A Defence of the Churches Right in Leasehold Estates. in Answer to a Book, Called, an Enquiry Into the Customary Estates and Tenant-Rights of Those Who Hold Lands of the Church . and Published Under the Name of Everard Fleetwood, . by W. Derham. This item is unavailable.A Defence of the Churches Right in Leasehold Estates. in Answer to a Book, Called, an Enquiry Into the Customary Estates and Tenant-Rights of Those Who Hold Lands of the Church . and Published Under the Name of Everard Fleetwood, . by W. Derham

A Defence Of The Churches Right In Leasehold Estates. In Answer To A Book, Called, An Enquiry Into The Customary Estates And Tenant-Rights Of Those who Hold Lands Of The Church. And Published Under The Name Of Everard Fleetwood,. By W. Derham. William Derham presents a polemical defense of ecclesiastical property rights in leasehold estates, arguing that donations to the church and the church's patronage confer rights under God and the church, and that the clergy’s tenure is protected by historic practice and statute. He counters Fleetwood’s Enquiry with detailed argument about the nature of ecclesiastical tenures vs lay tenures, the legitimacy of long-standing leases, and the limits of legal reforms. The tract examines renewal rights, fines, and rents, contending that the church’s income is justified by compliance with broader aims such as maintenance of the poor and the sacred functions of the church. It also includes calculated illustrations (drawing on Newtonian tables) to show how changing interest rates affect renewal values, arguing that current charges align with equity and policy. The author defends church discipline and warns against reducing the church’s property rights, urging respect for ancient rights.