all_o surround_v waste_v and_o commons_o as_o also_o the_o most_o of_o the_o commoner_n for_o their_o particular_a commons_o may_v contract_v or_o bargain_n for_o part_n of_o such_o commons_o waste_v &_o several_n with_o such_o person_n or_o person_n who_o will_v undertake_v the_o drayn_n the_o country_n themselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o say_a act_n acknowledge_v and_o that_o the_o same_o their_o contract_n and_o conveyance_n thereupon_o make_v shall_v be_v good_a and_o available_a in_o law_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o other_o the_o commoner_n therein_o but_o not_o against_o the_o say_a queen_n her_o heir_n or_o successor_n except_o such_o conveyance_n shall_v be_v certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n in_o case_n the_o say_v waste_v be_v of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o except_v the_o royal_a assent_n be_v obtain_v thereunto_o howbeit_o upon_o this_o act_n happen_v so_o near_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o queen_n reign_n little_o be_v do_v but_o king_n james_n short_o after_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n be_v a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a prince_n as_o also_o of_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o withal_o high_o sensible_a of_o the_o general_a advantage_n which_o thereby_o will_v redound_v to_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o his_o letter_n b._n direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o county_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_z cambridge_n huntendon_n northampton_n and_o lincoln_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n the_o xith_o of_o july_n jac._n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n encourage_v their_o proceed_n therein_o express_v his_o readiness_n to_o allow_v a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o land_n to_o be_v so_o recover_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n in_o like_a proportion_n that_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n shall_v do_v and_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v one_o henry_n totnall_n and_o john_n hunt_v respective_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o to_o treat_v and_o contract_v with_o as_o many_o lord_n and_o commoner_n as_o they_o may_v touch_v the_o premise_n desire_v likewise_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o be_v aid_v to_o the_o say_v henry_n totnall_n and_o i._o hunt_v therein_o the_o limit_n b._n of_o the_o commission_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n 1605._o attempt_v aâ—_n 1605._o the_o ground_n lie_v between_o and_o within_o any_o the_o limit_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n every_o way_n between_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o between_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o same_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o norff._n suff._n cambr._n and_o huntingdon_n and_o between_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o huntingdon_n &_o northampton_n shire_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n aswell_o of_o the_o washes_n in_o lincolnshire_n as_o those_o between_o the_o same_o wash_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n great_a porsant_a bank_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o say_a river_n of_o welland_n great_a porsant_a bank_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n in_o the_o county_n of_o north._n and_o linc._n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n or_o in_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o the_o same_o the_o particular_a ibid._n limit_n from_o the_o corner_n of_o edw._n skypwith_n bank_n next_o to_o creek_n load_n by_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o so_o by_o that_o bank_n to_o maid_n load_n alias_o shiplode_n and_o by_o a_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n to_o calsey-dike_a and_o so_o through_o a_o part_n of_o upwell_n to_o lakebridg_v and_o from_o thence_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o friday_n brigge_n and_o so_o elm_n leame_z to_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n and_o to_o tilnâ—y_v hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o hob_n house_n alias_o bensted_n hyrne_v to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o clowes_n cross_n and_o so_o by_o south_n ea_z bank_n and_o through_o crouland_n to_o the_o further_a end_n thereof_o towards_o white_a house_n &_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o new_a bank_n or_o banks_n as_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n in_o com._n northt_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n to_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o northt_v and_o hunt_n to_o erith_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o over_o fen_n bank_n to_o over_o hive_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n to_o a_o causey_n lead_v from_o water_n beech_n to_o clay_n hive_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n unto_o upwere_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n suff._n and_o norff._n to_o stoke_n causey_n and_o by_o it_o and_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o land_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n to_o another_o bank_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n skipwith_n by_o stoke_n river_n and_o by_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o helgay_n causey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n of_o helgay_n and_o sotherey_n subject_n to_o surround_v unto_o sotherey_n calsey_n and_o by_o it_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o sotherey_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n to_o the_o say_a corner_n of_o the_o say_a mr_n edw._n skipwith_n bank_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o this_o great_a work_n direction_n be_v give_v to_o one_o mr._n richard_n atkins_n of_o outwelle_n a_o person_n who_o observation_n in_o these_o fenny_a ground_n be_v very_o notable_a to_o make_v search_n with_o a_o augar_n of_o xi_o foot_n long_a on_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o new_a leame_z from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o stanground_n stafe_n to_o find_v the_o soil_n there_o of_o at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a whereupon_o he_o begin_v so_o to_o do_v on_o the_o second_o of_o april_n 1605._o and_o find_v the_o first_o place_n on_o the_o north_n side_n 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 5._o all_o moor._n 6._o at_o mile_n and_o half_a tree_n moor_n 7_o 8._o all_o moor._n 9_o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 10._o on_o the_o north_n side_n moor_n in_o knarlake_n moor_n at_o eleven_o foot_n deep_a 12._o on_o the_o south_n side_n against_o knarlake_n all_o moor._n 13._o in_o the_o leame_z moor._n 14._o on_o the_o north_n side_n all_o moor_n to_o 8._o foot_n 15._o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 9_o foot_n deep_a 16._o by_o lord_n dike_v end_n black_a moor_n mix_v with_o earth_n 17._o in_o the_o leame_z the_o like_a 18._o on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o like_a 19_o on_o the_o south_n side_n lipny_n holt_n against_o the_o hill_n mix_v earth_n 20._o westward_o a_o furlong_n black_a moor_n mix_v 21._o the_o like_a 22._o 23._o against_o easttree_n mix_v moor._n 24._o nigh_o cotes_n moor_n on_o both_o side_n 25._o against_o cotes_n all_o moor_n above_o cotes_n on_o the_o north_n moor_n by_o basual_o hill_n 26._o at_o stonhil_n dole_n moor._n 27._o against_o calf_n croft_n south_n bassa_n gravel_n north_n moor._n 28._o between_o the_o leame_z and_o the_o lake_n against_o the_o mill_n moor._n 29._o between_o great_a hill_n and_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n moor_n mix_v 30._o between_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n and_o eastlong_a lot_n all_o clay_n aloft_o and_o gravel_n at_o 2._o foot_n 8._o inch_n 31._o more_o westward_n in_o the_o river_n gravel_n and_o silt_n at_o 4_o foot_n 32._o on_o the_o north_n side_n at_o north_n i_fw-mi gravel_n the_o like_a 33._o at_o north_n long-lott_n all_o clay_n aloft_o 34._o 35._o by_o bradley_n fen_n clay_n and_o mix_a earth_n aloft_o about_z 3_o foot_n 36._o by_o bradley_n fen_n to_o the_o leam_n end_n such_o like_a above_o but_o rank_n moor_n all_o the_o way_n under_o the_o search_n make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o plawlis_n be_v at_o erith_n bridge_n within_o lx_o pole_n of_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o first_o ham_n there_o at_o 2_o foot_n and_o 2_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a clay_n but_o after_o under_o the_o same_o at_z 8_o and_o 9_o and_o 10_o foot_n and_o upward_o be_v all_o red_a moor_n and_o so_o from_o thence_o
earth_n dig_v out_o of_o it_o she_o bring_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o riverâ—_n the_o brim_n whereof_o she_o strengthen_v with_o stone_n in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n do_v oppress_v they_o these_o two_o work_n viz._n the_o turn_n of_o the_o river_n into_o that_o wind_a posture_n and_o the_o make_v that_o drayn_n she_o do_v first_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o many_o bend_n thereof_o may_v glide_v more_o gentle_o next_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o ship_n towards_o babylon_n may_v be_v crooked_a and_o last_o that_o by_o those_o navigation_n the_o long_a turn_n of_o the_o channel_n may_v be_v sustain_v cap._n ii_o greece_n greece_n i_o next_o come_v to_o those_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o grecian_n whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n in_o thessaly_n and_o acarnania_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v say_v 423._o to_o have_v be_v ancient_o a_o lake_n be_v on_o every_o side_n enclose_v with_o mountain_n for_o on_o the_o east_n it_o have_v the_o hill_n peleon_n and_o ossa_n mutual_o join_v at_o their_o descent_n to_o the_o north_n olympus_n to_o the_o west_n pindus_n and_o to_o the_o south_n othris_n the_o valley_n betwixt_o these_o hill_n be_v thessaly_n among_o other_o river_n that_o flow_v into_o it_o these_o five_o be_v the_o chief_a peneus_n apidanus_n onochonus_n enipeus_n and_o pamisus_n which_o run_v from_o the_o hill_n encompass_v this_o country_n meet_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o become_v one_o stream_n which_o at_o one_o passage_n and_o that_o but_o narrow_a issue_v into_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o confluence_n of_o these_o water_n peneus_n continue_v the_o name_n it_o be_v report_v ibid._n that_o in_o old_a time_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o outlet_a these_o river_n and_o the_o lake_n bebeis_n beside_o be_v not_o call_v as_o at_o present_a although_o they_o do_v run_v no_o less_o than_o now_o but_o run_v make_v all_o thessaly_n a_o sea_n the_o thessalian_n themselves_o say_v that_o neptune_n make_v that_o passage_n by_o which_o peneus_n flow_v into_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o greek_n ascribe_v all_o beneficial_a invention_n to_o their_o god_n and_o herodotus_n take_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o earthquake_n but_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a work_n of_o drayn_v and_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o place_n of_o extraordinary_a pleasantness_n i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o map_n of_o tempe_n in_o ortelius_n his_o parergon_n of_o acarnania_n this_o be_v observable_a 2.10_o that_o where_o achelous_n a_o river_n of_o that_o country_n run_v into_o the_o sea_n it_o have_v already_o make_v continent_n one_o half_a of_o the_o island_n call_v echinades_n and_o that_o the_o fable_n go_v that_o 458._o hercules_n here_o encounter_v with_o achelous_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o bull_n because_o of_o the_o roar_a noise_n of_o the_o river_n break_v off_o one_o of_o his_o horn_n and_o give_v it_o to_o oeneus_n in_o pledge_n of_o his_o marriage_n with_o deianeira_n his_o daughter_n they_o which_o collect_v truth_n out_o of_o fable_n say_v that_o hercules_n who_o be_v general_o beneficial_a for_o oeneus_n his_o father_n in_o law_n be_v sake_n restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a overflowing_n of_o this_o river_n with_o bank_n and_o trench_n and_o drayn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cornucopia_n which_o the_o poet_n make_v to_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o plenty_n cap._n v._o of_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o roman_a work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o those_o very_a eminent_a i_o shall_v next_o make_v manifest_a by_o their_o drain_v in_o the_o pompeian_a marsh_n the_o fossa_n mariana_n the_o improvement_n about_o placentia_n and_o gallia_n cisalpina_n the_o restraint_n of_o the_o river_n tiber_n in_o its_o overflowing_n and_o the_o exsiccation_n of_o the_o great_a fucine_n lake_n in_o italy_n sect._n 1_o the_o pompein_a marsh_n in_o the_o year_n 593_o when_o l._n anicius_n gallus_n &_o m._n cornelius_n cethegus_n be_v consul_n the_o senate_n 43.915.922_o be_v in_o counsel_n concern_v the_o province_n because_o there_o seem_v not_o sufficient_a use_n against_o the_o enemy_n for_o the_o ordinary_a force_n of_o both_o the_o consul_n which_o be_v 4_o legion_n beside_o the_o auxiliary_n &_o socii_fw-la there_o be_v a_o motion_n make_v concern_v the_o improvement_n of_o a_o great_a level_n of_o waste_a land_n lie_v under_o water_n about_o xl_o mile_n from_o rome_n in_o latium_n which_o business_n be_v entertain_v with_o great_a approbation_n for_o cuâ—ne_n like_a as_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o most_o high_a commondation_n for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o be_v call_v a_o good_a husbandman_n by_o the_o consul_n so_o do_v the_o senate_n now_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v deserve_v the_o praise_n of_o good_a husband_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o in_o this_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n they_o can_v gain_v such_o a_o quantity_n of_o rich_a land_n to_o italy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n mountainous_a and_o barren_a neither_o be_v this_o employment_n think_v too_o mean_a for_o the_o legion_n though_o consist_v of_o free_a man_n for_o the_o roman_a and_o italian_a infantry_n as_o well_o accustom_v to_o the_o spade_n and_o basket_n as_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o buckler_n use_v to_o be_v their_o own_o pioner_n in_o their_o daily_a intrenchment_n neither_o work_v they_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n only_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a also_o in_o time_n of_o security_n the_o 39_o consul_n ao._n 566._o have_v herein_o give_v a_o precedent_n who_o lest_o their_o soldier_n shall_v be_v idle_a employ_v they_o in_o make_v of_o highway_n hereupon_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o one_o consul_n shall_v attend_v the_o enemy_n in_o gallia_n and_o the_o other_o undertake_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o pompeine_a marsh_n all_o 5._o the_o country_n which_o lie_v eastward_o of_o rome_n between_o the_o river_n tiber_n and_o campania_n be_v now_o unite_a under_o the_o name_n of_o latium_n and_o in_o it_o that_o place_n which_o lie_v towards_o the_o sea_n beneath_o the_o row_n of_o hill_n which_o reach_v from_o belitre_n to_o terracina_n be_v the_o large_a it_o be_v denominate_v from_o suessa_n pometia_n ancient_o a_o rich_a city_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o volsi_fw-la but_o now_o scarce_o extant_a the_o maritime_a part_n of_o this_o vale_n for_o a_o great_a extent_n be_v drown_v not_o so_o much_o through_o any_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o tide_n be_v here_o but_o small_a as_o by_o reason_n the_o water_n of_o amasenus_n and_o ufens_n the_o big_a river_n have_v not_o their_o passage_n sufficientt_o open_a into_o the_o sea_n diffuse_v themselves_o over_o those_o spacious_a low_a ground_n up_o towards_o sulmo_n &_o setia_n this_o tract_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pomentin_n or_o pomptin_a fen_n have_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n surround_v beyond_o all_o memory_n for_o homer_n 158._o describe_v the_o arrival_n of_o ulysses_n at_o the_o circean_a promontory_n call_v it_o a_o island_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o water_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o other_o the_o which_o island_n say_v theophrastus_n 9_o have_v about_o ten_o mile_n of_o circuit_n but_o in_o his_o time_n he_o write_v 3.5_o about_o twenty_o year_n after_o appius_n have_v be_v censor_n the_o river_n by_o cast_v up_o earth_n have_v join_v it_o to_o the_o continent_n so_o as_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o hitherto_o either_o before_o the_o roman_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n or_o since_o there_o have_v be_v any_o order_n take_v for_o the_o win_n of_o this_o ground_n from_o the_o water_n but_o now_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n the_o pomptin_a fen_n be_v lay_v dry_a 46._o by_o cornelius_n cethegus_n the_o consul_n to_o who_o that_o province_n fall_v and_o they_o be_v make_v good_a ground_n the_o country_n people_n allure_v therefore_o with_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o soil_n settle_v themselves_o here_o in_o such_o abundance_n that_o there_o be_v say_v aevi_fw-la to_o be_v not_o long_o after_o this_o time_n for_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o of_o any_o former_a three_o and_o twenty_o town_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v a_o land_n capable_a of_o many_o thousand_o husbandman_n but_o c._n in_o after_o time_n whilst_o the_o state_n distract_v with_o civil_a faction_n neglect_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o work_n the_o water_n again_o by_o degree_n gain_v upon_o the_o land_n so_o d._n as_o julius_n caesar_n have_v a_o intention_n not_o only_o to_o have_v drayn_v the_o fen_n anew_o but_o to_o have_v bring_v the_o appian_n way_n through_o they_o whether_o augusâ—us_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o may_v be_v doubt_v for_o 26.4_o in_o vespasian_n time_n they_o
to_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o certain_a other_o land_n of_o a_o c._n acre_n in_o stowe_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o old_a pow_n diche_a which_o be_v whole_o in_o defect_n 16_o all_o which_o bank_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o the_o decay_a message_n of_o north_n delf_n aught_o to_o be_v five_o foot_n above_o the_o fen_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n and_o from_o the_o say_a northdelf_n house_n to_o mulai_n court_n the_o say_a bank_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o height_n vi_fw-la foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o in_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n 17_o and_o that_o the_o menure_n for_o the_o repair_n &_o make_v of_o the_o same_o bank_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n xij_o foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n save_v in_o the_o time_n of_o great_a need_n and_o not_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n but_o in_o the_o winter_n time_n and_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 and_o then_o c._n foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n but_o because_o there_o be_v no_o punishment_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a decree_n for_o such_o offender_n as_o take_v their_o menure_n within_o xij_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o whereby_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n in_o divers_a place_n be_v very_o sore_o diminish_v and_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o salvation_n aforesaid_a much_o the_o more_o in_o peril_n wherefore_o we_o find_v it_o reasonable_a that_o it_o be_v now_o decree_v that_o every_o person_n that_o shall_v take_v any_o menure_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n within_o twelve_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n except_o in_o time_n of_o great_a necessity_n shall_v lose_v and_o forfeit_v for_o every_o rod_n so_o take_v and_o decay_v as_o aforesaid_a xs._o the_o moiety_n to_o the_o finder_n of_o the_o same_o the_o other_o moiety_n to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o care_n and_o cost_n so_o outrageous_a be_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o do_v beat_v upon_o these_o sea-bank_n that_o on_o monday_n and_o tuesday_n the_o second_o and_o three_o of_o october_n in_o the_o year_n 1570._o 12_o eliz._n they_o make_v ibid._n several_a breach_n in_o they_o whereby_o all_o marshland_n together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n be_v overflow_v with_o salt_n water_n so_o that_o from_o old_a lynne_n unto_o magdalen_n bridge_n there_o be_v not_o leave_v ten_o rod_n of_o the_o â—aid_a bank_n firm_a and_o whole_a to_o the_o extraordinary_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o country_n how_o these_o breach_n be_v make_v up_o i_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o considerable_a touch_v these_o part_n until_o 39_o eliz._n that_o there_o be_v complaint_n ibid._n make_v at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o hold_v at_o beaupre_n hall_n ibid._n that_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o keep_v the_o water_n in_o rightforth_n load_n within_o the_o crest_n of_o the_o same_o the_o ground_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o say_a load_n be_v in_o time_n of_o great_a inundation_n overflow_v which_o occasion_v the_o tenant_n thereof_o for_o avoid_v of_o the_o water_n to_o cut_v the_o old_a pow_n dike_v and_o to_o issue_v the_o say_a water_n into_o marshland_n fen_n to_o the_o great_a surround_v of_o the_o same_o and_o extraordinary_a loss_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o commoner_n there_o it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v and_o decree_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n that_o if_o any_o person_n or_o person_n whatsoever_o shall_v thenceforth_o attempt_v to_o cut_v the_o say_a bank_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o intent_n aforesaid_a or_o shall_v lay_v any_o pipe_n or_o sluse_n for_o the_o water_n to_o fall_v through_o the_o same_o other_o than_o such_o as_o be_v already_o lay_v shall_v lose_v and_o forfeit_a to_o the_o say_a queen_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n xxl._o to_o be_v levy_v of_o the_o good_n and_o chatel_n of_o every_o such_o person_n upon_o every_o such_o default_n after_o this_o divers_a year_n there_o hapue_v a._n a_o mighty_a tide_n upon_o the_o first_o day_n of_o april_n 1607._o 5_o jac._n which_o break_v cat_n bank_n and_o drown_v clenchwarton_n on_o the_o xuth_o of_o which_o month_n there_o be_v another_o survey_n arm._n make_v of_o the_o before-specified_n new_a pow_n dike_v together_o with_o a_o agistment_n thereof_o by_o one_o mr._n richard_n atkins_n of_o outwell_n which_o be_v perform_v very_o exact_o by_o the_o rod_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a of_o strict_a measure_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o perch_n charge_v upon_o every_o town_n and_o begin_v at_o the_o stone_n erect_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n near_o mullicourt_n corner_n by_o saltham_n lake_n the_o number_n of_o perch_n from_o mullicourt_n to_o northdelf_n close_n be_v there_o find_v to_o be_v ccccxlix_fw-la according_a to_o the_o large_a hundred_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o book_n and_o roll_n of_o the_o country_n from_o whence_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o opposite_a to_o the_o say_a northdelfe_n close_n be_v assign_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o sir_n francis_n gawdey_n knight_n for_o the_o whole_a length_n thereof_o as_o ancient_o it_o have_v be_v and_o from_o that_o place_n it_o go_v on_o more_o towards_o the_o east_n from_o the_o east_n corner_n of_o the_o before-specified_n close_n near_o the_o ditch_n unto_o a_o stone_n fix_v nigh_o salter_n load_n which_o be_v the_o charge_n belong_v to_o stow-bardolf_n for_o those_o land_n call_v the_o hundred_o acre_n but_o this_o part_n be_v measure_v by_o the_o rod_n of_o xvij_o foot_n and_o so_o accord_v perfect_o with_o the_o just_a number_n of_o perch_n ancient_o assign_v to_o each_o town_n of_o marshland_n all_o which_o be_v do_v there_o be_v special_a merestone_n set_v up_o by_o the_o say_v richard_n atkins_n which_o have_v peculiar_a name_n grave_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o do_v distinguish_v the_o several_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n charge_v upon_o each_o town_n and_o thence_o for_o the_o hundred_o acre_n of_o stow_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o ditch_n which_o compass_v the_o tenement_n at_o salter_n load_n be_v twenty-three_o perch_n and_o ten_o foot_n according_a to_o the_o say_v rod._n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v agree_v betwixt_o the_o dyke-reeves_n who_o be_v then_o in_o office_n that_o the_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n charge_v upon_o uuest_n lynne_n shall_v be_v transpose_v and_o agi_v aswell_o above_o as_o below_o with_o tilney_n and_o uuigenhale_n where_o the_o say_a bank_n be_v more_o secure_a in_o regard_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o lynne_n have_v be_v find_v so_o negligent_a in_o repair_v and_o maintain_v their_o part_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o final_o conclude_v betwixt_o the_o principal_a guardian_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n that_o this_o new_a survey_n &_o assignation_n of_o part_n shall_v continue_v in_o force_n for_o ever_o and_o all_o former_o make_v in_o regard_n they_o be_v so_o confuse_v to_o be_v utter_o void_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v on_o the_o xvith_o of_o august_n viz._n 6_o jac._n an._n 1608_o it_o be_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n decree_v a._n that_o a_o new_a drayn_n or_o lode_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o end_n of_o chancelour_n load_n unto_o tylney_n smethe_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o bank_n to_o the_o fen-ward_n of_o the_o aforesaid_a ancient_a sewer_n which_o drayn_n to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o or_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n likewise_o that_o a_o sluse_n or_o goal_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o north_n end_n of_o chancelour_n load_n to_o convey_v the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n into_o the_o common_a sewer_n and_o it_o be_v then_o also_o decree_v that_o the_o land-holders_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n shall_v from_o that_o time_n forward_o â—ew_a and_o pass_v the_o water_n out_o of_o those_o their_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o say_a south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n between_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o north_n and_o ingham_n field_n halfpenny_n field_n and_o hospital_n field_n on_o the_o south_n and_o gold_n bank_n on_o the_o west_n contain_v by_o estimation_n eleven_o hundred_o acre_n of_o ground_n every_o year_n from_o the_o twenty-five_o of_o march_n until_o the_o first_o of_o november_n by_o a_o pipe_n of_o xviij_o inch_n square_a under_o the_o little_a river_n of_o wisâ—beche_n at_o a_o place_n call_v new_a common_a into_o eneme_v field_n and_o so_o into_o walsoken_n drain_v and_o so_o to_o the_o smethe_v
nor_o the_o persian_n make_v use_v but_o hold_v a_o guard_n there_o to_o keep_v off_o stranger_n howbeit_o alexander_n the_o great_a see_v the_o opportunity_n of_o place_n cause_v a_o city_n to_o be_v build_v there_o which_o bear_v his_o name_n the_o foundation_n whereof_o be_v lay_v with_o brann_n instead_o of_o chalk_n which_o be_v take_v for_o a_o good_a omen_n which_o city_n be_v seat_v as_o it_o be_v between_o two_o sea_n have_v on_o the_o south_n the_o lake_n mareia_n or_o mareotis_n but_o it_o have_v be_v a_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n to_o have_v dwell_v in_o a_o dry_a country_n so_o far_o from_o the_o river_n nilus_n have_v not_o that_o discommodity_n be_v avoid_v by_o mean_n of_o artificial_a river_n therefore_o that_o navigable_a channel_n be_v make_v from_o canopus_n which_o become_v 8â—0_n famous_a for_o the_o practice_n of_o luxury_n another_o navigable_a river_n be_v also_o a._n make_v from_o the_o haven_n on_o the_o midland_n sea_n to_o the_o say_a lake_n mareotis_n this_o a._n lake_n be_v fill_v from_o the_o river_n nile_n by_o many_o trench_n as_o well_o from_o above_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o lake_n meris_fw-la whereof_o i_o have_v speak_v as_o on_o the_o side_n of_o it_o by_o trench_n cut_v immediate_o from_o the_o nile_n and_o have_v eight_o island_n in_o it_o contain_v c._n above_o a_o 150_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o near_o 300_o in_o length_n be_v well_o inhabit_v round_o about_o and_o afford_v good_a corn._n by_o which_o water-passage_n a._n much_o more_o commodity_n be_v bring_v to_o alexandria_n than_o by_o sea_n so_o as_o the_o haven_n on_o the_o lake_n side_n be_v rich_a than_o that_o on_o the_o sea_n and_o more_o good_n carry_v from_o alexandria_n to_o italy_n than_o from_o italy_n thither_o as_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o vessel_n more_o or_o less_o fraught_v which_o pass_v to_o and_o again_o from_o thence_o and_o from_o puteoli_n beside_o the_o wealth_n that_o be_v bring_v in_o at_o both_o havens_n from_o the_o lake_n and_o sea_n the_o goodness_n of_o the_o air_n be_v not_o unworthy_a to_o be_v remember_v it_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o water_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o seasonable_a rise_n of_o the_o river_n nilus_n for_o whereas_o other_o town_n situate_v by_o lake_n have_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o summer_n a_o gross_a and_o stifle_a air_n forasmuch_o as_o their_o bank_n be_v leave_v muddy_a slimy_a exhalation_n be_v draw_v up_o by_o the_o sun_n which_o make_v the_o air_n unwholesome_a and_o occasion_n sickness_n here_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o summer_n the_o nile_n be_v full_a fill_v the_o lake_n leave_v no_o part_n muddy_a to_o exhale_v any_o malignant_a vapour_n at_o which_o time_n the_o etesian_a wind_n blow_v also_o from_o the_o north_n sea_n so_o as_o the_o alexandrian_n pass_v the_o summer_n pleasant_o and_o that_o the_o improvement_n make_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o drain_v and_o new_a river_n after_o the_o build_n of_o alexandria_n be_v very_o large_a appear_v by_o these_o follow_a instance_n in_o several_a age_n in_o b._n the_o sacred_a commentary_n of_o the_o ancient_a priest_n there_o be_v number_v in_o egypt_n city_n and_o town_n of_o note_n eighteen_o thousand_o under_o amasis_n the_o last_o king_n before_o the_o persian_a conquest_n there_o be_v 177._o twenty_o thousand_o town_n in_o egypt_n inhabit_v and_o under_o ptolemy_n the_o first_o above_o thirty_o thousand_o the_o print_a copy_n of_o diodorus_n have_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o read_v be_v faulty_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o precede_a number_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o theocritus_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o seven_o pleyade_n in_o the_o court_n of_o philadelphus_n the_o second_o ptolemy_n in_o who_o territory_n there_o 82._o be_v thirty_o three_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o thirty_o nine_o the_o improvement_n seem_v then_o to_o be_v more_o complete_a howbeit_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n through_o great_a neglect_n these_o trench_n and_o drayn_n by_o which_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o nile_n so_o much_o enrich_v this_o country_n be_v fill_v 18._o with_o mud_n but_o augustus_n caesar_n have_v reduce_v egypt_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o province_n to_o the_o roman_a empire_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v scour_v 18._o by_o his_o soldier_n which_o noble_a work_n do_v so_o much_o restore_v it_o to_o the_o fertility_n it_o former_o have_v and_o consequent_o increase_v the_o populousnesse_n thereof_o that_o the_o number_n of_o person_n there_o inhabit_v over_o and_o beside_o the_o alexandrian_n be_v short_o after_o find_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o seven_o million_o and_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o as_o the_o tribute_n 16._o money_n pay_v by_o every_o head_n do_v manifest_a and_o thus_o much_o for_o egypt_n cap._n ii_o babylon_n i_o be_o now_o come_v to_o that_o sometime_o famous_a city_n of_o babylon_n situate_v in_o a_o low_a and_o flat_a country_n of_o which_o sir_n walter_n raleigh_n give_v a_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_o write_v of_o belus_n who_o succeed_v nimrod_n the_o first_o assyrian_a monarch_n say_v 4._o that_o it_o be_v think_v he_o spend_v much_o of_o his_o time_n in_o disburthen_v the_o low_a land_n of_o babylon_n and_o dry_v and_o make_v firm_a ground_n of_o all_o those_o great_a fen_n and_o overflow_v marsh_n which_o adjoin_v to_o it_o how_o the_o part_n hereabout_o come_v thus_o to_o be_v surround_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o pliny_n say_v which_o be_v thus_o in_o effect_n the_o river_n 26._o euphrates_n be_v cut_v into_o two_o part_n stretch_v its_o left_a arm_n into_o mesopotamia_n by_o seleucia_n the_o principal_a city_n in_o syria_n and_o so_o into_o tigris_n and_o it_o be_v right_a arm_n to_o babylon_n the_o chief_a city_n of_o chaldea_n whence_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n thereof_o it_o run_v into_o the_o fen_n it_o be_v report_v 26._o that_o this_o division_n of_o that_o river_n be_v make_v by_o gobaris_n the_o perfect_a lest_o otherwise_o by_o its_o violent_a course_n it_o may_v have_v infest_a the_o city_n of_o babylon_n but_o by_o the_o assyrian_n it_o be_v call_v ibid._n naarmalcha_n which_o signify_v the_o kingly_a river_n that_o the_o inundation_n from_o this_o river_n be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o same_o reason_n as_o those_o of_o nilus_n before_o speak_v of_o we_o have_v not_o only_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o before_o specify_v 26._o author_n but_o of_o strabo_n who_o word_n 740._o be_v these_o exundat_fw-la enim_fw-la euphrates_n aestate_fw-la sub_fw-la ver_fw-la incipiens_fw-la etc._n etc._n euphrates_n overflow_v in_o summer_n begin_v at_o the_o spring_n time_n when_o the_o snow_n in_o armenia_n melt_v so_o that_o the_o field_n must_v needs_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o waterâ—_n unless_o that_o the_o flood_n be_v divert_v by_o trench_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o restrain_v the_o river_n nilus_n in_o egypt_n hereupon_o therefore_o be_v it_o that_o channel_n be_v dig_v etc._n etc._n that_o the_o bank_n and_o drain_v make_v by_o belus_n do_v not_o full_o accomplish_v that_o work_n of_o drayn_v above_o mention_v or_o in_o case_n it_o do_v that_o after-age_n through_o discontinuance_n of_o their_o repair_n be_v little_o the_o better_a for_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n 76._o who_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o famous_a queen_n of_o babylon_n viz._n semiramis_n and_o nitocris_n say_v of_o semiramis_n who_o reign_v five_o age_n before_o the_o other_o haec_fw-la per_fw-la planitiem_fw-la aggeres_fw-la extruxit_fw-la spectando_fw-la dignos_fw-la quum_fw-la antehac_fw-la flumen_fw-la eam_fw-la restagnare_fw-la solitum_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la she_o raise_v bank_n throughout_o the_o whole_a level_n worthy_a of_o observation_n whereas_o before_o she_o do_v so_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v drown_v by_o the_o river_n and_o of_o nitocris_n that_o iâ—id_n be_v more_o active_a &_o diligent_a than_o her_o predecessor_n ante_fw-la omne_fw-la fluvium_fw-la euphratim_fw-la &c_n &c_n in_o the_o first_o place_n she_o divert_v the_o stream_n of_o euphrates_n into_o crooked_a channel_n which_o before_o run_v in_o a_o straight_a course_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o city_n level_v the_o ditch_n above_o so_o that_o it_o may_v thrice_o flow_v into_o arderica_fw-la a_o certain_a village_n of_o assyria_n and_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o the_o sea_n towards_o babylon_n through_o the_o river_n euphrates_n shall_v thrice_o land_v at_o this_o village_n for_o three_o day_n together_o this_o she_o thus_o accomplish_v and_o likewise_o upon_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o say_a river_n on_o each_o side_n she_o raise_v bank_n for_o bigness_n and_o height_n wonderful_a to_o behold_v moreover_o far_o above_o the_o city_n and_o at_o some_o distance_n from_o the_o river_n she_o dig_v a_o channel_n for_o the_o fen_n as_o deep_a as_o the_o water_n which_o be_v in_o breadth_n every_o way_n near_o three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o furlong_n and_o the_o
be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o miracle_n they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o well_o inhabit_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o conjecture_v when_o the_o bed_n of_o the_o river_n be_v scour_v and_o the_o land_n trench_v be_v that_o great_a cut_n make_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o fen_n which_o serve_v afterward_o not_o so_o much_o for_o a_o sewer_n as_o the_o more_o direct_a and_o easy_a passage_n of_o the_o traveller_n for_o whereas_o the_o appian_n way_n trace_v the_o upland_n turn_v eastward_o and_o go_v in_o compass_n about_o the_o fensâ—_n this_o be_v draw_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n cross_v over_o more_o direct_o and_o meet_v the_o highway_n again_o about_o three_o mile_n from_o terracina_n say_v b._n strabo_n as_o you_o go_v to_o rome_n this_o canal_n abut_v on_o the_o appian_n way_n and_o be_v replenish_v in_o many_o place_n with_o the_o fennish_a and_o river_n water_n the_o ordinary_a passage_n be_v in_o the_o night_n so_o as_o they_o who_o go_v aboard_o in_o the_o evening_n land_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o journey_n in_o the_o appian_n way_n they_o pass_v also_o in_o the_o daytime_n the_o boat_n be_v tow_v with_o mule_n which_o water-passage_n be_v elegant_o describe_v by_o horace_n 5â—_n where_o the_o company_n part_v he_o mention_v the_o two_o way_n from_o forum_n appii_n to_o terracina_n the_o appian_n and_o this_o by_o boat_n this_o landing-place_n next_o to_o rome_n be_v in_o aftertime_n know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o forum_n appii_n a_o small_a town_n inhabit_v â—_o chief_o by_o watermen_n and_o victualler_n but_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a whether_o it_o be_v former_o build_v when_o the_o appian_n be_v first_o make_v or_o whether_o now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v erect_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o they_o that_o here_o do_v take_v water_n &_o name_v from_o the_o road_n whereon_o it_o stand_v the_o use_n of_o this_o passage_n continue_v long_o after_o the_o restagnation_n of_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v not_o again_o drayn_v till_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n perform_v the_o work_n which_o julius_n caesar_n perhaps_o intend_v make_v a_o stone_n way_n through_o the_o pomptin_a fen_n build_v 777._o inn_n thereon_o &_o most_o magnificent_a bridge_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o such_o water_n as_o be_v on_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o fen_n in_o memory_n whereof_o a_o monumental_a stone_n be_v erect_v with_o this_o inscription_n copy_v from_o the_o original_n at_o terracina_n by_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n mr._n john_n graves_n imp._n caesar_n divi_z nervae_fw-la filius_n nerva_n traianus_n aug._n germanicus_n dacicus_n pontif_n max._n trib_o pot_n xiiii_o imp._n vi_o cos._n v._o pp_n decennâ—vium_n xviiii_o silice_fw-la sva_fw-la pegunia_fw-la stravit_fw-la liii_o this_o work_n of_o trajan's_n have_v no_o peculiar_a name_n but_o because_o it_o shorten_v the_o appian_n way_n be_v esteem_v part_n of_o it_o yet_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o from_o the_o number_n of_o mile-stone_n it_o be_v call_v decennovium_fw-la the_o reckon_n be_v hierosoâ—ym_n from_o forum_n appii_n ad_fw-la medea_n the_o lodging_n of_o trajan_n rear_v on_o the_o way_n ix_o mile_n from_o thence_o to_o terracina_n x_o more_o and_o the_o canal_n or_o river_n so_o call_v because_o 1.182_o it_o be_v nineteeen_o mile_n long_o after_o this_o theodoricus_n king_n of_o italy_n authorize_v one_o decius_n to_o drain_v 33._o paludem_fw-la decennoviiâ—_n â—_z which_o he_o perform_v by_o cut_v many_o trench_n that_o be_v not_o before_o this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o time_n that_o these_o marsh_n be_v lay_v dry_a and_o in_o memory_n thereof_o cause_v this_o inscription_n 152._o to_o be_v set_v up_o anxuri_n sive_fw-la terracinae_fw-la in_o caesarei_n templo_fw-la dn_n gloriosiss_n adq._n in_o clutus_n rex_fw-la the_o odoricus_n vict._n ac_fw-la trif_n semper_fw-la aug._n bono_n reip._n natus_n custos_fw-la libertatis_fw-la et_fw-la propagator_fw-la romani_fw-la nominis_fw-la domitor_n gentium_fw-la decennovii_n viae_fw-la appiae_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la a._n trip_v vsq_fw-la terracenam_fw-la iter_fw-la ad._n loca_fw-la quae_fw-la confluentibus_fw-la ab_fw-la utraq_n parte_fw-la paludum_fw-la per._n omnes._n retro-principium_a inundaverunt_fw-la vsvi._n publico_fw-la et_fw-la securitati_fw-la viantium_fw-la admiranda_fw-la propitio_fw-la deo_fw-la felicitate_a restitvit_fw-la operi_fw-la iniuncto_fw-la naviter_fw-la insudante_n adq._n clementissimi_fw-la principis_fw-la feliciter_fw-la deserviente_fw-it praeconiis_fw-la exit_fw-la prosapia_fw-la decio_n rum_fw-la caec_fw-la mav_n basilio_n decio_n vc_n inl_n expf_n vrb._n exppo_n exit_fw-la cons_n ord_n pat_n qvi_fw-fr ad_fw-la perpetuandam_fw-la tanti_fw-la domini_fw-la gloriam_fw-la per._n plurimos_fw-la qvi._n ante_fw-la erant_fw-la albeos_fw-la ....._o ............................._o deducta_fw-la in._n mare_n aqva_n ignoâ—ae_fw-la atavis_fw-la et_fw-la nimis_fw-la antiqvae_fw-la reddi_fw-la ......................._o sect._n 2._o fossa_n mariana_n this_o be_v make_v 414._o by_o the_o famous_a marius_n 65._o who_o be_v seven_o time_n consul_n near_o unto_o one_o of_o the_o outfall_n of_o the_o great_a river_n rhodanus_n in_o that_o fenny_a and_o marish_a country_n not_o far_o from_o aries_n and_o issue_v into_o the_o sea_n sect._n 3_o the_o fen_n about_o placentia_n these_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o overflowing_n of_o the_o po_n be_v 217._o drayn_v by_o scaurus_n who_o cause_v navigable_a trench_n to_o be_v cut_v from_o they_o into_o parma_n the_o like_a be_v still_o observable_a in_o the_o territory_n of_o ferrara_n which_o though_o a_o low_a ground_n and_o receive_v the_o current_n of_o po_n with_o other_o river_n of_o lombardy_n be_v yet_o secure_v by_o bank_n and_o work_n which_o hinder_v their_o inundation_n particular_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o rotto_n di_fw-mi ficarollo_n and_o the_o ramo_n di_fw-it polistella_n sect._n 4._o gallia_n cis-alpina_a this_o 5._o country_n much_o abound_v with_o river_n especial_o that_o territory_n belong_v to_o the_o venetian_n which_o lie_v flat_a and_o towards_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o tide_n become_v a_o fenny_a marish_a but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o trench_n and_o bank_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v long_o before_o experiment_v in_o the_o low_a egypt_n some_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v 212._o drayn_v and_o make_v useful_a for_o tillage_n some_o navigable_a and_o some_o cut_n into_o island_n sect._n 5._o of_o the_o river_n tiber._n to_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a overflowing_n of_o this_o stream_n which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a choke_v with_o dung_n and_o several_a old_a building_n that_o have_v fall_v into_o it_o i_o find_v 30._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n bestow_v some_o cost_n in_o the_o clear_n and_o scour_v of_o it_o and_o that_o after_o this_o through_o 1._o abundance_n of_o rain_n the_o low_a ground_n about_o the_o city_n suffer_v much_o by_o great_a inundation_n thereof_o the_o remedy_n in_o prevent_v the_o like_a for_o the_o future_a be_v by_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o ateius_n capito_n and_o l._n aruntius_n whereupon_o it_o be_v by_o they_o discuss_v in_o the_o senate_n whether_o for_o the_o moderate_v the_o flood_n of_o this_o river_n the_o stream_n and_o lake_n whereby_o it_o increase_v shall_v be_v turn_v another_o way_n but_o to_o that_o proposal_n there_o be_v several_a objection_n make_v from_o sundry_a city_n and_o colony_n the_o florentine_n desire_v that_o the_o clanis_n may_v not_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o accustom_a channel_n and_o turn_v into_o the_o river_n arnus_n in_o regard_n much_o prejudice_n will_v thereby_o befall_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o terano_n argue_v affirm_v that_o if_o the_o river_n nar_n shall_v but_o cut_v into_o small_a stream_n the_o overflowing_n thereof_o will_v surround_v the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n of_o italy_n neither_o be_v those_o of_o reate_n a_o city_n in_o umbria_n silent_a who_o refuse_v to_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o lake_n uelinus_fw-la now_o call_v lago_n de_fw-fr terni_fw-la into_o the_o say_a river_n nar._n the_o business_n therefore_o find_v this_o opposition_n be_v let_v alone_o after_o which_o nerva_n or_o trajan_n attempt_v 27._o likewise_o by_o a_o trench_n to_o prevent_v the_o fatal_a inundation_n of_o this_o river_n but_o without_o success_n sect._n 6._o the_o fucine_n lake_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o little_a to_o be_v admire_v what_o labour_n and_o cost_v the_o roman_n bestow_v in_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v testify_v 20._o of_o the_o emperor_n claudius_n that_o he_o employ_v no_o less_o than_o thirty_o thousand_o man_n for_o the_o space_n of_o eleven_o year_n without_o intermission_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o great_a fucine_n câ—lanâ—_n lake_n in_o italy_n who_o dig_v for_o that_o purpose_n a_o channel_n of_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n whereof_o part_n be_v cut_v through_o a_o mountain_n yet_o do_v not_o accomplish_v the_o work_n which_o failingâ—_n no_o whit_n deter_v posterity_n for_o make_v father_n attempt_v therein_o
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
say_a bank_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o amendment_n in_o 34_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n fortescu_n knight_n then_o chief_a justice_n of_o the_o king_n bench_n john_n fylolle_n thomas_n burgoyne_n walter_n grene_n john_n harpour_n robert_n tanfeld_n will._n chadworth_n thomas_n cornwalys_n and_o thomas_n croxton_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o s._n katherine_n mill_n before_o mention_v unto_o the_o chapel_n call_v s._n marie_n matfelone_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n dunstan_n in_o stepenhithe_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o bremley_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o leye_n thence_o to_o the_o thames_n and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o those_o of_o romeney_n marsh_n the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n in_o 7_o e._n 4._o have_v thomas_n abbot_n of_o grace_n near_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n thomas_n urswyk_n thomas_n frowyk_n esquire_n and_o other_o in_o 14_o e._n 4._o sir_n thomas_n urswyke_a knight_n john_n elryngtone_n thomas_n frowyk_n will._n essex_n and_o other_o be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o all_o those_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o by_o make_v law_n etc._n etc._n and_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o 20_o e._n 4._o thomas_n bishop_n of_o london_n edmund_z abbot_z of_o grace_n will._n wirsley_n dean_n of_o paul_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o sir_n thomas_n frowyk_n knight_n richard_n gardener_z and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o lymeostez_n and_o the_o wall_n call_v black_a wall_n so_o ibid._n also_o in_o the_o same_o year_n have_v the_o say_a thomas_n edmund_z and_o william_n together_z with_o henry_n sharp_a dean_n of_o the_o free_a chapel_n of_o s._n stephan_n within_o the_o king_n palace_n at_o westminster_n john_n harding_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n thomas_n of_o acon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n sir_n thomas_z frowyk_fw-mi knight_n richard_n gardner_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o leye_a betwixt_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o bridge_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n side_n of_o those_o river_n and_o the_o roadway_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o white_a chapel_n parish_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n before-specified_n cap._n xvi_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n and_o that_o some_o place_n in_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n itself_o have_v original_o be_v fenny_a and_o moorish_a though_o now_o by_o no_o small_a industry_n and_o cost_n equal_v the_o chief_a which_o be_v natural_o otherwise_o be_v apparent_a from_o undoubted_a testimony_n fitz_n stephan_n who_o live_v above_o five_o hundred_o year_n since_o speak_v of_o that_o place_n now_o call_v b._n moor_n field_n say_v thus_o cum_fw-la est_fw-la congelata_fw-la palus_fw-la illa_fw-la magna_fw-la quae_fw-la moenia_fw-la vrbis_fw-la aquilonalis_fw-la alluit_fw-la exeunt_fw-la lusum_fw-la super_fw-la glaciem_fw-la densae_fw-la juvenum_fw-la turmae_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o the_o great_a fen_n which_o water_v the_o wall_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o city_n be_v freeze_v multitude_n of_o young_a people_n go_v to_o play_v upon_o the_o ice_n some_o take_v a_o little_a room_n to_o run_v do_v set_v their_o foot_n a_o good_a distance_n and_o glide_v a_o great_a way_n other_o sit_v upon_o thick_a piece_n of_o ice_n as_o big_a as_o millstone_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o many_o who_o hold_v hand_n in_o hand_n when_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o slip_v they_o all_o tumble_v down_o together_o but_o other_o more_o expert_a in_o sport_v thereon_o fix_v bone_n under_o their_o heel_n and_o take_v a_o pikestaff_n do_v shove_v themselves_o forward_o with_o so_o much_o force_n that_o they_o glide_v with_o no_o less_o swiftness_n than_o a_o bird_n fly_v or_o a_o arrow_n pass_v out_o of_o a_o bow_n this_o fen_n say_v a._n stow_n stretch_v from_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n betwixt_o bishopsgate_n and_o the_o postern_n call_v cripplegate_n to_o finsbury_n and_o to_o holy-well_a continue_v a_o waste_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a ground_n a_o long_a time_n so_o that_o the_o same_o be_v all_o let_v for_o four_o mark_n the_o year_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o but_o in_o the_o year_n mccccxv_n 3_o h._n 5._o thomas_n fawconer_n maior_n cause_v the_o wall_n to_o be_v break_v towards_o the_o moor_n and_o build_v the_o postern_n call_v moor_n gate_n for_o ease_v of_o the_o citizen_n to_o walk_v that_o way_n upon_o causey_n to_o iseldâ—n_n and_o hoxton_n moreover_o he_o cause_v the_o ditch_n of_o the_o city_n and_o other_o the_o ditch_n from_o shores-ditch_n to_o deep_a ditch_n by_o bethlem_n into_o the_o moor_n ditch_n to_o be_v new_o cast_v and_o cleanse_v by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o say_a fen_n or_o moor_n be_v great_o drain_v and_o dry_v and_o in_o the_o year_n mdxij_o roger_n atchley_n maior_n cause_v divers_a dikes_n to_o be_v cast_v and_o make_v to_o drain_v the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v moor_n field_n with_o bridge_n arch_v over_o they_o and_o the_o ground_n about_o to_o be_v level_v whereby_o the_o say_a field_n be_v make_v somewhat_o more_o commodious_a but_o yet_o it_o stand_v full_a of_o noisome_a water_n whereupon_o in_o the_o year_n mdxxvij_o sir_n thomas_n seymour_n maior_n cause_v divers_a sluice_n to_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v the_o say_v water_n over_o the_o town_n ditch_n into_o the_o course_n of_o walbrooke_n and_o so_o into_o the_o thames_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n be_v this_o fen_n or_o moor_n at_o length_n make_v main_a and_o hard_a ground_n which_o before_o be_v overgrow_v with_o flag_n sedge_n and_o rush_n serve_v to_o no_o use_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o thereabouts_o long_o since_o much_o better_a than_o a_o marish_a for_o the_o same_o author_n a._n say_v that_o in_o the_o year_n mdxcv_o he_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o labourer_n have_v break_v up_o the_o pavement_n against_o chancery_n lane_n end_n up_z towards_z s._n dunstan_n church_n and_o have_v dig_v four_o foot_n deep_a they_o find_v another_o pavement_n of_o hard_a stone_n more_o sufficient_a than_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o hard_o to_o be_v break_v under_o which_o be_v in_o the_o made-ground_n pile_n of_o timber_n drive_v very_o thick_a and_o almost_o close_o together_o the_o same_o be_v as_o black_a as_o coal_n and_o many_o of_o they_o rot_v and_o now_o to_o manifest_v that_o not_o only_o the_o law_n but_o the_o usual_a practice_n be_v where_o disobedience_n or_o neglect_n have_v be_v find_v in_o those_o as_o be_v chardgable_a with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o any_o bank_n or_o sewer_n make_v for_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o such_o marsh_n as_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o surround_v that_o coercion_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o shall_v here_o exhibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o decree_n pettiâ—ag_n make_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ilford_n in_o essex_n 19_o aprilis_n aº_n 1639._o which_o recite_v a_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o like_a session_n at_o ilford_n before-specified_n for_o raise_v the_o sum_n of_o seventeen_o hundred_o and_o six_o pound_n for_o repair_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o bank_n or_o marsh-wall_n of_o bromley_n marsh_n in_o this_o county_n whereby_o ninety_o four_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v surround_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o certain_a person_n therein_o name_v to_o pay_v their_o proportion_n thereof_o which_o be_v assess_v upon_o they_o a_o lease_n for_o xli_o year_n be_v make_v of_o several_a parcel_n of_o ground_n belong_v to_o those_o so_o neglect_v unto_o other_o at_o the_o rent_n of_o one_o pepper_n corn_n yearly_o cap._n xvii_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o marsh_n in_o middlesex_n essex_n i_o come_v to_o those_o in_o essex_n which_o county_n be_v divide_v by_o the_o river_n of_o lie_n ancient_o call_v luye_o of_o this_o river_n it_o be_v memorable_a 10._o that_o the_o dane_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 894._o and_o 23_o of_o king_n alfred_n reign_n sail_v up_o it_o with_o their_o ship_n and_o build_v a_o castle_n on_o the_o bank_n thereof_o about_o xx_o mile_n from_o london_n near_o which_o the_o londoner_n give_v they_o battle_n and_o have_v the_o better_a of_o the_o day_n put_v they_o to_o flight_n so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o fly_v to_o that_o hold_v whereof_o the_o king_n have_v notice_n he_o cause_v this_o river_n to_o be_v cut_v into_o three_o branch_n to_o
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
of_o the_o fish_n have_v set_v up_o and_o that_o henry_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n of_o right_a aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o sewer_n from_o the_o clowes_n to_o the_o southdykehyrne_n by_o reason_n that_o he_o hold_v the_o fish_n there_o in_o severalty_n as_o belong_v to_o his_o manor_n of_o thorpe_n and_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o bullingbroke_n and_o dalby_n or_o their_o fermour_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v the_o say_a sewer_n from_o southdike_n hirne_n unto_o the_o eas_fw-la end_n because_o they_o have_v the_o fish_n there_o in_o severalty_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o four_o sewer_n sewer_n call_v theviscrik_n beginning_n in_o the_o mosses_n of_o friskenay_n at_o william_n barnagate_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o eas_fw-la end_n where_o the_o four_o stream_n do_v meet_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o dept_z five_z but_o be_v then_o also_o obstruct_v by_o a_o certain_a be_v which_o the_o fermour_n of_o the_o fish_n have_v make_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o friskenay_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n sewer_n call_v eas_fw-la end_n where_o the_o four_o stream_n meet_v aught_o to_o be_v in_o breadth_n forty_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n fourteen_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o far_o present_v that_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o a_o new_a pair_n of_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o dam_n in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n and_o depth_n according_a to_o the_o discretion_n of_o skilful_a person_n and_o that_o all_o the_o town_n within_o the_o soak_v of_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n as_o also_o the_o town_n of_o wrangle_n leake_n leverton_n benington_n butterwick_n freston_n and_o tofte_n aught_o of_o right_a to_o repair_v maintain_v open_a and_o shut_v those_o floodgate_n at_o proper_a time_n on_o their_o own_o cost_n and_o charge_n for_o ever_o except_v in_o timber_n iron_n work_n and_o also_o wage_n of_o carpenter_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o discord_n betwixt_o those_o town_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a floodgate_n may_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v be_v prevent_v it_o be_v then_o accord_v by_o and_o between_o they_o with_o the_o common_a assent_n aswell_o of_o the_o say_a duke_n of_o lancaster_n counsel_n the_o lord_n of_o willughby_n and_o abbot_n of_o revesby_n as_o of_o all_o other_o lord_n and_o inhabitant_n or_o their_o freeholders_n dwell_v in_o those_o town_n in_o form_n follow_v viz._n that_o every_o of_o the_o say_a townsman_n shall_v then_o at_o the_o first_o levy_n and_o collect_v for_o the_o say_v repair_v the_o four_o part_n of_o such_o a_o sum_n as_o the_o same_o town_n have_v ancient_o be_v assess_v at_o to_o a_o fifteen_o grant_v and_o payable_a to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o commons_o of_o england_n which_o say_v sum_n so_o levy_v to_o be_v deliver_v unto_o two_o discreet_a man_n to_o be_v choose_v by_o four_o throughout_o all_o those_o town_n who_o shall_v be_v oblige_v from_o year_n to_o year_n as_o follow_v first_o two_o of_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n at_o the_o next_o court_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o lancasteâ—_n at_o bullingbroke_n before_o michaelmas_n yearly_o to_o be_v hold_v before_o the_o steward_n or_o his_o deputy_n there_o and_o two_o other_o of_o the_o town_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skirbeck_n above_o name_v to_o be_v choose_v from_o year_n to_o year_n at_o the_o say_v duke_n court_n next_o before_o michaelmas_n at_o wrangle_n before_o the_o steward_n thereof_o or_o his_o deputy_n which_o four_z so_o to_o be_v elect_v to_o be_v aswell_o of_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n as_o of_o the_o tenant_n of_o any_o other_o lord_n according_a to_o discretion_n and_o they_o to_o meet_v at_o waynflete_a twice_o every_o year_n viz._n once_o within_o a_o month_n after_o easter_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o then_o to_o oversee_v those_o floodgate_n and_o all_o the_o sewer_n aforesaid_a and_o if_o any_o defect_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o then_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o amend_v with_o all_o speed_n according_a as_o in_o their_o discretion_n they_o shall_v think_v most_o meet_a and_o that_o at_o such_o their_o meeting_n after_o easter_n the_o say_v two_o so_o elect_v for_o those_o disbursement_n as_o aforesaid_a to_o render_v their_o account_n before_o the_o say_v four_o touch_v those_o common_a repair_n and_o expense_n and_o in_o 17_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n philip_n tilney_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr crosby_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n of_o boston_n john_n land_n of_o pynchebek_n thomas_n de_fw-fr tofte_n and_o john_n waleys_n for_o those_o betwixt_o hildyke_n and_o bolyngbroke_n and_o to_o hear_v and_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 ☜_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o expedition_n therein_o in_o 19_o r._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n lâ—nc_fw-la make_v in_o the_o king_n bench_n in_o easter_n term_n which_o be_v then_o hold_v at_o lincoln_n by_o the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapeâ—takes_n in_o this_o county_n that_o the_o marsh_n of_o est_fw-la fen_n and_o westfenne_n as_o also_o divers_a land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o leek_n wrangel_n frâ—fkeneye_n and_o waynflete_a betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o wythom_n and_o waynflete_a be_v drown_v by_o a_o great_a mundation_n of_o water_n so_o that_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o town_n and_o of_o the_o soak_v and_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n do_v whole_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o their_o land_n and_o marsh_n there_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o certain_a floodgate_n at_o waynflete_a which_o be_v so_o narrow_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n pass_v that_o way_n can_v not_o go_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o waynflete_a aught_o to_o repair_v that_o floodgate_n as_o ancient_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o the_o say_a juror_n far_o allege_v that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n be_v not_o of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n sufficient_a to_o convey_v the_o say_a water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o have_v another_o floodgate_n new_o erect_v near_o unto_o the_o same_o of_o xviij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o leek_n wranghill_n friskeney_n and_o waynflete_a together_o with_o the_o soak_v and_o wapentake_n of_o bolingbroke_n as_o also_o all_o thâ—se_a which_o have_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_v thereof_o and_o that_o when_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v than_o the_o say_a town_n of_o waynflete_a to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v it_o at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n until_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o anew_o except_v timber_n and_o iron_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o except_o this_o be_v do_v both_o the_o marsh_n land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n aforesaid_a and_o commons_o in_o those_o town_n soak_v and_o wapentake_n before-specified_n will_v whole_o be_v lose_v and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n from_o hasend_n at_o uuaynflete_a unto_o the_o say_a floodgate_n wherein_o the_o duke_n of_o lancaster_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o dalby_n have_v fish_v who_o in_o respect_n thereof_o aught_o to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o same_o the_o shireeve_n thereof_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v all_o those_o town_n to_o answer_v this_o their_o neglect_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o town_n of_o dunham_n scothorne_n reresâ—y_n and_o staynton_n be_v present_v lincâ—_n for_o neglect_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n call_v fen_n dyke_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o town_n of_o uuelton_n to_o langwath_n and_o not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v each_o of_o they_o amerce_v at_o xld._o in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o wytherin_n scrubby_n uuodethorpe_n malteby_n besby_n hamby_n markeby_n billesby_n alford_n uuelle_n salby_n thoresthorpe_n riggesby_n and_o aby_v be_v present_v linc._n for_o not_o repair_v the_o sewer_n call_v the_o south_n gâ—ist_v lie_v betwixt_o malberthorpe_n and_o trusthorpe_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o a_o place_n call_v axiltrehirne_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o by_o which_o all_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o those_o town_n have_v use_v of_o right_a to_o run_v to_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n which_o say_v sewer_n together_o with_o the_o goat_n call_v uuall-gote_n be_v then_o stop_v up_o do_v put_v themselves_o upon_o the_o country_n the_o shireeve_n therefore_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v a_o jury_n
thornburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n from_o skegnes_fw-la and_o dodyngton-pygot_a to_o tyddegote_n in_o 7_o e._n 4._o thomas_n kyme_n of_o friskeney_n and_o other_o have_v the_o lindsey_n port_n of_o waynflâ—te_a to_o ferm_v with_o market_n and_o windmill_n as_o also_o the_o court_n of_o the_o say_a market_n and_o haven_n and_o fish_v within_o the_o same_o pay_v xxl._o yearly_a and_o support_v all_o charge_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a haven_n mill_n and_o fish_n in_o 49_o h._n 6._o dorso_fw-la john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n george_n duke_n of_o clarence_n richard_n earl_n of_o warwick_z and_o salisbury_n sir_n humphrey_n bourchier_n lord_n cromwell_n sir_n gervase_n clyfton_n and_o sir_n will._n skipwith_n knight_n robert_n taylboys_n esquire_n and_o other_o have_v commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n throughout_o this_o whole_a province_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o in_o 12_o e._n 4._o have_v sir_n richard_n hastyng_n sir_n thomas_n burgh_n and_o sir_n will._n skipwith_n knight_n robert_n taylboys_n robert_n ratclyf_n and_o other_o so_o also_o the_o same_o year_n have_v ibid._n thomas_n prior_n of_o spald_v richard_n welby_n leonard_n thornburgh_n richard_n pynchebeck_n john_n bolles_n robert_n dok_v and_o other_o for_o those_o from_o dodyngtone-pygot_a to_o tydgote_n and_o thence_o to_o skegnesse_n by_o all_o which_o commission_n since_o 6_o h._n 6._o power_n be_v give_v to_o the_o person_n beforementioned_a and_o their_o associate_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o abovesaid_a in_o lindsey_n 4_o e._n 6._o william_n lord_n willoughby_n of_o parham_n sâ—r_n edward_n dymok_n and_o sir_n john_n copeldyk_n knight_n george_n s._n poll_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n by_o a_o decree_n make_v at_o wrangle_n on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o september_n ordain_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n together_o with_o sir_n william_n brereton_n knight_n the_o lord_n of_o dalby_n and_o the_o king_n fermour_n of_o his_o fish_n at_o waynflete_a and_o all_o other_o drayn_v thereby_o shall_v cleanse_v scour_v and_o dyke_n the_o haven_n of_o waynfleâ—e_n from_o the_o ae_n end_n unto_o the_o sea_n in_o breadth_n xxij_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o in_o the_o bottom_n xiij_o and_o in_o depth_n from_o the_o channel_n downward_o three_o foot_n to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la than_o next_o follow_v and_o that_o a_o sufficient_a goat_n or_o clown_n set_v up_o at_o the_o outer_a end_n of_o the_o same_o haven_n for_o stop_v of_o the_o salt_n water_n out_o of_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o shall_v be_v make_v there_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v soak_v the_o lord_n of_o dalby_n and_o the_o king_n fermour_n of_o his_o fish_n there_o and_o moreover_o that_o a_o old_a goat_n anâ—_n dreyner_n call_v symond_n goat_n extend_v in_o length_n from_o the_o deep_a of_o the_o east_n fen_n unto_o the_o fen_n bank_n and_o from_o that_o fen_n bank_n to_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v then_o decay_v for_o lack_v of_o scouriug_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o cleanse_v so_o likewise_o the_o dyke_n and_o sewer_n extend_v from_o the_o deep_a of_o the_o fen_n unto_o the_o fen_n bank_n also_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o goat_n make_v of_o the_o say_a drayner_n and_o sewer_n the_o one_o at_o the_o fen_n bank_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o out_o end_n of_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v soak_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o such_o town_n and_o the_o landlord_n therein_o who_o have_v before_o that_o time_n be_v chardged_a betwixt_o the_o fen_n bank_n and_o the_o deep_a of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o all_o to_o be_v do_v before_o martinmasse_n then_o next_o ensue_v and_o far_o than_o this_o wherein_o i_o have_v give_v instance_n i_o shall_v not_o descend_v to_o any_o more_o particular_n till_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n that_o thomas_n quadring_n hamond_n upton_n thomas_n marsyngberd_n and_o other_o than_o commissioner_n 66._o of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o partenay_n on_o the_o 22_o day_n of_o july_n in_o 2_o of_o her_o reign_n for_o the_o settle_n of_o all_o thing_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o this_o provicne_n before_o who_o the_o juror_n then_o present_v that_o there_o be_v one_o sea-bank_n new_o make_v in_o skegnes_fw-la to_o begin_v at_o a_o place_n call_v ranson_n hyrne_v and_o to_o be_v xl_o fall_n in_o length_n from_o the_o north_n end_n of_o the_o say_v ranson_n hyrne_v towards_o the_o south_n and_o so_o to_o be_v join_v and_o close_v unto_o the_o old_a bank_n which_o say_v sea-bank_n to_o be_v fifty_o foot_n in_o the_o skirt_n fourteen_o foot_n broad_a on_o the_o top_n and_o xij_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o land-holders_n in_o skegnes_fw-la aforesaid_a and_o they_o likewise_o at_o that_o time_n present_v that_o the_o old_a sea-bank_n ought_v then_o to_o be_v repair_v for_o its_o better_a withstand_v the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n also_o that_o another_o new_a sea-bank_n shall_v be_v new_o make_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o skegnes_fw-la aforesaid_a from_o one_o slaver_v there_o wâ—ich_a go_v up_o the_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o charles_n duke_n of_o suffolk_n unto_o the_o south_n end_n of_o the_o gilled_a hall_n which_o new_a bank_n to_o be_v xx_o fall_n in_o length_n and_o to_o stretch_v from_o the_o say_a gildhall_n to_o the_o old_a bank_n and_o be_v make_v by_o the_o say_v land-holders_n likewise_o that_o the_o old_a sea_n bank_n in_o skegnes_fw-la call_v the_o haven_n bank_n shall_v be_v repair_v where_o defect_n be_v also_o that_o wainflet_n haven_n be_v defective_a for_o want_v of_o scour_v from_o the_o cross_n at_o the_o eye_n end_v into_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v a_o necessary_a drain_v for_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n and_o heretofore_o dike_v and_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o and_o to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n next_o follow_v moreover_o that_o a_o place_n there_o call_v guddyke_n which_o lead_v from_o the_o eye_n end_v to_o the_o fen_n be_v also_o scour_v viz._n two_o part_n thereof_o by_o the_o say_a queen_n or_o her_o fermour_n for_o the_o fish_n there_o and_o the_o three_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o dalby_n as_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o a_o new_a goat_n or_o clow_n be_v set_v in_o waynflet_n haven_n within_o ten_o fall_n of_o thorpe_n and_o waynflet_n sea-gote_n and_o a_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a haven_n from_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n unto_o the_o .........._o and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o seven_o town_n in_o holland_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o set_v up_o the_o say_a new_a goat_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o benefit_n of_o common_a in_o the_o east_n and_o west_n fen_n also_o that_o the_o bank_n to_o be_v then_o make_v between_o the_o new_a goat_n and_o thorpe_n be_v do_v viz._n three_o part_n thereof_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o hamond_n upton_n esquire_n one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n abovementioned_a and_o the_o four_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o john_n whiteing_n &_o rob._n whiteing_n and_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o haven_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n likewise_o that_o a_o new_a goat_n be_v set_v at_o the_o fen_n dyke_n bank_n to_o take_v in_o fresh_a water_n by_o it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o waynflete_a s._n marry_o and_o another_o goat_n call_v dayle_n gote_v and_o another_o to_o be_v set_v fourscore_o fall_n beneath_o the_o old_a sea_n goat_n both_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o land-holders_n in_o waynflet_n s._n marry_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o a_o new_a cryke_n of_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a and_o six_o foot_n deep_a be_v make_v from_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n unto_o the_o old_a goat_n and_o beneath_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n another_o new_a cryke_n make_v from_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n unto_o the_o old_a cryke_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o land-holders_n in_o waynflet_n s._n marry_o and_o on_o either_o side_n the_o say_v cryke_v a_o sufficient_a sea-bank_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o flood_n of_o water_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o one_o petty_a goat_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o cross_a gate_n against_o nine_o acre_n of_o mr_n dyghtons_n and_o another_o in_o westgate_n against_o thomas_n harryson_n acre_n as_o also_o a_o spout_n in_o hall_n gate_n another_o in_o somergate_n and_o another_o in_o acregate_n likewise_o that_o a_o spout_v be_v make_v in_o waynflete_a all_o saint_n over_o the_o gate_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o burflet_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o holder_n of_o the_o land_n which_o do_v drain_v it_o and_o that_o another_o
stretham_n mere_a on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n unite_v itself_o to_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o ouse_n be_v about_o xxij_o mile_n from_o its_o first_o head_n ouse_n which_o river_n of_o ouse_n rise_v near_o sisam_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o pass_v through_o part_n of_o buckingham_n and_o bedford_n shire_n whence_o it_o take_v in_o several_a petty_a streamlet_n at_o length_n descend_v by_o huntendon_n to_o erith_n where_o it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o fall_v east_n and_o by_o north_n near_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n to_o stretham_n mere_a aforesaid_a where_o it_o receive_v the_o grant_n abovementioned_a and_o the_o other_o now_o call_v the_o west_n water_n north_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o huntendonshire_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n under_o chateriz_n to_o benwick_n and_o there_o in_o former_a age_n meet_v with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n at_o a_o place_n call_v shreweshiste_fw-gr it_o join_v with_o the_o first_o branch_n thereof_o descend_v from_o stretham_n aforesaid_a by_o ely_n littleport_n and_o wallenea_n at_o which_o place_n so_o unite_v they_o pass_v by_o outwell_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o marshland_n to_o wisheche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o at_o this_o present_a it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n as_o also_o when_o and_o how_o that_o alteration_n grow_v for_o the_o first_o banch_n whereunto_o grant_n do_v unite_v do_v now_o descend_v from_o stretham_n to_o ely_n thence_o to_o littleport_n and_o so_o by_o priest_n house_n and_o rebbech_n to_o salter_n load_n receive_v into_o it_o betwixt_o priest_n house_n and_o salter_n load_n these_o other_o stream_n viz._n swafham_n load_n and_o reach_z load_n out_o of_o cambridgshire_n mildenhall_n river_n out_o of_o suffolk_n and_o ouse_n parva_fw-la out_o of_o the_o confine_n of_o suffolk_n and_o norfolk_n the_o river_n of_o wissey_n fall_v in_o by_o helgay_n and_o at_o salter_n load_n the_o other_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v from_o outwell_n which_o come_v in_o there_o by_o the_o new_a pow_n dike_v and_o from_o thence_o in_o one_o course_n into_o lynne_n deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n the_o same_o deep_a be_v now_o the_o best_a receptacle_n and_o most_o fit_a place_n for_o conduct_v the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n so_o that_o by_o this_o river_n of_o ouse_n all_o the_o spring_n downfall_n rill_n and_o brook_n of_o huntendonshire_n for_o the_o most_o part_n bedfordshire_n total_o and_o some_o part_n of_o buckingham_n oxford_n and_o northampton_n shire_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o sea_n the_o compass_n of_o ground_n afford_v descent_n to_o they_o be_v sixscore_o mile_n at_o the_o least_o nene_n nene_n who_o head_n be_v about_o catesby_n in_o northamptonshire_n pass_v through_o a_o large_a tract_n of_o ground_n in_o that_o county_n and_o at_o length_n to_o peterborough_n enter_v the_o fen_n near_o that_o place_n have_v in_o its_o course_n take_v in_o divers_a petty_a stream_n in_o which_o fenny_a flat_a it_o divide_v itself_o into_o sundry_a branch_n whereof_o the_o chief_a now_o fall_v under_o stranground_n and_o horsey_n bridge_n into_o wittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o pass_v through_o that_o mere_a together_o with_o ubmere_n and_o ramsey_n mere_a run_v to_o benwick_n where_o it_o unite_v itself_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n before-specified_n and_o so_o go_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o river_n do_v take_v its_o course_n by_o thorney_n bar_n singlesholt_n and_o nomans_n land_n and_o so_o to_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o croyland_n where_o it_o do_v unite_v with_o weland_n and_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o to_o spalding_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o this_o channel_n of_o nene_n be_v now_o utter_o decay_v and_o likewise_o that_o of_o weland_n for_o whereas_o it_o do_v ancient_o fall_v into_o weland_n now_o weland_n make_v a_o fall_n backward_o by_o the_o same_o course_n to_o nomans_n land_n and_o the_o south_n ea_fw-la to_o dowesdale_n clowescrosse_n and_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o by_o wisbeche_n and_o weile_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o sea_n other_o branch_n of_o nene_n there_o have_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n within_o the_o fen_n viz._n king_n delft_n pass_v a_o little_a below_o stanground_n by_o raven_n willow_n athwart_o the_o fen_n to_o ramsey_n ground_n where_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o nene_n wittlesey_n dike_a a_o little_a above_o horsey_n bridge_n which_o fall_v by_o whittlesey_n town_n run_v into_o nene_n below_o benwick_n divers_a other_o current_n of_o it_o there_o be_v by_o and_o through_o the_o bound_n of_o thorney_n chiefly_a knorlake_n the_o wride_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la which_o have_v heretofore_o dischardged_a themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o suppose_v by_o clow_n cross_a but_o of_o late_a time_n since_o the_o new_a leame_z be_v make_v by_o bishop_n morton_n from_o stanground_n to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v their_o chief_a and_o best_a passage_n have_v be_v by_o that_o channel_n this_o river_n of_o nene_n bring_v with_o it_o into_o the_o fen_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o northamptonshire_n and_o then_o have_v no_o present_a issue_n into_o the_o sea_n divide_v itself_o as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v bound_v on_o one_o side_n with_o the_o ouse_n on_o another_o with_o uueland_n and_o on_o a_o three_o with_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o other_o bank_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o surround_v of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o occasion_v abundance_n of_o â—ock_n wherewith_o the_o great_a part_n of_o south_n holland_n and_o uuisbeche_n which_o have_v make_v bank_n against_o the_o same_o be_v afflict_v weland_n uueland_n have_v its_o rise_n near_o sibertoft_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o take_v in_o some_o petty_a streamlet_n come_v at_o length_n to_o market_n depe_v and_o s._n james_n depe_v where_o it_o enter_v the_o fen_n and_o burden_v they_o with_o all_o the_o water_n and_o downfall_n of_o part_n of_o northampton_n leicester_n rutland_n and_o lincolnshires_n whence_o pass_v to_o croyland_n bridge_n it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o lead_v by_o south_n ea_z towards_o uuisbeche_n the_o other_o in_o a_o most_o slow_a course_n to_o spalding_n and_o surflet_n where_o receive_v the_o water_n of_o glen_n it_o go_v on_o to_o fosse-dike-stow_a and_o so_o into_o boston_n deep_a witham_n witham_n have_v its_o head_n at_o south_n uuitham_n in_o kesteven_n a_o province_n of_o lincolnshire_n and_o receive_v into_o it_o divers_a petty_a rivulet_n as_o it_o run_v on_o towards_o boston_n take_v in_o at_o anthony_n goat_n and_o newgote_v the_o water_n from_o the_o drown_a ground_n of_o uuildemore_n uuest_n fen_n and_o part_n of_o east_n fen_n together_o with_o a_o streamlet_n fall_v from_o the_o castle_n of_o bullinbroke_a and_o last_o at_o boston_n by_o trinity_n goat_n and_o through_o hammon_n beck_n and_o skirbeck_n gote_v divers_a rill_n and_o downfall_n out_o of_o kesteven_n between_o hekington_n burn_v and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n and_o then_o pass_v from_o boston_n by_o uuilberton_n ride_v do_v run_v into_o norman_a deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n after_o at_o least_o lxvi_o mile_n progress_n which_o river_n of_o witham_n bring_v with_o it_o the_o spring_n and_o downfall_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n whereby_o in_o the_o winter_n it_o can_v be_v contain_v within_o its_o bank_n overflow_v a_o large_a proportion_n of_o the_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v in_o holland_n kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n glen_n glen_n be_v the_o least_o river_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n serve_v almost_o to_o none_o other_o use_n but_o to_o carry_v away_o so_o much_o of_o its_o own_o water_n with_o the_o rill_n descend_v from_o burne_n as_o can_v be_v keep_v between_o two_o defensible_a bank_n by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o fen_n into_o pinchbek_n the_o bottom_n of_o this_o river_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n high_a than_o the_o fenny_a ground_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o drain_v for_o the_o same_o except_o the_o out-fall_a under_o surflete_a towards_o fossedike_n be_v recover_v cap._n xxxvii_o how_o those_o their_o outfall_n become_v obstruct_v have_v thus_o describe_v the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o these_o several_a stream_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o inundation_n and_o drown_n of_o this_o great_a level_n whereby_o instead_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v from_o their_o overflowing_n in_o case_n they_o have_v enjoy_v their_o free_a and_o natural_a passage_n and_o outfall_n it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o
divers_a age_n a_o most_o unhealthy_a stagnation_n of_o water_n yield_v no_o considerable_a profit_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o those_o that_o border_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o obstruction_n which_o the_o before_o specify_v river_n have_v have_v in_o pass_v out_o free_o to_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o drown_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v apparent_a enough_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v manifest_a what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v thus_o stop_v and_o choke_v up_o these_o their_o outfall_n whosoever_o have_v observe_v the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o lynne_n will_v find_v the_o water_n always_o very_o thick_a and_o muddy_a there_o because_o the_o sea_n bear_v a_o large_a breadth_n northwards_o from_o thence_o work_v with_o so_o much_o distemper_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o silt_n do_v daily_o settle_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o ostiarie_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o wisbeche_n spalding_n and_o boston_n so_o that_o in_o time_n it_o can_v not_o but_o grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n without_o some_o artificial_a help_n to_o quicken_v the_o current_n upon_o its_o evacuation_n at_o every_o ebb_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v out_o again_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o force_v back_o the_o fresh_a water_n and_o cause_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overflow_v but_o at_o length_n to_o drown_v the_o whole_a level_n through_o which_o their_o stream_n do_v pass_v and_o this_o we_o see_v apparent_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o such_o a_o height_n be_v the_o silt_n grow_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 1635._o upon_o the_o deep_v of_o 2._o wisbeche_n river_n the_o workman_n at_o eight_o foot_n below_o the_o then_o bottom_n thereof_o come_v to_o another_o bottom_n which_o be_v stony_a and_o in_o it_o at_o several_a distance_n find_v seven_o boat_n that_o have_v lyen_fw-we there_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o silt_n for_o many_o age_n so_o likewise_o at_o salter_n load_n at_o the_o dig_v of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o sasse_n which_o be_v there_o set_v up_o of_o late_a year_n by_o the_o adventurer_n in_o that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o present_a drayn_n the_o silt_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v ten_o foot_n deep_a and_o next_o below_o that_o three_o foot_n thickness_n of_o firm_a moor_n then_o bluish_a gault_n which_o the_o workman_n judge_v to_o have_v be_v silt_v original_o because_o be_v dry_a it_o not_o only_o crumble_v like_o it_o but_o have_v the_o root_n of_o reed_n in_o it_o then_o below_o it_o moor_n of_o three_o foot_n thickness_n much_o firm_a and_o clear_a than_o the_o other_o and_o last_o whitish_a clay_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o very_a natural_a and_o bottom_a soil_n at_o the_o first_o before_o those_o change_v happen_v either_o from_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o choke_v up_o these_o outfall_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v add_v hereunto_o what_o likewise_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v observe_v at_o witlesey_n in_o the_o cast_n of_o those_o moat_n by_o mr._n underwood_n for_o the_o fence_n in_o of_o his_o new_a plantation_n of_o fruit_n tree_n viz._n that_o dig_v through_o the_o moor_n at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a soil_n and_o swath_n of_o grass_n lie_v thereon_o as_o they_o be_v first_o mow_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o some_o great_a landfloud_n many_o age_n since_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o natural_a ostiaries_n towards_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o much_o silt_n which_o after_o a_o long_a drought_n have_v choke_v they_o up_o do_v then_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o water_n till_o this_o general_a drayn_n ever_o since_o cover_v the_o same_o have_v produce_v a_o moor_n now_o grow_v to_o this_o thickness_n and_o moreover_o that_o at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o skyrbeck_n sluse_n near_a boston_n there_o be_v find_v at_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a cover_v with_o silt_n a_o smith_n forge_n and_o all_o the_o tool_n thereunto_o belong_v with_o horshoo_n and_o other_o thing_n make_v of_o iron_n as_o some_o that_o see_v it_o have_v affirm_v to_o i_o cap._n xxxviii_o 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 these_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n to_o manifest_v this_o though_o there_o nee_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ocular_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o the_o observation_n to_o what_o a_o depth_n the_o moor_n be_v increase_v which_o be_v mere_o grow_v from_o the_o long_a stagnation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n ten_o in_o some_o twelve_o and_o in_o some_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o foot_n deep_a nay_o four_a foot_n high_o than_o the_o level_n of_o marshland_n yet_o will_v i_o exhibit_v divers_a evident_a testimony_n thereof_o from_o several_a undoubted_a authority_n therewithal_o discover_v some_o notable_a piece_n of_o story_n which_o be_v not_o common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n may_v not_o i_o presume_v seem_v tedious_a to_o any_o reader_n in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la nobile_fw-la monaâ—_n sterium_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvi_fw-it say_v the_o register_n of_o peterborough_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a monastery_n b._n heretofore_o call_v medeshamstede_n but_o now_o usual_o burch_n the_o gyrvii_n be_v those_o which_o inhabit_v near_o the_o fen_n because_o gyr_n in_o english_a be_v the_o same_o as_o profunda_fw-la paâ—us_fw-la a_o deep_a fen_n in_o the_o latin_a for_o by_o the_o inundation_n and_o overflow_a of_o the_o river_n the_o water_n stand_v upon_o the_o level_n ground_n make_v a_o deep_a lake_n and_o so_o render_v it_o uninhabitable_a except_v in_o some_o high_a place_n which_o god_n of_o purpose_n raise_v as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v habitation_n for_o his_o servant_n who_o choose_v to_o dwell_v there_o for_o in_o such_o place_n within_o the_o fen_n do_v thoy_z viz._n the_o monk_n of_o ramâ—sey_n thorney_n crouland_n and_o many_o other_o reside_v to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o access_n but_o by_o navigable_a vessel_n except_o unto_o ramesey_n by_o a_o causey_n raise_v with_o much_o labour_n on_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o within_o the_o same_o precinct_n also_o be_v ely_n place_v be_v a_o island_n seven_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n contain_v in_o itself_o xxij_o town_n compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o fen_n and_o water_n and_o whereunto_o there_o be_v only_o three_o causey_n have_v thus_o at_o peterborough_n make_v my_o entrance_n into_o this_o vast_a fenn_n my_o next_o observation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v at_o crouland_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o place_n be_v lively_o represent_v in_o the_o story_n of_o s._n guthlake_n a_o devout_a hermit_n who_o many_o age_n since_o choose_v it_o for_o his_o retirement_n there_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o britain_n say_v the_o writer_n of_o that_o saint_n life_n a_o hideous_a fen_n of_o a_o huge_a bigness_n 7._o which_o begin_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n gronte_n not_o far_o from_o a_o castle_n bear_v that_o name_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n in_o a_o very_a long_a tract_n even_o to_o the_o sea_n ofttimes_o cloud_v mith_o moist_a and_o dark_a vapour_n have_v within_o it_o divers_a island_n and_o wood_n as_o also_o crooked_a and_o wind_a river_n wheâ—_n therefore_o that_o man_n of_o bleâ—â—ed_a memory_n guthlac_n have_v find_v out_o the_o desert_a place_n of_o this_o vast_a wilderness_n and_o by_o god_n assistance_n have_v pass_v through_o they_o he_o inquire_v of_o the_o borderer_n what_o they_o know_v thereof_o who_o relate_v several_a thing_n of_o its_o dreadfulness_n and_o solitude_n there_o stand_v up_o one_o among_o they_o call_v tatwine_v who_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v a_o certain_a island_n in_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o secret_a part_n thereof_o which_o many_o have_v attempt_v to_o inhabit_v but_o can_v not_o for_o the_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a monster_n and_o several_a terror_n wherewith_o they_o be_v affright_v whereupon_o s._n guthlac_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o that_o place_n tatwine_v therefore_o yield_v to_o the_o request_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n take_v a_o fisher_n boat_n christ_n be_v his_o guide_n through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o this_o darksome_a fen_n pass_v thereunto_o it_o be_v call_v cruland_n and_o situate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o lake_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o desartnesse_n former_o know_v to_o very_a few_o for_o no_o country_n man_n before_o that_o devout_a servant_n of_o christ_n s._n guthlac_n can_v endure_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o apparition_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o frequent_o see_v there_o not_o long_o after_o
s._n guthlake_n be_v awake_a in_o the_o night_n time_n betwixt_o his_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v accustom_v of_o a_o sudden_a he_o discern_v all_o his_o cell_n to_o be_v full_a of_o black_a troop_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o creep_v in_o under_o the_o door_n as_o also_o at_o chink_n and_o hole_n and_o come_v both_o oâ—t_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o from_o the_o earth_n fill_v the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v with_o dark_a cloud_n in_o their_o look_n they_o be_v cruel_a and_o of_o form_n terrible_a have_v great_a head_n long_a neck_n lean_a face_n pale_a countenance_n ill-favoured_a beard_n rough_a ear_n wrinkle_a forehead_n fierce_a eye_n stink_a mouth_n tooth_n like_o horse_n spit_v fire_n out_o of_o their_o throat_n crooked_a jaw_n broad_a lip_n loud_a voice_n burn_a hair_n great_a cheek_n high_a breast_n rugged_a thigh_n bunch_a knee_n bend_a leg_n swell_v ankle_n preposterous_a foot_n open_a mouth_n and_o hoarse_a cry_n who_o with_o such_o mighty_a shriek_n be_v hear_v to_o roar_v that_o they_o fill_v almost_o the_o whole_a distance_n from_o heaven_n with_o their_o bellow_a noise_n and_o by_o and_o by_o rush_v into_o the_o house_n first_o bind_v the_o holy_a maâ—_n than_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o cell_n and_o cast_v he_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n into_o the_o dirty_a fen_n and_o have_v so_o do_v carry_v he_o through_o the_o most_o rough_a and_o troublesome_a part_n thereof_o draw_v he_o among_o bramble_n and_o brier_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o limb_n cap._n thirty-nine_o from_o crouland_n i_o come_v to_o ely_n a_o island_n situate_a in_o the_o main_a body_n of_o this_o fen_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o sundry_a memorable_a passage_n that_o do_v notable_o set_v forth_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n which_o do_v environ_v it_o many_o year_n since_o whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n as_o they_o happen_v in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o this_o island_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o a_o place_n of_o voluntary_a retirement_n by_o those_o who_o out_o of_o great_a piety_n forsake_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n betake_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o devout_a prayer_n frequent_a watch_n and_o strict_a abstinence_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o manifest_v in_o particular_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n evidence_v unto_o we_o from_o all_o antiquity_n that_o such_o person_n do_v sever_v themselves_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o less_o disturbance_n apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o religious_a and_o holy_a duty_n s._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rusticus_n tell_v we_o praecipui_fw-la inventores_fw-la &_o cultores_fw-la monachatus_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la in_o veteri_fw-la teâ—â—amento_fw-la qui_fw-la aedificabant_fw-la casulas_fw-la propè_fw-la fluenta_fw-la jordanis_n &_o turbis_fw-la &_o urbibus_fw-la derelictis_fw-la polenta_fw-la &_o herbis_fw-la agrestibus_fw-la victitabant_fw-la that_o the_o principal_a beginner_n and_o lover_n of_o a_o monastique_a life_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o leave_v the_o town_n and_o conversation_n with_o people_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o coarse_a bread_n and_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n and_o build_v themselves_o cottage_n near_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o these_o pious_a votary_n first_o seâ—led_v in_o this_o island_n as_o a_o place_n of_o so_o great_a retirement_n and_o solitude_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o viz._n the_o conveniency_n of_o fish_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o food_n for_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n become_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o flesh_n to_o any_o of_o those_o monk_n it_o have_v so_o high_a a_o esteem_n that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o monastery_n then_o in_o be_v in_o this_o realm_n do_v with_o great_a reverence_n entertain_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v erect_v for_o divers_a age_n afterward_o be_v of_o no_o other_o order_n as_o to_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o brief_a touch_n with_o the_o occasion_n in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a veneration_n whilst_o it_o stand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o s._n audrey_n the_o first_o foundress_n thereof_o to_o who_o shrine_n not_o a_o few_o resort_v for_o the_o many_o miracle_n there_o wrought_v as_o be_v then_o not_o only_o with_o much_o confidence_n affirm_v but_o undoubted_o believe_v â—_o etheldreda_n vulgar_o call_v audrey_n daughter_n to_o anna_n king_n of_o the_o east-angle_n be_v through_o the_o persuasion_n of_o her_o father_n marry_v to_o tombert_n a_o prince_n of_o the_o southern_a gyrvii_n or_o fen-man_n have_v this_o isle_n of_o ely_n give_v she_o in_o dower_n by_o her_o say_a husband_n unto_o which_o after_o his_o death_n she_o retire_v a_o pure_a virgin_n notwithstanding_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n almost_o three_o year_n and_o affect_v the_o place_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o access_n to_o it_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o wilderness_n sever_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n she_o there_o settle_a herself_o take_v to_o her_o company_n certain_a person_n with_o who_o she_o have_v contract_v friendship_n for_o religion_n sake_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o about_o five_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o such_o her_o retirement_n egfrid_n k._n of_o northumberland_n be_v high_o inflame_v with_o her_o beauty_n through_o the_o power_n of_o her_o friendsâ—_n obtain_v she_o for_o his_o wife_n howbeit_o after_o she_o have_v be_v wed_v about_o xij_o year_n she_o resolve_v no_o long_o to_o deâ—er_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o she_o have_v set_v her_o heart_n upon_o and_o without_o any_o free_a leave_n of_o her_o say_a husband_n as_o a_o queen_n and_o a_o virgin_n she_o repair_v to_o the_o monastery_n in_o coldingham_n in_o scotland_n where_o ebba_n her_o husband_n aunt_n be_v then_o abbess_n and_o there_o be_v veil_v a_o nun_n by_o bishop_n wilfrid_n where_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n she_o learn_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a and_o his_o burden_n easy_a but_o then_o k._n egfrid_n desire_v to_o have_v she_o again_o as_o his_o wife_n endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o out_o of_o the_o say_v religious_a house_n and_o to_o that_o end_n forthwith_o go_v thither_o whereof_o the_o abbess_n have_v notice_n present_o advise_v she_o to_o hasten_v thence_o and_o to_o make_v no_o stay_n till_o she_o come_v to_o her_o own_o habitation_n at_o ely_n whereupon_o she_o depart_v much_o lament_v and_o sorrow_v and_o accompany_v with_o two_o holy_a virgin_n vice_n selbeâ—na_n and_o selbera_n ascend_v a_o great_a hill_n near_o colburthesheve_v at_o which_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o send_v such_o a_o rain_n that_o king_n egfrid_n who_o pursue_v she_o can_v not_o have_v access_n thereto_o in_o any_o place_n for_o the_o water_n where_o they_o continue_v without_o either_o meat_n or_o drink_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o spâ—ce_n of_o seven_o day_n till_o the_o king_n without_o hope_n of_o get_v to_o she_o return_v with_o much_o amazement_n and_o go_v to_o york_n after_o which_o he_o can_v never_o endure_v s._n wilfride_n but_o long_o harbour_v revenge_n towards_o he_o do_v at_o length_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o bishopric_n but_o these_o nun_n still_o continue_v on_o the_o top_n of_o that_o rock_n where_o almost_o faint_v for_o lack_v of_o water_n ebba_n the_o venerable_a abbess_n abovementioned_a advise_v audrey_n that_o she_o shall_v pray_v devout_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o who_o supply_v his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o rock_n will_v vouchsafe_v water_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o great_a necessity_n whereupon_o she_o pour_v out_o her_o prayer_n unto_o god_n with_o much_o fervency_n there_o immediate_o gush_v out_o a_o clear_a spring_n which_o not_o only_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n at_o that_o time_n but_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o infirm_a people_n drink_v of_o it_o have_v thereby_o receive_v health_n to_o which_o miracle_n my_o author_n add_v one_o more_o viz._n that_o the_o footstep_n of_o this_o holy_a virgin_n be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o side_n of_o this_o hill_n both_o as_o she_o ascend_v and_o descend_v from_o it_o in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o if_o she_o have_v tread_v upon_o soft_a wax_n after_o this_o saint_z audrey_z for_o so_o my_o author_n now_o call_v she_o take_v with_o her_o the_o two_o maid_n beforementioned_a go_v thence_o and_o pass_v the_o river_n humbre_fw-mi land_v at_o wintringham_n in_o lincolnshire_n about_o ten_o furlong_n from_o which_o town_n they_o come_v to_o
this_o isle_n and_o keep_v guard_n about_o the_o water_n near_o to_o the_o land_n hope_v to_o take_v he_o cunning_o without_o any_o slaughter_n of_o his_o own_o man_n but_o hereward_n be_v aware_a thereof_o as_o also_o that_o some_o of_o those_o guard_n have_v encounter_v with_o part_n of_o his_o soldier_n and_o pursue_v they_o he_o come_v in_o to_o their_o aid_n and_o by_o take_v some_o of_o they_o discover_v that_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v set_v these_o ambush_n for_o he_o and_o likewise_o that_o he_o be_v on_o the_o morrow_n to_o be_v at_o hoherhed_n he_o hasten_v thither_o with_o his_o ship_n and_o place_v some_o arm_a soldier_n near_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n go_v himself_o with_o three_o horseman_n and_o fouâ—_n archer_n well_o arm_v unto_o the_o mouth_n thereof_o where_o the_o earl_n himself_o with_o his_o man_n be_v then_o also_o come_v on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o see_v they_o send_v some_o of_o his_o party_n near_o who_o inquire_v whether_o they_o belong_v to_o hereward_n and_o find_v that_o they_o didâ—_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o forsake_v himâ—_n but_o prevail_v not_o they_o return_v to_o the_o earl_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o hereward_n himself_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o water_n whereupon_o the_o say_a earl_n animate_v his_o soldier_n to_o swim_v over_o with_o he_o present_o and_o revenge_v his_o brother_n death_n but_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a so_o to_o do_v say_v that_o his_o come_n thither_o be_v purposely_o thus_o to_o delude_v they_o whereupon_o the_o earl_n sigh_v say_v to_o they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o water_n oh_o that_o i_o have_v that_o devilish_a fellow_n your_o master_n here_o i_o will_v certain_o torment_v he_o to_o death_n to_o which_o word_n of_o his_o hereward_n reply_v if_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o fortunate_a as_o to_o meet_v alone_o in_o any_o fit_a place_n you_o will_v not_o wish_v i_o in_o your_o feeble_a hand_n nor_o like_o well_o of_o my_o company_n and_o have_v so_o say_v stoop_v a_o little_a he_o bend_v his_o bow_n and_o let_v fâ—ye_o a_o arrow_n hit_v the_o earl_n on_o the_o breast_n but_o his_o coat_n of_o mail_n will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o enter_v nevertheless_o it_o come_v with_o such_o a_o force_n that_o it_o strike_v he_o off_o his_o horse_n so_o that_o his_o servant_n take_v he_o up_o for_o dead_a in_o their_o arm_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n hereward_n go_v away_o and_o come_v with_o his_o company_n into_o the_o isle_n the_o same_o day_n where_o he_o be_v receive_v with_o great_a honour_n by_o the_o abbot_n and_o his_o monk_n as_o also_o by_o those_o noble_a person_n that_o be_v there_o viz._n edwine_n earl_n of_o leicester_n and_o morkere_o his_o brother_n earl_n of_o warwick_n and_o other_o eminent_a man_n of_o the_o country_n who_o have_v be_v much_o oppress_v by_o the_o say_a conqueror_n flee_v thither_o whereof_o the_o king_n hear_v and_o be_v much_o enrage_v thereat_o he_o resolve_v to_o get_v the_o isle_n by_o assault_n and_o to_o that_o end_n cause_v a_o rendezvous_n of_o his_o whole_a army_n at_o alrehede_v near_o which_o place_n there_o be_v a_o military_a rampire_n yet_o to_o be_v see_v where_o the_o fen_n be_v four_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o have_v bring_v store_n of_o wood_n stone_n and_o faggot_n of_o all_o kind_n with_o a_o multitude_n of_o tree_n and_o great_a piece_n of_o timber_n fasten_v they_o together_o underneath_o with_o cow-hides_a and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o pass_v over_o they_o they_o strip_v off_o the_o skin_n of_o beast_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o wind_n like_o bladder_n which_o be_v do_v there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o press_v on_o to_o get_v over_o be_v greedy_a of_o the_o gold_n &_o silver_n whereof_o they_o suppose_a store_n to_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n that_o they_o that_o go_v foremost_a be_v drown_v with_o their_o bridge_n and_o those_o in_o the_o midst_n become_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o fenn_n but_o of_o those_o that_o be_v hindmost_a a_o few_o throw_v away_o their_o weapon_n make_v a_o shift_n by_o the_o mud_n to_o escape_v nevertheless_o multitude_n perish_v in_o this_o adventure_n who_o body_n be_v long_o after_o find_v putrify_a in_o their_o harness_n and_o drag_v out_o from_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o water_n but_o one_o only_a man_n who_o name_n be_v beda_n get_v into_o the_o isle_n the_o king_n therefore_o behold_v this_o lamentable_a disaster_n and_o much_o grieve_v thereat_o depart_v thence_o with_o those_o few_o which_o he_o have_v leave_v without_o any_o hope_n to_o conquer_v it_o place_v guard_n of_o soldier_n about_o it_o to_o prevent_v those_o within_o from_o waste_v the_o country_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o say_a beda_n be_v take_v and_o bring_v before_o the_o chief_a person_n that_o be_v in_o the_o isle_n and_o ask_v why_o he_o so_o bold_o adventure_v himself_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o king_n do_v promise_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v first_o enter_v and_o do_v some_o notable_a exploit_n there_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o those_o that_o defend_v it_o let_v he_o ask_v what_o he_o will_v of_o any_o man_n therein_o and_o he_o shall_v obtain_v it_o which_o when_o they_o hear_v they_o commend_v his_o valour_n and_o keep_v he_o there_o with_o they_o for_o certain_a day_n use_v he_o with_o great_a respect_n have_v therefore_o have_v this_o experience_n of_o their_o civility_n and_o observe_v how_o secure_a the_o place_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o fortification_n there_o make_v as_o also_o the_o number_n and_o valour_n of_o the_o soldier_n therein_o he_o profess_v that_o as_o he_o have_v often_o hear_v they_o repute_v to_o be_v person_n more_o expert_a in_o war_n than_o other_o he_o now_o find_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_o promise_v they_o upon_o liberty_n to_o go_v back_o to_o the_o king_n camp_n that_o he_o will_v there_o relate_v as_o much_o which_o he_o according_o do_v all_o be_v joyful_a to_o see_v he_o safe_a returnedâ—_n even_o the_o king_n himself_o for_o he_o be_v one_o of_o his_o most_o eminent_a soldier_n unto_o who_o he_o relate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o isle_n and_o his_o own_o adventure_n and_o that_o those_o earl_n beforementioned_a be_v there_o with_o two_o noble_a man_n viz._n orgar_n and_o thirchitell_a surname_v child_n but_o extol_v hereward_n not_o only_o beyond_o they_o all_o compare_v he_o with_o the_o most_o famous_a knight_n which_o he_o have_v see_v through_o france_n the_o whole_a roman_a empire_n or_o constantinople_n at_o which_o story_n the_o earl_n warren_n take_v no_o small_a offence_n not_o endure_v to_o hear_v such_o a_o commendation_n of_o he_o that_o have_v slay_v his_o brother_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o suggest_v the_o king_n that_o the_o relator_n be_v bribe_v to_o make_v so_o partial_a a_o report_n but_o the_o king_n go_v on_o in_o make_v more_o enquiry_n of_o his_o particular_a observation_n there_o have_v this_o far_a account_n from_o he_o that_o the_o monk_n of_o this_o place_n â—earing_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o soreiner_n in_o regard_n the_o king_n have_v design_v to_o bring_v over_o such_o out_o of_o france_n to_o be_v chief_a in_o all_o monastery_n and_o church_n of_o england_n do_v entertain_v those_o person_n there_o for_o their_o defence_n and_o thereupon_o fortify_v the_o say_a isle_n affirm_v that_o they_o be_v much_o more_o willing_a to_o live_v by_o the_o labour_n of_o their_o hand_n than_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o servitude_n and_o that_o the_o same_o isle_n be_v not_o then_o at_o all_o burden_a by_o those_o forcesâ—_n for_o quoth_v 30â—â—_n he_o they_o matter_n not_o the_o siege_n the_o husbandman_n not_o neglect_v his_o blow_n nor_o the_o hunter_n his_o sport_n neither_o do_v the_o fowler_n cease_v from_o his_o employment_n conclude_v that_o they_o be_v secure_o defend_v by_o their_o own_o soldiery_n nay_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o more_o say_v he_o both_o what_o i_o know_v and_o see_v this_o isle_n it_o extraordinary_a fruitful_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o grass_n there_o be_v no_o place_n in_o england_n that_o have_v a_o more_o fertile_a turf_n moreover_o it_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o huge_a water_n and_o fen_n as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o strong_a wall_n and_o abound_v not_o only_o with_o domestic_a cattle_n but_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o wild_a beast_n viz._n heart_n do_v goat_n and_o hare_n both_o in_o the_o wood_n and_o near_o the_o fen_n as_o also_o ermine_n polecat_n weasel_n and_o the_o like_a vermin_n which_o be_v take_v with_o trap_n and_o other_o engine_n in_o the_o winter_n time_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o foul_a which_o there_o breed_n what_o shall_v i_o say_v at_o the_o floodgate_n upon_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o water_n what_o
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
precept_n to_o william_n fraunk_v than_o his_o eschaetor_n in_o this_o countyâ—_n that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o make_v inquisition_n and_o certify_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o he_o the_o say_a king_n or_o his_o subject_n if_o the_o say_a custom_n be_v grant_v unto_o the_o beforementioned_a gilbert_n for_o the_o purpose_n above_o express_v and_o according_o the_o say_a eschaetor_n do_v certify_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o say_a king_n or_o any_o other_o to_o make_v such_o grant_n upon_o a_o presentment_n liâ—â—_n exhibit_v in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n in_o 28_o e._n 3._o the_o town_n of_o thurleby_n be_v dischardged_a from_o repair_v a_o certain_a channel_n call_v edyke_n any_o far_a than_o from_o catebrigg_n to_o boston_n cote_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n next_o unto_o boston_n cote_n in_o 40_o e._n 3._o the_o lady_n blanch_n wake_v complain_v dorso_fw-la to_o the_o king_n that_o whereas_o she_o be_v then_o possess_v of_o the_o fen_n call_v deping_n ei_fw-la as_o parcel_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o depe_v which_o she_o hold_v in_o dower_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o joan_n at_o that_o time_n wife_n to_o edward_n prince_n of_o aquitane_n and_o wales_n common_o call_v the_o black_a prince_n and_o that_o the_o say_a fen_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o river_n of_o weyland_n and_o nen_n as_o also_o of_o other_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n which_o descend_v through_o those_o marsh_n be_v hinder_v of_o their_o right_a course_n by_o floodgate_n mill_n and_o pool_n then_o new_o raise_v upon_o those_o stream_n as_o also_o by_o pile_n and_o stake_n therein_o fix_v and_o trench_n make_v and_o likewise_o by_o breach_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o for_o default_n of_o scour_v the_o sewer_n be_v so_o overflow_v that_o the_o say_v blanch_n or_o any_o other_o person_n can_v scarce_o receive_v any_o commodity_n in_o the_o same_o fen_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v he_o therefore_o assign_v ibid._n simon_n symeon_n roger_n de_fw-fr meres_n john_n de_fw-fr repyngale_n thomas_n de_fw-fr pinchebek_n and_o reginald_n the_o tykesore_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o amendment_n thereof_o in_o 41_o e._n 3._o the_o abbot_n of_o kirkstede_n be_v upon_o a_o plead_v acquit_v linc._n from_o the_o scour_n of_o a_o ditch_n call_v stopdyke_n for_o which_o he_o be_v present_v before_o gilbert_n de_fw-fr umframvill_n earl_n of_o anego_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n of_o sewer_n in_o 50_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n linc._n exhibit_v against_o the_o say_a gilbert_n for_o take_v of_o toll_n of_o all_o vendible_a commodity_n carry_v in_o boat_n from_o boston_n to_o kesteven_n whereunto_o he_o plead_v linc._n that_o he_o do_v take_v that_o toll_n for_o scour_v the_o channel_n call_v the_o i_fw-mi of_o kyme_n which_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o manor_n or_o lordship_n of_o kyme_n betwixt_o doc_n dyke_n and_o brentfen_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wythom_n and_o be_v the_o very_a water_n specify_v in_o the_o presentment_n and_o there_o call_v home_o milnedike_o on_o both_o side_n which_o channel_n be_v then_o so_o fill_v with_o mud_n that_o ship_n and_o boat_n can_v not_o pass_v through_o it_o until_o that_o he_o the_o say_v gilbert_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n be_v write_v of_o ad_fw-la quod_fw-la dampnum_fw-la do_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o and_o by_o his_o royal_a charter_n grant_v licence_n to_o the_o say_v gilbert_n and_o his_o heir_n to_o take_v toll_n of_o such_o vessel_n bring_v those_o commodity_n as_o to_o the_o condition_n that_o brunne_a fen_n and_o depe_a fen_n stand_v in_o it_o be_v thus_o certify_v 59_o in_o 4_o r._n 2._o after_o the_o death_n of_o blanch_n the_o widow_n unto_o thomas_n wake_v of_o lydel_n who_o then_o die_v seize_v of_o the_o castle_n and_o manor_n of_o brunne_a which_o she_o hold_v in_o dower_n for_o the_o term_n of_o her_o life_n viz._n that_o the_o marsh_n call_v brunne_a fen_n do_v extend_v itself_o from_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v arfth_v wenth_fw-mi to_o potter_n lane_n in_o brunne_a thence_o to_o merton_n thence_o to_o litildyke_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o ditch_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o spald_v and_o that_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o turf_n dig_v yearly_o there_o amount_v to_o cs._n and_o the_o profit_n of_o stranger_n cattle_n there_o agi_v annual_o as_o much_o and_o moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a yearly_a commodity_n call_v poundage_n take_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n for_o the_o strange_a cattle_n for_o greshyre_n from_o morton_n to_o sekholme_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o wrigbolt_n and_o thence_o to_o dew_a hirne_n and_o thence_o by_o brunne_v i_fw-mi to_o goderhamcote_n and_o thence_o to_o estcote_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n at_o esthowe_n and_o thence_o to_o medylhowe_v and_o thence_o to_o arfth_v wenth_fw-mi which_o poundage_n be_v worth_a by_o the_o year_n iiiis_fw-la and_o that_o the_o marsh_n call_v depe_v fen_n do_v extend_v itself_o from_o east_n depe_v to_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o bridge_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o message_n of_o william_n atte_n tounesend_n of_o spalding_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v dowe_n hirne_v thence_o to_o goderhamkote_v thence_o to_o estcote_n and_o thence_o to_o baston_n bar_n thence_o to_o langtoft_n outgonge_n and_o thence_o to_o east_n depe_v in_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o agistment_n of_o all_o cattle_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n do_v then_o belong_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v worth_a annual_o xxl._n and_o moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a profit_n of_o turf_n yearly_o dig_v therein_o worth_a xxl._n and_o likewise_o a_o profit_n of_o poundage_n to_o be_v yearly_a twice_o take_v of_o all_o cattle_n within_o the_o same_o marsh_n viz._n one_o time_n of_o horse_n and_o afterward_o of_o cattle_n whereupon_o all_o cattle_n which_o have_v right_a of_o common_a there_o be_v deliver_v with_o payment_n of_o greshyre_n but_o of_o other_o cattle_n the_o lord_n have_v greshyre_n which_o be_v worth_a xxl._n per_fw-la annum_fw-la also_o that_o there_o be_v within_o the_o say_a marsh_n a_o certain_a profit_n of_o fish_v new_o take_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n on_o the_o north_n part_n towards_o spald_v which_o be_v yearly_o worth_a viil_n and_o that_o the_o other_o profit_n of_o fish_v and_o foul_n throughout_o the_o whole_a fen_n be_v then_o worth_a cs._n and_o last_o that_o the_o fish_n to_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n to_o crouland_n and_o thence_o to_o spald_v be_v yearly_o worth_a l_n in_o 5_o r._n 2._o upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n it_o be_v find_v that_o neither_o the_o abbot_n of_o brune_n nor_o the_o town_n of_o brune_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n call_v e-dike_a from_o goderamcote_n to_o estcote_n and_o that_o their_o predecessor_n nor_o ancestor_n do_v ever_o repair_v the_o same_o nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o therefore_o they_o be_v dischardged_a in_o 11_o r._n 2._o henry_n de_fw-fr percy_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n john_n de_fw-fr beaumond_n sir_n nicholas_n de_fw-fr hebden_n knight_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 ditch_n and_o sewer_n lie_v betwixt_o lincoln_n and_o brig_n dyke_n which_o by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o fresh_a water_n be_v then_o break_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o 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 like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 14_o r._n 2._o have_v will._n thorpe_n anketine_n mallore_n will._n thirning_n richard_n sydenham_n will._n de_fw-fr crosseby_n and_o john_n goffron_n for_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n from_o cadebrig_n to_o dunnâ—sby_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o thorleby_n fen_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a in_o this_o year_n upon_o 7._o question_n betwixt_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n touch_v the_o bound_n betwixt_o those_o province_n there_o be_v a_o commission_n grant_v by_o the_o king_n to_o robert_n de_fw-fr willughby_n philip_n le_fw-fr spenser_n ralph_n de_fw-fr cromwell_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n will._n thirn_a richard_n sidenham_n john_n markham_n edmund_n de_fw-fr day_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr mantell_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o whereof_o a_o perambulation_n be_v make_v and_o a_o inquisition_n take_v at_o brigge_n dike_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o andrew_n de_fw-fr leake_n and_o other_o of_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o of_o john_n paynell_n and_o other_o of_o this_o province_n of_o keâ—â—even_n which_o be_v also_o exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o there_o be_v ten_o cross_n eâ—ected_v in_o several_a place_n for_o meâ—es_n and_o division_n of_o
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
in_o those_o bridge_n and_o ditch_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n of_o scathegrafte_n swyneman_n dam_n and_o swain_n lade_v in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n as_o that_o the_o water_n run_v to_o the_o river_n of_o byker_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n be_v not_o hinder_v which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v open_a from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n in_o winter_n and_o so_o likewise_o from_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o s._n martin_n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n except_o so_o great_a a_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n shall_v then_o happen_v as_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a but_o that_o the_o province_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v drown_v in_o case_n of_o which_o inundation_n that_o then_o it_o may_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n to_o stop_v those_o sewer_n and_o present_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o water_n to_o open_v they_o again_o which_o say_v sewer_n be_v then_o obstruct_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n that_o aught_o to_o have_v scour_v the_o same_o and_o the_o say_v juros_n far_a say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o byker_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a channel_n from_o bondstake_n to_o quadring_n to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xxiiii_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n with_o the_o commoner_n belong_v thereto_o aught_o to_o scour_v and_o repair_v the_o say_a channel_n unto_o gosbirkirk_n of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkirk_n aught_o to_o do_v the_o like_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o say_a channel_n and_o sewer_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o byker_n be_v then_o obstruct_v from_o bondstake_n to_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n and_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n of_o gosberkyrk_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v cleanse_v the_o same_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o channel_n of_o byker_n where_o the_o dam_n be_v aught_o to_o be_v open_a throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o expedient_a that_o the_o town_n of_o byker_n for_o the_o particular_a commodity_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n shall_v make_v a_o certain_a clow_n with_o two_o door_n each_o of_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n which_o clown_n to_o be_v always_o open_a except_v in_o the_o time_n of_o mighty_a flood_n from_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o gutter_n and_o sewer_n in_o quadr_v be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v as_o also_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n and_o the_o commoner_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o gosberkyrk_n call_v risgate_n ee_n and_o the_o sluse_n betwixt_o the_o fen_n and_o the_o sewer_n which_o ought_v to_o lie_v open_a all_o the_o year_n as_o scathegrafte_n and_o swanelade_v use_v to_o do_v be_v then_o stop_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n with_o the_o commoner_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v repair_n and_o amend_v the_o say_a sewer_n gutter_n and_o sluse_n in_o such_o place_n where_o it_o have_v ancient_o wont_a to_o be_v viz._n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n and_o they_o say_v likewise_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o beech_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberkyrk_n hynsebek_n and_o surflâ—te_n from_o the_o fen_n unto_o surflete_a and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n be_v obstruct_v through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o one_o richard_n de_fw-fr hodell_n have_v raise_v a_o bank_n in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n by_o which_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n be_v hinder_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o brigefleet_n be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v and_o repair_v by_o that_o town_n unto_o the_o river_n at_o swynesheved_a the_o channel_n there_o be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o water_n down_o to_o kyme_v mouth_n i_o where_o it_o be_v then_o stop_v by_o philip_n the_o kyme_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o encluse_n near_a boston_n aught_o to_o run_v at_o all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stop_v every_o winter_n by_o the_o man_n of_o boston_n at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o bridge_n as_o also_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o boston_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o sewer_n call_v hamondebek_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o boston_n be_v also_o obstruct_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n and_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o skyrbek_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o boston_n and_o skyrbek_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o the_o say_a man_n of_o boston_n live_v at_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n aught_o to_o common_a in_o the_o marsh_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n ought_v to_o run_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o channel_n of_o swynesheved_a from_o blalberdeboche_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o swinesheved_a town_n and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o swynesheved_a aught_o to_o scour_v the_o same_o channel_n from_o thence_o unto_o the_o stream_n of_o byker_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o iwardeby_n and_o onsthorpe_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o water_n which_o run_v from_o happeltrenesse_n to_o kyme_v and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v a_o great_a part_n thereof_o and_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n who_o ought_v upon_o his_o own_o ground_n to_o repair_v a_o certain_a part_n of_o that_o side_n at_o the_o wathe_fw-mi mouth_n do_v fail_v in_o do_v thereof_o and_o so_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o philip_n the_o whole_a marsh_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n be_v overflowen_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o those_o country_n and_o that_o the_o say_v philip_n do_v divert_v the_o course_n of_o that_o water_n to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o the_o country_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o prior_n of_o kyme_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n ought_v to_o find_v a_o certain_a boat_n at_o the_o both_o near_o to_o the_o wathe_fw-mi mouth_n for_o to_o carry_v over_o foot-folk_n aswell_o by_o night_n as_o day_n whensoever_o any_o one_o shall_v pass_v that_o way_n and_o that_o he_o do_v neglect_v so_o to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o such_o people_n that_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v that_o way_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a water_n be_v the_o public_a passage_n for_o all_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n from_o kesteven_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wythum_fw-la and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o channel_n call_v the_o old_a he_o between_o the_o marsh_n of_o holland_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o kyme_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o of_o holland_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o by_o henry_n de_fw-fr beaumond_n or_o the_o lord_n of_o hekyngton_n and_o commoner_n of_o that_o town_n and_o on_o the_o west_n part_n by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n from_o blalberdebothe_a to_o the_o water_n of_o kyme_n and_o that_o it_o be_v there_o obstruct_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kyme_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o great_a hale_n with_o the_o commoner_n there_o aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a causey_n from_o gerwyk_n to_o pyngelhyrne_n both_o for_o foot_n and_o horseman_n and_o that_o the_o beforespecify_v town_n of_o hekyngton_n with_o gerwyk_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o channel_n of_o gerwyk_n unto_o the_o water_n of_o
ought_v to_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o sewer_n of_o stakesgraft_n swynman_n dam_n and_o swanelond_n so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o channel_n which_o carry_v it_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v great_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a bank_n for_o preservation_n of_o the_o fen_n betwixt_o depe_v and_o spalding_n from_o the_o house_n of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o simon_n of_o spalding_n to_o wodelode_n to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o prior_n and_o town_n of_o spalding_n so_o that_o each_o aâ—re_n may_v be_v tax_v alike_o and_o that_o no_o hog_n may_v come_v near_o that_o bank_n nor_o any_o defensible_a bank_n in_o any_o place_n of_o holland_n nor_o the_o sewer_n therein_o by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o they_o last_o say_v that_o all_o the_o beforespecify_v ordinance_n be_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a town_n in_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n and_o that_o every_o acre_n ought_v to_o be_v assess_v alike_o in_o all_o tax_n and_o cost_n for_o the_o necessary_a repair_n of_o the_o say_a gutter_n sewer_n bank_n and_o bridge_n in_o 25_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o petition_n dorso_fw-la exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o counsel_n in_o parliament_n by_o those_o of_o these_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n who_o reside_v in_o the_o fen_n show_v that_o whereas_o the_o ancient_a boundary_a call_v midfen_n dike_a and_o other_o mete_n which_o go_v through_o the_o say_a fen_n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o withum_fw-la which_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o old_a limit_n betwixt_o these_o two_o province_n as_o by_o certain_a cross_n of_o stone_n then_o continue_v be_v very_o evident_a be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o flood_n and_o other_o impediment_n so_o obscure_v that_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v thereof_o insomuch_o as_o great_a controversy_n and_o debate_n be_v occasion_v betwixt_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o those_o part_n upon_o execution_n of_o the_o king_n writ_n and_o otherwise_o the_o say_a king_n do_v therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la saier_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n alexander_n aunsell_n simon_n simeon_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n and_o thomas_n the_o levelance_n to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o person_n for_o the_o scour_n and_o cleanse_v the_o same_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v perform_v that_o work_n after_o this_o divers_a year_n viz._n in_o 41_o e._n 3._o godfrey_n fuljaumbe_a simon_n simeon_n walter_n de_fw-fr campeden_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n sewer_n and_o ditch_n from_o bardney_n ferry_n to_o catebrig_n within_o the_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o within_o the_o wapentak_v of_o ellowe_n in_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o 3._o h._n 4._o i_o find_v that_o on_o will._n wyte_v of_o depe_v be_v pardon_v for_o the_o break_n down_o of_o two_o cross_n which_o have_v be_v set_v up_o betwixt_o these_o province_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n by_o five_o of_o the_o king_n justice_n upon_o the_o say_v king_n appointment_n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o thomas_n le_fw-fr war_n robert_n de_fw-fr wylughby_n will._n lodingtone_n robert_n hagbecche_n geffrey_n lutterell_n john_n belle_fw-fr john_n henege_v 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 ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n then_o in_o decay_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 ☜_o and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v such_o and_o so_o many_o workman_n and_o artificer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_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 for_o expedition_n therein_o the_o like_a commission_n in_o 5_o h._n 5._o have_v thomas_n duke_n of_o clarence_n gilbert_n umframvill_n william_n lodyngton_n john_n cokayn_n james_n strangways_o thomas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr launde_n and_o other_o and_o to_o act_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 so_o also_o in_o 26_o h._n 6._o have_v dorso_fw-la john_n viscount_n beaumond_n sir_n robert_n wylughby_n knight_n sir_n ralph_n cromwell_n knight_n sir_n leo._n welles_n knight_n nich._n dixon_n clerk_n thomas_n mery_n and_o other_o with_o direction_n to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n therein_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o thing_n touch_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v ditcher_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a salary_n and_o to_o employ_v they_o in_o the_o say_a work_n as_o long_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n so_o to_o do_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a and_o imminent_a danger_n which_o may_v by_o delay_n accrue_v in_o 7_o e._n 4._o richard_n earl_n of_o warwick_n humphrey_n bourchier_n lord_n cromwell_n sir_n henry_n stafford_z knight_n sir_n thomas_n burgh_n knight_n oliver_n s._n john_n esquire_n will._n husee_fw-fr will._n coote_n and_o divers_a other_o have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n etc._n etc._n from_o staunford_n in_o this_o county_n to_o dodyngton_n pigot_n and_o from_o thence_o throughout_o these_o two_o province_n to_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o 34_o h._n 8._o charles_n d._n of_o suff._n rob._n dymmoke_n tho._n heneage_n john_n copledyk_n john_n hussey_n and_o rob._n tirwhit_o knight_n edw._n dymoke_n ric._n themolby_n and_o other_o esâ—uires_v then_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n sit_v at_o donington_n decree_v 1660._o that_o the_o floudgate_n or_o sluse_n under_o boston_n bridge_n shall_v be_v repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o wapentake_v of_o kyrton_n and_o skirbek_n in_o holland_n for_o the_o one_o half_a and_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellow_n and_o town_n of_o boston_n 8._o for_o the_o other_o half_a to_o be_v perform_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n than_o next_o come_n in_o as_o complete_a a_o manner_n as_o it_o have_v be_v former_o do_v by_o margaret_n countess_n of_o richmund_n and_o derby_n moreover_o that_o two_o great_a sewer_n xx_o foot_n wide_a and_o 5._o foot_n deep_a shall_v be_v make_v and_o dig_v in_o the_o division_n betwixt_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n from_o the_o most_o western_a point_n at_o gotheram_n coat_n corner_n near_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n unto_o wragmere_n stake_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o wythom_n at_o langrake_n where_o then_o lie_v a_o certain_a sluse_n in_o the_o say_a river_n so_o as_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o watercourse_n be_v noâ—_n above_o xxxvi_o foot_n one_o from_o the_o other_o until_o they_o come_v to_o wragmere_n stake_n and_o that_o the_o menure_n shall_v be_v cast_v betwixt_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o raise_v a_o firm_a bank_n and_o from_o wragmere_n stake_n both_o sewer_n to_o run_v in_o one_o channel_n of_o thirty_o foot_n broad_a in_o a_o direct_a line_n leave_v the_o division_n of_o those_o country_n to_o gilsyke_n to_o go_v whole_o in_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n of_o holland_n and_o that_o the_o say_v sewer_n from_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n to_o wytham_n so_o intend_v from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n shall_v â—all_n into_o enter_v and_o go_v through_o all_o the_o load_n and_o drayne_n in_o the_o fen_n aforesaid_a which_o come_v out_o of_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n to_o hamond_n beck_n alias_o holland_n fen_n dyke_n to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o the_o water_n go_v together_o may_v the_o better_o run_v within_o its_o own_o brink_n and_o channel_n and_o the_o soon_o come_v to_o the_o sluse_n at_o skirbek_n goat_n and_o the_o new_a goat_n by_o that_o decree_n intend_v and_o that_o those_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o manner_n follow_v and_o in_o place_n hereafter_o name_v viz._n first_o from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v gotheramscote_n unto_o nestilholm_n corner_n by_o a_o right_a line_n on_o the_o outside_n of_o nestilholme_n aforesaid_a where_o the_o hearth_n stead_n be_v and_o the_o limit_n divyde_v holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n shall_v come_v as_o near_o to_o the_o corner_n aforesaid_a as_o may_v be_v so_o that_o it_o enter_v not_o into_o the_o dyke_n of_o nestilholm_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o say_v sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v from_o the_o place_n to_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o westside_n within_o the_o several_a township_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o burne_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la moreton_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la haconby_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la
dunsby_n repingale_n ryngston_n kirkby_n dowsby_n grayby_n aslackby_n mylthorpe_n and_o pointon_n in_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n on_o the_o east_n part_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n pynchbee_n surflet_n gosberkyrke_n and_o quadring_n in_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n by_o every_o of_o the_o commoner_n in_o their_o own_o precinct_n and_o from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v nestilholme_n harthstede_n and_o corner_n to_o the_o cross_n on_o brigdyke_n by_o a_o right_a line_n for_o so_o the_o limit_n thereof_o do_v lie_v and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v also_o do_v on_o the_o west_n side_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o poynton_n sempryngham_n byllingborough_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la and_o horble_a with_o bryg-end_n and_o such_o as_o have_v common_a there_o and_o on_o the_o east_n side_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o commoner_n of_o quadring_n and_o donington_n in_o their_o precinct_n and_o from_o the_o say_a cross_n upon_o brygdyke_n by_o a_o direct_a line_n also_o to_o wragmere_n stake_n because_o the_o limit_n between_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n do_v lie_v under_o the_o say_a line_n the_o say_v say_v sewer_n shall_v be_v dyke_v and_o make_v on_o the_o west_n part_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o swayton_n thorpe-latyme_a helpryngham_n great_a hale_n and_o little_a hale_n every_o one_o in_o their_o own_o precinct_n and_o upon_o the_o east_n part_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o donyngton_n and_o byker_n in_o their_o township_n and_o although_o it_o do_v then_o appear_v by_o two_o preambulation_n whereof_o one_o be_v in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o king_n richard_n the_o second_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o xvith_o year_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o seven_o that_o the_o boundary_n divide_v kesteven_n and_o holland_n extend_v by_o a_o direct_a line_n through_o donyngton_n inggs_n from_o thence_o that_o be_v to_o say_v from_o the_o cross_n on_o brygdyke_n unto_o wragmere_n stake_n yet_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o these_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o as_o neither_o of_o they_o may_v reach_v into_o donyngton_n inggs_n for_o fear_v of_o waste_v their_o several_a ground_n but_o be_v set_v in_o the_o fen_n as_o near_o as_o convenient_o and_o necessary_o may_v be_v and_o from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v wragmere_n stake_n than_o leave_v the_o mete_n and_o boundary_n of_o the_o two_o country_n the_o say_a sewer_n to_o be_v join_v in_o one_o and_o to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o breadth_n of_o thirty_o foot_n and_o cut_v straight_o through_o the_o west-causey_n direct_o to_o gyl_v syke_a at_o langrake_n at_o the_o only_a charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o commoner_n in_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n of_o holland_n and_o of_o skirbeck_n quarter_n and_o of_o the_o township_n of_o boston_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o kirton_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n cast_v up_o in_o the_o say_v eight_o hundred_o fen_n aforesaid_a viz._n between_o wragmere_n stake_n and_o langrake_n shall_v be_v cast_v upon_o heap_n lest_o the_o water_n be_v hinder_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o sewer_n aforesaid_a all_o which_o to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n the_o bishop_n in_o winter_n than_o next_o ensue_v likewise_o that_o in_o the_o say_a place_n at_o langrake_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a river_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o four_o new_a floodgate_n or_o sluice_n of_o free_a stone_n each_o of_o eight_o foot_n wide_a for_o drayn_v of_o all_o the_o fen_n aforesaid_a at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o town_n aforesaid_a in_o kesteven_n and_o of_o dekyngton_n kyme_n and_o ewarby_n and_o they_o by_o â—qual_a portion_n and_o due_a rate_n to_o make_v two_o of_o they_o and_o the_o aforenamed_a town_n commoner_n in_o the_o fen_n north_n from_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n in_o holland_n side_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o wytham_n to_o make_v the_o other_o two_o by_o equal_a portion_n and_o that_o a_o rate_n and_o proportion_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o both_o the_o say_a part_n upon_o every_o town_n by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n or_o any_o six_o of_o they_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n bartholomew_n than_o next_o also_o ensue_v and_o last_o that_o a_o drain_v of_o xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o foot_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o law_n fen_n from_o a_o place_n call_v west_n bank_n alias_o holland_n dyke_n overthwart_o the_o hyrn_n unto_o langrake_n aforesaid_a that_o all_o the_o water_n fall_v from_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n into_o the_o say_a fen_n may_v the_o more_o easy_o be_v bring_v to_o run_v to_o the_o goat_n aforesaid_a so_o to_o be_v make_v as_o be_v set_v forth_o at_o langrake_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o same_o sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o the_o equal_a charge_n of_o both_o country_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o possessor_n of_o the_o town_n before_o remember_v and_o likewise_o that_o for_o all_o the_o say_a charge_n so_o several_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n the_o rate_n and_o portion_n set_v upon_o every_o township_n shall_v be_v lay_v according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o lay_v the_o xuth_o grant_v to_o the_o king_n and_o for_o all_o the_o town_n in_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n to_o be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o like_a payment_n rate_v thereabouts_o and_o that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n james_n the_o apostle_n than_o next_o ensue_v upon_o pain_n of_o xxl._o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o every_o township_n to_o the_o king_n use_n if_o they_o shall_v presume_v to_o offend_v in_o that_o case_n after_o this_o viz._n in_o 1_o jac._n thomas_n lovel_n esquire_n represent_v remota_fw-la to_o the_o king_n then_o sit_v in_o parliament_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o for_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n call_v depe_v spald_a and_o pinchebeck_n south_n fen_n thurleby_n fen_n bear_a south_n fen_n and_o crouland_n fen_n alias_o gogisland_n fen_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n humble_a petition_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o depe_v and_o other_o town_n adjoin_v be_v commoner_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n unto_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o privy_a council_n to_o the_o late_a queen_n elizabeth_n express_v the_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o say_a town_n and_o inhabitant_n there_o with_o the_o benefit_n which_o by_o the_o lay_n of_o they_o dry_a shall_v redound_v to_o the_o say_a queen_n and_o her_o whole_a realm_n and_o that_o the_o say_v lord_n have_v consult_v with_o the_o say_a queen_n learned_a council_n about_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n of_o effect_v thereof_o and_o be_v by_o their_o direction_n by_o writ_n of_o ad_fw-la quod_fw-la dampnum_fw-la and_o inquisition_n of_o juror_n thereabouts_o inhabit_v due_o take_v and_o certify_v and_o return_v into_o the_o chancery_n and_o there_o remain_v of_o record_n inform_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a petition_n and_o of_o the_o great_a benefit_n both_o to_o the_o say_a queen_n by_o the_o save_n of_o a_o great_a yearly_a charge_n about_o the_o repair_n and_o amend_v of_o the_o bank_n environ_v the_o say_a fen_n for_o defence_n against_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o glene_n run_v on_o both_o side_n and_o clean_o above_o the_o soil_n thereof_o as_o also_o that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o way_n prejudicial_a either_o to_o the_o navigation_n or_o to_o the_o commonwealth_n etc._n etc._n do_v direct_v their_o letter_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o the_o say_a county_n etc._n etc._n require_v they_o to_o take_v care_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n to_o see_v the_o same_o effect_v commend_v likewise_o unto_o they_o as_o by_o the_o â—aid_n petition_v they_o be_v require_v thomas_n lovel_n esquire_n a_o man_n skilful_a in_o like_a work_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v beyond_o the_o sea_n much_o use_v and_o employ_v as_o one_o fit_a and_o much_o desire_v by_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n to_o undertake_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n of_o sewer_n etc._n etc._n do_v make_v and_o establish_v certain_a law_n etc._n etc._n viz._n at_o bear_v the_o xxth_o of_o aug._n 41_o eliz._n and_o at_o market_n depe_v xx_o sept._n 41_o eliz._n and_o last_o at_o market_n depe_v thirty_o aug._n 42_o eliz._n by_o tho._n lord_n burghley_n edw._n heron_n sergeant_n at_o law_n robert_n wingfeld_n richard_n ogle_n anth._n ireby_n john_n wingfield_n henry_n hall_n tho._n lovel_n william_n rigden_n tho._n lambert_n william_n lacie_n edm._n mounstevenâ—_n leonard_n bautre_fw-fr matthew_n robinson_n tho._n ogle_n and_o robert_n audley_n esquire_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n by_o which_o law_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n shall_v undertake_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n abovementioned_a viz._n at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v within_o five_o year_n from_o the_o xxth_o of_o
the_o say_v depe_v fen_n 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 and_o that_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n it_o be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o own_o service_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v have_v just_a regard_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o same_o with_o most_o public_a and_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o whole_a fen_n he_o be_v far_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o sole_a adventurer_n aswell_o of_o this_o particular_a fen_n call_v depe_v fen_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o that_o he_o will_v afterward_o in_o order_v the_o same_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n unto_o such_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o as_o have_v any_o former_a interest_n or_o engagement_n therein_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n i_o find_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n pettibag_n make_v at_o st._n ives_n the_o xuth_o of_o october_n 17_o caroli_n that_o the_o commissioner_n therein_o recite_v that_o whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o this_o depe_a fen_n as_o also_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbek_n fen_n and_o of_o gogsland_n belong_v to_o crouland_n by_o contract_n make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o remain_v drown_v they_o then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_v fen_n shall_v be_v survey_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n jac._n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n undertaker_n and_o six_o commissioner_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o a_o moiety_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n and_o their_o heir_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n for_o drayn_v thereof_o and_o two_o three_o of_o all_o the_o ground_n surround_v lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o weston_n call_v bellesmore_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n and_o two_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n and_o in_o quaplode_n and_o holbeche_n the_o one_o half_a after_o which_o divers_a gentleman_n who_o name_n be_v express_v in_o the_o map_n here_o exhibit_v become_v adventurer_n for_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o and_o in_o order_n thereto_o cause_v the_o river_n of_o welland_n from_o waldram_n hall_n to_o spalding_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o be_v make_v wide_a and_o deep_o the_o drain_v call_v the_o staker_n drain_v about_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o to_o ease_v the_o river_n of_o glen_n together_o with_o hill_n drayne_n and_o uernat_n drayne_n they_o likewise_o make_v new_a and_o perfect_v exeter_n drayne_n from_o cubbet_n tunnel_n almost_o to_o the_o sea_n near_o spalding_n they_o also_o erect_v a_o great_a fluce_n and_o make_v all_o the_o partition_n dike_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o map_n show_v by_o which_o work_v the_o water_n be_v so_o well_o take_v off_o that_o in_o summer_n this_o whole_a fen_n yield_v great_a store_n of_o grass_n and_o hay_n and_o have_v be_v make_v winter_n ground_n in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o confusion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n which_o ensue_v soon_o after_o the_o convention_n of_o the_o late_a long_a parliament_n as_o be_v very_o well_o know_v possess_v themselves_o thereof_o so_o that_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n be_v neglect_v by_o the_o adventurer_n it_o become_v again_o overflow_v and_o so_o remain_v at_o this_o time_n cap._n xliv_o how_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o province_n be_v at_o first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n i_o have_v already_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o my_o discourse_n brief_o manifest_v that_o therefore_o which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o reference_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v touch_v the_o far_a improvement_n thereof_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v and_o the_o support_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n before_o wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o begin_v with_o crouland_n make_v famous_a of_o old_a by_o s._n guthlake_n a_o holy_a hermit_n who_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o for_o devotions_n sake_n betake_v himself_o hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o the_o great_a solitude_n how_o terrible_a and_o hideous_a the_o part_n hereabout_o then_o be_v consider_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o fen_n i_o need_v not_o to_o make_v far_a relation_n have_v elsewhere_o jac._n so_o full_o discourse_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o brief_o point_v at_o what_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o pious_a man_n s._n guthlake_n ethelbald_n then_o king_n of_o mercia_n who_o confessor_n b._n he_o have_v be_v discern_v how_o renown_v he_o grow_v for_o sundry_a miracle_n seek_v out_o his_o sepulture_n and_o have_v send_v for_o a_o monk_n of_o evesham_n call_v kenulph_n who_o be_v then_o eminent_a for_o his_o holy_a life_n as_o also_o consult_v with_o he_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o covent_n do_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxvi_o begin_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o goodly_a monastery_n in_o this_o place_n which_o he_o endow_v with_o the_o whole_a isle_n of_o crouland_n bound_v a._n with_o these_o water_n viz._n schepishee_n towards_o the_o east_n nene_n towards_o the_o west_n south_n i_o on_o the_o south_n and_o asendik_n to_o the_o north_n where_o the_o common_a sewer_n than_o be_v betwixt_o spalding_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o tract_n of_o ground_n contain_v four_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n and_o whereunto_o belong_v those_o large_a adjacent_a fen_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o river_n of_o weland_n that_o towards_o the_o north_n call_v goggislond_n extend_v two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o asaph_n where_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o isle_n be_v and_o one_o mile_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o unto_o apenholt_n on_o the_o north_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o water_n the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o fen_n lie_v southwards_o of_o the_o say_a stream_n of_o weland_n contain_v also_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o southlake_n near_o the_o channel_n opposite_a to_o aspath_n have_v two_o mile_n also_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n to_o fynsâ—tt_n on_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n which_o be_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o fen._n and_o because_o 20._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o king_n design_v to_o erect_v this_o abbey_n be_v so_o moist_a and_o fenny_a that_o it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o bear_v a_o build_n of_o stone_n he_o bring_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o mighty_a pile_n make_v of_o oak_n and_o alder_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v drive_v deep_a into_o the_o ground_n as_o also_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o firm_a and_o hard_a earth_n dig_v nine_o mile_n thence_o and_o upon_o those_o he_o raise_v that_o structure_n that_o oratory_n which_o s._n guthlake_n have_v there_o be_v only_o of_o timber_n and_o now_o though_o i_o have_v already_o point_v at_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o isle_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o before-specified_n charter_n of_o king_n ethelbald_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o find_v it_o afterward_o more_o exact_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o confirmation_n of_o other_o king_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o place_n therein_o express_v may_v give_v a_o clear_a light_n unto_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v of_o thâ—se_a fenny_a part_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o description_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n that_o first_o whereof_o be_v by_o bertulph_n king_n of_o mercia_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccli_o viz._n aâ—_n from_o aswicktost_a hirne_n to_o tedwarthar_n the_o water_n of_o schâ—pishâ—e_n have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o cappelade_v on_o the_o east_n and_o from_o tedwarthar_n to_o namans_n land_n hirne_n the_o water_n of_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi bound_v it_o have_v the_o same_o isle_n on_o the_o north_n thereof_o and_o the_o wood_n of_o ancarig_n id_fw-la est_fw-la thorney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o from_o namans_n land_n hirne_n to_o crouland_n bridge_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n be_v the_o limit_n thereof_o have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n call_v alderlound_n on_o the_o west_n and_o from_o
crouland_n bridge_n to_o wodelademouth_n the_o river_n of_o weland_n be_v the_o fence_n thereto_o have_v the_o before-specified_n isle_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o itâ—_n and_o the_o fen_n call_v goggeslound_n on_o the_o west_n and_o from_o wodelademouth_n to_o the_o common_a sewer_n of_o asendik_n the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n be_v the_o limit_n thereof_o have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o spaâ—ding_n fen_n on_o the_o north._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o aswiktost_a do_v the_o water_n of_o asendik_n bind_v it_o have_v the_o same_o isle_n on_o the_o south_n parâ—_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o spalding_n weston_n and_o multon_n on_o the_o north._n moreover_o of_o the_o fen_n lie_v opposite_a to_o the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n side_n these_o be_v then_o the_o limit_n viz._n from_o namans_n land_n hirne_n to_o finset_n thence_o to_o groin_n thence_o to_o folwardstake_v thence_o northwards_o to_o the_o stream_n of_o weland_n where_o south_n lake_n enter_v thereinto_o and_o so_o pass_v over_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n and_o ascend_v to_o aspath_n thence_o northwards_o to_o werwerlake_n and_o so_o by_o harinholt_n to_o mengarlake_n thence_o to_o oggot_n otherwise_o call_v dedmans_n lake_n and_o so_o by_o apinholt_n and_o wodelake_n eastward_n to_o wodelademouth_n which_o be_v the_o boundary_a of_o the_o isle_n on_o that_o side_n towards_o the_o north_n as_o namans_n land_n hirne_n be_v towards_o the_o south_n howbeit_o the_o common_a of_o pasture_n for_o cattle_n extend_v far_a than_o the_o before-specified_n bound_n of_o those_o fen_n southwards_o even_o to_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o monk_n of_o medeshamsted_n now_o peterborough_n and_o towards_o the_o west_n of_o the_o land_n of_o the_o monk_n of_o s._n pega_n now_o peakirke_n in_o the_o south_n fen_n of_o weland_n and_o in_o the_o north_n fen_n towards_o the_o west_n to_o the_o town_n of_o depinge_v â—_z &_o northwards_o to_o spaldel_v the_o other_o boundary_a b._n be_v by_o edred_n king_n of_o great_a britain_n thus_o describe_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n dccccxlviij_fw-la viz._n from_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o crouland_n by_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n towards_o spalding_n unto_o asâ—ndike_n where_o asendik_n fall_v into_o the_o river_n of_o uueland_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o a_o certain_a cross_n of_o stone_n there_o erect_v by_o abbot_n turketill_o and_o so_o upward_o to_o the_o east_n by_o asendick_n to_o aswicktost_a thence_o to_o shepishee_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o same_o isle_n and_o so_o to_o tedwarthar_n and_o there_o enter_v south_n i_o to_o naman_n land_n hirne_n where_o the_o say_a abbot_n turketill_o set_v up_o another_o cross_n of_o stone_n six_o perch_n distant_a from_o south_n i_fw-mi the_o division_n of_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o cambridge_n be_v in_o that_o water_n and_o the_o say_a cross_n be_v distant_a from_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n five_o perch_n westward_n and_o so_o along_o the_o say_a river_n of_o nene_n as_o it_o run_v to_o the_o before-specified_n bridge_n at_o crouland_n whereunto_o belong_v likewise_o the_o several_a fish_n aswell_o in_o all_o the_o water_n environ_v the_o say_a isle_n as_o in_o the_o pool_n and_o fen_n within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o together_o with_o the_o marsh_n and_o wood_n of_o alderlound_n situate_a westward_n and_o opposite_a thereto_o all_o which_o be_v annex_v to_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n according_a to_o these_o subsequent_a boundary_n viz._n from_o naman_n land_n hirne_n by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n westward_n to_o finset_n where_o there_o be_v a_o cross_n of_o stone_n set_v up_o near_o the_o river_n thence_o to_o grinis_fw-la thence_o to_o folwardstake_v and_o thence_o to_o southlake_n where_o it_o fall_v into_o weland_n and_o so_o pass_v over_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n and_o beginning_n at_o kenulphston_n near_o the_o stream_n over_o against_o southlake_n where_o kenulph_n the_o first_o abbot_n of_o this_o monastery_n fix_v a_o cross_n of_o stone_n for_o the_o limit_n betwixt_o crouland_n and_o depe_v and_o thence_o tend_v northwards_o near_o aspath_n unto_o werwarlake_n and_o so_o to_o harinholt_n and_o then_o up_o by_o mengarlake_n and_o lurtlake_n where_o the_o bound_n of_o holland_n and_o kestevene_n be_v thence_o to_o oggot_n and_o so_o to_o apinholt_n otherwise_o call_v wodelade_v where_o the_o same_o uuodelade_v fall_v into_o uueland_n which_o ample_a possession_n though_o they_o yield_v not_o much_o profit_n in_o regard_n so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o they_o 870._o lay_v then_o for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o water_n yet_o can_v it_o not_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o upon_o the_o invasion_n of_o those_o pagan_a dane_n in_o the_o time_n of_o beorred_a king_n of_o mercia_n they_o happen_v to_o be_v their_o chief_a refuge_n the_o life_n of_o most_o of_o the_o monk_n of_o this_o abbey_n be_v then_o secure_v by_o mean_n of_o these_o spacious_a fen_n in_o the_o reed_n and_o thicket_n whereof_o they_o hide_v b._n themselves_o to_o avoid_v the_o cruelty_n of_o those_o barbarous_a people_n whilst_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o covent_n be_v murder_v and_o the_o abbey_n burn_v which_o monk_n so_o preserve_v and_o after_o that_o woeful_a masacre_n return_v again_o content_v themselves_o with_o such_o habitation_n as_o the_o ruin_n there_o leave_v will_v afford_v they_o nor_o have_v they_o better_a until_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edred_n that_o turketill_o than_o his_o chancellor_n take_v to_o heart_n those_o their_o suffering_n procure_v that_o king_n to_o rebuild_v it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o out_o of_o his_o singular_a devotion_n to_o god_n and_o affection_n to_o this_o place_n giving_z a._n six_o goodly_a manor_n thereto_o and_o cause_v himself_o to_o be_v shear_v a_o monk_n become_v afterward_o abbot_n there_o whereupon_o through_o the_o munificence_n of_o that_o good_a king_n and_o the_o bounty_n of_o the_o say_v turketill_o be_v thus_o restore_v to_o it_o be_v former_a splendour_n there_o be_v no_o good_a mean_n unattempted_a that_o may_v conduce_v to_o the_o better_n and_o improve_n of_o the_o land_n thereto_o belong_v for_o the_o most_o advantage_n as_o may_v seem_v by_o those_o endeavour_n of_o abbot_n egelric_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o elder_a and_o king_n edgar_n who_o plough_v up_o a_o large_a proportion_n of_o they_o for_o corn_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o drayn_v i_o presume_v for_o say_v ingulphus_n b._n fecit_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_fw-la annis_fw-la sicciatis_fw-la culturam_fw-la in_o suis_fw-la paludibus_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o dry_a year_n he_o till_v the_o fen_n in_o four_o place_n at_o the_o four_o corner_n of_o they_o and_o for_o three_o or_o four_o of_o year_n have_v the_o increase_n of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n of_o what_o seed_n soever_o he_o sow_v among_o which_o that_o fen_n at_o tedwarthar_n be_v the_o most_o fruitful_a the_o monastery_n be_v so_o much_o enrich_v by_o these_o plentiful_a crop_n that_o the_o whole_a country_n thereabouts_o be_v supply_v therewith_o and_o a_o multitude_n of_o poor_a people_n resort_v thither_o for_o that_o respect_n crouland_n become_v a_o large_a town_n the_o same_o ingulphus_n who_o be_v abbot_n here_o in_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n time_n say_v b._n that_o in_o his_o day_n they_o have_v not_o any_o such_o tenant_n reside_v here_o at_o crouland_n as_o upon_o their_o other_o land_n no_o man_n delight_v to_o inhabit_v here_o any_o long_a than_o he_o be_v necessitate_v so_o to_o do_v insomuch_o as_o those_o who_o in_o time_n of_o war_n betake_v themselves_o hither_o for_o security_n as_o great_a number_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a from_o the_o neighbour_a country_n do_v afterward_o return_v back_o to_o their_o particular_a home_n none_o continue_v here_o but_o their_o own_o domestic_a family_n with_o their_o wife_n and_o children_n to_o who_o he_o do_v let_v to_o ferm_v a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o meadow_n belong_v to_o this_o abbey_n for_o certain_a annual_a rent_n and_o other_o service_n for_o 10._o without_o boat_n there_o be_v not_o then_o any_o access_n thereto_o there_o be_v no_o path_n far_o than_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o monastery_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o land_n and_o possession_n of_o this_o abbey_n be_v through_o the_o great_a bounty_n of_o several_a king_n and_o other_o give_v thereto_o with_o divers_a ample_a privilege_n and_o immunity_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o with_o fearful_a curse_n pronounce_v by_o those_o pious_a donour_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v any_o of_o their_o grant_n nevertheless_o it_o appear_v a._n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o holland_n border_v on_o the_o north-side_n of_o crouland_n have_v drayn_v their_o own_o marsh_n and_o convert_v they_o to_o good_a and_o fertile_a arable_a land_n whereof_o each_o town_n have_v their_o proper_a portion_n want_v
pasturage_n for_o their_o cattle_n take_v advantage_n of_o a_o false_a rumour_n then_o spread_v of_o king_n henry_n the_o second_o be_v death_n it_o be_v the_o xxxv_o and_o last_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o he_o then_o beyond_o sea_n and_o bear_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a on_o their_o strength_n and_o wealth_n think_v that_o they_o may_v oppress_v the_o poor_a monk_n of_o crouland_n without_o any_o control_n whereupon_o gerard_n de_fw-fr bamvill_n fulke_n d'oiri_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr multon_n the_o elder_a and_o conan_n son_n of_o helyas_n who_o be_v much_o displease_v with_o the_o say_a monk_n of_o crouland_n for_o other_o respect_n associate_a to_o themselves_o richard_n de_fw-fr flet_n and_o walter_n with_o many_o other_o come_v to_o nicholas_n then_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o move_v he_o to_o be_v their_o leader_n and_o to_o augment_v the_o number_n all_o the_o chief_a man_n of_o ellow_a wapentake_n some_o few_o except_v conspire_v with_o they_o sometime_o have_v their_o meeting_n in_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n barn_n at_o uuestone_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o church_n at_o holbeche_n when_o therefore_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n according_a to_o custom_n keep_v up_o his_o marsh_n as_o every_o year_n he_o have_v use_v to_o do_v about_o rogation_n week_n and_o to_o the_o end_n that_o his_o hay_n may_v have_v the_o better_a growth_n cause_v proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o bridge_n at_o spalding_n that_o the_o man_n of_o holland_n and_o other_o shall_v keep_v their_o cattle_n from_o come_v thereinto_o they_o not_o only_o refuse_v so_o to_o do_v but_o drive_v in_o many_o more_o than_o they_o have_v former_o do_v whereupon_o the_o abbot_n servant_n impound_v they_o the_o man_n of_o holland_n grow_v very_o angry_a and_o have_v set_v a_o day_n viz._n the_o feast_n of_o nereus_n and_o achilleius_fw-la they_o then_o come_v into_o the_o say_a marsh_n of_o crouland_n all_o arm_a as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o battle_n to_o the_o number_n of_o above_o three_o thousand_o whereof_o the_o abbot_n have_v notice_n he_o forthwith_o accompany_v with_o a_o few_o of_o his_o own_o family_n meet_v they_o at_o the_o bank_n call_v asendic_n which_o be_v the_o boundary_a of_o crouland_n fen_n and_o earnest_o entreat_v peace_n with_o they_o for_o he_o fear_v that_o they_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v the_o abbey_n and_o to_o that_o end_n be_v so_o come_v together_o but_o they_o answer_v he_o scornful_o and_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fen_n share_v it_o among_o themselves_o according_a to_o the_o situation_n of_o their_o to_n and_o have_v so_o do_v pitch_a tent_n and_o make_v hut_v on_o every_o side_n the_o abbey_n wherein_o they_o place_v guard_n of_o arm_a man_n to_o keep_v each_o part_n thereof_o and_o likewise_o dig_v turf_n cut_v down_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wood_n and_o aldergroves_n of_o crouland_n and_o burn_v they_o depasture_v their_o meadow_n and_o carry_v away_o the_o hay_n with_o divers_a other_o violence_n by_o the_o space_n of_o xv_o day_n the_o abbot_n and_o monk_n with_o their_o servant_n be_v all_o this_o while_n shut_v up_o so_o that_o they_o dare_v scarce_o go_v out_o of_o their_o church_n door_n in_o this_o lamentable_a condition_n therefore_o they_o resolve_v to_o make_v complaint_n to_o the_o king_n justice_n and_o to_o that_o end_n dispatch_v a_o messenger_n to_o geffrey_n fitz_n piers_n then_o dwell_v at_o clive_n in_o northamptonshire_n who_o hear_v of_o these_o great_a outrage_n send_v six_o knight_n from_o northampton_n to_o be_v better_o inform_v thereof_o which_o knight_n come_v first_o on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o abbey_n there_o find_v the_o tent_n of_o sutton_n man_n who_o be_v tenant_n to_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr canvill_n and_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o weapon_n with_o they_o and_o say_v that_o they_o be_v there_o by_o their_o master_n command_n so_o likewise_o do_v all_o the_o rest_n answer_n the_o tent_n of_o spalding_n man_n be_v the_o last_o but_o the_o abbot_n himself_o be_v most_o sensible_a of_o these_o high_a oppression_n get_v out_o private_o and_o make_v all_o the_o haste_n he_o can_v to_o london_n where_o he_o represent_v to_o hubert_n walter_n substitute_n to_o ranulph_n de_fw-fr glanvill_n the_o king_n chief_a justice_n then_o beyond_o sea_n with_o the_o king_n and_o to_o his_o fellow_n judge_n these_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n show_v they_o the_o king_n charter_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o bound_n of_o those_o their_o fen_n who_o thereupon_o much_o compassionate_v the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o monk_n send_v forthwith_o in_o the_o king_n name_n to_o the_o say_v geffrey_n fitz_fw-fr piers_n and_o require_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v call_v before_o he_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o all_o those_o man_n of_o holland_n and_o to_o do_v the_o say_a abbot_n right_a upon_o they_o whereof_o these_o riotor_n hear_v they_o present_o burn_v their_o cabin_n and_o go_v to_o their_o own_o home_n at_o the_o summons_n therefore_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a geffrey_n fitz_fw-fr piers_n the_o say_a prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o the_o other_o delinquent_n meet_v he_o at_o depe_v to_o which_o place_n the_o say_v geffrey_n bring_v many_o eminent_a person_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o friday_n in_o whitsun_n week_n where_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n chardged_a they_o with_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o king_n peace_n and_o all_o the_o violence_n and_o wrong_a before-specified_n there_o be_v likewise_o seven_o particular_a man_n who_o stand_v up_o and_o on_o the_o say_v abbot_n behalf_n lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o seven_o of_o the_o principal_a offender_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v damnify_v the_o abbot_n to_o the_o value_n of_o xx_o mark_n whereupon_o some_o of_o they_o be_v send_v to_o prison_n to_o northampton_n some_o to_o rokingham_n and_o some_o to_o other_o place_n the_o particular_n touch_v this_o suit_n for_o it_o last_v five_o year_n will_v be_v too_o much_o trouble_v to_o rehearse_v but_o at_o length_n the_o abbot_n prevail_v and_o recover_v the_o possession_n of_o those_o marsh_n the_o business_n be_v determine_v in_o the_o year_n mcxcxiij_fw-la 5_o r._n 1._o but_o though_o this_o suit_n have_v then_o a_o end_n the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n renew_v his_o former_a claim_n yet_o in_o the_o end_n they_o come_v to_o a_o amicable_a agreement_n 7._o by_o a_o fine_a levy_v betwixt_o they_o in_o 18_o h._n 3._o whereby_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o shall_v impound_v any_o cattle_n of_o they_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o prior_n or_o their_o tenant_n of_o crowland_n spalding_n pinchber_n langtoft_n baston_n and_o depe_v depasture_v within_o the_o fen_n of_o the_o say_a town_n nor_o take_v in_o any_o stranger_n cattle_n into_o those_o fen_n about_o this_o time_n will._n de_fw-fr albinci_n a_o great_a man_n in_o these_o part_n challenge_v right_o of_o common_a in_o divers_a of_o these_o fen_n whereupon_o by_o a_o fine_a 7._o levy_v at_o lincoln_n in_o 24_o h._n 3._o betwixt_o the_o then_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o the_o say_v william_n it_o be_v determine_v that_o he_o the_o say_v william_n and_o his_o heir_n shall_v have_v common_a of_o pasture_n for_o all_o manner_n of_o cattle_n belong_v to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o tenant_n of_o uffington_n caswike_n and_o tallington_n in_o the_o fen_n of_o crouland_n spalding_n pinchbec_n langtoft_n and_o baston_n in_o ....._o h._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n a._n exhibit_v to_o the_o justice_n itinerant_a at_o lincoln_n by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellowe_n set_v forth_o that_o there_o be_v two_o course_n of_o water_n in_o the_o common_a river_n of_o croyland_n the_o one_o near_a and_o the_o other_o more_o remote_a and_o that_o the_o near_a current_n be_v the_o right_a channel_n and_o of_o sufficient_a depth_n wherein_o they_o that_o do_v go_v with_o barge_n and_o boat_n may_v well_o pass_v too_o and_o fro_o but_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n have_v by_o plant_v willow_n thereon_o so_o obstruct_v &_o straitghn_v the_o say_a course_n of_o that_o stream_n that_o boat_n and_o barge_n can_v not_o pass_v as_o former_o they_o have_v but_o it_o be_v afterward_o adjudge_v both_o by_o the_o say_a juror_n and_o likewise_o by_o the_o justice_n itinerant_n for_o this_o county_n who_o pass_v that_o way_n to_o view_v the_o same_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o say_a water_n be_v much_o more_o proper_a and_o commodious_a in_o the_o place_n where_o then_o it_o go_v than_o there_o where_o the_o juror_n present_v the_o default_n to_o be_v provide_v that_o it_o may_v continue_v as_o wide_a and_o deep_a as_o it_o then_o be_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v straight_o and_o not_o bend_v as_o the_o old_a one_o be_v and_o therefore_o they_o conclude_v and_o order_v that_o it_o
say_a duke_n by_o his_o own_o power_n removed_z the_o say_a abbot_n from_o that_o bank_n and_o compel_v he_o more_o by_o violence_n than_o any_o reason_n to_o make_v a_o bank_n from_o dyke_n end_n to_o wodelode_n which_o bank_n the_o say_a duke_n and_o his_o lordship_n ought_v to_o have_v make_v by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n be_v chardged_a more_o than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v almost_o by_o three_o part_n in_o easter_n term_n which_o be_v hold_v at_o lincoln_n twenty-three_o e._n 3._o the_o juror_n for_o divers_a wapentake_n in_o this_o county_n present_v liâ—â—_n that_o a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v shepee_n have_v ancient_o wont_n to_o run_v from_o south_n i_fw-mi from_o a_o place_n call_v douvefdale_n through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o precinct_n and_o circuit_n of_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n by_o a_o place_n term_v sandistowe_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o brother_n house_n which_o be_v a_o manor_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o that_o it_o do_v there_o descend_v into_o a_o ancient_a sewer_n call_v the_o old_a he_o and_o so_o westward_n under_o the_o gate_n and_o bridge_n of_o brother_n house_n unto_o a_o pool_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n there_o where_o henry_n at_o that_o time_n abbot_n of_o crouland_n have_v erect_v a_o certain_a house_n for_o ox_n upon_o the_o say_a watercourse_n and_o sewer_n of_o old_a he_o where_o it_o have_v use_v to_o run_v by_o right_a and_o so_o fall_v into_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o cambridge_n lincoln_n northampton_n and_o huntendon_n shire_n and_o of_o all_o the_o ground_n from_o tydd_n s._n mary_n in_o lincolnshire_n unto_o baston_n on_o the_o border_n of_o kesteven_n as_o also_o unto_o surflet_n in_o holland_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o sewer_n call_v shep_n i_fw-mi be_v first_o obstruct_v by_o roger_n sometime_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o that_o the_o same_o obstruction_n be_v at_o that_o time_n uphold_v by_o the_o before-specified_n henry_n the_o then_z abbot_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o those_o town_n as_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o tydd_n s._n mary_n and_o surflet_n and_o moreover_o they_o present_v that_o there_o have_v wont_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o certain_a common_a high_a way_n from_o spalding_n unto_o brother_n house_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o crouland_n of_o such_o breadth_n as_o that_o all_o passenger_n may_v travel_v thereon_o with_o horse_n cart_n and_o usual_a drove_n of_o cattle_n which_o roadway_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o abbot_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n who_o likewise_o ought_v to_o make_v bridge_n thereupon_o over_o all_o the_o trench_n and_o repair_v they_o as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v so_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o traveller_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v as_o than_o it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o say_a roadway_n from_o brotherhouse_n be_v obstruct_v by_o a_o certain_a dunghill_n lay_v there_o by_o the_o say_v abbot_n servant_n to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o all_o people_n pass_v that_o way_n and_o they_o far_o present_v that_o the_o beforementioned_a henry_n then_z abbot_z of_o crouland_n with_o his_o covent_n have_v appropriate_v to_o themselves_o the_o particular_a soil_n of_o that_o high_a way_n at_o the_o end_n of_o crouland_n town_n and_o plant_v willow_n and_o other_o tree_n thereon_o to_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o those_o that_o pass_v thereon_o and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a causey_n make_v by_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o place_n direct_o from_o woo_v load_n unto_o midfen_n of_o depe_v for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o pasture_n of_o depe_v and_o that_o the_o say_v henry_n abbot_n of_o crouland_n have_v in_o the_o night_n time_n break_v down_o the_o same_o causey_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o pyncebek_n as_o also_o that_o the_o water_n of_o spalding_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v unless_o the_o same_o causey_n be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o reason_n of_o which_o presentment_n the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v a_o jury_n who_o appear_v according_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o sewer_n call_v shepee_n be_v a_o certain_a ditch_n and_o one_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o precinct_n of_o crouland_n abby_n and_o so_o have_v be_v time_n beyond_o memory_n which_o boundary_a do_v extend_v itself_o to_o certain_a other_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a abbey_n call_v asewygtoft_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o other_o limit_n of_o the_o same_o monastery_n and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o nor_o ever_o have_v be_v any_o common_a sewer_n run_v from_o south_n i_fw-mi through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o precinct_n of_o that_o abbey_n since_o the_o time_n of_o memory_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o then_o any_o common_a sewer_n at_o the_o brotherhouse_n but_o that_o the_o sewer_n there_o be_v only_o a_o drain_v peculiar_a to_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o before-specified_n abbey_n and_o within_o the_o several_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o boundary_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o abbot_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o abbey_n viz._n to_o make_v it_o and_o stop_v it_o again_o in_o what_o place_n soever_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n shall_v think_v fit_a and_o that_o the_o oxhouse_n there_o build_v be_v in_o the_o several_a soil_n of_o the_o say_a abbey_n and_o within_o the_o beforementioned_a limit_n and_o they_o say_v morever_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o common_a roadway_n for_o passenger_n by_o land_n from_o brotâ—erhouse_n to_o crouland_n but_o only_o for_o all_o passenger_n by_o barge_n and_o boat_n in_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o hire_n to_o be_v give_v by_o those_o who_o be_v owner_n of_o the_o say_v vesselss_o and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n ought_v not_o to_o repair_v any_o way_n there_o nor_o make_v or_o maintain_v any_o bridge_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o servant_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n do_v not_o obstruct_v any_o way_n at_o brotherhouse_n by_o any_o dunghill_n but_o they_o say_v that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o same_o dunghill_n lay_v be_v the_o particular_a soil_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n as_o in_o right_a of_o his_o church_n of_o crouland_n and_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o that_o abbey_n neither_o be_v it_o lay_v there_o to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o any_o passenger_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o common_a roadway_n at_o the_o end_n of_o crouland_n town_n except_v in_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n with_o barge_n and_o boat_n for_o all_o passenger_n upon_o hire_n and_o that_o the_o place_n where_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v plant_v willow_n be_v and_o have_v be_v his_o own_o proper_a soilâ—_n time_n beyond_o memory_n in_o right_a of_o his_o church_n of_o s._n guthlake_n at_o crouland_n and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a causey_n make_v by_o the_o man_n of_o spalding_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o town_n direct_o from_o woo_v lade_v to_o midfen_n of_o depe_v they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o causey_n be_v whole_o upon_o the_o land_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o not_o to_o midfen_n of_o depe_v and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o manor_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n within_o the_o precinct_n whereof_o be_v a_o certain_a fen_n call_v goukeslound_n which_o fen_n be_v the_o proper_a soil_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o so_o have_v be_v of_o his_o predecessor_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o parcel_n of_o their_o manor_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n descend_v from_o the_o west_n into_o the_o say_a marsh_n â—ad_v always_o use_v to_o pass_v from_o thence_o into_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o certain_a man_n of_o spalding_n and_o other_o town_n have_v raise_v the_o say_a causey_n upon_o the_o soil_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o crouland_n where_o never_o any_o causey_n be_v before_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o current_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n flow_v in_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v stop_v and_o by_o that_o obstruction_n the_o marsh_n of_o goukeslound_n and_o other_o marsh_n adjacent_a thereto_o be_v overflow_v and_o the_o abbey_n and_o town_n of_o crouland_n in_o danger_n of_o drown_v and_o the_o say_a abbot_n perceive_v the_o say_a causey_n to_o be_v so_o unjust_o make_v and_o to_o the_o danger_n of_o drown_v the_o before-specified_n abby_n and_o town_n come_v and_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v
stikeneie_n and_o a._n de_fw-fr cubledyk_n for_o those_o in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o kirketone_n and_o skirbeche_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a in_o 7_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la roger_n de_fw-fr cubeldyk_n laurence_n de_fw-fr holebeche_n and_o walter_n the_o freskeneye_n for_o those_o only_o upon_o the_o sea_n coast_n in_o this_o province_n the_o like_a in_o 8_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_o the_o say_v roger_n laurence_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr farforde_n in_o 9_o e._n 2._o upon_o a_o inquisition_n a._n take_v at_o boston_n before_o edmund_n deincourt_n lambert_n de_fw-fr trikingham_n roger_n de_fw-fr copildik_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr malbirthorp_n than_o justice_n of_o sewer_n upon_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 it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o town_n of_o donington_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o causey_n of_o holland_n with_o bridge_n and_o ditch_n on_o each_o side_n thereof_o viz._n from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n unto_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 ought_v to_o do_v the_o like_a and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o sewer_n of_o scoftgraft_n swinemandam_fw-la and_o swanislad_a to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xuj_o foot_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o be_v hinder_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v open_a from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n in_o winter_n and_o likewise_o from_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n unless_o so_o great_a a_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea-water_n shall_v happen_v at_o that_o time_n that_o the_o sewer_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o carry_v it_o away_o but_o that_o the_o country_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v overflow_v and_o in_o case_n of_o such_o flood_n that_o tâ—e_v town_n of_o donington_n may_v stop_v tâ—ose_a sewer_n and_o upon_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o waterâ—_n opâ—n_v they_o again_o and_o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o say_v sewer_n be_v then_o stop_v for_o waâ—t_v of_o cleanse_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n and_o it_o be_v â—urâ—â—er_o find_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o biker_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a river_n of_o biker_n unto_o bondistac_n and_o from_o bandistac_n to_o quadring_n the_o say_a town_n of_o donington_n to_o do_v the_o like_a to_o the_o breadth_n of_o twenty-four_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n with_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o scour_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o river_n unto_o gosberchirch_n to_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirch_n to_o do_v the_o like_a according_a to_o the_o same_o breadth_n unto_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v by_o the_o say_a river_n and_o sewer_n and_o it_o be_v also_o find_v that_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n be_v then_o obstruct_v from_o bondistake_n unto_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o default_n of_o cleanse_v it_o by_o the_o town_n of_o donington_n and_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n of_o gosberchirch_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o biker_n where_o the_o dam_n be_v aught_o to_o have_v be_v open_a all_o time_n of_o the_o year_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o biker_n for_o their_o own_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n shall_v make_v a_o certain_a clow_n with_o two_o door_n each_o of_o they_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n which_o clown_n to_o be_v always_o open_a unless_o a_o great_a inundation_n of_o the_o sâ—a_n shall_v happen_v and_o it_o be_v moreover_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n and_o gutter_n of_o quadring_n be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o of_o such_o depth_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v and_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o say_a town_n and_o commoner_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o gosverchirche_n call_v risgate_n and_o the_o sluice_n betwixt_o the_o fen_n and_o it_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v open_a throughout_o the_o whole_a year_n as_o scatisgraft_v and_o swannislade_n use_v to_o be_v be_v obstruct_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n with_o the_o commoner_n thereof_o aught_o to_o cleanse_v repair_n and_o new_o make_v the_o say_a sewer_n and_o gutter_n call_v new_a goat_n and_o the_o sluse_n whereby_o the_o water_n do_v ancient_o pass_v direct_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_v abbot_n marsh_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o beech_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirch_n surflet_n and_o pinchebec_n from_o the_o fen_n to_o surflet_n and_o from_o surflet_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o obstruct_v tthrough_a the_o default_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o one_o richard_n de_fw-fr heddil_n have_v raise_v a_o dam_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n whereby_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n be_v hinder_v and_o it_o be_v also_o find_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o briggeflet_n be_v then_o obstruct_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hekyngham_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v amend_v by_o the_o say_a town_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o swinesheved_a and_o that_o there_o the_o river_n be_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n unto_o kyme_n mouth_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n stop_v by_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o encluse_n near_a boston_n aught_o to_o run_v for_o the_o space_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n but_o be_v then_o obstruct_v in_o the_o winter_n season_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o boston_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o boston_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n likewise_o tâ—at_v the_o sewer_n call_v hamundbek_n on_o the_o south_n end_n of_o boston_n be_v then_o also_o obstruct_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o skirbâ—k_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a man_n of_o boston_n to_o inhabit_v on_o the_o west_n of_o the_o bridge_n and_o the_o mâ—n_z of_o skirbek_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n all_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n reside_v on_o that_o west_n side_n of_o the_o bridge_n aught_o to_o common_a in_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fâ—n_n and_o that_o this_o sewer_n ought_v to_o run_v by_o the_o space_n of_o the_o whole_a year_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o eight_o hundred_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o river_n of_o swynesheved_a from_o balberdesbothe_n unto_o the_o north_n end_n of_o swynesheved_a town_n and_o the_o town_n of_o swynesheved_a to_o do_v the_o like_a from_o the_o say_a place_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o biker_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o town_n of_o iwardebi_n and_o ousthorp_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o wâ—ter_n call_v apiltrenesse_n unto_o kime_n and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v a_o great_a part_n thereof_o and_o do_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v and_o that_o philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n who_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o repair_v a_o certain_a portion_n of_o the_o side_n at_o watemouthe_n do_v not_o do_v it_o insomuch_o as_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o same_o prior_n and_o of_o the_o say_v philip_n de_fw-fr kime_n the_o whole_a fen_n of_o kâ—steven_n in_o hoiland_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o all_o those_o country_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o the_o say_v philip_n ought_v to_o repair_v that_o current_n of_o the_o before-specified_n water_n and_o do_v neglect_v so_o to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o especial_o of_o the_o priory_n of_o kime_n and_o also_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o haverholme_n ought_v to_o provide_v a_o certain_a boat_n at_o the_o both_o near_o watemouth_n to_o transport_v foot-folk_n over_o that_o water_n aswell_o by_o night_n as_o day_n so_o often_o as_o any_o man_n shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v that_o way_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o passenger_n travail_v there_o and_o that_o the_o say_a water_n be_v the_o common_a passage_n from_o kesteven_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o
thereof_o than_o at_o its_o entrance_n therefore_o that_o those_o weltre_n shall_v be_v view_v on_o both_o side_n from_o that_o message_n by_o such_o person_n who_o have_v the_o frontier_n unto_o the_o place_n call_v dounechirne_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a river_n unto_o matehirne_n and_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o douncechirne_n unto_o godramscote_n that_o they_o be_v new_o agi_v and_o every_o man_n assess_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v the_o agistment_n ancient_o have_v be_v by_o fee_n and_o the_o resident_n upon_o those_o fee_n which_o fee_n and_o resident_n be_v then_o come_v to_o nothing_o and_o far_o off_o nor_o be_v it_o know_v in_o who_o hand_n they_o be_v insomuch_o as_o every_o year_n the_o marsh_n on_o each_o side_n the_o river_n be_v drown_v and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o current_n of_o water_n pass_v under_o every_o bridge_n of_o that_o river_n aught_o to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o it_o be_v then_o too_o narrow_a and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o galwe_v gote_v aught_o to_o be_v repair_v anew_o by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o pinchebec_n and_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o spalding_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o westlode_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n thereof_o ought_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n as_o also_o that_o neither_o flax_n or_o hemp_n shall_v be_v water_v in_o that_o sewer_n upon_o pain_n of_o forfeiture_n thereof_o and_o also_o that_o chillegote_n do_v then_o want_v repair_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n lead_v thereto_o shall_v be_v make_v in_o breadth_n xx_o foot_n from_o bucifen_n gate_n unto_o that_o gutter_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n lead_v from_o galwe_a goat_n unto_o chillegote_n under_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n by_o the_o town_n side_n aught_o to_o be_v make_v twenty_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n pass_v to_o the_o gutter_n of_o scobdyke_n within_o the_o town_n aught_o to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n unto_o lostbridge_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o the_o say_a gutter_n to_o be_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o watercourse_n under_o every_o bridge_n beyond_o those_o sewer_n aught_o to_o be_v make_v six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n and_o all_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o pinchebec_n shall_v thenceforth_o be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v of_o the_o before-specified_n breadth_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o all_o other_o who_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o as_o often_o and_o whensoever_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o present_v moreover_o that_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n the_o sewer_n of_o peâ—eholme_n goat_n unto_o the_o old_a fen_n dyke_n aught_o to_o be_v scour_v and_o repair_v as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o be_v viz._n from_o the_o say_a gutter_n to_o capelbrigge_n twenty_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o from_o that_o old_a current_n unto_o the_o hergate_n eighteen_o foot_n and_o from_o the_o hergate_n in_o the_o ancient_a course_n unto_o the_o oâ—d-fen_n dyke_n in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o say_a gutter_n and_o sewer_n be_v in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n and_o the_o freeholders_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o angiers_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n by_o decree_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a justice_n do_v then_o value_v the_o several_a acre_n of_o land_n out_o of_o which_o the_o say_v sewer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o sewer_n of_o that_o town_n be_v to_o be_v enlarge_v to_o the_o value_n of_o four_o mark_n of_o silver_n more_o than_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v rate_v at_o and_o they_o present_v that_o coldale_n goat_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o the_o sewer_n belong_v thereto_o to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o fulnegote_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n and_o the_o sewer_n thereof_o to_o be_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n from_o the_o small_a gate_n to_o the_o say_a gutter_n and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o water_n under_o every_o bridge_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n and_o that_o thenceforth_o neither_o flax_n or_o hemp_n shall_v be_v dieve_v in_o the_o say_a sewer_n nor_o in_o any_o sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a town_n and_o last_o that_o stelegote_n shall_v be_v repair_v in_o its_o ancient_a place_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n far_o present_v that_o all_o the_o frontier_n from_o fulnegote_n unto_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n mill_n in_o spalding_n be_v then_o break_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n there_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v repair_v as_o ancient_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v so_o that_o horse_n with_o their_o furniture_n may_v pass_v that_o way_n viz._n from_o peccebrigge_n to_o coldealegote_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o river_n and_o from_o the_o great_a bridge_n unto_o ratun_n row_n on_o the_o west_n thereof_o and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v defend_v his_o frontier_n with_o pile_n and_o stone_n where_o need_v require_v and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o roadway_n lead_v from_o ratun_n rowe_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o john_n fitz_fw-fr simon_n aught_o to_o be_v so_o broad_a as_o that_o two_o cart_n may_v meet_v thereon_o and_o therefore_o they_o decree_v that_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o likewise_o from_o the_o house_n of_o emme_n colin_n unto_o the_o bridge_n of_o wectlode_n out-fall_a and_o so_o to_o peccebrigge_n and_o from_o coldalegote_n to_o the_o abbot_n mill_n and_o that_o of_o necessity_n the_o fen-bank_n from_o the_o abbot_n of_o croiland_n mill_n unto_o pichale_n shall_v be_v raise_v two_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o great_a bridge_n call_v spalding_n brigge_n be_v then_o break_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n aswell_o religious_a as_o secular_a person_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n batemannebrigg_n from_o westlode_n as_o also_o that_o the_o marsh_n banks_n be_v then_o break_v in_o divers_a place_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o afterward_o a_o new_a agistment_n make_v of_o they_o because_o many_o land_n and_o tenement_n in_o that_o town_n be_v never_o agi_v and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o halmergate_n newgate_n fulnedrove_n spaldingdrove_v and_o â—â—e_v old_a fen_n dike_v aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o that_o turf_n for_o that_o purpose_n be_v not_o dig_v in_o those_o place_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o commonalty_n nor_o ......._o and_o that_o the_o heviding_n betwixt_o spalding_n and_o weston_n abut_a upon_o weston_n mere_a by_o the_o frontier_n and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o thickness_n xij_o foot_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o weston_n enter_v not_o into_o the_o field_n of_o spalding_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o field_n of_o spalding_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o spalding_n be_v drown_v every_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o gutter_n of_o wike_n be_v then_o break_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o weston_n and_o spalding_n and_o that_o cosnergate_n be_v also_o break_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v and_o likewise_o the_o sewer_n to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o they_o also_o ordain_v that_o all_o person_n dwell_v near_o to_o the_o causey_n in_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o likewise_o in_o newgate_n be_v oblige_v to_o scour_v the_o gutter_n against_o its_o breach_n and_o that_o thenceforth_o fisherman_n shall_v not_o prejudice_v the_o common_a sewer_n by_o lepe_n weel_z or_o other_o obstruction_n whereby_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbec_n towards_o the_o sea_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o they_o say_v that_o all_o the_o ditch_n carry_v water_n to_o the_o common_a sewer_n shall_v thenceforth_o be_v open_v according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o warden_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbec_n and_o that_o from_o thenceforth_o no_o man_n shall_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o westlode_n by_o dung_n or_o the_o like_a it_o be_v a_o common_a sewer_n as_o also_o that_o the_o gutter_n near_o the_o house_n of_o thomas_n kaunt_v in_o ratunrow_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o the_o sewer_n thereof_o in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o the_o sewer_n of_o aufinesgote_n in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v and_o ordain_v for_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o for_o the_o common_a profit_n that_o all_o person_n aswell_o rich_a as_o poor_a shall_v be_v obedient_a to_o all_o mene-work_n to_o be_v make_v aswell_o in_o the_o sewer_n as_o in_o the_o marsh_n and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v one_o message_n and_o ten_o acre_n of_o land_n shall_v find_v towards_o that_o work_n one_o tumbril_n and_o he_o who_o have_v less_o one_o able_a man_n of_o eighteen_o year_n of_o age_n at_o the_o
least_o and_o if_o the_o tumbril_n shall_v make_v default_n to_o pay_v for_o every_o day_n four_o penny_n and_o a_o man_n two_o penny_n which_o hire_n to_o be_v allow_v of_o by_o the_o say_a warden_n for_o the_o behoof_n of_o those_o town_n and_o that_o once_o in_o the_o year_n a_o account_n shall_v be_v give_v thereof_o upon_o notice_n give_v in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o say_a town_n by_o the_o common_a cryer_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o spalding_n shall_v be_v make_v narrow_a at_o skitishirne_n near_o peccebrig_n on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o and_o opposite_a thereto_o on_o the_o west_n part_n with_o pile_n ray_n and_o stone_n by_o those_o that_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o that_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n at_o peccebrig_n the_o profit_n whereof_o the_o warden_n ought_v to_o receive_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o spalding_n and_o they_o far_o ordain_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o spalding_n that_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n shall_v defend_v his_o corner_n call_v pesâ—holmehirne_n with_o pile_n and_o stone_n and_o at_o the_o coningeâ—_n likewise_o and_o they_o that_o have_v the_o sea_n banks_n to_o do_v the_o like_v over_o against_o the_o message_n of_o gilbert_n atte_n stowe_n and_o that_o the_o prior_n and_o his_o bondman_n shall_v repair_v that_o corner_n in_o the_o river_n which_o be_v the_o frontier_n in_o getegodisplace_v near_o unto_o coldalegote_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a gutter_n call_v covenham_n goat_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o the_o sewer_n of_o the_o same_o gutter_n in_o the_o old_a current_n unto_o the_o wardic_n and_o that_o from_o the_o wardic_n to_o pinegate_n the_o say_a sewer_n shall_v be_v in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o all_o the_o ditch_n on_o each_o part_n of_o spalding_n drive_v from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o sea_n aught_o to_o be_v open_v in_o winter_n so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n may_v not_o be_v hinder_v towards_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o ancient_a sewer_n betwixt_o robert_n le_fw-fr organce_n and_o maud_n atte_a bar_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v and_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n of_o chaplgate_n and_o of_o newgate_n descend_v by_o rain_n may_v pass_v away_o and_o descend_v to_o coldalegate_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o common_a way_n which_o go_v from_o the_o great_a bridge_n unto_o westlode_n out-fall_a be_v too_o narrow_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o frontier_n so_o that_o people_n may_v go_v and_o ride_v that_o way_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o common_a roadway_n betwixt_o pichale_n and_o brotherhous_n be_v cut_v in_o sunder_o with_o trench_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o his_o bailiff_n they_o therefore_o ordain_v that_o thenceforth_o bridge_n shall_v be_v make_v thereon_o to_o the_o end_n that_o man_n may_v pass_v with_o cart_n and_o carriage_n and_o ordinary_a drove_n and_o so_o from_o brotherhous_n unto_o the_o clote_n and_o that_o the_o common_a way_n from_o the_o clote_n unto_o croyland_n be_v then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o abbot_n and_o town_n of_o croyland_n and_o thereupon_o they_o ordain_v for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o country_n that_o from_o thenceforth_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v any_o trench_n make_v in_o those_o place_n where_o bridges_n be_v to_o the_o hindrance_n of_o the_o king_n high_a way_n and_o they_o say_v that_o newgote_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o weston_n so_o also_o the_o south_n dike_v of_o quappelode_n and_o holbeche_n by_o those_o two_o town_n and_o that_o the_o common_a dic_fw-la and_o chepdic_n from_o fletebridge_n to_o asewicklade_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o same_o to_n so_o likewise_o the_o sewer_n at_o galwegote_n run_v from_o thomlande_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o be_v dig_v deep_a as_o in_o ancient_a time_n it_o have_v be_v by_o those_o town_n and_o that_o the_o croffendic_n of_o quappelode_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quappelode_n so_o also_o the_o bridge_n at_o wikesdic_n in_o quappelode_n so_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o water_n run_v under_o that_o bridge_n may_v be_v in_o breadth_n ix_o foot_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o other_o towards_o the_o sea_n be_v xij_o foot_n broad_a and_o that_o the_o sluice_n build_v in_o the_o river_n of_o quappelodeâ—_n â—_z from_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o sea_n from_o thenceforth_o shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v puluâ—rgote_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v remove_v because_o it_o do_v damnify_v the_o whole_a town_n and_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o holbeche_n from_o bodinesbrigge_n to_o the_o sea_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v as_o also_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o holbeche_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o drayn_v by_o one_o gutter_n except_o another_o be_v make_v in_o jocesaculand_n by_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o creek_n call_v fouleflete_a and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o southhedic_n of_o gedeney_n and_o flete_n from_o the_o town_n of_o sutton_n unto_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o make_v thick_a than_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o three_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o grist_n be_v obstruct_v by_o adam_n fitz_fw-fr alan_n and_o john_n fitz_fw-fr alan_n as_o also_o that_o the_o bridge_n call_v igerambrigge_n be_v break_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o multon_n and_o they_o say_v that_o all_o these_o ordinance_n be_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o town_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchebec_n and_o the_o other_o town_n beforementioned_a and_o that_o every_o acre_n ought_v to_o be_v equal_a in_o all_o assessment_n and_o charge_n for_o the_o gutter_n sewer_n bridge_n and_o other_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v repair_v and_o that_o all_o the_o defect_n in_o those_o bank_n and_o in_o the_o frontier_n which_o occasion_v they_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v survey_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o bill_n fix_v to_o the_o say_a inquisition_n do_v assign_v and_o by_o another_o inquisition_n b._n take_v on_o saturday_n be_v the_o morrow_n after_o holy_a rood_n day_n in_o the_o xviiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v reign_v before_o the_o say_v roger_n william_n and_o alan_n the_o juror_n present_v that_o the_o sewer_n which_o lead_v from_o peseholmgate_n in_o spalding_n be_v very_o ancient_a but_o that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n be_v in_o part_n new_o change_v the_o length_n of_o one_o furlong_n for_o the_o more_o benefit_n than_o it_o have_v be_v former_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o this_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o spalding_n and_o that_o the_o gutter_n new_o place_v there_o be_v in_o breadth_n three_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a whereunto_o a_o sewer_n of_o fourteen_o foot_n in_o breadth_n do_v suffice_v aswell_o for_o drayn_v the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n and_o his_o tenant_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a prior_n and_o his_o tenant_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o gutter_n of_o fulne_v and_o that_o of_o coldalegote_n as_o also_o the_o sewer_n call_v eusinersgote_v and_o the_o gutter_n call_v stelgote_v be_v principal_a gutter_n be_v break_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n so_o that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o peseholme_n goat_n they_o will_v not_o suffice_v nor_o peseholme_n gote_v without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o say_a gutter_n they_o all_o be_v in_o such_o great_a decay_n and_o that_o the_o hevedinge_n of_o spalding_n on_o westone_n side_n have_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v whole_a but_o then_o be_v cut_v through_o in_o divers_a place_n upon_o the_o land_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n and_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o cut_v the_o water_n of_o westone_n do_v overflow_v the_o land_n of_o spalding_n to_o the_o common_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a town_n in_o the_o same_o year_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a roger_n nich_n de_fw-fr leek_n john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gotere_n of_o boston_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr kymberle_n for_o those_o on_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o part_n adjacent_a within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o skirbek_n divers_a other_o commission_n also_o be_v issue_v out_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n in_o king_n edw._n the_o three_o time_n viz._n in_o dorso_fw-la 1_o e._n 3._o to_o humphrey_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n william_n de_fw-fr dunton_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr farford_n for_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a part_n of_o this_o province_n in_o 3_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o richard_n de_fw-fr castreton_n william_n de_fw-fr fairford_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gotere_n for_o those_o
on_o one_o side_n the_o great_a river_n of_o the_o same_o town_n i_o viz._n upon_o the_o south-west_n part_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o the_o land-holders_n on_o that_o side_n thereof_o be_v equal_o preserve_v and_o that_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o likewise_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o the_o north-east_n be_v also_o all_o one_o and_o that_o the_o causey_n call_v old_a fen_n diche_a be_v make_v and_o repair_v by_o the_o parishioner_n and_o tenant_n of_o s._n mary_n s._n peter_n and_o s._n germane_a of_o wigenhale_n and_o not_o by_o the_o parishioner_n of_o s._n mary_n magdalen_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v that_o aswell_o the_o say_a causey_n of_o old_a fen_n diche_a as_o all_o other_o causey_n and_o bank_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n of_o wigenhale_n of_o what_o kind_n soever_o as_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n of_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v preserve_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n from_o inundation_n and_o drown_n by_o the_o salt_n water_n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n tend_v to_o the_o commodity_n of_o the_o say_a tenant_n of_o all_o that_o town_n forasmuch_o as_o whilst_o the_o say_v bank_n and_o ditch_n be_v repair_v the_o make_n and_o maintain_v of_o those_o causey_n be_v no_o charge_n at_o all_o and_o moreover_o it_o appear_v that_o by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n and_o his_o associate_n and_o by_o that_o inquisition_n that_o those_o bank_n which_o be_v good_a at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o agistment_n make_v by_o the_o before-specified_n will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n be_v then_o bad_a and_o that_o many_o place_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n better_o than_o ordinary_a be_v then_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o ebb_a and_o flow_v of_o the_o sea_n much_o worse_o whereupon_o the_o say_v thomas_n and_o his_o associate_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v a_o new_a agistment_n for_o the_o common_a safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wigenhale_n and_o therefore_o order_v that_o the_o land-holders_n there_o shall_v make_v good_a their_o bank_n and_o ditch_n on_o that_o side_n of_o the_o say_a river_n after_o this_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n and_o william_n bataile_n hold_v at_o tirington_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n valentine_n in_o the_o seventeeth_n year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n edward_n 2._o the_o juror_n of_o wigenhale_n do_v ordain_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n of_o that_o town_n as_o often_o as_o any_o distress_n shall_v be_v make_v upon_o any_o person_n for_o the_o proportion_n assess_v upon_o they_o according_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v or_o upon_o the_o collector_n or_o receiver_n of_o the_o money_n so_o assess_v that_o after_o the_o impound_v of_o they_o by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o day_n ☞_o or_o delivery_n by_o replevin_n they_o shall_v be_v prize_v by_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o say_a town_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o guardian_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o by_o the_o say_a guardian_n expose_v to_o sale_n and_o the_o money_n receive_v upon_o such_o sale_n â—o_o be_v employ_v upon_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o commonalty_n and_o that_o the_o surplusage_n of_o such_o money_n over_z and_o above_o the_o just_a proportion_n thus_o assess_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o the_o party_n so_o distrain_v save_v to_o the_o guardian_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o their_o bedels_n bylaw_n byscot_n triscot_n and_o wopenys_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o part_n but_o as_o the_o expense_n in_o such_o a_o constant_a support_n of_o these_o bank_n ditch_n bridge_n sluice_n and_o sewer_n within_o this_o province_n be_v great_a consider_v the_o frequent_a assault_n which_o the_o sea_n in_o tempestuous_a season_n do_v make_v upon_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o and_o the_o fresh_a water_n of_o so_o spacious_a a_o fen_n agitate_a by_o boisterous_a wind_n and_o storm_n especial_o in_o the_o time_n of_o extraordinary_a flood_n on_o the_o other_o so_o for_o those_o respect_n be_v the_o regard_n not_o small_a for_o 12._o whereas_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o frethebrigge_n in_o this_o shire_n consider_v the_o charge_n whereunto_o it_o lay_v subject_a in_o support_v work_n of_o this_o kind_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o like_a peril_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n in_o all_o public_a payment_n whatsoever_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a county_n enjoy_v the_o exemption_n from_o any_o more_o than_o a_o xij_o part_n thereof_o the_o town_n of_o this_o province_n viz._n walsokne_v westwalton_n walpole_n tiringtone_n tilney_n wigenhale_n and_o south_n lenne_n be_v rate_v but_o at_o a_o three_o part_n of_o that_o xij_o as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o â—aid_a king_n precept_n 12._o bear_v date_n 16_o march_n in_o the_o xviij_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n direct_v to_o constantine_n de_fw-fr mortimer_n william_n bernak_n roger_n de_fw-fr kerdestone_n and_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr wyche_n than_o commissioner_n for_o the_o levy_n and_o array_v a_o thousand_o &_o forty_o foot-soldier_n within_o this_o county_n for_o his_o service_n by_o which_o precept_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o certain_a charge_n whereunto_o this_o province_n stand_v then_o expose_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o thousand_o and_o fifâ—y_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la a_o vast_a sum_n in_o those_o day_n and_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o xl_o year_n before_o through_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n no_o less_o than_o seven_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o this_o country_n be_v utter_o lose_v in_o 2_o e._n 3._o thomas_n de_fw-fr reppe_n richard_n de_fw-fr depham_n and_o thomas_n shilling_n 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 ditch_n and_o sewer_n lie_v betwixt_o wygenhale_n tirington_n and_o lenne_n episcopi_fw-la whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v 105._o to_o summon_v a_o jury_n to_o attend_v they_o at_o islington_n upon_o monday_n be_v the_o feast_n day_n of_o the_o decollation_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n who_o appear_v according_o present_v 105._o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n common_a of_o pasture_n and_o fishing_n gutter_n sewer_n bridge_n etc._n etc._n lie_v on_o the_o sea-coast_n betwixt_o wigenhale_n tirington_n and_o lenne_n episcopi_fw-la be_v within_o the_o town_n of_o tylney_n and_o islington_n which_o be_v a_o hamlet_n of_o tilney_n and_o do_v common_a together_o and_o betwixt_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mete_n or_o bound_n the_o parish_n be_v limit_v by_o fee_n so_o that_o they_o say_v that_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n of_o tiâ—ney_n and_o islington_n aswell_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o fendiche_n as_o on_o the_o north_n towards_o the_o sea_n be_v all_o one_o and_o that_o all_o the_o land-holders_n of_o that_o whole_a town_n be_v equal_o secure_v and_o defend_v by_o all_o the_o sea_n bank_n and_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n and_o fen_n environ_v the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n and_o likewise_o that_o of_o necessity_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o new_a agistment_n make_v and_o a_o assignation_n of_o bank_n in_o the_o part_n aforesaid_a and_o moreover_o that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o part_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v kays_o anâ—_n six_o shore_n make_v betwixt_o palmery_n old_a 〈◊〉_d gong_o and_o the_o land_n of_o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr iâ—â—aldesthorpe_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o those_o part_n and_o tâ—at_o every_o inhabitant_n in_o those_o part_n shall_v do_v man_n werke_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n which_o they_o hold_v and_o that_o from_o year_n to_o year_n according_a to_o ancient_a custom_n there_o shall_v be_v câ—osen_v three_o guardian_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o part_n and_o that_o all_o the_o gutter_n and_o sewer_n shall_v be_v maintain_v in_o common_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o except_v islington_n brigge_n and_o the_o house_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr middilton_n which_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr engaldesthorpe_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o sir_n robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n and_o except_v black_a diche_a brigge_n at_o tilney_n stow_n towards_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o walsokne_v and_o emneth_n but_o the_o man_n of_o ilsington_n who_o hold_v land_n in_o the_o field_n call_v westfeld_v harpe_n and_o sibille_n be_v much_o unsatisfied_a with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o before_o specify_v commissioner_n and_o thereupon_o inform_v ibid._n the_o king_n that_o though_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repair_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v less_o diche_a of_o tilney_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o same_o nor_o ever_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v land_n
mere_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o tilney_n for_o the_o drayn_n and_o avoid_v of_o the_o water_n from_o all_o the_o tenement_n of_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n betwixt_o new_a fen_n ditch_n viz._n from_o the_o house_n of_o laurence_n chapell_n northwards_o to_o the_o great_a sea_n bank_n within_o which_o space_n more_o than_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v contain_v except_v the_o great_a gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o maintain_v aswell_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o tirington_n walpole_n walsokâ—n_n and_o emneth_n and_o that_o part_n of_o wigenhale_n which_o have_v commodity_n thâ—râ—by_o as_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v the_o bridge_n at_o robert_n de_fw-fr midleton_n house_n which_o be_v to_o be_v always_o make_v and_o maintain_v by_o john_n de_fw-fr engaldesthorpe_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o fish_n thâ—re_o ancient_o grant_v to_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o according_o enjoy_v in_o common_a with_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v likewise_o the_o bridge_n call_v black_a ditch_n bridge_n unto_o the_o fen_n at_o tilney_n stow_z which_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n of_o walsoken_n and_o emnethe_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v and_o continual_o maintain_v for_o the_o water_n descend_v thereby_o to_o the_o sea_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o likewise_o except_v the_o several_a bridge_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n and_o person_n conversant_a upon_o that_o sewer_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o house_n of_o rob._n de_fw-fr midleton_n and_o gullysgole_n in_o islington_n &_o except_v all_o the_o particular_a brige_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v conversant_a upon_o the_o sâ—â—â—rs_n betwixt_o the_o fedditch_n and_o cuntesforth_n brigge_n in_o tilney_n because_o they_o belong_v special_o to_o those_o person_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o custowe_n in_o tirington_n to_o tilney_n fen_n brigge_n aught_o to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o bridge_n there_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o to_o islington_n bridge_n aught_o to_o contain_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o same_o bridge_n twelve_o foot_n at_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o unto_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n xviii_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o the_o water_n course_n &_o every_o bridge_n beyond_o that_o sewer_n upon_o that_o current_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o say_a sewer_n with_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n and_o tâ—e_v common_a bank_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a gâ—tter_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v &_o cleanse_v from_o thenceforth_o aswell_o by_o the_o remote_a â—_z which_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o as_o by_o the_o saâ—d_a town_n of_o tylney_n and_o islâ—ngton_n aâ—_n ancient_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o the_o common_a sewery_n betwixt_o old_a fen_n diche_a and_o osgood_n hirne_n shall_v be_v eight_o â—oot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o aâ—d_o that_o upon_o the_o cleanse_n and_o scour_v thereof_o in_o every_o place_n half_o the_o â—arth_n so_o cast_v out_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o raise_v the_o common_a drive_v high_a and_o all_o the_o bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o which_o sewer_n to_o be_v scour_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o that_o reside_v near_o thereto_o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o croft_a belong_v to_o the_o message_n of_o will._n de_fw-fr westbrigg_n aught_o to_o be_v always_o scour_v and_o maintain_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a sewer_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n land_n by_o the_o hadeland_n there_o lie_v and_o tâ—ere_o turn_v near_o the_o same_o laâ—d_n to_o the_o sewer_n next_o unto_o the_o drive_v and_o that_o the_o trench_n betwixt_o the_o tenement_n of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o peter_n drugh_n &_o john_n sabine_n anâ—_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o hâ—â—eland_n call_v sonnerâ—â—ye_n which_o be_v undue_o make_v a_o common_a path_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o stop_v up_o and_o so_o keep_v thenceforth_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o same_o path_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o they_o moreover_o ordain_v all_o the_o sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n to_o be_v open_v in_o every_o place_n and_o so_o keep_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o decree_v that_o for_o the_o inviolable_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n reasonable_a tax_n shall_v be_v moderate_o assess_v by_o the_o guardian_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o place_n and_o chief_o by_o xij_o other_o authorize_v and_o associate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o collect_v by_o geffrey_n at_o falyate_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o say_v guardian_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o twelve_o shall_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o those_o ordinance_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o make_v due_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o by_o distress_n &_o sâ—le_n of_o their_o good_n &_o grievous_a amercement_n as_o often_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n do_v also_o decree_n that_o the_o same_o penalty_n and_o punishment_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v those_o ordinance_n or_o negligent_o in_o any_o sort_n withdraw_v themselves_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o shall_v firm_o and_o inviolable_o be_v impose_v from_o thenceforth_o forever_o as_o be_v then_o and_o have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n be_v use_v in_o wigenhale_n and_o other_o town_n in_o these_o part_n of_o marshland_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n viz._n that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o one_o of_o what_o estate_n or_o condition_n soever_o shall_v not_o repair_v his_o proportion_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o causey_n before-specified_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n as_o also_o the_o say_v common_a sewer_n belong_v to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n aforesaid_a that_o a_o fit_a day_n shall_v be_v assign_v he_o by_o the_o before-specified_n guardian_n before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o same_o within_o that_o time_n that_o xiid._o which_o be_v call_v a_o bilawe_n shall_v be_v levy_v upon_o he_o fâ—r_v every_o perch_n unrepaired_a ☞_o and_o then_o aâ—â—â—â—er_a day_n to_o be_v give_v he_o to_o accompâ—â—â—â—â—he_v same_o before_o which_o no_o danger_n may_v in_o likelihood_n happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o make_v performance_n thereof_o before_o that_o time_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v pâ—y_v for_o every_o perch_n two_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v biscot_n and_o then_o that_o a_o three_o day_n shall_v be_v allow_v he_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v within_o which_o time_n in_o case_n he_o fail_v to_o pay_v for_o every_o acre_n three_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v triscot_n and_o thenceforth_o that_o the_o say_v delinquent_n in_o those_o neglect_v to_o be_v always_o distrain_v and_o the_o distress_n to_o be_v prize_v open_o and_o sell_v by_o xij_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o the_o money_n arise_v by_o such_o sale_n oâ—_n those_o distress_n employ_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o say_a repair_n and_o the_o remainder_n in_o case_n there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v any_o to_o be_v forthwith_o restore_v save_v always_o to_o the_o say_a guardian_n the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o bilaw_n biscots_n and_o triscots_n for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o winter_n season_n of_o this_o year_n so_o great_a be_v the_o tempest_n 18._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walsoken_n westwalton_n and_o enemuthe_n receive_v extraordinary_a loss_n by_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n insomuch_o as_o they_o become_v petitioner_n to_o the_o king_n for_o some_o alleviation_n of_o the_o tax_n of_o a_o fifteen_o then_o grant_v to_o he_o in_o parliament_n by_o the_o commons_o of_o this_o realm_n whereunto_o the_o say_a king_n do_v gracious_o condescend_v and_o thereupon_o direct_v his_o precept_n 18._o to_o the_o treasurer_n and_o baron_n of_o his_o exchequer_n as_o also_o to_o the_o assessor_n and_o collector_n of_o the_o same_o to_o abate_v unto_o they_o eight_o pound_n thereof_o the_o whole_a sum_n be_v lx_o the_o next_o yâ—ar_n â—ollowing_v geffrey_n de_fw-fr colevill_n roger_n de_fw-fr hakebeche_n geffrey_n bryseyard_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n be_v constitute_v 18._o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n neâ—r_v walpole_n in_o this_o province_n in_o the_o winter_n of_o which_o year_n the_o sea_n be_v so_o outrageous_a that_o it_o break_v the_o
bank_n in_o sunâ—â—y_a place_n drown_v many_o cattle_n and_o spoylâ—d_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o corn_n so_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tuney_n walpoâ—â—_n wâ—lsokne_v west_n walton_fw-mi 〈…〉_z petition_v 18._o the_o king_n â—or_a remedy_n â—â—â—rein_o he_o assign_v 18._o constantine_n dâ—_n moâ—tiâ—â—er_n john_n de_fw-fr hiderseâ—e_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr â—â—kele_n to_o make_v enquiry_n thereof_o and_o consider_v of_o some_o speedy_a way_n of_o redress_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v impanel_v and_o swear_v who_o present_v tilney_n upon_o oath_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n have_v a_o câ—rtain_a bank_n towards_o the_o sâ—a_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o say_a town_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o town_n of_o clenchwarton_n towards_o wigenhale_n and_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n the_o charge_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o one_o mile_n and_o a_o halâ—_n thereof_o amount_v to_o lviiil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n perch_v xviii_o d._n and_o the_o other_o half_a mile_n vil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n pâ—rch_fw-mi vi_fw-mi d._n and_o they_o say_v that_o upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n hillary_n precede_v the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n in_o no_o less_o than_o five_o place_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n be_v overflow_v with_o the_o sea_n water_n and_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n belong_v thereto_o continual_o drown_v for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o day_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o winter-corn_n then_o sow_v upon_o the_o ground_n be_v destroy_v as_o also_o much_o of_o the_o corn_n and_o hay_n in_o their_o barn_n with_o c._n murrons_n and_o lx._n ewe_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o cccl._o unto_o the_o say_a town_n and_o they_o say_v that_o before_o thâ—y_n can_v make_v good_a that_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n contain_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a in_o length_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o say_a town_n five_o message_n and_o xl_o acre_n of_o ground_n which_o be_v the_o land_n of_o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n and_o other_o with_o divers_a good_n then_o therein_o be_v be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o cl._o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n expend_v in_o the_o repair_n the_o say_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o same_o indike_n xll._o and_o that_o to_o make_v the_o same_o good_a as_o it_o ancient_o have_v be_v will_v require_v lxl._o more_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o lx._n year_n then_o past_a one_o parish_n church_n with_o the_o parsonage_n be_v by_o the_o break_n in_o of_o the_o sea_n ruin_v and_o within_o thirty_o year_n a_o manor_n house_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n and_o of_o his_o tenant_n and_o other_o xx_o message_n â—_o with_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n of_o tâ—lney_n have_v another_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n viz._n in_o length_n from_o tyrington_n one_o mile_n towards_o clâ—nchwarton_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o by_o the_o year_n and_o that_o they_o have_v another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n for_o defence_n thereof_o against_o the_o fresh_a water_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la anum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o whole_a yearly_a charge_n which_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n do_v undergo_v in_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n gutter_n great_a and_o small_a bridge_n kays_n and_o schore_n with_o several_a sewer_n for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o come_v to_o cxll._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o this_o town_n of_o tilney_n by_o that_o grievous_a tempest_n so_o happen_v upon_o the_o monday_n before-specified_n lose_v one_o gutter_n call_v scales_n goule_n to_o their_o damage_n of_o xxxl._o and_o that_o the_o charge_n in_o new_a make_n of_o xij_o new_a gutter_n great_a and_o small_a five_o bridge_n to_o be_v new_o make_v or_o repair_v and_o divers_a sewer_n will_v amount_v unto_o xxxl._o which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v do_v the_o summer_n follow_v and_o they_o say_v that_o these_o danger_n do_v every_o year_n much_o increase_v upon_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o fifteen_o tax_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o two_o precede_a year_n amount_v to_o lxl._o and_o the_o raise_n arm_a and_o array_v of_o hobelar_n and_o mariner_n xxl._o there_o be_v dccxlvij_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v within_o they_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n edmundsbury_n and_o dereham_n and_o other_o religious_a house_n which_o be_v assess_v with_o the_o spirituality_n and_o therefore_o contribute_v nothing_o therein_o and_o they_o say_v 112._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walpole_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n on_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n which_o bank_n extend_v from_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n to_o the_o gutter_n of_o waltone_n walpoâ—e_n call_v noâ—â—che_n goal_n contain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o two_o mile_n will_v require_v ccl._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la charge_n and_o the_o residue_n xls._o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n hilary_n the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o tear_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v â—own_v bestow_v xl_o in_o the_o repair_n thereof_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n reign_n upon_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n andrew_n a_o certain_a sea-bank_n at_o ristofte_a break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n whereby_o two_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o within_o thirty_o year_n thâ—n_n last_o pass_v they_o likewise_o lose_v for_o ever_o one_o parish_n church_n xx_o message_n and_o ccc_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o town_n be_v at_o the_o yearly_a charge_n of_o lxs._o in_o repair_v of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a with_o divers_a bridge_n belong_v thereto_o and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n have_v also_o another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la repair_n and_o they_o say_v walsokne_v that_o the_o town_n of_o walsokne_v have_v a_o certain_a bank_n for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n extend_v from_o warfanglestowe_n to_o emen_v meny_n and_o cotain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o the_o repair_n for_o one_o mile_n amount_v to_o xxvil._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la viz._n for_o every_o perch_n vid._o and_o that_o the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v at_o xxl._n cost_v in_o repair_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o say_a king_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n they_o spend_v xxxl_o and_o that_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a and_o bridge_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o t_o say_v own_o amount_v to_o cs._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n towards_o the_o fen_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n have_v xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la bestow_v thereon_o in_o repair_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n inhabitant_n in_o repair_v of_o one_o gutter_n at_o colevile_n mill_n in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v reign_v and_o another_o at_o coldhirne_n in_o the_o eighteen_o year_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n from_o their_o land_n to_o the_o sea_n expend_v xl_o l._n and_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o water_n called_z wallenhee_o which_o have_v wont_a to_o run_v towards_o the_o sea_n under_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o walsokne_v where_o it_o have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o depth_n and_o hollowness_n ☞_o that_o the_o land_n in_o that_o town_n have_v a_o sufficient_a evacuation_n of_o their_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n thereby_o be_v at_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n cambridge_n huntendon_n eee_o and_o lincoln_n make_v to_o the_o king_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o court_n divert_v towards_o wigenhale_n by_o well_o dam_v the_o sand_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n in_o those_o channel_n wherein_o it_o have_v former_o pass_v that_o the_o waâ—ers_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o walsokne_v can_v not_o drain_v any_o long_a that_o way_n by_o reason_n whereof_o no_o less_o than_o ccc_o acre_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
from_o the_o place_n call_v west_n head_n unto_o welle_v town_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o late_a accustom_a viz_o in_o height_n six_o foot_n above_o bardolf_n fenne_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o foundation_n thirty_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o xv_o foot_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n take_v or_o dyke_n any_o menure_n within_o viij_o foot_n of_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a and_o on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o same_o no_o menure_n to_o be_v take_v within_o c._n foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a 3._o that_o the_o same_o powdiche_n be_v make_v by_o every_o particular_a township_n whole_a and_o common_a by_o acre_n silver_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o the_o same_o to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o township_n by_o whitsunday_n then_o next_o come_n or_o midsummer_n at_o the_o far_a in_o pain_n of_o every_o township_n xll._o to_o be_v levy_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n and_o that_o every_o particular_a town_n do_v sufficient_o clay_n their_o particular_a charge_n on_o the_o forepart_n thereof_o in_o thickness_n with_o clay_n one_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a and_o on_o the_o top_n thereof_o one_o foot_n 4._o and_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o same_o powdiche_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v re-edify_v upon_o the_o say_v powdiche_n three_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o at_o north_n hook_n gate_n another_o between_o walpole_n and_o tirington_n gate_n upon_o the_o bank_n and_o powdiche_n and_o the_o three_o at_o welle_v gate_n the_o charge_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o whole_a township_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n by_o acre_n silver_n 5._o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v then_o indict_v or_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v indict_v vex_v or_o molest_v for_o any_o cause_n touch_v the_o defence_n maintenance_n or_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n then_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v defend_v and_o save_v harmless_a by_o the_o say_a country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n all_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n will_v serve_v and_o permit_v 6._o that_o the_o break_a dyke_n be_v sufficient_o make_v maintain_v and_o repair_v from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n past_a that_o year_n and_o other_o year_n thenceforth_o by_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n 7._o that_o a_o view_n be_v make_v at_o emneth_n by_o the_o chief_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n where_o there_o may_v be_v new_o make_v and_o re-edify_v within_o the_o level_n and_o rind_n thereof_o a_o new_a dyke_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n if_o break_a dyke_n be_v break_v which_o view_n to_o be_v at_o sandy_a rood_n upon_o the_o friday_n follow_v by_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o on_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o april_n it_o be_v far_o conclude_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o say_v chief_a inhabitant_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n that_o the_o say_v dyke_n call_v break_v dyke_n shall_v be_v make_v maintain_v and_o keep_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o and_o at_o the_o cost_n charge_n and_o expense_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n as_o afore-time_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o a_o new_a dyke_n be_v make_v from_o mill_n dam_n unto_o peter_n sanderson_n house_n and_o so_o by_o the_o high_a way_n direct_o about_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v suffield_n gate_n in_o such_o height_n thickness_n and_o breadth_n as_o thomas_n guybon_n john_n reppe_n william_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n karvill_n esquire_n richard_n baker_n alias_o lad_n richard_n nichols_n henry_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n hewar_n gentleman_n or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o workman_n shall_v think_v meet_a and_o convenient_a after_o this_o eliz._n viz._n in_o 8_o eliz._n there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n b._n make_v touch_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1_o that_o rightforth_n load_n from_o westhead_n or_o north_n hook_n westward_o be_v but_o 8_o foot_n wide_a aught_o to_o make_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n by_o edmund_n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o so_o every_o person_n &c._n &c._n to_o make_v his_o or_o their_o part_n of_o the_o same_o wideness_n from_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n westward_n and_o so_o to_o stowbridge_n 2_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o great_a river_n from_o stowbridge_n unto_o common_a load_n be_v make_v in_o the_o upper_a part_n 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n between_o the_o house_n hedge_n and_o wall_n of_o the_o west_n part_n of_o ouse_n 3_o that_o common_a load_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o stowbridge_n house_n be_v make_v of_o the_o wideness_n of_o xij_o foot_n and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a with_o such_o a_o sluse_n as_o rightforth_n load_n have_v at_o sâ—owbridge_n to_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n wimbotesham_n and_o stow-bardolf_n for_o that_o it_o be_v their_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n 4_o that_o upon_o the_o stop_n of_o newlode_n lie_v between_o common_a load_n and_o downhambridg_v the_o say_a load_n call_v common_a load_n or_o downham_n load_n be_v make_v 5_o that_o the_o goal_n betwixt_o dounham_n bridge_n and_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xij_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a and_o to_o extend_v into_o the_o fen_n from_o the_o say_a sluice_n a_o mile_n and_o more_o and_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n 6_o that_o the_o brink_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o common_a load_n to_o dounham_n brigg_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n on_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stow-bardolf_n uuymbotesham_n and_o downham_n 7_o that_o edm._n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o other_o the_o land-holders_n in_o great_a powdichfield_n and_o whart_z meadow_n have_v a_o sluse_n at_o uuelle_n clouse_n at_o the_o north_n head_n of_o whartmedow_n and_o so_o to_o drain_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o marshland_n fen_n 8_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o ouse_n from_o dounham_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n as_o also_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n 9_o that_o the_o new_a powdiche_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o north_n delft_n be_v make_v xviij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n xij_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o â—ive_a foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o from_o north_n delft_n to_o mullicourtâ—_n â—_z of_o the_o same_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o bottom_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n all_o which_o to_o be_v do_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o hundred_o acre_n within_o stow_n bardolf_n call_v the_o lord_n h_v and_o the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o decay_a tenement_n sometime_o bexwell_n at_o north_n delft_n 10._o and_o that_o from_o the_o east_n corner_n of_o mullycourt_n unto_o mullycourt_n drive_v it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o top_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n as_o abovesaid_a which_o say_v powdiche_n from_o mullycourt_a drove_n end_n tend_v westward_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o thence_o northwest_o unto_o boxstedstile_n which_o be_v the_o far_a bind_v of_o outwell_n towards_o emneth_n and_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o the_o half_a hundred_o of_o clakclose_v and_o the_o hundred_o of_o freebridge_n the_o which_o bank_n or_o causey_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o town_n of_o outwell_n for_o their_o land_n lie_v in_o mullycourt_n field_n sondy_n field_n and_o powdich_n field_n 11._o that_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v call_v welle_v i_fw-mi come_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o run_v eastward_o till_o it_o come_v opposite_a to_o saltham_n lake_n thence_o south_n east_n unto_o north_n delf_n thence_o eastward_o to_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xxvij_o foot_n wide_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o xl_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n from_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o outwell_n church_n to_o mullycourt_n drove_n end_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o outwell_n and_o from_o thence_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n to_o saltham_n lake_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n of_o the_o like_a breadth_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhall_n 12_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_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
load_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o the_o say_v land-holders_n shall_v pay_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n cl._o and_o on_o the_o xxvi_o of_o the_o same_o month_n it_o be_v far_o decree_v ibid._n that_o all_o the_o rind_n bank_n within_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n towards_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o height_n and_o scantling_n hereafter_o express_v viz._n in_o terington_n walpole_n west_n walton_n and_o emneth_n in_o height_n eight_o foot_n above_o the_o ordinary_a marshtide_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o top_n ten_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o rind_n bank_n in_o islington_n tilney_n west_n lynne_n north-lynne_a and_o clenchwarton_n to_o be_v of_o such_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o the_o dyke-reeves_n shall_v think_v fit_a as_o also_o that_o register_n book_n of_o parchment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o dykereeves_a in_o every_o town_n contain_v the_o number_n of_o acre_n of_o their_o land_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o bank_n wall_n wood-shore_n and_o other_o defence_n which_o every_o of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v charge_v to_o make_v either_o to_o the_o sea_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o whereas_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n tilney_n and_o clenchwarton_n have_v indikes_a for_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o salt_n water_n in_o case_n any_o sudden_a breach_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n shall_v happen_v it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_v indikes_a shall_v be_v careful_o maintain_v and_o repair_v by_o those_o dyke-reeves_n out_o of_o the_o common_a acreshot_a assess_v within_o every_o of_o the_o say_v to_n after_o this_o at_o another_o iâ—id_n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v on_o the_o xvijth_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1610_o 8_o jac._n it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n be_v subject_a to_o surround_v aswell_o by_o downfall_n of_o rain_n as_o by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o be_v therefore_o keep_v drayn_v by_o sewer_n descend_v to_o knight's-gole_n the_o common_a out-fall_a to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o flow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o so_o silt_v up_o with_o sand_n at_o divers_a time_n especial_o in_o summer_n that_o it_o obstruct_v the_o water_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o the_o utter_a surround_v of_o all_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o the_o say_a country_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v keep_v and_o perfect_v as_o also_o the_o fleet_n from_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o before-specified_n river_n by_o a_o certain_a ancient_a pair_n of_o clow_n place_v up_o high_o in_o the_o sewer_n thereby_o one_o appoint_v for_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o tide_n and_o so_o hold_v up_o the_o water_n between_o a_o pair_n of_o clow_n until_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v run_v low_a and_o then_o forcible_o let_v go_v for_o the_o scour_n of_o sand_n out_o of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o fleet_n and_o that_o the_o set_v open_a of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o put_v down_o and_o pull_v up_o the_o say_a clow_n will_v be_v both_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a clow_n make_v to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v ordain_v and_o decree_v that_o there_o shall_v in_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v yearly_o pay_v out_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v several_a within_o the_o say_a rind_n of_o marshland_n which_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o have_v usual_o pay_v thereunto_o the_o sum_n of_o ijd._o ob_fw-la by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n oldfield_n and_o outwell_n which_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n thereof_o vd._o and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o whereas_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n in_o clme_n and_o certain_a land_n in_o outwell_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n from_o emneth_n unto_o beaupre_n hall_n and_o so_o to_o ston_a stile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o old_a pow_n dyke_n have_v at_o divers_a time_n drayn_v their_o say_a land_n in_o oldfiâ—ld_n into_o marshland_n through_o the_o out-rinde_n bank_n of_o marshland_n call_v break_v dyke_n and_o so_o through_o emneth_n into_o marshland_n fenn_n as_o also_o their_o land_n in_o outwell_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o say_a country_n by_o suffer_v those_o water_n to_o run_v into_o the_o say_a fen_n without_o any_o perfect_a sewer_n to_o carry_v they_o down_o in_o any_o goal_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o without_o pay_v any_o tax_n acreshot_a or_o other_o contribution_n towards_o any_o drayn_n sewer_n or_o goal_n in_o marshland_n for_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o also_o order_v that_o the_o say_v land_n shall_v not_o thenceforth_o be_v drayn_v into_o marshland_n fenn_n but_o by_o and_o under_o such_o condition_n here_o express_v viz._n that_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n and_o outwell_n shall_v before_o the_o xxiiijth_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v give_v unto_o the_o land-holders_n of_o marshland_n cl._o viz._n the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n lxxvl._o and_o they_o of_o outwell_n xxvl._o towards_o the_o make_n of_o a_o certain_a load_n between_o marshland_n fenn_n and_o smethe_n call_v shore_n load_n in_o wideness_n xij_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o or_o five_o foot_n and_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o three_o sufficient_a stone-bridge_n for_o cart_n to_o pass_v over_o the_o say_v lode_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o strength_n nor_o height_n of_o those_o their_o bank_n so_o repair_v as_o aforesaid_a which_o can_v secure_v they_o from_o that_o dreadful_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n happen_v on_o the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o an._n 1613._o 11_o jac._n the_o memorial_n whereof_o i_o shall_v here_o deliver_v from_o a_o inscription_n upon_o the_o east_n wall_n of_o the_o south_n isle_n in_o wisebeche_n church_n to_o the_o immortal_a praise_n of_o god_n almighty_a that_o save_v his_o people_n in_o all_o adversity_n be_v it_o keep_v in_o perpetual_a memory_n that_o on_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o all_o saint_n be_v the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1613._o late_a in_o the_o night_n the_o sea_n break_v in_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o north-east_n wind_n meet_v with_o a_o spring_n tide_n and_o overflow_v all_o marshland_n with_o this_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n both_o on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o the_o south_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a hundred_o round_n about_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o man_n life_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o beside_o the_o exceed_a great_a loss_n which_o these_o county_n sustain_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o bank_n and_o spoil_v of_o corn_n cattle_n and_o howse_v which_o can_v not_o be_v estimate_v which_o loss_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o note_n relate_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o the_o particular_a town_n then_o surround_v as_o they_o be_v present_v upon_o oath_n by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethebridge_n before_o the_o king_n commissioner_n sit_v at_o lynne_n upon_o the_o ixth_o day_n of_o december_n in_o the_o year_n before-specified_n i_o have_v here_o likewise_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v the_o presentment_n banco_n of_o the_o jury_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n in_o marshland_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_z 9_o decemb._n 11_o jac._n an._n 1613._o 1_o inprimis_fw-la we_o present_v and_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n terington_n a_o sea-dyke_n contain_v xic_a road_n in_o length_n or_o thereabouts_o which_o be_v in_o good_a repair_n before_o the_o first_o and_o second_o day_n of_o november_n last_o whereof_o ccccxx_n ride_v be_v ruinate_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o then_o happen_v and_o also_o one_o bridge_n call_v st._n johns_n bridge_n be_v then_o break_v up_o 2_o that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n lose_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n 1876_o sheep_n amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o lviij_o l._n and_o more_o in_o great_a beast_n lose_v 120_o value_v at_o 322_o l._n in_o corn_n sow_v in_o the_o field_n 480_o acre_n value_v at_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n amount_v to_o 720_o l._n hay_o lose_v in_o the_o field_n and_o barn_n to_o the_o value_n of_o cc_o l._n corn_n in_o the_o barn_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o dcc_n l._n grass_n in_o the_o field_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o d_o l._n dwelling_v house_n utter_o ruinate_v and_o waste_v xiij_o and_o cxlii_o dwell_a house_n there_o impair_v to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o m_o l._n bedding_n and_o other_o householdstuff_n
down_o to_o pentney_n mill._n that_o pentney_n mill_n be_v pull_v down_o whereby_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o marham_n and_o shouldham_n may_v be_v prevent_v which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o water_n for_o those_o mill_n be_v overflow_v that_o the_o back_n dike_n from_o narborough_n bar_n to_o cardike_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 5._o that_o all_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n from_o blackborough_n bridge_n to_o prioursturne_v be_v make_v in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a so_o likewise_o then_o to_o cotehill_n and_o thence_o to_o sechee_n bridge_n that_o the_o drayn_n call_v wronglode_v extend_v from_o woo_v dyke_n to_o tile_n kill_v be_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o also_o the_o sewer_n call_v woo_v dike_a lie_v in_o marham_n and_o likewise_o car_n dike_a that_o the_o common_a sewer_n call_v bush_n fen_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a car_n dike_a to_o the_o great_a river_n be_v make_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n that_o a_o dam_n be_v make_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o bush_n fen_n ea_fw-la in_o dunstall_n dike_a so_o that_o the_o water_n come_v from_o car_n dike_o may_v run_v into_o bush_n fen_n ea._n that_o a_o drain_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o cross_a yard_n to_o padocks_n hill_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n five_o foot_n and_o depth_n three_o that_o the_o old_a river_n in_o marham_n be_v make_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a from_o the_o place_n where_o marham_n mill_n stand_v to_o bear_n head_n thence_o to_o marplot_n dike_a of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o dunstall_n dike_a and_o thence_o to_o string_n dike_v in_o like_a sort_n that_o dunstall_n dike_o shall_v drayn_n through_o the_o mill_n causey_n by_o a_o sluice_n there_o to_o be_v make_v of_o two_o foot_n square_a into_o a_o dike_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o a_o hop-yard_n call_v hopyard_n dike_a which_o dike_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a causey_n to_o stringdike_n to_o be_v 8_o foot_n wide_o also_o and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a that_o the_o drayn_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o swan_n nest_n to_o bradwell_n load_n be_v make_v eight_o foot_n wide_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a that_o bradwell_n load_n extend_v from_o the_o abbey_n yard_n end_n unto_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o so_o to_o the_o cross_a willow_n be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n from_o dowhouse-close_a to_o crowdwâ—ll_a gap_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o likewise_o friday_n load_n extend_v into_o the_o say_a old_a ea._n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la extend_v from_o haddon_n mill_n to_o black_a dyke_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n so_o likewise_o from_o haleroft_n bar_n to_o wirmgey_a bridge_n that_o the_o say_v common_a drayn_n or_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o wirmgay_n bridge_n to_o the_o abbey_n stile_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o from_o the_o say_a abbey_n stile_n to_o cotehill_n and_o so_o to_o the_o great_a river_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n extend_v from_o whittington_n to_o stokebridge_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n that_o stokebridge_n contain_v three_o arch_n of_o the_o wideness_n of_o 40_o foot_n be_v repair_v by_o the_o country_n near_o adjoin_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wisse_n from_o stokebridge_n to_o sandell_n be_v thence_o to_o haveringay_n be_v bishop_n be_v izelham_n be_v coat_n be_v new_o be_v forwere_v helgay_n bridge_n hide_n be_v shellewere_v and_o west_n load_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a ouse_n in_o breadth_n 30_o foot_n and_o that_o two_o jetty_n or_o peer_n of_o stone_n xviii_o foot_n distant_a each_o from_o other_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o say_a river_n within_o 200_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n that_o the_o landlake_n which_o take_v its_o beginning_n out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n at_o be_v dike_a a_o mile_n distant_a from_o stoke_n bridge_n who_o natural_a fall_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v through_o snore_n fen_n through_o helgay_n causey_n in_o a_o pipe_n of_o timber_n or_o stone_n and_o thence_o &c._n &c._n to_o gunnels_n load_n be_v there_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o direct_o westward_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ousel_n â—_z and_o the_o other_o northwards_o through_o denver_n south_n fenn_n in_o each_o whereof_o near_o the_o say_a river_n ouse_n to_o be_v place_v a_o substantial_a goal_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisse_n from_o common_a fengate_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o west_n load_n end_n to_o south_n load_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n broad_a and_o 4_o foot_n high_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o modney_n cote_n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n 5_o at_o the_o top_n and_o 5_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o helgay_n fenn_n call_v the_o wisse_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o unto_o miles_n end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 10_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o at_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o goal_n 2_o foot_n square_a and_o 16_o foot_n long_o that_o a_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v at_o the_o causey_n between_o helgay_n and_o modney_n that_o the_o drayn_n between_o fordhammore_n and_o portmore_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o the_o like_a dimension_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o drayn_n betwixt_o thack_n fen_n and_o helgay-more_a be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n with_o the_o like_a goal_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o turf_n fen_n lake_n in_o helgay_n be_v keep_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o 6_o foot_n deep_a with_o a_o goal_n where_o it_o enter_v into_o ouse_n that_o the_o common_a dayn_n call_v creekâ—_n load_n extend_v from_o creek_n mere_a in_o little_a port_n to_o the_o 4_o load_v and_o thence_o to_o pulwear_v lake_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 20_o foot_n and_o depth_n 6_o foot_n and_o so_o likewise_o to_o a_o place_n call_v the_o willow_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 16_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 6_o â—oot_v deep_a with_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o 4_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 5_o in_o depth_n that_o rebech_n river_n in_o helgay_n extend_v from_o redmercote_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n in_o sotherey_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 40_o foot_n until_o it_o come_v within_o three_o furlong_n of_o ouse_n and_o then_o 30_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o township_n of_o feltwell_n hockold_n wilton_n brandon-ferry_n santon_n and_o dounham_n and_o all_o other_o have_v any_o ground_n drayn_v through_o and_o by_o the_o say_a river_n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n in_o sotherey_n call_v stake_n load_n be_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o till_o it_o come_v to_o cross_a water_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 14_o foot_n in_o breadth_n that_o sotherey_n causey_n be_v make_v 18_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n 14_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n north_n of_o sotherey_n ferry_n to_o modney_n dike_v be_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n 5_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o land_n drain_v in_o sotherey_n extend_v from_o sotherey_n bar_n to_o the_o hall_n yard_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 3._o and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v to_o stake_n load_n that_o pollver_n drain_v in_o wirmgay_n begin_v at_o campion_n hill_n &_o extend_v to_o sechey_n causey_n and_o thence_o to_o king_n bridge_n be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o watlington_n and_o totnell_n extend_v from_o theâ—fes_n bridge_n unto_o hobbs_n dike_v be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 6_o foot_n and_o depth_n 3_o and_o hobbs_n dike_v 9_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a that_o east_n wroe_fw-mi do_fw-mi bank_n in_o watlington_n otherwise_o call_v savour_v bank_n which_o defend_v the_o fresh_a water_n of_o polver_n drain_v and_o seche_v river_n from_o overflow_a &c._n &c._n to_o be_v heighten_v in_o every_o low_a place_n that_o polver_n drain_v from_o king_n bridge_n to_o the_o goal_n head_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 16_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8._o that_o geris_n damâ—_n â—_z in_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
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
common_a sewer_n at_o brownesbrigge_n and_o another_o clown_n or_o one_o dam_n in_o the_o common_a sewer_n at_o wâ—singhambrigge_n and_o another_o at_o boteleslane_n brigge_n and_o another_o at_o tubbesbrigge_n so_o also_o one_o in_o each_o of_o the_o common_a sewer_n at_o mannyngesbrigge_n beeslane_n brigge_n and_o stonebrigge_n in_o kirklane_n and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n ought_v also_o and_o do_v use_v to_o make_v repair_n and_o mantain_n sufficient_o two_o bank_n call_v wardyches_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a viz._n the_o syd_n dyke_n and_o three_o dike_v begin_v at_o avereys_n tree_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v to_o the_o new_a fen_n dyke_n in_o the_o same_o town_n high_a by_o six_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o best_a place_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n ought_v to_o raiseâ—_n maintain_v and_o repair_v sufficient_o one_o bank_n call_v marteynesfendike_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a beginning_n at_o avereys_n tree_n and_o lead_v to_o wesynham_n brigge_n in_o the_o same_o town_n six_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o present_a in_o the_o best_a place_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n whereupon_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n decree_v that_o the_o say_v sewer_n and_o bank_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o raise_v according_o and_o they_o likewise_o for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tide_n do_v decree_n and_o ordain_v that_o a_o new_a sewer_n shall_v be_v make_v from_o brownysbrigge_n unto_o kirklane_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o newgate_n in_o breadth_n ten_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n as_o much_o as_o need_v so_o that_o the_o river_n of_o elâ—tesfeld_n fendykefeld_n cokeleyfeld_n hornefeld_n and_o rylondfeld_n may_v have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o house_n sometime_o belong_v to_o will._n noche_n but_o then_o to_o will._n hobart_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o brodgate_n and_o so_o thwart_v the_o broadgate_n unto_o brownesbrigge_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o brodgate_n and_o so_o unto_o the_o say_v new_a sewer_n and_o then_o cross_v kirklane_n where_o a_o fit_a bridge_n of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n convenient_a be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o so_o by_o the_o hade_n of_o the_o land_n of_o somerleswe_n abut_a on_o kirklane_n towards_o the_o west_n unto_o thorgereslane_n and_o so_o by_o thorgereslane_n on_o the_o north_n side_n unto_o hastcroft_n dyke_n near_o to_o thesâ—ill_v brigge_n and_o from_o theste_o brigge_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o thorgaresâ—ane_n unto_o hascrost_a mill_v hylle_v thwart_v hascroft_n dyke_n and_o so_o to_o the_o ancient_a sewer_n call_v brossebrigge_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n which_o sewer_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o town_n of_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o two_o sewer_n on_o each_o side_n brodgate_n and_o kirkgate_n from_o the_o house_n of_o will._n hobert_n and_o brownesbrigge_n shall_v be_v stop_v up_o when_o need_v require_v and_o that_o one_o sewer_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o dig_v on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v near_o to_o the_o syddyke_n viz._n from_o childesgrave_n unto_o the_o gorys_n and_o so_o to_o theâ—tely_o brigge_n eight_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o deep_a as_o need_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o all_o the_o hade_fw-mi land_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a towards_o thorgaresâ—ane_n shall_v be_v stop_v by_o the_o landholders_n there_o upon_o penalty_n of_o xxs._o for_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o the_o time_n be_v so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o southgrafte_n fell_v aforesaid_a may_v have_v its_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n without_o any_o impediment_n and_o that_o every_o man_n have_v land_n or_o tenement_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a may_v take_v earth_n to_o repair_v and_o make_v the_o shoffen_n dyke_n from_o the_o common_a next_o to_o the_o river_n which_o be_v in_o tide_n aforesaid_a and_o tide_n s._n mary_n which_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o cambridgshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n and_o that_o the_o say_v shoffendyke_n shall_v be_v bar_v in_o three_o place_n to_o prevent_v cart_n from_o come_v thereon_o and_o that_o a_o certain_a way_n in_o tide_n aforesaid_a call_v beeâ—lane_n shall_v likewise_o be_v bar_v for_o the_o same_o respect_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o arch_a angel_n unto_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la by_o the_o landholders_n in_o newfelde_n and_o they_o last_o present_v that_o thomas_n flower_n of_o okham_n in_o the_o county_n of_o roteland_n aught_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v upon_o the_o bank_n call_v wisebeche_n fendyche_n a_o certain_a proportion_n contain_v six_o hundred_o foot_n in_o respect_n of_o twenty-four_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o wisebeche_n and_o that_o upon_o monday_n the_o feast_n of_o s._n wolstan_n the_o bâ—shop_n and_o confessor_n in_o the_o seventeen_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o his_o reign_n the_o same_o portion_n of_o that_o bank_n be_v break_v and_o decay_v and_o that_o the_o dike_n reeves_n aforesaid_a do_v warn_v the_o say_a thomas_n to_o amend_v the_o same_o which_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v the_o fresh_a water_n make_v the_o say_a breach_n great_a whereby_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n belong_v to_o geffrey_n lambard_n and_o other_o adjoin_v thereto_o be_v also_o break_v and_o ruin_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o destroy_v the_o whole_a country_n mmmmcccc_n acre_n in_o wisebeche_n mmmmdc_n acre_n in_o leverington_n mcccc_n acre_n in_o neutone_n and_o mm._n acre_n in_o tide_n be_v thereby_o at_o that_o time_n overflow_v and_o drown_v not_o long_o after_o this_o viz._n upon_o saturday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o 17_o h._n 6._o there_o be_v a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n by_o sir_n john_n colevile_n knight_n gilbert_n haltoft_n and_o other_o at_o which_o time_n the_o juror_n present_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v south_n i_fw-mi but_o ancient_o old_a i_o whereby_o the_o water_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n ought_v to_o pass_v from_o noman_n land_n in_o croyland_n unto_o dowesdale_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o by_o south_n i_fw-mi dyke_n unto_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o field_n of_o throkenold_n in_o leverington_n near_o the_o cross_n in_o leverington_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o sewer_n call_v fendiche_n in_o leverington_n and_o wisebeche_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n at_o guyhirne_n which_o sewer_n of_o south_n i_fw-mi aforesaid_a be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o lincolnshire_n and_o cambridgshire_n and_o that_o the_o moiety_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o town_n of_o quaplode_n hotheche_n fleet_n gedney_n sutton_n and_o tide_n s_o maries_fw-fr in_o lincolnshire_n viz._n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n to_o dowesdale_n aforesaid_a and_o thence_o by_o each_o village_n aforesaid_a for_o their_o proportion_n of_o land_n in_o each_o town_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o bishop_n of_o ely_n with_o his_o tenant_n of_o wisebeche_n hundred_o viz._n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n for_o his_o fen_n in_o thorney_n and_o leverington_n border_v upon_o the_o same_o sewer_n and_o by_o the_o say_a bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n for_o their_o fen_n call_v wisebeche_v fen_n in_o cambridgshire_n abut_a upon_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v fendiche_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n leverinton_n neuton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n and_o that_o the_o say_a moiety_n of_o that_o sewer_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o quaplode_n holbeche_n fleet_n gedney_n sutton_n &_o tide_n s._n mary_n be_v not_o cleanse_v but_o stop_v up_o and_o fill_v with_o reed_n haff_n and_o other_o vegetable_n so_o that_o the_o say_a water_n can_v not_o have_v its_o right_a course_n unto_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v fendiche_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n as_o it_o use_v to_o have_v whereby_o the_o whole_a fen_n call_v wisebeche_n fen_n belong_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n be_v drown_v so_o that_o the_o say_a bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o wisebeche_n hundred_o can_v not_o receive_v any_o benefit_n in_o the_o same_o and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o one_o part_n of_o the_o water_n of_o nene_n descend_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o peterborough_n unto_o thorney_n bar_v aforesaid_a thence_o to_o noman_n land_n in_o croyland_n which_o river_n the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o thorney_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v from_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o peterborough_n unto_o thorney_n bart_n aforesaid_a and_o thence_o to_o noman_n land_n aforesaid_a viz._n the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n the_o
one_o half_a and_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n the_o other_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o nene_n which_o pass_v from_o peterborough_n bridge_n aforesaid_a unto_o wodesh_v in_o wytlesey_n thence_o to_o wittleseybrigge_n thence_o by_o wittlesey_n to_o wardiscote_n in_o wittlesey_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisebeche_n aught_o to_o be_v scour_v from_o the_o say_v wodesh_v to_o wardysgote_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o town_n of_o uuittlesey_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a pavy_n in_o march_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o then_o cleanse_v and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o town_n of_o uuittlesey_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v one_o sewer_n begin_v at_o goose_n uuillow_n drive_v in_o uuitlesey_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o adernale_a in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o to_o brodreche_n in_o uuisebeche_n call_v upstanlake_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o cleanse_v and_o that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o say_a upstavinlake_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n of_o uuisebeche_n which_o be_v not_o then_o do_v in_o 9_o e._n 4._o w._n bishop_n of_o ely_n george_n duke_n of_o clarence_n richard_n earl_n of_o uuarwick_n and_o salisbury_n john_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n john_n earl_n of_o oxford_n humphrey_n bourchier_n lord_n cromwell_n john_n catesby_n will._n jenny_n thomas_n grey_n roger_n tounsende_v henry_n spilman_n thomas_n daniel_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n of_o marshland_n upwelle_n and_o outwelle_n and_o of_o other_o town_n and_o fen_n by_o the_o water_n which_o go_v from_o erith_n brigge_v direct_o to_o benwyke_v thence_o to_o paddok_v mere_a thence_o to_o farset_n brigge_n thence_o to_o standground_n and_o so_o to_o muscote_n and_o from_o muscote_n to_o thorney_n mille_fw-la and_o godelakcrosse_n by_o noman_n land_n and_o thence_o to_o dowysdale_n and_o so_o to_o clowecrosse_n thence_o to_o wylowedyke_n thence_o to_o edgreyne_n thence_o to_o tydegote_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o statute_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v such_o and_o so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o work_n as_o they_o shall_v deem_v necessary_a for_o the_o expedition_n thereof_o the_o like_a commission_n w_o have_v they_o for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o the_o water_n run_v from_o erith_n brigge_v aforesaid_a by_o ely_n to_o salterslode_v and_o wigenall_n to_o bishop_n lenne_n and_o the_o water_n pass_v from_o the_o same_o bridge_n at_o erith_n by_o benwick_n gretecrosse_n and_o wyssebeche_v to_o the_o sea_n about_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v without_o date_n that_o the_o landholders_n of_o pokediche_n field_n in_o welle_v exhibit_v a_o petition_n b._n to_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n of_o marshland_n show_v that_o the_o say_a field_n be_v agi_v for_o its_o number_n of_o acre_n in_o as_o high_a a_o measure_n towards_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o that_o country_n as_o any_o part_n thereof_o which_o lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o that_o bank_n and_o that_o the_o water_n of_o pokediche_n do_v so_o overflow_v the_o same_o field_n that_o they_o can_v not_o dig_v earth_n upon_o occasion_n for_o repair_v of_o the_o before-specified_n bank_n and_o therefore_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v drain_v the_o same_o by_o a_o sewer_n through_o the_o say_a bank_n into_o marshland_n in_o such_o a_o place_n where_o it_o will_v be_v of_o least_o damage_n thereto_o whereupon_o they_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o certain_a clow_n near_o thwart_v meadow_n for_o that_o purpose_n in_o 20_o h._n 8._o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o stuntney_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o sir_n thomas_n knight_n tho._n dereham_n john_n fincham_n and_o other_o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n â—_o then_o make_v by_o the_o juror_n of_o all_o the_o sewer_n at_o that_o time_n in_o be_v within_o this_o part_n of_o the_o country_n instance_v to_o who_o the_o repair_n of_o each_o belong_v the_o tenor_n whereof_o i_o shall_v here_o insert_v the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n ought_v to_o scour_v crekelode_n extend_v from_o the_o great_a stream_n towards_o sotherey_n unto_o the_o willough_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n and_o from_o the_o say_v willough_n to_o pulverlake_n the_o cellerar_n of_o bury_n have_v a_o half_a part_n against_o all_o other_o for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o more_o from_o the_o say_a willough_n also_o to_o pulverlake_n the_o prior_n of_o modney_n have_v a_o share_n so_o likewise_o the_o prior_n of_o norwich_n for_o the_o church_n of_o fordham_n and_o the_o parson_n of_o helgay_n for_o the_o church_n of_o helgay_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a massingham_n and_o bekeswell_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o same_o against_o the_o cellerar_n of_o bury_n from_o the_o say_v willough_n to_o pulverlake_n which_o cellerar_n of_o bury_n have_v also_o a_o half_a part_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o load_n against_o all_o other_o for_o two_o mile_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o sewer_n called_z balkwere_fw-mi abut_a upon_o gnat_n load_n for_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o the_o prior_n of_o norwich_n the_o rector_n of_o helgay_n with_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n late_a massingham_n and_o bekeswell_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o unto_o the_o four_o load_v end_n in_o crekelode_n also_o thomas_n boteler_n of_o helgay_n ought_v to_o scour_v a_o place_n call_v hog_n middle_a for_o the_o length_n of_o one_o furlong_n and_o the_o duke_n of_o gloucester_n one_o part_n in_o gretwere_n a_o part_n of_o the_o say_v crekelode_n for_o the_o length_n of_o a_o mile_n against_o all_o other_o and_o another_o part_n there_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n the_o prior_n of_o castelacre_n abbot_n of_o wendling_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o those_o land_n late_a bekeswell_n sheet_z middil_n in_o crekelode_n aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o say_a cellerar_n of_o bury_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n and_o more_o chut_v in_o crekelode_n by_o the_o duke_n of_o glouc._n for_o half_a a_o furlong_n and_o more_o strem_n middil_n by_o the_o cellerar_n of_o bury_n for_o one_o mile_n in_o ung_n medil_n the_o prior_n of_o modney_n hold_v one_o part_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n against_o the_o prior_n of_o chetford_n john_n ashfield_n and_o the_o abbor_n of_o ramsey_n for_o the_o land_n late_o nich._n gun_n the_o same_o john_n ashfield_n hold_v one_o part_n in_o lodwere_n in_o creklode_n aforesaid_a for_o two_o furlong_n in_o bullinger_n the_o prior_n of_o modney_n hold_v half_o a_o part_n for_o two_o furlong_n and_o more_o against_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n the_o say_a prior_n of_o modney_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n late_a massingham_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v all_o greedy_a middil_n for_o one_o mile_n the_o prior_n of_o chetford_n ought_v to_o scour_v jellis_n middil_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n the_o town_n of_o lyttilport_n the_o widow_n of_o nich._n orme_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o worcester_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v newdike_n unto_o welney_n court_n for_o one_o mile_n criklode_n in_o march_n begin_v at_o the_o great_a i_fw-mi betwixt_o march_n and_o welle_v and_o go_v on_o direct_o to_o elm_n contain_v by_o estimation_n six_o mile_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o abbot_n of_o bury_n equal_o gnat_n load_n begin_v at_o hawkyns_n bytte_n and_o continue_v to_o four_o load_n end_v contain_v by_o estimation_n three_o mile_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o town_n of_o elm_n and_o littilport_n small_a load_n betwixt_o welle_v and_o outwelle_v aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n from_o the_o great_a river_n in_o welle_v to_o ingram_n hirne_v by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n another_o part_n in_o the_o say_v small_a load_n from_o ingram_n hirne_v to_o seman_n goal_n contain_v one_o mile_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n and_o john_n aylesham_n ought_v joint_o to_o cleanse_v maidlode_n begin_v at_o welneywater_n and_o continue_v to_o sheppe_v load_n and_o thence_o to_o sheppeslodes_n end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o richard_n cranford_n and_o clarice_n late_a wife_n of_o john_n cranforth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n and_o by_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o land_n of_o mr._n will._n dunthorne_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n and_o for_o another_o mile_n and_o more_o by_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v shiplode_v aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o john_n sambroke_n for_o half_a a_o mile_n by_o
sewer_n where_o it_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n as_o before_o be_v mention_v and_o the_o one_o branch_n go_v south_n eastward_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a extend_v in_o distance_n and_o length_n from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a liiij_o mile_n and_o the_o same_o river_n descend_v from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n unto_o outwell_n sholle_a and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n be_v in_o distance_n xxxiij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v creeklode_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlviij_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o say_a north_n branch_n xxviij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n called_z the_o leame_z in_o march_z aforesaid_a unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlvii_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n aforesaid_a xxvii_o mile_n the_o decay_n of_o which_o say_v several_a sewer_n with_o the_o river_n load_v and_o drayn_n from_o they_o extend_v unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisebeche_n they_o say_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o special_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n aswell_o of_o the_o say_v marish_a and_o pasture_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenall_n adjoin_v and_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n will_v utter_o drown_v the_o say_v parish_n and_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n unless_o the_o same_o decay_a sewer_n be_v scour_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n of_o the_o same_o great_a i_fw-mi in_o march_n aforesaid_a may_v be_v convey_v unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n by_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforetime_o use_v and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o say_v marish_a ground_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v old_a sewer_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v maid_n load_n and_o a_o part_n thereof_o call_v ship_n load_n the_o which_o lode_n begin_v at_o welney_n water_n otherwise_o call_v the_o south_n branch_n come_v from_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v from_o thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a fen_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n call_v week_n fen_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o helgay_n call_v shiplode_n helgay_n house_n and_o there_o into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n the_o which_o sewer_n they_o say_v have_v be_v most_o special_o decay_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a sluice_n of_o stonework_n or_o timber_n with_o sufficient_a fall_n and_o hang_v door_n to_o the_o same_o to_o stop_v out_o the_o floudsilty_a water_n and_o also_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n fall_v not_o low_a towards_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n viz._n at_o and_o against_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o denver_n call_v denver_n hithe_a at_o the_o which_o place_n they_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a for_o to_o set_v and_o build_v the_o say_a sluice_n and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a clouse_n of_o stone_n work_n and_o timber_n with_o two_o sufficient_a drawdore_n to_o the_o same_o to_o be_v set_v within_o half_a a_o furlong_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n to_o stop_v the_o fresh_a water_n aswell_o in_o the_o time_n of_o repair_v the_o same_o sluice_n as_o to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o water_n within_o the_o say_v drayn_n in_o the_o time_n of_o extreme_a drought_n furthermore_o they_o say_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o substantial_a bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n of_o the_o length_n of_o xx_o foot_n next_o unto_o welney_n water_n so_o as_o the_o same_o water_n at_o the_o entry_n thereof_o may_v have_v full_a passage_n have_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o heir_n of_o richard_n cranford_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a maid_n load_n next_o from_o the_o say_v welney_n water_n call_v the_o south_n branch_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n at_o the_o wideness_n of_o xx_o foot_n and_o of_o sufficient_a depth_n and_o next_o unto_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n and_o welney_n ought_v to_o dike_v the_o same_o by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n for_o certain_a land_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o common_a call_v dunthorn_n fen_n otherwise_o call_v our_o lady_n fen_n and_o one_o other_o mile_n for_o their_o common_a call_v blakmereshall_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o fakenham_n to_o scour_v the_o say_a lode_n call_v shiplode_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o beaupre_n hall_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a half_o a_o mile_n and_o for_o his_o manor_n of_o upwell_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o dissolve_a house_n of_o ramsey_n half_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n for_o certain_a fen_n ground_n and_o marish_a half_n a_o mile_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o monastery_n of_o walsingham_n three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n then_o the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o late_a celle_n of_o monk_n in_o k._n lynne_n three_o furlong_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a place_n against_o denver_n hithe_n where_o the_o say_a sluice_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o township_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n shall_v dyke_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n of_o say_a load_n for_o four_o furlong_n in_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o charge_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o shiplode_v and_o yet_o the_o same_o township_n shall_v drain_v by_o the_o same_o sewer_n by_o estimation_n a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o common_a fen_n and_o more_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o great_a commodity_n shall_v grow_v aswell_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o mershland_n and_o wygenhall_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n as_o well_o shall_v drain_v the_o fen_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o also_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n the_o which_o before_o this_o time_n have_v descend_v against_o a_o certain_a bank_n in_o outwell_n and_o dounham_n aforesaid_a call_v the_o new_a powdich_n be_v the_o only_a defence_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o same_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n the_o which_o for_o lack_v of_o this_o provision_n at_o this_o present_a by_o they_o agree_v have_v be_v divers_a time_n of_o late_a year_n drown_v that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o aswell_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n as_o of_o the_o say_v 4._o infields_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbeche_v field_n and_o landy_n field_n shall_v bear_v and_o sustain_v the_o cost_v in_o and_o about_o the_o sufficient_a make_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n and_o clowes_n and_o that_o after_o the_o same_o sluice_n and_o clowes_n be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o make_v that_o then_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v repair_v at_o the_o cost_v of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o denver_n fordham_n and_o helgay_n aforesaid_a except_o when_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o amend_v the_o same_o shall_v come_v to_o above_o the_o sum_n of_o xxvis._o viijd._o also_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a destruction_n aswell_o to_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o low_a ground_n within_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v drain_v call_v in_o part_n new_a dike_a in_o littilport_n aforesaid_a and_o in_o part_n thereof_o call_v crikelode_n in_o sothery_a aforesaid_a betwixt_o sothery_a pool_n and_o modney_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a creeklode_n from_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o ouse_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o willow_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o land_n of_o late_a belong_v to_o the_o cellerer_n of_o bury_n aught_o to_o dyke_n from_o the_o say_v willough_n unto_o pulver_n lake_n the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o his_o church_n of_o fordham_n the_o parson_n of_o helgay_n for_o his_o
the_o be_v and_o the_o door_n and_o wide_a if_o need_v be_v so_o that_o no_o water_n be_v stop_v or_o straighten_v 27_o and_o from_o clow_n cross_a unto_o the_o northwest_o corner_n of_o troknold_n in_o the_o river_n call_v old_a i_o alias_o south_n i_fw-mi the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a river_n to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o troknold_n and_o the_o other_o by_o those_o of_o tide_n s._n mary_n and_o sutton_n and_o from_o troknold_n field_n unto_o marysh_v cote_n the_o one_o half_a to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o his_o tenant_n and_o the_o other_o by_o the_o landholders_n of_o sutton_n and_o gedney_n it_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o cambridgshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n lincolâ—shire_n 28._o that_o guyhirne_n goal_n be_v stop_v 29_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o new_a leame_z from_o knar_a lake_n to_o stanground_n be_v so_o grow_v up_o that_o no_o water_n can_v pass_v in_o dry_a year_n to_o the_o utter_a decay_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n be_v dike_v 30_o foot_n wide_a and_o 6_o foot_n deep_a 30._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o wisbeche_n do_v make_v a_o shut_v at_o fytton_n brdg_n within_o the_o town_n of_o newton_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n when_o need_n shall_v be_v 31._o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o wisbeche_n on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o river_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v the_o high_a load_n of_o wisbeche_n from_o the_o 4_o goat_n to_o eydikes_n brigge_v in_o leverington_n in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o depth_n four_o and_o repair_v seven_o bridge_n in_o the_o town_n of_o newton_n 32._o that_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n be_v great_o decay_v ☞_o raise_v and_o filt_v up_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o flow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o salt_n water_n for_o preservation_n therefore_o of_o the_o whole_a hundred_o that_o a_o sluse_n be_v make_v in_o the_o say_a river_n at_o the_o horseshoe_n in_o leverington_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n or_o any_o other_o place_n that_o shall_v take_v profit_n by_o it_o and_o to_o be_v make_v in_o breadth_n lx_o foot_n and_o depth_n x_o foot_n from_o guyhirne_n to_o the_o sea_n 33._o also_o that_o there_o be_v two_o new_a river_n cast_v of_o each_o side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n the_o one_o to_o begin_v at_o guy_n hirne_n cross_n and_o to_o extend_v to_o kentoun_n corner_n the_o other_o at_o tower_n house_n and_o to_o extend_v unto_o kekys_n mill_n which_o river_n to_o be_v xv_o foot_n wide_a apeice_n and_o six_o foot_n deep_a and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n 34._o and_o that_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o high_a fen_n dike_a and_o the_o country_n the_o township_n of_o newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n shall_v as_o oft_o as_o by_o any_o outrageous_a tempest_n and_o water_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n rise_z and_o come_v to_o give_v their_o attendance_n with_o the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o leverington_n to_o watch_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o 35_o that_o a_o dam_n be_v make_v in_o the_o lode_n at_o hobbs_n house_n to_o the_o end_n that_o by_o the_o stop_n thereof_o in_o dry_a year_n the_o waâ—er_n may_v the_o better_o descend_v into_o the_o great_a river_n leverington_n 36._o that_o a_o crest_n be_v make_v from_o fytton_n bridge_n against_o the_o goal_n in_o leverington_n by_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o uuysbeche_n that_o the_o water_n may_v run_v within_o the_o bay_n 37._o and_o that_o the_o heir_n of_o richard_n everard_n esquire_n shall_v maintain_v a_o dam_n in_o the_o xl_o acre_n lie_v between_o the_o land_n late_a geffrey_n norman_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o the_o say_a mr._n everard_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o gool_n water_n from_o drown_v of_o parkfield_n and_o uuratfield_n 38._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o harpfield_n and_o sherefield_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o a_o place_n call_v two_o lane_n beginning_n at_o shofendyke_n and_o lead_v to_o blacklane_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 39_o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o southingham_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o dike_a call_v overdyke_n begin_v at_o bellmylne_n briggs_n and_o lead_v to_o parson_n drive_v end_n and_o thence_o to_o meysbrigge_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o northinham_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o blacklanffield_n otherwise_o call_v lady_n outgote_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o fenhalfield_n and_o thence_o unto_o bond_n be_v gote_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o blacklanefield_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o breadth_n twelve_o 40._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o rymersfild_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o pokle_n begin_v at_o south-gate_n and_o so_o lead_v unto_o bird_n drive_v in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n eight_o foot_n 41._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o newfield_n in_o leverington_n make_v and_o repair_v a_o crest_n in_o alinne_n drive_v begin_v at_o bird_n drove_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o newfield_n pipe_n in_o height_n six_o footâ—_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 42._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o pokefield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o mill_n lane_n begin_v at_o south_n gate_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o the_o pipe_n at_o bird_n drive_v in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n 43._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o richmund_n field_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o cattle_n dike_a begin_v at_o newer_n dike_a and_o so_o lead_v unto_o richmund_n pipe_n in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n 44._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o richmund_n field_n and_o newfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o turnmeredike_n begin_v at_o bond_n be_v gote_v and_o so_o lead_v to_o richmund_n pipe_n in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n 45._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o longmeadow_n and_o catfield_n make_v a_o crest_n in_o oldfendike_n lane_n begin_v at_o leonard_n pipe_n and_o so_o lead_v on_o to_o cakerow_n hill_n gate_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 46._o that_o a_o gool_n in_o northinham_n and_o a_o gool_n in_o southinham_n shall_v be_v agi_v and_o make_v and_o the_o agistment_n thereof_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o leverington_n the_o menure_n to_o be_v take_v off_o the_o land_n annex_v pay_v to_o the_o owner_n iiijd._o for_o every_o rod._n 47._o that_o the_o landholders_n from_o the_o high_a fendike_n to_o newlane_n in_o northinham_n shall_v make_v newlane_n in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n in_o the_o bottom_n and_o in_o height_n four_o 48._o no_o stop_n to_o be_v make_v in_o those_o sewer_n of_o southinham_n and_o northinham_n but_o that_o the_o narrow_a place_n be_v six_o foot_n wide_a that_o boat_n may_v pass_v 49._o that_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wisâ—eche_n river_n who_o drain_v through_o leonard_n pipe_n make_v sufficient_a a_o crest_n begin_v at_o leonard_n pipe_n and_o so_o lead_v by_o popelane_n to_o ives_n dike_v bridge_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n above_o the_o water_n and_o in_o breadth_n 6_o foot_n and_o every_o one_o to_o keep_v their_o hedding_n and_o their_o clove_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o popelane_n according_a as_o heretofore_o 50._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o out_o newland_n in_o leverington_n make_v a_o sufficient_a dam_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o height_n 6._o at_o their_o land_n end_n at_o the_o north_n east_n side_n at_o the_o windmill_n in_o leverington_n to_o keep_v out_o the_o water_n from_o run_v in_o wisbeche_n load_n 51._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o southinham_n and_o canonfield_n make_v a_o crest_n from_o dike_n corner_n unto_o over_o dike_a in_o height_n six_o foot_n and_o breadth_n eight_o 52._o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o leverington_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o high_a lode_n from_o the_o fendike_n unto_o the_o 4_o goat_n in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o and_o all_o stamp_n and_o wear_v therein_o to_o be_v pull_v up_o nevertheless_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o have_v a_o common_a set_v in_o the_o say_v lode_n at_o a_o place_n call_v richmond_n green_a from_o side_n to_o side_n according_a to_o ancient_a old_a custom_n newton_n 53._o that_o a_o sewer_n be_v make_v in_o longfield_n in_o newton_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4_o between_o the_o land_n of_o jeffrey_n colvile_n esquire_n and_o simon_n trove_v and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a mr._n colvile_n and_o thomas_n reynold_n from_o mill_n lane_n unto_o meadow_n lane_n 54._o that_o another_o sewer_n be_v make_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o longfield_n aforesaid_a from_o the_o land_n of_o jeffrey_n colvile_n esquire_n abut_a upon_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n roydan_n unto_o the_o aforesaid_a sewer_n to_o be_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o 55._o that_o all_o fish_n take_v at_o the_o 4_o goat_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o
then_o order_v a._n that_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n shall_v from_o thenceforth_o be_v discharge_v from_o any_o dike_n in_o wisbeche_n river_n unless_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o drayn_n their_o land_n do_v take_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n in_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wis_v beech_n 14_o &_o 15_o sept._n before_o john_n peyton_n geo._n carleton_n humphrey_n michael_n thomas_n hewar_n esquire_n and_o other_o there_o be_v this_o follow_a decree_n b._n whereas_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n be_v by_o this_o our_o law_n order_v to_o be_v dig_v for_o the_o better_a grind_n of_o the_o channel_n low_a to_o the_o sea_n eliz._n we_o find_v that_o elm_n river_n call_v also_o elm_n i_fw-mi aught_o to_o be_v in_o like_a sort_n dig_v but_o whereas_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a river_n extend_v from_o the_o floodgate_n in_o elm_n to_o wisbeche_v sluse_n have_v be_v doubt_v in_o former_a session_n for_o sewer_n who_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o dig_v the_o same_o and_o that_o thereupon_o in_o a_o session_n hold_v 18_o martii_fw-la 23_o eliz._n we_o find_v that_o service_n lay_v upon_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n we_o now_o upon_o record_n show_v forth_o before_o we_o bear_v date_n the_o 6_o dec._n ..._o r._n 2._o that_o wisbeche_n from_o stone_n cross_n otherwise_o call_v spittel_v cross_n to_o the_o sluse_n shall_v make_v and_o maintain_v the_o sea-bank_n and_o also_o in_o a_o session_n for_o sewer_n hold_v the_o thursday_n before_o s._n mathew_n day_n 25_o h._n 8._o that_o from_o the_o floodgate_n in_o elm_n to_o hospital_n cross_n the_o township_n of_o elm_n shall_v dig_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o and_o from_o spittel_v cross_a to_o wisbeche_v sluice_n the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n to_o dig_v the_o same_o we_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a river_n call_v elm_n i_o shall_v be_v scour_v viz_o from_o wisbeche_n sluice_n to_o spittel_v cross_n be_v the_o division_n between_o elm_n and_o wisbeche_n by_o the_o township_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o from_o spittel_v cross_n unto_o the_o floodgate_n of_o elm_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n and_o from_o the_o say_a floodgate_n unto_o the_o townbrigge_n of_o elm_n by_o the_o bishop_n or_o his_o fermour_n of_o brauncâ—mere_n and_o from_o the_o say_v townbridge_n of_o elm_n to_o frydaybrigge_n by_o the_o queen_n majesty_n for_o her_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o dissolve_a monastery_n of_o crouland_n and_o from_o friday_n brigg_n to_o marys_n dam_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n and_o from_o marysdam_n to_o the_o cut_n over_o the_o old_a i_fw-mi by_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o coldham_n thence_o unto_o branchmere_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n in_o consideration_n that_o the_o say_a township_n shall_v hereafter_o be_v discharge_v of_o all_o such_o like_o dig_v in_o and_o upon_o any_o the_o commons_o of_o the_o say_v hundred_o lodward_o except_v &_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o his_o length_n in_o branchmere_n from_o thence_o to_o levermere_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n then_o for_o the_o length_n of_o levermere_n by_o the_o landholders_n thereof_o then_o to_o the_o river_n nene_n by_o the_o township_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o from_o marysdam_n under_o bishop_n dike_a unto_o lakebrigge_n and_o so_o into_o welle_v river_n shall_v be_v dike_v from_o lakebridge_n unto_o swan_n pen_n two_o part_n thereof_o by_o the_o ........._o and_o the_o three_o by_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n and_o from_o swan_n pen_n to_o langbeche_v by_o the_o township_n of_o upwell_n and_o for_o the_o length_n of_o langbeche_n the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n from_o thence_o to_o gale_n dole_n the_o township_n of_o elm_n upwell_n and_o outwell_n and_o for_o the_o length_n of_o gale-dole_n by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o profit_n thereof_o to_o ave-mary_n dam._n which_o dig_v viz._n from_o wisbeche_n sluice_n to_o spittel_v cross_n to_o be_v 4_o foot_n deep_o than_o now_o it_o be_v and_o to_o hold_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o the_o rest_n by_o that_o example_n save_v that_o the_o river_n under_o bishop_n dike_a between_o marys_n dam_n and_o well_o streme_a shall_v not_o exceed_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o we_o also_o ordain_v that_o there_o be_v make_v a_o new_a crest_n to_o begin_v at_o tilney_n hirne_n lead_v to_o the_o new_a leame_z thence_o to_o the_o horse-shoe_n thence_o to_o marmound_n land_n thence_o to_o the_o west_n end_n of_o langbeche_n adjoin_v upon_o bishop_n dike_a to_o be_v make_v a_o bank_n of_o twelve_o foot_n thick_a in_o the_o bottom_n 3_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o five_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n 26_o may_n 29_o eliz._n it_o be_v present_v by_o the_o juror_n eliz._n that_o norwold_n causey_n be_v in_o decay_n aught_o to_o be_v raise_v 5_o foot_n high_o than_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n on_o the_o top_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o a_o bridge_n of_o twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o high_a end_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n likewise_o that_o the_o watercourse_n on_o the_o south_n end_n of_o wisbeche_n shall_v have_v its_o course_n under_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisbeche_n through_o the_o xic_n bridg_n and_o so_o by_o the_o high_a lode_n unto_o the_o 4_o goat_n and_o that_o the_o water_n in_o fen_n end_n in_o wisbeche_n which_o have_v their_o course_n by_o the_o high_a load_n from_o leonard_n pipe_n unto_o evysdike_n bridge_n by_o a_o cut_n through_o the_o bank_n at_o leonard_n pipe_n shall_v have_v their_o course_n in_o pope_n lane_n load_n unto_o eusydike_n bridge_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n at_o another_o session_n â—_o of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o wisbeche_n 10_o oct._n 31_o eliz._n eâ—iz_n by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n nich._n hare_n john_n colvile_n john_n reppe_n george_n carleton_n thomas_n hewar_n charles_n balam_n richard_n buckworth_n and_o alex._n balam_n esquire_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n then_o constitute_v it_o be_v thus_o decree_v that_o whereas_o the_o fen_n call_v needham_n and_o burial_n fen_n lie_v in_o elm_n and_o welle_v have_v ancient_o be_v drayn_v into_o the_o little_a lode_n in_o welle_v call_v the_o sholle_a at_o the_o stone_n cross_n and_o so_o by_o welle_v river_n descend_v into_o ouse_n at_o salter_n load_n but_o then_o have_v no_o descent_n into_o the_o say_a â—ittle_a load_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o height_n of_o the_o water_n therein_o be_v 2_o foot_n above_o the_o level_n of_o the_o same_o fen_n and_o whereas_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o same_o fen_n have_v to_o their_o great_a charge_n procure_v a_o new_a drayn_n pass_v under_o the_o bank_n call_v greendike_n where_o they_o have_v erect_v a_o sluse_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o sewer_n upon_o the_o east_n side_n of_o meres_n drive_v by_o another_o sluse_n by_o they_o likewise_o erect_v at_o stow-sted_n to_o stop_v nedham_n water_n for_o run_v into_o budbech_n field_n where_o the_o say_a sewer_n take_v its_o course_n into_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o same_o budbech_n field_n and_o so_o continue_v therein_o by_o and_o through_o a_o pipe_n lie_v under_o the_o say_v little_a lode_n of_o welle_v and_o thence_o pass_v to_o hodge_n hirne_n corner_n where_o they_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o sir_n robert_n bell_n knight_n late_a lord_n chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n cause_v a_o new_a sewer_n to_o be_v make_v through_o a_o several_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n robert_n call_v the_o fence_n and_o bardolph_n fen_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 2_o mile_n or_o more_o in_o length_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o nich._n hare_n esquire_n lord_n of_o stow-bardolf_n do_v carry_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v common_a load_n between_o divers_a severall_n lie_v in_o stow_n bardolf_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o common_a fen_n belong_v unto_o stow_n bardolf_n wimbotesham_n and_o dounham_n on_o the_o south_n and_o so_o through_o another_o sluse_n late_o also_o erect_v by_o the_o beforementioned_a landholders_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o whereas_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o sluice_n be_v find_v to_o be_v most_o beneficial_a for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n abovementioned_a the_o say_a commissioner_n order_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o be_v maintain_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o a_o common_a acreshot_a upon_o all_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n &_o burial_n aforesaid_a which_o new_a sewer_n for_o nedham_n do_v from_o hodghirne_n beforementioned_a to_o ward_n brigge_n in_o stow_n contain_z lxxii_o rode_n and_o a_o half_a and_o from_o thence_o
to_o the_o sluse_n by_o ouse_n cxiiii_o rod_n and_o a_o half_a and_o they_o then_o also_o decree_v that_o for_o take_v away_o of_o the_o sock_n of_o bishop_n dike_n and_o better_a drayn_n of_o this_o fen_n a_o drayn_n shall_v be_v make_v under_o bishop_n dike_v within_o the_o say_a fen_n thirty_o foot_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_n in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o depth_n ....._o the_o menour_n whereof_o to_o be_v cast_v towards_o bishop_n dike_a the_o which_o drayn_n to_o begin_v at_o fenbridge_n and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o barrs_n that_o part_n the_o fen_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o alex._n baalam_n gent._n etc._n etc._n thence_o to_o a_o pair_n of_o barrs_n stand_v on_o bishop_n dike_a next_o to_o the_o west_n corner_n of_o malles_fw-la fen_n then_o to_o the_o drain_n call_v langbech_n thence_o to_o dod_n style_v and_o thence_o under_o greendike_n to_o the_o sluse_n late_o erect_v at_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o sewer_n make_v from_o hall_n fen_n to_o the_o say_a sluice_n at_o st._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o likewise_o that_o a_o ancient_a sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v knight_n dike_v beginning_n near_o benford_n hall_n now_o mr._n alex._n balaam_n house_n and_o so_o pass_v under_o needham_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n so_o unto_o elm_n drive_v and_o thence_o to_o the_o drive_v in_o burial_n field_n near_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n five_o and_o moreover_o that_o the_o agisted_a dike_n call_v ea_fw-la brink_n begin_v at_o needham_n dike_v and_o extend_v from_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n unto_o dod_n stile_n shall_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n repair_v and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a the_o dikereeve_v to_o levy_v for_o every_o iiiid._o by_o they_o expend_v vid._o and_o for_o every_o iiiid._o unpaid_a to_o levy_v vid._o likewise_o that_o a_o indike_n be_v make_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o sewer_n extend_v from_o hodghirnâ—_n through_o bardolph_n fen_n and_o a_o new_a sluse_n near_o the_o river_n ouse_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o common_a load_n and_o a_o acreshot_a of_o xiid._o the_o acre_n impose_v upon_o all_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n and_o burial_n for_o support_v the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a distress_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o sell_v restore_v the_o surplusage_n in_o any_o market_n within_o ten_o mile_n and_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n b._n hold_v at_o lynne_n regis_fw-la ult_n sept._n 33_o eliz._n before_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n nich._n hare_n hâ—mfr_n guibon_n edm._n bell_n rob._n forest_n tho._n oxburgh_n alex._n balam_n john_n willoughby_n and_o miles_n forest_n esquire_n it_o be_v far_o order_v that_o whereas_o the_o acreshot_n impose_v upon_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o nedham_n fen_n amount_v to_o xxxvil._o viiis._o be_v not_o pay_v noâ—_n any_o distress_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o ground_n charge_v therewith_o and_o that_o rich._n fyncham_n and_o rob._n fyncham_n interest_v in_o the_o reversion_n of_o the_o say_a land_n do_v refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o that_o john_n fyncham_n of_o upwell_n gent._n have_v pay_v the_o say_a sum_n to_o the_o dikereeve_v shall_v have_v the_o say_v land_n for_o a_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n upon_o the_o 19_o of_o sept._n 39_o eliz._n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o edmund_n bell_n john_n reppe_n tho._n hewar_n tho._n oxburge_n rich._n ogle_n anthony_n irby_n alexan._n balam_n william_n guibon_n and_o john_n hunt_v esquire_n there_o be_v certain_a law_n and_o ordinance_n 27._o make_v concern_v the_o course_n of_o welney_n stream_n and_o welle_v stream_n with_o other_o sewer_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n law_n nene_n ouse_n and_o weland_n but_o the_o land-water_n from_o the_o county_n of_o hunt_n northampton_n cambr._n and_o norâ—f_o and_o some_o part_n of_o suff._n which_o border_n upon_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n eliz_n do_v stay_n in_o the_o fenny_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n etc._n etc._n forasmuch_o as_o neither_o the_o several_a river_n nor_o the_o other_o stream_n that_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o same_o as_o march_z stream_n the_o new_a leame_z the_o west-water_n and_o divers_a load_v within_o those_o limit_n be_v sufficient_o cleanse_v not_o imbank_v for_o the_o ready_a conveyance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o out-ring_n bank_n of_o depe_v croyland_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la in_o com._n linc._n and_o the_o fen_n dike_v waltersey_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a elm_n i_fw-mi brink_n coldham_n and_o redmore_n bank_n in_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o out-ring_n of_o marshland_n as_o also_o the_o new_a powdike_a in_o com._n norff._n be_v in_o year_n of_o water_n much_o chargeable_a to_o the_o owner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o country_n and_o those_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v unprofitable_a the_o say_a commissioner_n deliberate_o consider_v the_o redress_n do_v conceive_v that_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o former_a depth_n and_o wideness_n of_o those_o river_n load_v and_o stream_n as_o also_o of_o the_o decay_a bank_n and_o by_o far_o imbank_v in_o place_n convenient_a the_o say_v marish_a ground_n will_v be_v perfect_v or_o much_o amend_v and_o therefore_o do_v ordain_v that_o welney_n stream_n and_o well_o stream_n from_o litelport_n chair_n to_o well_o ea_fw-la and_o so_o towards_o elm_n as_o the_o same_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o have_v their_o fall_n and_o march_v stream_n unto_o shrewysn_a where_o it_o fall_v into_o well_o stream_n as_o also_o that_o the_o water_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la ancient_o call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o clow_n cross_n unto_o guy_n hirne_n before_o the_o x_o of_o december_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o year_n 1598._o shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v by_o such_o as_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o lode_n call_v small_a load_n from_o the_o great_a river_n in_o upwell_n to_o ingram_n hyrn_v be_v scour_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n or_o edm._n bell_n esquire_n for_o their_o land_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n parcel_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o late_a abbey_n of_o dereham_n and_o thence_o to_o seman_n goole_n and_o thence_o to_o northdelph_n by_o those_o who_o land_n lie_v adjacent_a thereto_o so_o also_o darcey-lode_n and_o coxlode_v likewise_o that_o maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n and_o the_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n which_o end_v at_o northdelph_n shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o bank_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o bottom_n xuj_o foot_n and_o four_o in_o the_o top_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o the_o say_v maidlode_v to_o be_v five_o foot_n deep_a and_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a by_o the_o space_n of_o the_o first_o 2_o mile_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o next_o two_o mile_n in_o wideness_n 25_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shiplode_v xx_o foot_n with_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o wideness_n twelve_o foot_n of_o water_n and_o in_o depth_n below_o the_o low-water-mark_a of_o the_o say_a river_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o bartholomew_n tide_n all_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a in_o neatmore_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n begin_v at_o upwell_n causey_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o their_o common_a call_v neatmore_n lie_v without_o the_o limit_n likewise_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o x_o s._n the_o acre_n be_v impose_v for_o erect_v of_o sluice_n heighten_v of_o bank_n and_o make_v of_o drayn_n and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o the_o one_o half_a of_o their_o land_n who_o shall_v neglect_v to_o be_v sold._n moreover_o that_o for_o drayn_v of_o denver_n fen_n a_o sewer_n of_o xviii_o or_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n be_v cut_v through_o the_o same_o to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o entrance_n thereinto_o and_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o causey_n extend_v from_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n be_v end_n unto_o london_n load_n head_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n lead_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n side_n of_o london_n load_n to_o welle_v streme_a at_o northdelph_n with_o sufficient_a indikes_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o causey_n shall_v before_o the_o first_o of_o jan._n next_o following_z be_v make_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o like_a wideness_n height_n and_o breadth_n as_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v purchaser_n or_o lessee_n do_v or_o shall_v make_v they_o between_o london_n load_n
of_o the_o marsh_n just_a to_o the_o mouth_n of_o they_o which_o in_o every_o springtide_n afford_v store_n of_o water_n to_o grind_v down_o the_o channel_n whereof_o that_o on_o the_o north_n side_n be_v the_o more_o principal_a for_o the_o conduct_v whereof_o to_o the_o place_n of_o best_a advantage_n the_o leame_z be_v embank_v on_o that_o side_n â—y_a some_o certain_a space_n that_o the_o tide_n on_o the_o marsh_n can_v fall_v into_o it_o but_o by_o that_o finne_n at_o the_o very_a head_n and_o there_o by_o his_o plentiful_a descent_n scour_v to_o good_a purpose_n that_o which_o otherwise_o in_o summer_n will_v be_v silt_v up_o such_o penury_n there_o be_v of_o fresh_a water_n in_o the_o country_n at_o that_o time_n 1621._o in_o 19_o jac._n there_o be_v a_o decree_n pettibag_n make_v at_o outwell_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n then_o fit_v there_o for_o levy_v the_o forfeiture_n and_o penalty_n impose_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clakclose_v upon_o the_o landholders_n of_o churchfield_n and_o plawfield_n â—or_a not_o make_v sufficient_a sluice_n viz._n one_o at_o the_o south_n end_n of_o the_o pipe_n under_o welle_v river_n the_o other_o in_o plawfield_n drayn_n in_o the_o thirty_o acre_n of_o john_n fyncham_n esquire_n 1â—3â—_n and_o in_o 8_o caroli_n there_o have_v be_v a_o agreement_n make_v with_o henry_n dereham_n of_o london_n esquire_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o tide_n s._n mary_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n tide_n s._n giles_n and_o newton_n in_o this_o county_n of_o cambridge_n make_v by_o the_o proprietary_n and_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n contain_v by_o estimation_n three_o thousand_o acre_n by_o which_o agreement_n the_o say_a henry_n be_v to_o make_v his_o drayne_n unto_o the_o outfall_n near_o eatts_n mere_a into_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v keep_v dry_a at_o least_o one_o foot_n under_o the_o soil_n and_o for_o his_o charge_n therein_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o xls._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v impose_v and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o that_o the_o say_v henry_n shall_v have_v two_o five_o part_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n upon_o a_o equal_a division_n thereof_o into_o five_o part_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o and_o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o say_v two_o five_o part_n to_o be_v set_v out_o to_o the_o say_v henry_n and_o his_o heir_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o say_a work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o say_a agreement_n be_v full_o ratify_v by_o a_o decree_n make_v at_o wisebeche_n upon_o the_o 20_o of_o september_n the_o same_o year_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v chap._n xlix_o hold_v on_o my_o course_n more_o westward_n ely_n i_o come_v to_o that_o part_n of_o this_o county_n which_o be_v call_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n the_o bound_n whereof_o i_o shall_v next_o take_v notice_n and_o then_o of_o what_o else_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o fen_n which_o do_v belong_v thereto_o the_o circuit_n of_o this_o isle_n say_v the_o register_n b._n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o erith_n brigge_n and_o from_o thence_o extend_v to_o sutton_n grove_n so_o to_o mepehale_n thence_o to_o wichhome_n brigg_n thence_o to_o ely_n dounhom_n thence_o to_o litisport_v thence_o to_o the_o town_n of_o ely_n thence_o to_o haveringmere_n thence_o to_o stratam_fw-la load_n thence_o to_o anglongwesche_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o isle_n thence_o to_o aldirhethe_v brigge_n and_o so_o to_o erith_n brigge_n the_o entrance_n into_o it_o be_v these_o the_o first_o at_o litisport_n the_o second_o at_o stuntmere_n brigge_n the_o three_o at_o alderhethe_o brigge_n and_o the_o four_o at_o erith_n brigge_n moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v ibid._n that_o the_o commons_o in_o the_o fen_n of_o this_o isle_n bound_v be_v divide_v from_o those_o of_o chateriz_n at_o snarissode_n whence_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n go_v on_o to_o mepehale_n he_o and_o so_o to_o andelong_v bihee_o howbeit_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n fen_n to_o mow_v cut_v and_o dig_v begin_v at_o dryebyresfen_n and_o so_o go_v on_o betwixt_o arnyatesmere_n and_o thence_o to_o blakwell_n and_o from_o blakwell_n to_o by_o i_fw-mi and_o from_o thence_o compass_v hunn_n eye_n unto_o langereche_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o dodyngton_n then_o to_o bilâ—ing_v thence_o to_o algaris-fen_n and_o so_o over_o the_o fen_n to_o achinwerdore_v but_o the_o pasture_n belong_v to_o chateriz_n go_v first_o to_o dounham_n thence_o to_o uuycheham_n thence_o to_o sutton_n and_o so_o to_o dodyngtone_n and_o march_n within_o which_o precinct_n the_o monk_n of_o ramsey_n have_v enter_v commom_n with_o chateriz_n belong_v likewise_o to_o chateriz_n be_v these_o meadow_n scil_n crow_n load_n begin_v near_o such_o fen_n muthe_n and_o extend_v to_o haul_v load_n which_o meadow_n be_v compass_v with_o water_n on_o every_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o water_n from_o park_n hale_v to_o fenton_n be_v uuelagh_n beside_o one_o piece_n which_o the_o abbess_n have_v the_o demesne_fw-la fen_n of_o crow_n load_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n manor_n in_o chateriz_n begin_v at_o wolvey_n be_v which_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a river_n near_o to_o the_o place_n where_o fenton_n load_n descend_v thereinto_o hard_o by_o horshithe_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o length_n by_o the_o say_v great_a river_n southwards_o unto_o croslodeâ—_n â—_z which_o crosâ—lode_n be_v by_o some_o call_v parkhale_n load_n but_o by_o other_o the_o draught_n and_o far_o extend_v itself_o thwart_v the_o fen_n to_o the_o west_n by_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v crow_n load_n unto_o wolvey_n load_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v fenton_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o wolvey_n welagh_o which_o stand_v near_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o wolvey_n load_n and_o opposite_a to_o wolvey_n be_v aforesaid_a within_o which_o precinct_n the_o abbess_n of_o chateriz_n hold_v one_o part_n of_o a_o meadow_n which_o hugh_n folyot_n sometime_o abbot_n of_o ramesey_n give_v unto_o she_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o soak_v of_o somersham_n ought_v to_o common_a aswell_o in_o graze_v as_o mow_v in_o that_o fen_n which_o extend_v from_o erith_n brigge_v unto_o parkhale_n load_n by_o the_o river_n and_o thence_o to_o fenton_n welugh_o to_o graze_v and_o mow_v and_o for_o housebote_n and_o firebote_n and_o from_o fenton_n welughe_o they_o ought_v to_o common_a in_o grazingâ—_n unto_o weremere_n and_o from_o weremere_n likewise_o to_o thornbrigge_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v note_v that_o within_o those_o precinct_n sir_n will._n le_fw-fr moigne_n have_v one_o field_n which_o be_v gain_v land_n and_o a_o grove_n of_o alder_n with_o two_o mere_n at_o roweye_n the_o bound_n b._n of_o higgen_n eye_n fen_n recover_v by_o simon_n abbot_n of_o ramsey_n be_v these_o viz._n from_o calverwodeyate_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o monk_n lade_v thence_o to_o hokeslade_n descend_v towards_o glatton_n and_o so_o by_o hokeslade_n unto_o byrchmere_n pooly_v thence_o to_o walton_n eld_n load_n direct_o to_o byrch_n holt_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o dry_a land_n of_o higgen_n eye_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o byrch_n holt_n and_o there_o by_o the_o dry_a land_n to_o north_n welne_v and_o thence_o unto_o calverwodeyate_n which_o fen_n contain_v a_o thousand_o acre_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o water_n belong_v unto_o this_o isle_n of_o ely_n there_o be_v a_o little_a island_n call_v ehâ—eneie_n a._n wherein_o the_o monk_n of_o ely_n have_v a_o cell_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o fresh_a water_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o this_o great_a level_n from_o evacuate_v themselves_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v become_v by_o the_o swell_a of_o those_o water_n almost_o drown_v upon_o a_o great_a complaint_n ibid._n therefore_o make_v by_o the_o say_a monk_n unto_o alberic_n picot_n he_o give_v ibid._n they_o four_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o ground_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o denney_n which_o lie_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v translate_v their_o house_n thither_o and_o make_v orchard_n and_o garden_n there_o for_o their_o use_n the_o next_o thing_n of_o note_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o isle_n wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v be_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o causey_n lead_v thereto_o in_o 5_o h_n 3._o the_o king_n then_o give_v â—5_n unto_o peter_n de_fw-la valentiniis_fw-la a_o monk_n of_o ely_n four_o oak_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o forest_n of_o wauberge_n in_o huntendonshire_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o record_n term_v it_o calcetum_fw-la de_fw-fr ely_n which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v
ramesiae_fw-la super_fw-la light_fw-la motâ—_n de_fw-fr terminis_fw-la in_o marisco_fw-la statuendis_fw-la de_fw-fr quo_fw-la marisco_fw-la hoc_fw-la mirum_fw-la nostris_fw-la accidit_fw-la temporibus_fw-la ut_fw-la ubi_fw-la quondam_a annis_fw-la antiquissimis_fw-la quorum_fw-la non_fw-la extat_fw-la memoria_fw-la loca_fw-la invia_fw-la ac_fw-la inaccessibilia_fw-la ubi_fw-la nullus_fw-la hominum_fw-la vel_fw-la pecudum_fw-la gressus_fw-la fuit_fw-la vel_fw-la habitatio_fw-la sed_fw-la carecta_fw-la luta_fw-la profunda_fw-la &_o arundineta_fw-la palustria_fw-la solis_fw-la avibus_fw-la nedum_fw-la dicam_fw-la daemonibus_fw-la inhabitata_fw-la prout_fw-la legitur_fw-la in_o vitâ_fw-la beati_fw-la guthlaci_n qui_fw-la ibidem_fw-la utpote_fw-la in_o loco_fw-la horroris_fw-la &_o vastae_fw-la solitudinis_fw-la coepit_fw-la habitare_fw-la nunc_fw-la in_fw-la prata_fw-la delectabilia_fw-la ac_fw-la etiam_fw-la terram_fw-la arabilem_fw-la convertuntur_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la ibidem_fw-la pars_fw-la segetem_fw-la vel_fw-la foena_fw-la non_fw-la produciâ—_n gladiolum_fw-la cespites_fw-la &_o alia_fw-la ignis_fw-la pabula_fw-la cohabitantibus_fw-la utilia_fw-la germinando_fw-la abundanter_fw-la subministrat_fw-la unde_fw-la lie_fw-la &_o gravis_fw-la contentio_fw-la de_fw-la terminis_fw-la locorum_fw-la talium_fw-la &_o terrarum_fw-la inter_fw-la eos_fw-la qui_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la mariscum_fw-la inhabitabant_fw-la exorta_fw-la light_n &_o praelia_fw-la suscitabat_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o year_n mcclvi_o 40._o h._n 3._o william_n bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o hugh_z abbot_n of_o ramsey_n come_v to_o a_o agreement_n upon_o a_o controversy_n betwixt_o they_o touch_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o fen_n whereof_o in_o these_o our_o time_n a_o wonder_n happen_v for_o whereas_o as_o ancient_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n they_o be_v neither_o accessible_a for_o man_n or_o beast_n afford_v only_o deep_a mud_n with_o sedge_n and_o reed_n and_o possess_v by_o bird_n yea_o much_o more_o by_o devil_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o life_n of_o s._n guthlac_n who_o find_v it_o a_o place_n of_o horror_n and_o great_a solitude_n begin_v to_o inhabit_v there_o be_v now_o change_v into_o delightful_a meadow_n and_o arable_a ground_n and_o what_o thereof_o do_v not_o produce_v corn_n or_o hay_n do_v abundant_o bring_v forth_o sedge_n turf_n and_o other_o fuel_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o borderer_n which_o occasion_v much_o dispute_n and_o contention_n betwixt_o they_o that_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a inhabitant_n in_o those_o part_n nay_o quarrel_n and_o fight_a touch_v the_o bound_n of_o such_o fruitful_a land_n for_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o on_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la two_o of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o priory_n of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n in_o london_n dispute_v thereof_o grow_v to_o such_o high_a word_n as_o contract_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n betwixt_o they_o so_o that_o study_v a_o revenge_n the_o one_o take_v a_o opportunity_n to_o murder_v the_o other_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o who_o these_o fen_n be_v then_o so_o drayn_v i_o find_v not_o but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o clear_n of_o those_o ancient_a outfall_n of_o the_o several_a river_n which_o both_o before_o and_o since_o do_v overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n leave_v therefore_o the_o discovery_n thereof_o to_o a_o far_a scrutiny_n i_o shall_v brief_o point_v at_o such_o commission_n as_o i_o have_v find_v tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o by_o bank_n and_o sewer_n after_o that_o time_n which_o be_v not_o many_o be_v all_o involve_a with_o those_o of_o other_o place_n in_o this_o county_n as_o by_o these_o instance_n will_v appear_v viz._n in_o 51._o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n cavendish_n will._n de_fw-fr thorpe_n john_n colevill_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o ely_n dounham_n litelport_n hadenham_n sutton_n chateryz_n dudington_n march_n marchford_n wytleseye_n elm_n welle_v wysbeche_v leverington_n neuton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n and_o elsewhere_o within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n in_o 1_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n cavendishe_v will._n de_fw-fr thorpe_n john_n colvill_n martin_n everard_n john_n holt_n will._n de_fw-fr petteworth_n thomas_n pynchebek_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr welle_v in_o 3_o r._n 2._o dorso_fw-la to_o sir_n roger_n de_fw-fr skales_n sir_n philip_n le_fw-fr despenser_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr cavendish_n rob._n bealknap_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o before-specified_n place_n by_o which_o commission_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o make_v ☞_o agistment_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o part_n by_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o perch_n to_o be_v new_o survey_v as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o to_o constitute_v trusty_a and_o diligent_a dike-reeves_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 6_o r._n 2._o have_v the_o same_o sir_n roger_n with_o sir_n rob._n bealknap_n knight_n sir_n philip_n spenser_n sir_n will._n skipwith_n and_o other_o so_o also_o in_o 15_o r._n 2._o have_v dorso_fw-la will._n thirning_n thomas_n pynchebek_n sir_n john_n colvylle_n sir_n reginald_n hakebeche_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr wilton_n and_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr flete_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr markham_n will._n gascoigne_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-mi welle_v 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 and_o in_o 8_o h._n 5._o thomas_n de_fw-fr skeltone_n john_n colevile_n john_n de_fw-fr rochefort_n laurence_n everard_n rob._n tirwhit_o john_n bernard_n nich._n morys_n will._n foulbourne_n and_o robert_n brydde_v have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a as_o also_o to_o view_v the_o several_a causey_n betwixt_o ely_n and_o saham_n ely_n and_o litleport_n and_o hadenham_n and_o wynelingham_n then_o break_v and_o decay_v and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n do_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 chap._n l._n west_n and_o by_o north_n ely_n lie_v thorney_n a_o island_n also_o contain_v about_o three_o hundred_o acre_n of_o ground_n and_o compass_v with_o spacious_a fen_n wherein_o as_o in_o ely_n crouland_n and_o several_a other_o place_n for_o the_o respect_n instance_a in_o the_o ...._o câ—apâ—_n adelwold_n bishop_n of_o winchester_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccclxxii_n k._n edgar_n then_o reign_v found_v 11._o a_o goodly_a monastery_n for_o benedictine_n monk_n what_o these_o fen_n be_v for_o depth_n and_o breadth_n during_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a age_n before_o the_o late_a general_a drayn_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v the_o moor_n total_o contract_v by_o a_o long_a stagnation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o which_o be_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n ten_o foot_n deep_a throughout_o all_o this_o side_n of_o the_o country_n but_o more_o ancient_o it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o will._n of_o malmesbury_n a_o authentic_a historian_n live_v about_o five_o hundred_o year_n since_o affirm_v who_o have_v first_o speak_v of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o then_o come_v to_o this_o of_o thorney_n say_v b._n thus_o thorneia_n ulterior_a scripto_fw-la &_o contractior_fw-la spacio_fw-la sed_fw-la prio_fw-la laudum_fw-la titulo_fw-la paradysi_n simulachrum_fw-la quòd_fw-la amoenitate_fw-la jam_fw-la coelos_n ipsos_fw-la imaginetur_fw-la in_fw-la ipsis_fw-la paludibus_fw-la arborum_fw-la ferax_fw-la quae_fw-la enodi_fw-la proceritate_fw-la luctantur_fw-la ad_fw-la sydera_fw-la aequorea_fw-la planity_n herbarum_fw-la viridantibus_fw-la comis_fw-la oculos_fw-la advocate_n etc._n etc._n id_fw-la est_fw-la thorney_n though_o last_o mention_v and_o less_o in_o circuit_n have_v the_o priority_n in_o fame_n represent_v a_o very_a paradise_n for_o that_o in_o pleasure_n and_o delight_v it_o resemble_v heaven_n itself_o the_o very_a marsh_n abound_v with_o tree_n who_o length_n without_o knot_n do_v emulate_v the_o star_n the_o plain_a there_o be_v as_o level_v as_o the_o sea_n which_o with_o the_o flourish_a of_o the_o grass_n allure_v the_o eye_n and_o so_o smooth_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v he_o that_o run_v through_o it_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o waste_a place_n in_o it_o for_o in_o some_o part_n thereof_o there_o be_v appletree_n in_o other_o vine_n which_o either_o spread_v upon_o the_o ground_n or_o be_v raise_v up_o with_o pole_n a_o mutual_a strife_n there_o be_v betwixt_o nature_n and_o art_n so_o that_o what_o the_o one_o produce_v not_o the_o other_o supply_v what_o shall_v i_o say_v of_o the_o beautiful_a building_n which_o it_o be_v so_o wonderful_a to_o see_v the_o ground_n amid_o those_o fen_n to_o bear_v from_o which_o testimony_n no_o less_o can_v be_v infer_v but_o that_o then_o this_o skirt_n of_o the_o level_n be_v not_o at_o all_o drown_v and_o therefore_o that_o the_o outfall_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v at_o that_o time_n clear_a and_o open_a which_o argue_v a_o great_a care_n in_o the_o people_n inhabit_v this_o flat_a country_n in_o those_o day_n than_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n since_o not_o be_v the_o part_n towards_o peterborough_n then_o less_o free_a from_o that_o annoyance_n as_o may_v seem_v from_o what_o i_o have_v receive_v
and_o in_o 18_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la william_n la_fw-fr zouche_n john_n de_fw-fr cantebrig_n simon_n de_fw-fr brim_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr hinton_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n alone_o upon_o a_o plead_v in_o 40_o e._n 3._o it_o be_v find_v cautab_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n do_v obstruct_v the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n at_o wilburgham_n magna_fw-la in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v watholm_n dam_n so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v its_o current_n as_o it_o usual_o have_v insomuch_o as_o the_o commons_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o fulbourne_n be_v overflow_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o in_o 12_o h._n 4._o the_o town_n of_o harlton_n be_v question_v caâ—â—ab_n for_o divert_v the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n betwixt_o harlton_n and_o haselingfeld_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n can_v not_o deny_v the_o charge_n and_o therefore_o be_v amerce_v ralph_n bateman_n be_v then_o lord_n of_o that_o manor_n in_o 14_o h._n 6._o william_n godrede_v thomas_n fulthorpe_n sir_n john_n colvyle_n sir_n henry_n rocheforth_o and_o sir_n robert_n hakebeche_v king_n william_n yeluerton_n thomas_n dereham_n john_n jaky_v thomas_n reynold_n and_o john_n tylney_n 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 sewer_n and_o ditch_n throughout_o this_o whole_a county_n only_o and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o runmey_n marsh_n mere_a on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o this_o county_n and_o at_o the_o outmost_a skirt_n thereof_o lie_v wittlesey_n mere_a the_o great_a lake_n in_o all_o these_o part_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o worthy_a of_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o close_v up_o what_o i_o have_v far_o to_o say_v of_o this_o shire_n with_o that_o particular_a description_n of_o it_o which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o register_n a._n of_o peterborough_n in_o septentrionali_fw-la parte_fw-la stagni_fw-la etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o this_o lake_n there_o be_v a_o water_n call_v merelade_v issue_v out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o neene_n where_o the_o northern_a bound_n thereof_o be_v this_o with_o the_o fen_n thereto_o belong_v have_v at_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o certain_a fish_n call_v eddâ—rmuthe_n upon_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o be_v two_o other_o mere_n call_v wellepole_n and_o trendelmere_n betwixt_o which_o be_v a_o narrow_a stream_n contain_v two_o furlong_n in_o length_n call_v trendelmere_n beech_n have_v in_o it_o two_o fishing_n and_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o narrow_a water_n there_o of_o one_o mile_n long_o which_o be_v call_v falet_n have_v in_o it_o one_o fish_v in_o that_o part_n thereof_o betwixt_o wytlesmere_n and_o kynkesdelf_n where_o the_o eastern_a boundary_a thereof_o be_v the_o breadth_n of_o the_o mere_a contain_v three_o mile_n have_v in_o it_o a_o narrow_a stream_n call_v derescuf_n and_o a_o wood_n name_v rageholt_n on_o the_o south_n part_v thereof_o also_o there_o be_v another_o slender_a stream_n of_o three_o furlong_n in_o length_n call_v selfremerebeche_n have_v in_o it_o two_o fishing_n at_o the_o end_n whereof_o be_v a_o lake_n name_v selfremere_n have_v on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o a_o narrow_a water_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n long_o call_v ubbemere_n lade_v at_o the_o head_n whereof_o be_v likewise_o another_o fish_n and_o about_o the_o middle_n thereof_o there_o be_v a_o place_n in_o the_o fen_n call_v alwynesbarwe_v and_o there_o be_v the_o southern_a boundary_a thereof_o moreover_o on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o this_o lake_n there_o be_v also_o a_o narrow_a stream_n contain_v two_o furlong_n in_o length_n name_v trendemere_n beech_n which_o have_v one_o fish_v in_o it_o at_o the_o end_n whereof_o be_v the_o mere_a call_v west_n trendemere_n on_o that_o side_n there_o be_v also_o these_o water_n viz._n drelgmere_n wellepole_n withibuscemere_n langemere_n kinninge_n and_o musklemere_n there_o be_v likewise_o on_o that_o side_n another_o narrow_a water_n of_o one_o mile_n in_o length_n extend_v to_o oppebeche_v and_o have_v in_o it_o one_o fish_v at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o water_n be_v the_o western_a limit_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o all_o the_o water_n pertain_v to_o witlesmere_n about_o two_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o north_n east_n side_n of_o the_o before-specified_n mere_a there_o be_v a_o memorable_a channel_n cut_v through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fen_n extend_v itself_o from_o near_a ramsey_n to_o peterborough_n and_o be_v call_v king_n delft_n the_o common_a tradition_n be_v that_o king_n canutus_n or_o his_o queen_n be_v in_o some_o peril_n in_o their_o passage_n from_o ramsey_n to_o peterborough_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o boysterousnesse_n of_o the_o wave_n upon_o witlesey_n mere_a cause_v this_o ditch_n to_o be_v first_o make_v and_o therewith_o do_v some_o westm._n of_o our_o historian_n agree_v who_o say_v thus_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la mxxxiiii_o cnuto_fw-mi rex_fw-la potentissimus_fw-la viam_fw-la in_o marisco_fw-la inter_fw-la ramsey_n &_o burgum_fw-la quoth_v king_n delft_n dicitur_fw-la ut_fw-la periculum_fw-la magnorum_fw-la stagnorum_fw-la vitaretur_fw-la eruderavit_fw-la but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v this_o testimony_n to_o what_o i_o meet_v with_o above_o threescore_o year_n before_o i_o well_o know_v not_o which_o be_v that_o king_n edgar_n confirm_v to_o the_o monk_n of_o peterborough_n beforementioned_a the_o four_o part_n of_o uuitlesmere_n with_o all_o the_o water_n fishing_n and_o fen_n thereto_o belong_v bound_v ecclesiae_fw-la it_o to_o these_o limit_n viz._n quorum_fw-la septentrionalis_n est_fw-la ubi_fw-la primùm_fw-la intrat_fw-la mere_a load_n the_o ampne_a nen_n orientaliter_fw-la ad_fw-la king_n delft_n australiter_fw-la ad_fw-la adewinesbarue_v &c_n &c_n id_fw-la est_fw-la whereof_o the_o north_n side_n be_v where_o mere_a load_n first_o enter_v thereinto_o from_o the_o river_n nen_fw-mi eastward_o to_o king_n delft_n and_o southward_o to_o aldewynesbarue_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o large_a and_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o fair_a channel_n make_v from_o stanground_n steafe_n below_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_v near_o uuisebeche_n of_o xl_o foot_n in_o breadth_n by_o 405._o john_n moreton_n bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o king_n henry_n the_o seventh_n day_n and_o still_o call_v moreton_n leame_z or_o the_o new_a leame_z a_o work_n certain_o of_o singular_a consequence_n not_o only_o for_o the_o quick_a evacuation_n of_o the_o overflowing_n of_o nene_n but_o for_o conveniency_n of_o carriage_n from_o peterborough_n to_o uuisebeche_v which_o will_v remain_v a_o last_a memorial_n to_o that_o worthy_a bishop_n chap._n li._n south-west_n from_o cambridgshire_n lie_v the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n into_o which_o a_o skirt_n likewise_o of_o this_o great_a level_n extend_v at_o the_o entrance_n whereof_o i_o meet_v first_o with_o ramsey_n compass_v with_o fen_n on_o all_o part_n except_v towards_o the_o south-west_n and_o contain_v about_o ......_o acre_n wherein_o for_o the_o like_a respect_n as_o in_o ely_n crouland_n and_o thorney_n by_o other_o ailwin_n a_o near_a kinsman_n to_o king_n edgar_n and_o who_o be_v style_v by_o our_o historian_n totius_fw-la angliae_fw-la aldermannus_n id_fw-la est_fw-la chief_z justice_n of_o england_n do_v find_v â—_o a_o eminent_a monastery_n for_o monk_n of_o s._n benedict_n rule_n almost_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o norman_a conquest_n touch_v the_o situation_n of_o this_o isle_n for_o so_o it_o be_v ancient_o call_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o register_n of_o that_o abbey_n say_v quum_fw-la igitur_fw-la in_o orientali_fw-la angulo_fw-la territorii_fw-la huntedonensis_fw-la etc._n etc._n forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o this_o place_n situate_v in_o the_o eastern_a corner_n of_o huntendoushire_n where_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o river_n ouse_n restrain_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o fen_n be_v for_o its_o bigness_n the_o fair_a of_o the_o fenny_a island_n and_o which_o many_o have_v endeavour_v to_o extol_v so_o that_o it_o need_v not_o our_o commendation_n nevertheless_o we_o will_v not_o whole_o leave_v it_o untouched_a on_o the_o west_n side_n for_o on_o all_o other_o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fen_n it_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o firm_a land_n with_o certain_a deep_a and_o boggy_a quagmire_n in_o breadth_n about_o two_o bow_n shoot_v insomuch_o as_o in_o time_n past_a the_o access_n unto_o it_o be_v by_o navigable_a vessel_n bring_v thither_o through_o a_o slow_a stream_n with_o gentle_a wind_n but_o now_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o no_o small_a cost_n there_o be_v with_o wood_n stones_n and_o gravel_n a_o firm_a causey_n make_v so_o that_o people_n may_v come_v to_o it_o on_o foot_n in_o length_n this_o island_n do_v extend_v almost_o unto_o two_o mile_n but_o in_o breadth_n not_o so_o much_o be_v environ_v with_o alder_n reed_n green_a cane_n and_o bulrush_n which_o do_v beautify_v it_o exceed_o and_o before_o it_o become_v inhabit_v be_v full_a
of_o all_o sort_n of_o tree_n especial_o wild_a ash_n the_o length_n and_o bigness_n whereof_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o church_n but_o now_o through_o tract_n of_o time_n the_o wood_n for_o the_o most_o part_n go_v the_o fertility_n of_o the_o turf_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o land_n convert_v to_o tillage_n bear_v corn_n plentiful_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o profitable_a otherwise_o be_v full_a of_o fair_a garden_n fat_a pasture_n shady_a grove_n and_o rich_a meadow_n which_o in_o the_o spring_n time_n make_v a_o most_o beautiful_a show_v moreover_o on_o the_o border_n of_o it_o there_o be_v several_a mere_a full_a of_o eel_n as_o also_o spacious_a fen_n and_o pool_n abound_v with_o divers_a sort_n of_o fish_n and_o waterfoul_n whereof_o one_o call_v ramsey_n mere_a from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n much_o excel_v the_o other_o adjacent_a water_n in_o beaâ—ty_n and_o profit_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o most_o large_a and_o woody_a side_n of_o it_o and_o pleasant_o beat_v upon_o that_o sandy_a shore_n thereof_o call_v mereham_n make_v a_o delightful_a object_n to_o the_o beholder_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o great_a gulf_n of_o which_o mere_a there_o be_v frequent_o take_v by_o several_a sort_n of_o net_n as_o also_o with_o bait_a hook_n and_o other_o sish_a instrument_n pike_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a bigness_n call_v hakedes_o by_o the_o county_n people_n and_o though_o both_o fisher_n and_o fowler_n cease_v neither_o day_n nor_o night_n to_o haunt_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o always_o of_o fish_n and_o foul_n no_o little_a store_n what_o proportion_n to_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o divers_a particular_a town_n in_o this_o county_n ancient_o be_v of_o i_o shallâ—_n in_o the_o next_o place_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o record_n make_v manifest_a by_o which_o they_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o those_o part_n may_v discern_v how_o much_o improvement_n have_v be_v since_o make_v therein_o through_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o borderer_n or_o whether_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v by_o neglect_n expatiate_v to_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n upon_o that_o memorable_a survey_n hunt_n make_v short_o after_o the_o norman_a conquest_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o colne_n be_v then_o repute_v to_o be_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o half_a a_o mile_n in_o breadth_n and_o those_o in_o wardboys_n just_a as_o much_o but_o in_o 3_o edw._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o far_o more_o exact_a account_n lond._n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o find_v by_o inquisition_n as_o follow_v viz._n that_o the_o fen_n pertain_v to_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v call_v faresheve_v ferri_fw-la contain_v then_o in_o length_n from_o faresheved_a brigge_n at_o the_o one_o end_n unto_o the_o other_o where_o ramsey_n fen_n and_o fairesheved_a fen_n do_v part_n two_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o bank_n call_v king_n delft_n unto_o wythlesmare_n one_o mile_n in_o which_o fen_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o certain_a meadow_n call_v kingesdelph-mede_n contain_v cx._n acre_n and_o another_o call_v myleby_n of_o x._o acre_n the_o same_o meadow_n then_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v moreover_o there_o be_v then_o a_o certain_a division_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o stanground_n and_o flectone_n begin_v at_o broad_a he_o near_o to_o the_o mayden-cros_a and_o extend_v itself_o by_o the_o ancient_a load_n to_o lavehythe_n and_o from_o thence_o direct_o to_o blancheferye_n and_o thence_o to_o stakengeshirste_n be_v a_o certain_a common_a pasture_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o flectone_n likewise_o that_o in_o the_o hundred_o of_o normancros_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a fen_n call_v kyngesdelf_n beginning_n at_o the_o end_n of_o brod_n he_o scil_n at_o the_o end_n of_o kyngesdelf_n and_o extend_v itself_o circular_o to_o wittleseye_n town_n be_v end_n for_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o wytlesheye_n by_o the_o hold_v old_a i_fw-mi to_o pokeslode_v for_o the_o space_n also_o of_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o hold_v old_a eee_o to_o west_n fen_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o wysemuthe_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o beynwic_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o syrmare_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o kyngge_n delfe_n end_n southwards_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a point_n of_o broad_a i_fw-mi where_o kynge_n delfe_n end_v for_o five_o mile_n which_o whole_a circuit_n contain_v xx_o mile_n and_o belonge_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o ramsey_n and_o thorney_n and_o priory_n of_o ely_n for_o which_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n have_v the_o charter_n of_o s._n edward_n from_o gangestede_n eastward_n to_o hyndelake_n in_o the_o west_n and_o so_o at_o wendelmere_n and_o cayeresholt_n with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o several_a king_n since_o that_o time_n the_o fen_n of_o glactone_n extend_v itself_o from_o denton_n lade_v to_o hubbemere_n contain_v in_o length_n a_o mile_n but_o it_o begin_v at_o the_o town_n of_o holme_n and_o continue_v to_o saldermere_n which_o be_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o conyngton_n begin_v at_o conyngton_n mere_a and_o reach_v to_o the_o redipole_n and_o thence_o to_o scelremore_n contain_v in_o length_n from_o conington_n mere_a to_o selremere_n two_o mile_n from_o selremere_n it_o go_v to_o berchemere_n and_o thence_o by_o hokeslade_n for_o three_o furlong_n unto_o monk_n lade_v and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a load_n to_o the_o new_a load_n at_o sautre_fw-fr for_o a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o two_o furlong_n which_o be_v betwixt_o sautre_fw-fr fen_n and_o conyngton_n and_o so_o it_o hold_v on_o by_o the_o new_a load_n unto_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o nesse_n and_o from_o the_o three_o hassoke_v unto_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n direct_o and_o from_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o go_v on_o crooked_o unto_o the_o north_n side_n of_o conyngton_n mere_a be_v in_o length_n from_o that_o bank_n unto_o the_o say_v northern_a side_n one_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a within_o which_o circuit_n conington_n fen_n be_v include_v but_o the_o abbot_n of_o saltrey_a aught_o of_o right_a to_o make_v two_o bridge_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n beyond_o monk_n lade_v over_o which_o the_o man_n of_o conynton_n be_v to_o drive_v their_o cattle_n to_o pasture_n beyond_o that_o lade_n the_o fen_n of_o dentone_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o witlesmare_n one_o way_n and_o another_o way_n to_o dentone_n field_n be_v four_o acre_n in_o breadth_n but_o glattone_v and_o holme_n have_v by_o force_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o a_o half_a furlong_n and_o more_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n in_o breadth_n except_v one_o bank_n and_o in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o do_v there_o dig_v turf_n by_o force_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o nor_o can_v the_o man_n of_o denton_n dig_v turf_n with_o they_o but_o they_o have_v pasturage_n there_o for_o their_o cattle_n moreover_o the_o earl_n of_o cornwall_n do_v appropriate_a to_o himself_o the_o flete_n and_o ditch_v it_o in_o which_o place_n contain_v three_o acre_n and_o have_v be_v common_a to_o dentone_n glattone_n and_o holme_n the_o fen_n of_o waltone_n begin_v at_o michelholme_n hale_v extend_v itself_o thence_o for_o two_o furlong_n unto_o stakelode_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fen_n and_o thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o croslode_v and_o thence_o for_o two_o mile_n to_o hokeslode_v thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o brichmere_n thence_o for_o four_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n load_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n cote_n thence_o for_o two_o mile_n unto_o ranelesnok_n and_o thence_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n unto_o michelholm_n hale_v to_o the_o town_n and_o abbey_n of_o sautre_fw-fr belong_v a_o certain_a fen_n which_o begin_v at_o the_o one_o end_n at_o saneshyl_n and_o the_o head_n of_o monk_n bank_n and_o extend_v itself_o in_o length_n near_o to_o monk_n meadow_n crooked_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o so_o go_v on_o by_o the_o stable_n and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fenâ—_n â—_z and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o head_n of_o new_a lade_n for_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o eastern_a dyke_n for_o one_o mile_n and_o from_o eastern_a dyke_n at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o staneshille_n for_o four_o furlong_n and_o thus_o the_o fen_n of_o sautre_fw-fr be_v perfect_o bound_v and_o beyond_o monkeslade_n bâ—_n the_o whole_a fen_n of_o waltone_n and_o conytone_n to_o wytlesmere_n bank_n and_o hubbemere_n bank_n they_o be_v to_o common_a with_o their_o cattle_n the_o common_a of_o pasture_n in_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o two_o town_n of_o wardeboys_n and_o caldecote_n be_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n and_o
in_o breadth_n two_o and_o a_o half_a this_o county_n of_o huntendon_n be_v then_o a_o forest_n the_o regardor_n do_v in_o 34_o e._n 1._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n precept_n make_v this_o follow_a presentment_n b._n at_o the_o new_a temple_n in_o london_n viz._n that_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n in_o the_o town_n of_o ramsey_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n in_o wytlesheye_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n in_o wytlysheye_n have_v waste_v all_o the_o fen_n of_o kyngesdelfe_n of_o the_o alder_n hassocks_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o thousand_o acre_n so_o that_o the_o king_n deer_n can_v not_o have_v harbour_n there_o as_o they_o have_v before_o that_o perambulation_n likewise_o that_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o farsheve_v have_v waste_v the_o fen_n of_o farsheved_a of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o hundred_o acre_n also_o that_o 2d_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n have_v make_v a_o purpresture_n in_o the_o say_v king_n forest_n within_o farsheved_a fen_n and_o enclose_v the_o same_o with_o a_o double_a ditch_n on_o the_o side_n towards_o farsheve_v which_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n by_o estimation_n and_o two_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v raise_v a_o new_a bank_n without_o the_o town_n of_o jakele_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n against_o the_o assize_n of_o the_o forest._n and_o that_o b._n john_n le_fw-fr woo_v of_o jakele_n come_v with_o the_o man_n of_o wytlysheye_n into_o the_o fen_n of_o kynggesdelfe_n and_o set_v fire_n therein_o which_o burn_v in_o length_n and_o breadth_n about_o four_o mile_n by_o estimation_n which_o cause_v great_a loss_n to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o heart_n hind_n and_o goat_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o man_n of_o benewyk_n have_v destroy_v a_o certain_a place_n in_o kyngesdelf_n of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n call_v hertyngge_n contain_v a_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o they_o likewise_o then_o present_v that_o the_o banleu_n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o humberdale_n and_o so_o go_v on_o to_o wystowe_v low_a by_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wystowe_n and_o so_o to_o ranelestone_n and_o thence_o to_o ranelesnoge_fw-mi thence_o to_o obmere-bote_n thence_o to_o scaldemere_n thence_o to_o ayxschebeche_v thence_o to_o the_o new_a load_n which_o lead_v betwixt_o middilmore_n and_o kynggesdelfe_n thence_o to_o beaurepeyre_n thence_o to_o tyrmerekote_v thence_o to_o pollyngsecote_n thence_o to_o caldemowchache_n thence_o to_o goldepyttelade_v and_o thence_o to_o homberdale_n the_o division_n 2._o betwixt_o this_o forest_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n his_o free_a chase_n of_o somersham_n 1._o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n scil_n at_o the_o three_o willow_n and_o thence_o extend_v to_o fentone_n load_n thence_o to_o the_o new_a bank_n thence_o to_o fentone_n cross_n thence_o to_o the_o mill_n at_o wardeboys_n thence_o to_o pydelemare_n thence_o to_o pydele_n dam_n thence_o to_o iny_n meed_n thence_o to_o kollangeleye_a thence_o to_o the_o hanger_n of_o bluntesham_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a river_n chap._n lii_o this_o be_v the_o last_o of_o those_o six_o county_n into_o which_o the_o great_a level_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v extend_v contain_v no_o more_o than_o a_o narrow_a skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n at_o the_o utmost_a point_n whereof_o that_o sometime_o great_a and_o famous_a abbey_n of_o medeshamstede_n since_o call_v peterborough_n be_v for_o the_o like_a advantage_n already_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o thorney_n and_o some_o other_o first_o found_v 1640._o by_o peada_n king_n of_o the_o mercian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcl_o and_o soon_o after_o ample_o endow_v by_o king_n wolpherus_fw-la his_o brother_n and_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n as_o to_o its_o situation_n and_o the_o more_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o i_o shall_v exhibit_v what_o robert_n the_o swasham_n sometime_o a_o monk_n of_o that_o house_n sai_z b._n burch_n verò_fw-la in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la fundatus_fw-la etc._n etc._n burch_n be_v found_v in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvii_n for_o there_o begin_v the_o fen_n on_o the_o east_n side_n thereof_o which_o reach_v lx._n mile_n or_o more_o in_o length_n which_o fen_n be_v of_o no_o small_a benefit_n to_o the_o border_a people_n for_o there_o they_o have_v wood_n and_o other_o fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n and_o hay_n for_o fodder_n as_o also_o reed_n for_o thatch_v of_o their_o house_n with_o many_o other_o necessary_n there_o be_v likewise_o divers_a river_n water_n and_o great_a mere_a for_o fish_v the_o country_n abound_v in_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a part_n whereof_o burch_n be_v seat_v have_v on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o it_o the_o fen_n and_o river_n and_o on_o the_o other_o upland_n ground_n with_o wood_n meadow_n and_o many_o pasture_n which_o do_v render_v it_o most_o beautiful_a on_o every_o part_n have_v a_o meet_a access_n to_o it_o by_o land_n except_o towards_o the_o east_n on_o which_o side_n without_o boat_n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o it_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o it_o run_v the_o river_n nene_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o possession_n pool_n fen_n lake_n fishing_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o king_n wolphere_n give_v thereto_o that_o the_o monk_n therein_o place_v may_v free_o serve_v godâ—_n viz._n from_o medeshamstede_n to_o norburch_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o place_n call_v folly_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o main_a fen_n to_o esendic_n and_o from_o esendic_n to_o the_o place_n which_o they_o call_v fethermute_v thence_o directy_n to_o cuggedic_n ten_o mile_n distant_a ☜_o thence_o to_o raggewiâ—c_n five_o mile_n to_o the_o principal_a stream_n which_o go_v to_o elm_n and_o wisebeche_n and_o thence_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o mile_n up_o the_o say_v principal_a stream_n to_o trochenholt_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o vast_a fen_n to_o derevorde_n in_o length_n xx_o mile_n thence_o to_o grecescros_n thence_o by_o a_o fair_a current_n call_v beadan_n ea_fw-la six_o mile_n to_o paccelode_n and_o so_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o lake_n and_o spacious_a fen_n in_o huntendonshire_n together_o with_o the_o pool_n and_o lake_n call_v scelfremere_n and_o witlesmere_n and_o several_a other_o to_o they_o belong_v as_o also_o with_o the_o land_n and_o house_n which_o do_v lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o scelfremere_n and_o all_o within_o the_o fen_n to_o medeshamstede_n and_o thence_o to_o welmesford_n and_o so_o to_o clive_n and_o estune_n and_o from_o estune_n to_o stanforde_n and_o thence_o as_o the_o river_n run_v to_o norburch_n before-specified_n but_o touch_v the_o improvement_n make_v here_o by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v i_o find_v little_a in_o particular_a till_o of_o late_a time_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a corner_n towards_o the_o high_a land_n which_o the_o fresh_a water_n for_o want_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a evacuation_n overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n conduce_v to_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o have_v be_v cut_v from_o the_o river_n nene_n through_o cambridgshire_n towards_o their_o most_o ancient_a and_o natural_a out-fall_a at_o wisebeche_n chap._n liii_o observation_n upon_o the_o commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n have_v now_o do_v with_o those_o particular_a endeavour_n of_o bank_v and_o drayn_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o great_a level_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n that_o surround_v part_n of_o the_o country_n i_o come_v last_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o eminent_a and_o signal_n undertake_v viz._n the_o general_a win_n thereof_o by_o bank_n and_o sewer_n a_o work_n certain_o of_o no_o less_o honour_n to_o the_o first_o adventurer_n therein_o than_o beneficial_a to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a age._n but_o before_o i_o begin_v therewith_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a i_o conceive_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n thereto_o to_o make_v some_o short_a observation_n upon_o the_o ancient_a commission_n and_o most_o notable_a statute_n of_o sewer_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o commission_n the_o antiquity_n and_o extent_n whereof_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n i_o shall_v brief_o note_v first_o that_o the_o king_n ratione_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la regiae_n ad_fw-la providendum_fw-la salvationi_fw-la regni_fw-la svi_fw-la circumquaque_fw-la fuit_fw-la astrictus_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o those_o be_v the_o word_n therein_o be_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o crown_n oblige_v to_o see_v and_o foresee_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o realm_n 8._o second_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o the_o commissioner_n may_v enforce_v the_o neglecter_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o distress_n of_o their_o good_n and_o likewise_o fine_a and_o imprison_v the_o dissobeyer_n of_o their_o order_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n viz._n ad_fw-la
all_o the_o way_n over_o sutton_n fen_n by_o i_fw-mi fen_n many_o fen_n and_o westmore_n to_o wellney_n turf_n ground_n all_o red_a moor._n and_o likewise_o to_o cotehirne_v nigh_o frank_n dike_v end_n so_o till_o within_o lx_o rod_n where_o at_o â—ive_a foot_n it_o be_v mix_v silt_n and_o at_o the_o water_n side_n day_n the_o like_a for_o 60_o to_o 80_o rod_n over_o welln_v i_fw-mi green_fw-mi and_o after_o right_n over_o to_o maid_n load_n at_o the_o head_n of_o mr._n skipwiths_n ground_n all_o vile_a moor_n by_o the_o whole_a tract_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o 22_o of_o april_n next_o follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n to_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n 1605._o desire_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a good_a which_o be_v like_a to_o come_v to_o this_o drayn_n shall_v oppose_v it_o or_o use_v mean_n to_o other_o so_o to_o do_v or_o otherwise_o to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o attend_v the_o say_a council_n and_o whereas_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v the_o advantage_n to_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o country_n doubt_v the_o success_n of_o the_o general_a work_n have_v make_v a_o order_n touch_v that_o of_o clow_n across_o only_a the_o say_v lord_n by_o this_o letter_n do_v command_v they_o not_o to_o proceed_v therein_o till_o it_o shall_v be_v discern_v what_o success_n the_o general_a undertake_n will_v have_v upon_o receipt_n of_o which_o letter_n the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v at_o huntendon_n the_o xixth_o of_o may_n ensue_v make_v this_o return_n b._n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz._n that_o after_o long_a debate_n and_o all_o objection_n hear_v they_o conclude_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o this_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v fesible_a and_o without_o any_o peril_n to_o any_o haven_n or_o county_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v reckon_v it_o the_o most_o noble_a work_n for_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o further_o and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o country_n interest_v to_o have_v good_a by_o that_o ever_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n of_o that_o kind_n in_o those_o day_n refer_v more_o particular_a relation_n concern_v it_o to_o the_o beforementioned_a mr._n hunt_n and_o mr._n totnallâ—_n â—_z the_o bearer_n of_o those_o letter_n the_o commissioner_n name_v subscribe_v thereto_o be_v there_o viz._n oliver_n cromwell_n robert_n bevyll_n john_n cutts_n john_n cotton_n robert_n wingfield_n robert_n cotton_n simeon_n steward_n richard_n cox_n henry_n spelman_n anthony_n forest._n thomas_n lambert_n robert_n cromwell_n anthony_n ireby_n thomas_n ogle_n christopher_n hudson_n william_n styrmyn_n john_n fyncham_n william_n martial_n whereupon_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a view_n b._n of_o the_o whole_a level_n begin_v on_o the_o xxith_o of_o june_n next_o follow_v by_o sir_n robert_n bevill_n sir_n robert_n wingfield_n sir_n john_n gamlyn_n â—uniâ—_n sir_n richard_n cox_n and_o sir_n anthony_n forest_n knight_n christopher_n hodson_n and_o matthew_n robinson_n esquire_n and_o thus_o certify_v as_o follow_v first_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o two_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o glen_n where_o we_o find_v the_o say_v out-fall_a reasonable_a good_a thence_o to_o cowhyrne_n and_o pikebridg_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n bridge_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o river_n very_o defective_a in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o from_o cowhyrn_n to_o spalding_n bridge_n a_o great_a bank_n lie_v on_o either_o side_n the_o river_n from_o spalding_n bridge_n to_o willow_n row_n end_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n to_o white_a house_n the_o river_n all_o along_o be_v defective_a as_o abovesaid_a have_v a_o great_a elbow_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n which_o much_o hinder_v its_o course_n to_o the_o out-fall_a from_o white_a house_n to_o crowland_n and_o by_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o ea_fw-la to_o waldram_n hall_n the_o like_a defect_n of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n appear_v as_o aforesaid_a 22._o from_o peterborough_n bridge_n to_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o catts-water_n which_o ancient_a sewer_n be_v so_o grow_v up_o with_o earth_n and_o weed_n as_o that_o it_o serve_v neither_o for_o passage_n with_o boat_n nor_o drayn_v and_o so_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n which_o ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o the_o ordinary_a passage_n to_o and_o from_o spalding_n and_o other_o place_n in_o holland_n to_o peterburrow_n thence_o to_o stanground_n steafe_n where_o we_o find_v the_o river_n sufficient_a for_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o guy_n hirne_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v wonderful_a defect_n in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o like_a defect_n 24._o from_o thence_o by_o elm_n river_n to_o frydaybridge_n and_o so_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o lakebridge_n thence_o to_o shrewesnest_n by_o welle_v river_n where_o we_o take_v boat_n perceive_v at_o shrewesnest_n that_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n which_o come_v from_o the_o mare_n have_v but_o six_o mile_n to_o salter_n load_n to_o pass_v by_o welle_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o quar_n of_o the_o say_a channel_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o run_v from_o shrewesnest_n to_o salter_n load_n by_o welleney_n litleport_n chair_n and_o sotherey_n ferrey_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v 28_o mile_n and_o that_o the_o river_n through_o welle_v can_v be_v convenient_o amend_v ea._n to_o remedy_v which_o mr._n hunt_n desire_v that_o a_o new_a river_n of_o 80_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_o be_v make_v from_o march_n river_n at_o the_o ham_n cross_a marmound_n etc._n etc._n through_o netemore_n to_o fall_v into_o welle_v river_n near_o london_n load_n between_o shrewesn_a and_o forweare_v we_o find_v a_o place_n call_v the_o ham_n not_o above_o two_o foot_n deep_a about_o 4_o mile_n from_o shrew_n nest_n be_v elm_n leame_z which_o be_v a_o sewer_n go_v from_o march_n river_n to_o friday_n bridge_n through_o elm_n river_n to_o wisbeche_v which_o sewer_n be_v land_v up_o thence_o we_o come_v to_o march_z leame_z about_o a_o mile_n and_o half_a short_a of_o march_n bridge_n which_o be_v much_o decay_v to_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o navigation_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o wisbeche_n and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n betwixt_o chateriz_n ferrey_n and_o march_v river_n and_o at_o march_n bridge_n on_o either_o side_n we_o find_v divers_a gravels_n which_o do_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n thence_o to_o great-crosse_n 3_o mile_n above_o march_n bridge_n and_o so_o through_o ramsey_n ugge_n and_o witlesey_n mere_n thence_o to_o farset_n bridge_n about_o xvij_o foot_n broad_a thence_o etc._n etc._n to_o peterborow_n from_o peterborow_n to_o yaxley_n load_n 25._o thence_o to_o ramsey_n load_n along_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o upland_n thence_o to_o erith_n brigg_n where_o mr._n hunt_n disire_v a_o new_a river_n from_o the_o first_o corner_n of_o the_o west_n water_n beneath_o the_o say_a bridge_n to_o begin_v in_o midlemore_n fen_n near_o to_o the_o several_n and_o so_o to_o go_v line_n right_a unto_o wellenhey-river_n nigh_o sprall_n be_v and_o thence_o line_n right_a to_o the_o fall_n into_o ouse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o maid_n load_n or_o at_o some_o apt_a place_n between_o that_o and_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n or_o rivers_n to_o contain_v in_o breadth_n 120_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8_o foot_n and_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o navigation_n to_o and_o from_o st._n ives_n to_o cambridge_n and_o linne_n as_o also_o to_o wisbeche_v he_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o divers_a other_o sluice_n be_v make_v viz._n one_o in_o the_o ouse_n near_o the_o hermitage_n one_o in_o the_o west_n water_n near_o to_o the_o new_a river_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n from_o run_v to_o benwick_n and_o for_o navigation_n drayn_v of_o huntingdon_n fen_n ground_n between_o it_o and_o the_o upland_n ground_n and_o other_o necessary_a use_n and_o so_o many_o sluice_n at_o the_o end_n as_o the_o say_a river_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o part_n which_o he_o think_v to_o make_v into_o 3_o river_n of_o xl_o foot_n a_o piece_n 26._o thence_o we_o come_v to_o over_n aldrich-causey_n haddenham_n grunty_n fen_n and_o so_o to_o ely_n in_o ely_n town_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o water_n be_v but_o 14_o inch_n deep_a and_o upon_o the_o hards_n 18_o inch_n and_o in_o some_o place_n 2_o foot_n thence_o we_o pass_v by_o water_n to_o sotherey_n and_o prick-willow_n where_o mildenhall_n river_n fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o between_o ely_n and_o littleport_n chair_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n be_v so_o crooked_a that_o the_o make_v a_o new_a river_n from_o erith_n bridge_n through_o sutton_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
upwere_a on_o the_o west_n wickynhie_a ground_n on_o the_o south_n and_o of_o soham_n east_n 4297_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n between_o grant_n from_o upwere_n to_o clay_n hithe_a and_o horningsey_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o west_n the_o way_n from_o quoy_fw-fr to_o eambridge_n and_o quoy_fw-fr and_o bottesham_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o southâ—_n the_o two_o swafham_n reach_v burwell_n lanward_n and_o fordham_n on_o the_o east_n and_o of_o soham_n and_o wickin_n north_n 11950_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o teversham_n and_o hinton_n west_n of_o fulburne_n south_n of_o great_a and_o little_a wilbram_n east_n of_o bottesham_n and_o quoy_fw-fr north_n 1240_o between_o grant_n from_o harrymere_n to_o ditton_n on_o the_o east_n of_o ouse_n from_o harrymere_n to_o aldrich_n bridge_n on_o the_o north_n hempsall_n yram_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o rampton_n west_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o cottenham_n and_o denney_n abbey_n south_n 9480_o hempsall_n and_o ireham_n east_n of_o aldrich_n causey_n 823_o the_o low_a ground_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o erith_n bridge_n on_o the_o south_n the_o fen_n of_o willingham_n and_o over_n on_o the_o east_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o swasey_n drayton_n and_o stanton_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o st._n ives_n west_n 3529_o the_o low_a ground_n below_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o ouse_n between_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o bluntesham_n hallywell_n and_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n 1871_o the_o total_a sum_n 307242_o acre_n whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n sit_v 1605._o at_o wisebeche_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a the_o lord_n chief-justice_n popham_n be_v then_o and_o there_o present_a make_v certain_a law_n â—_o and_o ordinance_n the_o extract_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v ordered_n first_o that_o sir_n john_n popham_n knight_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n sir_n thomas_n fleming_n knight_n chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n sir_n william_n rumney_n knight_n alderman_n of_o london_n and_o john_n eldred_n citizen_n and_o clothworker_n of_o london_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v within_o the_o space_n of_o 7_o year_n next_o come_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n drain_v all_o the_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n between_o the_o old_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n as_o it_o now_o run_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n and_o depe_v and_o within_o the_o land_n eas_fw-la hereafter_o mention_v and_o convey_v the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o from_o some_o place_n at_o or_o near_o erith_n bridge_n aforesaid_a unto_o such_o place_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o maiden_n load_n as_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n shall_v think_v meet_a which_o conveyance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o two_o uttermost_a bank_n 30_o pole_n at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o river_n to_o be_v 30_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o same_o utmost_a bank_n to_o be_v each_o of_o they_o 30_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 7_o foot_n in_o height_n at_o the_o least_o and_o if_o that_o height_n will_v not_o do_v to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n etc._n etc._n then_o to_o raise_v they_o high_o that_o the_o like_a passage_n be_v make_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o fen_n near_o peterborough_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n from_o its_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n at_o waldram_n hall_n until_o it_o meet_v with_o glen_n that_o land-eas_a from_o erith_n to_o stanground_n and_o thence_o to_o waldram_n hall_n be_v make_v to_o defend_v the_o ground_n within_o they_o and_o between_o the_o say_v new_a passage_n of_o ouse_n and_o weland_n from_o the_o land_n flood_n fall_v from_o the_o upland-countreys_n which_o land_n eas_fw-la to_o be_v from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o fence_n dike_v 6_o pole_n at_o least_o that_o a_o drain_v be_v make_v from_o salter_n load_n unto_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o land_n eas_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o a_o new_a bank_n be_v make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o ely_n to_o defend_v the_o ground_n between_o that_o and_o the_o same_o new_a passage_n from_o the_o overflow_n of_o ouse_n as_o also_o other_o necessary_a sluice_n and_o drayn_n within_o the_o precinct_n beforementioned_a with_o bridge_n etc._n etc._n for_o passage_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o commissioner_n at_o their_o session_n shall_v think_v fit_a from_o those_o person_n who_o shall_v take_v benefit_n by_o this_o drayn_n and_o not_o contribute_v part_n of_o their_o land_n towards_o the_o charge_n thereof_o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v allow_v for_o the_o drain_v at_o clow_n cross_a in_o ease_n of_o this_o charge_n to_o the_o country_n that_o a_o navigable_a sluse_n be_v make_v at_o salter_n load_n and_o that_o well-creeke_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o dike_v to_o london_n load_n and_o thence_o through_o neatmore_n to_o wadingstowe_n and_o thence_o over_o the_o river_n of_o wellenhee_o as_o direct_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o or_o above_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n and_o a_o sluse_n with_o a_o bridge_n to_o be_v make_v at_o wadingstow_n to_o keep_v so_o much_o of_o the_o river_n neene_v as_o shall_v be_v needful_a in_o its_o old_a course_n through_o both_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v in_o recompense_n of_o which_o performance_n the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o have_v one_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o statute_n measure_n of_o fen_n ground_n at_o fivescore_o to_o the_o hundred_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o every_o particular_a fen_n proportionable_o by_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n next_o come_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o surround_v acre_n be_v 307242._o and_o that_o the_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n etc._n etc._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o say_a water_n fishing_n and_o bank_n of_o and_o within_o the_o river_n with_o the_o indikes_n and_o land-eas_a and_o liberty_n to_o take_v sufficient_a menure_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n which_o rivers_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v account_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_v 130000_o acre_n so_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v make_v good_a all_o drown_a parcel_n out_o of_o their_o own_o proportion_n or_o in_o value_n in_o case_n the_o drayn_n be_v not_o make_v perfect_a to_o the_o land-owner_n of_o which_o quick_a dispatch_v his_o majesty_n be_v advertise_v he_o write_v to_o they_o again_z from_o theobalds_n upon_o the_o xxiiith_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n by_o which_o letter_n a._n he_o commend_v their_o endeavour_n in_o the_o work_n jac._n and_o progress_n make_v therein_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o certain_a people_n thereto_o not_o know_v out_o of_o what_o spirit_n it_o proceed_v desire_v they_o to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o suppress_v the_o spread_a of_o all_o false_a rumour_n that_o may_v give_v distaste_n to_o the_o country_n touch_v their_o proceed_n therein_o and_o with_o those_o who_o be_v then_o employ_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o service_n as_o also_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o such_o rumour_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n give_v advertisement_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n of_o any_o mutinous_a speech_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v this_o business_n so_o general_o intend_v for_o the_o public_a good_a short_o after_o this_o viz._n upon_o monday_n aug._n 5_o mr._n hunt_n ric._n atkyns_n and_o other_o lay_v 5_o out_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o river_n through_o neatmore_n shall_v go_v by_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o mumbe_n dike_v end_n 1605._o but_o mislike_v the_o way_n on_o tuesday_n they_o veiw_v new_a ditch_n and_o in_o the_o north-east_n end_v thereof_o begin_v by_o the_o pow_z do_fw-mi lay_v out_o the_o ditch_n to_o be_v lead_v line-right_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n and_o upon_o seven_o wednesday_n about_o 8_o of_o the_o clock_n the_o work_n begin_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o mr._n hunt_n who_o cast_v the_o first_o spit_v the_o wrong_a way_n mr._n helon_n mr._n totnall_n mr._n hamon_n mr._n john_n fyncham_n mr._n richard_n atkyns_n and_o other_o and_o be_v prosecute_v so_o well_o as_o that_o upon_o dec._n the_o xxith_o of_o december_n follow_v be_v the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o apostle_n the_o bank_n at_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n be_v open_v and_o the_o river_n
suffer_v to_o run_v as_o also_o a_o bridge_n present_o lay_v over_o mâ—rtij_fw-la but_o on_o the_o xuth_o of_o march_n next_o ensue_v there_o happen_v so_o great_a a_o storm_n that_o it_o break_v the_o bank_n of_o this_o new_a river_n and_o drown_v neatmore_n with_o the_o several_n adjoin_v so_o that_o on_o the_o xxi_o martij_fw-la of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o march_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n again_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o petition_n b._n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a fen-town_n without_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n in_o the_o county_n of_o suff._n and_o cambridg_n humble_o desire_v that_o whereas_o a_o most_o laudable_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o fen_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o recommend_v to_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o divers_a town_n lie_v on_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n will_v have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o in_o regard_n their_o land_n be_v very_o seldom_o surround_v they_o therefore_o may_v be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o intend_a act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o a_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n ground_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o drayn_n for_o the_o support_v of_o their_o charge_n therein_o whereupon_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n date_v at_o white-hall_n upon_o the_o xxxi_o of_o august_n in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n james_n his_o reign_n 1606._o recite_v what_o have_v be_v signify_v former_o by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o fecibleness_n of_o the_o before-specified_n drayn_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n be_v present_a at_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o country_n that_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n be_v so_o far_o to_o further_o the_o same_o as_o to_z man_n of_o understanding_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o his_o people_n as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n then_o make_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o moreover_o that_o at_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wysbeche_n order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o draw_v of_o a_o law_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o but_o that_o some_o person_n not_o well_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n complain_v to_o his_o majesty_n of_o great_a loss_n and_o hindrance_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v in_o case_n the_o say_a act_n shall_v proceed_v and_o therefore_o desire_v the_o say_v commissioner_n to_o examine_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o complaint_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o fen_n with_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o last_o year_n profit_n and_o that_o present_a year_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o the_o say_v commissioner_n make_v this_o return_n bâ—_n to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v meet_v at_o cambridge_n on_o the_o 22._o of_o october_n 1606._o for_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o petition_n former_o mention_v and_o that_o they_o find_v few_o reason_n to_o fortify_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o intend_a bill_n all_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v treat_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o want_n of_o drayn_v be_v a_o inestimable_a hurt_n to_o those_o fenny_a country_n and_o that_o whereas_o a_o objection_n have_v be_v make_v of_o much_o prejudice_n that_o may_v redound_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o such_o drayn_n they_o have_v information_n by_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o recover_a ground_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n such_o as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v live_v upon_o alm_n have_v no_o help_n but_o by_o fish_v and_o fowl_v and_o such_o poor_a mean_n out_o of_o the_o common_a fen_n while_o they_o lay_v drown_v be_v since_o come_v to_o good_a and_o supportable_a estate_n the_o chief_a content_n a._n of_o the_o bill_n handle_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 4._o regis_fw-la jacobi_n touch_v this_o general_a drayn_n the_o limitation_n of_o time_n allow_v to_o sir_n john_n popam_n knight_n lord_n chief_z justice_z and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o adventurer_n for_o accomplish_v the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ten_o year_n after_o the_o end_n of_o that_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o particular_a cutts_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o undertaker_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o a_o new_a river_n with_o a_o bank_n and_o indike_a from_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n between_o weland_n and_o burrow_n bank_n unto_o or_o near_o heddike_n corner_n and_o thence_o to_o crouland_n water_n head_n and_o there_o to_o place_v a_o sluse_n and_o so_o to_o great_a porsand_n bank_n with_o a_o dam_n over_o the_o river_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o keep_v in_o weland_n from_o overflow_a 2._o to_o amend_v the_o leame_z from_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_n and_o to_o cut_v a_o new_a river_n and_o bank_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o say_v leame_z with_o indikes_n for_o preserve_v of_o the_o bank_n the_o north_n bank_n to_o begin_v from_o burrow_n little_a fen_n bank_n where_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 3._o to_o enlarge_v the_o river_n from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n 4._o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a passage_n for_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n either_o by_o enlarge_n its_o channel_n or_o embank_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v two_o new_a river_n to_o begin_v about_o erith_n brigg_n and_o so_o to_o go_v by_o sprall_n be_v to_o maid_n load_n and_o so_o through_o denver_n fen_n into_o ouse_n about_o denver_n hithe_o with_o sufficient_a bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o new_a river_n and_o west_n water_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o navigation_n in_o old_a ouse_n and_o grant_n may_v not_o be_v impair_v 5._o to_o imbank_v in_o all_o needful_a place_n grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n river_n viz._n grant_v from_o a_o corner_n below_o clayhithe_n ferrey_n mildenhall_n and_o brandon_n rivers_n from_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n or_o from_o some_o other_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o stoke_n river_n from_o stoke_n causey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o they_o fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o to_o enlarge_v they_o where_o need_n be_v with_o bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n as_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 6._o and_o to_o make_v new_a river_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n where_o need_n be_v &c._n &c._n yield_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n such_o recompense_n as_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a as_o also_o bridges_n passage_n sluice_n and_o land_n eas._n 7._o that_o they_o may_v take_v in_o water_n to_o maintain_v fish_v so_o as_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v within_o bank_n and_o be_v not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o adjoin_a fen_n 8._o to_o make_v ferrye_n and_o ferrey_n house_n where_o need_n be_v 9_o that_o for_o this_o performance_n the_o undertaker_n etc._n etc._n to_o have_v in_o severalty_n 112000._o acre_n statute_n measure_n by_o the_o small_a hundred_o by_o assignation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 10._o that_o where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a waste_n to_o answer_v the_o undertaker_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o the_o commoner_n the_o land_n owner_n not_o to_o be_v impeach_v in_o their_o several_n 11._o that_o the_o commissioner_n do_v respect_v both_o quantity_n and_o quality_n in_o their_o opportion_v 12._o that_o such_o opportion_v be_v make_v before_o michaellmass_n a._n 1007._o if_o they_o may_v 13._o that_o of_o waltersey_n the_o undertaker_n to_o have_v 2._o full_a part_n of_o 3._o to_o be_v set_v out_o as_o aforesaid_a 14._o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v the_o soil_n water_n and_o fish_v of_o all_o the_o new_a river_n so_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n 15._o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o take_v their_o profit_n as_o they_o finish_v their_o drayning_n 16._o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n shall_v be_v again_o overflowen_v recompense_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o party_n damnify_v out_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n to_o be_v assess_v by_o any_o six_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o 2._o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la where_o such_o surround_v shall_v happen_v 17._o that_o all_o ground_n adjoin_v to_o these_o fen_n which_o be_v better_v by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v contribute_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o undertaker_n as_o any_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a 18._o that_o all_o manor_n waste_v and_o common_a shall_v have_v mete_n and_o boundary_n set_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n where_o the_o bound_n be_v
know_v and_o so_o likewise_o where_o they_o be_v not_o know_v to_o do_v the_o like_a which_o boundarye_n shall_v stand_v good_a for_o ever_o and_o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n can_v agree_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v certify_v to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n or_o lord_n keeper_n for_o the_o time_n be_v who_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o certain_a judge_n of_o both_o bench_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o that_o within_o 3._o year_n after_o such_o determination_n the_o owner_n and_o commoner_n to_o make_v division_n dikes_n in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o homage_n 19_o that_o the_o commons_o shall_v be_v stint_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a part_n of_o the_o freeholder_n and_o copyholder_n commoner_n with_o the_o allowance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o isle_n or_o one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n of_o the_o county_n 20._o that_o the_o cottager_n upon_o the_o lord_n waste_v not_o have_v right_a of_o common_a because_o they_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o take_v benefit_n of_o the_o waste_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o homage_n in_o every_o manor_n in_o the_o say_a waste_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o homage_n shall_v think_v fit_a 21._o that_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n belong_v to_o the_o undertaker_n no_o more_o than_o 4d._o a_o acre_n to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o tithe_n thereof_o for_o ever_o yearly_o 21._o that_o after_o the_o say_v drayn_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o thirty_o know_v discreet_a and_o sufficient_a person_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o fen_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n to_o purchase_v etc._n etc._n land_n to_o sue_v and_o to_o be_v sue_v by_o that_o name_n the_o first_o of_o these_o to_o be_v martinâ—ishop_n â—ishop_z of_o ely_n sir_n anthony_n mildmay_n sir_n john_n peyton_n governor_n of_o gernâ—ey_n siâ—_n oliver_n crumwell_n sir_n robert_n bevyll_n sir_n edw._n coke_n attorney_n general_n sir_n john_n cutts_n sir_n john_n heigham_n sir_n rob._n wingfield_n â—ir_n rob._n cotton_n sir_n edw._n apsley_n sir_n henry_n warner_n sir_n miles_n sandys_n sir_n simeon_n steward_n sir_n thomas_n lambert_n sir_n william_n rumney_n knight_n humphrey_n tindall_n dean_n of_o ely_n anthony_n irby_n tho._n war_n thomas_n rawlyâ—s_v and_o henry_n totnall_n esquire_n john_n eldred_n roger_n oâ—field_n of_o london_n merchant_n john_n fyncham_n and_o john_n hunt_v gentleman_n and_o when_o these_o die_v new_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o most_o voice_n out_o of_o such_o lord_n or_o undertaker_n as_o shall_v have_v 1000_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o of_o land_n assign_v to_o they_o 21._o and_o that_o the_o governor_n for_o ever_o shall_v have_v assure_v to_o they_o 112000_o acre_n statute_n measure_n which_o they_o may_v keep_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o profit_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o drayn_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o drown_v as_o before_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o when_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v the_o governor_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o tax_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o do_v it_o withal_o 22._o and_o that_o the_o say_v governor_n may_v make_v law_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o drayn_n and_o levy_v such_o tax_n in_o case_n aforesaid_a and_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n lord_n keeper_n or_o the_o lord_n tresurer_n and_o the_o two_o chief_a justiceâ—_n or_o any_o three_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o lord_n keeper_n or_o treasurer_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o governor_n to_o let_v the_o land_n to_o they_o appoint_v to_o the_o best_a value_n so_o as_o they_o exceed_v not_o the_o term_n of_o seven_o year_n an._n 4o._o jacobi_fw-la regis_fw-la cap._n 13._o observation_n b_o out_o of_o the_o act_n for_o drayn_v of_o certain_a fen_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n contain_v about_o 6000._o acre_n and_o compass_v with_o a_o bank_n call_v the_o ring_n of_o waldersey_n and_o coldham_n that_o francis_n tindall_n esquire_n henry_n far_o and_o john_n cooper_n gentâ—_n have_v undertake_v to_o endeavour_v the_o drayn_n &c._n &c._n shall_v have_v power_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 7_o year_n ensue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o present_a session_n of_o parliament_n jacâ—_n to_o effect_v the_o same_o the_o land_n so_o intend_v to_o be_v drayn_v lie_v within_o the_o bank_n beginning_n at_o kekys_n mill_n and_o thence_o extend_v by_o tower_n house_n and_o hobbes_n house_n to_o tylney_n hirne_n so_o by_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n and_o elm_n leame_z to_o friday_n bridge_n and_o thence_o by_o redmore_n dike_a begdale_n and_o goldike_n to_o kekys_n mill_n again_o and_o that_o for_o the_o do_v thereof_o they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o make_v new_a or_o repair_v as_o need_n be_v all_o drain_v load_v banks_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a not_o be_v in_o marshland_n within_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o owner_n as_o by_o any_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o three_o inhabit_v within_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o thrâ—e_v within_o the_o county_n of_o norff._n shall_v be_v set_v down_o which_o undertaker_n &c._n &c._n have_v accomplish_v the_o say_v drayn_v to_o have_v two_o part_n in_o three_o of_o the_o land_n so_o drayn_v to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n at_o the_o least_o whereof_o four_o inhabit_v within_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o two_o part_n to_o be_v hold_v of_o the_o chief_a lord_n of_o the_o fee_n etc._n etc._n in_o free_a and_o common_a soâ—age_n and_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o payment_n of_o any_o tithe_n for_o 7_o year_n after_o the_o time_n limit_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v but_o if_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o undertake_v etc._n etc._n shall_v in_o deâ—ault_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n be_v overflow_v and_o so_o continue_v by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o month_n betwixt_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n mich._n the_o archangel_n and_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n or_o the_o space_n of_o one_o month_n betwixt_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n and_o s._n michael_n the_o owner_n by_o the_o view_n etc._n etc._n of_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o re-enter_v and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o thing_n most_o observable_a extract_v by_o i_o w._n d._n out_o of_o the_o verdict_n 1608._o of_o the_o jurat_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o clakclose_v and_o freebridge_n in_o marshland_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n 26_o julii_fw-la an._n 1608._o 6_o jacobi_fw-la 1_o that_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o salter_n load_n to_o north_n delf_n and_o so_o upward_o be_v then_o in_o great_a decay_n in_o depth_n and_o breadth_n for_o want_v of_o cleanse_v etc._n etc._n 2._o so_o likewise_o the_o sewer_n call_v small_a load_n in_o upwell_n be_v stop_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v london_n load_n lie_v in_o upwell_n ordain_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n call_v nâ—atmore_n be_v aâ—â—o_o in_o some_o decay_n 4._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n begin_v at_o welney_n water_n extend_v to_o shiplode_v and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o undertaker_n to_o scour_v etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v new_a do_fw-mi in_o littleport_n take_v its_o head_n from_o welney_n water_n and_o extend_v to_o crekelode_n in_o sothrey_n and_o helgay_n be_v then_o in_o decay_n etc._n etc._n 6._o that_o the_o sluse_n at_o crekelode_n end_n next_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v utter_o decay_v to_o be_v new_o make_v with_o a_o door_n six_o foot_n broad_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_a 7._o ☜_o that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a sewer_n in_o upwell_n then_o late_o begin_v by_o the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n ea._n which_o take_v its_o head_n out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o march_n near_o a_o place_n in_o upwell_n call_v newdich_n end_n and_o extend_v in_o self_n through_o the_o common_a of_o upwell_n etc._n etc._n to_o wadyngstow_v and_o so_o through_o neatmore_n fall_v into_o welle_v river_n at_o north_n delft_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a drayn_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n especial_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n march_n dodington_n wimlington_n benwick_n chateriz_n whitlesey_n litleport_n and_o other_o adjoin_a place_n even_o to_o the_o high_a land_n 8._o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n in_o sothery_a call_v stake_n load_n be_v then_o in_o great_a decay_n 9_o that_o the_o river_n of_o wysse_o from_o helgay_n brigge_v to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v then_o defective_a in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o to_o be_v amend_v the_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
place_n by_o priest_n house_n where_o ouse_n parva_fw-la or_o brandon_n water_n fall_v in_o but_o divers_a load_v lake_n and_o dikes_n at_o s._n edmund_n load_n gnat_n load_n and_o docky_a load_n which_o take_v their_o natural_a fall_n into_o a_o great_a mere_a by_o welle_v call_v the_o wide_a and_o from_o the_o wide_a by_o divers_a tract_n as_o webwinch_n lake_n aldy_n load_n old_a small_a load_n cheselbeche_n waxbeche_o load_n small_a load_n and_o so_o into_o the_o river_n at_o upwell_n and_o thence_o with_o the_o same_o branch_n from_o litleport_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o nene_n by_o crouland_n likewise_o faâ—ling_v through_o the_o decay_n of_o of_o spalding_n river_n and_o other_o hindrance_n the_o westwater_n or_o first_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o nene_n unite_v wax_v weak_a in_o the_o passage_n and_o so_o fall_v down_o by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o not_o find_v passage_n by_o welle_v at_o shrew_n nest_n point_n the_o most_o part_n thereof_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o litleport_n by_o the_o old_a forsake_v second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o hold_v that_o course_n to_o this_o day_n this_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o grant_v unite_v lie_v hereby_o debar_v of_o passage_n by_o wisbeche_n mean_n be_v make_v to_o let_v it_o fall_v from_o litleport-chair_n to_o rebbech_n by_o a_o load_n which_o at_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v hemmings_n ea_fw-la and_o so_o in_o ouse_n parva'_v channel_n pass_v to_o salter_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o lynne_n who_o channel_n not_o long_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o above_o six_o pole_n wide_a be_v then_o by_o due_a presentment_n say_v at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v both_o infficient_a for_o the_o haven_n and_o vessel_n thither_o resort_v by_o the_o inlet_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n and_o large_a enough_o to_o pass_v away_o the_o fresh_a as_o by_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o fair_a commission_n thereof_o in_o an._n 1378._o may_v appear_v 2._o then_o begin_v the_o water_n from_o above_o welle_v and_o all_o thereabouts_o to_o seek_v their_o passage_n by_o that_o tract_n to_o lynne_n uuisbeche_o channel_n and_o so_o as_o low_o as_o the_o cross_a key_n which_o be_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o welle_v and_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o downward_o towards_o tirington_n utter_o thereby_o decay_v as_o to_o this_o day_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v but_o the_o people_n of_o marshland_n find_v themselves_o overcharge_v by_o these_o water_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o obtain_v a_o commission_n an._n 21_o edw._n 1._o to_o have_v the_o water_n of_o welle_v which_o ancient_o have_v their_o outfall_n by_o wisbeche_n to_o be_v bring_v and_o carry_v in_o debitum_fw-la &_o antiquum_fw-la cursum_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o be_v there_o three_o stopsmade_a viz._n the_o first_o at_o fendike_n about_o upwell_n town_n end_n near_o where_o popham_n load_n sluse_n now_o stand_v 2_o at_o small_a load_n bridge_n and_o 3_o at_o outwell_n bridge_n and_o order_n take_v for_o open_v of_o the_o rivet_n from_o welle_v to_o elm_n floudgate_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o both_o county_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o isle_n and_o of_o marshland_n indifferent_o to_o show_v that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n have_v its_o outfall_n at_o wisbeche_n beside_o what_o be_v before_o express_v 1._o the_o sea-bank_n from_o welle_v to_o wisbeche_v 2._o wisbeche_o castle_n found_v super_fw-la flumen_fw-la illud_fw-la famosum_fw-la quod_fw-la welford_n streme_a appelatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr petroburg_n 3._o situm_fw-la est_fw-la praedictum_fw-la castrum_n quod_fw-la à _fw-la pluribus_fw-la paludibus_fw-la &_o rivulis_fw-la &_o fontibus_fw-la principium_fw-la habet_fw-la &_o per_fw-la longos_fw-la meatus_fw-la in_o mare_fw-la magnum_fw-la juxta_fw-la wilbeche_n derivare_fw-la liquidè_fw-la comprobatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr thorney_n parâ—e_v 3a._o p._n 34._o 4._o the_o people_n of_o k._n john_n perish_v in_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v that_o there_o be_v sometime_o no_o river_n between_o litleport_n chair_n and_o rebbech_n 1._o a_o record_n vouch_v by_o mr._n hexham_n surveyor_n to_o philip_n earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o tract_n of_o the_o river_n be_v of_o a_o clean_a contrary_a nature_n viz._n more_o straight_o than_o any_o of_o the_o ouse_n in_o all_o the_o fen_n from_o ely_n to_o wisbeche_v 2._o the_o impose_v of_o the_o name_n of_o heming_n load_n in_o the_o description_n of_o rack_n fen_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o record_n viz._n à _fw-fr le_fw-fr chair_n per_fw-la heming_n load_n usque_fw-la gnat_n load_n end_n that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o nor_o of_o old_a do_v fall_v down_o from_o welle_v upon_o marshland_n eastward_o nor_o into_o welle_v fen_n in_o norff._n 1._o see_v the_o commission_n de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 21_o e._n 1._o 2._o see_v the_o leet_n roll_v de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 29_o e._n 1._o pro_fw-la wadingstow_n fracto_fw-la in_fw-la hiis_fw-la verbis_fw-la reginaldus_n the_o burgo_n fregit_fw-la obstupationem_fw-la de_fw-la wadingstow_n factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la &_o reversit_fw-la aquam_fw-la extra_fw-la rectum_fw-la cursum_fw-la suum_fw-la ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la dampnum_fw-la &_o nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la patriae_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iiis._o see_v there_o some_o other_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o in_o the_o next_o leet_n how_o their_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o the_o offender_n command_v to_o be_v attach_v 3._o see_v in_o the_o roll_n of_o upwell_n leet_n 12_o e._n 2._o in_o fine_a divers_a amerce_v for_o break_v or_o hurt_v the_o bank_n of_o the_o fenn_n call_v the_o fendike_n between_o welle_v and_o wellenhe_n and_o many_o presentment_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o wellenhe_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v nor_o cut_v nor_o the_o water_n turn_v into_o the_o fen_n near_o marshland_n 4._o see_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v from_o fall_v upon_o marshland_n upon_o rhe_n complaint_n of_o marshland_n man_n make_v to_o the_o king_n by_o who_o commission_n they_o be_v stop_v at_o outwell_n brigge_n at_o small_a load_n brigg_n and_o at_o fendike_n lake_n in_o upwell_n and_o at_o a_o place_n near_o the_o sluse_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n on_o popham_n load_n head_n sometime_o call_v uuadingstow_v 5._o and_o upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o dam_n at_o small_a load_n bridge_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o complaint_n of_o marshland-man_n see_v a_o commission_n send_v down_o in_o 25_o e._n 1._o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o malefactor_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o express_o for_o break_v small_a load_n dam_n and_o a_o writ_n of_o attendance_n direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n to_o that_o purpose_n 6._o and_o that_o small_a load_n dam_n be_v according_a to_o this_o commission_n make_v and_o fortify_v again_o appear_v plain_o by_o divers_a presentment_n and_o punishment_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o leet_n roll_v of_o upwell_n aftâ—r_v those_o day_n only_o one_o of_o 12_o e._n 2._o shall_v suffice_v viz._n et_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la walterus_n jollyff_fw-mi consuetus_fw-la est_fw-la trahere_fw-la batellam_fw-la svam_fw-la ultra_fw-la estupationem_fw-la factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la apud_fw-la le_fw-fr little_a load_n per_fw-la quod_fw-la dicta_fw-la obstupatio_fw-la deterioratur_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iis._o see_v there_o 4_o or_o 5_o more_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o welleney_n aboard_o the_o great_a river_n keep_v that_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norfolk_n side_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o very_a many_o presentment_n almost_o in_o every_o king_n time_n since_o edward_n 1._o to_o k._n james_n viz._n in_o 1_o 2_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o e._n 1._o 2_o e._n 2.12_o 15_o 16_o 18_o e._n 2.3_o 4_o e._n 3._o &c_n &c_n 2_o r._n 2._o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o more_o old_a record_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norff._n side_n an._n 24_o e._n 1._o juratores_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la adam_n noach_n cidit_fw-la communem_fw-la dravam_fw-la per_fw-la medium_n juxta_fw-la hold_n wellen_v he_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la cursus_fw-la magnae_fw-la ripariae_fw-la &_o hold_v uuellen_n he_o transversus_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la recto_fw-la cursu_fw-la versus_fw-la mariscum_fw-la ad_fw-la grave_n nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la communitatis_fw-la ideo_fw-la dictus_fw-la adam_n in_fw-la misericordia_fw-la xiid._o and_o in_o the_o leet_n follow_v his_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o pain_v to_o have_v it_o amend_v and_o he_o himself_o distrain_v to_o answer_v to_o it_o so_o that_o where_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n also_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wellenhee_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o right_a course_n by_o cut_v the_o fendikes_n or_o drove_n in_o this_o presentment_n and_o some_o other_o it_o
be_v say_v that_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o the_o fen_n so_o as_o to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o right_a course_n into_o the_o fen_n prove_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v no_o watercourse_n through_o the_o fen_n for_o the_o water_n to_o pass_v by_o and_o in_o an._n 1_o mariae_fw-la it_o be_v thus_o present_v et_fw-la quod_fw-la nulla_fw-la persona_fw-la abscindet_fw-la calcetum_fw-la in_o aliquâ_fw-la parte_fw-la ejusdem_fw-la sive_fw-la aliquorum_fw-la aliorum_fw-la calcetorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n sub_fw-la poena_fw-la forisfacturae_fw-la pro_fw-la quolibet_fw-la tempore_fw-la sic_fw-la factum_fw-la vi_fw-la viiid._o and_o in_o the_o convocation_n for_o cowstowe_v ...._o the_o jury_n say_v thus_o dicunt_fw-la etiam_fw-la quod_fw-la antiquo_fw-la tempore_fw-la antequam_fw-la aquae_fw-la marisci_fw-la descendebant_fw-la versus_fw-la wigenhale_n ☞_o sed_fw-la postquam_fw-la aquae_fw-la marisci_fw-la desendebant_fw-la versus_fw-la wigenhale_n nunquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la dictum_fw-la fossatum_fw-la aliqua_fw-la salvatio_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o ancient_o the_o water_n of_o upwell_n do_v not_o fall_v down_o towards_o wigenhall_n and_o so_o by_o lynne_n that_o there_o be_v a_o mere_a in_o welle_v call_v the_o wide_a robert_n de_fw-fr swaffham_n in_o his_o hist._n petâ—rb_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o peterborough_n under_o the_o title_n de_fw-fr gestis_fw-la â—ncliti_fw-la militis_fw-la herewardi_fw-la say_v that_o hereward_n flee_v william_n the_o conqueror_n cum_fw-la navibus_fw-la suis_fw-la quas_fw-la habebat_fw-la benè_fw-la armis_fw-la munitas_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_fw-la quoddam_fw-la mare_fw-la wide_n vocatum_fw-la juxta_fw-la welle_v secessit_fw-la magnum_fw-la &_o spaciosum_fw-la lateribus_fw-la aquarum_fw-la &_o liberos_fw-la exitus_fw-la habens_fw-la the_o name_n and_o tract_n of_o which_o mere_a yet_o remain_v in_o the_o fen_n of_o upwell_n wide_a load_n be_v ordain_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o same_o law_n that_o small_a load_n be_v that_o the_o water_n have_v their_o course_n from_o gnat_n load_n towards_o welle_v the_o tract_n to_o this_o day_n show_v it_o for_o the_o presentment_n by_o which_o small_a load_n be_v so_o much_o urge_v say_v that_o gnat_n load_n incipit_fw-la apud_fw-la hawkyns_n bright_a &_o durat_fw-la usque_fw-la fowr_a load_n end_n the_o cross_a end_n of_o gnat_n load_n be_v docky_a load_n which_o fall_v into_o widelode_n and_o in_o the_o same_o presentment_n it_o be_v say_v widelode_n that_o wide_a load_n be_v in_o length_n a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o xv_o furlong_n ☜_o and_o that_o old_a small_a load_n incipit_fw-la à _fw-la wide_a load_n and_o continue_v towards_o welle_v to_o a_o place_n of_o late_o call_v crosse-water_n against_o nurse_n viij_o acre_n end_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o half_a a_o furlong_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o cheselbeche_n load_n alias_o small_a load_n and_o from_o seman_n goole_n come_v into_o the_o river_n a_o little_a below_o upwell_n church_n other_o branch_n there_o be_v all_o tend_v their_o course_n towards_o uuelle_n and_o so_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o uuisbeche_n as_o uuebwinche_v lake_n well_o mere_a audley_n load_n uuabeche_v load_n chesebeche_v load_n twane_o load_n saltham_n lake_n etc._n etc._n as_o may_v seem_v by_o the_o tract_n of_o many_o of_o they_o in_o the_o fen_n of_o uuelle_n so_o much_o be_v speak_v touch_v the_o old_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o of_o the_o other_o load_v and_o meers_n which_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o outfall_n at_o wisebeche_n have_v be_v for_o a_o long_a time_n much_o choke_v up_o with_o silt_n be_v not_o now_o well_o know_v to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o therefore_o i_o have_v think_v it_o not_o impertinent_a to_o leave_v this_o memorial_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n i_o now_o return_v to_o the_o general_a drayn_n upon_o the_o twenty-four_o of_o february_n 1617._o in_o the_o say_v 15_o year_n of_o king_n james_n there_o be_v a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n and_o these_o follow_a decree_n then_o pettibag_n make_v viz._n 1._o first_o that_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wisebeche_n from_o the_o sea_n to_o wisbeche_v bridge_n thence_o to_o the_o mouth_n and_o so_o to_o gyhyrne_n cross_n be_v cleanse_v to_o the_o ancient_a breadth_n and_o old_a bottom_n viz._n from_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o mouth_n by_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n thence_o to_o guyhyrne_n cross_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n before_o the_o xxth_o of_o june_n than_o next_o ensue_v upon_o pain_n of_o 3s._o 4d._o for_o every_o perch_n not_o perfect_v by_o that_o time_n 2._o that_o morton_n leame_z be_v according_o scour_v etc._n etc._n from_o guy_n hyrne_v cross_n to_o midfentre_n by_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n for_o their_o common_a in_o the_o high_a fenn_n thence_o to_o musdyke_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o wittlesey_n thence_o to_o stanground_n staff_n by_o the_o heir_n or_o assign_v of_o sir_n anth._n mildemay_n before_o the_o xxth_o of_o july_n next_o upon_o the_o like_a penalty_n 3._o that_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o clay_n lake_n unto_o middle_a honce_n hard_a at_o bull_n dyke_n end_n near_o peterborough_n be_v in_o like_a sort_n cleanse_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n of_o peterborough_n thence_o to_o thorney_n cross_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o cokenary_a of_o wittlesey_n or_o the_o fermour_n thereof_o 4._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v cat_n water_n from_o thorney_n cross_n to_o fynset_v cross_n be_v cleanse_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o lord_n russell_n or_o his_o tenant_n for_o the_o lordship_n of_o thorney_n on_o the_o east_n side_n and_o on_o the_o west_n side_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o peterborough_n and_o to_o tooth_n willow_n thence_o to_o henny_n dyke_n and_o perkyns_n coat_n by_o the_o say_a lord_n russell_n before_o the_o xxth_o of_o aug._n next_o 5._o that_o thorney_n water_n from_o blackstile_n to_o thorney_n goat_n and_o thence_o to_o powtesh_v and_o so_o to_o wried_a ware_n by_o the_o say_a lord_n russell_n his_o tenant_n etc._n etc._n from_o wried_a ware_n down_o wried_a lake_n unto_o high_a fen_n dyke_n by_o the_o commoner_n in_o wisbeche_n high_a fen_n before_o the_o say_v xxth_o of_o august_n 6._o that_o the_o river_n call_v high_a fen_n dyke_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la be_v also_o a_o branch_n of_o even_o be_v scour_v etc._n etc._n from_o guyhyrne_n cross_n unto_o clow_n cross_n in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n and_o depth_n six_o foot_n by_o the_o town_n of_o wisbech_n leverington_n newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n and_o from_o clow_n cross_a to_o halgate_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o sutton_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la and_o tide_n s._n mary_n their_o tenant_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o throkenholt_n on_o the_o south_n before_o the_o say_v xxth_o of_o august_n 7._o and_o from_o hallegate_n to_o goldyke_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o gedney_n and_o sutton_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la so_o far_o as_o their_o limit_n extend_v on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n etc._n etc._n of_o sutton_n etc._n etc._n whole_o on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o from_o goldyke_n to_o dowsedale_n on_o the_o north_n side_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n etc._n etc._n of_o whaplode_n holbeche_n flete_n and_o gedney_n every_o township_n so_o far_o as_o their_o particular_a limit_n extend_v and_o on_o the_o south_n side_n by_o the_o lord_n and_o owner_n of_o thorney_n etc._n etc._n and_o from_o dousedale_n to_o nomans_n land_n on_o the_o north_n side_n at_o the_o prince_n his_o charge_n for_o his_o land_n in_o crouland_n and_o on_o the_o south_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o thorney_n 8._o and_o that_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n from_o the_o sea_n to_o crouland_n and_o thence_o to_o stamford_n bridge_n be_v sufficient_o cleanse_v &c._n &c._n before_o the_o 20_o of_o june_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o the_o out-ring_n bank_n from_o dousdale_n to_o crouland_n in_o length_n 4._o mile_n be_v amend_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o prince_n or_o his_o tenant_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o bank_n from_o crouland_n to_o clout_n house_n 3._o mile_n in_o length_n be_v amend_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_a prince_n that_o lx._n rod_n thereof_o be_v repair_v by_o rob._n chapman_n clark_n and_o several_a other_o small_a proportion_n of_o it_o by_o other_o mean_a person_n 9_o and_o whereas_o the_o two_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o grant_n do_v pour_v down_o so_o much_o water_n that_o the_o channel_n below_o harrymere_n where_o they_o unite_v can_v contain_v the_o same_o but_o have_v be_v supply_v by_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o by_o another_o sewer_n call_v padnall_n lake_n which_o sewer_n be_v crooked_a and_o narrow_a be_v almost_o grow_v up_o and_o that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o supply_v the_o say_a defect_n have_v make_v two_o law_n of_o sewer_n the_o one_o date_v 9_o junij_fw-la 1609._o the_o other_o the_o 8_o of_o aug._n in_o the_o say_a year_n and_o thereby_o appoint_v two_o large_a sewer_n near_o the_o say_a place_n and_o
much_o straight_a than_o the_o â—ormer_a and_o begin_v the_o same_o do_v perfect_a 800._o perch_n thereof_o but_o then_o be_v disturb_v by_o contentious_a people_n can_v not_o go_v on_o they_o therefore_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_v work_n shall_v be_v again_o proceed_v in_o till_o they_o be_v perfect_v 10._o and_o they_o far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n from_o harry_n mere_a upward_o to_o odercote_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v by_o those_o that_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o do_v the_o same_o before_o the_o 14_o of_o july_n ensue_v to_o the_o ancient_a breadth_n and_o old_a bottom_n 11._o and_o that_o the_o great_a and_o main_a arm_n of_o ouse_n call_v the_o westwater_n descend_v by_o erith_n brigg_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n shall_v be_v cleanse_v &c._n &c._n to_o benwick_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o also_o a_o branch_n thereof_o call_v sutton_n load_n from_o the_o say_a west_n water_n to_o the_o outfall_n thereof_o into_o welney_n water_n so_o likewise_o ouse_n diche_n another_o branch_n of_o the_o say_a west_n water_n fall_v out_o of_o the_o same_o between_o hollwood_n and_o oldstaffe_n and_o so_o unto_o sutton_n wead_v and_o that_o chattery_n new_a leam_fw-la fall_v out_o of_o the_o say_a west_n water_n shall_v be_v scour_v beneath_o chattery_n ferry_n to_o key_n be_v corner_n so_o to_o chattery_n town_n thence_o to_o dodyngton_n park_n thence_o to_o wymblyngton_n hoke_z and_o march_z stream_n thence_o by_o elm_n leame_z unto_o elm_n town_n and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v great_a river_n 12._o also_o that_o ea_fw-la brink_n in_o elm_n from_o friday_n bridge_n unto_o the_o town_n dam_n be_v make_v as_o high_a and_o feasible_a as_o other_o bank_n adjoin_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o redmore_n and_o that_o maid_n load_n and_o shiplode_v extend_v from_o welney_n water_n unto_o the_o main_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o likewise_o london_n load_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o londoner_n ground_n and_o fall_v from_o the_o say_a water_n of_o welney_n unto_o welford_n creek_n etc._n etc._n be_v scour_v etc._n etc._n 13._o so_o also_o darsey_n ea_fw-la extend_v from_o welney_n river_n towards_o stony_a ditch_n belong_v to_o the_o manor_n of_o dodington_n and_o the_o say_a sewer_n extend_v thence_o to_o maney_n ea_fw-la so_o to_o cox_n load_n and_o dalling_n ditch_n and_o thence_o to_o dodington_n leame_z 14._o and_o that_o all_o other_o common_a drayn_n load_v etc._n etc._n within_o the_o tract_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n be_v open_v cleanse_v &c._n &c._n 15._o and_o it_o be_v far_o decree_v that_o the_o bank_n of_o south_n lake_n end_n present_v to_o be_v cut_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o crouland_n to_o let_v the_o water_n of_o weland_n run_v into_o borough_n great_a fen_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o commoner_n and_o hindrance_n of_o the_o outfall_n at_o spalding_n by_o divert_v the_o water_n out_o of_o its_o ancient_a course_n shall_v be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o repair_v and_o make_v by_o the_o commoner_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n before_o the_o twentifift_n of_o march_n than_o next_o follow_v after_o this_o viz._n about_o the_o begin_n of_o march_n follow_v there_o be_v a_o petition_n a._n exhibit_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o divers_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o these_o county_n whereof_o part_n do_v lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o this_o great_a level_n show_v what_o pain_n they_o have_v take_v for_o two_o year_n pass_v in_o order_n to_o the_o general_a drayn_n and_o make_v several_a law_n but_o that_o letter_n be_v come_v down_o from_o their_o lordship_n bear_v date_n 20_o jan._n for_o respit_v the_o execution_n of_o those_o law_n so_o far_o as_o relate_v to_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n or_o isle_n of_o ely_n except_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n until_o far_a direction_n from_o their_o lordship_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o stop_n those_o part_n especial_o in_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n hunt_n and_o south_n part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n be_v like_a to_o be_v utter_o lose_v and_o that_o this_o great_a discouragement_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n occasion_v their_o petition_n that_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o their_o former_a liberty_n whereupon_o the_o say_v lord_n sit_v in_o council_n at_o white_a hall_n on_o the_o ix_o of_o march_n ensue_v order_v a._n that_o their_o say_a letter_n of_o 20_o jan._n shall_v be_v return_v back_o to_o that_o board_n jac._n and_o that_o all_o law_n &_o order_n make_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v be_v in_o force_n as_o also_o that_o such_o of_o the_o commissioner_n as_o do_v find_v themselves_o grieve_v shall_v give_v notice_n thereof_o to_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n and_o agree_v upon_o a_o day_n when_o both_o party_n may_v attend_v the_o council_n table_n to_o be_v equal_o and_o full_o hear_v forasmuch_o as_o by_o the_o procurement_n of_o some_o few_o of_o they_o the_o say_a letter_n have_v be_v send_v which_o tend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o distract_n of_o their_o proceed_n which_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n occasion_v this_o answer_n b._n from_o the_o say_v great_a part_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n martij_fw-la viz._n that_o those_o xi_o commissioner_n who_o have_v former_o distract_v their_o proccâ—edings_n by_o procure_v the_o council_n order_n for_o respit_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n that_o have_v be_v make_v &c._n &c._n have_v again_o grant_v out_o warrant_n which_o tend_v to_o a_o far_a distraction_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o therefore_o they_o humble_o desire_v that_o the_o duplicate_v of_o the_o commission_n then_o late_o procure_v for_o cambridgshire_n may_v be_v call_v in_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o letter_n jac._n send_v from_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n import_v that_o by_o the_o result_n of_o that_o board_n a_o order_n be_v make_v for_o a_o sluse_n to_o be_v erect_v at_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbech_n river_n and_o after_o that_o so_o do_v the_o river_n to_o be_v ditch_v and_o that_o since_o that_o time_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o any_o of_o the_o commissioner_n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n a_o law_n be_v make_v for_o the_o ditch_v of_o the_o say_a river_n &_o that_o at_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o same_o hundred_o from_o wisbeche_n bridge_n unto_o the_o sea_n but_o no_o law_n for_o the_o sluse_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a river_n when_o it_o be_v last_o ditch_v be_v enlarge_v from_o xl_o foot_n to_o lx_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o high_a land_n and_o low_a country_n and_o that_o this_o law_n have_v now_o impose_v upon_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o wisbeche_v the_o ditch_v thereof_o to_o its_o ancient_a breadth_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o say_v add_v xx_o foot_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o say_a lord_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o vary_v from_o some_o point_n of_o those_o law_n and_o far_o order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o sluse_n make_v at_o the_o horse-shoe_n beneath_o wisbeche_n at_o the_o general-charge_n of_o all_o that_o drain_v that_o way_n and_o that_o from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n and_o as_o far_o further_a as_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a the_o work_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o general_a charge_n and_o not_o by_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n only_o in_o regard_v it_o be_v a_o new_a work_n and_o very_o beneficial_a to_o many_o country_n as_o also_o that_o the_o river_n from_o the_o horseshoe_n to_o guyhirne_v cross_n be_v make_v lx_o foot_n wide_a as_o it_o be_v the_o last_o time_n it_o be_v ditch_v and_o at_o the_o general_a charge_n and_o all_o law_n cross_v these_o order_n to_o be_v make_v void_a and_o that_o the_o order_n for_o make_v the_o outfall_n perfect_a be_v general_o observe_v whereupon_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n 30_o maii_n than_o next_o follow_v in_o submission_n to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o say_a lord_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o strong_a and_o sufficient_a sluse_n of_o stone_n and_o brick_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o at_o the_o horseshoe_n beneath_o wisbeche_n jac._n at_o the_o general_a charge_n of_o all_o such_o who_o be_v to_o drain_v by_o the_o same_o and_o that_o forasmuch_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o unexpected_a downfall_n of_o rain_n and_o overflow_v of_o water_n divers_a of_o the_o work_n of_o sewer_n decree_v at_o huntingdon_n 24_o feb._n 1617._o have_v be_v so_o hinder_v as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o so_o soon_o be_v undertake_v much_o less_o perfect_v within_o the_o time_n limit_v by_o the_o say_a law_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o all_o part_n thereof_o shall_v be_v repeal_v except_o what_o concern_v sutton_n load_n
in_o from_o they_o whereupon_o the_o business_n be_v hear_v at_o large_a there_o ensue_v this_o follow_a order_n h._n upon_o the_o ixth_o of_o april_n the_o king_n himself_o be_v present_a and_o likewise_o the_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v on_o tuesday_n follow_v exhibit_v in_o write_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v to_o effect_v and_o to_o specify_v what_o they_o will_v demand_v as_o a_o recompense_n for_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n â—ac_n which_o according_o be_v do_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o undertaker_n deliver_v in_o unto_o the_o commissioner_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o they_o do_v intent_n real_o to_o perfom_v the_o work_n of_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n without_o any_o tax_n upon_o the_o country_n except_v the_o deep_a meers_n and_o pool_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v under_o the_o level_n 2._o that_o when_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v they_o will_v assure_v competent_a land_n for_o ever_o to_o stand_v liable_a for_o ever_o to_o maintain_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o 3._o to_o effect_v this_o drayn_n within_o 3_o year_n after_o a_o perfect_a contract_n make_v with_o his_o majesty_n for_o such_o land_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a recompense_n for_o their_o cost_n and_o pain_n and_o the_o same_o land_n set_v out_o by_o metes_n and_o bound_n in_o severalty_n and_o sufficient_o assure_v to_o they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o work_n they_o will_v open_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o uueland_n and_o make_v those_o river_n navigable_a as_o high_a as_o wisbeche_v and_o spalding_n 5._o and_o last_o not_o to_o forget_v to_o preserve_v the_o navigation_n between_o cambridg_n and_o lynne_n in_o recompense_v whereof_o they_o demand_v 165.2_o these_o proportion_n in_o the_o several_a fen_n hereafter_o express_v viz._n 1._o of_o buâ—rough_n great_a fen_n one_o three_o part_n 2._o burrough_n little_a fen_n eye-fen_n and_o flag_n fen._n a_o six_o part_n 3._o crowland_n fen_n 3_o piece_n a_o four_o part_n 4._o thorney_n fen_n a_o half_a part_n 5._o wisbeche_o high_a fen_n sutton_n and_o throcknall_n a_o three_o part_n 6._o fen_n on_o both_o side_n of_o march_n river_n between_o darcey_n load_n on_o the_o south_n and_o needham_n fen_n north_n 2_o three_o part_n 7._o wittlesey_n fen_n 1_o half_a part_n 8._o stanground_n 1_o five_o part_n 9_o ramsey_n fen_n 1_o half_a part_n 10._o huntingdon_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n of_o ramsey_n by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n on_o the_o north_n up_o to_o yaxley_n and_o the_o skirt_n on_o the_o south_n and_o west_n one_o half_a part_n 11._o huntingdon_n fen_n from_o eryth_n bridge_n up_o to_o ramsey_n by_o the_o west-water_n and_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n east_n and_o north_n one_o three_o part_n 12._o donington_n fen_n in_o common_a one_o half_a part_n 13._o donington_n fen_n in_o several_a one_o six_o part_n 14._o fen_n between_o the_o west-water_n west_n sutton_n load_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o coveney_n drain_v south_n oxwillow_n load_n east_n coxlode_n and_o chateriz_n load_n north_n together_o with_o chateriz_n fen_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o donington_n one_o three_o part_n 15._o hunney_n fen_n one_o ten_o part_n 16._o sutton_n and_o hadenham_n fen_n one_o eight_o part_n 17._o grunty_n fen_n one_o three_o part_n 18._o a_o fen_n by_o sutton_n load_n and_o coveney_n between_o dounham_n hards_n one_o four_o part_n 19_o downham_n woo_v fen_n and_o other_o fen_n of_o ely_n between_o litleport_n ground_n and_o the_o ouse_n elie-upland_n and_o scarlet_a tree_n load_n one_o half_a part_n 20._o litleport_n fen_n on_o both_o side_n the_o ouse_n one_o three_o part_n 21._o other_o fen_n between_o darcy_n load_n north_n &_o welney_n river_n east_n one_o three_o part_n 22._o fen_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n one_o half_a part_n 23._o fen_n between_o welney-river_n and_o welney_n causey_n one_o half_a part_n 24._o the_o hale_v and_o mr._n hawe_n fen_n one_o half_a part_n 25._o fen_n on_o the_o north_n of_o stoke_n river_n to_o the_o great_a river_n between_o helgay_n and_o stoke_n one_o four_o part_n 26._o fen_n between_o stoke_n river_n north_n and_o brandon_n river_n south_n one_o four_o part_n 27._o fen_n between_o brandon_n river_n north_n and_o mildnall_n river_n south_n and_o litleport_n fen_n west_n one_o three_o part_n 28._o fen_n between_o mildnall_n river_n and_o the_o great_a river_n up_o to_o harrymere_n and_o the_o upland_n of_o isseham_n fordham_n and_o soham_n one_o four_o part_n 29._o soham_n fen_n by_o wick_v hard_n on_o the_o south_n one_o six_o part_n 30._o fen_n between_o wick_a hard_n on_o the_o south_n home_v fen_n quye_n and_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n west_n one_o four_o part_n 31._o fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o quoy_fw-fr compass_v of_o fulberne_a field_n one_o four_o part_n 32._o fen_n between_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n east_n and_o the_o hards_n of_o milterne_a uuaterbeche_n and_o denny_n abbey_n west_n and_o so_o extend_v west_n between_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o hard_a land_n south_n up_o to_o s._n ives_n bridge_n and_o a_o part_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o ouse_n between_o erith_n and_o s._n ives_n one_o eight_o part_n of_o the_o better_a one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o worse_o 33._o fen_n or_o drown_a land_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wisbeche_n 2_o three_o part_n the_o answer_n jac._n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o these_o proposition_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o take_v away_o any_o man_n land_n without_o his_o voluntary_a assent_n and_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o commission_n to_o which_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v be_v only_o to_o rate_v the_o charge_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n towards_o any_o such_o general_a work_n according_a to_o the_o profit_n which_o every_o such_o person_n shall_v receive_v by_o the_o same_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v discern_v before_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v who_o shall_v have_v profit_n thereby_o or_o how_o much_o they_o can_v not_o legal_o procure_v any_o such_o assurance_n before_o hand_n but_o if_o the_o undertaker_n will_v be_v constant_a to_o their_o proposition_n which_o themselves_o have_v before_o that_o time_n at_o divers_a sesion_n of_o sewer_n publish_v viz._n that_o they_o require_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o intend_a work_n than_o a_o moiety_n only_o of_o the_o clear_a profit_n which_o by_o their_o sole_a industry_n and_o charge_n they_o shall_v bring_v unto_o each_o particular_a owner_n of_o these_o surround_v ground_n more_o than_o former_o be_v receive_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o at_o the_o first_o to_o give_v the_o say_v undertaker_n all_o lawful_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n provide_v that_o before_o they_o begin_v their_o work_n they_o give_v security_n that_o they_o will_v not_o impair_v the_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o grant_n upon_o which_o term_n if_o the_o undertaker_n do_v refuse_v to_o proceed_v the_o say_a commissioner_n offer_v to_o do_v the_o work_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a course_n and_o legal_a power_n of_o their_o commission_n whereupon_o ensue_v this_o a._n order_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o reference_n from_o the_o king_n make_v upon_o this_o answer_n of_o the_o commissioner_n bear_v date_n at_o white_a hall_n 12_o julii_fw-la an._n 1620._o 18_o jac._n 1._o that_o according_a to_o a_o offer_n then_o make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o country_n good_a security_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o undertaker_n for_o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o clear_a profit_n which_o by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v be_v improve_v upon_o every_o man_n ground_n above_o the_o rate_n that_o then_o the_o same_o be_v value_v at_o and_o that_o the_o security_n shall_v be_v partly_o from_o the_o owner_n and_o partly_o in_o case_n of_o common_a by_o aid_n of_o the_o commissioner_n with_o this_o condition_n that_o the_o land_n and_o part_n of_o each_o county_n shall_v be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o say_a county_n 2._o concern_v prejudice_n of_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o grant_v it_o be_v order_v that_o the_o undertaker_n be_v agree_v with_o for_o their_o security_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v show_v unto_o the_o country_n the_o mean_v they_o intend_v in_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o level_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o country_n shall_v find_v it_o either_o prejudicial_a to_o mershland_n or_o otherwise_o and_o present_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o board_n their_o lordship_n concur_v therewith_o all_o far_a proceed_n to_o be_v stay_v 3._o that_o consideration_n shall_v be_v have_v that_o particular_n receive_v no_o damage_n by_o this_o drayn_n but_o that_o the_o owner_n have_v satisfaction_n out_o of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v
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
here_o at_o ely_n with_o high_a solemnity_n as_o the_o custom_n than_o be_v the_o abbot_n of_o ely_n in_o their_o turn_n perform_v the_o service_n in_o the_o king_n court_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v there_o be_v no_o other_o access_n to_o it_o consider_v the_o breadth_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o fenn_n but_o by_o ship_v he_o set_v sail_v thitherward_o and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o to_o the_o land_n raise_v up_o himself_o command_v the_o mariner_n to_o make_v what_o have_v they_o can_v to_o a_o little_a port_n but_o to_o go_v stedy_o and_o fix_v his_o eye_n towards_o the_o church_n which_o stand_v on_o high_a on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o rock_n he_o hear_v a_o pleasant_a voice_n on_o every_o side_n where_o listen_v far_o the_o near_o he_o approach_v to_o landâ—_n the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o melody_n and_o at_o length_n perceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o monk_n then_o sing_v in_o the_o quiâ—e_n and_o with_o shrill_a voice_n perform_v their_o divine_a office_n he_o command_v all_o the_o rest_n that_o be_v in_o the_o next_o ship_n to_o come_v near_o to_o he_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o sing_v with_o he_o become_v so_o transport_v that_o express_v the_o joy_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o present_o compose_v and_o sing_v this_o hymn_n merry_a singende_n moneke_v be_v in_o ely_z than_z chut_v singende_v thereby_o royal_a chites_n noer_n the_o land_n and_o here_o yve_v thes_n moneks_n sing_v which_o in_o latin_a be_v thus_o dulcè_fw-la câ—ntaverunt_fw-la monachi_fw-la in_o ely_n dumi_n canutus_n rex_fw-la navigate_fw-la propè_fw-la ibis_n and_o now_o my_o knight_n quoth_v he_o sail_v you_o near_o and_o let_v we_o joint_o hear_v the_o harmony_n of_o these_o monk_n all_o which_o be_v long_o afterward_o public_o sing_v in_o the_o choir_n in_o memory_n of_o that_o devout_a king_n and_o keep_v in_o mind_n as_o proverb_n the_o king_n thereupon_o cease_v not_o thus_o to_o sing_v with_o his_o venerable_a college_n till_o he_o come_v to_o land_n where_o be_v receive_v with_o solemn_a procession_n as_o the_o custom_n have_v be_v to_o the_o prìnce_n or_o any_o eminent_a person_n and_o bring_v into_o the_o church_n he_o ratify_v all_o the_o donation_n confer_v thereto_o by_o his_o royal_a predecessor_n king_n of_o england_n and_o establish_v they_o with_o their_o immunity_n and_o privilege_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n where_o the_o body_n of_o the_o holy_a virgin_n s._n audrey_n lie_v entomb_v upon_o the_o high_a altar_n before_o all_o the_o person_n there_o present_a not_o long_o afterward_o it_o so_o happen_v ibid._n that_o at_o the_o solempnity_n of_o this_o feast_n the_o fen_n be_v so_o much_o freeze_v that_o the_o say_a king_n can_v not_o repair_v thither_o as_o he_o desire_v nevertheless_o it_o do_v not_o alter_v his_o purpose_n though_o he_o be_v sorrowful_a and_o much_o trouble_v howbeit_o put_v his_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v then_o upon_o soham_n mere_a he_o contrive_v to_o be_v draw_v upon_o a_o slead_v over_o the_o ice_n and_o for_o his_o better_a security_n consider_v the_o danger_n of_o the_o passage_n that_o one_o shall_v go_v before_o he_o to_o try_v the_o way_n but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o as_o he_o stand_v thus_o consult_v a_o lusty_a and_o big_a man_n and_o a_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o isle_n who_o for_o his_o corpulency_n be_v call_v brithmer_n bud_n come_v before_o he_o and_o offer_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n whereupon_o the_o king_n follow_v on_o the_o slead_v all_o that_o behold_v he_o admire_v his_o boldness_n and_o come_v safe_a thither_o celebrate_v that_o solempnity_n according_a as_o he_o have_v wont_a with_o great_a joy_n and_o in_o gratitude_n to_o the_o say_a brithmer_n make_v he_o with_o all_o his_o posterity_n â—ree_a mâ—n_z for_o ever_o in_o further_a testimony_n likewise_o of_o the_o security_n of_o this_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a and_o deep_a water_n wherein_o it_o be_v situate_a i_o find_v 40._o that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o confessor_n the_o english_a have_v advertisement_n of_o great_a preparation_n then_o make_v by_o the_o daâ—es_n for_o another_o invasion_n of_o this_o realm_n bestir_v themselves_o in_o fortify_v their_o city_n and_o castle_n hide_v their_o treasure_n and_o muster_v of_o soldier_n for_o their_o defence_n and_o that_o alfric_n the_o abbot_n of_o s._n alban_n much_o fear_v the_o danger_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n to_o convey_v the_o shrine_n of_o that_o glorious_a protomartyr_n s._n alban_n into_o a_o secret_a corner_n where_o he_o immure_v it_o but_o the_o better_a to_o disguise_v the_o business_n write_v letter_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o this_o place_n humble_o request_v he_o that_o he_o will_v take_v charge_n thereof_o till_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o quiet_a condition_n again_o â—or_a say_v my_o author_n erat_fw-la eorum_fw-la insula_fw-la intransmeabilibus_fw-la circundata_fw-la paludibus_fw-la &_o arundinetis_fw-la unde_fw-la hostium_fw-la incursus_fw-la nequaquam_fw-la timuerunt_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la this_o isle_n of_o ely_n be_v environ_v with_o fen_n and_o reed-plecks_a unpassible_a so_o that_o they_o fear_v not_o the_o invasion_n of_o the_o enemy_n whereunto_o the_o say_a abbot_n assent_v alfric_n like_o a_o politic_a and_o wary_a man_n fear_v that_o these_o of_o ely_n have_v get_v such_o a_o treasure_n into_o their_o hand_n may_v deny_v to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v again_o require_v send_v instead_o of_o s._n alban_n shrine_n the_o relic_n of_o a_o old_a monk_n put_v up_o in_o a_o rich_a chest_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v s._n alban_n bone_n and_o keep_v the_o before-specified_n shrine_n wall_v up_o in_o their_o own_o abbey_n as_o have_v be_v say_v but_o the_o most_o signal_n testimony_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a water_n encompass_v it_o be_v that_o recourse_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n of_o the_o english_a nation_n have_v unto_o it_o as_o their_o great_a refuge_n against_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n as_o also_o the_o defence_n that_o they_o then_o and_o there_o make_v against_o a_o powerful_a army_n bring_v by_o that_o king_n for_o the_o subdue_a of_o it_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o story_n because_o it_o be_v but_o brief_o point_v at_o by_o our_o public_a writer_n i_o suppose_v it_o will_v not_o seem_v tedious_a if_o i_o here_o succinct_o deliver_v after_o that_o william_n duke_n of_o normandy_n invade_v this_o realm_n with_o a_o puissant_a army_n in_o the_o year_n mlxvi_o have_v subdue_v the_o force_n of_o k._n harold_n in_o open_a batail_n wherein_o that_o king_n lose_v his_o life_n stigand_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n who_o the_o conqueror_n affect_v not_o flee_v a._n into_o this_o isle_n for_o safety_n so_o likewise_o do_v ibid._n egfrid_n then_o abbot_n of_o s._n alban_n with_o the_o relic_n of_o that_o saint_n and_o treasure_n of_o his_o church_n as_o also_o 20._o edwine_n and_o morkere_o two_o great_a and_o potent_a earl_n of_o this_o nation_n with_o 20._o egelwine_n bishop_n of_o durham_n beside_o many_o thousand_o 20._o of_o the_o clergy_n and_o laity_n and_o understanding_n that_o hereward_n lord_n 20._o of_o brunne_a in_o lincolnshire_n a_o young_a son_n to_o the_o famous_a leofrike_a earl_n of_o mercia_n be_v a_o person_n much_o renown_v 50â—_n for_o his_o valour_n and_o military_a skill_n for_o 1653._o at_o the_o age_n of_o xviij_o year_n be_v banish_v the_o land_n by_o king_n edw._n the_o confessor_n for_o his_o extraordinary_a dissoluteness_n towards_o his_o parent_n and_o other_o he_o go_v into_o flanders_n and_o other_o foreign_a part_n where_o he_o gain_v most_o high_a repute_n of_o his_o prowess_n and_o noble_a exploit_n be_v return_v from_o beyond_o sea_n they_o forthwith_o send_v â—_o for_o he_o desire_v that_o he_o will_v repair_v thither_o with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o join_v with_o they_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o native_a country_n and_o redeem_v their_o just_a liberty_n and_o in_o particular_a they_o importune_v he_o in_o behalf_n of_o thurstane_n then_o abbot_n of_o that_o place_n and_o his_o monk_n who_o the_o say_a island_n whole_o be_v and_o on_o who_o behalf_n the_o same_o be_v then_o fortify_v against_o the_o king_n that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o delay_n because_o the_o say_a king_n bring_v in_o a_o foreign_a monk_n out_o of_o france_n to_o obtrude_v upon_o they_o as_o abbot_n there_o and_o that_o he_o purpose_v to_o do_v the_o like_a in_o all_o other_o church_n throughout_o england_n to_o which_o request_n of_o they_o he_o willing_o condescend_v and_o forthwith_o begin_v his_o journey_n towards_o they_o according_o whereof_o the_o earl_n warren_n have_v notice_n who_o brother_n long_o before_o the_o say_a hereward_n have_v kill_v he_o lay_v ambush_n for_o he_o on_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o