New Forest Act 1697

X. Grant of any the said Inclosures, Trees, &c. void.

And to the end the said Forest and Premisses may be perpetually estated and preserved in the Crown for publick Use as aforesaid and may not be granted to any private Use or Benefit be it further enacted That in case any Person or Persons whatsoever shal presume to take or shal obtain any Gift Grant Estate or Interest of or in the said Inclosures or Wasts or any Woods or Trees growing thereon every such Gift Grant Estate or Interest shall ipso facto be null and void and the Person or Persons so taking or obtaining the same shal be and is hereby made and declared utterly disabled and incapable to have hold or enjoy any such Gift Grant Estate or Interest and shal also forfeit treble the Value of any such Gift or Grant to him or them which shal first sue for the same in any of His Majesties Courts of Record wherein no Essoign or Wager of Law shal be allowed the Defendant and shall also be incapable of holding or enjoying any Office or Imployment whatsoever.