1828 Christmas is Coming but the Feather Bed and Bolsters have been distrained.

 

Two hundred years ago there was a straightforward way of dealing with those who owed rent: if they did not pay up by whatever date had been fixed, then a bailiff could be instructed to distrain – that is  seize - household goods which their owners could redeem by paying off the debt (and associated costs) but which would otherwise be sold at auction. The Distress for Rent Act came into force in 1690. Further legislation in 1737 authorised the off-site seizure of goods which had been removed from premises on which rent was owed in order to avoid their distraint.

These acts have been modified on several occasions; in 1888 bedding was excluded from what could be distrained. Distraint is still a recognised procedure for securing payment of debts both private and corporate. Over time, it became less common to physically remove goods immediately; more often they were ticketed (“touched”) to indicate they could not legally be moved from their present location but would be if debts were not paid within whatever period of grace was allowed.

The brief letter below simply records the 1828 distraint ofmoveable property in Avebury, Wiltshire. For another and more elaborated example of distraint go to

https://www.otherpeoplesletters.com/2026/07/distraint-of-goods-in-suffolk-ann-adams.html

 

Transcription

Addressed to: S.Winterbotham Esqr     Solicitor    Tewkesbury

No dateline and carried by hand

Docketing note: 18 Decr 1828 Mr Hind Nickells rent

 

Dr Sir

The bearer Thomas Mann has been sent by Messrs Winters to distrain for Nickols [spelt thus] Rent. He has been more successful than Winter was, having obtained entrance, and there is safely deposited in my Corn Chamber

1 Feather Bed and Bolsters

2 Blankets

1 Tea Tray &

1 round Table

Nickols and his wife are gone off in haste I suppose to consult their Attorney they threaten heavily to have some Lr [Lawyer] If they do not redeem the goods, I will let you know about Monday as I suppose it is necessary to let them have four clear days to think of it.

I remain in great haste Yours truly

Jas. Hind

Avebury   16th Decr 1828

T.M. [Thomas Mann] will of course give you further information if you think it necessary.

 

References

Wikipedia: Distress for Rent Act 1689

Wikipedia: Bailiff