Domestic State Papers - 27 January 1692

Proceedings upon the petition of Anthony Hammond esq. Shows that Anthony Hammond, his father purchased the residue of a term of 99 years granted by King James I of the manor of Somersham in Huntingdonshire, and also the inheritance of the said manor  from Lord Grandison, for a valuable consideration and unknown to whom an intermediate term of 43 years (to commence from the determination of the said 99 years) after the warrant but before the date of the grant of the said inheritance, was granted by King Charles II to Lord Holles and others in trust for the Queen Dowager and afterwards in trust for the King his heirs and their successors.

That the petitioner has reason to believe such grant for 43 years was a “surprize” upon his late Majesty and would not, had all circumstances been known, have been made. Prays His Majesty that the residue of the term of 43 years after the expiration of such leases as shall be granted by the Queen Dowager may be transferred to him, his executors and assigns, the value thereof being small to their Majesties by reason of the Queen Dowager’s said power of renewing leases of the premises. Referred to Treasury.