Lease and release, Witcham, Cambridgeshire

Robert Martin of Witcham, farmer, and Jesse Claxton of Ely, gent, as executors of the will of Isaac Freeman, deceased, sold Freeman's freehold and copyhold estate by public auction held by Messrs Sizer and Peck at the White Horse Inn at Witcham on 15 July 1812. They now convey to Ezekiel Tall of Witcham, shepherd, as highest bidder, one lot consisting of c2 acres in Hale Fen, Witcham, for #199 10s. Richard Pigott of Ely, gent, is named as a residuary trustee to prevent any possible dowry claim. Since Ellis Staples of Witcham, farmer, purchased other more valuable land from Martin and Claxton, it is also agreed that Staples shall make available to Tall certain evidences listed in an appended schedule which concern both their estates. Lease (for one year at peppercorn rent) signed and sealed by Martin and Claxton, and witnessed by William ?Macer and William Claxton, duty stamp. Release in form of four-part indenture of 2 pages, signed and sealed by Martin, Claxton, Tall (his mark), Pigott, and Staples, witnessed by ?Martin and Henry Pigott, William Claxton, and ?Macer, duty stamps. Release endorsed with receipt for consideration money, same date. Forms of indenture supplied by Farlow and Son, stationers, of Mitre Court, Fleet Street.

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Presented by E.A.B. Barnard, F.S.A., November 1931

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