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
at_o more_o and_o other_o his_o complice_n have_v confederated_a themselves_o together_o by_o false_a contrivance_n to_o constitute_v another_o bailiff_n there_o in_o favour_n to_o his_o friend_n and_o to_o lay_v load_n unjust_o upon_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n do_v so_o terrify_v the_o say_a john_n by_o grievous_a threat_n and_o otherwise_o hinder_v he_o that_o he_o neither_o will_v or_o dare_v take_v upon_o he_o that_o office_n according_a to_o the_o say_a ordinance_n so_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n default_n all_o the_o before-specified_n marsh_n be_v daily_o liable_a to_o be_v overflow_v be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v destroy_v without_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v have_v the_o say_a king_n therefore_o take_v this_o complaint_n into_o mature_a consideration_n for_o prevention_n of_o that_o imminent_a mischief_n grant_v his_o royal_a commission_n dorso_fw-la bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 17_o febr._n in_o the_o same_o thirty_o five_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n to_o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n robert_n belknap_n and_o thomas_n colepepir_n appoint_v they_o or_o any_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o aswell_o to_o oversee_v the_o say_a bank_n gutter_n etc._n etc._n and_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v repair_v as_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o say_a ordinance_n and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v find_v they_o any_o way_n defective_a ☜_o as_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n against_o those_o inundation_n then_o to_o correct_v and_o amend_v they_o and_o if_o need_n be_v to_o make_v a_o new_a ordinance_n to_o direct_v how_o the_o same_o marsh_n may_v be_v better_o defend_v and_o preserve_v against_o the_o say_a water_n upon_o any_o chance_n that_o shall_v thenceforth_o happen_v and_o to_o decree_v certain_a strict_a punishment_n against_o all_o such_o as_o shall_v transgress_v the_o say_v ordinance_n so_o to_o be_v make_v by_o they_o the_o say_v thomas_n robert_n and_o thomas_n or_o any_o two_o of_o they_o ☜_o and_o moreover_o to_o cause_v proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v all_o about_o in_o those_o part_n for_o the_o perpetual_a observance_n of_o they_o and_o likewise_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o exclusion_n and_o evacuation_n of_o those_o water_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o fit_a and_o last_o to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o that_o country_n of_o all_o the_o confederacy_n and_o practice_n before_o specify_v as_o also_o of_o such_o trespass_n and_o contempt_n as_o have_v be_v make_v against_o the_o say_a king_n by_o the_o beforementioned_a matthew_n and_o his_o complice_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o precept_n john_n the_o say_a thomas_n robert_n and_o thomas_n be_v meet_v at_o crowethorne_n the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o translation_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n 1640._o in_o the_o year_n abovesaidâ—_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n viz._n by_o john_n franceis_n attorney_n to_o simon_n archbishop_n of_o canterburyâ—_n â—_z the_o abbot_n of_o s._n augustine_n in_o canterbury_n the_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n simon_n master_n of_o gods-house_n in_o dovor_n edmund_n staplegate_n lord_n of_o nether-bilsyngton_a and_o other_o lord_n to_o this_o purpose_n special_o elect_v with_o certain_a also_o of_o the_o commonality_n scil_n william_n de_fw-fr echyngham_n stephan_n de_fw-fr valeyns_n &c._n &c._n choose_v likewise_o for_o the_o say_a commonality_n do_v ordain_v ibid._n and_o appoint_v 1._o that_o the_o common_a bailiff_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n associate_n who_o have_v land_n and_o residence_n therein_o shall_v be_v elect_v by_o the_o public_a consent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n of_o the_o same_o marsh_n or_o their_o special_a attorney_n and_o where_o the_o great_a number_n consent_v the_o câ—oice_n to_o stand_v which_o election_n to_o be_v make_v at_o demecherche_fw-fr or_o newecherche_fw-fr bailiff_n or_o some_o other_o fit_a place_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n in_o the_o xv_o me_o of_o s._n michael_n yearly_a upon_o summons_n of_o the_o before-specified_n bailiff_n except_o upon_o necessity_n and_o reasonable_a cause_n the_o say_a bailiff_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v within_o that_o year_n and_o another_o put_v in_o his_o place_n refusal_n 2._o and_o if_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v shall_v be_v present_a and_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v the_o say_a office_n that_o he_o be_v forthwith_o amerce_v in_o xls._n to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o succeed_a bailiff_n upon_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o so_o forthwith_o a_o new_a choice_n to_o be_v make_v of_o another_o bailiff_n who_o will_v undergo_v the_o office_n and_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o fee_fw-mi the_o double_a of_o all_o the_o money_n assess_v upon_o any_o whosoever_o fee_n for_o their_o negligence_n and_o if_o the_o person_n so_o elect_v shall_v be_v hereafter_o hinder_v by_o any_o man_n so_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o undergo_v the_o office_n that_o then_o the_o party_n so_o hinder_v he_o to_o be_v several_o punish_v by_o the_o say_a elector_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v have_v be_v punish_v if_o he_o have_v refuse_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o to_o bear_v the_o same_o office_n 3._o and_o if_o iâ—_n happen_v compel_v that_o he_o that_o shall_v so_o be_v choose_v be_v absent_a at_o the_o time_n of_o election_n all_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o to_o be_v forthwith_o distrain_v by_o the_o precede_a bailiff_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o impound_v in_o fit_a and_o want_v place_n and_o there_o detain_v until_o he_o shall_v repair_v to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n abbot_z of_o s._n augustine_n and_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n for_o the_o time_n be_v or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o and_o admit_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o thereupon_o carry_v to_o the_o precede_a bailiff_n his_o letter_n seal_v and_o this_o he_o shall_v do_v within_o six_o day_n next_o after_o the_o election_n make_v and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o then_o to_o be_v punish_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o a_o new_a election_n to_o be_v present_o make_v 4._o at_o which_o principal_a last_o receipt_n if_o the_o say_v common_a collector_n of_o all_o the_o former_a general_a tax_n will_v be_v present_a they_o shall_v make_v their_o account_n to_o the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n which_o account_n to_o be_v write_v by_o indenture_n make_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n shall_v the_o bailiff_n make_v his_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o to_o reckon_v for_o and_o if_o any_o of_o the_o twenty-four_o jurat_n amerce_v do_v make_v default_n in_o the_o say_v principal_a last_o except_o he_o have_v a_o reasonable_a excuse_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o twelve_o d_o to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o bailiff_n to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o commonalty_n 5._o and_o if_o it_o happen_v expenditor_n that_o any_o of_o the_o twenty-four_o jurat_n do_v depart_v within_o the_o year_n or_o aught_o to_o be_v remove_v that_o then_o another_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o in_o his_o place_n and_o put_v in_o the_o say_v principal_a last_o by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o most_o faithful_a discreet_a and_o wealthy_a man_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o number_n of_o twenty-four_o complete_a 6._o in_o like_a sort_n it_o shall_v be_v do_v touch_v the_o collector_n and_o expenditor_n refuse_v so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n if_o the_o say_a lord_n will_v be_v there_o and_o if_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n collector_n or_o expenditor_n shall_v be_v choose_v and_o will_v not_o take_v his_o oath_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o xxs._n to_o be_v levy_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o forthwith_o another_o choose_v in_o his_o place_n and_o receive_v the_o charge_n 7._o and_o if_o the_o before-specified_n twenty-four_o jurat_n shall_v be_v summon_v wheresoever_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o common_a or_o several_a last_o last_o where_o no_o more_o than_o eight_o or_o ten_o at_o the_o most_o do_v come_v by_o reason_n whereof_o there_o can_v be_v no_o judgement_n and_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n consider_v the_o absence_n of_o the_o great_a number_n that_o then_o every_o absent_a person_n shall_v be_v amerce_v by_o the_o bailiff_n in_o vi_o d_o to_o be_v levy_v as_o aforesaid_a whereof_o the_o say_a bailiff_n shall_v make_v account_n in_o the_o principal_a last_o jurat_n 8._o also_o
hold_v when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o there_o may_v be_v occasion_n by_o the_o summons_n of_o their_o bailiff_n the_o manner_n of_o choose_v the_o bailiff_n likewise_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_v jurat_n collector_n and_o expenditor_n choose_v constitute_v and_o direct_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v bailiff_n jurat_n collector_n and_o expenditor_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o if_o and_o as_o often_o as_o any_o of_o the_o bailiff_n twenty-four_o jurat_n collector_n or_o expenditor_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o beforementioned_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v decease_v or_o be_v remove_v from_o his_o office_n that_o then_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n so_o decease_a or_o remove_v another_o of_o the_o landholders_n and_o resident_n within_o those_o land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v to_o be_v choose_v and_o constitute_v by_o the_o common_a assent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n have_v authority_n there_o for_o that_o time_n or_o by_o their_o attorney_n and_o where_o the_o great_a number_n of_o they_o shall_v consent_v the_o say_a election_n to_o stand_v in_o the_o say_v principal_a and_o general_a last_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a unless_o upon_o necessity_n or_o cause_n reasonable_a any_o of_o those_o bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v soon_o within_o the_o same_o year_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o it_o be_v expedient_a before_o the_o say_v principal_a and_o general_a last_v aught_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a that_o another_o be_v put_v in_o his_o place_n and_o that_o then_o a_o election_n be_v make_v of_o a_o bailiff_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a in_o any_o other_o last_o as_o aforesaid_a to_o be_v hold_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o stead_n of_o any_o of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n collector_n and_o expenditor_n so_o decease_a or_o remove_v from_o his_o office_n as_o aforesaid_a another_o of_o the_o say_v land-holders_n and_o resident_n to_o be_v choose_v and_o constitute_v so_o that_o the_o say_a election_n be_v make_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o fee_n and_o bailiff_n and_o ten_o or_o eight_o of_o the_o jurats_n aforesaid_a out_o of_o the_o most_o trusty_a discreet_a and_o wealthy_a land-holders_n within_o those_o land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v the_o penalty_n of_o the_o bailiff_n elect_v not_o consent_v thereto_o also_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o if_o the_o bailiff_n so_o choose_v shall_v be_v present_a and_o will_v not_o undergo_v and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o say_a office_n or_o shall_v refuse_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n in_o that_o behalf_n that_o for_o such_o his_o refusal_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o xls._n to_o be_v levy_v of_o his_o good_n and_o catall_n ☜_o land_n and_o tenement_n wheresoever_o they_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o county_n of_o kent_n to_o the_o common_a benefit_n reparation_n and_o maintenance_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o say_a bailiff_n and_o then_o that_o forthwith_o there_o be_v a_o new_a election_n of_o a_o bailiff_n make_v in_o the_o say_v last_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a instead_o of_o he_o that_o so_o refuse_v who_o shall_v take_v his_o oath_n in_o manner_n before_o specify_v and_o undergo_v the_o office_n how_o those_o that_o be_v absent_a in_o the_o general_a or_o principal_a last_a aught_o to_o be_v amerce_v also_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n shall_v make_v default_n in_o any_o such_o general_a and_o principal_a last_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a unless_o he_o have_v a_o reasonable_a and_o allowable_a excuse_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o xijd._n to_o the_o common_a profit_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o before-specified_n bailiff_n the_o penalty_n of_o the_o collector_n juror_n and_o expenditor_n not_o submit_v to_o their_o election_n also_o it_o be_v far_o decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o if_o any_o one_o be_v of_o the_o beforementioned_a twenty-four_o jurat_n collector_n or_o expenditor_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a who_o do_v refuse_v to_o accept_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o to_o take_v his_o oath_n on_o that_o behalf_n he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v in_o xxs._n to_o be_v employ_v to_o the_o benefit_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o say_a bailiff_n and_o forthwith_o another_o make_a choice_n of_o in_o his_o stead_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o if_o the_o say_a jurat_n shall_v be_v summon_v within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v to_o be_v at_o the_o say_v several_a or_o special_a last_o to_o be_v hold_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a where_o at_o the_o least_o eight_o or_o ten_o do_v not_o come_v so_o that_o such_o judgement_n and_o decree_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v can_v not_o be_v make_v for_o want_v of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o the_o say_a jurat_n so_o absent_a that_o then_o every_o one_o of_o the_o say_a jurat_n so_o absent_a to_o be_v amerce_v in_o vid._n to_o the_o common_a benefit_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v levy_v and_o expend_v by_o the_o bailiff_n of_o those_o marsh_n of_o which_o say_v amerciament_n and_o other_o the_o like_o above_o specify_v the_o say_a bailiff_n to_o make_v account_n for_o in_o the_o say_v principal_a last_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a the_o receive_n of_o double_a by_o the_o bailiff_n also_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_v bailiff_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v have_v for_o their_o pain_n the_o double_v so_o to_o be_v levy_v which_o do_v happen_v to_o be_v assess_v and_o gather_v in_o their_o time_n to_o be_v equal_o divide_v among_o they_o the_o penalty_n of_o hinder_v the_o bailiff_n so_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o exercise_v their_o office_n also_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o if_o the_o before-specified_n bailiff_n choose_v as_o aforesaid_a or_o to_o be_v hereafter_o choose_v be_v hinder_v by_o any_o so_o that_o they_o be_v elect_v dare_v not_o undergo_v and_o exercise_v that_o officeâ—_n that_o then_o such_o hinderer_n to_o be_v several_o punish_v by_o the_o elector_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o any_o of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n elect_v shall_v be_v punish_v in_o case_n he_o refuse_v to_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o undergo_v that_o office_n in_o what_o sort_n he_o that_o be_v absent_a and_o choose_a bailiff_n aught_o to_o be_v compel_v to_o receive_v his_o office_n also_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o either_o the_o person_n choose_v or_o to_o be_v choose_v bailiff_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v absent_a at_o the_o time_n of_o such_o their_o election_n that_o the_o party_n so_o choose_v shall_v be_v forthwith_o distrain_v by_o the_o say_a jurat_n for_o the_o time_n be_v or_o some_o of_o they_o by_o all_o their_o good_n and_o catal_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v impound_v in_o certain_a place_n for_o that_o purpose_n to_o be_v assign_v and_o there_o detain_v until_o they_o do_v repair_v to_o the_o archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o prior_n of_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n or_o the_o abbot_n of_o robertsbrigge_n for_o the_o time_n be_v or_o some_o one_o of_o they_o and_o accept_v of_o the_o say_a office_n and_o take_v their_o oath_n thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o do_v bring_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o say_a archbishop_n prior_n and_o abbot_n or_o one_o of_o they_o seal_v unto_o the_o precede_a bailiff_n or_o the_o say_a bailiff_n be_v dead_a then_o unto_o two_o of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n and_o this_o within_o six_o day_n next_o after_o the_o say_a distress_n so_o take_v otherwise_o to_o be_v punish_v as_o be_v before_o express_v of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n so_o refuse_v and_o then_o to_o be_v a_o new_a election_n at_o some_o other_o last_v there_o to_o he_o hold_v in_o what_o sort_n the_o collector_n and_o expenditor_n shall_v render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o receipt_n it_o be_v also_o decree_v and_o ordain_v that_o at_o both_o of_o the_o say_v principal_a and_o general_a last_v yearly_a all_o the_o collector_n of_o all_o the_o precedent_n general_a assessment_n within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a except_o before_o except_v and_o the_o expenditor_n of_o who_o mention_n be_v before_o make_v shall_v make_v their_o account_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n above-specified_n or_o their_o attorney_n in_o case_n they_o be_v present_a and_o before_o the_o the_o say_a bailiff_n and_o those_o of_o the_o say_a iâ—rats_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a except_o before_o except_v and_o the_o say_a account_n to_o be_v make_v in_o writing_n by_o indenture_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o say_a bailiff_n jurat_n and_o
so_o to_o sakevylestrow_n and_o so_o to_o yortham_n thence_o to_o rikenebrig_n and_o so_o to_o the_o old_a sluice_n of_o pevenese_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wortle_a eltham_n herst-monceux_a etc._n etc._n and_o without_o that_o that_o by_o evacuation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n by_o those_o gutter_n and_o sewer_n though_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o repair_v and_o make_v as_o by_o the_o presentment_n be_v suppose_v they_o shall_v have_v benefit_n and_o safeguard_n and_o this_o they_o be_v all_o ready_a to_o justify_v etc._n etc._n and_o william_n grangiam_fw-la the_o king_n attorney_n there_o at_o that_o time_n say_v that_o the_o sewer_n beginning_n at_o the_o boundary_a call_v squabber_n tend_v to_o gorebregg_n and_o so_o to_o sakevylastrowe_v and_o thence_o to_o the_o old_a sluice_n of_o pevenese_n have_v be_v usual_o repair_v in_o common_a by_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wortle_a otham_n herst-monceux_a etc._n etc._n and_o that_o by_o such_o evacuation_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n by_o those_o repair_v they_o have_v commodity_n and_o safeguard_n as_o in_o the_o say_a presentment_n be_v allege_v &c_n &c_n .._o ................................_o in_o 3_o h._n 4._o thomas_n erpyngham_n constable_n of_o dovor_n castle_n the_o prior_n of_o michelham_n john_n pelham_n william_n fenys_n will._n makenade_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 in_o pevensey_n marsh_n betwixt_o birle_n and_o bechief_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o marsh_n as_o of_o the_o marsh_n of_o romeneye_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n whereupon_o 1659._o the_o say_a prior_n john_n pelham_n and_o william_n makenade_n go_v unto_o westham_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o pevensey_n upon_o friday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n gregory_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n the_o bailiff_n and_o the_o twelve_o jurat_n otherwise_o call_v skawer_n and_o of_o the_o commons_o of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o ordain_v these_o follow_a statute_n for_o the_o due_a governance_n of_o the_o same_o marsh_n and_o salvation_n thereof_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v first_o because_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a law_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n ordain_v nor_o use_v before_o that_o time_n marsh._n but_o at_o the_o will_n of_o those_o lord_n who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o same_o so_o that_o divers_a peril_n and_o hurt_n intolerable_a daily_o grow_v therefore_o for_o eschew_v thereof_o and_o for_o increase_v of_o the_o common_a profit_n they_o ordain_v and_o full_o agree_v that_o a_o principal_a court_n shall_v be_v yearly_o hold_v in_o the_o say_a marsh_n within_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n whereat_o one_o bailiff_n xij_o skawer_n as_o also_o collector_n and_o expenditor_n of_o the_o scot_n or_o assessment_n shall_v be_v choose_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n or_o by_o their_o attorney_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o which_o bailiff_n to_o oversee_v the_o defect_n and_o the_o xij_o skawer_n to_o make_v order_n and_o decree_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n and_o also_o that_o every_o man_n by_o lawful_a quantity_n of_o his_o hold_v of_o common_a of_o pasture_n and_o fish_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v contribute_v by_o equal_a portion_n to_o the_o reparation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bank_n gutter_n sewer_n bridge_n and_o all_o other_o necessary_a thing_n within_o the_o say_a marsh_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o xij_o skawer_n and_o that_o all_o the_o reparation_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n watergang_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n be_v do_v as_o often_o as_o need_v the_o cost_n whereof_o to_o be_v make_v and_o raise_v in_o this_o form_n viz._n that_o every_o man_n that_o have_v any_o land_n subject_n to_o danger_n be_v it_o near_o or_o far_o off_o from_o the_o say_a peril_n so_o that_o the_o say_a land_n may_v be_v save_v or_o the_o owner_n have_v profit_n by_o the_o bank_n watergang_n gut_n and_o sewer_n beforementioned_a shall_v be_v contributory_a for_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o tenure_n so_o that_o no_o man_n hold_v such_o land_n and_o tenement_n under_o the_o form_n of_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v spare_v in_o that_o part_n be_v he_o rich_a or_o poor_a of_o what_o state_n dignity_n or_o condition_n soever_o be_v he_o within_o liberty_n or_o without_o and_o in_o case_n any_o man_n be_v negligent_a in_o pay_v of_o his_o portion_n at_o a_o certain_a day_n ordain_v by_o the_o skawer_n for_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n gut_n and_o watergang_v that_o then_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v distrain_v of_o their_o good_n and_o cattle_n wheresoever_o they_o be_v find_v within_o liberty_n or_o without_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v due_o pay_v their_o say_a proportion_n with_o their_o wane_v the_o which_o wane_v to_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o bailiff_n and_o that_o the_o say_v distress_n take_v by_o the_o bailiff_n and_o the_o xij_o skawer_n shall_v be_v keep_v for_o three_o day_n and_o if_o the_o owner_n be_v obstinate_a or_o negligent_a of_o his_o payment_n during_o that_o time_n then_o that_o the_o say_a distress_n be_v sell_v and_o the_o money_n reserve_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n against_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o the_o common_a bailiff_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n of_o pevensey_n who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o same_o be_v choose_v if_o it_o be_v profitable_a but_o otherwise_o that_o another_o be_v elect_v by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n or_o by_o their_o attorney_n in_o sit_v and_o hold_v of_o the_o court_n and_o last_v at_o west_n ham_n or_o at_o some_o other_o lawful_a place_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o within_o xv_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n beforementioned_a yearly_a upon_o the_o summons_n of_o the_o bailiff_n except_o the_o say_a bailiff_n for_o some_o reasonable_a cause_n happen_v to_o be_v change_v within_o the_o say_a year_n and_o another_o be_v choose_v in_o his_o stead_n and_o if_o the_o say_a bailiff_n be_v present_a at_o such_o his_o election_n and_o will_v not_o accept_v of_o that_o office_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v be_v amerce_v by_o the_o elector_n in_o xls._n which_o the_o succeed_a bailiff_n shall_v levy_v of_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o to_o the_o common_a profit_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o so_o forthwith_o a_o new_a choice_n of_o another_o bailiff_n to_o be_v make_v who_o shall_v accept_v of_o that_o office_n and_o take_v his_o oath_n and_o have_v for_o his_o labour_n the_o wane_v that_o fall_n in_o his_o time_n of_o the_o scot_n so_o assess_v and_o levy_v and_o if_o the_o say_a bailiff_n so_o choose_v be_v hinder_v by_o any_o man_n so_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o accept_v of_o that_o office_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o threat_n that_o then_o he_o which_o so_o threaten_v he_o or_o by_o any_o suggestion_n cause_v he_o to_o decline_v that_o office_n shall_v be_v punish_v by_o the_o elector_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o bailiff_n himself_o shall_v be_v in_o case_n he_o refuse_v the_o same_o office_n and_o if_o the_o bailiff_n be_v absent_a at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o election_n that_o then_o he_o be_v distrain_v by_o the_o bailiff_n of_o the_o marsh_n his_o predecessor_n by_o all_o his_o good_n and_o catal_o the_o which_o shall_v be_v pound_v in_o certain_a place_n ordain_v by_o the_o say_a elector_n and_o there_o keep_v unto_o the_o time_n the_o say_a bailiff_n go_v to_o the_o constable_n of_o the_o castle_n of_o pevensey_n the_o abbot_n of_o begham_n or_o prior_n of_o michelham_n or_o to_o one_o of_o they_o and_o make_v his_o oath_n accept_v of_o his_o say_a office_n whereupon_o he_o shall_v receive_v letter_n of_o he_o who_o have_v so_o take_v his_o oath_n seal_v with_o his_o seal_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o bailiff_n his_o predecessor_n and_o thus_o shall_v he_o do_v within_o six_o day_n after_o his_o election_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o he_o shall_v then_o be_v punish_v as_o aforesaid_a and_o forthwith_o a_o new_a choice_n make_v and_o at_o this_o principal_n last_o or_o court_n the_o common_a collector_n and_o expenditor_n of_o all_o the_o general_a scot_n beforementioned_a shall_v make_v their_o account_n before_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o marsh_n or_o their_o attorney_n if_o they_o be_v present_a before_o the_o bailiff_n xij_o skawer_n and_o the_o commons_o of_o the_o say_a marsh_n which_o account_n to_o be_v
aug._n in_o the_o say_v xlith_o year_n and_o he_o to_o be_v chardged_a with_o the_o bank_n compass_v the_o say_a fen_n with_o the_o dike_n scour_a and_o rode_a of_o both_o the_o say_a river_n etc._n etc._n with_o bridge_n staker_n drayn_n and_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o say_a law_n impose_v and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a three_o part_n of_o all_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n by_o certain_a man_n thereunto_o appoint_v under_o such_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o other_o two_o part_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o say_v thomas_n by_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a law_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o whole_a estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o pound_n and_o more_o and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a question_n wilful_o stir_v &c._n &c._n between_o the_o county_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n about_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a country_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o say_v thomas_n can_v not_o have_v his_o say_v three_o part_v allot_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a law_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o for_o the_o decide_n those_o controversy_n there_o be_v the_o 8_o of_o april_n in_o xliiij_o eliz._n a_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o many_o knight_n and_o gentleman_n stranger_n to_o both_o the_o say_a country_n who_o do_v â—ot_n only_o set_v down_o and_o determine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o say_a bound_n but_o do_v also_o set_v out_o and_o assign_v the_o say_v three_o part_n belong_v to_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n as_o by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n make_v at_o spald_v aforesaid_a the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a by_o sir_n henry_n north_n knight_n sir_n john_n bolles_n knight_n valentine_n browne_n henry_n warner_n robert_n bevill_n robert_n wingfeld_n anthony_n ireby_n rob._n cotton_n richard_n cox_n robert_n jetherell_n and_o john_n s._n george_n appear_v according_a to_o which_o division_n the_o same_o be_v by_o man_n skilful_a in_o survey_v divide_a and_o set_v out_o since_o which_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a conference_n and_o agreement_n for_o two_o several_a drove-way_n through_o the_o say_v three_o part_n which_o be_v last_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o law_n of_o sewer_n 17_o of_o march_n 45_o eliz._n by_o tho._n lord_n burlegh_n edw._n heron_n etc._n etc._n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n with_o allowance_n to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n of_o as_o much_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o the_o say_a drove-way_n contain_v which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n make_v up_o a_o full_a three_o part_n be_v by_o mete_n and_o bound_n assign_v to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n and_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o enclose_v but_o can_v not_o perfect_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o the_o time_n and_o riotous_a let_n and_o disturbance_n of_o lewd_a people_n cast_v down_o his_o bank_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v ibid._n that_o the_o say_v thomas_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o three_o part_n so_o set_v out_o etc._n etc._n upon_o condition_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o full_o perfect_v the_o say_v drayn_v within_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n from_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v &c._n &c._n and_o after_o that_o maintain_v and_o keep_v they_o etc._n etc._n firm_a and_o depasturable_a in_o summer_n and_o winter_n except_o three_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v spald_v and_o depe_v fen_n and_o gogsland_n for_o lake_n and_o sikes_n and_o xl_o acre_n in_o borne_n and_o thurlby_n fen_n and_o except_v the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n then_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n but_o shall_v suffer_v the_o say_v two_o part_n to_o be_v drown_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n together_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v three_o year_n and_o the_o same_o certify_v by_o twelve_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o six_o of_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o of_o kesteven_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o record_v that_o then_o in_o case_n the_o say_a ground_n within_o one_o year_n follow_v be_v not_o recover_v etc._n etc._n than_o the_o lord_n and_o proprietarìe_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o re-enter_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n enter_v upon_o their_o common_a in_o the_o say_v three_o part_n according_a to_o their_o former_a right_n how_o far_o mr._n lovel_n proceed_v in_o this_o adventure_n i_o know_v not_o but_o his_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v as_o it_o seem_v i_o find_v that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v at_o large_a by_o and_o by_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o may_n 14_o caroli_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o several_a tax_n upon_o the_o particular_a fen_n and_o marsh_n throughout_o that_o vast_a tract_n in_o order_n to_o that_o work_n assess_v lindsey_n xxx_n a_o acre_n upon_o depe_a fen_n before-specified_n and_o afterward_o scil_n in_o july_n follow_v sit_v at_o huntendon_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v the_o xxiiijth_o of_o that_o month_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n certify_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o learned_a council_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o the_o adventurer_n touch_v that_o fen_n aswell_o for_o maâ—ter_n of_o law_n as_o fact_n and_o equity_n and_o upon_o full_a debate_n and_o advise_v consideration_n thereof_o be_v unanimous_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o tax_v impose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n at_o wisebeche_n beforementioned_a be_v upon_o just_a ground_n and_o â—o_o resolve_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o be_v not_o pay_v they_o may_v therefore_o lawful_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o further_o and_o perfect_a drayn_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n which_o will_v be_v very_o great_a notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n disburse_v by_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o adventurer_n and_o they_o far_o certify_v that_o before_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o make_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n they_o humble_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n whether_o they_o shall_v proceed_v therein_o or_o not_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v whether_o his_o majesty_n will_v become_v the_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n himself_o and_o so_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o the_o say_a adventurer_n to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a disbursment_n therein_o whereof_o they_o have_v or_o can_v receive_v little_a fruit_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o stand_v which_o they_o whole_o do_v submit_v to_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n desire_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v speedy_o signify_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v proceed_v according_o and_o humble_o offer_v this_o advice_n to_o their_o lordship_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o adventurer_n or_o any_o other_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o say_a drayn_v under_o his_o majesty_n â—o_o perform_v it_o by_o any_o way_n or_o design_n other_o than_o such_o as_o his_o majesty_n or_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v approve_v and_o direct_v by_o new_a act_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o their_o fen_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n thereunto_o adjoin_v in_o regard_n otherwise_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o general_a work_n and_o they_o moreover_o desire_v that_o care_n may_v be_v take_v that_o no_o more_o time_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o but_o that_o the_o same_o may_v proceed_v that_o instant_a summer_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o king_n upon_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o proposal_n i_o find_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n signify_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n from_o theobalds_n in_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n which_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o far_o and_o more_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o
out_o the_o malefactor_n anâ—_n for_o the_o better_a discovery_n of_o they_o do_v the_o year_n follow_v issue_n out_o another_o commission_n dorso_o unto_o will._n de_fw-fr bereford_n will._n de_fw-fr carletone_n and_o simon_n de_fw-fr ellesworth_n by_o which_o there_o be_v mention_v make_v that_o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hacford_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr shorpham_n have_v be_v appoint_v ☞_o to_o view_v where_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o water_n of_o utwelle_n before_o speak_v of_o may_v have_v its_o passage_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o channel_n and_o gutter_n without_o mix_v with_o the_o water_n of_o the_o adjacent_a town_n for_o the_o more_o security_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o country_n do_v cause_n it_o to_o be_v stop_v in_o three_o place_n and_o reduce_v to_o its_o right_n and_o ancient_a channel_n the_o like_a commission_n arm_n about_o three_o year_n after_o be_v direct_v to_o william_n de_fw-fr carletone_n and_o will._n haward_n whereupon_o they_o meet_v at_o uuelle_n upon_o wednesday_n after_o the_o octave_n of_o easter_n at_o which_o time_n and_o place_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n bring_v a_o jury_n who_o be_v then_o and_o there_o swear_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o robert_n russel_n bailiff_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramseye_n john_n mayner_z walter_z hulleman_n and_o other_o do_v by_o force_n and_o arm_n break_v down_o that_o dam_n so_o make_v at_o smalelode_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o richard_n curtey_v break_v the_o other_o at_o uuadyngstowe_n for_o which_o respect_n the_o say_a shireeve_n be_v command_v ibid._n to_o take_v the_o say_v robert_n john_n walter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o malefactor_n and_o imprison_v they_o safe_o till_o hâ—_n shall_v receive_v far_a order_n in_o 1_o e._n 2._o at_o a_o session_n aâ—m_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cowstowe_n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o tilney_n before_o richard_n the_o halstede_n and_o other_o upon_o the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o apostle_n peter_n and_o paul_n it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o sea-bank_n from_o the_o stone_n cross_n unto_o cowstowe_n aforesaid_a be_v then_o in_o good_a repair_n viz._n in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n and_o as_o high_a as_o be_v necessary_a the_o prior_n of_o meremonde_n and_o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr walpole_n knight_n attorney_n to_o the_o prior_n of_o ixworth_n do_v take_v exception_n against_o that_o verdict_n because_o it_o be_v present_v to_o be_v a_o sea-bank_n allege_v that_o from_o lakebrigge_n to_o cowstowe_v there_o be_v not_o any_o sea-bank_n or_o marsh-wall_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a causey_n for_o drive_v of_o cattle_n belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o utwell_n into_o and_o out_o of_o their_o common_a within_o the_o fen_n which_o causey_n be_v no_o safeguard_n to_o any_o man_n land_n and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o sufficient_a for_o that_o purpose_n with_o some_o repair_n of_o a_o sew_v defect_n therein_o whereupon_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o henry_n require_v judgement_n from_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n therein_o and_o that_o the_o person_n who_o have_v benefit_n by_o such_o drive_v of_o their_o cattle_n too_o and_o fro_o shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v thereof_o according_a as_o they_o have_v commodity_n thereby_o as_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n and_o as_o the_o say_v king_n commission_n do_v direct_v which_o judgement_n and_o decree_n be_v publish_v according_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n amerce_v for_o their_o erroneous_a presentment_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o saturday_n next_o after_o the_o translation_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o martyr_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n come_v the_o say_a prior_n of_o mermonde_n and_o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr walpole_n before_o r._n de_fw-fr seytone_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o ixworth_n and_o take_v exception_n against_o the_o verdict_n of_o the_o juror_n make_v at_o welle_v in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n in_o regard_n they_o then_o present_v that_o the_o say_a prior_n have_v two_o breck_n upon_o the_o brink_n of_o his_o frontier_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o amend_v and_o repair_v and_o that_o they_o say_v and_o decree_v that_o from_o the_o say_v stone-crosse_a unto_o cowstowe_n each_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v chardged_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o brink_n so_o adjoin_v to_o his_o frontier_n which_o prior_n then_o say_v that_o from_o lakebrigge_n to_o cowstow_v there_o be_v neither_o sea-bank_n nor_o marsh-wall_n or_o any_o other_o defence_n than_o only_o a_o causey_n whereupon_o the_o commoner_n of_o the_o country_n do_v drive_v their_o cattle_n and_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v assess_v for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o benefit_n which_o he_o have_v by_o it_o and_o this_o he_o desire_v may_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o juror_n who_o be_v according_o impanel_v and_o swear_v do_v on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o say_a commoner_n of_o welle_v justify_v the_o say_a decree_n and_o thereupon_o they_o put_v themselves_o upon_o trial_n of_o another_o jury_n which_o jury_n be_v swear_v say_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n from_o lakebrigge_n to_o cowstowe_v be_v not_o then_o a_o bank_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o any_o man_n land_n as_o aforesaid_a howbeit_o in_o ancient_a time_n before_o the_o fresh_a water_n have_v their_o passage_n towards_o wigenhale_n it_o be_v a_o bank_n of_o defence_n ☞_o â—ut_v since_o that_o it_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v except_o a_o new_a ordinance_n be_v make_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o excess_n of_o water_n and_o height_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n prior_n in_o those_o day_n be_v not_o alone_o liable_a to_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o bank_n from_o his_o priory_n unto_o cowstowe_n as_o the_o sâ—id_v juror_n have_v present_v because_o he_o do_v not_o alone_o receive_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o bank_n within_o those_o bound_n be_v the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o fish_n there_o and_o for_o the_o pasturage_n of_o the_o commoner_n because_o that_o by_o the_o say_a bank_n the_o same_o prior_n fish_v and_o other_o borderer_n be_v both_o keep_v from_o the_o sea-water_n and_o that_o the_o fish_n can_v not_o get_v away_o into_o the_o fen._n and_o as_o to_o the_o pasturage_n they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o bank_n do_v serve_v for_o divers_a commoner_n and_o people_n of_o the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n cambridge_n and_o norfolk_n to_o drive_v their_o cattle_n to_o and_o fro_o from_o the_o commons_o of_o the_o fen._n and_o they_o do_v final_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o every_o person_n have_v fish_v within_o the_o bound_n from_o lakebrigge_n towards_o cowstowe_n shall_v according_a to_o the_o quantity_n thereof_o and_o the_o commodity_n he_o have_v thereby_o make_v the_o say_a causey_n and_o bank_n and_o that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o every_o commoner_n of_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisebeche_n and_o all_o other_o who_o have_v drift_n for_o their_o cattle_n that_o way_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n thereof_o according_a to_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o as_o abovesaid_a and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a prior_n shall_v recover_v damage_n for_o that_o erroneous_a presentment_n which_o be_v tax_v at_o xxs._o in_o 7_o e._n 2._o walter_n bishop_n of_o cou._n and_o lich._n and_o henry_n the_o stantone_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n of_o marshland_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la in_o 12_o e._n 2._o have_v john_n haward_n and_o john_n hotoft_n for_o those_o at_o tirington_n so_o also_o the_o next_o ensue_a year_n have_v thomas_n de_fw-fr ingoldesthorpe_n john_n de_fw-fr fitton_n john_n de_fw-fr hotoft_n and_o will._n bataile_n for_o all_o the_o bank_n throughout_o this_o province_n of_o marshland_n but_o in_o this_o last_o specify_v commission_n the_o say_a thomas_n de_fw-fr ingoldesthorpe_n and_o his_o associate_n do_v noâ—ff_n nothing_o in_o effect_n so_o that_o great_a complaint_n noâ—ff_n be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n in_o these_o part_n he_o therefore_o issue_v out_o a_o new_a commission_n to_o they_o bearing_z date_n the_o 24_o of_o august_n in_o the_o 14_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n command_v they_o that_o without_o delay_n they_o shall_v proceed_v therein_o whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v to_o attend_v they_o at_o tyrington_n upon_o friday_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 do_v upon_o their_o oath_n present_a that_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_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
the_o say_a king_n the_o party_n before-specified_n beseech_v he_o that_o whereas_o that_o obstruction_n have_v be_v make_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o those_o justice_n he_o will_v please_v to_o supersede_n the_o take_v thereof_o until_o the_o complainant_n can_v show_v forth_o their_o right_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v right_a in_o the_o premise_n require_v the_o treasurer_n and_o chamberlain_n of_o his_o exchequer_n that_o they_o shall_v under_o the_o exchequer_n seal_n send_v unto_o he_o the_o inquisition_n so_o take_v before_o the_o say_v will._n howard_n and_o his_o associate_n as_o aforesaid_a together_o with_o the_o whole_a process_n thereupon_o upon_o the_o xuth_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n than_o next_o ensue_v all_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o treasury_n of_o the_o say_a exchequer_n under_o their_o custody_n and_o command_v the_o shireeve_v of_o norfolk_n suffolk_z and_o cambridgshire_n to_o make_v proclamation_n within_o their_o liberty_n that_o every_o person_n concern_v in_o the_o premise_n shall_v then_o and_o there_o appear_v to_o answer_v what_o may_v be_v propose_v to_o they_o if_o they_o think_v fit_a and_o to_o folicite_v for_o further_a justice_n therein_o and_o last_o forbid_v the_o say_a geffrey_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n to_o receive_v the_o say_a inquisition_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o precept_n the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n be_v respite_v until_o from_o the_o xuth_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n follow_v because_o none_o of_o they_o appear_v and_o therefore_o the_o shireeve_n be_v to_o attach_v they_o and_o because_o the_o shireeve_v of_o norfolk_n and_o northampton_n return_v that_o their_o writ_n come_v so_o late_o unto_o they_o that_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o therein_o and_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n make_v no_o return_n at_o all_o therefore_o other_o writ_n be_v send_v unto_o they_o require_v each_o of_o they_o to_o bring_v twenty-four_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n etc._n etc._n at_o that_o time_n prefix_v and_o in_o the_o interim_n the_o say_a king_n dispatch_v his_o writ_n of_o certiorare_fw-la to_o the_o treasurer_n and_o chamberlain_n of_o his_o exchequer_n command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v forthwith_o send_v unto_o he_o under_o the_o exchequer_n seal_n the_o say_a inquisition_n so_o take_v before_o the_o before-specified_n will._n howard_n and_o his_o associate_n as_o aforesaid_a which_o write_v of_o certiorare_fw-la bear_v date_n the_o xviiith_o day_n of_o february_n in_o 5_o e._n 3._o but_o the_o say_a treasurer_n and_o chamberlain_n of_o the_o exchequer_n make_v return_v that_o have_v seek_v among_o their_o roll_n they_o can_v not_o find_v any_o such_o inquisition_n ordinance_n or_o decree_n touch_v the_o obstruction_n of_o that_o water_n whereupon_o the_o king_n signify_v as_o much_o to_o the_o say_v geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n and_o his_o associate_n and_o not_o long_o after_o issue_v out_o a_o writ_n to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n whereby_o have_v advertise_v he_o of_o all_o proceed_n in_o that_o business_n he_o command_v he_o to_o make_v public_a proclamation_n within_o his_o liberty_n where_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a that_o all_o such_o person_n who_o be_v concern_v therein_o shall_v attend_v the_o say_a king_n at_o a_o day_n and_o place_n assign_v to_o make_v their_o proposal_n touch_v that_o business_n if_o they_o think_v iâ—_n meet_v as_o also_o to_o solicit_v for_o further_a justice_n there_o and_o to_o make_v return_n of_o his_o do_n therein_o a_o month_n after_o easter_n ensue_v which_o writ_n bear_v date_n upon_o the_o 18_o of_o february_n in_o the_o year_n beforementioned_a by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o say_a shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n viz._n thomas_n de_fw-fr hindringham_n thus_o answer_v that_o he_o make_v return_v of_o the_o same_o writ_n to_o john_n bosse_n of_o kenynghale_n bailiff_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o elye'_v liberty_n who_o say_v that_o he_o do_v make_v proclamation_n according_o and_o find_v no_o man_n gainsaying_n ot_fw-mi find_v fault_n with_o that_o dam_n but_o that_o the_o say_a passage_n be_v as_o commodious_a as_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v and_o that_o he_o do_v give_v notice_n to_o all_o the_o nobleman_n of_o those_o part_n that_o they_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o same_o day_n specify_v in_o the_o writ_n before_o the_o say_a king_n to_o render_v their_o reason_n if_o they_o think_v good_a and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n do_v also_o give_v advertisement_n thereof_o to_o will._n de_fw-fr whetacre_n steward_n of_o the_o liberty_n for_o the_o town_n of_o lenne_n who_o have_v return_v and_o execution_n of_o writ_n which_o william_n answer_v that_o he_o do_v cause_n proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v thereof_o in_o the_o full_a market_n of_o that_o town_n upon_o tuesday_n in_o easter_n week_n in_o the_o same_o year_n with_o advertisement_n that_o all_o those_o who_o the_o say_a obstruction_n may_v concern_v shall_v attend_v the_o say_a king_n likewise_o at_o the_o time_n before_o express_v to_o manifest_v their_o reason_n in_o that_o business_n the_o like_a writ_n do_v the_o say_a king_n send_v to_o the_o shireeve_v of_o suffolk_n and_o cambridgshire_n which_o shireeve_n of_o cambridgshire_n scil_n will._n le_fw-fr moigne_n make_v return_v that_o he_o do_v cause_v the_o like_a proclamation_n to_o be_v make_v as_o abovesaid_a viz._n that_o all_o those_o who_o the_o say_a obstruction_n do_v concern_v shall_v attend_v the_o say_a king_n upon_o the_o xuth_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n to_o set_v forth_o their_o right_a etc._n etc._n and_o because_o that_o the_o king_n receive_v information_n before_o the_o say_v xuth_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n that_o the_o before-specified_n edmund_n peverell_n die_v and_o that_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n do_v joint_o hold_v the_o say_a manor_n with_o he_o the_o say_v edmund_n he_o issue_v out_o another_o writ_n to_o the_o say_a shireeve_n of_o cambridgshire_n whereby_o after_o recital_n of_o the_o whole_a business_n he_o require_v he_o to_o summon_v the_o say_a elizabeth_n to_o appear_v upon_o the_o say_v xuth_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n when_o inquisition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v thereof_o to_o propose_v what_o she_o can_v touch_v her_o right_a then_o in_o question_n which_o writ_n bear_v date_n the_o xijth_o of_o may_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o xv_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o say_a shireeve_n make_v return_n of_o his_o writ_n there_o come_v adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n the_o king_n attorney_n and_o likewise_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norfolk_n cambridge_n huntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n but_o neither_o do_v the_o say_a elizabeth_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o marshland_n land_n man_n nor_o of_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_z and_o cambridge_n have_v land_n thereabouts_o make_v any_o appearance_n at_o all_o whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n send_v another_o writ_n to_o the_o before_o specify_v geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n &_o his_o associate_n require_v they_o without_o far_a delay_n to_o proceed_v to_o the_o take_n of_o the_o say_a inquisition_n upon_o the_o same_o xv_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n which_o write_v bear_v date_n the_o twelve_o of_o may_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a at_o which_o time_n the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n impanel_v and_o swear_v do_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o walter_n de_fw-fr langtonâ—_n â—_z sometime_o bishop_n of_o coventre_n and_o lichfield_n do_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o his_o manor_n of_o coldham_n about_o one_o and_o thirty_o year_n then_o past_a cause_n a_o stop_n to_o be_v make_v at_o outwell_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a water_n by_o reason_n whereof_o those_o man_n who_o have_v occasion_n to_o go_v with_o ship_n and_o other_o vessel_n lade_v with_o good_n and_o merchandise_n from_o holme_n yaxley_n and_o other_o part_n thereabouts_o unto_o the_o port_n of_o bishop_n lenne_n in_o norfolk_n as_o also_o such_o as_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o return_v direct_o from_o thence_o to_o peterborough_n and_o the_o part_n aforesaid_a can_v not_o pass_v with_o their_o ship_n and_o vessel_n as_o ancient_o before_o that_o stop_n be_v so_o make_v they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v but_o be_v force_v to_o go_v a_o long_a way_n about_o viz._n by_o old_a wellen_v he_o and_o lyttle_n port_n which_o in_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o be_v fifty_o mile_n and_o more_o whereby_o corn_n timber_n wool_n reed_n turf_n stone_n and_o other_o commodity_n be_v the_o dear_a and_o so_o likewise_o be_v fish_n herring_n and_o other_o victual_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o circuit_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o norfolk_n ccl._o every_o year_n and_o be_v ask_v in_o who_o soil_n the_o say_a stop_n be_v so_o make_v at_o first_o they_o answer_v in_o the_o king_n soil_n and_o say_v that_o the_o common_a road_n &_o passage_n for_o ship_n and_o boat_n have_v wont_a to_o
etc._n whereupon_o complaint_n be_v make_v unto_o mr._n justice_n gawdy_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o sechie_n in_o com._n norff._n xi_o of_o april_n last_o pass_v it_o be_v by_o they_o order_v 1._o that_o the_o say_a turk_n bank_n shall_v be_v present_o cut_v 2._o that_o small_a load_n london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n be_v sufficient_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o welle_v and_o the_o londoner_n 3._o that_o maid_n load_n be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o mouth_n twenty-five_o and_o xx_o foot_n at_o the_o sluâ—e_n with_o sluice_n to_o carry_v it_o and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o londoner_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v whereupon_o on_o may_n day_n follow_v the_o say_a bank_n be_v cut_v in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o water_n run_v so_o forcible_o through_o the_o say_a cut_n that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o x_o or_o twelve_o day_n after_o it_o suck_v in_o divers_a boat_n and_o vessel_n pass_v that_o way_n and_o it_o be_v far_o present_v that_o a_o little_a without_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o this_o bank_n there_o have_v be_v a_o crest_n for_o people_n to_o travel_v on_o from_o welney_n to_o welle_v in_o the_o summer_n time_n when_o the_o water_n be_v down_o for_o which_o cause_n the_o say_a church-path_n be_v about_o fifty_o year_n pass_v make_v of_o more_o strength_n and_o height_n than_o in_o former_a time_n by_o one_o mr._n beaupre_n the_o same_o be_v not_o long_o after_o cut_v down_o in_o many_o place_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o bishop_n goodrick_n than_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n and_o bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o 44_o eliz._n there_o be_v a_o agreement_n bear_v date_n the_o xx_o of_o march_n make_v by_o indenture_n between_o sir_n john_n peyton_n kâ—_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edmund_z bell_n esquire_n than_o owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o upwell_n john_n richardson_n and_o divers_a other_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o commoner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o john_n watts_n citizen_n and_o alderman_n of_o london_n sir_n william_n cokain_n of_o london_n skinner_n and_o other_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o divers_a fenny_a waste_n and_o commons_n contain_v about_o three_o thousand_o acre_n lie_v in_o upwell_n between_o a_o certain_a drayn_n call_v london_n load_n towards_o the_o north_n maiden_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n towards_o the_o south_n and_o towards_o the_o west_n adjoin_v to_o and_o upon_o the_o causey-bank_n extend_v from_o london_n load_n to_o welney_n and_o towards_o the_o east_n upon_o denver_n common_a for_o drayn_v and_o maintain_v whereof_o they_o be_v to_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v one_o full_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_a waste_n whereupon_o with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n they_o do_v accomplish_v the_o work_n and_o according_o have_v the_o say_a moiety_n thereof_o set_v out_o for_o they_o which_o they_o enjoy_v for_o divers_a year_n till_o about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n james_n his_o reign_n that_o the_o fen-water_n break_v their_o bank_n and_o drown_v all_o again_o the_o country_n people_n then_o turn_v the_o adventurer_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n which_o they_o keep_v till_o francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n beâ—ame_v the_o principal_a undertaker_n for_o drain_n of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o do_v perform_v the_o work_n but_o afterward_o his_o say_a drayn_n meeting_n with_o some_o disaster_n the_o whole_a level_n become_v total_o surround_v again_o and_o so_o continue_v until_o william_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1649._o undertake_v to_o drain_v it_o anew_o which_o in_o four_o year_n time_n he_o perfect_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o more_o full_o show_v whereupon_o sir_n john_n watts_n knight_n and_o some_o other_o who_o claim_v under_o the_o first_o undertaker_n beforementioned_a be_v restore_v to_o the_o possession_n thereof_o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_n 1._o octob._n 7_o jacobi_fw-la before_o sir_n ralph_n hare_n sir_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n knight_n john_n reppe_n thomas_n oxburgh_n jacobi_fw-la thomas_n athow_n rob._n gawsell_n and_o richard_n bachcroft_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o needham_n fen_n and_o burial_n field_n the_o ten_o of_o october_n 31_o eliz._n shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o all_o point_n and_o a_o acreshot_v of_o xd._a the_o acre_n impose_v for_o the_o speedy_a redress_n of_o all_o default_n in_o the_o say_a drayn_n bank_n etc._n etc._n certain_a observance_n make_v upon_o the_o marsh_n below_o the_o 4_o cambridgshire_n goat_n of_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n and_o certain_a creek_n there_o with_o their_o sand_n and_o deep_n by_o richard_n atkins_n of_o utwell_n gent._n in_o june_n 1605._o jaâ—_n wisbeche_v chanel_n fall_v from_o the_o 4_o goat_n eastward_o down_o by_o walpole_n marsh_n on_o the_o east_n and_o south_n to_o crosse-key_n corner_n alias_o gates-end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o pass_v towards_o tirington_n bank_n leave_v to_o the_o southward_n a_o high_a score_n of_o clay_n the_o only_a preservative_n of_o the_o town_n and_o when_o it_o have_v run_v east_n as_o low_a as_o against_o the_o beacon_n then_o do_v it_o turn_v flat_a north_n under_o the_o sand_n call_v tirington_n breast_n lie_v on_o the_o east_n of_o the_o channel_n and_o so_o continue_v northwards_o by_o the_o say_a breast_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 5_o mile_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o blow_n deep_a it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o upon_o every_o flow_n there_o come_v from_o the_o north_n out_o of_o blow-deepe_a a_o tide_n which_o run_v along_o tirington_n breast_n on_o the_o east_n side_n and_o a_o sand_n call_v the_o thief_n on_o the_o west_n and_o out_o of_o the_o west_n from_o a_o channel_n call_v the_o maid_n eye_n come_v another_o tide_n and_o both_o these_o do_v meet_v within_o a_o mile_n of_o tirington_n bank_n and_o so_o meet_v do_v make_v great_a sea_n there_o and_o many_o time_n when_o the_o wind_n be_v at_o west_n or_o north_n the_o sea_n rise_v there_o high_o than_o they_o do_v ten_o mile_n off_o at_o sea_n these_o two_o tide_n thus_o unite_v with_o violence_n run_v right_a upon_o tirington_n bank_n and_o but_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v there_o place_v a_o score_n of_o clay_n contain_v not_o above_o a_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n the_o bank_n can_v not_o in_o man_n reason_n stand_v the_o next_o 3_o tide_n this_o score_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o fret_a of_o the_o sea_n daily_o waste_v and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n not_o understand_v what_o a_o defence_n it_o be_v to_o their_o bank_n continual_o bear_v away_o the_o same_o to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n never_o foresee_v their_o destruction_n if_o that_o score_n of_o clay_n be_v once_o go_v and_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o ordinary_a depth_n of_o his_o channel_n suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o bank_n where_o maid_n eye_n meet_v with_o tirington_n deep_a at_o the_o very_a entrance_n thereof_o at_o a_o dead_a low_a water_n it_o exceed_v not_o 5_o or_o 6_o foot_n deep_a at_o this_o day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o great_a drought_n the_o whole_a mouth_n thereof_o of_o have_v be_v stop_v with_o sand_n but_o upon_o the_o next_o great_a fresh_a that_o happen_v all_o those_o sand_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o channel_n grow_v to_o the_o old_a course_n again_o here_o be_v a_o special_a observance_n to_o be_v make_v qui_fw-la habet_fw-la intellectum_fw-la attendat_fw-la decursus_fw-la namque_fw-la aquae_fw-la dulcis_fw-la viam_fw-la praebet_fw-la marinae_fw-la oceanus_n interim_n ex_fw-la duobus_fw-la his_fw-la canalibus_fw-la aestuans_fw-la fossata_fw-la marina_fw-la alatrandâ—_n alluendo_fw-la inundando_fw-la &_o lacerando_fw-la saepissimè_fw-la gravissimeque_fw-la ita_fw-la excercet_a ut_fw-la deficientibus_fw-la aggeribus_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la malè_fw-la sustentatis_fw-la multùm_fw-la doleo_fw-la de_fw-la finali_fw-la perditione_n &_o dissolutione_n partium_fw-la adjacentium_fw-la verisimiliter_fw-la quod_fw-la absit_fw-la formidatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la &_o hinc_fw-la nascitur_fw-la periculum_fw-la &_o onus_fw-la illico_fw-la acquirendum_fw-la est_fw-la remedium_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la homines_fw-la verò_fw-la patriae_fw-la cum_fw-la plerique_fw-la inertes_fw-la sint_fw-la &_o hebeti_fw-la ingenio_fw-la in_fw-la se_fw-la inuicem_fw-la nuper_fw-la pro_fw-la fossatorum_fw-la sustentandorum_fw-la oneribus_fw-la obruentes_fw-la de_fw-la remedio_fw-la ex_fw-la sublatâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la ne_fw-la somniare_fw-la quidem_fw-la possunt_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la ingenioso_n inertiamque_fw-la svam_fw-la desidiosam_fw-la exosos_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la vivere_fw-la vix_fw-la sustinâ—re_fw-la possunt_fw-la the_o head_n of_o the_o 4_o lincolnshire_n silt_v goat_n be_v preserve_v especial_o in_o summer_n by_o two_o great_a finns_n bring_v
from_o credible_a testimony_n viz._n that_o upon_o the_o cut_n of_o certain_a moat_n by_o francis_n underwood_n esquire_n at_o wittlesey_n where_o he_o have_v make_v a_o pleasant_a and_o commodious_a plantation_n within_o less_o than_o xx_o year_n last_o pass_v there_o be_v find_v at_o seven_o foot_n deep_a through_o absolute_a moor_n firm_a ground_n and_o swath_n of_o mow_v grass_n lie_v perfect_a and_o not_o consume_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o through_o some_o excess_n of_o rain_n fall_v in_o the_o summer_n time_n there_o happen_v such_o a_o flood_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o out-fall_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o silt_n there_o contract_v by_o a_o long_a season_n of_o dry_a weather_n it_o do_v so_o hinder_v their_o usual_a current_n to_o the_o sea_n that_o be_v force_v back_o they_o not_o only_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n but_o have_v ever_o since_o till_o the_o late_a undertake_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o keep_v it_o for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o water_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o adventure_v to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n thereof_o there_o be_v something_o else_o which_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v concomitant_a viz._n the_o usual_a flow_v of_o the_o tide_n much_o high_a upon_o the_o coast_n towards_o lenne_n than_o former_o for_o that_o they_o long_v since_o do_v so_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a there_o have_v be_v of_o late_a year_n find_v at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o a_o new_a sluse_n a_o little_a beneath_o magdalen_n fall_n which_o be_v about_o half_a a_o mile_n from_o magdalen_n bridge_n on_o marshland_n side_n about_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a in_o the_o earth_n a_o large_a flat_a stone_n of_o about_o eight_o foot_n in_o length_n and_o a_o cart_n wheel_n near_o unto_o it_o which_o be_v take_v up_o by_o certain_a workman_n employ_v be_v one_o mr._n emerson_n in_o that_o business_n and_o at_o wigenhall_n s._n mary_n which_o be_v not_o far_o thence_o at_o a_o place_n call_v wathden_n there_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v some_o remainer_n of_o a_o church_n as_o also_o bone_n that_o appear_v at_o a_o low_a ebb_n upon_o the_o river_n side_n about_z 8_o foot_n below_o the_o present_a superficies_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o like_a be_v also_o observable_a at_o uuigenhall_n s._n germane_a the_o floor_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v at_o least_o seven_o foot_n low_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a of_o the_o ouse_n which_o river_n run_v by_o the_o churchyard_n side_n be_v keep_v off_o by_o a_o strong_a and_o large_a bank_n from_o drown_v the_o country_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o the_o same_o rise_n of_o the_o usual_a tide_n to_o a_o great_a height_n than_o former_o which_o have_v so_o widen_v the_o channel_n of_o this_o great_a stream_n at_o lenne_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v be_v constrain_v to_o remove_v one_o of_o their_o church_n to_o a_o far_a distance_n from_o it_o as_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v see_v in_o that_o part_n thereof_o now_o call_v old_a lenne_n where_o the_o bone_n of_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v bury_v in_o that_o churchyard_n be_v now_o daily_o wash_v at_o every_o high_a tide_n by_o reason_n that_o part_n of_o the_o same_o churchyard_n be_v consume_v away_o with_o the_o violence_n of_o that_o current_n as_o for_o the_o tree_n which_o he_o so_o magnify_v for_o their_o length_n without_o knot_n i_o believe_v they_o be_v fir_n no_o other_o timber_n afford_v such_o straightness_n and_o height_n of_o which_o kind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o dig_v up_o of_o late_a year_n in_o those_o part_n but_o when_o it_o be_v that_o this_o obstruction_n whereof_o i_o have_v thus_o take_v notice_n happen_v i_o can_v never_o yet_o discover_v nor_o the_o exact_a time_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n do_v thus_o alter_v i_o shall_v therefore_o for_o want_v of_o better_a light_n therein_o descend_v to_o the_o begin_n of_o k._n edw._n the_o first_o be_v time_n and_o observe_v from_o our_o public_a 〈◊〉_d record_n the_o extent_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o divers_a town_n in_o this_o county_n wherein_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v common_a which_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n of_o soham_n ten_o mile_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o ayornemere_n to_o alwoldingewere_v iselham_n six_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o in_o breadth_n one_o viz._n from_o mildehale_n fen_n to_o the_o fen_n of_o soham_n and_o ely_n of_o wykes_n two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o one_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o alwoldingwere_n to_o strem-lake_n beside_o a_o fen_n in_o another_o place_n of_o one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o in_o breadth_n half_a a_o mile_n scil_n from_o huppewere_v to_o the_o town_n of_o wykes_n of_o fordham_n a_o marsh_n call_v west_n fen_n contain_v six_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n extend_v from_o nesdam_n to_o hopperislane_n with_o another_o marsh_n call_v nort-fen_n in_o length_n two_o furlong_n and_o breadth_n one_o viz._n from_o the_o house_n of_o walter_n fitz_fw-fr robert_n to_o the_o message_n of_o maud_n de_fw-fr somere_n of_o sneilwelle_v four_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o fen_n of_o chippeham_n to_o holme_n melne_v beside_o the_o marsh_n of_o west_n fen_n contain_v half_o a_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o one_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o preeruspend_v to_o calvenebreg_n of_o landwaye_o half_a a_o mile_n in_o length_n viz._n from_o brounisdam_n to_o illingworthe_n of_o borewelle_v six_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o reach_z load_n to_o nesdam_n beside_o part_n of_o est_fw-fr fen_n contain_v four_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o two_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o nesmelne_n unto_o borewelle_n field_n of_o chippeham_n six_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o three_o and_o a_o half_a in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o chippeham_n to_o sneilwelle_n fen_n of_o swafham_n prior_n in_o length_n from_o the_o town_n itself_o unto_o the_o river_n of_o grante_n contain_v three_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o lode_n of_o reach_v to_o the_o lode_n of_o swafham_n bolebek_n contain_v a_o mile_n and_o half_a the_o bound_n of_o the_o heath_n there_o extend_v from_o the_o crest_n of_o the_o great_a bank_n unto_o tweynhowe_n in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o in_o another_o part_n of_o that_o town_n field_n to_o smathowe_v be_v as_o far_o of_o bodekesham_n in_o the_o fen_n of_o stowbrigge_n unto_o swafham_n bolebek_n lode_n two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n of_o wilburham_n parva_fw-la from_o the_o town_n itself_o to_o the_o upland_n of_o stow_n ......._o and_o in_o another_o place_n to_o the_o river_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o halke_n milne_v to_o the_o mill_n at_o fosse_n and_o of_o wilburham_n magna_fw-la from_o lidene_n unto_o wateholme_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o before-specified_n township_n in_o 1â—_n e._n 1._o the_o causey_n betwixt_o saham_n and_o stuntney_n with_o the_o little_a bridge_n belong_v thereto_o be_v in_o great_a decay_n the_o king_n therefore_o assign_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr weyland_n and_o richard_n de_fw-fr holebrok_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a man_n of_o the_o country_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o after_o this_o there_o be_v some_o commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n sewer_n within_o this_o county_n in_o general_a and_o some_o wherein_o certain_a of_o the_o adjacent_a county_n be_v join_v viz._n in_o 31_o e._n 1_o to_o dorso_o james_n beauvoy_n robert_n hereward_n william_n de_fw-fr estdene_n and_o hugh_n vicar_n of_o the_o church_n of_o elm_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n alone_o in_o 2_o e._n 2._o to_o â—oâ—so_o ranulph_n the_o friskeneye_n geffrey_n de_fw-fr colevill_n william_n de_fw-fr spanneby_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr cubeldyk_n for_o those_o throughout_o the_o whole_a county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o this_o shire_n in_o 4_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la william_n de_fw-fr ormesby_n william_n de_fw-fr estdeneâ—_n â—_z and_o henry_n de_fw-fr walpole_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n only_o in_o 10_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la geffrey_n de_fw-fr coleville_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr seiton_n for_o the_o same_o in_o 12_o e._n 2._o to_o dâ—rso_fw-la robert_n de_fw-fr maddyngle_n john_n de_fw-fr fitton_n william_n de_fw-fr rungeton_n john_n de_fw-fr hotoft_n laurence_n de_fw-fr holbeche_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr cantebrigg_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n as_o also_o in_o norfolk_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n shire_n and_o the_o confine_n thereof_o with_o power_n to_o constitute_v trusty_a dykereeve_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n throughout_o all_o those_o part_n in_o 15_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la michael_n de_fw-fr meldon_n and_o roger_n the_o beler_n for_o the_o same_o county_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
those_o field_n as_o of_o all_o other_o lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n to_o be_v then_o new_o make_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v make_v one_o new_a pipe_n under_o the_o bank_n call_v kirkfield_n diche_a and_o under_o the_o great_a river_n there_o and_o the_o say_v new_a bank_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_a priory_n of_o mullycourt_n and_o likewise_o one_o new_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_v new_a pipe_n through_o mullycourt_n drive_v to_o rightforth_n load_n thence_o into_o north_n hook_n and_o thence_o into_o the_o great_a river_n which_o run_v from_o saltery_n load_n to_o bishop_n lynne_n and_o that_o all_o person_n have_v land_n and_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a field_n call_v plawfield_n and_o kirkefield_n shall_v always_o repair_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o say_a pipe_n and_o sewer_n so_o to_o be_v new_o make_v unto_o kightforth_n load_n at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o all_o person_n and_o their_o heir_n have_v land_n in_o the_o say_a field_n call_v budbeche_n and_o sandy_a field_n shall_v have_v one_o sewer_n there_o for_o avoid_v the_o fresh_a water_n thence_o into_o blue_a diche_n and_o from_o blow_n diche_a unto_o rightforth_n load_n and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n so_o have_v land_n in_o those_o field_n call_v budbeche_n and_o sandyfield_n shall_v repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a sewer_n unto_o blewediche_n for_o the_o future_a at_o their_o own_o cost_n and_o charge_n whensoever_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o the_o same_o person_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v have_v land_n in_o the_o say_a field_n call_v budbeche_n and_o sandy_a field_n as_o also_o all_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o those_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n have_v common_a of_o pasture_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n to_o be_v so_o new_a make_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a sewer_n from_o blue_a diche_n to_o rightforth_n load_n for_o the_o future_a at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o that_o all_o person_n have_v land_n in_o the_o say_a field_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbeche_n and_o sandyfield_n as_o also_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n have_v common_a of_o pasture_n and_o fish_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n so_o to_o be_v new_o make_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v repair_v the_o say_a sewer_n call_v rightforth_n load_n unto_o north_n hook_n at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v whensoever_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o the_o abbot_n of_o uuest_n dereham_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v new_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v well_o &_o sufficient_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v one_o causey_n of_o six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n eastward_n throughout_o all_o that_o part_n of_o his_o land_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o old_a pokediche_n on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o a_o certain_a piece_n of_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n and_o another_o pertain_v to_o thomas_n duke_n of_o exeter_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o abut_a on_o the_o before-specified_n great_a river_n towards_o the_o east_n and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o order_v for_o the_o not_o make_v and_o repair_v of_o the_o same_o causey_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n ancient_o use_v in_o the_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o ramsey_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v also_o new_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v one_o other_o causey_n of_o six_o foot_n likewise_o in_o breadth_n through_o another_o piece_n of_o his_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o east_n part_n towards_o the_o say_v great_a river_n and_o they_o far_o ordain_v that_o every_o person_n have_v land_n common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n within_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o common_a load_n shall_v likewise_o new_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v one_o causey_n well_o and_o sufficient_o viz._n each_o man_n against_o his_o own_o land_n towards_o the_o say_v great_a river_n and_o for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v compel_v by_o the_o steward_n of_o thomas_n duke_n of_o exeter_n for_o his_o manor_n of_o stow_n bardolf_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o stow-bardolf_n and_o that_o all_o the_o tenant_n and_o inhabitant_n in_o the_o town_n of_o downham_n hithe_n wimbotesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n shall_v new_o make_v as_o also_o repair_v and_o maintain_v well_o and_o sufficient_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v a_o certain_a causey_n begin_v in_o a_o place_n call_v common_a load_n and_o extend_v itself_o from_o thence_o to_o saltery_n load_n all_o which_o ordinance_n and_o agistment_n so_o make_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a the_o town_n in_o marshland_n beforementioned_a as_o also_o welle_v wigenhale_n dounham_n hithe_o winbotesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n do_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v agree_v for_o themselves_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v to_o observe_v and_o hold_v firm_o it_o be_v therefore_o decree_v by_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n which_o have_v laâ—ds_n common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_v within_o those_o field_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n to_o be_v new_o make_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o aforesaid_a shall_v for_o the_o future_a be_v oblige_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o inquisition_n ordinance_n and_o agistment_n before_o declare_v and_o to_o be_v distrain_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o as_o often_o and_o when_o need_n shall_v require_v in_o witness_v whereof_o the_o say_a henry_n rocheforth_o and_o thomas_n dereham_n do_v affix_v their_o seal_n thereunto_o which_o inquisition_n and_o ordinance_n be_v exemplify_v by_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o under_o his_o great_a seal_n upon_o the_o xijth_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o in_o respect_n that_o the_o ground_n from_o saltery_n load_n to_o north_n delfe_n before-specified_n whereon_o the_o say_a bank_n be_v to_o be_v raise_v be_v then_o the_o proper_a soil_n of_o the_o say_v thomas_n duke_n of_o exeter_n as_o part_v of_o his_o manor_n of_o stow_n bardolf_n the_o say_a duke_n in_o confirmation_n thereof_o do_v by_o his_o deed_n arm._n wherein_o he_o likewise_o style_v himself_o come_v dorcestriae_fw-la &_o harcuriae_fw-la &_o admirallus_fw-la angliae_fw-la bear_v date_n the_o monday_n next_o aftâ—r_v the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la in_o the_o say_v first_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n king_n henry_n the_o six_o grant_v and_o confirm_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n to_o john_n bishop_n of_o ely_n sir_n john_n colvile_n and_o sir_n henry_n rocheford_n knight_n richard_n peverell_n thomas_n karvile_n thomas_n dru_n robert_n karvile_n and_o edmund_n massingham_n esquire_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o wigenhale_n tylney_n islington_n cleuchwardon_n terington_n walton_n enmethe_n walpole_n and_o walsoken_n in_o the_o part_n of_o mershland_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v the_o say_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n so_o to_o be_v new_o make_v and_o raise_v for_o safeguard_n against_o the_o say_a fresh_a water_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o river_n which_o run_v from_o welle_v to_o saltery_n load_n and_o wigenhale_n beginning_n at_o saltery_n load_v aforesaid_a within_o his_o the_o say_v duke_n lordship_n which_o extend_v itself_o in_o length_n from_o thence_o unto_o northdelfe_n beforementioned_a viz._n ground_n contain_v twenty-four_o foot_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n for_o the_o make_n repair_a and_o maintain_v thereof_o as_o also_o sufficient_a ground_n on_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o xl_o foot_n distant_a from_o the_o same_o for_o the_o repair_n likewise_o and_o maintenance_n thereof_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dig_v any_o earth_n on_o the_o say_a north_n side_n thereof_o for_o the_o purpose_n abovesaid_a as_o long_o as_o the_o say_a bank_n can_v be_v fit_o repair_v with_o the_o earth_n on_o the_o south_n side_n and_o he_o do_v moreover_o grant_v and_o confirm_v to_o the_o say_v john_n bishop_n of_o cly_z and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o person_n above-specified_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v that_o they_o not_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v molest_v in_o their_o passage_n to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n wheresoever_o there_o may_v be_v cause_n for_o the_o same_o save_v nevertheless_o to_o he_o the_o say_a dâ—ke_n and_o his_o heir_n wayfe_n stray_v and_o other_o amerciament_n for_o
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