I know you're out there.
Does anyone know what "possessed by" means?
I wondered if it meant owned by, but this advert (for an Edinburgh New Town property in 1799) suggests it could just mean rented or occupied by.
This keeps coming up and I can't tell where people live, or whether they're wealthy property owners or just temporary tenants.
HOUSE IN JAMES STREET.
To be SOLD, by roup, within the Exchange Coffeehouse, upon Wednesday the 13th February, betwixt two and three o’clock afternoon,
THAT LODGING, being the third storey of the corner Land, East End of James Street, consisting of six rooms and a kitchen, with closets, two cellars, and other conveniences, as possessed by Mrs Cairns, rent at 36 l. And the ATTIC STOREY of the said tenement, consisting of six rooms, with closets, and other conveniences, as possessed by Mr Ruddiman. Present rent. 20 l.
The subjects are equally adapted to taste and convenience; and will be exposed at very moderate upset prices. They are insured, and may be seen any lawful day betwixt one and two o’clock, and entered to at Whitsunday next.
Apply to William Dymock, writer, Drummond Street.