In the 48th of Edward III. a writ was issued, to inquire who were the destroyers of the deer and game in his Majesty's Chace, when it was found that Mathew de Bitton was "Communis malefactor de venasione Dom. Regis in Chacia predicta." It was proved that he had killed thirty-seven deer! After much difficulty, he was brought before the justiciaries, when he acknowledged all his transgressions, and placed himself at the mercy of the king. He was committed "prisonæ Dom. Regis, quousque Justiciarii habeant locutionem cum consilio Dom. Regis."
Any further information respecting him also would be very acceptable. A very detailed account of the inquiry is at the Chapter House, among the Forest Proceedings.
H.T. ELLACOMBE.
Clyst St. George, June 24. 1851.
Possession nine Points of the Law.
—What is the origin of the expression "Possession is nine points of the law?" The explanation I wish for is, not as to possession conferring a strong title to property, which is self-evident, but as to the number of points involved in the proposition, which I take to mean nine points out of ten. Has the phrase any reference to the ten commandments or points of law promulgated by Moses? I should add that three things are said to be necessary to confer a perfect title to land, namely, possession, right of possession, and right of property.
C.N.S.
Rev. Henry Bourne, A.M.
—Could any of your numerous readers furnish me with any information respecting Bourne, whose history of Newcastle-on-Tyne was published in 1736, after the author's decease? I know, I believe, all that is to be gathered from local sources, but should be greatly obliged by any references to printed or MS. works which contain allusions to him or his writings. One of his college friends was the Reverend Granville Wheler, Esq., of Otterden, Kent, who, though in holy orders, chose to be so described, being the eldest son of a knight, the amiable Sir George Wheler, Prebendary of Durham, and Rector of Houghton-le-Spring.
E.H.A.