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184
Railton," Mr. Hugh Squier, Mr. John Parker. Mr. Charles
Rampayne, and others were directed to investigate the
claim, and to search the ancient deeds and records relating
to the title ; but as the Vestry, in 1701-1704 sanctioned the
erection of Mrs. Kifford's almshouses for poor Gentlewomen
on the land, the Dean and Chapter were not yet successful.
All persons who did not convey stable refuse, &c., on to
the land were charged 9d. per load for the soil removed by
them, in 1705, and the Churchwardens were instructed to
prosecute all persons conveying sand away from the Fields.
The plough was brought into requisition to aid in maintaining
the title of the parish:—
Nov. 1, 1754.—The Churchwardens acquainted the Vestry that they
had caused the Buildings in Tothil Common which were built
at the charge of this Parish in the time of the Plague in King
Charles the 2nd Reign for Pest-Houses & the ground & trees
before the same to be plowed round in order to maintain this
parishes claim & right therein.
Resolved that this Vestry do approve thereof & that the thanks
of this Vestry be given to the Churchwardens for their care
in preserving the rights of this parish.
The title was put to the test by the Dean and Chapter
enclosing portions of the land and letting the same for
building purposes, whereupon the Vestry directed the
Churchwardens, with such assistance as they might find
necessary, to demolish the fence and put "a man in possession"
on behalf of the parish. An action for trespass was
brought against the Churchwardens and others who took
part in the demolition, and the decision was against the
Vestry with the exception of certain small plots.
In 1803 the Armed Association of St. Margaret and St.
John, or the King's Westminster Volunteers, were readily
accorded the use of the fields and butts for ball-cartridge
practice.
In 1825 a Bill was promoted for the creation of a Board
of Trustees to control the repair, cleansing, and lighting of
the streets, with power to levy rates and to erect barriers
at the ends of the streets forming approaches to the estates.