Resolved, that having regard to the communication now made by the solicitors, from which it appears that the necessary evidence in support of the petition cannot be obtained upon the present occasion, the solicitors be instructed not to incur any further expense in the matter, on the understanding that if the gardens should be kept open after twelve at night, and the nuisance, annoyance, and injury to the parishioners continue, this board, will in sufficient time next year consider the necessary steps to be taken effectually to oppose the application for the renewal of the license in 1861. “THE LOTS.” “The Lots,” a parcel of land so called lying on the banks of the river {23a} in front of Ashburnham House, comprises about four acres, and is the meadow ground formerly allotted to Sir Arthur Gorges by the Lord of the Manor, in lieu of his right of common. {23b} These are, and have been for centuries, the Chelsea Lammas Lands, and have hitherto been accustomed to be opened on the twelfth of August, being the first day of the month according to the Old Style. The graziers, butchers, and others, with their cattle, used formerly to assemble in the lane leading to “The Lots” on the eve of Lammas, and when the clock had struck twelve they entered upon the meadow. From the report of a committee, printed at page 108, appointed by the vestry in the year 1834 to investigate the state of these town meadows, when it was necessary _vi et armis_ to reassert the invaded privileges of the inhabitants, it appears that “‘The Lots’ are Lammas land, and have been for ages appurtenant to the manor of Chelsea. The Lord of the Manor possesses the right of letting the land on lease for the spring and autumn quarters, beginning with March and ending in August; and the inhabitants at large enjoy the privilege of turning in their cattle from August till February, being the autumn and winter quarters.” Railways, however, and acts of parliament for smoothing down difficulties in their way, have sprung up since those pastoral clays; and the Lord of the Manor having sold his freehold to a railway company, the clerk called the attention of the vestry, on the 8th of May, 1860, to the following advertisement:—