Duchy of Lancaster Act 1812

IX Where Encroachments have been made on the Skirts of the Forests, or in Parts not suited for the Growth of Timber, the Commissioners of Woods, &c. or the Surveyor General empowered to grant Leases thereof.

And be it further enacted, That from and after the passing of this Act, in Cases where Purprestures and Encroachments shall have been made Twenty, Years at least before the passing of this Act (and which shall not within that Period have been abated or presented at any Forest Court) on the Skirts and Borders of any of the said Forests, or upon Parts thereof not adapted to or convenient for the Growth of Timber, or likely to interfere with any Inclosures or Plantations to be made for that Purpose, and where the Persons in Possession of the same shall be desirous of retaining such Possession under a Lease or Leases thereof, it shall be lawful for the Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods, Forests, and Land Revenues, or for the Surveyor General of His Majesty's Woods and Forests for the Time being, under the Authority of the Lord High Treasurer or the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury for the Time being, to grant such Lease. or Leases for any Term not exceeding Thirty-one Years, in Confederation of the Payment of such Annual Rent or Rents, and under such Covenants, Conditions, and Stipulations as according to the Circumstances of the safe shall by the said Commissioners of His Majesty's Woods, Forests, and Land Revenues, or the said Surveyor General of His Majesty's Woods and Forests for the Time being, be deemed reasonable and proper; and such Lease or Leases shall be made out accordingly, and may be according to the Form set forth in the Schedule hereto annexed, and marked with the Letter (D.) or as near thereto as may be, without any Fine, Fee, or Reward to be paid for the same, or other Charge, except the Expences actually incurred for writing and engrossing such Leases.