Earl Spencer, Lord of the Manor of Wimbledon attempted to propose a Bill to enclose 700 acres of the Common around the Windmill and to build a new manor house in 1864. This was opposed by the Wimbledon Common Committee under the Chairmanship of Sir Henry Peek MP. By 1866 Lord Spencer after 4 years litigation agreed to a new Bill "The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act" which received Royal assent in 1871, The Conservators took over the running of the Common and continue to this day to protect the Commons from any form of encroachment. In 1875 golfers agreed to abandon play from the Iron House, provided they could have a Clubhouse near the Windmill, to this the Conservators gave their permission. The wearing of red coats was introduced in 1892, and red tops are still required today.