WHAT STARTED THE ENCLOSURE OF NORTH CRAWLEY
Northampton Mercury 15th April 1771
On Friday last at the Parsonage House, North Crawley Bucks in the 83rd year of his age,the death of The Rev. Charles Cole, clerk where he resided as Rector 54 years, exemplary in every religious and social duty.
NB the Hackett Trustees had appointed the young rector in 1717 and when William Lowndes bought the Rectory by 1720 he was unable to appoint any of his own family to Rector until Charles Cole died.
Thomas & Richard Lowndes
Letter from Thomas Lowndes dated 29th December 1771 to Richard Lowndes.
LETTER FROM THOMAS LOWNES TO RICHARD LOWNDES
Ref: British Library ADD Manuscript 37069 folio 232-3
To Richard Lowndes Esq., MP at Hillesden
North Crawley December 29th 1771
Dear Sir,
By yours which I was favoured with last night, you seems to express that I am for pushing on ye out for the inclosure of North Crawley. It is necessary we should rightly understand one another. I declare I am quite indifferent whether it is inclosed or not. The morning your gentleman left Newport it was understood on all lands the Bill was to go forward.
As I declared at breakfast at Newport I think the dissenter Fosketts voice very immaterial your tenant Barratt says, Foskett since told him that if he was not cursed for not agreeing to the Bill while he lived, his son would curse him hereafter.
I believe in general it is the small proprietors that are the greatest objectors to inclosing.
Thomas Lowndes
p.s. I wish I could find time before I leave ye county to wait on you at Hillesden and desire my best respects to Miss Lowndes and Miss Molly so to Major and family when you see them.
Parliamentary Proceedings
1st Reading of the Bill in The House of Commons 11th February 1772.
A Bill intitled, An act for dividing and enclosing the Open Common Fields, Meadows and Waste Grounds, within the Manor and Parish of North Crawley, in the County of Bucks to which they desire the Concurrence of this House.
2nd Reading of the Bill in The House of Commons 17th February 1772
Ordered that the said Bill be committed to the consideration of the Lords, their Lordships, or any five of them to meet tomorrow at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, in the Princes Lodgings, near the House of Peers and to adjourn as they please.
(Among those present Lord Trevor of Bromham)
The Lords had the question put, whether this Bill with the amendments shall pass?
It was resolved in the affirmative.
1773 Commissioners were appointed under an order bearing the seal of Lord Carrington.