Manuscripts and Special Collections
Ma S 16 : Report of Mr Thomas Huskinson recommending enclosure of Laxton, 1862
The ill-condition of the Farm Houses and Buildings in the Village is however less to be regretted as there are at least twice the number that after Inclosure and re-allotment of the Estate will be necessary, and after selecting the best of the Farm Houses for the permanent Farms, the remainder will make comfortable Cottages, and allow of the worst Cottages being removed.
The Cultivation of the Estate varies greatly but upon the whole is fully equal to the average of the neighbourhood and as good as under the disadvantages of open Fields and distance from Buildings can reasonably be expected.
I have mentioned in the Valuation Whittington's as a case of very bad Farming, and there are several small Occupiers whose Lands are neglected, but on the other hand there are several of the larger Tenants whose cultivation would do credit to any Estate, and I may mention Keyworth, George Pinder, Wm Pinder, Saxelby and Atkinson as most satisfactory tenants.
Drainage
A considerable part of the inclosed Land has been drained with Pipes or Tiles but no Drainage has been done in the open Fields nor is it desirable to drain them till they are inclosed.
The Estate comprises many small Farms which I think very disadvantageous to the Owner, and of doubtful benefit to the Occupiers. They involve great expense in Buildings and repairs, increased expense in cultivation, all which are directly or indirectly deductions from the Rent.
