The poor plot of LONG LAWFORD HAMLET.
The Poor't Plot.—According to a lease granted to Thomas Bagshawe of this land in 1719, it is stated to contain about 20 acres, and to have been formerly set out by the freeholders of Long Lawford at the inclosing of the said liberties, for the benefit and use of the poor of the said liberties, and commonly called the Poor's Plot. In 1822 this plot was let on a lease of 14 years, at the annual rent of £45. ; this rent was till 1833, as all former rent had been, carried to the account of the Poor's rate. In conesqnence of various complaints a parish meeting was held 27th November, 1833, to consider the best method of appropriating the rent, when it was resolved to give it away in coals and bread, and to apply £4. per annum for the rent of a school. In future the whole rente are to be given away, and no part carried to the poor rate. It seems desirable that industrious cottagers may be accommodated with small allotments under the provisions of an Act of William IV. The poor considered they had a right to cut furze on a certain »trip of land awarded to them at the enclosure, which bears date 23rd March, 1774 ; no such right, however, was awarded them.
Sir Edward Boughton conveyed certain premises, let for £3. a year, in Rugby, to feoffees, in trust, to apply the rents amongst the poor of the town of Long Lawford, in the parish of Newbold. By an indenture, 1787- it is recited that the said charity premises were ruinous and could not be let at a rack rent ; and at a vestry meeting of the parish it was agreed that in consideration of a snm of money to be expended on the estate, the same was devised for the term of !21 years, paying the said trustees at Long Lawford, theyearly reutof ¿64.10s., on theoth of April, every year, freeof all expences or repairs, to Mr. Wratislavia, who afterwards changed his name to Wratislaw. He laid out in building the house £1200. and has since expended more; it is now let for ¿£80. per annum by the representatives of Mr Wratislaw. The rent of ¿64. 10s. is regularly paid, and distributed to the industrious poor of Long Lawford.
Smith's Gift, (see Bilton.)—The churchwarden of Long Lawford receives from a baker, at Thurlaston, 4s. worth of bread, which is distributed at the Church at Newbold, on Eaater Sunday, amongst poor persons of of this hamlet attending the sacrament.
Samittl If'ihun, who died abont 40 years ago, left by will, £5. to the poor of Long Lawford. This money was in the hands of Daniel Dalton, one of of the executors, who failed, and afterwards died insolvent.
