Short title: Booth v Blackwall. Plaintiffs: Nicholas Boothe. Defendants: Raphe Blackwall....

Short title: Booth v Blackwall.

Plaintiffs: Nicholas Boothe.

Defendants: Raphe Blackwall.

Documents: depositions concerning enclosure of land at Guyldfield, in Fairfield, Buxton, Derbyshire.

Taken 22 August, 28 Eliz.

Deponents for plaintiffs: Christopher Goodwyn of Fearfield, husbandman, aged 4 score [80 years], deposed that he had lived in Fairfield for 40 years and before that in Cowloe for 20 years. That the land of Guyldfield, some 50 acres, was enclosed by Sir Philip Eyre, who was then bailiff of the High Peak, around 3 score [60] years ago. The freeholders of Buxton, Fairfield, Sterndale and Cowdale had enclosed the most part of their common fields and wastes within his memory; William Dakin of Fairfield, yeoman, aged 66, deposed that he was born at the 'mansion house'. About 30 years ago Thomas Dakin had obtained a decree by the Duchy of Lancaster in a property dispute on the land; Robert Swanne of Fairfield, yeoman, aged 30, deposed that he was born at the 'mansion house' in Fairfield and was a householder there for around 12 years; Thomas Swanne of Stadon, husbandman, aged 60, deposed that he had lived in Stadon since last Mayday, before that Burbage for 1 year, before that Fairfield for 40 years. Cannot recall how long ago the commons were enclosed but that the land which was not enclosed was open to common use 'after sythe and sickle'; Robert Dakin of Stadon, husbandman, aged 66; Thomas Cleyton of Foxlow, husbandman, aged 60, deposed that his father was from Fairfield.

Deponents for defendants: John Brockelhurst of Fernilee, husbandman, aged 70, whose memory goes back 60 years, deposed that the land was never enclosed in the past; Ottiwell Lowe of Fernillee, husbandman, aged 77, whose memory goes back 60 years [to 1526]; Richard Milner of Wirksworth, husbandman, aged 80, whose memory goes back 70 years [to 1516], deposed that the Gulydfield was partially enclosed by Mr Eyre but that before it could be completed the walls were thrown down by Raphe Blackwell and Mr Sachaverell; Thomas Dakin of Bayleyflatt, gentleman, aged 54; Thurston Dale of Murdrow, yeoman, aged 75, whose memory goes back 60 years [to 1526]; Robert Mylnes of Wormhill, yeoman, aged 73 years.

28 Eliz.