for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v of_o himself_o at_o all_o intermeddle_v with_o such_o distress_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n but_o that_o such_o justice_n as_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v thereupon_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o we_o and_o our_o heir_n or_o to_o our_o special_a mandate_n as_o it_o be_v before_o express_v in_o that_o patent_n of_o our_o say_a grandfather_n which_o king_n continue_v his_o mindfulness_n thereof_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n bear_v date_n at_o york_n 24_o augusti_n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n appoint_v robert_n de_fw-fr kendale_n john_n malemeyn_n de_fw-fr hoo_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr cotes_n gentleman_n then_o of_o special_a note_n in_o this_o country_n to_o oversee_v the_o sea-bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n situate_v betwixt_o apeldre_n and_o romenale_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o of_o his_o reign_n by_o the_o like_a patent_n dorso_fw-la date_v at_o westminster_n xxo_o maii_n constitute_v edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifeld_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr sardone_fw-fr his_o commissioner_n for_o the_o like_a view_n of_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a part_n of_o the_o say_v marsh._n the_o next_o year_n follow_v there_o have_v be_v a_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o king_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a trench_n make_v betwixt_o apuldre_n and_o the_o port_n of_o romenhale_n very_o many_o discommodity_n and_o loss_n daily_o befall_v the_o country_n adjacent_a whereupon_o he_o assign_v 38._o the_o before-specified_n edmund_n and_o john_n together_o with_o william_n de_fw-fr cotes_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o these_o part_n by_o who_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o premise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o discover_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v that_o trench_n and_o when_o and_o for_o what_o cause_n as_o also_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o moreover_o what_o discommodity_n &_o damage_n have_v happen_v by_o mean_n thereof_o and_o to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n but_o be_v afterward_o advertise_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o dissension_n rise_v betwixt_o his_o baron_n of_o the_o cinque_fw-fr port_n and_o the_o commonality_n of_o romenale_n marsh_n by_o reason_n thereof_o that_o both_o side_n be_v prepare_v to_o fight_v it_o out_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o far_a proceed_n in_o that_o inquisition_n which_o as_o it_o will_v occasion_v much_o terror_n to_o the_o people_n thereabouts_o so_o may_v it_o not_o a_o little_a hinder_v that_o warlike_a expedition_n which_o the_o say_a king_n then_o intend_v consider_v therefore_o the_o need_n that_o at_o present_a he_o have_v of_o the_o service_n of_o his_o faithful_a subject_n aswell_o by_o land_n as_o by_o sea_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o his_o utmost_a power_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o unity_n and_o peace_n by_o his_o special_a precept_n ibid._n bear_v date_n at_o guldeford_n 6_o aug._n he_o command_v the_o before-specified_n edmund_n john_n and_o william_n for_o the_o cause_n above_o express_v to_o supersede_n the_o take_n of_o that_o intend_a inquisition_n until_o they_o shall_v receive_v his_o far_a command_n therein_o which_o stop_v in_o that_o business_n last_v not_o long_o for_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o february_n the_o king_n grant_v out_o a_o new_a commission_n 19_o to_o they_o for_o to_o proceed_v forthwith_o therein_o in_o the_o same_o year_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n betwixt_o tide_n and_o dengemareys_n be_v break_v for_o in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n ensue_v i_o find_v that_o the_o say_a king_n issue_v out_o his_o commission_n dorso_fw-la to_o henry_n de_fw-fr shardon_n thomas_n de_fw-mi â—eversham_fw-mi and_o william_n de_fw-fr roberts_n brigge_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o they_o that_o great_a care_n and_o regard_n can_v be_v than_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o instance_a to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o regulation_n of_o all_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o marsh_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v well_o imagine_v nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o pravity_n of_o some_o ill-disposed_a man_n who_o chief_o mind_v their_o particular_a gain_n though_o it_o be_v by_o cheat_v the_o public_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o they_o all_o good_a order_n will_v be_v subvert_v and_o little_a else_o but_o cozenage_n if_o not_o rapine_n practise_v instead_o thereof_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o the_o do_n of_o some_o who_o be_v employ_v with_o the_o levy_n and_o collection_n of_o money_n to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o watergangs_a of_o this_o marsh_n who_o most_o unconscionable_o and_o against_o the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o make_v use_v of_o those_o sum_n so_o gather_v to_o their_o own_o private_a use_n insomuch_o as_o complaint_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n in_o 5_o e._n 3._o who_o thereupon_o give_v commission_n 19_o to_o william_n de_fw-fr clinton_n ralph_n sauvage_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr feversham_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_n thereof_o which_o king_n out_o of_o the_o like_a tender_a respect_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o marsh_n 3._o as_o his_o father_n and_o other_o his_o ancestor_n have_v by_o his_o leter_n exâ—_n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 28_o of_o novem._n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n wherein_o he_o recite_v that_o famous_a ordinance_n make_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n of_o which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o make_v mention_n add_v his_o royal_a confirmation_n thereof_o and_o afterward_o at_o sundry_a time_n as_o occasion_v require_v grant_v his_o commission_n to_o several_a person_n of_o quality_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o kent_n for_o the_o overseeing_a the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a and_o take_v care_n for_o their_o necessary_a repair_n as_o by_o the_o enroulment_n of_o they_o appear_v viz._n in_o april_n 13_o e._n 3._o dorso_fw-la to_o thomas_n de_fw-fr brockhill_n william_n de_fw-fr oralsâ—on_n robert_n de_fw-fr shâ—rden_n and_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr basham_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o sea-coast_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o lude_n near_o romenhale_n and_o in_o octob._n follow_v to_o dorso_n the_o same_o thomas_n geffrey_n and_o james_n de_fw-fr echyngham_n touch_v those_o which_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o romne_n and_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v longerake_n and_o betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o lyde_n and_o the_o sea_n within_o the_o town_n of_o lyde_n in_o june_n 18_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o thomas_n de_fw-fr brokhull_n john_n de_fw-fr err_v thomas_n de_fw-fr rethelin_n and_o william_n alleyn_n of_o brokeland_n for_o those_o in_o romenhale_n marsh._n in_o march_v 21_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o thomas_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr gillingham_n stephan_n donet_fw-la and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr horsham_n for_o the_o same_o bank_n in_o april_n 22_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o james_n de_fw-fr echingham_n thomas_n de_fw-fr broxhill_n and_o the_o rest_n last_o mention_v the_o like_a so_o also_o in_o dorso_fw-la july_n follow_v to_z william_n de_fw-fr broclond_n stephan_n de_fw-fr horsham_n richard_n de_fw-fr morton_n and_o william_n waschare_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o wholesome_a ordinance_n so_o often_o mention_v and_o the_o several_a confirmation_n thereof_o i_o find_v that_o simon_n islip_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n with_o other_o land-holders_n within_o this_o marsh_n of_o romene_n make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n b._n to_o the_o king_n in_o 33_o e._n 3._o that_o whereas_o all_o those_o their_o land_n lay_v border_v to_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o without_o the_o continual_a support_n of_o the_o bank_n gutter_n ditch_n and_o other_o mound_n aswell_o for_o exclude_v the_o sea_n as_o for_o the_o void_a out_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n there_o make_v they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v defend_v and_o preserve_v farther_o show_v that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n ancestor_n to_o the_o say_v king_n edward_z the_o 3_o ordain_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n of_o the_o say_a king_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o whosoever_o be_v tenant_n and_o resident_a within_o the_o precinct_n who_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n therein_o situate_a shall_v choose_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o bailiff_n to_o levy_v the_o tax_n assess_v for_o reparation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n as_o in_o the_o say_a ordinance_n more_o full_o may_v appear_v and_o that_o though_o in_o pursuance_n of_o those_o ordinance_n one_o john_n atte_n lose_v a_o tenant_n and_o resident_a within_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v be_v elect_v and_o depute_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n for_o levy_v of_o the_o say_a tax_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o marsh_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a nevertheless_o one_o matthew_n
to_o the_o say_a shireeve_n bear_v date_n the_o xxth_o of_o april_n requite_v he_o to_o return_v back_o those_o distress_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o more_o complaint_n may_v be_v make_v against_o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n for_o which_o he_o may_v far_o incur_v the_o say_a king_n displeasure_n b._n to_o give_v instance_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a person_n who_o oppose_v these_o ordinance_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a can_v i_o exact_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o only_a suit_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v commence_v by_o one_o godfrey_n le_fw-fr fauâ—oner_n against_o hamon_n pit_n john_n cobbe_n and_o other_o for_o take_v ten_o cow_n by_o way_n of_o distress_n upon_o his_o the_o say_a godfrey_n manor_n of_o hurst_n for_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o say_a ordinance_n to_o which_o action_n the_o say_a hamon_n and_o his_o fellow-defendant_n plead_v that_o the_o say_v godfrey_n enjoy_v certain_a possession_n lie_v in_o romney_n marsh_n in_o which_o marsh_n all_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n to_o make_v the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o other_o inundation_n of_o water_n and_o that_o the_o xxiiii_o man_n oâ—_n that_o marsh_n choose_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o commonality_n thereof_o aught_o to_o make_v distress_n in_o the_o same_o upon_o all_o the_o landholders_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whensoever_o the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n thereof_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n which_o say_v jurat_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v it_o themselves_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o say_v hamon_n to_o take_v those_o distress_n and_o constitute_v he_o their_o bailiff_n so_o to_o do_v ☞_o and_o that_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n by_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o by_o the_o king_n charter_n which_o they_o then_o produce_v whereupon_o they_o say_v that_o by_o teason_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n default_n that_o distress_n take_v for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v just_o make_v of_o which_o there_o be_v assign_v by_o the_o say_a jurat_n three_o perch_n and_o a_o half_a at_o the_o least_o for_o his_o proportion_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o apuldre_n to_o be_v repair_v at_o his_o cost_n and_o according_a to_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n more_o if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v take_v a_o great_a distress_n upon_o he_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o country_n they_o say_v nevertheless_o also_o that_o they_o take_v upon_o one_o a._n b._n a_o fermour_n to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n ten_o steer_n and_o ten_o lamb_n belong_v to_o i._o n._n tenant_n also_o to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o default_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a for_o which_o they_o afterward_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o have_v their_o cattle_n again_o and_o be_v question_v for_o how_o much_o he_o take_v the_o first_o distress_n and_o for_o how_o much_o the_o second_o he_o say_v that_o the_o first_o default_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n be_v estimate_v at_o four_o mark_n and_o the_o second_o at_o xlviiis._o and_o the_o say_v godfrey_n allege_v that_o he_o hold_v those_o tenement_n in_o the_o marsh_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o grant_n of_o henry_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n grandfather_n to_o king_n henry_n then_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o king_n henry_n give_v they_o to_o william_n the_o son_n of_o balderic_n ancestor_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n who_o heir_n he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o this_o grant_n both_o his_o ancestor_n and_o himself_o after_o they_o always_o hold_v their_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o free_o and_o quiet_o as_o the_o say_a baldric_n first_o hold_v they_o and_o he_o far_o say_v that_o this_o custom_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v never_o require_v neither_o of_o his_o say_a ancestor_n nor_o himself_o till_o about_o five_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n be_v make_v bailiff_n for_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o watergang_n nor_o that_o they_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o any_o time_n and_o produce_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o his_o ancestor_n hold_v those_o tenement_n by_o that_o feoffment_n so_o free_o that_o they_o never_o do_v any_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n not_o watergangs_a and_o that_o neither_o he_o after_o he_o possess_v the_o same_o land_n nor_o his_o ancestor_n be_v ever_o distrain_v till_o within_o these_o five_o or_o six_o year_n last_o pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v those_o distress_n for_o that_o defect_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a which_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o ancestor_n make_v nor_o be_v use_v to_o make_v he_o require_v judgement_n of_o their_o recognition_n whereunto_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o the_o rest_n reply_v that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o before-specified_n banks_n and_o watergangs_a upon_o which_o there_o grow_v a_o suit_n in_o the_o country_n before_o the_o shireeve_n wherein_o the_o say_v xxiiii_o jurat_n deem_v themselves_o wrong_v come_v to_o the_o king_n court_n and_o complain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n allege_v this_o plea_n do_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o hold_v it_o be_v therefore_o determine_v by_o the_o king_n counsel_n that_o the_o king_n justice_n shall_v be_v send_v thither_o to_o ordain_v and_o dispose_v of_o those_o difference_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o according_o henry_n the_o bath_n be_v send_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v summons_n of_o xl_o day_n as_o in_o the_o iter_fw-la of_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o say_v henry_n upon_o his_o view_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergangs_a by_o the_o consent_n &_o good_a like_n of_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n then_o ordain_v that_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n abbot_n prior_n earl_n baron_n and_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n &_o watergangs_a according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whereupon_o as_o the_o say_v godfrey_n desire_v to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n &_o watergangs_a the_o say_a hamon_n require_v that_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n shall_v contribute_v to_o those_o repair_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o aforesaid_a he_o refer_v himself_o to_o the_o record_n in_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o say_v henry_n the_o bath_n and_o also_o the_o say_a hamon_n further_o allege_v that_o of_o necessity_n the_o say_a godfrey_n ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n because_o that_o if_o his_o land_n shall_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v whole_o drown_v &_o make_v salt_n but_o to_o this_o the_o say_v godfrey_n answer_v that_o though_o that_o ordinance_n be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o say_v henry_n yet_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n never_o give_v his_o consent_n thereto_o and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o summon_v nor_o call_v to_o come_v before_o he_o at_o the_o make_v thereof_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o neither_o before_o the_o same_o ordinance_n so_o make_v nor_o after_o either_o he_o or_o his_o ancestor_n ever_o so_o contribute_v but_o always_o hold_v their_o land_n quiet_o without_o any_o exaction_n at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o before-specified_n king_n henry_n charter_n grandfather_n to_o the_o then_o king_n henry_n until_o two_o year_n before_o that_o the_o before-specified_n hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n whereupon_o he_o require_v judgement_n whether_o the_o same_o ordinance_n ought_v to_o prejudice_v he_o in_o that_o behalf_n howbeit_o the_o say_a hamon_n and_o other_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v the_o common_a summons_n of_o xl_o day_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v whereof_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o thereupon_o say_v that_o though_o the_o say_v godfrey_n will_v not_o come_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v with_o his_o neighbour_n he_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v free_a from_o payment_n of_o the_o before-specified_n contribution_n for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n because_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a profit_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o same_o marsh_n that_o aswell_o his_o land_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o other_o tenant_n be_v defend_v by_o the_o
richard_n de_fw-fr horn_n stephan_n wettenham_n john_n franceys_n and_o hamon_n wodeman_n be_v put_v in_o commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o to_o supervise_v the_o bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n from_o the_o town_n of_o hethe_n all_o along_o the_o sea-coast_n unto_o apuldre_n as_o also_o in_o other_o marsh_n within_o this_o county_n viz._n from_o the_o haven_n of_o romney_n to_o promhill_n church_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o sea_n coast_n to_o apuldre_n before_o mention_v they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o decay_n in_o sundry_a place_n thereof_o which_o king_n viz._n richard_n the_o 2_o out_o of_o his_o special_a care_n also_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o marsh_n have_v view_v the_o charter_n of_o his_o royal_a ancestor_n king_n edward_n the_o first_o wherein_o aswell_o that_o of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3_o whereof_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o its_o due_a place_n as_o that_o memorable_a ordinance_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n likewise_o before_o repeat_v be_v recite_v do_v not_o only_o make_v confirmation_n of_o they_o both_o but_o far_o out_o of_o his_o princely_a favour_n by_o the_o assent_n of_o his_o council_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n grant_v 38._o for_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n to_o the_o bailiff_n and_o twenty-four_o jurat_n which_o then_o be_v and_o that_o thenceforth_o shall_v be_v that_o they_o as_o also_o their_o heir_n and_o successor_n shall_v for_o ever_o have_v this_o liberty_n viz._n they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o serve_v at_o any_o assize_n on_o juries_n inquisition_n or_o recognition_n aswell_o within_o this_o county_n of_o kent_n as_o out_o of_o it_o except_v in_o what_o shall_v relate_v to_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n and_o that_o they_o nor_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v shireeve_n eschaetor_n bailiff_n collector_n of_o ten_o or_o fifteen_o or_o of_o any_o other_o subsidy_n charge_v tax_n or_o tallage_n to_o be_v grant_v to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o heir_n or_o any_o other_o officer_n or_o minister_n to_o he_o or_o his_o heir_n aforesaid_a against_o their_o own_o good_a will_n during_o the_o time_n that_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o say_a office_n of_o bailiff_n or_o one_o of_o the_o jurats_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o his_o royal_a grant_n for_o such_o immunity_n he_o there_o declare_v viz._n that_o by_o their_o absence_n the_o whole_a marsh_n as_o he_o have_v be_v inform_v may_v be_v overflow_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n and_o so_o utter_o lose_v and_o destroy_v to_o the_o infinite_a peril_n and_o damage_n of_o all_o his_o liege_n people_n in_o those_o part_n in_o like_a manner_n and_o with_o the_o like_a recital_n at_o large_a do_v king_n 17._o henry_n the_o 4_o and_o king_n 21._o henry_n the_o six_o confirm_v the_o say_a charter_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 3_o and_o the_o so_o often_o mention_v law_n and_o ordinance_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n concern_v this_o marsh_n add_v the_o like_a liberty_n and_o privilege_n as_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o by_o his_o charter_n last_o before_o observe_v do_v which_o say_v law_n with_o all_o other_o relate_v to_o this_o marsh_n as_o also_o the_o custom_n thereof_o be_v grow_v at_o length_n so_o famous_a that_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o in_o the_o 6_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o 5._o the_o advice_n and_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o at_o the_o special_a instance_n of_o the_o commons_o of_o this_o realm_n then_o assemble_v in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o westminster_n have_v consider_v the_o great_a damage_n and_o loss_n which_o have_v often_o happen_v by_o the_o excessive_a rise_n of_o water_n in_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o realm_n and_o that_o much_o great_a be_v like_o to_o ensue_v if_o remedy_n be_v not_o hasty_o provide_v and_o thereupon_o ordain_v and_o grant_v that_o for_o ten_o year_n â—â—â—n_n next_o ensue_v several_a commissioâ—s_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o diverâ—_n person_n by_o the_o chancellor_n of_o engâ—and_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v in_o all_o paâ—ts_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n where_o shall_v be_v needful_a the_o form_n of_o which_o commission_n be_v there_o recite_v among_o other_o thing_n give_v unto_o the_o say_a commissioner_n special_a power_n and_o direction_n by_o that_o act_n to_o make_v and_o ordain_v necessary_a and_o convenable_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n and_o conservation_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o marsh_n and_o the_o part_n adjoin_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o romney_n marsh._n and_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v ten_o year_n by_o act_n 10._o of_o parliament_n in_o 18_o of_o his_o reign_n continue_v the_o same_o form_n of_o commission_n so_o also_o in_o 9_o 23._o the_o like_a do_v 6._o k._n edw._n the_o 4_o in_o 12_o of_o his_o reign_n and_o k._n henry_n the_o 7_o in_o 1._o 4_o of_o he_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o manifest_v how_o great_a a_o care_n and_o regard_v the_o successive_a king_n of_o this_o realm_n have_v for_o divers_a age_n of_o this_o famous_a marsh_n i_o will_v close_v up_o what_o i_o have_v far_o to_o say_v thereof_o with_o that_o notable_a charter_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o 4_o bear_a date_n at_o westminster_n 23_o febr._n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n whereby_o he_o incorporate_v the_o bailiff_n and_o jurat_v thereof_o the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n that_o whereas_o he_o the_o say_a king_n hold_v himself_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n and_o his_o loyal_a subject_n thereof_o from_o what_o place_n soever_o especial_o those_o who_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o first_o assault_n and_o attempt_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o consider_v that_o many_o town_n and_o place_n situate_v near_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v lay_v waste_n by_o the_o spoil_n and_o burn_n of_o the_o say_a enemy_n and_o through_o the_o affright_v of_o the_o inhabitant_n who_o thereupon_o forsake_v they_o leave_v unhabitable_a and_o desolate_a think_v it_o therefore_o most_o necessary_a to_o repair_v the_o say_a town_n and_o place_n or_o to_o new_a build_v other_o near_o unto_o they_o and_o be_v so_o build_v to_o endow_v and_o arm_v they_o with_o liberty_n and_o privilege_n that_o be_v so_o fortify_v they_o may_v by_o the_o people_n recourse_n to_o they_o be_v make_v more_o powerful_a and_o strong_a for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o consider_v that_o in_o this_o marsh_n of_o romeney_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n which_o be_v situate_a near_o to_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v not_o at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o plenty_n of_o people_n and_o inhabitant_n as_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v but_o be_v it_o better_o defend_v there_o will_v a_o much_o great_a confluence_n resort_v thereto_o and_o dwell_v therein_o for_o the_o more_o safeguard_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n as_o he_o the_o say_a king_n have_v be_v inform_v from_o the_o credible_a relation_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o other_o part_n adjacent_a take_v therefore_o the_o premise_n into_o consideration_n of_o his_o special_a grace_n and_o favour_n at_o the_o instant_a request_n of_o all_o the_o commonalty_n and_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o also_o for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o and_o more_o security_n of_o the_o adjacent_a town_n he_o give_v and_o grant_v to_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n reside_v within_o the_o limit_n and_o bound_n thereof_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v one_o body_n in_o substance_n and_o name_n and_o one_o commonalty_n perpetual_o incorporate_v of_o one_o bailiff_n and_o twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o the_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_v romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n shall_v have_v a_o continual_a succession_n and_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o call_v term_v and_o name_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n and_o that_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n shall_v be_v person_n proper_a and_o capable_a in_o law_n to_o purchase_v land_n and_o tenement_n and_o other_o possession_n whatsoever_o to_o themselves_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o enjoy_v iâ—_n fee_n and_o perpetuity_n and_o that_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o common_a seal_n for_o their_o affair_n and_o business_n relate_v to_o they_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n and_o their_o successor_n and_o shall_v plead_v and_o be_v implead_v answer_n and_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n in_o every_o of_o the_o say_v king_n court_n and_o the_o court_n of_o
common_a forland_n as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v use_v upon_o which_o such_o carriage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o repair_n maintenance_n or_o make_v of_o those_o wall_n might_n without_o impediment_n be_v make_v and_o likewise_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a swear_v do_v several_o say_v that_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v the_o becard_n who_o ought_v to_o pay_v and_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bank_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v have_v not_o any_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v go_v ride_v or_o drive_v to_o that_o marsh_n nor_o from_o it_o except_o over_o other_o man_n land_n or_o upon_o the_o bank_n or_o forland_n lead_v thence_o to_o and_o from_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o they_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh-law_n there_o in_o all_o such_o case_n before_o that_o time_n use_v the_o tenant_n of_o that_o land_n at_o their_o pleasure_n may_v go_v ride_v and_o drive_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o say_a marsh_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o forland_n of_o the_o bank_n lead_v to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o partition_n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n &c._n &c._n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v or_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o land-holders_n and_o how_o much_o land_n every_o such_o tenant_n have_v or_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v the_o say_a juror_n do_v several_o present_v the_o certainty_n thereupon_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o sewer_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v then_o exhibit_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a john_n fog_n john_n scotte_n and_o other_o to_o the_o number_n of_o eight_o of_o the_o say_a justice_n forasmuch_o as_o upon_o their_o say_a view_n and_o inquisition_n aforesaid_a make_v and_o take_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a it_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o drown_v by_o default_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o bank_n whereupon_o in_o short_a time_n inestimable_a damage_n may_v accrue_v unless_o a_o fit_a remedy_n in_o that_o behalf_n be_v the_o soon_o have_v and_o that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o by_o the_o make_n of_o sewer_n ditch_n and_o gutter_n in_o those_o marsh_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o those_o precinct_n except_o before_o except_v and_o that_o in_o default_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o every_o of_o they_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n those_o except_v as_o aforesaid_a will_v be_v in_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o easy_o overwhelm_v to_o the_o inestimable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o whereby_o all_o those_o tenant_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v equal_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o land_n and_o marsh_n there_o from_o this_o peril_n and_o inundation_n viz._n every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v as_o his_o number_n of_o acre_n and_o perch_n of_o land_n there_o as_o in_o the_o say_a marsh_n of_o romeney_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n statute_n and_o custom_n thereof_o have_v and_o to_o that_o time_n use_v in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o have_v wont_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v consider_v beside_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n ☜_o lie_v within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v never_o before_o settle_v under_o any_o certain_a and_o fit_a statute_n or_o ordinance_n by_o any_o authority_n for_o their_o secure_a defence_n and_o preservation_n and_o moreover_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a king_n desire_v seasonable_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n and_o chief_o for_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o seacoast_n in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o westminster_n the_o six_o of_o october_n in_o the_o xijth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o by_o divers_a prorogation_n continue_v till_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n thereof_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a sit_v in_o the_o say_a parliament_n at_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n then_o and_o there_o exhibit_v to_o he_o among_o other_o thing_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v that_o several_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v issue_v out_o to_o sundry_a person_n by_o the_o chancellor_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n where_o need_n shall_v require_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o certain_a commission_n in_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o henry_n the_o six_o in_o deed_n but_o not_o in_o right_a king_n of_o england_n hold_v at_o westminster_n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o commission_n as_o in_o the_o say_a statute_n of_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n publish_v be_v more_o full_o contain_v whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n issue_v out_o his_o letter_n patent_n to_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n john_n fog_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o justice_n beforementioned_a in_o form_n aforesaid_a the_o tenor_n of_o which_o petition_n and_o answer_n thereto_o and_o of_o the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o say_v romeney_n marsh_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o certain_a roll_n annex_v thereunto_o have_v also_o regard_v to_o the_o public_a advantage_n and_o common_a profit_n aswell_o by_o virtue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a statute_n publish_v in_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n as_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n patent_n as_o aforesaid_a hereupon_o make_v to_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o other_o premise_n that_o it_o will_v seem_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o they_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v and_o ordain_v what_o shall_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o peril_n and_o damage_n abovesaid_a call_v together_o such_o as_o the_o business_n concern_v for_o the_o perpetual_a safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v by_o the_o assent_n aswell_o of_o all_o those_o juror_n of_o the_o enquest_n aforesaid_a appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a liable_a to_o the_o say_a danger_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o of_o very_a many_o lord_n of_o fee_n and_o other_o land-holders_n there_o be_v on_o the_o say_v friday_n at_o lyde_n aforesaid_a in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o say_v king_n royal_a purpose_n for_o more_o advantage_n and_o less_o detriment_n the_o say_a justice_n do_v provide_v make_v and_o publish_v certain_a proper_a and_o commodious_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o king_n people_n and_o especial_o for_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o those_o ground_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v not_o favour_v any_o person_n therein_o to_o endure_v and_o be_v observe_v for_o ever_o as_o follow_v first_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n with_o the_o consent_n aforesaid_a that_o thenceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n aforesaid_a within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a except_o before_o except_v two_o bailiff_n twenty_o four_o jurat_n two_o collector_n and_o two_o expenditor_n of_o the_o land-holders_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v for_o the_o preservation_n safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v and_o of_o the_o bank_n belong_v thereto_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n ten_o or_o eight_o of_o they_o at_o least_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v to_o be_v govern_v keep_v defend_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o inundation_n of_o the_o fresh_a matter_n by_o bank_n
other_o commodity_n the_o king_n therefore_o take_v the_o same_o into_o consideration_n and_o that_o the_o say_v james_n be_v no_o party_n to_o the_o before-specified_n inquisition_n nor_o at_o all_o call_v at_o the_o take_v thereof_o do_v revoke_v his_o say_a letter_n patent_n and_o command_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n shall_v be_v demolish_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v certify_v whether_o the_o say_v land_n may_v be_v preserve_v by_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o old_a bank_n on_o the_o verge_n of_o that_o stream_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o raise_v athwart_o that_o stream_n be_v to_o his_o damage_n or_o the_o damage_n of_o any_o other_o person_n do_v by_o his_o letter_n ibid._n patent_n bear_v date_n the_o 8_o of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a assign_v john_n de_fw-fr strode_n john_n de_fw-fr ore_n robert_n de_fw-fr sharnedene_n and_o philip_n en_fw-fr la_fw-fr wyke_n to_o inquire_v and_o certify_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o after_o this_o about_o two_o year_n tho._n de_fw-fr passele_n thomas_n de_fw-fr pympe_n stephan_n scappe_n will._n de_fw-fr haldene_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr wystresham_n be_v also_o appoint_v dorso_o to_o take_v a_o new_a view_n of_o these_o bank_n in_o 25_o e._n 3._o stephan_n scappe_n will._n de_fw-fr wightresham_n will._n de_fw-fr pageham_n and_o stephan_n donet_fw-la be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o promhell_n marsh_n betwixt_o long_a shotteswall_n and_o west-hevedeswall_a newlandeswall_n uetereswall_n and_o scalloteswall_n in_o the_o confine_n of_o these_o county_n in_o 27_o e._n 3._o will._n de_fw-fr clinton_n earl_n of_o huntingdon_n will._n fifhide_v reginald_n del_fw-it dik_n john_n de_fw-fr ore_n stephan_n scappe_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr hodlegh_n have_v dorso_o the_o like_a assignation_n for_o the_o bank_n betwixt_o apuldre_n and_o robertshrigge_n so_o also_o the_o year_n follow_v have_v stephan_n de_fw-fr valoignes_n will._n waver_n john_n brode_n stephan_n scappe_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr wightresham_n for_o those_o in_o promhell_n marsh_n before_o mention_v in_o 30_o e._n 3._o upon_o the_o complaint_n dorso_o of_o divers_a person_n in_o the_o marsh_n on_o the_o sea_n coast_n betwixt_o hethe_n near_o saltwood_n in_o kent_n and_o lewes_n in_o sussex_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a that_o many_o man_n of_o those_o county_n who_o have_v levy_v and_o collect_v great_a sum_n of_o money_n of_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n for_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o same_o in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n and_o at_o other_o time_n and_o have_v so_o do_v keep_v the_o money_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o the_o bank_n for_o default_n of_o that_o timely_a repair_n which_o they_o shall_v thereby_o have_v have_v be_v grow_v ruinous_a expose_v the_o say_v marsh_n and_o land_n to_o overflow_a and_o drown_v the_o king_n therefore_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_o patent_n bear_v date_n at_o newcastle_n upon_o tine_n the_o 30_o of_o january_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a assign_v geffrey_n de_fw-fr say_n ralph_n de_fw-fr frenyngham_n will._n de_fw-fr fifhide_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v thereof_o in_o 37_o e._n 3._o rob._n belknap_n will._n haldene_n will._n topâ—live_a henry_n gosebourne_n and_o john_n lyvet_n be_v make_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o promhell_n marsh_n so_o also_o the_o same_o year_n be_v dorso_o will._n de_fw-fr wightresham_n stephan_n donet_fw-la and_o other_o and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v sir_n andrew_z sakevill_n knight_n will._n haldene_n â—nd_v will._n batesford_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n â—orso_fw-la for_o those_o betwixt_o hastyng_n and_o newendon_n so_o also_o in_o 40_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_o rob._n bealknap_n will._n haldene_n and_o will._n horn_n robert_n de_fw-fr ore_n and_o john_n lyvet_n for_o those_o in_o the_o parish_n of_o wightrisham_n ebâ—ene_n stone_n in_o oxene_n and_o idenne_n in_o 42_o e._n 3._o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n robert_n bealknap_n will._n batesford_n and_o other_o dorso_fw-la for_o those_o in_o promhell_n marsh_n in_o 44_o e._n 3._o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n rob._n bealknap_n john_n colepepere_fw-la will._n horn_n roger_n ashburnham_n and_o john_n edward_n have_v dorso_o the_o like_a for_o those_o betwixt_o knellesflete_a beforementioned_a and_o the_o town_n of_o robertsâ—rigge_n so_o also_o in_o 5_o r._n 2._o have_v dorso_fw-la robert_n bealknap_n edward_n dalingrugg_n roger_n ashburnham_n robert_n echyngham_n john_n edward_n and_o john_n break_v the_o like_a in_o 7_o r._n 2._o have_v dorso_o robert_n bealknap_n will._n riâ—hill_n will._n batesford_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o newendon_n and_o echingham_n so_o also_o the_o same_o year_n have_v doâ—sâ—_n the_o say_v rob._n bealknap_n will._n de_fw-fr halden_n will._n the_o horn_n will._n makenade_n john_n lynot_v and_o john_n franceys_n for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o lyde_n promhill_n middele_n and_o old_a romeney_n with_o direction_n to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n and_o likewise_o dorso_o the_o same_o robert_n bealknap_n will._n horn_n will._n betesford_n stephan_n batenham_n will._n makenade_n will._n brenchesle_n and_o john_n fraunceys_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n and_o smallyde_a in_o 31_o r._n 2._o john_n devereux_n constable_n of_o dovor_n castle_n and_o warden_n of_o the_o cinque_fw-fr port_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hungerford_n will._n rikhill_n will._n the_o horn_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n between_o bourne_n in_o sussex_n and_o apuldre_n in_o kent_n and_o empowered_a to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 1_o h._n 4._o william_n de_fw-fr makenade_n and_o his_o fellow_n commissioner_n sit_v at_o apledoure_n on_o the_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n valentine_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o bank_n &_o sewer_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o small_a lyde_n &_o promhelle_n it_o be_v then_o and_o there_o find_v 1659._o that_o six_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o eight_o acre_n of_o marish_a lie_v in_o a_o place_n call_v the_o becard_n which_o have_v long_o lie_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o at_o that_o time_n be_v often_o overflow_v aught_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o a_o certain_a bank_n begin_v at_o fayrefeld_n hole_n in_o the_o say_a place_n call_v becard_n and_o so_o extend_v itself_o by_o the_o seaside_n unto_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n towards_o the_o north_n which_o bank_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v on_o that_o sea-coast_n at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o all_o person_n receive_v advantage_n and_o benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o robertsbrigge_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o cclxxi_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o say_a marsh_n for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a charge_n of_o make_v that_o bank_n and_o that_o thomas_n then_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n with_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n and_o certain_a other_o person_n be_v possessor_n of_o the_o residue_n thereof_o for_o the_o which_o every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o so_o hold_v be_v to_o contribute_v upon_o which_o verdict_n there_o grow_v a_o dispute_n betwixt_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o the_o abbot_n of_o robertsbrigge_n the_o abbot_n and_o his_o covent_n allege_v that_o their_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n so_o to_o be_v defend_v be_v much_o great_a than_o by_o that_o inquisition_n the_o juror_n have_v find_v it_o to_o be_v for_o they_o say_v that_o henry_n sometime_o earl_n of_o augi_n by_o a_o certain_a grant_n of_o he_o give_v to_o the_o then_o abbot_n of_o robertsbrigge_n predecessor_n to_o the_o present_a abbot_n and_o the_o covent_n of_o that_o house_n seven_o hundred_o acre_n of_o marish_a in_o the_o town_n of_o snergate_n aswell_o within_o the_o bank_n as_o without_o of_o which_o they_o say_v that_o the_o marish_a then_o to_o be_v take_v in_o be_v parcel_n and_o to_o make_v good_a this_o their_o claim_n do_v exhibit_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n make_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o also_o the_o letter_n patent_n of_o king_n richard_n the_o first_o and_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o with_o other_o king_n ratify_v the_o say_v grant_v whereunto_o the_o prior_n of_o canterbury_n answer_v that_o upon_o the_o make_n of_o that_o charter_n by_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o augi_n there_o arise_v a_o controversy_n betwixt_o alan_n then_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n and_o his_o covent_n as_o lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o apuldre_n within_o the_o precinct_n
guardian_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n who_o be_v according_o swear_v for_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o office_n faithful_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a also_o john_n engham_n the_o heir_n of_o thomas_n thunder_n robert_z thunder_z thomas_n jan_n the_o heir_n of_o james_n marchall_n the_o heir_n of_o robert_n marchall_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o stephan_n deign_v be_v likewise_o elect_v be_v swear_v to_o execute_v that_o office_n of_o skawer_n faithful_o within_o the_o say_a marsh_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n aforesaid_a the_o shireeve_n of_o kent_n therefore_o have_v command_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v several_a summons_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n prior_n of_o christs-church_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o hold_v land_n within_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n within_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n that_o they_o sâ—ould_v appear_v at_o the_o say_v marsâ—_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o translation_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o show_v why_o each_o of_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a work_n for_o what_o he_o hold_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n thereof_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o be_v assess_v and_o in_o like_a manner_n have_v the_o shireeve_n of_o sussex_n command_n that_o he_o shall_v summon_v sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n and_o the_o rest_n who_o hold_v that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o this_o county_n of_o sussex_n and_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o all_o the_o other_o land-holders_n though_o they_o be_v several_o so_o summon_v do_v not_o appear_v but_o make_v default_n but_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o other_o of_o this_o county_n do_v appear_v and_o be_v ready_a every_o one_o of_o they_o to_o contribute_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v within_o the_o say_a marsh_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o inquisition_n and_o tax_n aforesaid_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o aswell_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o the_o other_o land-holders_n who_o then_o appear_v with_o he_o as_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n and_o all_o those_o other_o who_o do_v not_o appear_v shall_v every_o one_o contribute_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v to_o the_o make_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a wall_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n as_o in_o the_o say_a presentment_n be_v contain_v and_o shall_v observe_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n and_o custom_n specify_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n and_o because_o before_o that_o time_n there_o be_v no_o certain_a law_n of_o that_o marsh_n constitute_v nor_o use_v and_o that_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v drown_v lie_v to_o the_o sea_n therefore_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o commission_n by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o bailiff_n jurat_n and_o commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n do_v ordain_v that_o for_o the_o future_a the_o bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v have_v one_o principal_a last_o in_o the_o say_a marsh_n yearly_a at_o the_o least_o within_o the_o octave_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o such_o place_n where_o he_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v think_v most_o expedient_a and_o at_o a_o last_o 16â—0_n hold_v at_o west_n ham_n the_o three_o day_n of_o october_n in_o the_o xxiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o eight_o before_o john_n prior_n of_o lewes_n rich._n abbot_n of_o begham_n john_n prior_n of_o michelham_n thomas_n lord_n dacre_n and_o other_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n commission_n to_o they_o direct_v it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o no_o manner_n of_o person_n or_o person_n shall_v thenceforth_o set_v any_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n or_o make_v any_o dam_n or_o other_o impediment_n in_o landing_n watergang_n ditch_n or_o common_a stream_n or_o any_o insews_n or_o set_v or_o fisâ—ing_v before_o any_o gut_n or_o gut_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o pevensey_n marsâ—_n upon_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n such_o net_n or_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n as_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v so_o set_v and_o likewise_o ten_o shilling_n when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v so_o offend_v the_o say_a net_n or_o net_n pot_n or_o engine_n to_o be_v seize_v on_o by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n to_o the_o use_n aforesaid_a which_o person_n or_o person_n so_o seize_v they_o to_o have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o same_o to_o his_o own_o use_n but_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o say_v ten_o shilling_n to_o be_v so_o levy_v by_o the_o bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v to_o the_o behoof_n of_o the_o whole_a marsh_n provide_v nevertheless_o that_o every_o owner_n of_o land_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v full_a and_o lawful_a power_n to_o fish_n within_o his_o ground_n so_o it_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a or_o hurtful_a to_o the_o say_v marsh._n cap._n xx._n from_o sussex_n i_o come_v next_o to_o somersetshire_n that_o the_o overflowing_n both_o of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a river_n in_o some_o part_n of_o this_o county_n be_v heretofore_o likewise_o exceed_v great_a i_o need_v not_o seek_v far_o for_o testimony_n the_o rich_a and_o spacious_a marsh_n below_o well_n and_o glastonbury_n since_o by_o much_o industry_n drayn_v and_o reduce_v to_o profit_n sufficient_o manifest_v no_o less_o for_o consider_v the_o flatnesse_n of_o those_o part_n at_o least_o twelve_o mile_n eastward_o from_o the_o sea_n which_o give_v way_n to_o the_o tide_n to_o flow_v up_o very_o high_a as_o also_o that_o the_o â—ilt_n and_o sand_n thereby_o continual_o bring_v up_o do_v not_o a_o little_a obstruct_v the_o outfall_n of_o those_o fresh_a water_n which_o descend_v from_o bruton_n shepton-malet_n and_o several_a other_o place_n of_o this_o shire_n all_o that_o great_a level_n about_o glastonbury_n and_o below_o it_o now_o for_o the_o most_o part_n call_v brentmarshe_n be_v in_o time_n past_a no_o other_o than_o a_o very_a fen_n and_o that_o place_n be_v natural_o high_o than_o the_o rest_n account_v a_o island_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o situation_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o such_o vast_a water_n haec_fw-la itaque_fw-la insula_fw-la say_v will._n 1._o of_o mamesâ—ury_n speak_v of_o it_o then_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o avalon_n primò_fw-la à _fw-la britonibus_fw-la dicta_fw-la est_fw-la ynwyrtrin_n etc._n etc._n insula_fw-la verò_fw-la dicta_fw-la est_fw-la quoniam_fw-la marisco_fw-la profundo_fw-la est_fw-la undique_fw-la clausa_fw-la this_o island_n be_v first_o call_v by_o the_o briton_n ynswyrtrin_n etc._n etc._n and_o term_v a_o island_n because_o it_o be_v enclose_v on_o every_o side_n with_o a_o deep_a marsh_n or_o fen_n as_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o famous_a and_o costly_a sluse_n at_o highbridge_n whereby_o the_o tide_n that_o there_o usual_o rise_v no_o less_o than_o xx_o foot_n in_o full_a height_n be_v not_o only_o keep_v back_o but_o the_o fresh_a water_n evacuate_v with_o such_o a_o force_n as_o grind_v out_o the_o silt_n which_o will_v otherwise_o choke_v up_o that_o ostiarie_n the_o obstruction_n of_o their_o current_n and_o consequent_o the_o overflow_n of_o that_o large_a plain_n eastward_n be_v happy_o prevent_v let_v i_o also_o add_v hereunto_o what_o the_o learned_a leland_n a._n in_o his_o itinerarie_n make_v temp_n h._n 8._o observe_v viz._n that_o near_o coscumbe_v betwixt_o shipton_n malet_n and_o welles_n there_o be_v ancient_o a_o castle_n on_o a_o hill_n call_v fenne_n castle_n the_o ruin_n whereof_o he_o see_v and_o as_o to_o the_o bank_a and_o drayn_n in_o these_o part_n that_o a_o mile_n above_o hartlake_n bridge_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o arm_n cast_v out_o by_o force_n out_o of_o sowey_n river_n and_o a_o marsh_n wall_n make_v by_o industry_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o principal_a stream_n of_o sowey_n which_o wall_n continue_v to_o hartlake_n bridge_n and_o a_o mile_n low_a and_o then_o both_o soon_o after_o run_v into_o the_o mere_a and_o moreover_o affirm_v that_o if_o the_o say_a marsh_n wall_n shall_v not_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o the_o channel_n on_o each_o part_n of_o sowey_n preserve_v from_o weed_n all_o the_o plain_a ground_n at_o sudden_a rain_n will_v be_v overflow_v and_o the_o profit_n thereof_o lose_v and_o by_o the_o charter_n b._n of_o eddi_n bishop_n of_o ............_o make_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o glastonbury_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dclxxx_o it_o appear_v that_o ferramere_n be_v then_o a_o island_n environ_v with_o the_o fen_n but_o concern_v these_o and_o the_o other_o marsh_n of_o this_o county_n the_o first_o commission_n dorso_fw-la
heir_n of_o the_o say_v hugh_n unto_o 20._o richard_n de_fw-fr rulos_n chamberlain_n 10._o to_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n and_o by_o his_o daughter_n and_o heir_n to_o a._n baldwin_n fitz_fw-fr gilbert_n which_o baldwin_n leave_v also_o issue_v one_o only_a daughter_n and_o heir_n wâ—dded_v a._n to_o hugh_n wake_v the_o say_v hugh_n become_v in_o her_o right_n lord_n and_o owner_n of_o those_o place_n scil_n bourne_n and_o depe_v and_o be_v also_o principal_a forester_n to_o the_o king_n h._n 3._o for_o his_o whole_a forest_n of_o kesteven_n of_o what_o extent_n the_o forest_n whereof_o i_o have_v already_o make_v mention_n to_o have_v be_v in_o these_o part_n of_o this_o province_n and_o possess_v by_o leofrike_a earl_n of_o mercia_n be_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v but_o it_o appear_v ibid._n that_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o for_o the_o pleasure_n of_o hunt_v do_v much_o hurt_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n by_o enlarge_n of_o forest_n as_o his_o brother_n king_n william_n rufus_n have_v do_v do_v afforest_n 33._o thâ—se_a fen_n between_o keâ—teven_n and_o holland_n viz._n from_o the_o bridge_n of_o east_n depe_v now_o market_n depe_v to_o the_o church_n of_o swaiston_n on_o the_o one_o side_n &_o from_o the_o bridge_n of_o bicker_n and_o wragmere_n stake_n on_o the_o otherside_n which_o metâ—s_v divide_v the_o north_n pâ—rts_n and_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n the_o south_n except_v the_o fen_n of_o goggisland_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o sanctuary_n of_o holy_a church_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouâ—and_n which_o fen_n the_o monkâ—_n of_o that_o house_n have_v licence_n ibid._n from_o the_o say_a king_n do_v close_v for_o their_o own_o use_n make_v the_o ditch_n about_o it_o big_a than_o ordinary_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o discord_n and_o be_v thus_o make_v forest_n it_o continue_v so_o until_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o time_n who_o in_o the_o xiiiith_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n grant_v 1â—_n unto_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o same_o that_o it_o shall_v thenceforth_o be_v deaâ—forested_v by_o thâ—se_a subsequent_a bound_n viz._n in_o length_n on_o the_o one_o side_n from_o swaftone_n to_o east_n depe_v as_o kares_n â—ike_o extend_v itself_o betwixt_o swantone_n and_o east_n depe_v kesteven_n and_o in_o length_n on_o the_o other_o side_n towards_o holland_n from_o the_o bridge_n at_o bikere_o to_o the_o great_a bridge_n at_o spalding_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o one_o part_n from_o that_o great_a bridge_n at_o spalding_n to_o east_n depe_v as_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n go_v betwixt_o spalding_n and_o east_n depe_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n from_o the_o land_n of_o swaftune_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o bikere_o so_o that_o all_o the_o land_n marsh_n and_o turbary_n within_o those_o precinctsâ—_n be_v thenceforth_o to_o be_v quit_v of_o waste_n and_o regard_n in_o the_o 18_o of_o king_n edw._n the_o first_o be_v reign_v henry_n then_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n and_o his_o monk_n be_v implead_v â—_o by_o thomas_n wake_v of_o lidell_n than_o lord_n of_o depe_v by_o descent_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o fish_v at_o est_fw-la depe_v in_o the_o free_a fish_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n and_o for_o throw_v down_o a_o certain_a bank_n in_o his_o fen_n there_o which_o the_o say_v thomas_n have_v make_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n from_o be_v overflowen_v by_o the_o fresh_a water_n but_o to_o this_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o monk_n make_v answer_v that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o manor_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n within_o which_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a river_n call_v weland_n run_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n from_o the_o boundary_a call_v kemisf_n stone_n in_o the_o west_n unto_o the_o site_n of_o the_o abbey_n within_o the_o say_a town_n and_o so_o from_o the_o say_a abbey_n to_o brother_n house_n towards_o the_o north_n he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o all_o his_o predecessor_n abbot_n of_o that_o place_n be_v always_o and_o till_o that_o time_n seize_v thereof_o and_o of_o the_o free_a fish_n therein_o as_o lord_n of_o that_o manor_n and_o town_n and_o far_o say_v that_o the_o place_n where_o this_o trespass_n be_v assign_v to_o be_v be_v within_o those_o limit_n and_o precinct_n of_o that_o their_o manor_n acknowledge_v that_o he_o diâ—_n fish_n there_o as_o the_o say_v thomas_n have_v allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o say_a ditch_n he_o saidâ—_n that_o within_o the_o precinct_n also_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o crouland_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a fen_n callâ—d_v goukeslaund_v which_o then_o be_v his_o proper_a soil_n and_o so_o have_v be_v of_o his_o predecessor_n time_n beyond_o memory_n as_o parcel_n of_o the_o beforespecify_v manor_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n flow_v from_o the_o west_n in_o the_o say_v fenn_n do_v then_o run_v as_o always_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v from_o the_o same_o fen_n into_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o he_o likewise_o allege_v that_o because_o the_o say_v thomas_n have_v raise_v a_o bank_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n within_o his_o mannoâ—_n of_o croyland_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n where_o none_o have_v ever_o be_v before_o by_o which_o bank_n the_o course_n of_o those_o fresh_a water_n be_v stop_v the_o say_a fen_n call_v goukesland_n and_o other_o fen_n adjoin_v thereto_o be_v overflow_v and_o the_o abbey_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n in_o danger_n to_o be_v thereby_o drown_v he_o the_o say_a abbot_n perceive_v that_o the_o abovespecify_v bank_n be_v so_o raise_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_v aâ—by_n and_o town_n may_v be_v drown_v do_v cause_n several_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v throw_v down_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o answer_n the_o abbot_n be_v by_o the_o juror_n find_v a._n guilty_a both_o of_o the_o trespass_n in_o fish_v as_o abovesaid_a and_o break_v that_o bank_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n wake_v no_o less_o than_o cccc_o mark_n in_o 9_o e._n 2._o edmund_n deincourt_n lambert_n de_fw-fr trikyngham_n roger_n de_fw-fr cuppledyk_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n sewer_n and_o ditch_n within_o this_o province_n by_o which_o the_o fresh_a water_n in_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n and_o holland_n have_v use_v to_o pass_v unto_o the_o sea_n and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o say_a edmund_n d'_fw-fr eyncourt_n nich._n de_fw-fr widmerpole_n and_o richard_n de_fw-fr whattone_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o river_n of_o smite_n divine_n wycheme_n middelwynene_n and_o fulbâ—k_n choke_v up_o for_o want_n of_o scour_v by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o those_o part_n do_v then_o suffer_v much_o damage_n in_o 16_o e._n 3._o gilbert_n de_fw-fr umframvill_n earl_n of_o anego_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n 70._o to_o the_o king_n whereby_o he_o represent_v that_o whereas_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a water_n call_v the_o i_fw-mi of_o kyme_n betwixt_o doc_n dyke_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o brentfen_n on_o the_o south_n within_o this_o province_n which_o do_v run_v through_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o mile_n in_o length_n but_o be_v so_o obstruct_v and_o stop_v by_o reason_n of_o mud_n and_o other_o filth_n that_o ship_n lade_v with_o wine_n wool_n and_o other_o merchandise_n can_v neither_o pass_v through_o the_o same_o in_o summer_n nor_o winter_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v except_o it_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v and_o the_o bank_n so_o raise_v that_o the_o top_n of_o they_o may_v appear_v to_o mariner_n pass_v that_o way_n whensoever_o the_o marsh_n there_o shall_v be_v overflow_v and_o that_o as_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o those_o part_n bestow_v no_o small_a cost_n towards_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a place_n call_v the_o i_fw-mi and_o heighten_v of_o those_o bank_n so_o he_o intend_v to_o be_v at_o much_o more_o in_o case_n the_o say_a king_n will_v please_v to_o grant_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o certain_a custom_n of_o the_o merchandise_n pass_v in_o ship_n through_o the_o same_o to_o have_v and_o receive_v in_o form_n abovesaid_a viz._n for_o every_o sack_n of_o wool_n carry_v through_o that_o channel_n four_o penny_n for_o every_o pocket_n of_o wool_n two_o penny_n for_o every_o tun_n of_o wine_n four_o penny_n for_o every_o pipe_n of_o wine_n two_o penny_n for_o every_o four_o quarter_n of_o corn_n a_o penny_n for_o every_o thousand_o of_o turf_n a_o penny_n for_o every_o ship_n lade_v with_o catel_n four_o penny_n and_o for_o every_o ship_n lade_v with_o other_o commodity_n than_o aforesaid_a two_o penny_n whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o
this_o river_n of_o well_o i_fw-mi near_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v two_o jettye_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n each_o opposite_a to_o other_o and_o distant_a xviij_o foot_n to_o hinder_v the_o tide_n from_o flow_v up_o westward_n towards_o welle_v and_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v have_v the_o quick_a fall_n into_o the_o ouse_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n 13_o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n call_v thief_n lake_n lie_v in_o denver_n fen_n be_v make_v within_o xl_o rood_n of_o salter_n load_n between_o shiplode_n and_o salter_n load_n and_o x_o foot_n wide_a unto_o the_o land_n lake_n with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n by_o thomas_n gawswell_n gent._n owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o east_n hall_n in_o denver_n 14_o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n in_o denverfenn_n call_v streme_a lake_n be_v make_v of_o the_o wideness_n of_o x_o foot_n to_o bring_v the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fenn_n by_o the_o space_n of_o six_o furlong_n to_o be_v make_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o other_o common_a sewer_n call_v denver_n hithe_a lie_v in_o denver_n fenn_n between_o stream_n lake_n and_o shiplode_v be_v make_v one_o furlong_n in_o length_n or_o more_o and_o x_o foot_n wide_a with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n by_o nicholas_n haâ—e_v esquire_n owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o west_n hall_n in_o denver_n that_o the_o brink_n of_o ouse_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o shiplode_v be_v make_v viij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o six_o at_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n that_o some_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o straightning_n of_o lynne_n haven_n which_o be_v wide_a than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v cause_v the_o tide_n to_o rise_v high_o by_o a_o foot_n at_o salter_n load_n than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v within_o these_o xx_o year_n 1_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v i_o find_v eiz_v a_o certificate_n and_o presentment_n make_v the_o xxxth_o of_o june_n by_o richard_n nicholls_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o other_o jurat_v for_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v 1_o that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o great_a river_n lead_v from_o salter_n load_n to_o lynne_n and_o all_o other_o land_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clacklosse_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n and_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi situate_v in_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clackclose_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n make_v and_o erect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o with_o be_v defend_v and_o save_v from_o submersion_n and_o drown_n with_o fresh_a water_n by_o the_o say_v diche_n or_o bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi which_o bank_n have_v be_v keep_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o land_n in_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n by_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v haw_v and_o by_o a_o hundred_o acre_n in_o stow-bardolfe_a and_o the_o frontier_n against_o north_n delf_n house_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a powdich_n only_o yet_o thereby_o be_v defend_v all_o the_o land_n tenement_n and_o commons_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v and_o emneth_n marsh_n do_fw-mi and_o aught_o to_o be_v charge_v for_o their_o portion_n and_o profit_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n take_v between_o the_o priory_n of_o mullycourt_n and_o salter_n load_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v by_o certain_a order_n make_v before_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o late_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o yet_o the_o say_a land_n tenement_n and_o commons_o last_v abovesaid_a be_v not_o there_o chardged_a nor_o defend_v any_o part_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o equity_n and_o justice_n 2_o and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o frebridge_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v distrain_v or_o trouble_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n nor_o their_o minister_n when_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v thither_o for_o the_o make_v their_o portion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n nor_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o make_v thereof_o nor_o for_o the_o depasture_v of_o their_o horse_n there_o nor_o for_o their_o carriage_n but_o that_o they_o may_v return_v in_o the_o meet_a and_o most_o convenient_a way_n for_o they_o and_o have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o the_o same_o dyke_n or_o bank_n without_o any_o amerciament_n or_o other_o punishment_n save_v to_o the_o lord_n wayf_n stray_v punishment_n for_o blood_n draught_n and_o for_o hue_n and_o cry_n 3_o and_o that_o every_o person_n be_v chardgable_a to_o keep_v their_o portion_n upon_o the_o say_a bank_n from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o and_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o marshland_n by_o old_a custom_n use_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o bylawe_n byscot_n triscot_n and_o wopeny_n and_o that_o every_o town_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o frebridge_n be_v chardgable_a to_o keep_v and_o repair_v their_o portion_n upon_o the_o say_a bank_n upon_o pain_n of_o xxl._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n 4_o and_o that_o the_o menure_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o xij_o foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o say_v dike_n or_o bank_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o north_n side_n but_o when_o for_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o can_v be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi 5_o item_n they_o say_v and_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a ward_n ditch_fw-ge or_o fence_v bank_n call_v the_o old_a pow_n do_v which_o do_v begin_v at_o a_o place_n call_v the_o wech_fw-mi or_o west_n head_n next_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n brink_n and_o extend_v westward_n nine_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o two_o road_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n called_z the_o thwart_v lane_n or_o the_o new_a pow_n do_v of_o marshland_n which_o bank_n be_v in_o good_a repair_n from_o the_o west_n end_v thereof_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o walpole_n charge_n where_o against_o edmund_n beaupre_n esquire_n have_v fix_v and_o set_v certain_a bar_n into_o a_o pasture_n of_o his_o there_o by_o reason_n the_o say_a edmund_n do_v keep_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a crest_n or_o fen-bank_n on_o the_o north_n brink_n of_o rightforth_n load_n which_o defend_v the_o water_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o from_o the_o pow_n diche_a aforesaid_a but_o at_o a_o certain_a gate_n upon_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n diche_a in_o emneth_n charge_n in_o the_o reach_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o certain_a pipe_n lay_v by_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a land_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v which_o be_v to_o the_o surround_v of_o the_o fen_n and_o smethe_n of_o marshland_n and_o of_o right_n ought_v not_o that_o way_n to_o drain_v but_o by_o rightforth_n load_n and_o that_o the_o say_a pipe_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v up_o and_o the_o say_a place_n stop_v and_o make_v high_a that_o no_o water_n drain_v that_o way_n 6_o and_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v in_o the_o charge_n of_o walpole_n terington_n clenchwarton_n and_o part_n of_o tylney_n in_o part_n be_v defective_a for_o lack_v of_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o that_o most_o chief_o by_o the_o ruin_n and_o decay_v of_o a_o certain_a crest_n or_o fen-bank_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v on_o the_o north_n side_n brink_n of_o rightforth_n load_n by_o nicholas_n hare_n esquire_n and_o other_o and_o that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o the_o old_a pow_z do_fw-mi be_v in_o good_a repair_n even_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n brink_n by_o the_o ruin_n and_o decay_v of_o which_o bank_n the_o gross_a common_a called_z the_o smethe_o and_o the_o fen_n of_o marshland_n and_o certain_a fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o uuigenhall_n and_o stow-bardolf_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v pow_o do_fw-mi may_v be_v surround_v and_o damnify_v 7_o and_o that_o the_o say_v thwart_v lane_n or_o the_o new_a pow_n do_v of_o marshland_n extend_v from_o the_o old_a pow_n do_v aforesaid_a unto_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o emneth_n marsh_n do_fw-mi call_v abbot_n hirne_n as_o we_o think_v in_o our_o conscience_n aught_o to_o be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o
be_v there_o before_o the_o say_a stop_n be_v so_o make_v and_o the_o water_n likewise_o common_a for_o fish_v to_o all_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o borderer_n on_o each_o part_n thereof_o be_v either_o tenant_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n the_o earl_n warren_n or_o of_o john_n de_fw-fr bardolf_n and_o other_o lord_n and_o be_v far_o ask_v whether_o the_o say_v edmund_n or_o elizabeth_n do_v in_o their_o time_n do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o keep_v up_o of_o that_o dam_n they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o before-specified_n bishop_n have_v first_o make_v it_o it_o do_v not_o need_v any_o repair_n or_o amendment_n and_o that_o the_o say_v robert_n peverell_n edmund_n or_o elizabeth_n do_v not_o in_o their_o time_n meddle_v at_o all_o therewith_o and_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n impanel_v and_o swear_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o channel_n call_v south_n edyke_n begin_v at_o crouland_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o tide_n in_o that_o county_n through_o which_o the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v from_o the_o fen_n and_o up-country_n use_v to_o pass_v unto_o the_o sea_n by_o raise_v the_o crest_n thereof_o no_o more_o than_o two_o foot_n be_v then_o scarce_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v away_o those_o water_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a obstruction_n though_o the_o bank_n be_v in_o height_n no_o less_o than_o xv_o foot_n on_o each_o side_n and_o that_o before_o this_o obstruction_n be_v so_o make_v whensoever_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o raise_v it_o high_o the_o agistment_n of_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o those_o part_n at_o a_o halfpenny_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o same_o but_o that_o then_o through_o the_o overflow_a of_o those_o water_n every_o acre_n be_v agi_v at_o iiiid._o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a obstruction_n no_o less_o than_o xl_o thousand_o acre_n of_o moor_n and_o marish_a ground_n in_o holland_n fen_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n be_v found_v by_o the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o king_n be_v of_o england_n and_o that_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n meadow_n moor_n and_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o obstruction_n overflow_v and_o drown_v so_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o monastery_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o maintain_v the_o house_n except_o the_o number_n of_o monk_n be_v lessen_v and_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o vacancy_n of_o the_o say_a abbey_n do_v lose_v the_o benefit_n which_o may_v accrue_v to_o he_o thereby_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o obstruction_n the_o land_n meadow_n moor_n marsh_n and_o pasture_n of_o depe_a fen_n burgh_n fen_n and_o spalding_n fen_n which_o contain_v seven_o thousand_o acre_n as_o also_o the_o moor_n and_o marsh_n to_o the_o moor_n of_o kestevene_n be_v so_o overflow_v and_o drown_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n of_o all_o the_o town_n adjacent_a on_o every_o part_n have_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o obstruction_n lose_v the_o profit_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o common_a passage_n for_o ship_n and_o boat_n from_o crouland_n to_o the_o haven_n of_o lenne_n with_o corn_n and_o other_o commodity_n have_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o outwell_n where_o the_o before-specified_n obstruction_n be_v and_o that_o then_o they_o be_v constrain_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o stop_n to_o go_v about_o by_z old_z wellenhee_o and_o little_o port_n which_o be_v fifty_o mile_n far_o than_o the_o other_o way_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o liege_n people_n of_o those_o part_n a_o thousand_o mark_n yearly_a and_o the_o juror_n for_o cambridgshire_n impanel_v and_o swear_v do_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n descend_v from_o huntendon_n be_v the_o bound_n betwixt_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n shire_n and_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n ☞_o descend_v from_o peterborough_n and_o other_o part_n above_o do_v meet_v at_o benwick_n in_o cambridgshire_n and_o have_v use_v to_o run_v direct_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a port_n of_o lenne_n by_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o outwell_n until_o xxxi_o year_n than_o last_o pass_v that_o the_o say_a bishop_n make_v that_o stop_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o land_n meadow_n fen_n turbary_n and_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o arable_a belong_v to_o all_o the_o town_n betwixt_o fen_n drayton_n and_o benwick_n beforementioned_a unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o utwell_n in_o cambridgshire_n and_o which_o be_v adjacent_a thereto_o and_o for_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o about_o thirty_o mile_n be_v common_o overflow_v and_o drown_v every_o year_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a land_n etc._n etc._n nor_o the_o commoner_n have_v any_o yearly_a profit_n by_o they_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n and_o such_o as_o will_v pass_v that_o way_n ccl_o and_o upward_o every_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a there_o be_v not_o that_o passage_n for_o vessel_n with_o corn_n and_o merchandise_n towards_o the_o beforementioned_a port_n as_o have_v use_v to_o be_v neither_o in_o go_v nor_o return_v except_o by_o old_a wellen_v he_o and_o lytle_n port_n which_o be_v xxxvi_o mile_n about_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v ask_v how_o much_o the_o say_a manor_n of_o coldham_n be_v then_o more_o worth_a annual_o than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o that_o stop_n be_v so_o make_v they_o answer_v xll._n by_o the_o year_n and_o the_o juror_n for_o huntendonshire_n empanel_v and_o swear_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o whereas_o man_n will_v pass_v from_o the_o town_n of_o jakele_n holme_n glatton_n and_o ramsey_n by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n direct_o towards_o the_o haven_n of_o lenne_n aforesaid_a with_o navigable_a vessel_n lade_v with_o corn_n and_o other_o vendible_a commodity_n by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o outwell_n they_o be_v then_o hinder_v by_o the_o say_a dam_n that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o go_v about_o more_o than_o fifty_o mile_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o all_o the_o meadow_n land_n pasture_n fen_n and_o turbary_n from_o the_o town_n of_o s._n neot_n in_o huntendonshire_n lie_v adjacent_a or_o near_o to_o the_o river_n ouse_n in_o length_n thirty_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n x._o mile_n more_o or_o less_o unto_o the_o town_n of_o benwike_n where_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n have_v their_o confluence_n and_o likewise_o the_o land_n meadow_n pasture_n and_o fen_n of_o all_o the_o town_n betwixt_o aylington_n in_o that_o county_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v musâ—cote_n in_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v xuj_o mile_n in_o flood_n time_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v not_o pass_v away_o as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o those_o fen_n and_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o commoner_n in_o they_o do_v total_o lose_v the_o benefit_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o thereby_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n six_o hundred_o mark_n by_o the_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o say_a king_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o glatton_n whereunto_o the_o hamlet_n of_o holme_n belong_v to_o which_o market_n man_n from_o the_o part_n of_o lenne_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o norfolk_n and_o suffolk_n can_v not_o pass_v with_o their_o victual_n and_o merchandise_n by_o ship_n and_o boat_n nor_o return_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a obstruction_n insomuch_o as_o that_o manor_n of_o the_o king_n whereunto_o the_o say_a market_n belong_v be_v less_o worth_a by_o ten_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la than_o former_o and_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n empanel_v likewise_o and_o swear_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o river_n of_o neene_n have_v wont_a to_o pass_v direct_o from_o peterborough_n to_o the_o port_n of_o bishop_n lenne_n whereby_o the_o man_n of_o that_o county_n usual_o carry_v merchandise_n corn_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o victual_n with_o ship_n and_o boat_n by_o outwell_n in_o norfolk_n until_o within_o xxxi_o year_n then_o past_a that_o the_o say_v walter_n langtone_n late_a bishop_n of_o cou._n and_o lich._n obstruct_v the_o course_n of_o the_o before-specified_n water_n insomuch_o as_o all_o person_n who_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o go_v from_o peterborough_n unto_o that_o haven_n be_v constrain_v to_o go_v by_o old_a wellenhee_o and_o litil_o port_n which_o in_o go_v and_o come_v be_v a_o far_a journey_n by_o fifty_o mile_n and_o
distringendum_fw-la &_o per_fw-la amerciamenta_fw-la &_o alio_fw-la modo_fw-la prout_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o common_a law_n id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o ancient_a usage_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o the_o learned_a sergeant_n calais_n well_o infer_v from_o the_o word_n dignitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la regiae_n all_o prerogative_n be_v without_o limitation_n of_o time_n now_o for_o the_o statute_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o 6_o h._n 6._o and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o it_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o make_v officer_n to_o take_v account_n of_o their_o expenditor_n to_o set_v labourer_n on_o work_n and_o to_o rate_v the_o wage_n of_o such_o labourer_n then_o that_o of_o 8_o h._n 6._o cap._n 3._o which_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o former_a grant_v power_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o ordain_v and_o execute_v the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o effect_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n next_o that_o of_o 18_o h._n 6._o cap._n 10._o which_o continue_v the_o power_n of_o that_o statute_n of_o 6_o h._n 6._o for_o ten_o year_n long_o the_o time_n first_o limit_v therein_o be_v then_o expire_v then_o that_o of_o 23_o h._n 6._o cap._n 9_o prolong_v that_o of_o 18_o h._n 6._o to_o xv_o year_n more_o next_o that_o 7._o of_o 12_o e._n 4._o cap._n 6._o which_o not_o only_o add_v the_o like_a number_n xv_o year_n more_o thereto_o but_o enlarge_v it_o to_o the_o march_n of_o caleis_n guynes_n and_o ham_n on_o the_o border_n of_o france_n and_o flanders_n then_o that_o of_o 4_o h._n 7._o cap._n 1._o prolong_v that_o of_o 12_o e._n 4._o to_o twenty-five_o year_n more_o likewise_o that_o of_o 6_o h._n 8._o cap._n 10._o ratify_v the_o former_a act_n and_o give_v power_n to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o grant_v out_o commission_n of_o sewer_n into_o all_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n next_o that_o of_o 23_o h._n 8._o cap._n 5._o in_o the_o preamble_n whereof_o there_o be_v these_o word_n viz._n the_o king_n nothing_o erthe_o so_o high_o weigh_v as_o advance_v of_o the_o common_a profit_n wealth_n and_o commodity_n of_o this_o realm_n whence_o say_v the_o before-specified_n learned_a sergeant_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o make_n of_o this_o law_n be_v of_o all_o other_o think_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a consequence_n the_o king_n prefer_v the_o same_o before_o any_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o king_n care_n therein_o become_v his_o royal_a person_n very_o worthy_o because_o by_o this_o statute_n safety_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o realm_n and_o wealth_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o people_n thereof_o in_o that_o preamble_n it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a first_o that_o marsh_n and_o low_a ground_n have_v former_o be_v by_o politic_a wisdom_n win_v and_o make_v profitable_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n second_o that_o if_o more_o speedy_a and_o further_a remedy_n be_v not_o have_v and_o provide_v though_o divers_a provision_n have_v be_v former_o make_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o reformation_n thereof_o and_o three_o that_o power_n be_v give_v thereby_o to_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o three_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la to_o take_v any_o man_n timber_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v use_v therein_o and_o to_o set_v the_o price_n thereof_o as_o also_o to_o sell_v any_o man_n land_n nay_o the_o king_n be_v also_o or_o part_v thereof_o in_o fee_n or_o for_o what_o other_o term_n they_o please_v all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o king_n be_v royal_a assent_n have_v thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repeal_v but_o by_o act_n or_o parliament_n and_o make_v they_o therefore_o a_o absolute_a court_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v sewer_n after_o this_o about_o two_o year_n viz._n 25_o h._n 8._o cap._n 10_o there_o be_v another_o statute_n which_o extend_v this_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o town_n and_o march_n of_o caleis_n and_o impose_v a_o penalty_n of_o five_o mark_n upon_o every_o commissioner_n who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v swear_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o then_o that_o of_o 3_o &_o 4_o e._n 6._o cap._n 8._o which_o take_v notice_n how_o beneficial_a the_o statute_n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o have_v be_v to_o this_o realm_n ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v continue_v with_o these_o addition_n thereto_o for_o ever_o viz._n that_o all_o skot_n loâ—s_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n thenceforth_o to_o be_v rate_v and_o tax_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o king_n land_n his_o heir_n or_o successor_n for_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o levy_v by_o distress_n or_o otherwise_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o form_n as_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o land_n of_o any_o other_o person_n and_o that_o no_o commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v thenceforth_o have_v continuance_n for_o above_o five_o year_n after_o the_o date_n thereof_o next_o that_o of_o 13_o eliz._n cap._n 9_o which_o authorise_v the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n thenceforth_o to_o stand_v in_o force_n for_o the_o term_n of_o ten_o year_n next_o after_o their_o date_n unless_o they_o be_v repeal_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o commission_n or_o by_o supersedeas_fw-la and_o last_o that_o of_o 3_o jac._n cap._n 14._o which_o comprehend_v the_o wall_n ditch_n bank_n gutter_n sewer_n gate_n causeys_n bridges_n stream_n and_o watercourse_n have_v their_o passage_n into_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o within_o two_o mile_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o subject_a to_o the_o commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n and_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o same_o to_o these_o for_o remove_v of_o some_o scruple_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o erect_v of_o new_a sluice_n and_o for_o make_v new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n where_o none_o be_v before_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o two_o chief_a justice_n viz._n popham_n and_o anderson_n man_n famous_a in_o their_o time_n for_o their_o learning_n in_o both_o these_o case_n and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o before-specified_n serg._n calais_n in_o his_o say_v read_v upon_o the_o stat._n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o as_o also_o of_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n attorney_n general_a to_o king_n james._n in_o 43_o &_o 44_o eliz._n a_o great_a controversy_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n about_o the_o erect_n of_o two_o new_a goat_n at_o skirbeck_n and_o langare_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n of_o south_n holland_n and_o the_o fen_n into_o boston_n haven_n which_o work_n sir_n edward_n dimock_n knight_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n further_a what_o he_o can_v but_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o country_n of_o kefâ—even_n and_o they_o very_a exception_n take_v thereto_o be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n can_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o commission_n make_v a_o law_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o these_o new_a goat_n where_o never_o any_o stand_v before_o whereupon_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o point_n come_v at_o length_n before_o the_o then_o two_o justice_n viz._n popham_n and_o anderson_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n that_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o country_n they_o may_v be_v erect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o statute_n the_o like_a controversy_n arise_v in_o 12_o jacobi_fw-la in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntingdon_n and_o northampton_n about_o the_o make_n of_o new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n which_o be_v much_o oppose_v the_o business_n come_v in_o the_o end_n to_o be_v hear_v before_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n compare_v the_o undue_a proceed_n of_o those_o who_o have_v disturb_v his_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o those_o county_n with_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o also_o with_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o ancient_a and_o late_a time_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n deliver_v in_o write_v very_o exact_o and_o full_o upon_o the_o say_a question_n touch_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_v commissionersâ—_n it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o commissioner_n have_v no_o power_n to_o raise_v new_a bank_n drayn_n or_o sluice_n where_o there_o have_v be_v none_o before_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v not_o lay_v the_o tax_n upon_o hundred_o town_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o in_o general_a but_o upon_o
may_v the_o better_o accomplish_v this_o so_o great_a a_o undertatake_n as_o also_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v complete_v the_o say_v francis_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o x_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n obtain_v lettee_n patent_n of_o incorporation_n bear_v date_n 13_o martii_fw-la caroli_n whereby_o the_o say_a king_n make_v some_o recital_n of_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_n 13_o jan._n 6_o car._n with_o his_o royal_a assent_n thereunto_o do_v incorporate_v he_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o certain_a other_o person_n viz._n oliver_n earl_n of_o bullingbroke_n henry_n lord_n maltrevers_n edward_n lord_n gorges_n sir_n francis_n crane_n knight_n chancellor_z of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n thomes_n teringham_n knight_n sir_n robert_z lovell_z knight_z sir_n filbert_n vernat_fw-la knight_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n william_n sam_n doctor_n of_o law_n oliver_n s._n john_n esquire_n anthony_n hamond_n esquire_n and_o samuel_n spalding_n gentleman_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a to_o be_v guardian_n and_o conserver_n of_o the_o fen_n land_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntingdon_n northampton_n lincoln_n norfolk_n suffolk_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n two_o bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o society_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o they_o and_o other_o to_o be_v elect_v into_o that_o fellowship_n to_o have_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n by_o those_o name_n and_o title_n with_o power_n to_o purchase_v land_n plead_v and_o be_v implead_v and_o to_o have_v a_o common_a seal_n and_o moreover_o that_o out_o of_o this_o their_o society_n be_v yearly_o choose_v upon_o the_o xxix_o of_o september_n one_o who_o shall_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o governor_n another_o to_o be_v deputy_n governor_n and_o two_o other_o to_o be_v bailiff_n of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o continue_v for_o one_o complete_a year_n each_o of_o the_o say_a commonalty_n have_v of_o inheritance_n five_o hundred_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n land_n that_o upon_o death_n or_o removal_n the_o survivor_n to_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o room_n and_o that_o six_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o society_n whereof_o the_o governor_n or_o deputy_n governor_n to_o be_v one_o also_o that_o the_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n and_o bailiff_n shall_v make_v oath_n for_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n so_o likewise_o their_o servant_n and_o minister_n by_o this_o charter_n of_o incorporation_n the_o say_a governor_n bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o this_o society_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v likewise_o constitute_v guardian_n of_o all_o the_o water_n river_n and_o fen_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a with_o power_n to_o seize_v and_o take_v all_o net_n and_o other_o engine_n make_v and_o use_v therein_o for_o destroy_v of_o fish_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o they_o be_v thereby_o empower_v to_o inquire_v by_o oath_n of_o all_o trespass_n and_o offence_n commit_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n by_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n which_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n to_o be_v levy_v by_o their_o officer_n and_o to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o society_n without_o any_o estreit_n thereof_o make_v into_o the_o exchequer_n likewise_o to_o build_v church_n or_o chapel_n and_o make_v churchyard_n in_o such_o fit_a place_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v meet_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o take_v reasonable_a toll_n of_o all_o carriage_n and_o commodity_n at_o such_o bridge_n as_o they_o shall_v erect_v and_o maintain_v so_o also_o for_o jade_a boat_n pass_v under_o the_o same_o bridge_n and_o last_o to_o register_n all_o conveyance_n of_o these_o their_o land_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o make_v thereof_o in_o certain_a book_n to_o be_v keep_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o the_o say_a governor_n and_o bailiff_n all_o which_o be_v accomplish_v about_o three_o year_n after_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o peterborough_n twelve_o oct._n 13_o car._n the_o whole_a level_n be_v adjudge_v drayn_v 1657._o and_o the_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v set_v out_o by_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o mete_n and_o bound_n unto_o the_o say_v francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_n the_o charge_n 2._o of_o these_o work_n to_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o great_a expense_n it_o be_v at_o length_n evident_o discern_v ibid._n that_o though_o the_o land_n be_v very_o much_o improve_v by_o those_o work_n yet_o be_v they_o subject_a to_o inundation_n especial_o in_o the_o winter_n season_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n 12_o aprilis_n 1638._o the_o year_n ensue_v the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n undertake_n be_v adjudge_v defective_a and_o on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o may_n follow_v mâ—â—i_fw-la in_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n the_o particular_a defect_n therein_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o commissioner_n there_o be_v a_o new_a tax_n of_o xv_o s._n the_o acre_n impose_v by_o they_o but_o upon_o dupe_v fâ—n_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n waldersey_n and_o coldham_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n needham_n fen_n vis_fw-la viijd_o the_o acre_n for_o the_o marsh_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o walton_n wallokne_v and_o walpole_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n tide_n s._n mary_n sutton_n in_o holland_n lutton_n gedney_n fleâ—te_n holbeche_o ouaplode_n moulton_n and_o weston_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n wisbeche_n leverington_n newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n xls._n the_o acre_n marshlandâ—en_o â—en_z xxs._n the_o acre_n and_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o marshland_n x_o s._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n oâ—_n wisebeche_n between_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n wisebeche_v river_n the_o old_a sea-bank_n and_o the_o shire_n drain_v viz._n the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n within_o the_o say_a north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n aforesaid_a x_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n vi_o s._n viij_o d._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o holland_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n viz._n the_o common_a at_o xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a at_o x_o s._n and_o it_o be_v then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a tax_n shall_v be_v pay_v in_o to_o the_o treasurer_n appoint_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o before_o the_o xviijth_o of_o july_n than_o next_o ensue_v that_o present_a session_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v speedy_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n that_o so_o the_o say_a fen_n may_v by_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v aswell_o winter-ground_n as_o summer-ground_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o save_v convenient_a forelands_n and_o receptacle_n for_o winter_n flood_n hereupon_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n take_v this_o great_a business_n into_o his_o princely_a consideration_n and_o foresee_v that_o these_o land_n be_v 3._o a_o continent_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n in_o case_n they_o be_v make_v winter-ground_n will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n viz._n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la value_n as_o also_o a_o great_a and_o certain_a revenue_n to_o all_o party_n interest_v and_o likewise_o because_o the_o owner_n who_o be_v very_o many_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n one_o being_z willing_a and_o another_o not_o one_o able_a to_o contribute_v another_o not_o be_v therefore_o please_v to_o undertake_v the_o make_n of_o those_o land_n winter-ground_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n whereby_o the_o say_v four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n may_v be_v profitable_a firm_a and_o good_a and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n thereof_o do_v command_v divers_a gentleman_n expert_a in_o such_o adventure_n to_o give_v their_o advice_n how_o these_o land_n may_v be_v recover_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v winter-ground_n to_o the_o end_n the_o say_a work_n may_v be_v complete_v among_o which_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n be_v one_o who_o after_o view_v take_v thereof_o return_v their_o
the_o history_n of_o imbank_v and_o drayn_n of_o divers_a fen_n and_o marsh_n both_o in_o foreign_a part_n and_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o improvement_n thereby_o extract_v from_o record_n manuscript_n and_o other_o authentic_a testimony_n by_o william_n dugdale_n esquire_n norroy_n king_n of_o arms._n london_n print_v by_o alice_n warren_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n mdclxii_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n most_o gracious_a sovereign_n the_o first_o and_o great_a attempt_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o this_o kingdom_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o those_o vast_a fen_n lie_v in_o cambridgeshire_n and_o the_o county_n adjacent_a be_v by_o that_o prudent_a and_o grave_a prelate_n john_n morton_n sometime_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o that_o happy_a union_n betwixt_o the_o two_o house_n of_o york_n and_o lancaster_n as_o the_o channel_n betwixt_o peterborough_n and_o wisbeche_n still_o bear_v his_o name_n do_v witness_v and_o the_o next_o by_o your_o royal_a grandfather_n and_o father_n of_o bless_a memory_n the_o chief_a branch_n of_o that_o renown_a stock_n which_o not_o succeed_v as_o it_o be_v design_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o those_o time_n it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o advantage_n of_o your_o realm_n to_o complete_a and_o make_v perfect_a that_o noble_a undertake_n to_o which_o end_n i_o most_o humble_o offer_v unto_o your_o majesty_n this_o present_a historical_a discourse_n whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o that_o divers_a great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n and_o other_o person_n famous_a in_o their_o time_n have_v in_o foreign_a part_n be_v active_a in_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o how_o much_o your_o majesty_n be_v own_o royal_a ancestor_n have_v by_o several_a excellent_a and_o wholesome_a law_n promote_v the_o like_a in_o this_o kingdom_n pray_v to_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o will_v bless_v your_o majesty_n with_o a_o long_a and_o prosperous_a reign_n that_o good_a art_n may_v again_o flourish_v among_o we_o and_o virtue_n receive_v its_o due_a encouragement_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o all_o your_o loyal_a subject_n and_o among_o they_o of_o your_o majesty_n most_o obedient_a subject_n and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n dugdale_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o man_n will_v gainsay_v hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o country_n the_o soil_n whereof_o be_v natural_o fruitful_a be_v always_o much_o better_o esteem_v than_o such_o as_o be_v sterile_a in_o regard_n they_o afford_v more_o and_o better_a sustenance_n to_o their_o inhabitant_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o likewise_o that_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n have_v by_o so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o their_o waste_v commons_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o barren_a land_n among_o which_o advantage_n that_o of_o enclosure_n have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o whereof_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n and_o somerset_n which_o though_o little_a differ_v in_o their_o extent_n and_o goodness_n of_o soil_n yet_o if_o estimation_n may_v be_v make_v by_o muster_n subsidy_n ten_o and_o fifteen_o enclosure_n have_v make_v the_o one_o more_o than_o double_a to_o exceed_v the_o other_o both_o in_o people_n and_o wealth_n as_o have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v 45._o by_o some_o of_o great_a judgement_n if_o then_o the_o mere_a enclosure_n and_o tillage_n of_o that_o which_o natural_o yield_v little_a profit_n do_v just_o deserve_v so_o great_a a_o commendation_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o pain_n of_o those_o to_o be_v have_v in_o esteem_n who_o have_v recover_v many_o vast_a proportion_n of_o land_n total_o overwhelm_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o of_o these_o i_o need_v not_o look_v out_o for_o example_n from_o abroad_o our_o own_o country_n affoard_v a_o multitude_n of_o notable_a instance_n as_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v full_o manifest_v whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o in_o sundry_a part_n of_o this_o realm_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o acre_n which_o do_v now_o yield_v much_o benefit_n yearly_a by_o rape_n cole-seed_n grass_n hay_o hemp_n flax_n wheat_n oat_n and_o other_o grain_n nay_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o excellent_a plant_n garden-stuff_n and_o fruit_n tree_n which_o in_o former_a time_n be_v drown_v land_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o give_v encouragement_n to_o oâ—â—_n two_o late_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a memory_n viz._n king_n james_n and_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o to_o become_v the_o sole_a adventurer_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o vast_a fen_n of_o cambridgshire_n and_o the_o five_o other_o adjacent_a county_n a_o worthy_a work_n and_o never_o total_o attempt_v till_o their_o time_n well_o discern_v that_o by_o a_o complete_a performance_n thereof_o the_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a meeting_n of_o commissioner_n for_o sewer_n the_o frequent_a great_a tax_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o divers_a bank_n and_o drain_v with_o many_o unhappy_a controversy_n and_o emulation_n relate_v thereto_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o if_o our_o industry_n be_v but_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o belgic_a province_n how_o much_o more_o may_v those_o drayned_a ground_n afford_v we_o for_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n than_o they_o yet_o do_v forasmuch_o as_o they_o lie_v below_o the_o level_n of_o the_o sea_n at_o high_a tide_n be_v drayn_v by_o engine_n which_o cast_v out_o the_o water_n and_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o descent_n to_o the_o sea_n but_o divers_a large_a river_n and_o stream_n for_o lead_v the_o water_n to_o their_o natural_a outfall_n to_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o benefit_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o large_a proportion_n of_o this_o one_o level_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n it_o be_v from_o the_o edge_n of_o suffolk_n to_o waynflete_a in_o lincolnshire_n full_a lxviii_o mile_n in_o a_o strait_a line_n and_o if_o we_o reckon_v by_o the_o bow_n of_o the_o fenn_n which_o run_v up_o on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o river_n witham_n within_o a_o mile_n of_o lincoln_n it_o may_v be_v well_o account_v lxxx_o mile_n the_o breadth_n be_v in_o many_o place_n thirty_o more_o xx_o and_o seldom_o so_o little_a as_o ten_o mile_n so_o that_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v as_o good_a ground_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o low_a country_n enjoy_v in_o the_o netherlands_o next_o for_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v gain_v from_o the_o water_n do_v it_o not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n exceed_v the_o high_a ground_n thereon_o border_v as_o much_o as_o other_o meadow_n do_v which_o be_v ordinary_o let_v for_o xxs._n the_o acre_n and_o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o in_o the_o marsh_n beyond_o waynflete_a in_o lincolnshire_n where_o the_o ground_n be_v sever_v and_o trench_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o poor_a man_n though_o they_o sit_v at_o great_a rent_n for_o their_o cattle_n be_v always_o sound_a and_o thrive_a be_v therefore_o merchandable_a or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o a_o mischance_n yet_o fit_a for_o food_n moreover_o beside_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o flesh_n and_o white_a meat_n with_o the_o breed_n of_o serviceable_a horse_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o wool_n hydes_n tallow_n and_o other_o commodity_n which_o this_o fruitful_a ground_n now_o produce_v and_o that_o the_o new_a channel_n make_v for_o the_o drayn_n do_v yield_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o all_o those_o part_n for_o the_o carriage_n of_o their_o corn_n and_o merchandise_n whereas_o before_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o go_v many_o mile_n about_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a bend_n of_o the_o river_n and_o if_o we_o weigh_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o these_o overflowing_n have_v produce_v certain_o the_o advantage_n by_o the_o general_a drayn_n aught_o the_o more_o to_o be_v prize_v for_o in_o the_o winter_n time_n when_o the_o ice_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n of_o boat_n as_o have_v be_v by_o some_o well_o observe_v and_o yet_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v a_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n upon_o the_o hards_n and_o the_o bank_n within_o the_o fen_n can_v have_v no_o help_n of_o food_n nor_o comfort_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n no_o woman_n aid_n in_o her_o travail_n no_o mean_n to_o baptize_v a_o child_n or_o partake_v of_o the_o communion_n nor_o supply_v of_o any_o necessity_n save_v what_o those_o poor_a desolate_a place_n do_v afford_v and_o what_o expectation_n of_o health_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n where_o there_o be_v no_o element_n good_a the_o air_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n
of_o the_o learned_a alemanensis_fw-la that_o country_n now_o a_o fair_a and_o dry_a habitation_n have_v be_v sea_n almost_o as_o far_o as_o tongerne_v cap._n ix_o holstein_n in_o holsatia_n likewise_o holstein_n about_o dithmarsh_n and_o the_o tract_n of_o wilstar_n and_o crempen_a consist_v of_o low_a ground_n and_o subject_a to_o inundation_n johannes_n adolphus_n duke_n of_o holstein_n begin_v in_o the_o year_n mdcx_o by_o notable_a work_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o year_n secure_v many_o thousand_o acre_n &_o improve_v the_o land_n above_o three_o hundred_o thousand_o dollar_n which_o be_v effect_v he_o parcele_v they_o out_o by_o gift_n or_o sale_n unto_o his_o subject_n reserve_v out_o of_o every_o portion_n a_o rent_n unto_o himself_o tantum_n territorii_fw-la subditis_fw-la &_o amiciss_fw-la cessit_fw-la ea_fw-la lege_fw-la ut_fw-la vel_fw-la aggeribus_fw-la cingatur_fw-la vel_fw-la ab_fw-la aquis_fw-la intestinis_fw-la liberetur_fw-la &_o hinc_fw-la quotannis_fw-la celsitudinis_fw-la suae_fw-la aerario_fw-la certus_fw-la canon_n pro_fw-la quolibet_fw-la foot_n demeto_fw-la numeretur_fw-la as_o the_o learned_a schoneveldeus_fw-la 47._o report_v cap._n x._o america_n neither_o do_v we_o want_v example_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o america_n for_o the_o city_n of_o mexico_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o great_a lake_n much_o subject_n to_o inundation_n which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v it_o in_o the_o year_n mdcxxxiiii_o the_o spaniard_n with_o mighty_a industry_n secure_v that_o habitation_n by_o turn_v the_o lake_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o city_n dry_a cap_n xi_o have_v now_o do_v with_o my_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a banking_n and_o drayning_n in_o foreign_a part_n which_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o i_o come_v to_o england_n that_o be_v the_o place_n of_o my_o far_a design_v discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n wherein_o for_o my_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n i_o do_v purpose_n to_o begin_v with_o kent_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o eastern_a situation_n and_o in_o it_o first_o with_o romney_n marsh_n a_o spacious_a tract_n in_o that_o country_n and_o more_o ancient_o secure_v from_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o ocean_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o may_v seem_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n for_o regulate_v its_o repair_n which_o have_v be_v long_o ago_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n whereunto_o all_o the_o other_o marsh_n and_o fen_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o conform_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o other_o heretofore_o surround_v marsh_n in_o that_o county_n aswell_o adjacent_a to_o the_o thames_n as_o border_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o have_v so_o do_v to_o ascend_v up_o the_o stream_n of_o that_o fair_a river_n on_o the_o southside_n and_o then_o descend_v on_o the_o north_n side_n to_o observe_v what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v memorable_a in_o reference_n to_o any_o marsh_n that_o lie_v on_o either_o thence_o into_o sussex_n somersetshire_n gloucestershire_n yorkshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n and_o last_o to_o that_o great_a level_n which_o extend_v itself_o no_o less_o than_o lx._n mile_n and_o into_o six_o county_n viz._n cambridge_n huntindon_n northampton_n norfolk_n suffolk_z and_o lincolnshire_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n how_o long_o since_o or_o by_o who_o this_o fruitful_a and_o large_a tract_n contain_v 211._o no_o less_o than_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n be_v win_v from_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v no_o testimony_n leave_v to_o we_o from_o any_o record_n or_o historian_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v discover_v which_o defect_n do_v strong_o argue_v that_o the_o first_o gain_v thereof_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o munire_fw-la viam_fw-la be_v a_o phrase_n use_v by_o cicero_n for_o the_o pave_v a_o way_n or_o make_v a_o causâ—y_n and_o some_o brit._n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o here_o the_o word_n paludibus_fw-la emuniendis_fw-la be_v to_o have_v the_o like_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v construe_v in_o make_v causey_n over_o the_o fen_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v as_o i_o can_v well_o admit_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o before_o any_o pavement_n or_o causey_n can_v be_v make_v in_o such_o place_n the_o water_n be_v of_o necessity_n first_o to_o be_v take_v and_o keep_v off_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v so_o that_o allow_v that_o construction_n what_o i_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v well_o enough_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o the_o banking_n and_o drayning_n both_o here_o and_o in_o some_o other_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n which_o be_v before_o that_o time_n overflow_v by_o sea-tide_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o when_o i_o come_v to_o holland_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o marshland_n in_o norfolk_n i_o purpose_n more_o full_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o be_v here_o in_o britain_n do_v something_o in_o this_o kind_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v more_o evident_a in_o my_o discourse_n of_o holland_n and_o marshland_n before_o specify_v from_o undoubted_a testimony_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o this_o marsh_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o in_o regard_n that_o not_o long_o after_o their_o desertion_n of_o this_o country_n i_o find_v mention_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o inhabit_v for_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxcvi_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v a._n of_o ceolf_n king_n of_o mercia_n viz._n that_o cantiam_fw-la vastavit_fw-la &_o provinciam_fw-la quae_fw-la dicitur_fw-la mersâ—wari_fw-la which_o no_o doubt_n be_v mean_v this_o romney_n marsh_n for_o the_o learned_a cambden_n in_o his_o britannia_n speak_v of_o it_o sai_z that_o in_o the_o saxon_n time_n the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la viri_fw-la palustres_fw-la marshmen_n which_o accord_v fit_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v who_o suppose_v that_o the_o name_n of_o it_o viz._n romeney_n do_v declare_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o win_v from_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o roman_n but_o 208._o mr._n lambert_n say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o saxon_n time_n write_v rumen-ea_a id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o large_a watery_a place_n and_o since_o that_o râ—menale_n and_o romenale_n corrupt_o consonant_a to_o which_o expression_n of_o he_o i_o find_v that_o the_o river_n pasâ—â—ng_v through_o this_o marsh_n be_v ancient_o call_v rumen_n ea_fw-la for_o so_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o grant_n 57_o of_o pleigmund_n the_o archbishop_n make_v to_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccc_n in_o these_o word_n concedo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la christi_fw-la terram_fw-la quae_fw-la voco_fw-la wefe_v merse_n juxta_fw-la flumen_fw-la quod_fw-la voco_fw-la rumen_fw-la ea_fw-la have_v now_o by_o these_o circumstantial_a testimony_n show_v that_o the_o roman_n be_v they_o that_o by_o their_o skill_n and_o experience_n in_o such_o work_n of_o bank_v and_o drayn_v do_v first_o gain_v this_o rich_a and_o large_a tract_n of_o ground_n from_o the_o impetutuous_a sea-tide_n i_o shall_v now_o descend_v to_o those_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n which_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o succeed_a age_n do_v make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n thereof_o from_o be_v again_o drown_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o violent_a overflowing_n of_o the_o ocean_n that_o the_o common_a law_n of_o england_n whereof_o we_o find_v no_o original_n be_v 7._o at_o first_o certain_a constitution_n make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v none_o i_o presume_v that_o doubt_v though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o authority_n for_o to_o back_v they_o than_o long_a usage_n and_o custom_n the_o like_a therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o this_o marsh_n for_o albeit_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v when_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o frame_v and_o compose_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n that_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n since_o they_o be_v call_v antiquas_fw-la &_o approbatas_fw-la consuetudines_fw-la i.e._n ancient_a and_o approve_a custom_n for_o â—â—râ—o_o in_o 35_o h._n 3._o the_o king_n direct_v his_o writ_n to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o kent_n and_o thereby_o declare_v ibid._n that_o complaint_n have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o sea-bank_n of_o râ—menale_n import_v that_o whereas_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o ancient_a and_o approve_a custom_n they_o have_v distrain_v those_o who_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o repair_v those_o bank_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o tenement_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o the_o country_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o he_o the_o say_a shireeve_n have_v make_v replevin_n of_o the_o same_o
at_o more_o and_o other_o his_o complice_n have_v confederated_a themselves_o together_o by_o false_a contrivance_n to_o constitute_v another_o bailiff_n there_o in_o favour_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o to_o lay_v load_n unjust_o upon_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n do_v so_o terrify_v the_o say_a john_n by_o grievous_a threat_n and_o otherwise_o hinder_v he_o that_o he_o neither_o will_v or_o dare_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o office_n according_a to_o the_o say_a ordinance_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n default_n all_o the_o before-specified_n marsh_n be_v daily_o liable_a to_o be_v overflow_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v destroy_v without_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v have_v the_o say_a king_n therefore_o take_v this_o complaint_n into_o mature_a consideration_n for_o prevention_n of_o that_o imminent_a mischief_n grant_v his_o royal_a commission_n dorso_fw-la bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 17_o febr._n in_o the_o same_o thirty_o five_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n to_o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n robert_n belknap_n and_o thomas_n colepepir_n appoint_v they_o or_o any_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o aswell_o to_o oversee_v the_o say_a bank_n gutter_n etc._n etc._n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v repair_v as_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o say_a ordinance_n and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v find_v they_o any_o way_n defective_a ☜_o as_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n against_o those_o inundation_n then_o to_o correct_v and_o amend_v they_o and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a ordinance_n to_o direct_v how_o the_o same_o marsh_n may_v be_v better_o defend_v and_o preserve_v against_o the_o say_a water_n upon_o any_o chance_n that_o shall_v thenceforth_o happen_v and_o to_o decree_v certain_a strict_a punishment_n against_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v transgress_v the_o say_v ordinance_n so_o to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o the_o say_v thomas_n robert_n and_o thomas_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o ☜_o and_o moreover_o to_o cause_v proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v all_o about_o in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o perpetual_a observance_n of_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o exclusion_n and_o evacuation_n of_o those_o water_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o fit_a and_o last_o to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o that_o country_n of_o all_o the_o confederacy_n and_o practice_n before_o specify_v as_o also_o of_o such_o trespass_n and_o contempt_n as_o have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o say_a king_n by_o the_o beforementioned_a matthew_n and_o his_o complice_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o precept_n john_n the_o say_a thomas_n robert_n and_o thomas_n be_v meet_v at_o crowethorne_n the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o translation_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n 1640._o in_o the_o year_n abovesaidâ—_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n viz._n by_o john_n franceis_n attorney_n to_o simon_n archbishop_n of_o canterburyâ—_n â—_z the_o abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n in_o canterbury_n the_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n simon_n master_n of_o gods-house_n in_o dovor_n edmund_n staplegate_n lord_n of_o nether-bilsyngton_a and_o other_o lord_n to_o this_o purpose_n special_o elect_v with_o certain_a also_o of_o the_o commonality_n scil_n william_n de_fw-fr echyngham_n stephan_n de_fw-fr valeyns_n &c._n &c._n choose_v likewise_o for_o the_o say_a commonality_n do_v ordain_v ibid._n and_o appoint_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a bailiff_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n associate_n who_o have_v land_n and_o residence_n therein_o shall_v be_v elect_v by_o the_o public_a consent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n of_o the_o same_o marsh_n or_o their_o special_a attorney_n and_o where_o the_o great_a number_n consent_v the_o câ—oice_n to_o stand_v which_o election_n to_o be_v make_v at_o demecherche_fw-fr or_o newecherche_fw-fr bailiff_n or_o some_o other_o fit_a place_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o the_o xv_o me_o of_o s._n michael_n yearly_a upon_o summons_n of_o the_o before-specified_n bailiff_n except_o upon_o necessity_n and_o reasonable_a cause_n the_o say_a bailiff_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v within_o that_o year_n and_o another_o put_v in_o his_o place_n refusal_n 2._o and_o if_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v shall_v be_v present_a and_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o say_a office_n that_o he_o be_v forthwith_o amerce_v in_o xls._n to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o succeed_a bailiff_n upon_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o so_o forthwith_o a_o new_a choice_n to_o be_v make_v of_o another_o bailiff_n who_o will_v undergo_v the_o office_n and_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o fee_fw-mi the_o double_a of_o all_o the_o money_n assess_v upon_o any_o whosoever_o fee_n for_o their_o negligence_n and_o if_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v shall_v be_v hereafter_o hinder_v by_o any_o man_n so_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o undergo_v the_o office_n that_o then_o the_o party_n so_o hinder_v he_o to_o be_v several_o punish_v by_o the_o say_a elector_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v have_v be_v punish_v if_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o same_o office_n 3._o and_o if_o iâ—_n happen_v compel_v that_o he_o that_o shall_v so_o be_v choose_v be_v absent_a at_o the_o time_n of_o election_n all_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o to_o be_v forthwith_o distrain_v by_o the_o precede_a bailiff_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o impound_v in_o fit_a and_o want_v place_n and_o there_o detain_v until_o he_o shall_v repair_v to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n abbot_z of_o s._n augustine_n and_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o and_o admit_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o thereupon_o carry_v to_o the_o precede_a bailiff_n his_o letter_n seal_v and_o this_o he_o shall_v do_v within_o six_o day_n next_o after_o the_o election_n make_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o to_o be_v punish_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o a_o new_a election_n to_o be_v present_o make_v 4._o at_o which_o principal_a last_o receipt_n if_o the_o say_v common_a collector_n of_o all_o the_o former_a general_a tax_n will_v be_v present_a they_o shall_v make_v their_o account_n to_o the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n which_o account_n to_o be_v write_v by_o indenture_n make_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n shall_v the_o bailiff_n make_v his_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o reckon_v for_o and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o twenty-four_o jurat_n amerce_v do_v make_v default_n in_o the_o say_v principal_a last_o except_o he_o have_v a_o reasonable_a excuse_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o twelve_o d_o to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o bailiff_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o commonalty_n 5._o and_o if_o it_o happen_v expenditor_n that_o any_o of_o the_o twenty-four_o jurat_n do_v depart_v within_o the_o year_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v that_o then_o another_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o in_o his_o place_n and_o put_v in_o the_o say_v principal_a last_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o most_o faithful_a discreet_a and_o wealthy_a man_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty-four_o complete_a 6._o in_o like_a sort_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v touch_v the_o collector_n and_o expenditor_n refuse_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n if_o the_o say_a lord_n will_v be_v there_o and_o if_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n collector_n or_o expenditor_n shall_v be_v choose_v and_o will_v not_o take_v his_o oath_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o xxs._n to_o be_v levy_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o forthwith_o another_o choose_v in_o his_o place_n and_o receive_v the_o charge_n 7._o and_o if_o the_o before-specified_n twenty-four_o jurat_n shall_v be_v summon_v wheresoever_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o common_a or_o several_a last_o last_o where_o no_o more_o than_o eight_o or_o ten_o at_o the_o most_o do_v come_v by_o reason_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o judgement_n and_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n consider_v the_o absence_n of_o the_o great_a number_n that_o then_o every_o absent_a person_n shall_v be_v amerce_v by_o the_o bailiff_n in_o vi_o d_o to_o be_v levy_v as_o aforesaid_a whereof_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v make_v account_n in_o the_o principal_a last_o jurat_n 8._o also_o
jurat_v appoint_v the_o say_v whole_a commonalty_n then_o and_o there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o one_o bailiff_n and_o xij_o trusty_a and_o lawful_a man_n viz._n six_o of_o the_o hundred_o of_o eastrie_n and_o six_o of_o the_o hundred_o of_o eornilo_n have_v land_n lie_v in_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o those_o hundred_o who_o be_v according_o choose_v do_v forthwith_o swear_v that_o they_o will_v faithful_o perform_v all_o thing_n which_o on_o the_o king_n behalf_n may_v therein_o be_v enjoin_v whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n appoint_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v upon_o their_o oath_n just_o measure_v all_o the_o land_n aswell_o of_o the_o lord_n as_o tenant_n which_o lie_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n within_o those_o place_n and_o have_v so_o do_v that_o then_o the_o say_a jurat_n shall_v cause_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o common_a charge_n of_o all_o those_o which_o have_v land_n in_o those_o part_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o danger_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o they_o from_o the_o like_a peril_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o land_n lie_v so_o in_o danger_n and_o moreover_o that_o they_o shall_v frequent_o oversee_v those_o ditch_n and_o sewer_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v keep_v in_o repair_n at_o the_o common_a charge_n as_o aforesaid_a whensoever_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o say_v xij_o jurat_n shall_v happen_v to_o die_v or_o can_v not_o attend_v the_o care_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o sewer_n that_o then_o another_o of_o the_o same_o hundred_o shall_v be_v forthwith_o choose_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o survive_a jurat_n in_o each_o hundred_o and_o swear_v to_o perform_v all_o the_o premise_n faithful_o and_o diligent_o together_o with_o the_o say_v other_o jurat_n according_a to_o which_o ordinance_n the_o say_v xij_o jurat_n of_o the_o before-specified_n hundred_o of_o cornylo_n do_v then_o cause_v all_o the_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o marsh_n lie_v in_o the_o say_v hundred_o and_o in_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o be_v measure_v the_o number_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n acre_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o st._n augustine_n in_o canterbury_n cliii_o the_o tenant_n of_o scholdone_n ciii_o the_o tenant_n of_o northbourne_n lxx._n the_o tenant_n of_o fenglesham_n lx._n dionyse_fw-mi de_fw-mi foulm_v cx._n thomas_n de_fw-fr bonyngton_n xcii_o smothemershe_n contain_v in_o itself_o xlv_o mennese_n of_o cornylo_n contain_v liii_o collol_fw-mi and_o laurence_n marscall_n have_v one_o marsh_n call_v calhill_n contain_v iiii_o the_o tenant_n of_o dale_n cxlvi_o break_z of_o monyngeham_n x._o the_o fee_n of_o scholdone_n clv_o the_o prebend_n of_o dale_n xlii_o the_o chamberlain_n of_o s._n augustine_n of_o canterbury_n xiii_o the_o tenant_n of_o lydene_n in_o the_o whole_a ccxxxiiii_o the_o prior_n of_o dovor_n and_o his_o tenant_n cccvi_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o langedone_n xliii_o the_o cotier_n of_o northbourne_n lix_n the_o total_a of_o all_o the_o acre_n mdc_o the_o total_a of_o the_o assessment_n xxxvl._o viiis._o iiijd._o in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o same_o jurats_n measure_n the_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o the_o hundred_o of_o eastrie_n wherein_o they_o find_v that_o acre_n the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christchurch_n in_o canterbury_n have_v in_o the_o whole_a cccciii_n the_o tenant_n of_o halkling_a lx._n the_o tenant_n of_o worth_a xc_o likewise_o towards_o heneling_n iii._o the_o field_n call_v herynglond_n x._o the_o field_n adjoin_v to_o herynglond_n on_o the_o north_n xv_o in_o one_o marsh_n call_v garestoft_n twenty-five_o in_o the_o marsh_n call_v stapynberghe_o cviii_o in_o the_o marsh_n call_v presteme_v xv_o in_o the_o marsh_n from_o hamme_n bridge_n to_o the_o curtilage_n of_o john_n feykyn_n l._n the_o total_a of_o all_o the_o acre_n dcclxxix_o the_o total_a of_o the_o assessment_n xvil._o iiiis._o viid._o acre_n sir_n bertram_z de_fw-fr trauncrey_n and_o his_o tenant_n lviii_o john_n fitz_n bernard_n xl_o nicholas_n de_fw-fr sandwyche_n â—xxxix_fw-la the_o heir_n of_o simon_n de_fw-fr ercheslo_n l._n thomas_n edwards_n and_o his_o partner_n at_o sanddowne_n cxxxiiii_o the_o heir_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr schenebroke_n vi_fw-la the_o total_a number_n of_o acre_n ccclxxvii_o the_o total_a of_o the_o assessment_n viil._o xviis._o id._o the_o total_a of_o the_o acre_n in_o both_o hundred_o mmdccclvii_o acre_n the_o total_a of_o the_o whole_a assessment_n lixl._o xs._o in_o the_o same_o year_n viz._n 17_o e._n 1._o william_n barry_n of_o rolvyndenne_n complain_v that_o whereas_o one_o william_n de_fw-fr potone_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o marsh_n of_o neubrok_n and_o rolvyndene_n near_o to_o the_o sea_n coast_n betwixt_o smalhede_v and_o mayhamme_v aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v certain_a bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o land_n and_o tenement_n and_o of_o other_o have_v land_n in_o that_o marsh_n against_o the_o violence_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o say_v william_n de_fw-fr potone_n notwithstanding_o that_o himself_o and_o his_o ancestor_n have_v always_o wont_a to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v they_o do_v then_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o so_o do_v the_o king_n therefore_o by_o his_o letter_n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o lead_fw-la xxi_o aug._n do_v constitute_v 10._o henry_n de_fw-fr appeltrefeld_n robert_n de_fw-fr savawz_n and_o henry_n de_fw-fr lead_fw-la his_o commissioner_n to_o inquire_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o to_o make_v redress_v according_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o the_o like_a complaint_n of_o osbert_n de_fw-fr forshamme_fw-fr hugh_n de_fw-fr herindenne_n and_o eustace_n de_fw-fr casinghamme_fw-fr that_o whereas_o john_n malemein_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o land_n in_o rolvindenne_n aforesaid_a lie_v near_o the_o sea_n coast_n betwixt_o mayhamme_n and_o newindenne_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v certain_a bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o the_o land_n of_o other_o against_o the_o force_n of_o the_o sea_n he_o the_o say_v john_n notwithstanding_o that_o himself_o and_o his_o ancestor_n have_v usual_o so_o repair_v they_o do_v malicious_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o say_a osbert_n and_o other_o hold_v land_n in_o those_o part_n do_v through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n undergo_v grievous_a and_o intolerable_a loss_n the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o patent_n date_v at_o kings-clipston_n 30_o oct._n 18_o e._n 1._o appoint_v 5._o the_o say_a henry_n de_fw-fr apletrefeld_n and_o bertram_n de_fw-fr tancre_n his_o justiceâ—_n to_o inquire_v and_o make_v redress_n thereof_o the_o like_a commission_n upon_o the_o complaint_n of_o william_n de_fw-fr barry_n of_o rolvyndene_n against_o the_o say_a john_n malemein_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o land_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o westbroke_n aught_o to_o have_v repair_v certain_a bank_n and_o ditch_n there_o and_o neglect_v so_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o before-specified_n henry_n and_o bertram_n in_o the_o same_o year_n 8_o dec._n hugh_n de_fw-fr blund_n john_n de_fw-fr dovor_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr gatecumbe_n be_v constitute_v 44._o commissioner_n to_o oversee_v the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n lie_v on_o the_o sea-coast_n within_o this_o county_n of_o kent_n and_o the_o next_o ensue_a year_n upon_o a_o far_a complaint_n make_v by_o the_o before-specified_n osbert_n de_fw-fr hamme_n and_o other_o against_o the_o say_a john_n malemeyns_n for_o his_o neglect_n to_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n betwixt_o mayhamme_n and_o newindenne_n former_o mention_v the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n 22._o patent_n date_v at_o asherugge_n associate_v wil._n de_fw-fr gaselhamme_fw-fr to_o the_o say_v henry_n and_o bertram_n to_o make_v a_o new_a enquiry_n thereof_o in_o 20_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v that_o richard_n fere_v parson_n of_o the_o church_n of_o lymene_n have_v by_o reason_n of_o his_o land_n and_o tenement_n belong_v to_o his_o say_a church_n at_o his_o own_o proper_a cost_v repair_v and_o be_v still_o ready_a so_o to_o do_v a_o certain_a bank_n at_o westhethe_n situate_v near_o the_o sea-coast_n as_o often_o as_o need_v require_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o any_o other_o bank_n forasmuch_o as_o neither_o himself_n nor_o his_o predecessor_n parson_n of_o that_o church_n have_v ever_o be_v accustom_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o nevertheless_o john_n de_fw-fr chert_n bailiff_n of_o romenhale_n marsh_n and_o the_o twenty-four_o jurat_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v new_o distrain_v he_o together_o with_o other_o of_o those_o part_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n near_o the_o sea-coast_a at_o appeldere_n the_o say_a king_n herefore_o not_o willing_a that_o the_o say_a parâ—on_n shall_v suffer_v wrong_a therein_o grant_v
the_o next_o year_n follow_v richard_n wakeherst_n will._n bertyne_n thomas_n betenham_n thomas_n hordene_n walter_n colepeper_n and_o john_n derham_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o smalhithe_n and_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o pend_n and_o likewise_o betwixt_o farnehille_n and_o a_o bank_n lead_v from_o mayteham_n to_z pend_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o parish_n of_o tenterden_n and_o rolveldene_n with_o power_n to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o place_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o instant_a necessity_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n in_o 28_o h._n 6._o will._n keen_a esquire_n john_n bamburgh_n stephan_n slegge_n and_o other_o be_v in_o like_a fort_n constitute_v commissioner_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o rede_v and_o redehille_n thence_o to_o huntebornebrigge_n thence_o to_o the_o upland_n of_o bregge_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o rede_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o tenterden_n apuldre_n and_o wodechirche_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a in_o 13_o e._n 4._o sir_n john_n fog_n knight_n sir_n will._n haute_fw-fr knight_n roger_n brent_n john_n fyneux_n will._n brent_n john_n nethirsole_n and_o john_n heart_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n appoint_v for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o tenterdene_n and_o lyde_n as_o also_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a in_o 14_o e._n 4._o the_o king_n have_v receive_v advertisement_n that_o the_o bank_n ditch_n &c._n &c._n lie_v on_o the_o sea-coast_n and_o marsh_n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n in_o sussex_n and_o the_o town_n of_o romney_n in_o this_o county_n of_o kent_n be_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n much_o break_v and_o decay_a to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o those_o part_n and_o be_v therefore_o desirous_a that_o some_o speedy_a remedy_n shall_v be_v use_v therein_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n colloniâ—na_fw-la patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 16_o julii_fw-la in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a constitute_v sir_n john_n fog_n sir_n william_n haute_fw-fr and_o sir_n john_n gilford_n knight_n and_o john_n elryngton_n john_n brumston_n henry_n auger_n will._n belknap_n and_o robert_n oxenbregge_v esquire_n as_o also_o bartholomew_n bolney_n roger_n brent_n john_n fyneux_n vincent_n fynche_n john_n nethersole_n and_o john_n heart_n his_o commissioner_n give_v power_n to_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n john_n fyneux_n vincent_n fynche_n john_n nethersole_n and_o john_n heart_n to_o be_v one_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o inquire_v upon_o the_o oath_n aswell_o of_o knight_n as_o other_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o before-specified_n counties_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o by_o who_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o premise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v through_o who_o default_n these_o damage_n have_v there_o happen_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n or_o common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n in_o those_o county_n or_o have_v or_o may_v have_v preservation_n and_o benefit_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n or_o loss_n for_o want_n of_o they_o aswell_o those_o that_o be_v remote_a as_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o the_o danger_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n or_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o carucate_n proportionable_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o likewise_o for_o their_o common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n and_o together_o with_o the_o bailiff_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o county_n and_o part_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o new_a where_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o likewise_o for_o cleanse_v the_o trench_n and_o if_o cause_n be_v to_o stop_v they_o up_o so_o that_o no_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o rich_a or_o poor_a or_o of_o what_o state_n degree_n or_o dignity_n soever_o who_o may_v have_v advantage_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o detriment_n for_o want_n of_o they_o and_o moreover_o to_o make_v agistment_n upon_o the_o sea-ditche_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o part_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o perch_n and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o renew_v they_o and_o likewise_o to_o depute_v certain_a diligent_a and_o faithful_a guardian_n for_o the_o preservation_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o hear_v the_o account_n of_o the_o collector_n of_o money_n which_o be_v to_o be_v levy_v for_o that_o occasion_n and_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o obstruction_n of_o those_o trench_n and_o that_o they_o the_o say_v commissioner_n or_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v one_o to_o take_v distress_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o depute_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o arrearage_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v collect_v as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v be_v and_o also_o to_o make_v and_o ordain_v fit_a and_o necessary_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o seacoast_n and_o marsh_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o adjacent_a part_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o of_o romeney_n marsh._n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o the_o premise_n aswell_o at_o the_o say_v king_n suit_n as_o the_o suit_n of_o any_o other_o whasoever_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n before_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o to_o take_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o repair_v as_o many_o ditcher_n and_o other_o workman_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v expedient_a for_o the_o work_n and_o repair_v before_o mention_v upon_o competent_a salary_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o in_o that_o behalf_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a urgent_a and_o instant_a necessity_n for_o expedition_n therein_o futrher_n require_v the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v one_o to_o accomplish_v the_o premise_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v find_v either_o negligent_a or_o refractory_a in_o make_v their_o proportionable_a repair_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o compel_v they_o thereto_o by_o distress_n and_o amerciament_n and_o such_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o they_o shall_v deem_v most_o expedient_a to_o the_o end_n the_o say_a defect_n may_v be_v sudden_o make_v good_a and_o to_o cause_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ordain_v and_o determine_v therein_o to_o be_v firm_o observe_v act_v therein_o as_o to_o justice_n appertain_v and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n aforesaid_a save_v to_o the_o say_a king_n all_o amerciament_n and_o other_o thing_n herein_o to_o he_o belong_v whereupon_o afterward_o viz._n on_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o xviijth_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n the_o say_a justice_n be_v inform_v that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o fresh_a marsh_n lie_v within_o the_o subsequent_a limit_n viz._n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n call_v cowelese_v towards_o the_o north_n the_o land_n in_o the_o ree_n lead_v from_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o place_n call_v lynkehoke_v near_o romeney_n towards_o the_o east_n the_o way_n lead_v from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v lynkehoke_v by_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o bank_n at_o lyde_n and_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a street_n of_o that_o town_n to_o pigwell_n and_o a_o place_n call_v the_o holmestone_n lie_v without_o the_o bank_n call_v wikewall_n the_o land_n of_o promhill_n situate_v without_o the_o bank_n call_v simondes_n wall_n and_o kent_n wall_n and_o the_o gulf_n of_o salt_n water_n run_v from_o the_o camer_n unto_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v cowelese_v towards_o the_o west_n except_v the_o marsh_n call_v the_o kete_a denecourt_n mershe_o and_o bourghser_n mershe_n and_o other_o marsh_n then_o late_o take_v in_o by_o the_o before-specified_n john_n elryngton_n and_o richard_n gilford_n esquire_n with_o the_o bank_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v daily_o subject_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o inundation_n by_o the_o sea_n and_o salt_n water_n for_o default_n of_o repair_n and_o
choakâ—_n up_o do_v endanger_v the_o drown_v the_o adjacent_a marsh_n and_o that_o the_o cleanse_v thereof_o pertain_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n and_o last_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v ozflete_a pasâ—ing_v from_o the_o water_n of_o s._n thomas_n unto_o the_o thames_n stop_v up_o also_o for_o want_v of_o cleanse_v to_o the_o great_a annoyance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o john_n capsho_n and_o robert_n allard_n which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o have_v be_v scour_v by_o the_o say_v john_n and_o robert_n it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v by_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n le_fw-fr latimer_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o person_n so_o present_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v distrain_v to_o make_v good_a the_o several_a repair_v abovementioned_a so_o belong_v unto_o they_o in_o 26_o e._n 3._o will._n thorpe_n james_n hâ—fee_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr fifhide_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la 〈◊〉_d view_n and_o repair_v the_o bank_n aâ—â—he_v stew_n and_o in_o other_o place_n adjaâ—â—â—â—â—_n by_o the_o breach_n whereof_o divers_a groundâ—_n and_o meadow_n lay_v then_o total_o drown_v and_o in_o 37_o e._n 3._o edmund_z chelreye_v thomas_n morice_n and_o michael_n skill_v have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o bank_n near_o the_o say_a stew_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o manor_n house_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr moâ—bray_n before_o which_o commissioner_n divers_a presentment_n be_v then_o make_v touch_v those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n near_o the_o same_o stew_n where_o divers_a person_n be_v find_v faulty_a pay_v fine_n to_o the_o king_n other_o acknowlege_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o by_o the_o perch_n and_o other_o have_v make_v good_a what_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o do_v whereof_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v one_o who_o have_v two_o mill_n there_o and_o other_o land_n to_o the_o value_n of_o xl_o surr._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la the_o like_a be_v certify_v 26._o of_o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n knight_n and_o elizabeth_z his_o wife_n daughter_n and_o heir_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr segrave_n in_o 42_o e._n 3._o john_n lovekin_n will._n taâ—ke_v will._n de_fw-fr neudigate_n anâ—_n othâ—rs_n have_v the_o like_a assignation_n doâ—sâ—_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n extend_v from_o a_o place_n call_v dâ—nielissewalle_n in_o this_o county_n of_o surrey_n to_o roddisâ—orne_v in_o kent_n and_o in_o 48_o e._n 3._o robert_n bealknap_n will._n halden_n roger_n dig_v and_o other_o for_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o bank_n betwixt_o danyeleswalle_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n marry_o de_fw-fr overe_fw-la and_o about_o a_o meadow_n call_v croâ—chemede_o by_o which_o commission_n â—hâ—y_v â—ere_z direct_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n in_o 4_o h._n 5._o john_n pâ—eston_n sir_n john_n dâ—ayton_n knight_n thomas_n rothewell_n junior_a thowe_v drewe_n richard_n wydeforde_n and_o thomas_n coventre_n be_v constitute_v doâ—sâ—_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n all_o along_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o thames_n on_o both_o side_n from_o read_v to_o oxford_n which_o be_v then_o break_v in_o many_o place_n with_o appointment_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v john_n preston_n john_n martin_n john_n corf_n john_n appulton_n robert_n skyrne_n and_o nicholas_n doâ—sâ—_n conyngston_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o depford_n strand_n and_o bermundsey_n wherein_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o â—he_n marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 22_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n ricâ—ard_a bamme_n richard_n comâ—e_v will._n oâ—â—urne_n adam_n lynelord_n john_n martin_n john_n malton_n and_o will._n kyrton_n be_v assign_v dâ—â—so_o to_o view_v all_o those_o bank_n on_o the_o side_n of_o thames_n and_o marsh_n adjoin_v aswell_o within_o the_o lordship_n of_o south_n lambehithe_n north_n lambehithe_n lambehithe_n mershe_o and_o parysh-garden_n as_o in_o southwerk_n bermundsey_n retherhithe_n depford_n strand_n peckham_n hacham_n camerwell_n stokwell_n clopham_n and_o newyngton_n in_o the_o county_n of_o surrey_n and_o kent_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n break_v and_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o as_o also_o to_o make_v necessary_a law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o moreover_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n to_o be_v employ_v therein_o upon_o compâ—â—ent_a salarye_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o that_o work_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o and_o direction_n have_v john_n bamburgh_n richard_n bamme_n richard_n drax_n and_o philip_n leweston_n in_o 25_o h._n 6._o for_o the_o bank_n in_o the_o same_o lordship_n and_o place_n and_o in_o 31_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n richard_n waller_n esquire_n will._n laken_n philip_n leweston_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o the_o view_n of_o all_o the_o bank_n from_o east-grenewiche_a in_o kent_n to_o wandesworth_n in_o surrey_n so_o also_o have_v ibid._n the_o say_a sir_n john_n burcestre_n sir_n john_n cheyne_n knight_n richard_n waller_n esquire_n will._n laken_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o west-grenewiche_a and_o wandesworth_n aforesaid_a viz._n to_o the_o sluice_n callâ—d_v harescluse_a râ—therhithe_n suthwerke_n bermondsey_n parysgaâ—dyn_n lâ—mbehythe_n lambehythe_n mersh_fw-mi batersey_n wandesworth_n clopham_n pekham_n and_o camberwerwell_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o for_o the_o same_o place_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o have_v sir_n john_n bourgchier_n of_o barner_n knight_n sir_n john_n burcestre_n sir_n john_n cheyne_n knight_n and_o other_o in_o 33_o h._n 6._o so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n ralph_n josselyn_n knight_n mayor_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n sir_n walter_n moil_n knight_n sir_n john_n burcestre_n knight_n nich._n gaynesford_n esquire_n john_n woo_v and_o other_o in_o 5_o e._n 4._o and_o likewise_o dorso_o sir_n richard_n fenys_n lord_n dacres_n john_n abbot_n of_o bermundsey_n henry_n prior_n of_o s._n marie_n overey_n in_o suthwerk_n will._n cross_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n in_o suthwerk_n and_o divers_a other_o in_o 14_o e._n 4._o cap._n xv._n have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o marsh_n on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o thames_n i_o come_v to_o those_o on_o the_o north_n side_n lie_v in_o the_o county_n of_o midlesex_n and_o essex_n beginning_n with_o middlesex_n where_o the_o first_o mention_n i_o find_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o kind_n be_v that_o in_o 26_o e._n 1._o robert_n de_fw-fr retford_n and_o henry_n spigurnell_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o stebbenhethe_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a after_o this_o viz._n on_o wednesâ—ay_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n midd._n the_o bishop_n in_o 18_o e._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o inquisition_n take_v at_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n kathrines_n near_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n before_o will._n de_fw-fr broke_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr kellesey_n than_o the_o king_n justice_n for_o view_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o say_a hospital_n and_o the_o town_n of_o chadewelle_n and_o for_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o before_o who_o the_o juror_n do_v present_a upon_o their_o oath_n that_o a_o certain_a person_n of_o ancient_a time_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o stebenhethe_n beforementioned_a who_o name_n they_o know_v not_o do_v by_o his_o industry_n recover_v a_o certain_a marsh_n there_o contain_v about_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n which_o marsh_n be_v then_o drown_v by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o thames_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n so_o make_v have_v bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v so_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o say_a hospital_n and_o shadwelle_n but_o through_o the_o want_n of_o their_o repair_n be_v then_o frequent_o overflow_v and_o in_o divers_a place_n drown_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o people_n in_o those_o part_n which_o lord_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n of_o stebenhethe_n do_v afterward_o grant_v by_o charter_n to_o certain_a of_o his_o free_a man_n xlij_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o land_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n severally_z by_o parcel_n to_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n by_o certain_a service_n for_o ever_o and_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a bank_n ditch_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n viz._n each_o man_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a ground_n border_v on_o the_o say_a river_n of_o thames_n of_o which_o xlij_o
the_o haver_a knight_n john_n de_fw-fr cavendishe_v john_n de_fw-fr gildesburgh_n and_o other_o be_v make_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bâ—nks_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o berk_v and_o eâ—t-tilbury_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v ☜_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr waâ—ton_n knight_n thomas_n torell_n and_o thomas_n belhouse_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a commission_n for_o the_o bank_n at_o west-thurrok_a so_o also_o in_o 43_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n the_o lodelowe_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v thomas_n yonge_n john_n aâ—brey_n and_o will._n naffeâ—ton_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a west_n hamme_n &_o berk_n the_o like_a dorso_o in_o 44_o e._n 3._o have_v sr_n hen._n the_o grey_a of_o codnore_n knight_n sir_n rob._n de_fw-fr marny_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr goldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o the_o water_n of_o markediche_n and_o other_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n betwixt_o berk_n and_o est-tyllebury_a aforesaid_a other_o commission_n in_o the_o same_o king_n time_n be_v these_o viz._n dorso_fw-la in_o 48_o e._n 3._o to_o robert_n bealknap_n john_n de_fw-fr bampton_n and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n between_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n and_o est-tilbury_n in_o 49_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v knight_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr sutton_n knight_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr poley_n knight_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o bradwell_n as_o also_o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich_n carreu_n john_n aubrey_n and_o roger_n germeyn_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a and_o west-hamme_a with_o appointment_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o likewise_o to_o doâ—sâ—_n nich_n carreu_n robert_n bealknap_n will._n tank_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o the_o abbess_n of_o berk_n and_o moreover_o to_o dorso_o the_o say_v nicholas_n robert_n bealknap_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr teye_n for_o several_a other_o bank_n in_o divers_a marsh_n within_o this_o county_n in_o 50_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n and_o will._n halden_n for_o those_o from_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o to_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wanton_n knight_n roger_n mareschall_n thomas_n de_fw-fr belhous_n and_o roger_n germayn_n for_o those_o at_o west_n thurrok_n in_o 51_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o robert_n bealknap_n thomas_n maundevill_n rob._n de_fw-fr teyesâ—_n â—_z and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n in_o several_a marsh_n and_o place_n of_o this_o county_n and_o in_o 1_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n will._n de_fw-fr halden_n john_n auberey_n john_n bampton_n william_n rykhill_n and_o roger_n gremyn_n for_o those_o from_o stratford_n aâ—te_v bow_n to_o berk_n in_o 2_o r._n 2._o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr grey_n of_o wilton_n sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n sir_n will._n berland_n sir_n will._n wauton_n sir_n john_n symond_n sir_n john_n chaneeux_n knight_n geffrey_n darsham_n rob._n rigdon_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a marsh_n through_o this_o county_n which_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o power_n to_o choose_v and_o take_v so_o many_o carpenter_n with_o other_o artificer_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o county_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o except_v the_o fee_n of_o the_o church_n and_o except_v such_o as_o be_v assign_v for_o the_o say_v king_n special_a service_n and_o to_o employ_v they_o therein_o imprison_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v refractory_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wauton_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr middleton_n roger_n marescall_n roger_n germayn_n and_o john_n stody_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a sort_n assign_v for_o those_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n and_o the_o garden_n of_o farndon_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o west_n thurrok_n so_o also_o in_o dorso_fw-la 4_o r._n 2._o be_v the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n henry_n asty_a and_o laurence_n allerthorpe_n for_o those_o at_o esthamme_n and_o west-hamme_a in_o 8_o r._n 2._o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n brembre_n maior_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n robert_n bealknap_n nich._n carreu_n will._n rykehill_n richard_n ryall_n and_o roger_n germyn_n be_v dorso_fw-la appoint_v as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n from_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la rob._n bealknap_n will._n wauton_n john_n guldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o bark_v and_o dakenham_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n before_o that_o time_n exercise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o in_o 15_o r._n 2._o john_n radyngton_n prior_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n sir_n john_n deyncourt_n knight_n will._n de_fw-fr horbury_n clerk_n thomas_n newenton_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o reynham_n and_o alvytheley_n and_o to_o act_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o though_o by_o the_o great_a care_n which_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o divers_a coast_n from_o inundation_n that_o lie_v thus_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o as_o have_v by_o great_a iudustry_n be_v win_v from_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o sea_n much_o advantage_n do_v accrue_v to_o the_o common_a wealth_n yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o violence_n and_o irresistible_a force_n of_o that_o element_n be_v agitate_a by_o high_a and_o boisterous_a wind_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o prevention_n thereof_o it_o sometime_o waste_v and_o consume_v much_o in_o other_o place_n of_o which_o sundry_a example_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o requisite_a but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o viz._n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n osithes_n in_o this_o county_n whereof_o i_o find_v cottâ—nianâ—_n mention_n in_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v unto_o robert_n de_fw-fr braybroke_n bishop_n of_o london_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n richard_n 2d._o and_o to_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n of_o that_o church_n by_o sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n knight_n who_o thereby_o show_v that_o whereas_o that_o monastery_n be_v situate_a near_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o have_v in_o it_o a_o abbot_n and_o twenty_o canon_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n augustine_n serve_v god_n there_o devout_o every_o day_n and_o that_o the_o revenue_n thereof_o be_v through_o various_a mishap_n without_o their_o default_n so_o diminish_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sustenance_n be_v abate_v viz._n in_o southflete_a c_o acres_n of_o their_o arable_a land_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n total_o drown_v as_o also_o there_o and_o at_o their_o beckarie_n of_o coketwyk_n in_o one_o pasture_n wherein_o at_o sometime_o a_o c_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o ew-sheep_n may_v be_v keep_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o bank_n '_o and_o inundation_n thereof_o then_o scarce_o lxx_o cow_n and_o eight_o hundred_o ewe_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o moreover_o that_o two_o marsh_n call_v wyggebergh_n mer_n and_o holewyke_v mersh_fw-mi in_o which_o six_o hundred_o mutton_n may_v be_v yearly_o keep_v be_v then_o through_o the_o continual_a tide_n daily_o overflow_v that_o scarce_o four_o hundred_o can_v be_v maintain_v and_o that_o the_o water-mill_n situate_v in_o the_o town_n of_o s._n osiths_n and_o belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n which_o have_v be_v worth_a xxl._n be_v by_o the_o sea-tide_n so_o spoil_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v repair_v under_o a_o hundred_o pound_n charge_n and_o last_o that_o the_o marsh_n wall_n in_o that_o town_n in_o length_n three_o mile_n which_o include_v a_o pasture_n for_o lxx_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o mutton_n and_o ewe_n be_v so_o tear_v and_o break_v at_o that_o time_n that_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o same_o there_o must_v be_v other_o bank_n make_v anew_o and_o those_o old_a one_o quit_v so_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_a pasturage_n be_v for_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v leave_v out_o scarce_o fifty_o cow_n and_o six_o hundred_o sheep_n can_v be_v there_o maintain_v in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o these_o loss_n he_o petition_v that_o the_o church_n of_o elmestede_n may_v be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o religious_a house_n very_o many_o commission_n have_v i_o afterward_o also_o see_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o in_o a_o brief_a manner_n point_n at_o viz._n in_o 9_o h._n 4._o to_o
of_o idel_n to_o trent_n bank_n man_n row_v also_o with_o lesser_a boat_n to_o look_v swan_n over_o all_o part_n of_o it_o betwixt_o lammas_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n over_o star_n carr_n and_o axholme_n carr_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n thus_o overflow_v by_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v seize_v of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o divers_a land_n and_o waste_a ground_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o and_o in_o the_o chase_n call_v hatfield_n chase_n with_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi together_o with_o the_o lordship_n of_o wroote_n and_o finningley_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n all_o lie_v upon_o the_o same_o flat_a out_o of_o his_o royal_a and_o princely_a care_n for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o regain_n so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o surround_v land_n which_o at_o the_o best_a yield_v little_a or_o no_o profit_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o contrariwise_o nourish_v beggar_n and_o idle_a person_n and_o have_v a_o chase_n of_o red_a deer_n through_o a_o good_a part_n of_o this_o fen_n which_o much_o annoy_v and_o oppress_v the_o residue_n resolve_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n partly_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o revenue_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o reduce_v of_o so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o drown_a and_o boggy_a ground_n to_o be_v make_v good_a meadow_n arable_a and_o pasture_n for_o the_o general_a good_a do_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n contract_n with_o cornelius_n vermuden_n 1626._o then_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n esquire_n by_o article_n bear_v date_n the_o twenty_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o charge_n drain_v and_o lay_v the_o same_o dry_a begin_v the_o work_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o say_a king_n shall_v have_v agree_v with_o those_o person_n that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a therein_o and_o finish_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a expedition_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o one_o full_a three_o part_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n to_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o east_n geenwiche_n in_o free_a and_o common_a socage_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v pay_v and_o satisfy_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o all_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o same_o level_n and_o so_o surround_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o say_a land_n shall_v be_v think_v worth_n by_o four_o commissioner_n whereof_o two_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o the_o other_o two_o by_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n that_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v there_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o better_a preservation_n thereof_o a_o corporation_n make_v to_o make_v act_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o end_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n and_o his_o heir_n do_v nominate_v that_o within_o three_o year_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v finish_v six_o commissioner_n to_o be_v appoint_v viz._n three_o by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o three_o by_o the_o same_o cornelius_n his_o heir_n etc._n etc._n to_o view_v they_o and_o estimate_n what_o the_o future_a yearly_a charge_n may_v amount_v unto_o for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o say_v cornelius_n to_o convey_v and_o assure_v the_o inheritance_n of_o land_n to_o such_o a_o value_n as_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o support_v that_o charge_n and_o that_o whereas_o divers_a do_v claim_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o say_a ground_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v issue_v out_o his_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n to_o certain_a person_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o those_o commoner_n by_o way_n of_o composition_n in_o land_n or_o money_n concern_v the_o same_o whereupon_o commission_n be_v according_o direct_v 1656._o to_o several_a gentleman_n of_o those_o county_n to_o treat_v and_o agree_v with_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v right_a of_o common_a within_o any_o of_o the_o manor_n abovementioned_a which_o take_v effect_n with_o each_o of_o they_o except_o those_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o epworth_n in_o this_o isle_n but_o sir_n robert_n heath_n be_v the_o then_o attorney_n general_n exhibit_v a_o information_n in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n against_o they_o three_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o who_o be_v all_o that_o at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v right_a of_o common_a there_o come_v and_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o award_n as_o sir_n john_n bank_n the_o then_o attorney_n general_a shall_v make_v therein_o who_o upon_o several_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n and_o their_o council_n make_v this_o award_n viz._n that_o of_o thirteen_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n belong_v to_o that_o manor_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v drayn_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o level_n six_o thousand_o acre_n shall_v be_v allot_v to_o the_o commoner_n as_o their_o part_n or_o portion_n lie_v next_o to_o the_o town_n and_o so_o preserve_v for_o ever_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o the_o remain_v seven_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o those_o waste_n to_o sir_n c._n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o their_o three_o part_n and_o for_o the_o say_v late_a king_n part_n in_o right_a of_o his_o interest_n as_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n which_o by_o consent_n be_v decree_v in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n and_o possession_n thereupon_o establish_v with_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o their_o assign_v the_o agreement_n be_v therefore_o thus_o make_v this_o great_a work_n be_v according_o begin_v and_o have_v so_o successful_a a_o progress_n that_o with_o the_o charge_n of_o fifty_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o five_o pound_n or_o thereabouts_o it_o become_v full_o finish_v within_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n the_o water_n which_o usual_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n be_v convey_v into_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n through_o snow_n sewer_n and_o althorpe_n river_n by_o a_o sluse_n which_o issue_v out_o the_o drayned_a water_n at_o every_o ebb_n and_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n upon_o all_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v what_o a_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o public_a by_o this_o noble_a though_o chardgable_a work_n i_o shall_v here_o from_o the_o before-specified_n deposition_n observe_v first_o that_o since_o the_o drayn_n of_o haxey_n carr_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o rape_n and_o other_o corn_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o bear_v plentiful_a crop_n that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n not_o worth_a above_o six_o penny_n a_o acre_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la be_v after_o the_o say_v drayn_v worth_a xs._o the_o acre_n that_o several_a house_n have_v be_v since_o build_v and_o inhabit_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n which_o former_o be_v drown_v land_n so_o likewise_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o level_n that_o since_o the_o drayn_n the_o gound_n be_v better_a worth_a xiijs._o iiijd._o a_o acre_n than_o they_o be_v two_o shilling_n a_o acre_n before_o that_o of_o ten_o acre_n of_o drayned_a land_n fifty_o quarter_n of_o rape_n seed_n have_v be_v get_v in_o one_o year_n and_o sell_v at_o xxxs._o the_o quarter_n that_o of_o the_o say_v drayn_v ground_n thâ—y_v have_v usual_o have_v three_o quarter_n and_o a_o half_a of_o wheat_n upon_o one_o acre_n three_o quarter_n of_o rye_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o eight_o quarter_n of_o oat_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o for_o six_o year_n together_o seven_o quarter_n of_o oat_n on_o one_o acre_n that_o before_o this_o drayn_n the_o country_n thereabouts_o be_v full_a of_o wander_a beggar_n but_o very_o few_o afterward_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o weed_n of_o corn_n burn_v of_o ground_n thrash_a ditch_v harvest_n work_n and_o other_o husbandry_n all_o wage_n of_o labourer_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a use_n of_o they_o be_v then_o double_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v what_o i_o find_v in_o that_o print_a relation_n beforementioned_a viz._n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n together_o with_o his_o participant_n and_o their_o assign_v be_v in_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o by_o
and_o covenable_a law_n and_o statute_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v and_o employ_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n in_o that_o work_n upon_o convenient_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o expedition_n to_o be_v have_v therein_o howbeit_o after_o this_o time_n till_o the_o xith_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o thing_n else_o of_o moment_n concern_v these_o marsh_n but_o then_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o glamford_n brigge_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o march_n car._n in_o the_o say_a year_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n and_o car_n lie_v on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o before-specified_n river_n of_o ancholme_n in_o the_o lordship_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n atterby_n and_o several_a other_o it_o be_v then_o and_o there_o order_v 1659._o by_o will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n marmaduke_n darell_n samuel_n owfield_n stephan_n anderson_n esquire_n and_o richard_n nelthorpe_n gentleman_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n that_o a_o tax_n of_o s._n iiij_o xiijd._o shall_v be_v assess_v upon_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n find_v in_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o say_a session_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o fen_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v a_o sluse_n or_o clow_n near_o the_o out-fall_a of_o the_o say_a river_n which_o say_v sum_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o before-specified_n fen_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n there_o be_v therefore_o another_o commission_n short_o after_o direct_v to_o sir_n robert_n bell_n knight_n sir_n edward_z ascogh_o knight_n sir_n william_n pelham_n knight_n will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n edmund_n anderson_n george_n glapthorne_n and_o edward_n tourney_n esquire_n who_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o sit_v at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a upon_o the_o xxiiijth_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o follow_v where_o they_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v decree_n ibid._n and_o ordain_v that_o those_o fen_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o take_v in_o hand_n and_o to_o that_o end_n treat_v with_o some_o foreign_a undertaker_n who_o demand_n be_v find_v too_o high_a and_o all_o other_o gentleman_n refuse_v sir_n john_n munson_n knight_n of_o the_o honourable_a order_n of_o the_o bath_n a_o person_n eminent_o qualify_v with_o learning_n and_o sundry_a other_o ample_a endowment_n have_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o this_o county_n and_o no_o small_a proportion_n of_o these_o surround_v marsh_n out_o of_o a_o noble_a desire_n to_o serve_v his_o country_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o undertaker_n thereof_o himself_o upon_o the_o term_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n unto_o those_o foreiner_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o leave_v every_o freeholder_n at_o liberty_n to_o adventure_v for_o his_o own_o share_n if_o they_o think_v fit_a upon_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o give_v they_o a_o month_n time_n to_o consider_v of_o it_o of_o which_o offer_v most_o of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o level_n accept_v whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v ibid._n first_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v and_o may_v forthwith_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o accomplish_v it_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o six_o next_o ensue_v year_n second_o that_o all_o the_o say_a ground_n be_v so_o drayn_v shall_v for_o ever_o afterward_o continue_v for_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n except_v some_o quantity_n thereof_o not_o exceed_v cc_o acre_n which_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o lake_n and_o sike_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o superfluous_a water_n within_o the_o same_o three_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v at_o their_o own_o cost_n repair_v and_o keep_v all_o drayn_n and_o sluice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v conduce_v thereto_o and_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o the_o say_a work_n to_o make_v such_o new_a drayn_n and_o sluice_n with_o cart_n bridge_n over_o they_o where_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o any_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v think_v fit_a four_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o great_a work_n he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o seven_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o marsh_n dischardged_a from_o all_o commons_o title_n charge_n interest_n and_o demand_n of_o all_o or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v assign_v and_o allot_v to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o say_a lordship_n or_o any_o six_o of_o they_o before_o the_o feast-day_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1636._o to_o be_v enjoy_v from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n five_o that_o if_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n after_o the_o end_n of_o those_o six_o year_n the_o abovementioned_a ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v again_o surround_v and_o so_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n together_o and_o that_o by_o view_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o commissioner_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v so_o certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n that_o then_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o again_o in_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o erable_a within_o six_o month_n after_o such_o certificate_n transmit_v into_o the_o chancery_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o enter_v into_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n until_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o drown_v shall_v be_v again_o recover_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n etc._n etc._n six_o that_o every_o person_n who_o have_v land_n adjoin_v to_o those_o drayned_a ground_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v better_v by_o this_o drayn_n shall_v pay_v unto_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n or_o assign_v for_o every_o acre_n so_o improve_v so_o much_o as_o by_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v be_v adjudge_v fit_a seven_o that_o in_o case_n the_o say_a river_n of_o ankolme_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o this_o drayn_n be_v divert_v by_o any_o new_a cut_n such_o lord_n of_o manor_n and_o other_o as_o have_v have_v liberty_n of_o fish_v in_o the_o old_a channel_n shall_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o have_v the_o like_a benefit_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o new_a eight_o that_o where_o any_o man_n ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cast_v from_o his_o lordship_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o river_n the_o same_o person_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v to_o have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o and_o from_o the_o same_o through_o the_o lordship_n of_o he_o to_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o cast_v which_o decree_n of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n be_v exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n by_o the_o king_n letter_n patent_n bear_v date_n 27_o octobris_fw-la 14_o caroli_n after_o which_o at_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o adjournment_n at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a the_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_z year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n charles_n by_o and_o before_o william_n amcot_n john_n broxholme_n marmaduke_n darrell_n thomas_n nethercot_n roger_n gregory_n and_o mich._n mounckton_n esquire_n tho._n hely_n henry_a sandwith_n john_n barnard_n edw._n nelthorpe_n tho._n farmery_n and_o william_n darvin_n gentleman_n commissioner_n appoint_v for_o this_o level_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ankolme_n extend_v from_o bishop_n brigg_n on_o the_o south_n to_o ferriby_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_n in_o humbre_fw-mi and_o into_o the_o manor_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n and_o divers_a other_o after_o recital_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o two_o former_a session_n of_o 11_o caroli_n before_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o glamford_n brigg_n aforesaid_a by_o and_o before_o william_n amcott_n marmaduke_n darrell_n john_n broxholme_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n have_v with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a â—umms_n of_o money_n well_o and_o sufficient_o drayn_v and_o recover_v those_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a law_n make_v the_o 24_o of_o august_n in_o the_o say_v 11_o year_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o say_v will._n amcott_n and_o
county_n do_v exhibit_v a_o presentment_n 17._o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n import_v that_o this_o channel_n call_v fossedike_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o torksey_n unto_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n have_v be_v ancient_o open_a and_o full_a of_o water_n so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n lade_v with_o victual_n and_o other_o vendible_a commodity_n do_v use_v to_o pass_v to_o and_o from_o nottingham_n york_n kingston_n upon_o hull_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o county_n by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o trent_n and_o so_o by_o this_o channel_n to_o lincoln_n and_o from_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n and_o advantage_n of_o all_o tradesman_n pass_v that_o way_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n adjacent_a be_v then_o choke_v up_o for_o want_n of_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o torkesey_n and_o town_n of_o torksey_n with_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o prioress_n of_o fosse_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n gilb._n earl_n of_o angos_n &_o his_o tenant_n sir_n ralph_n daubney_n knight_n and_o his_o tenant_n the_o abbot_n of_o newsum_n john_n frunellâ—_n â—_z the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o gilbert_n de_fw-fr bridshull_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr normanton_n of_o saxelbie_n the_o lady_n katherine_n swinford_n john_n brett_n of_o thornhagh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n sir_n ralph_n painell_n knight_n and_o all_o other_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o say_a channel_n and_o their_o ancestor_n who_o lordship_n lay_v on_o either_o side_n and_o abut_a on_o the_o same_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n lie_v against_o his_o own_o lordship_n do_v and_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o say_a channel_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o choke_v up_o and_o obstruct_v for_o above_o thirty_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o king_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n aforesaid_a notwithstanding_o which_o presentment_n the_o king_n issue_v out_o a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la the_o very_a next_o ensue_v year_n unto_o sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n mr_n geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr stafford_n clerk_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o obstruction_n thereof_o but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v thereupon_o cleanse_v for_o in_o 8_o r._n 2._o which_o be_v about_o nine_o year_n after_o i_o find_v that_o john_n duke_n of_o lancaster_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n henry_n percy_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n sir_n philip_n darcy_n knight_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la by_o the_o say_a king_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o scour_v so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n may_v have_v a_o clear_a passage_n through_o it_o as_o ancient_o they_o have_v use_v cap._n xxxi_o the_o marsh_n on_o withom_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o this_o province_n lie_v the_o river_n of_o witham_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o suburb_n of_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n by_o which_o stream_n great_a vessel_n have_v ancient_o come_v up_o from_o boston_n to_o that_o city_n as_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o do_v by_o tradition_n affirm_v and_o as_o may_v seem_v by_o large_a rib_n of_o they_o which_o within_o memory_n have_v be_v there_o dig_v up_o but_o the_o descent_n of_o this_o stream_n from_o the_o say_a city_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v so_o little_a that_o the_o water_n have_v a_o slow_a passage_n can_v keep_v it_o wide_a and_o deep_a enough_o either_o for_o navigation_n or_o drayn_v of_o the_o adjacent_a marsh_n without_o the_o frequent_a help_n of_o dig_v and_o clear_v the_o same_o the_o mud_n and_o weed_n increase_v so_o much_o therein_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o tend_v to_o that_o purpose_n as_o also_o of_o its_o course_n above_o that_o city_n whereof_o the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o find_v be_v in_o 6_o e._n 3._o henry_n de_fw-fr fienton_n will._n dysney_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n be_v then_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la the_o king_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_v thereoâ—_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o bekingham_n and_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n it_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o its_o right_a channel_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o so_o obstruct_v with_o sand_n mud_n and_o plantation_n of_o tree_n as_o also_o by_o floodgate_n sluice_n mill_n causeys_n and_o ditch_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o same_o be_v hinder_v cause_v frequent_a inundation_n to_o the_o land_n adjacent_a after_o this_o viz._n in_o 37_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 7._o exhibit_v to_o john_n de_fw-fr repynghale_n and_o h._n asty_a than_o the_o say_v king_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o newerk_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n laurence_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n and_o remove_v all_o obstruction_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o free_a current_n thereof_o from_o the_o town_n of_o claypole_n unto_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n be_v hinder_v which_o presentment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o wapentake_v of_o boby_n and_o graffow_n import_v that_o the_o east_n mill_n at_o bracebrigge_n belong_v to_o the_o knight_n hospitalar_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n stand_v in_o the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n do_v obstruct_v the_o current_n thereof_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o knight_n hospitalar_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o river_n than_o have_v not_o sufficient_a depth_n nor_o breadth_n from_o the_o sheepcote_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n katherine_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o bracebrigge_n and_o that_o the_o say_v knight_n hospitalar_n have_v certain_a floodgate_n therâ—_n which_o do_v turn_v the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a channel_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n be_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o prior_n of_o the_o say_a hospital_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o appear_v before_o those_o commissioner_n at_o newerk_n the_o wednesday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o answer_v to_o these_o particular_n who_o appear_v according_o do_v allege_v that_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v be_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o house_n and_o that_o the_o say_a mill_n then_o stand_v as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o do_v without_o that_o that_o either_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n have_v build_v any_o new_a mill_n there_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o floodgate_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n with_o this_o order_n viz._n that_o the_o gate_n thereof_o shall_v be_v yearly_o remove_v from_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n elene_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n unto_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n but_o that_o after_o that_o day_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n elene_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o their_o place_n and_o if_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n shall_v happen_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o raise_v as_o to_o be_v above_o a_o certain_a stake_n stand_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a floodgate_n than_o the_o same_o gate_n to_o be_v remove_v until_o the_o water_n shall_v abate_v to_o the_o height_n of_o that_o stake_n which_o say_v stake_n have_v be_v there_o make_v and_o place_v for_o a_o gage_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n without_o that_o that_o any_o floodgate_n be_v raise_v high_a than_o that_o stake_n or_o that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v the_o business_n therefore_o be_v come_v to_o this_o issue_n the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v at_o carleton_n in_o moreland_n on_o friday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a it_o be_v find_v by_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o s._n johns_n and_o his_o predecessor_n be_v not_o seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v but_o that_o they_o be_v erect_v there_o after_o that_o time_n though_o not_o by_o the_o say_a prior_n therefore_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n have_v command_v to_o remove_v they_o according_o and_o to_o make_v certificate_n of_o his_o do_n
the_o king_n discern_v that_o all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v fruitless_a as_o to_o the_o conquer_a this_o isle_n by_o war_n or_o power_n have_v lose_v so_o many_o man_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o that_o purpose_n he_o at_o length_n by_o the_o council_n a._n of_o william_n than_o bishop_n of_o hereford_n and_o other_o determine_v that_o all_o the_o good_n and_o possession_n belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n which_o lie_v without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v be_v seize_v on_o and_o divide_v among_o his_o soldier_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v keep_v guard_n on_o the_o outside_n thereof_o of_o which_o the_o monk_n have_v knowledge_n they_o forthwith_o consult_v together_o their_o abbot_n be_v return_v who_o dissemble_v to_o go_v with_o those_o earl_n flee_v with_o the_o ornament_n and_o treasure_n of_o the_o church_n to_o angerhale_v and_o resolve_v ibid._n not_o only_o to_o yield_v peaceable_o to_o the_o king_n in_o case_n he_o will_v restore_v unto_o they_o free_o and_o honourable_o all_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o their_o church_n but_o to_o give_v he_o a_o thousand_o mark_n and_o according_o send_v cunning_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o noble_a hereward_n to_o make_v that_o tender_a to_o he_o the_o king_n be_v ibid._n then_o at_o warwick_n who_o acceptable_o entertain_v it_o they_o give_v admission_n supra_fw-la to_o he_o and_o his_o soldier_n to_o come_v private_o into_o the_o isle_n when_o hereward_n be_v go_v out_o with_o his_o man_n to_o forage_v to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o business_n may_v be_v do_v without_o resistance_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o hereward_n by_o one_o of_o the_o say_a monk_n who_o name_n be_v alwyne_v the_o son_n of_o orgar_n he_o grow_v so_o enrage_v that_o he_o resolve_v to_o set_v fire_n on_o the_o church_n and_o the_o town_n but_o at_o the_o earnest_a entreaty_n and_o prayer_n of_o that_o monk_n wish_v he_o rather_o to_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o own_o safety_n as_o also_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o king_n with_o all_o his_o army_n be_v then_o at_o wyccheford_n within_o the_o distance_n of_o one_o furlong_n and_o desire_v he_o that_o he_o will_v secure_v himself_o by_o flight_n in_o case_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o make_v his_o peace_n he_o yield_v to_o those_o his_o persuasion_n because_o he_o have_v often_o accompany_v he_o in_o his_o military_a adventure_n and_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o thereupon_o present_o betake_v himself_o to_o those_o his_o ship_n which_o he_o have_v to_o guard_v the_o isle_n into_o a_o certain_a large_a and_o spacious_a mere_a call_v wide_o not_o far_o from_o welle_v this_o be_v the_o seven_o year_n of_o their_o so_o hold_v of_o the_o same_o isle_n against_o the_o king_n and_o sail_v thither_o in_o regard_n there_o be_v free_a passage_n out_o of_o it_o and_o there_o resolve_v to_o stay_v a_o while_n employ_v some_o of_o his_o soldier_n towards_o saham_n to_o plunder_v and_o pillage_v the_o country_n to_o who_o he_o send_v out_o scout_n to_o bring_v they_o back_o to_o he_o lest_o they_o shall_v be_v take_v which_o scout_n find_v they_o in_o a_o little_a island_n call_v stuntney_n think_v they_o to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o two_o of_o they_o viz._n scarfulte_n and_o broher_n get_v among_o the_o reed_n and_o with_o their_o sword_n each_o shave_v the_o other_o crown_n expect_v thereby_o to_o find_v the_o more_o favour_n be_v take_v but_o at_o length_n discover_v that_o they_o be_v all_o of_o a_o side_n they_o go_v away_o together_o and_o soon_o get_v to_o their_o master_n who_o have_v not_o be_v long_o in_o the_o say_v mere_a but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n and_o the_o king_n soldier_n so_o beset_v he_o that_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v he_o kill_v his_o own_o horse_n lest_o any_o mean_a fellow_n shall_v boast_v that_o he_o have_v take_v he_o and_o so_o get_v away_o into_o bruneswald_n and_o the_o great_a wood_n of_o northamptonshire_n he_o very_o much_o waste_v the_o country_n thereabouts_o with_o sire_n and_o sword_n and_o have_v thus_o leave_v this_o isle_n where_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n have_v yield_v he_o such_o great_a and_o so_o long_a security_n for_o which_o respect_n i_o have_v make_v this_o digression_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o this_o characterâ—_n which_o ingulphus_n the_o then_o venerable_a abbot_n of_o crouland_n give_v bâ—â—_n of_o he_o porro_fw-la cum_fw-la supramemorati_fw-la comites_fw-la edwinus_fw-la &_o morkerus_fw-la rogerus_fw-la comes_fw-la herefordensis_fw-la radulfus_n come_v southfolciae_fw-la &_o waldevus_fw-la comes_fw-la northumbriae_fw-la inclytâ—_n regi_fw-la willielmo_n repugnarent_fw-la helienses_n paludes_fw-la cum_fw-la aliis_fw-la multis_fw-la magnatibus_fw-la similiter_fw-la exhaeredatis_fw-la occupantes_fw-la celiri_fw-la nuncio_n herwardus_fw-la ad_fw-la eos_fw-la accersitus_fw-la dux_n belli_fw-la &_o magister_fw-la militum_fw-la efficitur_fw-la ubi_fw-la tot_fw-la bellica_fw-la facinora_fw-la fecit_fw-la toties_fw-la adversarios_fw-la vicit_fw-la tot_fw-la vicibus_fw-la illusit_fw-la quod_fw-la perpetuam_fw-la laudem_fw-la meruit_fw-la quip_n qui_fw-la ruinas_fw-la suae_fw-la patriae_fw-la pereuntis_fw-la quamdiu_fw-la potuit_fw-la sustentavit_fw-la &_o inultos_fw-la abire_fw-la ad_fw-la inferos_fw-la non_fw-la permisit_fw-la caeteri_fw-la optimates_fw-la se_fw-la regi_fw-la dedentes_fw-la ejus_fw-la gratiam_fw-la tentaverunt_fw-la solus_fw-la hic_fw-la omnibus_fw-la hoc_fw-la recusans_fw-la se_fw-la subdere_fw-la distulit_fw-la ac_fw-la aliâs_fw-la divertitâ—_n id_fw-la est_fw-la therefore_o when_o the_o before_o mention_v earl_n edwine_n and_o morkere_o roger_n earl_n of_o hereford_n ralph_n earl_n of_o suffolk_n and_o waltheof_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n not_o submit_v to_o the_o king_n have_v together_o with_o divers_a other_o great_a man_n in_o like_a sort_n disherit_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o fen_n at_o ely_n they_o forthwith_o send_v for_o hereward_n and_o make_v he_o general_n of_o all_o their_o force_n where_o he_o do_v so_o many_o warlike_a exploit_n so_o often_o beat_v his_o adversary_n and_o so_o many_o time_n delude_v they_o that_o he_o obtain_v last_v renown_n for_o the_o same_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o do_v so_o long_o as_o he_o can_v sustain_v the_o totter_a ruin_n of_o his_o country_n and_o be_v not_o cruel_a to_o his_o enemy_n and_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o noble_n render_v themselves_o in_o hope_n of_o the_o king_n favour_n he_o only_o refuse_v will_v not_o submit_v but_o get_v away_o yet_o afterward_o he_o make_v his_o peace_n and_o have_v issue_n one_o only_a daughter_n call_v turfride_n marry_v 1653._o to_o hugh_n de_fw-fr evermuè_fw-fr lord_n of_o depe_v in_o lincolnshire_n with_o the_o forest_n adjoin_v entertain_v the_o say_a hugh_n upon_o a_o time_n at_o his_o house_n in_o huntendon_n it_o happen_v 1653._o that_o through_o a_o quarrel_n which_o arise_v then_o betwixt_o they_o he_o be_v there_o wretched_o slay_v by_o his_o say_a son_n in_o law_n and_o bury_v at_o crouland_n cap._n xli_o king_n william_n therefore_o be_v now_o possess_v of_o this_o isle_n which_o he_o find_v so_o troublesome_a and_o chardgable_a in_o the_o gain_n think_v it_o no_o small_a piece_n of_o policy_n to_o secure_v the_o same_o from_o the_o like_a danger_n for_o the_o future_a and_o therefore_o have_v afterward_o some_o difference_n with_o scotland_n compel_v b._n the_o abbot_n to_o maintain_v no_o less_o than_o xl_o soldier_n for_o the_o defence_n thereof_o which_o be_v such_o person_n or_o their_o substitute_n as_o hold_v of_o he_o by_o military_a service_n have_v their_o constant_a diet_n in_o his_o hall_n as_o also_o daily_o pay_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o celerer_fw-la but_o afterward_o it_o be_v not_o long_a erè_fw-la that_o this_o conventual_a church_n of_o ely_n become_v a_o cathedral_n for_o praesul_fw-la in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o richard_n the_o theâ—_n abbot_n not_o be_v well_o please_v to_o live_v under_o the_o bishop_n of_o lincoln_n to_o who_o diocese_n cambridgshire_n within_o which_o this_o isle_n be_v situate_a then_o belong_v suggest_v to_o the_o king_n that_o this_o will_v be_v a_o fit_a place_n for_o a_o episcopal_a see_v and_o procure_v the_o pope_n consent_n thereunto_o obtain_v his_o desire_n therein_o hope_v to_o have_v be_v the_o first_o bishop_n of_o this_o new_a diocese_n but_o though_o he_o be_v prevent_v thereof_o by_o death_n yet_o do_v not_o the_o king_n neglect_v to_o do_v what_o he_o be_v so_o solicit_v unto_o and_o therefore_o bestow_v upon_o the_o bishop_n of_o lincoln_n the_o manor_n of_o spaldwick_n bricklesworth_n and_o bokeden_n in_o recompense_n of_o the_o loss_n which_o the_o say_a bishop_n sustain_v by_o exempt_n of_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n from_o his_o jurisdiction_n complete_v his_o purpose_n therein_o and_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o revenue_n of_o this_o bishopric_n may_v afford_v he_o a_o honourable_a support_n they_o reduce_v the_o number_n of_o monk_n which_o be_v lxx._n to_o xl_o whereupon_o hervaeus_n bishop_n of_o bangor_n in_o wales_n
they_o but_o within_o the_o sâ—ace_n of_o two_o year_n follow_v they_o be_v all_o throw_v down_o again_o and_o the_o stone_n carry_v away_o by_o the_o man_n of_o kesteven_n whereupon_o a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la be_v grant_v and_o sit_v at_o donington_n on_o thursday_n next_o after_o s._n matthew_n day_n in_o 17_o r._n 2._o by_o robert_n lord_n willughby_n and_o other_o to_o make_v enquiry_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n sundry_a whereof_o be_v therefore_o hang_v some_o banish_v and_o some_o fine_v in_o great_a sum_n and_o command_v give_v for_o erect_v new_a crossâ—s_n of_o stone_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o these_o man_n of_o kesteven_n in_o 10_o h._n 4._o john_n earl_n of_o somerset_n brother_n to_o the_o king_n will._n lord_n roos_n robert_n the_o tame_n john_n de_fw-fr holland_n de_fw-fr welysthorpe_n with_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n both_o upon_o the_o seacoast_n and_o elsewhere_o within_o this_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n there_o before_o that_o time_n use_v and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 7_o h._n 5._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n exhibit_v against_o the_o town_n of_o brunne_a 10._o with_o the_o hamlet_n of_o dyke_n and_o calthorp_n and_o against_o the_o town_n of_o morton_n and_o hermethorpe_n for_o turn_v the_o fresh_a water_n towards_o the_o north_n which_o ought_v to_o run_v eastward_n into_o the_o sea_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o boundary_n betwixt_o these_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n so_o set_v forth_o as_o have_v be_v say_v i_o find_v that_o margaret_n countess_n of_o richmund_n and_o derby_n be_v lady_n of_o depe_v in_o 16_o h._n 7._o do_v then_o procure_v a_o new_a commission_n direct_v unto_o robert_n lord_n willoughby_n thomas_n lord_n rosse_n thomas_n lord_n fitzwalter_n george_n lord_n hastings_n john_n lord_n fitz_n warren_n sir_n robert_n dimock_n sir_n george_n taylboys_n edward_n stanley_n christopher_z willoughby_z and_o reginald_n bury_v knight_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v the_o controversy_n between_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o part_n abovesaid_a which_o be_v according_o do_v by_o these_o juror_n viz._n sir_n robert_n hussey_n knight_n sir_n john_n digby_n knight_n sir_n john_n thimelby_n knight_n thomas_n dimock_n richard_n thimelby_n richard_n harington_n will._n ermine_n will._n mounson_n john_n bâ—ssy_n george_n asâ—â—â—y_n robert_n tirwhit_o richard_n cecil_n john_n bâ—llâ—_n william_n fitzwilliam_n john_n folâ—ingham_n will._n leigh_n thomas_n desney_n richard_n grantham_n edward_n askew_n george_n mackwoâ—th_n thomas_n billesby_n will._n thorold_n will._n enderby_n and_o john_n walcot_n esquire_n cap._n xliii_o have_v now_o do_v with_o what_o concern_v the_o province_n of_o kesteven_n alone_o i_o come_v to_o it_o and_o holland_n joint_o whereof_o the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o be_v of_o the_o 33._o afforestation_n make_v by_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o in_o these_o part_n 33._o which_o continue_v not_o long_o for_o it_o appear_v that_o king_n richard_n the_o first_o about_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o reign_n by_o his_o charter_n to_o the_o monastery_n of_o spald_v of_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o hinchebec_n with_o the_o land_n water_n and_o marsh_n to_o they_o belong_v do_v acquit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o place_n from_o all_o duty_n belong_v to_o the_o forest_n as_o also_o of_o heart_n and_o hind_n with_o all_o other_o wild_a beast_n and_o of_o all_o forest_n custom_n and_o exaction_n which_o have_v use_v to_o be_v there_o do_v â—e_n or_o require_v so_o that_o no_o forester_n or_o any_o other_o may_v thereupon_o vex_v or_o disquiet_v they_o ☞_o and_o moreover_o give_v they_o licence_n 33._o to_o make_v bank_n and_o ditch_n to_o enclose_v their_o land_n and_o marsh_n as_o also_o to_o build_v house_n and_o exercise_n tillage_n as_o they_o themselves_o shall_v think_v fit_a within_o these_o particular_a mete_n and_o bound_n viz._n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wailand_n and_o chelebeche_n in_o length_n and_o from_o midfen_n dic_fw-la which_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o these_o two_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n and_o gudramesend_n which_o be_v the_o boundary_a as_o far_o as_o saltene_n in_o breadth_n and_o hasmanespade_n as_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wailand_n come_v from_o crouland_n descend_v to_o the_o sea_n from_o this_o deafforestation_n abovemention_v i_o shall_v descend_v to_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o reign_n in_o who_o time_n i_o find_v dorso_fw-la that_o there_o be_v a_o precept_n direct_v to_o the_o shireeve_n touch_v the_o partition_n of_o hauthuntre-fen_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o that_o have_v right_o therein_o whereby_o the_o say_a king_n give_v special_a command_n that_o each_o town_n may_v have_v their_o due_a proportion_n thereof_o assign_v to_o they_o but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o a_o perambulation_n shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o xij_o lawful_a and_o discreet_a knight_n betwixt_o it_o and_o the_o fen_n call_v fent_v fen_n viz._n in_o length_n from_o the_o town_n of_o swinefheved_a to_o a_o little_a rivulet_n call_v barkesmere_n and_o so_o from_o the_o marsh_n of_o stevening_n as_o barkesmere_n go_v betwixt_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v hauthundrefen_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o hale_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o kime_n and_o so_o in_o length_n by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o kime_n to_o dockesdike_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o water_n wuna_n to_o certain_a land_n of_o boston_n and_o that_o so_o soon_o as_o the_o say_a petambulation_n shall_v be_v thâ—s_o accomplish_v then_o to_o make_v partition_n of_o the_o before_o mention_v fen_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o those_o knight_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o each_o town_n may_v have_v a_o assignation_n of_o their_o particular_a share_n to_o dispose_v and_o make_v improvement_n of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o their_o own_o best_a like_n after_o this_o viz._n in_o 44_o h._n 3._o the_o king_n then_o direct_v his_o precept_n 16._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n whereby_o take_v notice_n that_o not_o only_o the_o landholders_n in_o those_o part_n but_o himself_o have_v suffer_v inestimable_a damage_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n through_o the_o default_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n bridge_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o land_n which_o late_o belong_v to_o william_n longespe_fw-fr in_o these_o part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n he_o command_v the_o say_a shireeve_n forthwith_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o landholders_n who_o have_v safeguard_n by_o those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n and_o aught_o to_o repair_v they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o land_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v speedy_o repair_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o be_v and_o in_o 23_o e._n 1._o adam_n de_fw-fr crokedayk_n and_o w._n inge_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o province_n and_o to_o see_v that_o the_o current_n of_o fresh_a water_n in_o the_o marsh_n thereof_o may_v have_v their_o due_a and_o ancient_a passage_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o have_v in_o 9_o e._n 2._o lambert_n de_fw-fr trekyngham_n roger_n de_fw-fr coppeldyk_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malberthorp_n be_v then_o constitute_v a._n the_o king_n justice_n of_o sewer_n for_o these_o part_n sit_v at_o boston_n upon_o the_o tuesday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n there_o to_o make_v enquiry_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o good_a and_o lawful_a man_n what_o person_n of_o this_o county_n of_o lincoln_n have_v use_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n within_o the_o fen_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n and_o other_o place_n thereabouts_o as_o also_o the_o floudgate_n by_o which_o the_o fresh_a water_n that_o have_v use_v to_o run_v from_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n into_o the_o say_a fen_n be_v hinder_v from_o so_o do_v and_o by_o who_o the_o say_v water_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o their_o right_n and_o due_a course_n as_o also_o in_o what_o sort_n whereupon_o sir_n will._n d'_fw-fr autre_fw-fr knight_n john_n de_fw-fr holland_n and_o several_a other_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v swear_v do_v a._n upon_o their_o oath_n present_a that_o the_o town_n of_o danington_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v the_o causey_n of_o holland_n with_o little_a bridge_n and_o ditch_n on_o each_o part_n of_o the_o same_o from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n to_o the_o new_a ditch_n and_o from_o the_o say_a ditch_n unto_o the_o chapel_n of_o s._n saviour_n the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n to_z perform_v the_o like_a repair_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n great_a defect_n
aug._n in_o the_o say_v xlith_o year_n and_o he_o to_o be_v chardged_a with_o the_o bank_n compass_v the_o say_a fen_n with_o the_o dike_n scour_a and_o rode_a of_o both_o the_o say_a river_n etc._n etc._n with_o bridge_n staker_n drayn_n and_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o say_a law_n impose_v and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a three_o part_n of_o all_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n by_o certain_a man_n thereunto_o appoint_v under_o such_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o other_o two_o part_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o say_v thomas_n by_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a law_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o whole_a estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o pound_n and_o more_o and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a question_n wilful_o stir_v &c._n &c._n between_o the_o county_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n about_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a country_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o say_v thomas_n can_v not_o have_v his_o say_v three_o part_v allot_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a law_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o for_o the_o decide_n those_o controversy_n there_o be_v the_o 8_o of_o april_n in_o xliiij_o eliz._n a_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o many_o knight_n and_o gentleman_n stranger_n to_o both_o the_o say_a country_n who_o do_v â—ot_n only_o set_v down_o and_o determine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o say_a bound_n but_o do_v also_o set_v out_o and_o assign_v the_o say_v three_o part_n belong_v to_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n as_o by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n make_v at_o spald_v aforesaid_a the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a by_o sir_n henry_n north_n knight_n sir_n john_n bolles_n knight_n valentine_n browne_n henry_n warner_n robert_n bevill_n robert_n wingfeld_n anthony_n ireby_n rob._n cotton_n richard_n cox_n robert_n jetherell_n and_o john_n s._n george_n appear_v according_a to_o which_o division_n the_o same_o be_v by_o man_n skilful_a in_o survey_v divide_a and_o set_v out_o since_o which_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a conference_n and_o agreement_n for_o two_o several_a drove-way_n through_o the_o say_v three_o part_n which_o be_v last_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o law_n of_o sewer_n 17_o of_o march_n 45_o eliz._n by_o tho._n lord_n burlegh_n edw._n heron_n etc._n etc._n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n with_o allowance_n to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n of_o as_o much_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o the_o say_a drove-way_n contain_v which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n make_v up_o a_o full_a three_o part_n be_v by_o mete_n and_o bound_n assign_v to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n and_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o enclose_v but_o can_v not_o perfect_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o the_o time_n and_o riotous_a let_n and_o disturbance_n of_o lewd_a people_n cast_v down_o his_o bank_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v ibid._n that_o the_o say_v thomas_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o three_o part_n so_o set_v out_o etc._n etc._n upon_o condition_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o full_o perfect_v the_o say_v drayn_v within_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n from_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v &c._n &c._n and_o after_o that_o maintain_v and_o keep_v they_o etc._n etc._n firm_a and_o depasturable_a in_o summer_n and_o winter_n except_o three_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v spald_v and_o depe_v fen_n and_o gogsland_n for_o lake_n and_o sikes_n and_o xl_o acre_n in_o borne_n and_o thurlby_n fen_n and_o except_v the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n then_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n but_o shall_v suffer_v the_o say_v two_o part_n to_o be_v drown_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n together_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v three_o year_n and_o the_o same_o certify_v by_o twelve_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o six_o of_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o of_o kesteven_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o record_v that_o then_o in_o case_n the_o say_a ground_n within_o one_o year_n follow_v be_v not_o recover_v etc._n etc._n than_o the_o lord_n and_o proprietarìe_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o re-enter_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n enter_v upon_o their_o common_a in_o the_o say_v three_o part_n according_a to_o their_o former_a right_n how_o far_o mr._n lovel_n proceed_v in_o this_o adventure_n i_o know_v not_o but_o his_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v as_o it_o seem_v i_o find_v that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v at_o large_a by_o and_o by_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o may_n 14_o caroli_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o several_a tax_n upon_o the_o particular_a fen_n and_o marsh_n throughout_o that_o vast_a tract_n in_o order_n to_o that_o work_n assess_v lindsey_n xxx_n a_o acre_n upon_o depe_a fen_n before-specified_n and_o afterward_o scil_n in_o july_n follow_v sit_v at_o huntendon_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v the_o xxiiijth_o of_o that_o month_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n certify_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o learned_a council_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o the_o adventurer_n touch_v that_o fen_n aswell_o for_o maâ—ter_n of_o law_n as_o fact_n and_o equity_n and_o upon_o full_a debate_n and_o advise_v consideration_n thereof_o be_v unanimous_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o tax_v impose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n at_o wisebeche_n beforementioned_a be_v upon_o just_a ground_n and_o â—o_o resolve_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o be_v not_o pay_v they_o may_v therefore_o lawful_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o further_o and_o perfect_a drayn_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n which_o will_v be_v very_o great_a notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n disburse_v by_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o adventurer_n and_o they_o far_o certify_v that_o before_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o make_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n they_o humble_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n whether_o they_o shall_v proceed_v therein_o or_o not_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v whether_o his_o majesty_n will_v become_v the_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n himself_o and_o so_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o the_o say_a adventurer_n to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a disbursment_n therein_o whereof_o they_o have_v or_o can_v receive_v little_a fruit_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o stand_v which_o they_o whole_o do_v submit_v to_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n desire_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v speedy_o signify_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v proceed_v according_o and_o humble_o offer_v this_o advice_n to_o their_o lordship_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o adventurer_n or_o any_o other_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o say_a drayn_v under_o his_o majesty_n â—o_o perform_v it_o by_o any_o way_n or_o design_n other_o than_o such_o as_o his_o majesty_n or_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v approve_v and_o direct_v by_o new_a act_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o their_o fen_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n thereunto_o adjoin_v in_o regard_n otherwise_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o general_a work_n and_o they_o moreover_o desire_v that_o care_n may_v be_v take_v that_o no_o more_o time_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o but_o that_o the_o same_o may_v proceed_v that_o instant_a summer_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o king_n upon_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o proposal_n i_o find_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n signify_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n from_o theobalds_n in_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n which_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o far_o and_o more_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o
the_o archangel_n to_o answer_v unto_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n who_o come_v according_o and_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o and_o some_o of_o his_o predecessor_n with_o their_o tenant_n and_o fermour_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n adjacent_a to_o those_o bank_n have_v for_o their_o own_o commodity_n and_o benefit_n often_o repair_v divers_a part_n of_o they_o but_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o thereupon_o do_v put_v himself_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o jury_n which_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v come_v and_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o predecessor_n as_o also_o their_o servant_n tenant_n and_o fermour_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n lie_v in_o the_o place_n adjoin_v to_o those_o bank_n have_v very_o often_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o damage_n to_o themselves_o repair_v those_o bank_n for_o their_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v plead_v and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o that_o neither_o the_o say_a abbot_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v ever_o repair_v they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n or_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n within_o the_o say_a bank_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n wherefore_o the_o say_a abbot_n be_v dischardged_a from_o that_o presentment_n but_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o h._n 6._o time_n there_o be_v a_o inquisition_n cedulâ_fw-la take_v at_o staunford_n in_o this_o county_n before_o sir_n john_n beauchamp_n knight_n then_z steward_z of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o john_n duke_n of_o norfolk_n marshal_z of_o england_n and_o the_o marshal_n of_o the_o court_n of_o marshalsiâ—_n in_o the_o say_v king_n household_n where_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a clough_n call_v shiphey_n lie_v at_o dousdale_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o crouland_n then_o break_v by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n of_o divers_a person_n thereabouts_o be_v overflow_v to_o their_o great_a damage_n and_o hindrance_n and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o as_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v which_o clough_n have_v be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o repair_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o xxxvi_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o vi_o and_o do_v so_o remain_v at_o the_o take_n of_o this_o inquisition_n upon_o which_o presentment_n so_o make_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n by_o his_o attorney_n appear_v at_o depe_v upon_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n 4_o before_o the_o steward_n and_o marshal_n of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o to_o the_o say_a charge_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o contest_v therein_o with_o the_o king_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o his_o fine_n and_o be_v according_o which_o the_o court_n assess_v at_o vis._o viij_o d._n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o there_o be_v a_o award_n 7._o make_v betwixt_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o spald_v and_o pinchebec_n by_o john_n woodhouse_n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n of_o lancaster_n john_n leventhorp_n receiver_n and_o will._n babington_n one_o of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o say_a duchy_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o richard_n norton_n chief_a justice_n of_o the_o common_a plea_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o then_o justice_n of_o that_o court_n who_o do_v decree_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n all_o the_o soil_n of_o goggisland_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a fish_n and_o fowl_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchebec_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o take_v any_o other_o profit_v therein_o except_v common_a of_o pasture_n cap._n xlv_o have_v now_o do_v with_o what_o concern_v that_o sometime_o famous_a monastery_n of_o crouland_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o province_n but_o before_o i_o descend_v to_o speak_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o ancient_a bank_n so_o long_o before_o make_v for_o the_o gain_v thereof_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o its_o defence_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o also_o such_o work_n of_o drayn_v or_o otherwise_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_a improve_n of_o all_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o impertinent_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o follow_a marsh_n and_o fen_n be_v observe_v to_o have_v long_o since_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccxxxij_o in_o b._n langtoft_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n in_o ibid._n baston_n xuj_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o eight_o in_o breadth_n in_o a._n holbeche_n and_o capelade_v in_o the_o year_n dcccli_o five_o thousand_o acre_n and_o in_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n time_n in_o b._n algarekirk_n ten_o ox_n gang_v then_o waste_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sea_n inundation_n next_o to_o observe_v that_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o do_v xlii_o afforest_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o aswell_o as_o of_o kesteven_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o king_n john_n do_v in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n deafforest_n 30._o all_o those_o land_n that_o belong_v to_o surflet_n gosbercherche_fw-fr quadaver_a and_o dunnington_n as_o to_o the_o sea-bank_n in_o this_o province_n i_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o till_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o time_n but_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 15._o to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n liable_a to_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v repair_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o use_v to_o be_v which_o tenant_n be_v afterward_o to_o have_v allowance_n thereof_o from_o their_o landlord_n and_o about_o four_o year_n afterward_o viz._n in_o 44._o h._n 3._o the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n to_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n of_o who_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v signal_n mention_v in_o my_o discourse_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n recite_v that_o whereas_o through_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n into_o these_o part_n of_o holland_n inestimable_a loss_n have_v happen_v and_o more_o be_v imminent_a as_o he_o have_v credible_a information_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o he_o have_v send_v his_o precept_n to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v any_o land_n and_o tenement_n in_o these_o part_n which_o ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o ditch_n bridge_n and_o bank_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fen_n therein_o in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o say_a land_n nevertheless_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o great_a care_n of_o that_o work_n he_o appoint_v dorso_fw-la the_o before-specified_n henry_n together_o with_o the_o say_a shireeve_n to_o provide_v forthwith_o for_o those_o repair_n and_o to_o make_v distress_n for_o the_o same_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o security_n of_o those_o part_n in_o 47_o h._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 8._o by_o a_o jury_n exhibit_v to_o martin_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n itinerant_a at_o lincoln_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o clause_n of_o easter_n show_v that_o ancient_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a will._n de_fw-fr rumare_fw-la earl_n oâ—_n linâ—colne_n chester_n it_o happen_v that_o two_o man_n carry_v a_o corpse_n from_o stikeney_n to_o cibecey_n to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o churchyard_n there_o drown_v it_o on_o north_n dyke_n causey_n which_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n a._n he_o acquaint_v the_o abbot_n of_o revesby_n therewith_o and_o advertise_v he_o that_o he_o and_o his_o covent_n aught_o at_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a causey_n in_o consideration_n of_o two_o piece_n of_o ground_n which_o he_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v give_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o ever_o whereof_o one_o be_v call_v heyholme_n and_o the_o other_o west_n few_o contain_v about_o sixscore_o acre_n and_o worth_a by_o the_o year_n vil._o and_o the_o juror_n far_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n which_o then_o be_v do_v receive_v that_o land_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o they_o do_v according_o repair_v it_o for_o a_o long_a time_n until_o that_o
the_o next_o parliament_n which_o be_v in_o the_o xv_o of_o easter_n in_o the_o xvijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edward_n the_o three_o reign_n to_o which_o parliament_n the_o party_n abovesaid_a come_v and_o after_o divers_a argument_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o sir_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr cantilupe_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr wilughby_n and_o other_o the_o say_a sir_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr ry_z do_v release_v all_o his_o right_n as_o abovesaid_a which_o release_n bear_v date_n at_o peterborough_n upon_o the_o xvijth_o of_o may_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a in_o the_o same_o year_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lucy_n sayer_n de_fw-fr rochfort_n thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n john_n parson_n of_o the_o church_n of_o benington_n and_o laurence_n de_fw-fr leake_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skyrbek_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o before-specified_n agreement_n make_v by_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o peterborough_n with_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o sir_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr rye_n he_o be_v not_o yet_o at_o quiet_a for_o that_o land_n touch_v which_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o dispute_v betwixt_o they_o for_o about_o six_o year_n after_o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n linc._n exhibit_v into_o the_o king_n bench_n by_o divers_a wapentake_n in_o this_o county_n against_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o peterborough_n for_o purchase_v ccc_o acre_n of_o waste_a ground_n in_o gosbercherche_fw-fr without_o licence_n from_o the_o king_n whereunto_o the_o abbot_n plead_v that_o this_o land_n be_v not_o purchase_v by_o he_o but_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o so_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n ☜_o that_o all_o and_o singular_a lord_n possess_v any_o manor_n or_o land_n upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n have_v usual_o silt_v and_o sand_n more_o or_o less_o cast_v up_o to_o their_o land_n by_o the_o tide_n and_o that_o this_o land_n so_o suppose_v to_o be_v purchase_v be_v acquire_v in_o that_o sort_n all_o which_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o say_a abbot_n the_o juror_n give_v up_o their_o verdict_n 34._o according_o nevertheless_o the_o say_a abbot_n can_v not_o yet_o be_v quiet_a as_o appear_v by_o several_a other_o 34._o plead_n therein_o afterward_o so_o that_o final_a sentence_n be_v not_o give_v therein_o till_o 29.23_o easter_n term_n in_o 41_o e._n 3._o in_o 23_o e._n 3._o william_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n philip_n le_fw-fr despenser_n nich._n the_o rye_n saier_n de_fw-fr rochfort_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o province_n and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n there_o be_v several_a linc._n presentment_n exhibit_v against_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n by_o the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapentake_n for_o stop_v of_o certain_a sewer_n and_o common_a highway_n within_o the_o fen_n so_o likewise_o against_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n for_o the_o not_o repair_v of_o brigedyke_n in_o 25_o e._n 3._o saier_n de_fw-fr râ—cheford_n laurence_n de_fw-fr leake_n john_n moss_n roger_n de_fw-fr meres_n and_o will._n baiard_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o sea-bank_n and_o ditch_n of_o skirbek_n and_o kirketon_n several_a other_o commission_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n be_v issue_v our_o short_o afterward_o viz._n in_o 26_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lucy_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr litleburs_n roger_n de_fw-fr meres_n and_o john_n rybrede_v of_o spaldâ—ng_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellowe_n which_o be_v then_o in_o great_a decay_n so_o also_o to_o ibid._n saier_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n laurence_n de_fw-fr lecke_n john_n moss_n and_o john_n claymond_n for_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skirbek_n the_o like_a in_o 27_o e._n 3._o to_o dorsâ—_n will._n de_fw-fr huntingfeld_n and_o the_o rest_n last_o mention_v in_o 28_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n cleymond_n roger_n de_fw-fr meres_n robert_n de_fw-fr spaigne_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr spaigne_n for_o those_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wythum_fw-la from_o the_o town_n of_o skirbeâ—_n to_o a_o place_n call_v the_o shuft_n in_o 30_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la henry_n grene_n saier_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n roger_n deal_v more_o will._n the_o surflete_a and_o john_n de_fw-fr nessefeld_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o s._n saviour_n and_o donyngton_n in_o 33_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la will._n de_fw-fr huntingfeld_n will._n de_fw-fr thorpe_n will._n de_fw-fr notton_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_n of_o kirketon_n and_o in_o 34_o e._n 3._o dorso_fw-la to_o sir_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr rye_n knight_n john_n claymond_n roger_n de_fw-fr meres_n and_o other_o for_o those_o within_o the_o town_n of_o flete_n and_o holbeche_n by_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o 35_o e._n 3._o touch_v a_o inquisition_n take_v about_o two_o year_n before_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr huntingfeld_n and_o other_o justices_z of_o sewer_n for_o the_o wapentake_n of_o kirketon_n at_o the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o gosberkirke_n and_o surflete_a in_o which_o inquisition_n certain_a error_n be_v say_v to_o be_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o juror_n than_o sound_v that_o there_o be_v a_o gutter_n call_v wistard_n gote_v in_o sotterton_n then_o in_o decay_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o sotterton_n also_o that_o wigtoft_n goat_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o wygtoft_n and_o swynesheuâ—d_n that_o the_o town_n of_o swinesheved_a aught_o to_o repair_v swinesh_v i_fw-mi from_o the_o north_n side_n of_o swinesheved_a unto_o byker_n ee._n that_o the_o town_n of_o biker_n donington_n quadring_n and_o gosberkirk_n ought_v to_o repair_n biker_n i_fw-mi from_o the_o begin_n of_o biker_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o make_v it_o twenty-four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o depth_n viz._n the_o town_n of_o biker_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o biker_n to_o bonstake_v and_o from_o thence_o the_o town_n of_o donington_n to_o quadriug_v and_o from_o thence_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o to_o gosbâ—rkirke_n and_o gosberkirke_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o run_v all_o the_o year_n they_o also_o then_o present_v that_o the_o gutter_n of_o quadring_n call_v angot_n be_v break_v and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v remove_v near_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o a_o hundred_o perche_n as_o also_o that_o the_o ditch_n wherein_o the_o salt_n water_n come_v shall_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o the_o side_n thereof_o on_o each_o part_n shall_v be_v raise_v â—our_n foot_n in_o height_n which_o repair_v to_o be_v always_o do_v by_o those_o who_o land_n be_v drayn_v thereby_o and_o moreover_o that_o the_o goat_n call_v sangote_v in_o gosberkirke_n be_v ruinous_a and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o tenant_n of_o seven_o carucate_n of_o land_n in_o surflete_a and_o of_o five_o carucate_n in_o gosberkirke_n according_a to_o equal_a proportion_n and_o that_o the_o newgote_n of_o surflete_a aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o make_v two_o foot_n in_o depth_n by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o surflete_a unto_o totisbrige_fw-la and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkirke_n ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o gutter_n call_v the_o thurgote_v because_o that_o at_o that_o time_n the_o say_a town_n and_o surflete_n be_v almost_o drown_v by_o a_o arm_n of_o the_o sea_n which_o grow_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a gutter_n and_o salten_a ee._n in_o which_o inquisition_n it_o appear_v how_o the_o say_a gutter_n may_v be_v remove_v to_o the_o best_a advantage_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o place_n and_o through_o who_o land_n it_o ought_v to_o run_v and_o of_o the_o value_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkirke_n betwixt_o alvelode_n and_o surflete_n as_o also_o how_o cross_a goat_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o remove_v and_o the_o say_a juror_n then_o present_v that_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o other_o belong_v to_o surflete_a gosberkirke_n and_o quadring_n be_v too_o weak_a and_o low_a and_o that_o they_o know_v not_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v those_o town_n to_o appear_v who_o according_o make_v their_o appearance_n say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o repair_v they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o distrain_v thereto_o and_o the_o town_n of_o sotterton_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v likewise_o amerce_v because_o they_o come_v in_o by_o great_a distress_n in_o the_o same_o 35_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n 3_o roger_n la_o war_n will._n de_fw-fr thorpe_n robert_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n and_o other_o be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o
of_o crabhous_n with_o some_o land_n belong_v thereto_o all_o be_v then_o waste_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o fen_n but_o afterward_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o come_v and_o with_o drayn_v and_o bank_v win_v as_o much_o thereof_o by_o their_o industry_n as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o enjoy_v the_o same_o be_v contenâ—_n to_o be_v tenant_n for_o it_o unto_o such_o great_a man_n of_o who_o they_o hold_v their_o other_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o a_o common_a consent_n among_o themâ—_n raise_v be_v the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v about_o the_o year_n mccxxiij_o 7_o h._n 3._o nor_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o country_n any_o other_o than_o a_o marsh_n about_o that_o time_n for_o by_o that_o precept_n 14._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n for_o give_v unto_o hubert_n de_fw-fr burgo_n than_o justice_n of_o england_n the_o like_a possession_n thereof_o as_o he_o have_v in_o king_n john_n time_n when_o he_o go_v into_o poictou_n for_o the_o serviâ—e_n of_o that_o king_n it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o bound_v with_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n welle_v hagebeche_v tilney_n and_o tirington_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o half_a marshland_n all_o which_o be_v soon_o after_o restore_v 10._o to_o the_o church_n of_o ely_n as_o have_v a_o better_a interest_n to_o it_o than_o this_o great_a man_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v podike_n so_o make_v as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o marshland_n man_n have_v no_o clear_a title_n to_o the_o whole_a soil_n whereon_o it_o be_v erect_v will._n bardolfe_n at_o that_o time_n lord_n ojh_o the_o manor_n of_o stow_n wimbotesham_n and_o dounham_n lordship_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n chaleng_v some_o right_n therein_o for_o in_o 35_o h._n 3._o they_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n with_o he_o by_o a_o fine_a arm._n levy_v before_o the_o justice_n itinerant_a at_o norwich_n in_o the_o xv_o of_o s._n martin_n the_o principal_a party_n to_o the_o say_v fine_a be_v the_o then_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n dereham_n and_o s._n edmundsbuâ—y_o thomas_z de_fw-fr ingaldesthorp_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr shouldham_n by_o which_o fine_a the_o say_v will._n bardolf_n quit_v all_o his_o title_n in_o the_o whole_a marsh_n call_v west_n fen_n through_o which_o the_o same_o bank_n extend_v unto_o the_o say_a bishop_n prior_n abbot_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o they_o to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n the_o before-specified_n old_a bank_n viz._n podike_n and_o a_o cxx_o acre_n of_o marsh_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n within_o the_o same_o bank_n northwards_o contain_v xij_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n about_o three_o year_n after_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o this_o province_n want_v repair_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n be_v require_v 15._o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o person_n in_o the_o lete_n of_o clenchwarton_n and_o west_n len_n who_o be_v tenant_n of_o such_o land_n as_o aught_o to_o repair_v those_o bank_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v repair_v for_o repel_v the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n which_o tenant_n to_o have_v afterward_o allowance_n for_o the_o same_o from_o their_o landlord_n what_o be_v then_o do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o but_o within_o four_o year_n ensue_v it_o appear_v â—5_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n have_v exceed_o great_a loss_n by_o the_o breach_n both_o of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v keep_v off_o the_o fresh_a water_n insomuch_o as_o the_o king_n be_v advertise_v thereof_o command_v â—5_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o distrain_v all_o the_o land-holders_n who_o may_v have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o say_a land_n lie_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o they_o and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o more_o damage_n happen_v by_o a_o new_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o bank_n towards_o wisbeche_n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n have_v require_v 12._o the_o say_a bishop_n to_o distrain_v all_o his_o tenant_n within_o this_o province_n of_o mershland_n and_o elsewhere_o within_o his_o say_a liberty_n who_o have_v defence_n and_o safeguard_n thereby_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o do_v he_o send_v his_o precept_n 12._o to_o the_o shireeâ—e_n of_o cambridgshire_n thereby_o charge_v he_o that_o after_o the_o say_a bishop_n have_v so_o distrain_v his_o say_a tenant_n as_o abovesaid_a he_o the_o say_a shireeve_n shall_v not_o deliver_v any_o cattle_n so_o take_v by_o way_n of_o distress_n without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n in_o 16_o e._n 1._o will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr middilton_n be_v constitute_v 9_o commissioner_n to_o inquire_v of_o certain_a breach_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o the_o hawe_z and_o ilsington_n in_o this_o province_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o the_o like_a commission_n 12._o have_v they_o the_o next_o year_n ensue_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n then_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n so_o also_o in_o 18_o e._n 1._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr pageham_n for_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n siwellediche_n fendiche_n and_o gildangordiche_n then_o break_v by_o flood_n in_o divers_a place_n in_o 21_o e._n 1._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n 11._o to_o the_o king_n import_v that_o whereas_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n be_v ancient_o make_v and_o have_v till_o that_o time_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o those_o part_n against_o flood_n of_o water_n certain_a malefactor_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o do_v they_o mischief_n have_v make_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o do_v by_o force_n and_o arm_n hinder_v those_o that_o will_v have_v stop_v it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o aswell_o the_o tide_n from_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o fresh_a water_n overflow_v the_o pasture_n lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o this_o great_a injury_n assign_v 11._o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hacford_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr shropham_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o this_o county_n who_o they_o be_v that_o do_v make_v this_o breach_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o that_o trespass_n and_o the_o say_a king_n be_v inform_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fresh_a water_n come_v by_o utwell_n can_v have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o mix_v with_o the_o water_n run_v in_o mershland_n ☞_o this_o country_n of_o mershland_n by_o that_o sever_n of_o they_o will_v be_v much_o amend_v he_o command_v the_o say_v commissioner_n that_o they_o shall_v forthwith_o go_v to_o the_o town_n of_o utwelle_n and_o there_o take_v order_n that_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n so_o descend_v that_o way_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a and_o ancient_a course_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o former_o so_o that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n may_v have_v its_o drayn_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o same_o out-fall_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o king_n direct_v his_o commission_n a._n to_o simon_n de_fw-fr elysworth_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr hageford_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n as_o also_o of_o other_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o county_n the_o jurat_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethbrigge_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n do_v upon_o their_o oath_n present_a that_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n in_o make_v and_o repair_v of_o their_o ditch_n above_o the_o podyke_n great_a loss_n have_v happen_v in_o those_o day_n to_o these_o part_n of_o mershland_n so_o that_o the_o land_n of_o divers_a man_n be_v drown_v by_o the_o inundation_n both_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o say_v pokedyke_n can_v not_o be_v sufficient_o repair_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o country_n in_o regard_n that_o certain_a man_n of_o wigenhale_n have_v divers_a land_n lie_v adjacent_a to_o the_o same_o bâ—nk_n
hue_n and_o cry_n as_o also_o for_o blood_n shed_v within_o his_o say_a lordship_n at_o all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n after_o this_o viz._n in_o the_o same_o three_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o william_n babyngton_n sir_n john_n colvyll_n and_o sir_n henry_n rocheforth_o knight_n will._n paston_n tho._n derham_n and_o john_n man_v be_v dorso_fw-la constitute_v commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o bank_n sewer_n ditch_n bridge_n and_o causey_n betwixt_o uualpole_n and_o tilney_n and_o to_o determine_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v necessary_a for_o that_o service_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a expedition_n which_o through_o the_o decay_n of_o those_o work_n be_v then_o require_v several_a other_o commission_n be_v afterward_o issue_v out_o in_o this_o king_n reign_n to_o the_o like_a purpose_n scil_n in_o 8_o h._n 6._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n henry_n rochefort_n and_o sir_n robert_n clyftone_n knight_n william_n pastone_n william_n goodrede_n thomas_n derham_n simon_n fyncham_n and_o thomas_n shuldham_n for_o all_o those_o bank_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o town_n of_o uppâ—welle_n outwelle_n and_o enemethe_n betwixt_o the_o river_n which_o go_v from_o wellynhee_o to_o the_o priory_n of_o mullycourt_n and_o the_o river_n which_o pass_v from_o enemethe_n unto_o the_o say_a priory_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a in_o 22_o h._n 6._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n thomas_n scales_n kt._n william_n yeluerton_n hugh_n prior_n of_o wirmegay_n thomas_n trusbut_n john_n fyncham_n thomas_n salesbury_n william_n willy_n and_o ralph_n geytone_n for_o those_o throughout_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a from_o marham_n to_o wigenhale_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh._n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o have_v the_o say_a sir_n thomas_n scales_n william_n yelvertone_n thomas_n trusbut_n william_n eweyn_n and_o thomas_n salisbury_n in_o 30_o h._n 6._o so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la john_n earl_n of_o oxford_n john_n viscount_n beaumond_n john_n heydone_v john_n fyncham_n and_o john_n bekyswell_n for_o all_o those_o betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o wâ—lle_n and_o the_o water_n which_o lead_v from_o welle_v to_o saltery_n load_n and_o wygenhale_n in_o 21_o h._n 7_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pokedike_n be_v total_o measure_v arm._n and_o then_o find_v to_o contain_v in_o length_n from_o the_o house_n of_o john_n pie_n at_o salter_n load_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o john_n bekeswell_n at_o northdelf_n xviij_o furlong_n and_o xxvij_o perch_n the_o repair_n thereof_o belong_v as_o follow_v viz._n to_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o lord_n bardolf_n xxij_o perch_n to_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n islington_n and_o clenchwardon_v three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o tirington_n three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o walpole_n three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o uualton_n and_o emneth_n three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o walsoken_n three_o furlong_n xviij_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o john_n bekyswell_n opposite_a to_o his_o house_n at_o north_n delf_n xv_o perch_n and_o from_o northdelf_n to_o mullycourt_n it_o contain_v in_o length_n fourteen_o furlong_n and_o seven_o perch_n whereof_o the_o repair_n belong_v as_o follow_v viz._n to_o walsoken_n two_o furlong_n xv_o perch_n five_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o uualton_n and_o emneth_n two_o furlong_n xv_o perch_n five_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o terington_n two_o furlong_n xv_o perch_n five_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o tilney_n with_o islington_n and_o clenchwarton_n two_o furlong_n xv_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n to_o wigenhale_n two_o furlong_n xv_o perch_n five_o foot_n and_o four_o inch_n memorandum_n that_o upon_o the_o seven_o day_n of_o july_n 21_o h._n 7._o every_o acre_n of_o ground_n in_o marshland_n be_v assess_v at_o four_o inch_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_v bank_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o care_n take_v for_o repair_v thereof_o such_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o some_o people_n that_o they_o divers_a time_n make_v breach_n in_o sundry_a part_n of_o it_o insomuch_o as_o complaint_n be_v make_v in_o parliament_n aº_n 22_o h._n 8._o this_o ensue_a act_n 9_o be_v thereupon_o make_v whereas_o before_o this_o time_n divers_a evil_n dispose_v person_n of_o their_o perverse_a and_o evil_a disposition_n malicious_o at_o divers_a and_o sundry_a time_n have_v cut_v cast_v down_o and_o break_v up_o divers_a part_n of_o the_o dike_n call_v new_a powdich_n in_o marshland_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norff._n and_o the_o break_a dyke_n otherwise_o call_v oldfield_n dyke_n by_o marshland_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n by_o reason_n whereof_o aswell_o by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n as_o also_o by_o the_o course_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n enter_v and_o come_v into_o and_o by_o the_o say_a part_n of_o the_o say_a ditch_n so_o break_v and_o cast_v down_o the_o ground_n and_o pasture_n within_o the_o county_n of_o marshland_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a have_v be_v divers_a and_o many_o time_n drown_v and_o surround_v with_o the_o water_n aforesaid_a so_o that_o no_o profit_n thereof_o may_v be_v take_v by_o the_o owner_n and_o occupier_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o say_a marshland_n and_o the_o level_n of_o the_o same_o many_o and_o sundry_a time_n have_v be_v not_o only_o put_v to_o importunate_a charge_n and_o expense_n to_o their_o extreme_a damage_n and_o cost_n but_o also_o to_o their_o great_a undo_n have_v lose_v much_o of_o their_o cattle_n and_o beast_n then_o be_v and_o depasture_v upon_o and_o within_o marshland_n aforesaid_a to_o their_o great_a damage_n and_o loss_n and_o to_o the_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o common_a welthe_n of_o the_o country_n adjoin_v to_o the_o same_o and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o water_n much_o people_n have_v be_v drown_v in_o their_o bed_n within_o their_o house_n and_o have_v lose_v the_o most_o port_n of_o their_o good_n be_v within_o the_o same_o for_o reformation_n whereof_o it_o be_v ordain_v enact_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o king_n our_o sovereign_a lord_n by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o the_o commons_o in_o the_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o every_o such_o perverse_a and_o malicious_a cut_v down_o and_o break_v up_o of_o any_o part_n or_o part_n of_o the_o say_v dikes_n or_o of_o any_o other_o bank_n be_v parcel_n of_o the_o rind_n or_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o say_a country_n of_o mershland_n at_o every_o time_n and_o time_n hereafter_o from_o henceforth_o by_o any_o person_n or_o person_n commit_v and_o do_v otherwise_o than_o in_o work_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o dikes_n for_o the_o repair_n fortify_v and_o amend_v of_o the_o same_o to_o be_v take_v repute_v and_o adjudge_v felony_n podike_n and_o that_o the_o offender_n and_o doer_n of_o the_o same_o and_o every_o of_o they_o be_v adjudge_v and_o repute_v felon_n and_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norfolk_n and_o cambridge_n in_o the_o say_a isle_n at_o every_o of_o their_o session_n within_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o county_n to_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a have_v full_a power_n to_o cause_n enquiry_n to_o be_v make_v after_o every_o such_o offence_n so_o at_o any_o time_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a hereafter_o to_o be_v commit_v and_o do_v and_o to_o award_v the_o like_a process_n against_o every_o of_o the_o say_a offender_n with_o like_a judgement_n and_o execution_n of_o the_o same_o if_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v thereof_o find_v guilty_a by_o verdict_n or_o otherwise_o as_o the_o say_a justice_n have_v use_v and_o accustom_v to_o do_v upon_o other_o felony_n be_v felony_n at_o the_o common_a law_n which_o statute_n be_v in_o 5_o edw._n 6._o by_o a_o act_n n._n of_o parliament_n then_o large_o make_v for_o the_o repeal_n of_o divers_a treason_n and_o felony_n clear_o repeal_v and_o make_v void_a but_o in_o 2_o &_o 3_o ph._n &_o m._n it_o be_v again_o 19_o revive_v in_o which_o year_n there_o be_v these_o ensue_a ordinance_n 1657._o make_v upon_o the_o eight_o day_n of_o april_n by_o the_o chief_a inhabitant_n of_o this_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n touch_v the_o old_a powdike_n and_o break_v dike_o 1_o that_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n diche_v be_v sufficient_o make_v
for_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n and_o that_o no_o law_n of_o sewer_n can_v compel_v they_o thereto_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o king_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o same_o town_n which_o be_v likewise_o the_o key_n and_o safety_n of_o other_o town_n of_o his_o majesty_n adjoin_v they_o humble_o pray_v the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o the_o king_n to_o take_v care_n and_o consideration_n of_o they_o therein_o date_v at_o king_n lynne_n 20_o jan._n 1613._o and_o to_o add_v to_o these_o loss_n such_o be_v the_o snow_n that_o fall_v in_o january_n and_o february_n ensue_v which_o occasion_v mighty_a flood_n from_o the_o upland_n country_n upon_o their_o go_v away_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o country_n be_v wiseâ—eche_n overflow_v with_o the_o fresh_a water_n viz._n from_o their_o bank_n call_v the_o edge_n between_o their_o town_n and_o the_o smethe_v unto_o the_o new_a po_n dike_v through_o divers_a breach_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o dounham_n bridge_n moreover_o about_o four_o year_n after_o viz._n 15_o aug._n 1618._o 16_o jac._n the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n jacâ—_n and_o part_n adjoin_v exhibit_v a_o petition_n b._n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n show_v that_o lynne_n haven_n be_v through_o outrageousness_n of_o the_o tide_n make_v much_o wide_a than_o former_o and_o do_v put_v the_o country_n to_o a_o excessive_a charge_n in_o the_o restrain_v of_o its_o wear_n more_o broad_a and_o deep_a and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v take_v view_n thereof_o and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v straighten_v according_a to_o the_o precedent_n of_o former_a time_n limit_v such_o fresh_a water_n as_o do_v help_v to_o the_o increase_n thereof_o unto_o their_o proper_a outfall_n the_o like_a a._n petition_n do_v they_o prefer_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n the_o 13_o of_o november_n follow_v whereupon_o there_o be_v this_o ensue_a order_n b._n make_v by_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz_o that_o a_o special_a commission_n shall_v be_v direct_v unto_o certain_a gentleman_n indifferent_o choose_v out_o of_o all_o those_o part_n together_o with_o the_o mayor_n and_o some_o alderman_n of_o lynne_n to_o consider_v of_o the_o conveniency_n or_o inconveniency_n of_o the_o work_n as_o also_o to_o what_o scantling_n it_o shall_v be_v make_v narrow_a and_o the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o so_o to_o proceed_v therein_o but_o to_o respite_v the_o execute_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n till_o according_a to_o the_o law_n make_v in_o august_n before_o for_o open_v the_o river_n of_o uueland_n and_o nene_n that_o work_n be_v do_v but_o if_o there_o be_v delay_n in_o open_v of_o those_o river_n and_o complaint_n make_v unto_o the_o say_a lord_n thereof_o some_o course_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o their_o coercion_n &_o for_o preserve_v of_o marshland_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n &_o also_o of_o the_o part_n adjacent_a from_o eminent_a danger_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o ten_o of_o december_n jac._n an._n 1619._o 17_o jac._n the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o peterborough_n and_o have_v in_o consideration_n the_o set_n up_o of_o a_o sluse_n at_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o horseshoe_n such_o be_v then_o the_o side_v of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o the_o jury_n become_v divide_v in_o opinion_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v do_v therein_o they_o signify_v â—_o as_o much_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n whereupon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n b._n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n implore_v their_o care_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o that_o country_n and_o intimatate_v that_o the_o erection_n of_o that_o intend_a sluse_n will_v be_v a_o apparent_a overthrow_n thereof_o which_o petition_v occasion_v the_o say_a lord_n to_o write_v unto_o the_o beforementioned_a commissioner_n by_o which_o letter_n a._n they_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o outfall_n to_o the_o sea_n before_o they_o draw_v down_o the_o water_n from_o the_o high_a country_n that_o may_v oppress_v marshland_n and_o the_o low_a part_n adjoin_v in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o norfolk_n and_o wish_v they_o that_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v differ_v in_o opinion_n how_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v best_o effect_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o two_o commissioner_n out_o of_o each_o of_o their_o county_n who_o may_v be_v instruct_v to_o give_v they_o true_a information_n of_o their_o difference_n and_o that_o then_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v such_o far_a direction_n as_o may_v best_o advance_v the_o public_a good_a with_o the_o least_o prejudice_n to_o the_o private_a whereupon_o they_o meet_v at_o wisebeche_n and_o appoint_a mr._n henry_n kervill_n and_o mr._n robert_n balam_n with_o some_o other_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o country_n on_o tirington_n side_n by_o the_o fret_a of_o the_o channel_n as_o it_o then_o run_v and_o to_o certify_v who_o according_o do_v view_v the_o same_o and_o certify_v that_o the_o channel_n of_o fresh_a water_n as_o it_o then_o run_v do_v very_o much_o hurt_v to_o tirington_n and_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o that_o by_o convey_v more_o water_n that_o way_n the_o whole_a country_n will_v be_v endanger_v and_o therefore_o for_o the_o better_o safety_n thereof_o they_o express_v that_o they_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o new_a cut_n make_v from_o the_o four_o goat_n over_o tide_n and_o sutton_n marsh_n unto_o king_n creek_n will_v be_v the_o best_a issue_n for_o those_o water_n the_o river_n nene_n be_v bring_v from_o pâ—terborough_n to_o guyhyrne_n between_o sufficient_a bank_n for_o the_o better_a grind_n of_o the_o out-fall_a and_o that_o the_o river_n shall_v be_v cut_v straight_o from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z 23_o junii_fw-la 6_o caroli_n recital_n be_v make_v that_o whereas_o the_o land-holders_n of_o elm_n oldfield_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n at_o the_o like_a session_n hold_v at_o king_n linne_n 17_o apr._n 8_o jacobi_fw-la obtain_v a_o law_n for_o the_o downfall_n of_o water_n in_o the_o say_v oldfield_n land_n through_o the_o out-rinde_n bank_n of_o marshland_n under_o certain_a condition_n and_o limitation_n express_v in_o the_o say_a law_n and_o under_o the_o pain_n of_o xll._o by_o they_o to_o be_v forfiet_v to_o the_o king_n majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v take_v in_o any_o water_n out_o of_o any_o other_o field_n in_o elm_n or_o welle_v and_o the_o abuse_n in_o execution_n of_o that_o law_n have_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhall_n in_o their_o several_a pasture_n and_o fen-ground_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n come_v out_o of_o the_o say_a field_n at_o a_o sluse_n make_v in_o oldfield_n bank_n call_v brokendike_n more_o than_o the_o own_o water_n of_o the_o say_v oldfield_n do_v afford_v for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n in_o the_o say_a law_n for_o stop_v they_o up_o if_o they_o shall_v take_v in_o or_o suffer_v any_o foreign_a or_o other_o water_n to_o come_v into_o the_o say_a oldfield_n for_o under_o colour_n and_o pretence_n of_o the_o say_v oldfield_n water_n they_o take_v into_o the_o say_a oldfield_n and_o sesse_n field_n other_o water_n and_o also_o other_o water_n at_o the_o sluse_n call_v mildam_n and_o put_v into_o their_o oldfield_n fresh_a water_n out_o of_o the_o river_n for_o the_o fill_n of_o their_o dikes_n and_o so_o when_o any_o great_a rain_n fall_v do_v put_v those_o warer_n into_o marshland_n and_o also_o by_o mean_n of_o not_o sufficient_a keep_n and_o maintain_v the_o river_n banks_n against_o oldfield_n at_o lung_n drove_n end_n that_o the_o river_n water_n do_v run_v into_o the_o field_n there_o very_o extreme_o in_o wet_a winter_n and_o most_o especial_o the_o winter_n precede_v and_o that_o whereas_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o beawford_n hall_n by_o friday_n bridge_n 27_o martii_fw-la 9_o jacobi_fw-la by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o make_v the_o land-holders_n and_o other_o of_o waterseye_n in_o elm_n have_v a_o drayn_n make_v from_o friday_n bridge_n in_o the_o dyke_n of_o the_o north_n side_n of_o needham_n dike_v be_v the_o fence-dyke_n of_o oldfield_n and_o say_v field_n and_o so_o to_o welle_v and_o from_o thence_o into_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v of_o marshland_n and_o so_o through_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v at_o chamber_n be_v house_n in_o stow_n and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n with_o certain_a sluice_n make_v upon_o the_o say_v drayn_n to_o stop_v and_o restrain_v the_o water_n when_o they_o do_v arise_v and_o exceed_v the_o superficies_n of_o the_o ground_n by_o reason_n whereof_o when_o the_o slusâ—_n at_o
watlington_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 6._o and_o the_o menure_n cast_v out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o causey_n on_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n that_o the_o be_v bank_n late_o make_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o walington_n extend_v from_o the_o great_a river_n at_o bell_n drive_v to_o moyne_v cross_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o old_a ea_z a_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o iime_n and_o stone_n 3_o foot_n square_a and_o a_o sufficient_a drayn_n from_o the_o same_o to_o geris_n dam_n be_v sufficient_o maintain_v that_o the_o township_n of_o runcton_n holm_n and_o watlington_n do_v make_v a_o drain_n from_o the_o pipe_n lie_v between_o bell_n drive_v and_o flemings_n hive_n to_o the_o great_a lake_n of_o 8_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a that_o those_o which_o ought_v to_o amend_v the_o drain_v ☜_o neglect_v for_o 14_o day_n the_o dike_n reeve_n to_o perform_v the_o work_n take_v for_o for_o every_o penny_n lay_v out_o 3d._o thaâ—_n the_o causey_n call_v fleming_n hive_n lie_v in_o runcton_n holm_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 16_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n 5_o on_o the_o north_n side_n that_o thorpe_n land_n goal_n be_v maintain_v 9_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o that_o stow_n goole_n alias_o hirne_n goal_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o that_o the_o sea-bank_n from_o stow_n bridge_n to_o the_o division_n between_o stow_n and_o dounham_n be_v in_o breadth_n on_o the_o top_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a that_o the_o drayn_n in_o wimbotesham_n extend_v from_o midlâ—tons_n house_n to_o the_o parsonage_n be_v 3_o foot_n broad_a and_o 2_o foot_n deep_a thence_o to_o inghams_n corner_n 5_o foot_n broad_a and_o 3_o foot_n deep_a and_o thence_o to_o wimbotesham_n goal_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o that_o the_o drayn_n in_o downham_n on_o the_o east_n side_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n extend_v from_o bydewell_n to_o the_o great_a river_n be_v make_v from_o bydwell_n to_o goodcrosse_n in_o breadth_n 3_o foot_n and_o depth_n 2._o from_o thence_o to_o the_o goole_n do_fw-mi in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a river_n in_o breadth_n 10_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o that_o the_o drayn_n in_o dounham_n by_o yerning_n ditch_n extend_v to_o tullymore_n in_o denver_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5_o and_o the_o gool_n belong_v thereto_o to_o be_v repair_v that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o dounham_n goole_n to_o denver_n hithe_a be_v 6_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a that_o all_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a river_n from_o denver_n hithe_n to_o west_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o gunnels_n load_n be_v on_o the_o top_n 5_o foot_n broad_a and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a so_o likewise_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o west_n load_n alias_o wyssey_n river_n extend_v from_o gunnels_n load_n to_o shippen_n load_n and_o from_o shippen_n load_n to_o helgay_n bridge_n to_o be_v 12_o foot_n at_o the_o bottom_n 6_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o in_o height_n equal_a with_o helgay_n causey_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o king_n james_n the_o sea_n have_v make_v a_o very_a great_a breach_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o great_a yarnmouth_n and_o happisborow_n in_o this_o county_n of_o norfolk_n and_o overflow_v and_o drown_v much_o hard_a ground_n beside_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o low_a ground_n within_o divers_a town_n and_o parish_n not_o only_o of_o this_o county_n but_o also_o of_o suffolk_n there_o be_v a_o special_a act_n 20._o of_o parliament_n then_o make_v for_o the_o issue_v out_o of_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n for_o the_o survey_n and_o view_v thereof_o and_o use_v such_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o speedy_a recover_n of_o they_o as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v particular_o direct_v chap._n xlvi_o in_o 6_o h._n 3._o complaint_n 3._o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n that_o the_o sea-tide_n have_v overflow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o dunwich_n and_o the_o land_n adjacent_a as_o also_o that_o they_o do_v daily_o encroach_v more_o and_o more_o thereon_o so_o that_o far_a damage_n be_v like_a to_o happen_v in_o case_n something_o be_v not_o do_v therein_o he_o issue_v out_o his_o letter_n 3._o patent_n unto_o all_o the_o earl_n baron_n knight_n and_o freeholder_n of_o this_o county_n affectionate_o desire_v they_o that_o they_o will_v apply_v a_o proper_a and_o speedy_a remedy_n thereto_o and_o in_o 3_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 18._o to_o the_o constable_n of_o orford_n castle_n that_o for_o the_o better_a defence_n of_o orford_n marsh_n ☞_o he_o shall_v cause_v new_a bank_n to_o be_v make_v where_o none_o be_v before_o and_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a one_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o 18_o e._n 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o inundation_n dorso_fw-la of_o the_o sea_n at_o gernemuthe_n and_o the_o part_n thereabouts_o that_o it_o break_v into_o the_o house_n and_o carry_v out_o much_o of_o their_o good_n and_o chest_n with_o money_n and_o jewel_n as_o also_o sheep_n and_o other_o cattle_n out_o of_o the_o pasture_n many_o whereof_o be_v take_v up_o by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a owner_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o king_n have_v information_n he_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la will._n de_fw-fr gyselham_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr redham_n commissioner_n to_o inquire_v in_o who_o hand_n they_o then_o be_v and_o to_o cause_v restitution_n thereof_o to_o be_v make_v in_o 3_o e._n 2._o hervie_n de_fw-fr staunton_n john_n le_fw-fr breton_n ric._n de_fw-fr walsyngham_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o sea-bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n where_o need_v require_v the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la in_o 9_o e._n 2._o have_v robert_n de_fw-fr reydone_n and_o roger_n sturmy_n for_o all_o those_o upon_o the_o coast_n betwixt_o ippeswiche_n and_o donewich_n and_o in_o 31_o h._n 6._o the_o abbot_n of_o leyston_n and_o sybeton_n thomas_n brew_v john_n harleston_n will._n jenney_n reginald_n rous_n john_n strange_a and_o richard_n yakesley_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o make_v the_o like_a view_n from_o amynesmere_n haven_n unto_o rakewarebrigge_n and_o from_o stonhill_n to_o keyesbrigge_n and_o from_o rakewarebrigge_n to_o yoxford_n brigge_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n in_o accelarate_v thereof_o for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o further_a mischief_n so_o also_o in_o 36_o h._n 6._o be_v dorso_fw-la sir_n robert_n corbet_n knight_n thomas_n brew_v john_n harlestone_n henry_n grey_n reginald_n rous_n and_o henry_n turnour_n chap._n xlvii_o return_v now_o westward_n i_o come_v to_o cambridgshire_n wherein_o the_o large_a proportion_n of_o this_o spacious_a fenny_a tract_n lie_v and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o obstruction_n thereof_o of_o the_o old_a natural_a outfall_n at_o wisebeche_n not_o only_o of_o that_o great_a river_n ouse_n whole_o with_o grant_v and_o likewise_o a_o branch_n of_o nene_n then_o unite_v to_o it_o but_o of_o divers_a load_v and_o lake_n beside_o have_v be_v both_o the_o original_a and_o chief_a cause_n that_o the_o main_a level_n become_v thus_o total_o overflow_v and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o excessive_a pain_n and_o continual_a charge_n aswell_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o from_o utter_a drown_n as_o recovery_n of_o what_o be_v so_o under_o water_n i_o shall_v next_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o manifold_a endeavour_n and_o vast_a expense_n in_o that_o kind_n which_o have_v be_v use_v in_o order_n thereto_o as_o also_o of_o such_o dreadful_a inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o sundry_a violent_a tempest_n or_o of_o the_o same_o fresh_a water_n which_o for_o divers_a age_n have_v happen_v in_o these_o part_n in_o the_o year_n mccxxxvi_o 21._o h._n 3._o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o martinmass_n day_n and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o eight_o day_n more_o so_o boisterous_a be_v the_o wind_n that_o the_o sea_n be_v raise_v much_o high_a than_o its_o usual_a bound_n break_v in_o at_o wisebeche_n and_o other_o place_n of_o this_o country_n ita_fw-la quod_fw-la naviculae_fw-la pecora_fw-la necnon_fw-la &_o hominum_fw-la maxima_fw
they_o also_o say_v that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o the_o marsh_n of_o burgh_n fen_n north_n fen_n talnholt_n fen_n as_o also_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjacent_a to_o those_o fen_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v when_o any_o flood_n of_o water_n happen_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o say_v water_n can_v not_o pass_v as_o they_o former_o have_v do_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o those_o fen_n with_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o commoner_n in_o they_o do_v lose_v the_o profit_n unto_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n fifty_o mark_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la upon_o all_o which_o verdict_n the_o say_a adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n than_o the_o king_n attorney_n be_v appoint_v to_o wait_v for_o judgement_n therein_o and_o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n bapt._n next_o after_o the_o say_v xv_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o king_n send_v his_o special_a precept_n to_o the_o say_v geffrey_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n whereby_o recite_v what_o have_v pass_v he_o command_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o judgement_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n aforesaid_a which_o precept_n bear_v date_n the_o three_o day_n of_o july_n in_o the_o year_n abovementioned_a whereupon_o they_o give_v this_o follow_a sentence_n viz._n that_o whereas_o by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o before-specified_n dam_n be_v make_v at_o outwell_n by_o the_o sad_a walter_n de_fw-fr langeton_n and_o that_o robert_n peverell_n his_o brother_n and_o heir_n as_o also_o edmund_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o the_o say_v robert_n do_v at_o some_o time_n repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o this_o obstruction_n be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o norfolk_n ccl_o per_fw-mi annum_fw-la and_o whereas_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n that_o the_o land_n of_o thorney_n fen_n ramsey_n fen_n and_o other_o be_v so_o drown_v aforesaid_a they_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a dam_n so_o raise_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o nuisance_n of_o all_o the_o person_n before-mentionedâ—_a and_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v of_o nuisance_n in_o this_o behalf_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o shireeve_v for_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n be_v require_v to_o make_v the_o like_a proclamation_n within_o their_o respective_a liberty_n viz._n that_o all_o person_n concern_v therein_o shall_v be_v at_o outwell_n aforesaid_a to_o aid_v the_o say_v shirâ—eve_v of_o norfolk_n in_o pull_v down_o of_o the_o say_v dam._n after_o this_o about_o five_o year_n scil_n in_o 10_o e._n 3._o john_n de_fw-fr shardlowe_n simon_n de_fw-fr drayton_n john_n de_fw-fr colvill_n and_o john_n claver_fw-la be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o decay_n in_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n about_o wisebeche_n tide_n s._n giles_n elm_n leveryngton_n and_o neuton_n with_o the_o part_n adjacent_a and_o to_o take_v speedy_a order_n for_o their_o repair_n and_o in_o 12_o e._n 3._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n about_o wysebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o repair_n issue_v a_o commission_n 417._o unto_o mr._n john_n de_fw-fr hildesley_n chancellor_n of_o his_o exchequer_n richard_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n john_n de_fw-fr wilton_n john_n the_o stoken_n and_o will._n neuport_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o and_o through_o who_o default_n they_o become_v so_o ruinous_a and_o who_o be_v land-holders_n thereabouts_o or_o have_v safeguard_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o to_o distrain_v they_o for_o their_o repair_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o land_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n the_o person_n abovementioned_a do_v intend_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n of_o nene_n run_v to_o a_o certain_a fish_n call_v livermere_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o s._n edmundsbury_n but_o be_v hinder_v from_o so_o do_v after_o this_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o say_a king_n receive_v advertisement_n from_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o elm_n 419._o welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n that_o though_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o a_o inquisition_n take_v before_o the_o above_o mention_v commissioner_n that_o the_o ordinary_a and_o chief_a safeguard_n for_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n will_v be_v by_o a_o causey_n to_o be_v make_v at_o gongested_a lake_n unto_o the_o crike_v and_o thence_o unto_o march_n dyke_n and_o that_o the_o crike_v shall_v be_v whole_o stop_v up_o and_o that_o the_o say_v town_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v unless_o that_o be_v do_v and_o moreover_o that_o though_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n have_v often_o request_v those_o commissioner_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o stop_v be_v make_v will_v much_o redound_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o same_o town_n they_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n nothing_o be_v nevertheless_o perform_v therein_o he_o require_v they_o that_o in_o case_n it_o be_v so_o they_o will_v forthwith_o call_v such_o person_n before_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o and_o to_o proceed_v in_o effect_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o commission_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v to_o attend_v they_o upon_o the_o saturday_n next_o after_o mochaelmass_n day_n and_o there_o swear_v do_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o common_a and_o principal_a safeguard_n for_o the_o whole_a town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n will_v be_v by_o make_v of_o a_o causey_n from_o gongested_a lake_n to_o the_o crike_v and_o from_o the_o crike_v to_o march_n diche_a and_o that_o the_o say_v crike_v shall_v be_v utter_o stop_v up_o as_o also_o that_o the_o saidâ—_n causey_n ought_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o land-holders_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n as_o aforesaid_a from_o mermaunde_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr vernon_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v within_o the_o precinct_n before-specified_n shall_v be_v agi_v at_o iid._o and_o more_o if_o need_v require_v but_o afterward_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n by_o the_o same_o justice_n come_v the_o freeholder_a of_o tide_n neuton_n leverington_n and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wise_a and_o allege_v that_o the_o obstruction_n of_o that_o crike_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v because_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o water_n run_v through_o that_o channel_n call_v the_o crike_n will_v so_o rise_v increase_n and_o stand_v upon_o the_o fen-bank_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o leverington_n as_o that_o the_o tenant_n of_o those_o town_n viz._n wisebeche_n and_o leverington_n can_v not_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v they_o but_o their_o say_a bank_n will_v be_v break_v and_o their_o land_n total_o drown_v and_o lose_v whereby_o more_o damage_n by_o half_n will_v happen_v to_o those_o town_n than_o benefit_n to_o the_o town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n whereunto_o the_o say_v tenant_n of_o elm_n and_o welle_v answer_v that_o the_o water_n of_o crike_v have_v then_o so_o swift_a a_o course_n by_o welle_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n that_o though_o the_o say_v crike_v be_v stop_v as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n the_o water_n run_v by_o the_o same_o crike_v will_v never_o turn_v towards_o wisebeche_n nor_o do_v any_o hurt_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o crike_v where_o the_o water_n than_o run_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o several_a soil_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n which_o bishop_n may_v lawful_o at_o his_o pleasure_n stop_v the_o same_o whereupon_o come_v the_o abbot_n of_o s._n edmundsberry_n by_o his_o attorney_n and_o claim_v a_o certain_a fish_n in_o the_o say_a water_n of_o crike_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o canutus_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n and_o bring_v a_o precept_n from_o the_o king_n direct_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n recite_v a_o confirmation_n make_v to_o the_o say_a abbey_n by_o the_o before-specified_n king_n canutus_n and_o other_o
est_fw-la from_o the_o first_o slope_n of_o the_o bank_n fifty_o foot_n high_a and_o so_o make_v a_o new_a outfall_n from_o wisbeche_n to_o the_o 4_o goat_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n 4._o a_o branch_n of_o nene_n usual_o pass_v from_o peterburgh_n to_o crowland_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n that_o outfall_n decay_v be_v turn_v back_o by_o dowesdale_n with_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi to_o wisbeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 5._o a_o great_a part_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v descend_v from_o benwick_n by_o great-crosse_n to_o wisbeche_v but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v they_o both_o fall_n by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o so_o into_o ouse_n at_o salter_n load_n 6._o the_o water_n of_o welle_v be_v by_o a_o short_a cut_n convey_v under_o broken-dyke_n by_o hichcock_n dam_n to_o elm_n floodgate_n the_o old_a way_n lie_v through_o enm_v by_o the_o wroe_n 7._o the_o river_n of_o elm_n run_v by_o divers_a crook_n from_o elm_n to_o wisbechâ—_n be_v cut_v straight_o and_o the_o water_n pass_v by_o a_o short_a course_n as_o by_o the_o old_a channel_n on_o both_o side_n the_o new_a river_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v 8._o the_o river_n in_o wisbeche_n a_o little_a above_o the_o great_a bridge_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n run_v crooked_a be_v cut_v straight_o and_o so_o to_o this_o day_n continue_v 9_o the_o river_n of_o clows-crosse_a be_v crooked_a at_o either_o end_n be_v in_o the_o upper_a end_n convey_v by_o willow-dike_a straight_o to_o grain_n hill_n and_o in_o the_o low_a end_n rectify_v by_o a_o new_a cut_n the_o old_a channel_n be_v forsake_v weland_n 10._o ingulphus_n in_o his_o history_n of_o crouland_n make_v mention_v how_o richard_n de_fw-fr rullos_n chamberlain_n to_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n have_v marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr evermue_n lord_n of_o burne_n and_o depe_v for_o the_o inlargment_n of_o his_o town_n of_o depe_v divert_v the_o river_n of_o weland_n et_fw-la in_o pratis_fw-la quae_fw-la erant_fw-la nuper_fw-la profundi_fw-la lacus_fw-la &_o paludes_fw-la immeabiles_fw-la excluso_fw-la fluvio_fw-la invenit_fw-la campos_fw-la uberimos_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la desiderabilem_fw-la &_o de_fw-la puteis_fw-la &_o uliginibus_fw-la maledictis_fw-la fecit_fw-la hortum_fw-la voluptatis_fw-la and_o in_o the_o meadow_n which_o before_o be_v deep_a lake_n and_o drown_a fen_n by_o exclude_v the_o river_n he_o find_v they_o fruitful_a field_n and_o as_o good_a ground_n as_o can_v be_v wish_v nay_o of_o the_o very_a pit_n and_o bog_n he_o thereby_o make_v a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n moreover_o the_o same_o river_n of_o weland_n have_v ancient_o its_o course_n by_o spalding_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o outfall_n thâ—re_o a_o great_a part_n thereof_o sometime_o fall_v through_o grâ—at_a posson_n and_o so_o out_o by_o quaplode_n but_o that_o out-fall_a also_o decay_v as_o most_o outfall_n over_o the_o washes_n have_v and_o still_o will_v do_v that_o way_n be_v stop_v up_o and_o the_o river_n drive_v to_o seek_v a_o course_n in_o a_o very_a faint_a manner_n by_o south_n i_fw-mi towards_o wisbeche_n where_o again_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o wisbeche_n outfall_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o nene_n at_o the_o new_a leam_n end_v at_o guyhirne_n they_o both_o turn_v back_o under_o waltersey_n bank_n to_o hobbes_n and_o so_o to_o march_n stream_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a branch_n of_o nene_n come_v to_o welle_v and_o so_o to_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n also_o as_o say_v leland_n by_o a_o short_a way_n call_v the_o new_a drayne_n be_v put_v from_o croyland_n to_o spalding_n as_o now_o it_o go_v 12._o grant_n the_o river_n of_o grant_n by_o a_o fair_a channel_n pass_v from_o beech_n to_o charefen_n in_o cottenham_n and_o so_o into_o ouse_n be_v divert_v and_o by_o a_o straight_a course_n turn_v down_o by_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o river_n to_o harrimere_n where_o it_o lose_v the_o name_n 13._o last_o new_a eegate_n in_o gosberchurch_n find_v through_o the_o marsh_n another_o outfall_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a as_o the_o first_o the_o jurat_n as_o the_o record_n say_v b._n requisiti_fw-la si_fw-la cursus_fw-la aquae_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la sit_fw-la sufficiens_fw-la ad_fw-la eductionem_fw-la &_o deliberationem_fw-la aquae_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_a â—ic_n sed_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_n antiquus_fw-la cursus_fw-la plus_fw-la competeret_fw-la &_o utilior_fw-la esset_fw-la quam_fw-la cursus_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la eo_fw-la qoud_n minoribus_fw-la sumptibus_fw-la reparari_fw-la poterit_fw-la directè_fw-la currendo_fw-la quam_fw-la longè_fw-la per_fw-la cirevitum_fw-la &_o in_fw-la obliquo_fw-la &_o citius_fw-la aqua_fw-la per_fw-la ibi_fw-la deliberari_fw-la be_v ask_v if_o the_o channel_n wherein_o that_o water_n than_o run_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o carry_v it_o away_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a current_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o fit_a and_o beneficial_a than_o it_o in_o regard_n it_o may_v be_v repair_v at_o less_o charge_n by_o run_v straight_o than_o to_o go_v about_o by_o a_o long_a circuit_n and_o the_o water_n much_o soon_o evacuate_v and_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n the_o jurat_n have_v often_o propose_v to_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n short_a way_n to_o pass_v water_n as_o from_o leonard_n pipe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n for_o the_o water_n on_o wisbeche_n north_n side_n and_o a_o new_a drayn_n xx_o foot_n wide_a by_o a_o short_a way_n from_o new_a dike_a in_o witlesey_n lineal_o to_o the_o great_a river_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wing_n lake_n and_o many_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o of_o the_o new_a course_n propose_v for_o the_o general_a drain_n be_v of_o that_o kind_n chap._n liv._o for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n it_o have_v be_v a_o long_o receive_v opinion_n aswell_o by_o the_o borderer_n upon_o the_o fen_n as_o 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without_o the_o perfect_a open_n and_o cleanse_v of_o their_o natural_a outfall_n which_o the_o daily_a flow_v of_o the_o tide_n have_v choke_v up_o with_o so_o great_a a_o thickness_n of_o silt_n as_o in_o the_o xxxviith_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v full_o show_v in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o first_o considerable_a attempt_n whereof_o i_o have_v see_v any_o notable_a memorial_n be_v in_o 20_o eliz._n the_o queen_n then_o grant_v her_o commission_n to_o sir_n thomas_n cecil_n scaâ—c_fw-la sir_n william_n fitzwilliams_n sir_n edward_n montagu_n and_o sir_n henry_n cromwell_n knight_n robert_z sapcott_n robâ—_n winfeld_n william_n hunstone_n edmund_n hall_n robert_n bevell_n vincent_n skinner_n and_o john_n mountsteve_v esquire_n and_o to_o any_o four_o or_o more_o of_o they_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o these_o follow_a article_n entitle_v article_n to_o be_v inquire_v on_o by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n through_o and_o by_o the_o drayn_n call_v clowse_n cross_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 1._o to_o cause_n a_o perfect_a level_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o drayn_n throughout_o all_o place_n convenient_a from_o the_o clowecrosse_a to_o the_o sea_n 2._o item_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o workman_n or_o otherwise_o how_o a_o perch_n of_o the_o same_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o so_o consequent_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v amount_v unto_o 3._o item_n how_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o bear_v and_o by_o who_o and_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v rate_v by_o the_o acre_n or_o otherwise_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o charge_v the_o owner_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o severalty_n with_o more_o and_o the_o commoner_n with_o less_o ratable_o according_a to_o their_o portion_n 4._o item_n to_o inquire_v and_o certify_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v several_a and_o the_o ground_n that_o lie_v in_o common_a 5._o item_n the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n
beryall_a and_o westmore_n fen_n to_o wellenhey_n river_n and_o thence_o through_o certain_a fen_n of_o norfolk_n into_o the_o ouse_n about_o maid_n load_n will_v be_v most_o necessary_a and_o that_o without_o so_o do_v the_o fen_n can_v never_o be_v drayn_v thence_o we_o go_v to_o rebbech_n where_o brandon_n river_n alias_o ouse_n parva_fw-la fall_v into_o ouse_n near_o priest_n house_n thence_o to_o sotherey_n and_o modney_n thence_o to_o helgay_n bridge_n thence_o to_o fordham_n thence_o to_o salter_n load_n where_o nene_n fall_v into_o ouse_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a descent_n viz._n ten_o foot_n from_o the_o soil_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_v beside_o the_o natural_a descent_n of_o the_o fen-ground_n from_o the_o upland_n of_o huntingdon-shire_n thither_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v 27._o thence_o to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o hobbs_n house_n where_o we_o observe_v that_o plantwater_n which_o come_v out_o of_o nene_n at_o great_a cross_n to_o the_o say_v hobbs_n house_n with_o staven_n ea_fw-la which_o be_v wont_a to_o run_v to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v do_v now_o run_v from_o hobbs_n house_n by_o hunster_n stone_n through_o hobbs_n dike_v into_o march_n river_n thence_o we_o go_v to_o march_n and_o dodington_n and_o between_o dodington_n and_o chateriz_n there_o be_v a_o small_a load_n besselinge_n load_n which_o run_v through_o a_o low_a marish_a fenn_n thence_o to_o chateriz_n town_n end_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sewer_n call_v chateriz_v leame_z grow_v from_o the_o west-water_n at_o chateriz_n ferry_n unto_o dodington_n weel_z thence_o to_o mephall_n and_o there_o see_v mephall_n load_n which_o run_v from_o sutton_n load_n thence_o by_o water_n to_z cambridge_z in_o which_o passage_n we_o take_v notice_n that_o harrymere_n gravel_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o overflow_a of_o grant_n as_o also_o of_o burwell_n load_n swaffham_n load_n and_o botesham_n load_n all_o which_o do_v fall_v into_o grant_n upon_o this_o view_n mr._n hunt_v who_o be_v the_o artist_n for_o the_o drayn_n represent_v a._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n what_o cut_v bank_n sluice_n clow_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v in_o his_o judgement_n far_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o perfect_a this_o work_n all_o which_o they_o signify_v under_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n together_o with_o their_o opinion_n how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o enrich_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o decline_v in_o regard_n of_o shortness_n of_o time_n to_o give_v any_o estimate_n of_o the_o charge_n thereof_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o upon_o the_o xxiiiith_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n 1605._o the_o king_n himself_o by_o his_o letter_n b._n bear_v date_n at_o greenwich_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n as_o aforesaid_a incite_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o hand_n speedy_o with_o the_o work_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o that_o be_v a_o dry_a summer_n and_o so_o the_o more_o proper_a for_o it_o intimate_v also_o that_o for_o the_o better_a expedit_v thereof_o he_o have_v employ_v his_o chief_a justice_n popham_n to_o take_v pain_n therein_o whereupon_o such_o good_a speed_n be_v make_v that_o upon_o the_o xiiith_o of_o the_o next_o month_n this_o follow_a certificate_n be_v deliver_v in_o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n then_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n a._n the_o true_a content_n or_o number_n of_o acre_n in_o the_o fen_n describe_v in_o the_o general_a plot_n lie_v without_o the_o fendikes_a as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o william_n hayward_n gent._n surveyor_n upon_o his_o oath_n at_o wisbeche_n 13_o july_n 1605._o acre_n burrough-soke_a great_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n by_o catts-water_n 1605._o 8015_o burrough_n little_a fen._n 900_o croyland_n fen_n in_o three_o piece_n 2000_o certain_a several_a fen_n and_o wet_a meadow_n lie_v in_o ely_n between_o borough_n little_a fen_n borough_n great_a fen_n and_o cat_n water_n 763_o thorney_n ground_n contain_v in_o all_o 15850_o whereof_o in_o hard_a land_n 400_o acre_n in_o fenn_n 15450_o uuisbeche_n hundred_o high_a fen_n with_o sutton_n fen_n and_o throkenholt_n several_n 8365_o ladwer_n ixwell-moore_n the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o several_n between_o coldham_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a the_o division_n of_o march_n uuelney-river_n and_o darcey-lode_n 0740_o uuittlesey_n and_o stanground_n common_a fen_n with_o divers_a several_n and_o half_a several_n between_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o thorney_n bound_n the_o division_n of_o uuisbeche_n high_a fen_n and_o dodington_n fen_n and_o from_o that_o division_n by_o the_o high_a stream_n and_o ramsey-mere_a to_o knuts_n delft_n and_o by_o that_o delft_n up_o to_o horsey_n brigg_n in_o which_o bind_v ramsey_n have_v a_o part_n of_o a_o fen_n next_o to_o ramsey_n mere_a contain_v 2800_o acre_n 24435_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o say_v delft_n the_o high_a stream_n ubmere_n uuittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o by_o conquest_n load_n to_o pocket-holme_a and_o the_o high_a land_n 7390_o certain_a fen_n in_o huntingdonshire_n between_o the_o high_a land_n skirt_n and_o ramsey-hards_a and_o mere_a and_o the_o say_v high_a stream_n and_o conquest_n load_v 13455_o other_o fen_n of_o huntindonshire_n lie_v between_o ramsey_n mere_n the_o high_a stream_n to_o benwick_n the_o west-water_n to_o erith_n brigge_n and_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o high_a land_n between_o the_o say_a bridge_n and_o ramsey_n hards_n 13340_o the_o fen_n of_o dodington_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la common_a and_o several_a 32000_o honey_n fen_n in_o all_o 370._o viz._n hard_a land_n 90._o fen_n 280_o chateryz_n fen_n together_o with_o certain_a fen_n of_o sutton_n and_o byall_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n lie_v between_o the_o bound_n of_o dodington_n and_o hony_n the_o west-water_n sutton_n load_n and_o oxwillow_n load_n 20700_o sutton_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o sutton_n load_n between_o the_o west-water_n haddenham_n fen_n and_o the_o harde_n of_o haddenham_n sutton_n and_o mephall_n 2910_o haddenham_n fen_n between_o the_o former_a fen_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n wilberton_n fen_n and_o haddenham_n hard_n 3870_o willingham_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o the_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n of_o aldrey-causey_n beside_o hempsall_n on_o the_o east_n thereof_o 2920_o wilberton_n fen_n with_o part_n of_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o ouse_n and_o hard_a land_n to_z ely_z bridge_n 2790_o grunty-fen_n encompass_v with_o the_o high_a land_n 1694_o a_o fen_n more_o north_n between_o sutton_n load_n by_o coveney_n and_o the_o hard_a land_n of_o divers_a town_n compass_v it_o 3780_o downham_n wodfen_n and_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o fen_n of_o little_o port_n the_o ouse_n and_o ely_n hard-land_n to_o the_o town_n 2440_o the_o fen_n of_o littleport_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n common_a and_o several_a 12660_o westmore_n south_n of_o darcey-lode_n and_o west_n of_o welney_n river_n together_o with_o divers_a several_n 15360_o certain_a fen_n ground_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n and_o the_o causey_n dike_v in_o upwell_n 1105_o certain_a fen_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n maid_n load_n the_o ouse_n and_o litleport_n ground_n 8600_o part_n of_o wisbeche_n high_a fen_n lie_v in_o waltersey_n with_o divers_a several_n 4320_o marshland-fen_n and_o many_o other_o ground_n between_o maid_n load_n and_o spalding_n river_n the_o fen_n bank_n and_o sea_n bank_n which_o will_v be_v make_v dry_a by_o the_o general_a drayn_v 4220_o the_o fen_n between_o helgay_n brigg_n and_o stoke_n brigg_n by_o the_o river_n on_o the_o southeast_n the_o high_a land_n of_o stoke_n wretton_n wereham_n dâ—reham_n and_o wroxham_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o edmund_n skipwith_n gent._n on_o the_o west_n 2900_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o hocwold_n wilton_n feltwell_n methwold_n and_o northwold_n high_a land_n on_o the_o east_n soak_v river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o imbanked_a ground_n of_o helgay_n modney_n sotâ—erey_n and_o in_o part_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n and_o brandon_n river_n from_o priest_n house_n to_o brandon_n brigg_n 23290_o the_o fen_n between_o brandon_n river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o part_n and_o whelpmore_n and_o burt_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n mildenhall_n high_a land_n and_o river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a land_n from_o mildenhall_n to_o brandon_n 22120_o between_o mildenhall_n river_n on_o the_o north_n east_n ouse_n from_o prickwillow_n to_o ely_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n west_n stuntney_n and_o soham_n causey_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o stuntney_n noruey_o soham_n isleham_n and_o worlington_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n contain_v 11780_o between_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o stuntney_n on_o the_o north_n ouse_n and_o grant_v from_o ely_n brigg_n by_o
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o
dike_v and_o upon_o report_n make_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n clement_n edmunds_n it_o be_v order_v 1618._o by_o their_o lordship_n that_o the_o earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n the_o lord_n carew_n mr._n treasurer_n and_o mr._n comptroller_n of_o his_o majesty_n household_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o exchequer_n the_o mr._n of_o the_o roll_n and_o sir_n edw._n coke_n or_o any_o 4._o of_o they_o shall_v take_v consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o business_n etc._n etc._n and_o prepare_v some_o opinion_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o board_n of_o what_o present_a course_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v therein_o in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o order_n the_o say_a earl_n of_o arundel_n make_v a_o journey_n into_o these_o part_n where_o have_v treaty_n with_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n knight_n and_o baronet_n anthony_n thomas_n esquire_n and_o other_o they_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n anthony_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o undertaker_n in_o this_o great_a adventure_n do_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o cost_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o bestow_v therein_o make_v these_o â—ollowing_a proposal_n b._n viz._n 1._o to_o have_v all_o the_o king_n land_n drown_v with_o fresh_a or_o salt_a water_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o recover_v at_o the_o free_a rent_n of_o iiijd_n the_o acre_n over_o and_o above_o all_o rent_n or_o revenue_n then_o in_o be_v or_o come_v to_o his_o majesty_n 2._o to_o have_v all_o the_o prince_n his_o land_n upon_o the_o like_a condition_n 3._o to_o have_v of_o all_o subject_n land_n so_o drown_v all_o the_o year_n two_o three_o to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o hold_v in_o severalty_n for_o ever_o 4._o and_o of_o all_o such_o land_n of_o subject_n which_o lie_v drown_v half_o the_o year_n to_o have_v the_o one_o half_a to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n of_o which_o proposal_n the_o king_n like_v well_o he_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n the_o 4._o of_o september_n in_o the_o xvij_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o anthony_n with_o other_o have_v undertake_v to_o drain_v all_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n norff._n suff._n linc._n northt_v and_o hunt_n with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o his_o say_a majesty_n and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o their_o proposition_n and_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o design_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v aid_v to_o they_o in_o expedit_v such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v and_o to_o further_o they_o therein_o with_o their_o authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n do_v purpose_n to_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o sea_n by_o open_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o navigable_a to_o spalding_n and_o wisbeche_n which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o turn_v the_o water_n upon_o any_o neighbour_n country_n and_o draw_v the_o same_o into_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a channel_n and_o that_o whatever_o commission_n or_o assistance_n they_o shall_v desire_v to_o further_a this_o work_n order_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o the_o same_o desire_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o king_n direction_n therein_o whereupon_o within_o three_o day_n after_o the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v 1619._o at_o peterborough_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v forthwith_o order_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o instruction_n by_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n the_o undertaker_n before-specified_n shall_v have_v the_o free_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v with_o their_o enterprise_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o likewise_o their_o furtherance_n in_o such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v with_o the_o lord_n owner_n and_o commoner_n interest_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o moreover_o that_o further_a time_n and_o long_a day_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o perfect_v their_o work_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n nene_n and_o weland_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o they_o viz._n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o no_o advantage_n take_v of_o the_o penalty_n in_o the_o law_n former_o make_v for_o effect_v the_o business_n before_o that_o time_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o 20_o and_o 23_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o september_n 1619._o have_v receive_v these_o follow_a proposition_n from_o the_o undertaker_n viz._n 1._o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o to_o drain_v the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n as_o that_o by_o their_o say_a work_n no_o person_n shall_v receive_v any_o hurt_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v from_o time_n to_o time_n maintain_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o so_o drayn_v 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o recompense_n but_o where_o through_o their_o industry_n a_o increase_n of_o benefit_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o that_o after_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v 4._o that_o if_o question_n shall_v arise_v whether_o any_o benefit_n be_v receive_v in_o any_o particular_a by_o their_o industry_n it_o shall_v be_v decide_v by_o a_o sufficient_a and_o able_a jury_n to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o county_n and_o such_o juror_n so_o nominate_v and_o no_o other_o to_o be_v reture_v by_o the_o sheriff_n 5._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o a_o jury_n of_o that_o isle_n 6._o and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v such_o recompense_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v receive_v hurt_v or_o damage_n by_o any_o of_o their_o say_a work_n as_o the_o commissioner_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a 7._o that_o at_o their_o own_o charge_n they_o will_v make_v provision_n that_o water_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o stay_v at_o those_o town_n where_o water_n have_v before_o come_v and_o stay_v for_o navigation_n and_o transportation_n and_o the_o township_n afterward_o to_o maintain_v it_o 8._o and_o that_o they_o will_v better_v and_o not_o hurt_v or_o impair_v the_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n and_o ouse_n and_o do_v therefore_o order_n and_o decree_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v have_v their_o free_a consent_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o will_v assist_v they_o etc._n etc._n in_o their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o state_n of_o any_o commons_o but_o only_o to_o have_v such_o competent_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o severalty_n to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n as_o shall_v content_v they_o for_o their_o work_n of_o drayn_v the_o same_o and_o the_o residue_n of_o every_o common_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o than_o it_o do_v and_o at_o a_o session_n 1619._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o s._n ives_n on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v they_o decree_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o order_n make_v at_o peterborough_n 8_o sept._n and_o that_o present_a order_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o every_o town_n village_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o premise_n shall_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o say_v several_a county_n etc._n etc._n before_o the_o with_o of_o oct._n next_o then_o come_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o owner_n commoner_n etc._n etc._n interest_v in_o any_o surround_v ground_n within_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a may_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n for_o conclude_v their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o 4_o of_o october_n ensue_v the_o say_a undertaker_n send_v their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o commissioner_n for_o norfolk_n sit_v at_o a_o session_n at_o ilsington_n excuse_v their_o not_o wait_v on_o they_o soon_o and_o enclose_v the_o copy_n of_o those_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n to_o they_o desire_z that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o their_o neighbour_n together_o with_o their_o proposal_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o contract_v with_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o meeting_n with_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o norff._n at_o cambridge_n on_o wednesday_n the_o xiijth_o of_o october_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o they_o will_v cause_v
these_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n to_o be_v publish_v in_o their_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o xv_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o a_o session_n ja._n of_o sewer_n at_o huntingdon_n the_o â—aid_a commissioner_n recite_v their_o proceed_n at_o several_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v before_o that_o time_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o king_n direction_n and_o for_o the_o better_a expedit_v of_o the_o work_n decree_v that_o for_o and_o towards_o the_o open_n of_o the_o ancient_a outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o welland_n and_o all_o other_o necessary_a work_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a ground_n etc._n etc._n every_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v drown_v ground_n in_o those_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n linc._n and_o norff._n shall_v be_v tax_v at_o xxs._n the_o acre_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o the_o owner_n thereof_o before_o the_o 7._o of_o dec._n then_o next_o come_n unto_o thomas_n bishop_n of_o peterborough_n sir_n francis_n fane_n sir_n rob._n bevill_n &c._n &c._n and_o other_o by_o this_o decree_n name_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v ratable_o pay_v over_o to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n after_o their_o work_n of_o drayn_v shall_v be_v do_v whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o that_o for_o want_n of_o payment_n thereof_o at_o the_o day_n and_o time_n appoint_v the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v in_o a_o full_a session_n of_o sewer_n to_o be_v hold_v the_o 21._o day_n of_o dec._n follow_v at_o peterborough_n allow_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o portion_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n for_o which_o the_o sum_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o pay_v unto_o the_o same_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n in_o recompense_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v as_o shall_v seem_v just_a etc._n etc._n unto_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v enjoy_v &c._n &c._n according_o and_o that_o after_o the_o say_a work_n of_o drayn_v shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o adjudge_v sufficient_o do_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n at_o a_o general_a session_n for_o that_o purpose_n a_o competent_a proportion_n of_o land_n to_o be_v reassure_v by_o the_o say_a undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n or_o assign_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o last_o that_o copy_n of_o this_o order_n shall_v be_v publish_v by_o the_o sheriff_n in_o the_o several_a county_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o say_a drain_n be_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o work_n do_v not_o go_v on_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o king_n desire_v which_o occasion_v a_o letter_n 1619._o from_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n the_o 5._o of_o december_n ensue_v whereby_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o attendance_n upon_o they_o by_o the_o undertaker_n in_o several_a session_n of_o sewer_n and_o yet_o that_o little_a progress_n have_v be_v make_v therein_o they_o desire_v they_o again_o to_o afford_v their_o effectual_a assistance_n for_o remove_v of_o such_o difficulty_n as_o may_v hinder_v a_o undertake_n of_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n nothing_o now_o rest_v but_o the_o put_n of_o their_o own_o order_n in_o execution_n for_o advancement_n of_o the_o same_o whereupon_o the_o commissioner_n siâ—ting_v at_o spalding_n jac._n upon_o the_o xvith_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o december_n recite_v the_o decree_n make_v at_o huntendon_n in_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v there_o upon_o the_o xv_o and_o xuj_o of_o october_n precede_v and_o take_v notice_n that_o no_o money_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n of_o xxs._n the_o acre_n have_v be_v pay_v as_o be_v then_o order_v do_v judge_n pâ—â—tibag_n and_o decree_n that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v worthy_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o say_a fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n in_o general_a beforementioned_a or_o those_o particular_n hereafter_o mention_v or_o any_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o that_o county_n of_o lincoln_n shall_v by_o god_n help_v be_v well_o and_o true_o accomplish_v by_o the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n and_o expense_n and_o so_o adjudge_v and_o approve_v by_o six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n commorant_n and_o reside_v within_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n for_o those_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o those_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n commorant_n and_o reside_v within_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n for_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o say_a part_n of_o kesteven_n then_o and_o from_o thenceforth_o they_o the_o say_v sir_n william_n ayloffe_n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n be_v the_o undertaker_n beforementioned_a thâ—ir_a heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v the_o part_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o ground_n usual_o and_o hurtful_o surround_v and_o by_o they_o undertake_v to_o be_v drayn_v respective_o as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n then_o have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o fen_n call_v depe_v spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n and_o of_o goggisland_n belong_v to_o crowland_n by_o contract_n heretofore_o make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o same_o fen_n than_o remain_v drown_v that_o therefore_o the_o say_v several_a fen_n call_v spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n and_o depe_a fen_n and_o goggisland_n together_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n in_o the_o occupation_n and_o tenure_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n or_o his_o tenant_n shall_v be_v all_o entire_o and_o whole_o survay_v and_o measure_v by_o two_o several_a surveyor_n whereof_o one_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n ayloff_n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n and_o the_o other_o by_o some_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o the_o whole_a content_n and_o number_n of_o acre_n to_o be_v exact_o take_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o thereof_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_v to_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o lie_v open_a and_o in_o common_a as_o together_o with_o the_o say_v several_a ground_n in_o the_o tenure_n and_o occupation_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n shall_v amount_v unto_o and_o extend_v to_o a_o moiety_n or_o half_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o all_o together_o to_o be_v proportionable_o take_v out_o of_o the_o say_v several_a fen_n viz._n one_o part_n out_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n another_o part_n out_o of_o depe_a fen_n and_o a_o three_o part_n out_o of_o goggisland_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n then_o in_o they_o lie_v in_o common_a to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o say_v six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a part_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n within_o their_o say_a several_a part_n respective_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a and_o drown_a ground_n call_v bellesmore_n lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o wesson_n in_o the_o say_a county_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n two_o three_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o william_n coulson_n of_o the_o same_o yeoman_n two_o three_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a ground_n call_v the_o east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n john_n payton_n knight_n and_o other_o one_o four_o part_n and_o of_o whaplode_n and_o holbeche_n common_a marish_a or_o fen_n ground_n one_o half_a part_n and_o of_o sutton_n fen_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la two_o three_o part_n and_o it_o be_v far_o order_v and_o decree_v that_o till_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v drayn_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v drayn_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o two_o river_n of_o glene_n and_o weland_n and_o the_o bank_n environ_v the_o say_a south_n fen_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n at_o the_o charge_n and_o cost_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o exeter_n or_o his_o assign_v according_a to_o the_o contract_n make_v with_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n that_o this_o decree_n also_o have_v little_a effect_n i_o be_o much_o incline_v to_o believe_v for_o upon_o the_o last_o of_o february_n follow_v the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n write_v 16â—â—_n again_o to_o those_o commissioner_n require_v they_o to_o attend_v the_o king_n in_o person_n at_o his_o council_n board_n in_o the_o three_o week_n of_o lent_n ensue_v there_o to_o clear_v such_o doubt_n as_o his_o malesty_n shall_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v
at_o least_o which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a work_n 2._o the_o middle_a level_n also_o they_o defend_v from_o peterborough_n water_n by_o a_o large_a bank_n make_v from_o peterborough_n to_o wisebeche_v this_o be_v raise_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o the_o king_n begin_v except_v a_o little_a turn_n in_o waldersey_n bank_n from_o the_o river_n ouse_n they_o likewise_o defend_v it_o by_o a_o great_a bank_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n on_o the_o north_n west_n side_n of_o bedford_n river_n and_o make_v another_o new_a river_n parallel_n to_o the_o say_v bedford_n river_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n aforesaid_a contain_v a_o hundred_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o imbank_v it_o with_o bank_n on_o borh_fw-mi side_n of_o threescore_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n ten_o at_o the_o top_n and_o eight_o foot_n in_o height_n the_o other_o new_a drayn_n which_o he_o and_o his_o participant_n make_v or_o repair_v within_o this_o level_n be_v these_o viz._n uermudens_n ea_fw-la hamond_n ea_fw-la stony_a draine_n nene_n old_a channel_n pophams_n ea_fw-la marshland_n cut_v moor_n drayne_n witlesey_n dikes_n and_o some_o other_o small_a one_o and_o the_o sluice_n those_o at_o salter_n load_n pophams_n ea_fw-la and_o marshland_n cutts_n 3._o for_o scouâ—ing_v the_o south_n level_v from_o the_o overflowing_n of_o ouse_n they_o raise_v also_o a_o great_a bank_n from_o over_n to_o salter_n load_n the_o lesser_a river_n viz._n of_o grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n be_v defend_v by_o small_a bank_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o stow_n bridge_n they_o likewise_o cause_v a_o large_a river_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o foot_n wide_a and_o ten_o foot_n deep_a to_o be_v cut_v for_o the_o more_o speedy_a convey_n away_o of_o the_o water_n which_o river_n be_v now_o call_v downham_n ea_fw-la as_o also_o two_o great_a sass_n at_o salter_n load_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o boat_n and_o other_o great_a vessel_n with_o three_o sluice_n at_o the_o end_n of_o downham_n ea_fw-la and_o divers_a small_a drayn_n viz._n grunty_n fen_n drayn_n the_o in-drayn_a to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o hundred_o foot_n river_n reach_v load_n and_o many_o other_o so_o that_o have_v accomplish_v the_o whole_a work_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o year_n the_o say_a level_n be_v by_o a_o decree_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o ely_n on_o the_o 25_o 1653._o of_o march_n anno_fw-la 1653._o adjudge_v to_o be_v full_o drayn_v whereupon_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v possession_n of_o those_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n award_v to_o they_o chap._n lv._o lindsey_n thereof_o level_v extend_v from_o bourne_n to_o lincoln_n of_o this_o though_o i_o may_v have_v not_o incongruous_o discourse_v under_o my_o title_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n beforementioned_a however_o not_o so_o now_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o common_a reputation_n i_o have_v think_v it_o more_o proper_a to_o speak_v of_o it_o here_o the_o first_o etc._n general_a attempt_n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n whereof_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n be_v upon_o a_o complaint_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sempringham_n in_o the_o 8_o year_n of_o the_o late_a queen_n elizabeth_n reign_n the_o earl_n of_o lincoln_n high_a admiral_n of_o england_n with_o several_a other_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v then_o commissioner_n whereupon_o a_o general_a tax_n be_v lay_v for_o repair_v and_o enlarge_n the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n to_o carry_v off_o the_o water_n which_o then_o annoy_v these_o part_n but_o little_o be_v do_v to_o any_o purpose_n herein_o as_o it_o seem_v for_o it_o appear_v that_o at_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o swinstede_n in_o the_o 17_o year_n of_o that_o queen_n reign_n the_o country_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v drown_v more_o than_o former_o so_o that_o the_o commissioner_n than_o decreee_v that_o those_o drayn_n which_o the_o duke_n of_o suffolk_n and_o other_o have_v ordain_v to_o be_v begin_v about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o 8_o time_n as_o also_o some_o other_o shall_v forthwith_o be_v set_v upon_o and_o lay_v a_o tax_n according_o but_o no_o payment_n of_o that_o tax_n be_v make_v the_o work_n proceed_v not_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o far_a considerable_a attempt_n therein_o whereof_o i_o have_v hear_v till_o caroli_n the_o 5_o year_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o bless_a memory_n that_o sir_n anthony_n ireby_n knight_n sergeant_n calais_n and_o other_o commissioner_n find_v all_o former_a essay_n fruitless_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n will_v never_o pay_v the_o tax_n and_o that_o the_o land_n be_v surround_v have_v no_o cattle_n upon_o they_o for_o distress_n and_o consider_v that_o the_o king_n as_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o all_o the_o statute_n of_o sewer_n be_v to_o give_v direction_n in_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o do_v by_o their_o letter_n represent_v to_o his_o majesty_n the_o necessity_n of_o drayn_v these_o land_n and_o the_o commodity_n which_o may_v accrue_v thereby_o humble_o beseech_v he_o to_o recommend_v some_o person_n of_o honour_n to_o contract_v with_o they_o as_o undertaker_n for_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n the_o king_n therefore_o understand_v pettâ—-bag_n their_o design_n to_o be_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v fen_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n in_o this_o county_n of_o lincoln_n refer_v the_o view_n of_o those_o lie_v on_o both_o side_n the_o river_n of_o fosse_n and_o wythom_n from_o beyond_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n to_o kyme_v ea_z unto_o sir_n henry_n vane_n knight_n sir_n robert_n carr_n baronet_n and_o other_o who_o in_o order_n to_o that_o good_a work_n do_v in_o a_o session_n car._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n 26_o febr._n 8_o car._n where_o be_v also_o present_a and_o commissioner_n robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n theophilus_n earl_n of_o lincoln_n the_o lord_n willoughby_n sir_n henry_n fines_n and_o other_o lay_v a_o tax_n of_o xiij_o s._n iiij_o d._n the_o acre_n for_o the_o scour_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o all_o goat_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n within_o those_o precinct_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n and_o to_o be_v pay_v before_o the_o ix_o of_o april_n than_o next_o follow_v and_o for_o the_o better_a further_a and_o complete_n thereof_o the_o say_a commissioner_n praedicto_fw-la meet_v again_o at_o boston_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o march_n than_o next_o ensue_v recite_v their_o decree_n so_o make_v at_o sleford_n do_v extend_v their_o say_a tax_n of_o xiijs_fw-la iiijd_n the_o acre_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o level_n nevertheless_o little_o be_v do_v therein_o as_o it_o seem_v till_o about_o three_o year_n afterward_o but_o then_o the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n ibid._n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 2_o aprilis_n in_o the_o xi_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n direct_v unto_o george_n earl_n of_o rutland_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o say_a level_n recommend_v unto_o they_o robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n lord_n high_a chamberlain_n of_o england_n a_o person_n of_o very_a great_a honour_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o whole_a whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n at_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o june_n than_o next_o follow_v car._n proceed_v to_o a_o treaty_n with_o his_o lordship_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o agree_v with_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n in_o recompense_n of_o his_o charge_n therein_o which_o be_v then_o according_o decree_v ibid._n the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v perfect_v within_o the_o space_n of_o six_o year_n next_o ensue_v the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n th'archangel_n then_o follow_v and_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n the_o 29._o of_o march_n the_o next_o year_n ensue_v câ—r_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o that_o decree_n make_v at_o sleford_n whereby_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o lindsey_n for_o the_o consideration_n therein_o express_v be_v to_o have_v those_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n to_o be_v indifferent_o allot_v out_o of_o the_o several_a fen_n etc._n etc._n to_o enjoy_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o viz._n as_o soon_o as_o ten_o thousand_o acre_n or_o more_o shall_v be_v drayn_v to_o have_v his_o portion_n thereof_o forthwith_o assign_v as_o also_o the_o like_a recital_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o same_o decree_n and_o other_o former_a precede_a decree_n and_o ordinance_n make_v at_o a_o â—ession_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o
bind_v by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a security_n to_o and_o for_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n to_o be_v expend_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o acre_n whereof_o five_o hundred_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a west_n fenn_v to_o be_v part_n and_o a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o best_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n to_o be_v the_o rest_n yearly_o to_o be_v let_v out_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n that_o two_o thousand_o pound_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mayor_n of_o boston_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n until_o the_o value_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o then_o the_o say_a profit_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o make_v two_o thousand_o pound_n to_o be_v bestow_v from_o time_n to_o time_n upon_o the_o say_a work_n for_o ever_o when_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o at_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1631._o upon_o the_o xv_o of_o april_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o law_n before-specified_n and_o of_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n thomas_n and_o his_o participant_n there_o be_v another_o decree_n make_v that_o for_o their_o charge_n therein_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o of_o all_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o likewise_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n fen_n and_o the_o several_n thereto_o adjoin_v limit_a and_o appoint_v to_o they_o by_o a_o former_a decree_n but_o some_o far_a augmentation_n in_o certain_a other_o particular_a place_n whereupon_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n begin_v ibid._n the_o work_n in_o september_n follow_v 1634._o and_o prosecute_v it_o with_o so_o much_o diligence_n that_o at_o another_o ibid._n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o boston_n upon_o the_o xuj_o of_o july_n 10_o caroli_n by_o thomas_n hâ—ughton_n esquire_n mayor_n of_o the_o borough_n of_o boston_n sir_n ralph_n maddison_n knight_n walter_n norton_n richard_n finsham_n george_n pulton_n roland_n hale_v john_n knight_n esquire_n and_o thomas_n bedford_n gent._n upon_o their_o view_n of_o those_o late_o surround_v ground_n viz._n east_n and_o west_n fen_n north_n fenn_n earl_n fen_n armetre_n fen_n and_o wildemore_n fen_n and_o other_o the_o drown_a commons_o and_o adjacent_a surround_v several_a ground_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n and_o north_n east_n of_o the_o river_n of_o witham_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n undertake_v by_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n knight_n and_o his_o participant_n they_o adjudge_v the_o same_o to_o be_v so_o drayn_v as_o that_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o arable_a meadow_n or_o pasture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o seventy_o and_o three_o acre_n remain_v drown_v of_o three_o thousand_o acre_n of_o pit_n holes_n deep_n and_o hollow_a place_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v leâ—t_o cover_v with_o water_n beside_o the_o river_n drayn_n sewer_n and_o watercourse_n within_o the_o whole_a level_n undertake_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o associate_n to_o be_v drain_v within_o four_o year_n not_o then_o expire_v uâ—till_o michaelmass_o next_o follow_v according_a to_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o boston_n xv_o maii_n 6_o caroli_n and_o of_o another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v likewise_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a xv_o apr._n 7_o caroli_n and_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1635._o upon_o the_o xi_o of_o august_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o former_a decree_n whereby_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o west_n fen_n as_o also_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n aswell_o several_a as_o common_a former_o tax_v lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n be_v decree_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o the_o commissioner_n do_v full_o ratify_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v then_o set_v out_o by_o particular_a mete_n and_o bound_n chap._n lvii_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n there_o be_v likewise_o another_o great_a marsh_n lie_v in_o this_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n call_v eight_o hundred_o fen_n but_o ancient_o haut_fw-fr huntre_n fen_n contain_v twenty_o two_o thousand_o acre_n the_o drayn_n whereof_o be_v undertake_v by_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n 28_o martii_fw-la car._n 13_o car._n a_o decree_n make_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o xxs._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o sixteen_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o braytofte_a swinesh_v wigtoft_n soutterby_n alderchurch_n fosse_n dyke_n kirton_n frampton_n wiberton_n hole_n dockdike_n and_o boston_n claim_v common_a therein_o but_o this_o tax_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v again_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o first_o of_o june_n than_o next_o ensue_v declare_v the_o say_a king_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v within_o six_o year_n next_o after_o that_o present_a session_n or_o any_o other_o time_n that_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v limit_v and_o do_v for_o recompense_v of_o the_o charge_n which_o shall_v be_v expend_v therein_o decree_n to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n eight_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o any_o six_o of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n after_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v finis_fw-la the_o index_n improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v in_o foreign_a country_n viz._n egypt_n pag._n 1._o babylon_n 5._o belgic_a province_n 10._o frizeland_n 14._o gallia_n cis-alpina_a 9_o greece_n 6._o holland_n 12._o holstein_n 15._o italy_n viz._n fossa_n mariana_n 9_o fucine_n lake_n 9_o placentia_n 9_o pompein_o marsh_n 6._o zealand_n 15._o improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_n in_o england_n viz._n in_o cambridgshire_n 299._o isle_n of_o ely_n 356.180_o the_o siege_n thereof_o by_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n 186._o thorney_n 360._o derbyshire_n 138._o essex_n viz._n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 74._o havering_n and_o dagenham_n level_v 82._o gloucestershire_n 213._o kent_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 59_o lesnes_n marsh_n 62._o b._n 65._o a._n plumsted_n marsh_n 62._o b._n east-kent_n 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifield_n and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr dane_n there_o 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n de_fw-fr apuldrefeld_n there_o 38._o romeney_n marsh_n 16._o the_o law_n for_o conservation_n thereof_o make_v by_o h._n the_o bath_n a_o justice_n itinerant_n in_o 42_o h._n 3.19_o the_o ordinance_n by_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n the_o apletrefold_a 16_o e._n 1.24_o b._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o henry_n de_fw-fr apletrefeld_n and_o bertram_n de_fw-fr trancrey_n 18_o e._n 1.27_o a._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelow_n 35_o e._n 3.31_o immunity_n to_o the_o bailiff_n and_o jurats_n 33._o b._n incorporation_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n 34._o b._n huntendonshire_n 365._o a._n ramsey_n ibid._n wittlesey_n mer_n 363._o a._n kent_n and_o sussex_n 83._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n fogg_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n concern_v the_o marsh_n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n and_o romeney_n 52._o b._n lincolnshire_n the_o marsh_n on_o ankholme_n 150._o axholme_n alias_o hatfield_n level_v 141._o holland_n 219._o a._n crowland_n 219._o a._n 179._o kesteven_n 194._o a._n depe_v fen_n ibid._n &_o 206._o a._n lovell_n undertaking_a to_o drain_v it_o 206._o b._n kesteven_n and_o holland_n 198._o b._n the_o marsh_n in_o lindsey_n 153._o b._n folsedike_n 167._o a._n the_o marsh_n on_o witham_n 168._o b._n middlesex_n the_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n 73._o b._n middlesex_n and_o essex_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 69._o norfolk_z 288._o a._n marshland_n 244._o the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v there_o 245._o a._n when_o first_o repair_v and_o how_o 246._o b._n 248._o a._n the_o new_a podike_n make_v there_o 264._o a._n northamptonshire_n 368._o nottinghamshire_n 138._o a._n somersetshire_n the_o
marsh_n there_o 104._o a._n sedgmore_n 111._o suffolk_z 298._o surrey_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 65._o b._n sussex_n marsh_n 87._o b._n pevensey_n marsh._n the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o conservation_n thereof_o 95._o a._n yorkshire_n 136._o b._n west_n ride_v 115._o a._n hâ—lderness_n 130._o bank_n and_o sewer_n abatement_n in_o ten_o and_o fifteen_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a charge_n in_o their_o repair_n 131._o b._n 258._o a._n allowance_n by_o the_o king_n towards_o their_o repair_n 121._o b._n 254._o a._n commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n observation_n thereon_o 369._o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n their_o compulsorie_a power_n in_o case_n of_o neglect_n in_o performance_n of_o their_o ordinance_n and_o law_n 60._o a._n 66._o a._n 347._o a._n distress_n take_v by_o their_o authority_n of_o such_o as_o observe_v not_o their_o decree_n 21.23_o b._n sell_v 250._o a._n land_n sell_v by_o they_o for_o neglect_n in_o pay_v of_o assessment_n 63._o a._n 74._o a._n 82._o b._n their_o power_n to_o make_v new_a trench_n and_o bank_n in_o case_n of_o necessity_n 139._o b._n 243._o b._n 298._o a._n 371._o a._n b._n etc._n etc._n to_o impress_v labourer_n for_o repair_v of_o bank_n and_o sewer_n 33.46_o a._n 47._o b._n 59_o a._n 60._o b._n 61._o b._n 78._o b._n 80._o a._n 100_o b._n 122._o a._n 135._o b._n 160._o b._n 204._o b._n 240._o a._n to_o make_v a_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n 47._o b._n 48._o b._n 58._o a._n custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n observe_v in_o repair_n of_o bank_n and_o sewer_n 44._o b._n 45._o b._n 46._o a._n b._n 47._o a._n b._n 78._o a._n land_n gain_v from_o the_o sea_n to_o who_o belong_v 237._o b._n 239._o a._n ouse_n sieve_n wellenhee_o the_o ancient_a passage_n thereof_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o utwelle_n and_o wisebeche_v 246._o a._n 248._o a._n 249._o a._n 256._o a._n 299._o b._n 300._o a._n 302._o b._n 333._o a._n 394._o a._n b._n 395._o a._n b._n 396._o a._n the_o great_a level_n observation_n touch_v it_o viz._n what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o 171._o b._n how_o it_o become_v overflow_v by_o the_o sea_n 172._o a._n holland_n and_o marshland_n how_o first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n 174._o a._n how_o the_o main_a level_n come_v first_o to_o be_v a_o fen_n 175._o b._n the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o the_o several_a river_n pass_v through_o it_o 176._o a._n how_o those_o their_o outfall_n become_v obstruct_v 182._o a._n of_o the_o vast_a extent_n and_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n occasion_v by_o those_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n 179._o a._n the_o general_a drayn_n thereof_o when_o first_o attempt_v 375._o the_o chief_a content_n of_o the_o bill_n handle_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la quarto_fw-la regis_fw-la jac._n touch_v the_o general_a drayn_v 386._o tide_n their_o flow_a high_a in_o humber_n by_o four_o foot_n than_o former_o 132._o a._n errata_fw-la page_n 9_o l._n 52._o far_o p._n 10._o l._n 10._o the_o belgic_a p._n 44._o a._n l._n 32._o s._n nicholas_n p._n 57_o l._n 30._o marsh_n p._n 143._o b._n in_o margin_n ligulâ_fw-la p._n 159._o a._n in_o margin_n penès_fw-la comitem_fw-la p._n 192._o a._n l._n 6._o celeri_fw-la p._n 200._o a._n l._n 24._o juror_n p._n 709._o a._n l._n 9_o xxxiiii_o chapt._n in_o marg_n vide_fw-la cap._n 38._o p._n 211._o b._n l._n 20._o camvill_n p._n 244._o a._n l._n 12._o xxxiiii_o the_o chapt._n p._n 299._o a._n in_o marg_n cap._n xlvi_o p._n 300._o b._n l._n 29._o xlvi_o chapt._n a_o note_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o surround_v ground_n in_o every_o particular_a lordship_n in_o the_o level_n of_o ancoime_n from_o bishopbriggs_n to_o ferrebriggs_n in_o lincolnshire_n undertake_v to_o be_v drayn_v by_o sir_n john_n monson_n the_o lordship_n on_o the_o east-side_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o manor_n or_o chief_a owner_n that_o adventure_v or_o consent_v for_o the_o proportion_n  _fw-fr acr._n ro._n perc._n kingerby_n 25_o 0_o 0_o sir_n thomas_n puckering_n lord_n consent_v owersbie_n 350_o 0_o 0_o sir_n john_n monson_n lord_n adventure_v thornton_n 208_o 1_o 11_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n south-kelsey_n 419_o 2_o 34_o sir_n edw._n ascough_n lord_n adventure_v north-kelsey_n 1214_o 2_o 3_o mr._n chamberlain_n consent_v for_o mr._n barde_n kadney_n hosham_n and_o newstead_n 2010_o 1_o 39_o sir_n will._n pelham_n lord_n adventure_v kettlebie_n 0379_o 2_o 01_o will._n tirwitt_n esq_n lord_n adventure_v wrawbie_n cum_fw-la brigge_n 0645_o 1_o 08_o elsham_n 0807_o 2_o 11_o sir_n sam._n oldfeild_n lord_n adventure_v worlettbie_n 1369_o 3_o 13_o sir_n william_n elvish_a lord_n consent_v bondbie_n 0881_o 0_o 27_o sir_n tho._n williamson_n lord_n adventure_v saxbie_fw-fr 1122_o 0_o 29_o sir_n mich._n wharton_n lord_n adventure_v horstow_n 0517_o 2_o 16_o ..._o dorrel_n esq_n lord_n adventure_v ferrebye_o 0275_o 0_o 27_o  _fw-fr the_o lordship_n on_o the_o westside_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o manor_n that_o adventure_v or_o consent_v for_o the_o proportion_n  _fw-fr acr._n ro._n perc._n glentham_n 0099_o 3_o 34_o ed._n turney_n esq_n lord_n consent_v bishop_n norton_n 0325_o 1_o 18_o ed._n whichcote_n esq_n consent_v atterbie_n snitterb_fw-ge &_o waddingham_n 0885_o 2_o 10_o the_o king_n chief_a lord_n waddingham_n per_fw-la se_fw-la 0707_o 2_o 12_o sir_n william_n thorold_n lord_n consent_v redburne_n 0819_o 0_o 34_o sir_n thomas_n stiles_n lord_n adventure_v hibaldstowe_v 0927_o 1_o 07_o scawbie_n 0571_o 1_o 16_o mr._n nelthroppe_v consent_v caistroppe_n 0582_o 2_o 01_o william_n anderson_n esq_n adventure_v broughton_n 1084_o 3_o 03_o applebie_n cum_fw-la thornham_n 1645_o 1_o 10_o step._n andersou_n esq_n lord_n adventure_v roxbie_fw-fr 0573_o 3_o 37_o sir_n ed._n moles_o then_o lord_n consent_v winterton_n 0860_o 0_o 11_o the_o king_n chief_a lord_n the_o true_a but_o short_a state_n of_o sir_n john_n monsons_n business_n 1_o the_o town_n be_v 26_o 2_o the_o lord_n of_o manor_n that_o adventure_v be_v 14_o 3_o the_o lord_n of_o manor_n that_o consent_v be_v 10_o 4_o so_o as_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o great_a owner_n in_o 24_o of_o the_o town_n be_v either_o adventurer_n in_o or_o consenter_n to_o the_o dreyn_v and_o none_o of_o the_o rest_n oppose_v before_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v and_o adjudge_v 5._o that_o sir_n john_n monson_n undertake_v it_o as_o a_o servant_n to_o the_o country_n upon_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o divers_a other_o leave_v every_o man_n free_a to_o adventure_v for_o his_o own_o that_o think_v it_o a_o bargain_n of_o advantage_n or_o otherwise_o to_o leave_v it_o upon_o he_o to_o undergo_v the_o hazard_n and_o lay_v down_o the_o money_n for_o their_o part_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o commissioner_n certificate_n and_o their_o petition_n to_o the_o king_n the_o two_o exemplification_n under_o the_o great_a seâ—l_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o drayn_n hereof_o be_v of_o a_o public_a advantage_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o have_v be_v the_o endeavour_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n concern_v in_o it_o since_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o be_v time_n the_o record_n follow_v will_v make_v it_o appear_v a_o esc._n 16._o e._n 1._o n._n 47._o b_o esc._n 16._o e._n 1._o n._n 47._o c_o pat._n 18_o e._n 1._o m._n 30._o in_o dorso_fw-la d_o pat._n 23._o e._n 1._o m._n 15._o in_o dorso_fw-la e_o pat._n 6._o e._n 2._o p._n 1._o m._n 17._o in_o dorso_fw-la f_o pat._n 6._o e._n 2._o p._n 1._o m._n 17._o in_o dorso_fw-la g_o pat._n 3_o e._n 3._o p._n 1._o m._n 31._o in_o dorso_fw-la h_o pat._n 19_o e._n 3._o p._n 1._o m._n 18._o in_o dorso_fw-la i_o pat._n 23._o e._n 3._o p._n 1._o m._n 6._o in_o dorso_fw-la k_o pat._n 30._o e_o 3._o p._n 2._o m._n 11._o in_o dorso_fw-la l_o pat._n 36_o e._n 3._o p._n 1._o m._n 6._o in_o dorso_o m_o pat._n 39_o e._n 3._o p._n 2._o m._n 31._o in_o dorso_fw-la n_o pat._n 40_o e._n 3._o p._n 1._o m._n 34._o in_o dorso_o o_o pat._n 15._o r._n 2._o p._n 1._o m._n 37._o in_o dorso_fw-la p_o plac._n coram_fw-la rege_fw-la term_n tâ—in_n 4._o h._n 4._o rot_n 13._o linc._n q_o pat._n 6._o h._n 5._o p._n 1._o m._n 21._o in_o dorso_fw-la r_o pat._n 22._o e._n 4._o p._n 1._o m._n 22._o in_o dorso_fw-la decree_n be_v 5._o sept._n 12._o jacob._n to_o 2._o aug._n 13._o car._n u_fw-la 16._o julii_n 8._o car._n with_o uâ—t_n maii_n 10._o car._n obligatory_n 19_o julii_n 10._o car._n y_o ult._n martii_fw-la 11._o car._n z_o 24._o aug._n 11._o car._n a_o a_o 27._o oct._n 14._o car._n â—b_v 19_o feb._n 14._o car._n c_o c_o 4._o maii_n 14._o car._n d_o d_o exemplify_v 24._o feb._n 15._o car._n anno_fw-la xiii_o caroli_n ii_o regis_n in_o parliam_fw-la apud_fw-la
westm._fw-la inchoato_fw-la 8_o maii._fw-la a_o act_n for_o confirmation_n of_o certain_a decree_n of_o sewer_n make_v by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o level_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n whereas_o sir_n john_n monson_n in_o the_o eleaventh_fw-mi year_n of_o our_o late_a king_n of_o bless_a memory_n charles_n the_o first_o upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o part_n of_o lindsey_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o to_o do_v service_n for_o his_o country_n do_v undertake_v the_o dreyn_a and_o improvement_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n lie_v in_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n extend_v from_o humber_n to_o bishop-brigge_a which_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v to_o be_v hurtful_o surround_v both_o by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o divers_a verdict_n of_o jury_n empanel_v of_o the_o able_a inhabitant_n after_o several_a view_v take_v and_o that_o the_o dreyn_v of_o those_o fen_n be_v ever_o heretofore_o much_o desire_v by_o the_o party_n interest_v therein_o and_o for_o that_o the_o design_n of_o dreyn_v of_o the_o same_o be_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n hold_v to_o be_v a_o work_n not_o only_o honourable_a but_o profitable_a for_o the_o country_n therefore_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o direction_n of_o divers_a act_n and_o decree_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n ordain_v undertake_v the_o dreyn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o low_a ground_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o arable_a meadow_n or_o pasture_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o admit_v as_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o owner_n as_o will_v adventure_v with_o he_o for_o their_o own_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n he_o do_v and_o do_v at_o his_o own_o and_o his_o participant_n great_a expense_n dreyn_a all_o those_o ground_n common_a and_o several_a fen_n within_o the_o part_n aforesaid_a between_o humber_n and_o bishopp-brigge_a contain_v by_o estimation_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o acre_n in_o one_o entire_a level_n or_o work_v of_o dreyn_v for_o the_o do_v whereof_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n have_v by_o divers_a act_n or_o decree_n of_o sewer_n ordain_v adjudge_v decree_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o seven_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n commons_o and_o fen_n by_o certain_a meet_v and_o bound_n whereby_o the_o same_o be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commons_o there_o which_o decree_n schedule_n and_o law_n of_o sewer_n upon_o the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o his_o late_a majesty_n have_v his_o majesty_n royal_a assent_n and_o be_v enrol_v in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n according_a to_o the_o statute_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o be_v exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n be_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o assign_n until_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n the_o undertake_n be_v perform_v and_o so_o adjudge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n may_v it_o please_v your_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n that_o it_o may_v be_v enact_v and_o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o commons_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n aforesaid_a and_o his_o and_o their_o and_o every_o of_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n shall_v have_v hold_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n so_o set_v out_o by_o several_a decree_n of_o sewer_n by_o meet_v and_o bound_n therein_o particular_o mention_v and_o express_v whereunto_o his_o majesty_n royal_a assent_n be_v have_v and_o by_o privy_a seal_n certify_v into_o his_o majesty_n high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o enrol_v and_o remain_v of_o record_n according_a to_o the_o several_a division_n and_o allotment_n since_o several_o and_o respective_o make_v between_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o and_o every_o of_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n free_v and_o discharge_v of_o and_o from_o all_o title_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o former_a owner_n and_o commoner_n whatsoever_o provide_v all_o way_n and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o it_o shall_v fall_v out_o at_o anytime_n hereafter_o that_o the_o say_v fen_n and_o low_a ground_n lie_v upon_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n between_o humber_n and_o bishopp-brigge_a for_o which_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n have_v their_o say_a recompense_n of_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n set_v out_o for_o the_o dreyn_v of_o the_o same_o shall_v again_o be_v hurtful_o surround_v in_o default_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n and_o shall_v so_o continue_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o month_n together_o except_o such_o lake_n drain_v sewer_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o say_a part_n as_o be_v except_v upon_o the_o contract_n not_o exceed_v two_o hundred_o acre_n so_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v defective_a in_o default_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n by_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o the_o time_n be_v whereof_o three_z to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o say_a view_n and_o judgement_n be_v certify_v upon_o record_n into_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n than_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o the_o lord_n proprietor_n and_o owner_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n and_o for_o every_o or_o any_o of_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o and_o portion_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n so_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v set_v forth_o and_o allot_v a_o rateable_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n out_o of_o every_o of_o the_o say_a lordship_n and_o to_o have_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o and_o their_o several_a commons_o therein_o in_o as_o large_a and_o ample_a manner_n as_o they_o do_v and_o shall_v in_o the_o other_o part_v leave_v to_o they_o until_o the_o say_a part_n allot_v and_o leave_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n owner_n and_o commoner_n be_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v or_o some_o of_o they_o sufficient_o drayn_v and_o again_o recover_v at_o his_o and_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o after_o that_o same_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o recover_v and_o drain_v the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o gain_v and_o lose_v their_o say_a pasture_n and_o common_a in_o the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n upon_o such_o and_o the_o like_a certificate_n and_o recovery_n have_v and_o make_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a for_o ever_o provide_v also_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n or_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n and_o ground_n within_o any_o the_o limit_n or_o bound_n aforesaid_a allot_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n again_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o they_o pay_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n or_o his_o assign_n the_o principal_a money_n by_o he_o disburse_v in_o drain_n the_o say_v level_n with_o reasonable_a damage_n for_o the_o same_o at_z or_o before_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o sixty_o three_o or_o if_o any_o difference_n shall_v arise_v or_o happen_v between_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n and_o any_o of_o the_o say_a lord_n or_o owner_n touch_v the_o say_v principal_a money_n disburse_v as_o aforesaid_a or_o damage_n for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v demand_v then_o such_o sum_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o say_v principal_a