ABSTRACT

The taking of game by all except propertied landowners was forbidden by a succession of statutes at least from 1 James I, c.27, and the property qualification for taking game was further increased by 7 James I, c.11. Under 22 and 23 Car. II, c.25 only persons who possessed freehold estate of at least £100 per annum or a leasehold estate of at least £150 a year, or were the son or heir-apparent of an esquire or person of higher degree, were entitled to take game. The game laws also exposed crops to the damage of hunters and hounds during the hunting season. Further restrictions were introduced under 4 W. and M., c.23, while the ‘Black Act’ of 1723 made into felonies a large number of poaching and related offences which had hitherto been considered misdemeanours. The severity of the law was further increased by Acts subsequent to 1760, notably in 1770, 1800 and 1816.