 Small settlements began to encroach after the majority of the wood had been cleared in the 16th century.This was a very gradual process, but those who were fined by the bishop's steward for "contempt in enclosing a piece of the waste", occasionally went on to be allowed to stay on payment of rent, or even an annual fine.An example is Edward Hartill who was fined £1 in 1725 for encroachment, but who later went on to pay rent.