After the Report was read, Counsel was heard for the Petitioners against the Bill, but the Bill was read a third time and sent up to the Lords. March 29, it was read a second time, and a Petition against it from John Goodman, John Newman, Nicholas Lucas and others was received. April 14, Lord St. John of Bletsoe reported it without amendments from the Committee, but it was defeated on its third reading.
Second Attempt, January 15, 1765.—Walden Hanmer, Esquire, the Rector, and others again petitioned for enclosure. Leave was given to bring in a bill, but nothing came of it.
Third Attempt, February 6, 1770.—Walden Hanmer, Esquire, and others again petitioned for enclosure. Leave was given, and a bill read twice and sent to Committee.
March 6, 1770.—‘A Petition of the Major Part of the Owners and Proprietors’ against the Bill, stating ‘that the Petitioners are very well satisfied with the Situation and Convenience of their respective Lands and Properties in their present uninclosed State,’ and that the Bill will do them great Injury.
Report and Enumeration of Consents.—March 6, 1770 (same day).—Mr. Kynaston reported that the allegations were true, and that the Parties concerned had consented to the Bill ‘to the Satisfaction of the Committee,’ with the following exceptions—Five Persons with property of the annual value of £192, 10s.; Sear Numan, with property of annual value of £20, 15s., ‘who said he must do as his Father would have him’; John Lucas the younger, with property of the annual value of 15s.; George Cross, ‘who would not say any Thing,’ with property of the annual value of £5; Elizabeth Mead, ‘who said she should sell when inclosed,’ with property of the annual value of £2, 10s.; and Five Persons, who said they would not oppose the Bill, with property of the annual value of £77, 10s. The annual value of ‘the whole of the Estates in the said Fields intended to be inclosed’ was given as £773. The Bill passed the Commons and the Lords, where a petition against it was considered. It received the Royal Assent on March 29, 1770.
Main Features of Act.—(Private, 10 George III. c. 42.)
Commissioners.—Three appointed. (1) The Rev. John Lord of Drayton Parslow, Clerk; (2) Thomas Harrison of Stoney Stratford, Gentleman; (3) Francis Burton of Aynho, Northamptonshire, Gentleman. Two a quorum. Vacancies to be filled up by remaining Commissioner or Commissioners from persons ‘not interested in the Division and Inclosure.’ No particulars of payment.
A survey to be made by a surveyor nominated by Commissioners.
Claims.—The Commissioners are ‘to hear and finally determine’ any differences about Interests and Rights.
System of Division—Special Provisions: