King Charles the Second, King James, King William, and Queen Anne, as we can make appear by sufficient evidence. Now, whereas, upon his present Majesty’s repairing the said road, the present Surveyor-General has given orders to shut the gates against the landholders of Chelsea, to their great detriment, and, as we conceive, to the debarring them of their right. We humbly beg your Lordships will take the matter into your consideration, hear our evidence, and grant us such relief as, in your great wisdom, you shall think fit. That the late Duchess Dowager of Beaufort (to whose stables and offices there is no other way), about five or six years ago, ordered her stewards and servants to cut down a turnpike, which Mr. Manly, the Surveyor-General, had set up between the walls at the corner, next Church Lane (Street); and they carried the posts away, being set up, as she said, upon her ground.” To this petition was attached the evidence of several of the freeholders, in confirmation of what was stated in the above petition. One of these was given by Mr. Matthew Hutchins, gardener, of the King’s Road. * * * * * The above petition was referred to Hugh Cholmley, Esq., Surveyor-General, and William Watkins, Esq., Surveyor of his Majesty’s private roads. The reports from these two official gentlemen were evasive and unsatisfactory, and consequently a second statement was sent to the Commissioners, in reply to the objections. This last statement from Sir Hans Sloane was dated May 6, 1719. * * * * * On the same day (May 6) the following letter was received:—“My Lords direct Mr. Watkins to permit the tenants of the lands adjoining to the King’s Road, through Chelsea, to have free passage through the same, with their carts and horses, in the manner they have been accustomed to; and that the ditches which belong to the land, and lately filled up, be opened again.” * * * * * The above particulars explain the origin of placing the gates, or bars, at different parts of the King’s Road, and which many of the parishioners at the present time well remember. * * * * * Daring robberies and murders appear to have been very frequent about this period, especially in the Five Fields, (now Eaton Square, &c.) and along the whole line of the King’s Private Road. * * * * *