, paying £20 p.a. rent. John Wells died on 27 Feb. last. The complt. and his tenants had then enjoyed the premises until 20 Apr last, 13 Chas I (1637) when Peter Wells, having no claim to the closes, entered them and forcible expelled the complt. and drove out his tenants’ animals, whereby he, Sir Wm Robinson, had suffered a loss of £20.
He did not know that John Wells had a lease of Carter’s or Wells’s Farm. The 2 closes did not belong to the said farm. The dft. said that John wells was siesed in demesne as of fee in a farm in Clifton called North Chantrie and the lands belonging to it, which he purchased from the Crown and for which he paid £4 p.a. rent. John Wells had enclosed the land belonging to North chantry, including Ashtree Close and Moorebrote Close, an had enjoyed them for 40 years. He, Peter Wells, son of the said John wells, had succeeded to the premises.
John Wells enjoyed Eshtree Close and Moorebroate Close as part of Carter’s or Wells’s Farm, with the exception of the Bull Butts and Common balks which lay in the Sandhill Closes. That the closes were part of the said farm was shown in a survey of the manor made several years previously and in a document written by John Wells, which the dft. had in his custody. The complt. said that besides the grounds in the 2 closes which belonged to Carter’s or Wells’s Farm, there were in Ashtree Close certain parcels of ground which before enclosure were common balks and certain parcels called Bullbutts and in Marebroate Close several common balks of which he was seised as Lord of the Manor. The rent paid by John Wells was for the closes and the common balks and the Bullbutts as well as the rest of the farm. He denied that John Wells enjoyed the closes as part of his farm called North Chantrie.