Letter – Nicholas Walton to John Airey – 28 Oct 1740

A Copy of Mr Robt. Lowes Letter to John Airey Esq.



Sir

When I had the pleasure of Seeing you at Warks Court I omitted to Mention an Affair to you in relation to one Bridget Horseman who it seems has quietly Enjoyed a house & Garth in Corbridge as her own proper Estate for above these 20 years without the Interuption of any P.son whatsoever, till about may 1739 when Mr A. Bunting Enter’d into the house & with Violence put her out of possession, Locked up the doors of the House & broke down the Hedges about the Garth; and also took possession of and Sold  all her household & other Goods. but upon what accot, or upon what Authority She is at a loss to imagine, but has heard he gives out that all this was done in obedience to the orders  of the Comiss.ers of Greenwich Hospital; who Claiume a right to the Said house & premises, for Rent in Arrear & due from her for the same. butr I am apt to think that that is not true in as much as these proceedings are by no means warrantable, for in the first place  (even Supposing the Comiss.rs to have a right to the house &c) which the poor woman by no means admitts of, the possession thereof ought to have been come at in a Lawfull  manner & noit in this forceable way for which he is punishable by Indictm.t: and the next place no distress for Rent can lawfully be made unless the Same be reserved or ascertained between the partys by the partyes themselves or by Law, which there’s the least room imaginable to pretend in this case. therefore he will be lyable to an Action of Trespass not only for breaking the hedges down & Locking up the doors of the House but alsoi for Seazing & disposing of the Goods. which I’ve possative directions to Commence imediately as well as procure her Satisfaction otherwise but as I knew you were Concerned for the Hospitall, I thought fitt first to represent the matter to youy & Submitt it to your Consideration in hopes that this pooir woman may have relief in an Amicable manner & without Expence to either party  which I shall always preferr & attempt to bring about in any affair I’m Concerned in when in my power. therefore I hope you’ll not only Excuse this long Epistle but be pleased to favouyr me with an Ans<we>r so soon as buisness will with Convenience permitt you. As to the House & Garth if the possession of them be not delivered up to her She will be obliged to Serve Quirtm<en>ts for the recovery thereof which I am apt to think she will not have occasion to doe when you’ve Enquired into the Matter. I am (in haste)

      Sr Yr most Hble Sert.

      Robt. Lowes

Hexham

28 Oct. 1740