L30/11/301/296

Copy of letter from Charles Jervis, enclosed with L30/11/301/295.

25 Feb 1812

From: 1812 To: 1812

Quanitiy of old rough timber in the hedgerows on the farm occupied by Mr Cooper. Much is rotton, and the writer thinks it should be taken down. He has attended with Mr Miller, marked the trees to be removed and received a valuation of £188 11s 6d. Requires Lady Lucas' instructions before taking further action. Difficulty in keeping Burbage woods free from trespassers as the woods are a distance from any dwelling. In the rutting season Jervis is obliged to set two or three men at a time to watch, and has to arm them with guns. Reports that one Sunday last August there were from 100 to 150 persons gathered round the woods, seemingly determined to take them by storm. They were kept from entering by threats, otherwise the underwood would have been completely trodden down. Jervis suggests that the only way to stop the trespassers is to build a cottage in or between the woods and get a trusty labourer from one of the adjoining farms to live in it. If Lady Lucas approves of this suggestion, Jervis will obtain an estimate; considers £100 should be sufficient. It could be funded by the sale of the timber without affecting the regular receipts of the estate.

item

Ware, Charles H,
Amabel, Baroness Lucas,
Jervis, Charles,
Cooper,
Miller

estates correspondence, trespass, timber, estate management, Burbage