Legal opinion

In dispute betweeen Richard Old, plaintiff and Mary Old, defendant.

Concerns the freehold of Rowton, claimed by the deeds of 5. Dec 1620, bought by Francis Old of William Porter, comprising Withingsfield/Withensfield (32a1r) Heath Ridding and Arnoldsfield and Rowton Green.

Also claims Gitchfield House and meadow, with adjoining croft, Nether Riddings and the 'mow well meadow '. All this claimed in the freehold of Rowton. This confirmed to Francis Oakes by a deed of 1656; lessee bound to build a house on Gitchfield Meadow within 4 years. Area with gardens is 17 ½ acres; alone the meadow is 13 acres. Arguments concerning the place name, the former taxations of the area (ie. The taxation area and the rate- 6-7 cows).

The contention is based on a survey, 10.July 1613.(Langley). There is a large disparity between the size of Withiesfield therein and the lands now claimed. The claims of Wild Croft with Rowton Green, is false, as an ancient hedge separated them, as witnesses have testified.

The claim of Nether Ridding is granted but proven that Nether Ridding is not part of Arnold's field. Moorwell meadow is also not part of the latter. The meadow is neither shown in the deeds.

Acreage according to the old survey-38a 03 r 00p

(Langley)

Acreage of 5 pieces claimed--- 27a 03r 28p

(Cartwrite) DiFerence-- 10a 3r 12p

Taxation argument used to prove that Withiesfield and Gitchfield are the same. Proves that Gitchfield and Rowton were taxed together. Implication of carelessness in the drawing up the deeds which led to the separation of the two Withiesfields from Rowton Green, interposing Heath Ridding and Arnold'sfield.