BANSTEAD COMMONS. 201 
of parties to conduct them, and much to the relief 
of those who desired to save the whole of the Commons. 
Lord Egmont at this point, finding that Sir John 
Hartopp was no longer in a position to carry out any 
understanding with him, felt himself relieved of any 
obligation under his uncle’s agreement, and transferred 
his interest to the side of the Commoners. As his 
property within the Manor consisted of no less than 
2,000 acres, and his rights of common were propor- 
tionately extensive, this made a most important accession 
of strength to the Plaintiffs. About the same time 
also, Mr. Francis Baring purchased the Banstead Park 
estate, and became greatly interested in maintaining 
the Commons. He joined the Committee for their 
preservation, and contributed largely to their funds. 
Sir Charles Russell also bought the Tadworth Court 
estate in the parish, which gave him interest in the 
matter, and induced him to join the Committee. 
Thus reinforced, the Committee found itself able 
to push forward the litigation with energy, and was 
supported with funds, which had before been greatly 
wanting. Moreover, Lord Egmont’s adherence to the 
Commoners’ cause altogether altered the proportion 
between the acreage of land to which common rights 
were attached, and that of the Common. Thence- 
forward it became absolutely certain that inclosure 
could no longer be justified under the Statute of 
Merton. It was hoped indeed that the bankruptcy of 
Sir John Hartopp would lead to an abandonment of the 
defence to the suit, and of further attempts at inclosure. 
