watlington_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 6._o and_o the_o menure_n cast_v out_o of_o it_o to_o be_v lay_v upon_o the_o causey_n on_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o for_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n that_o the_o be_v bank_n late_o make_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o walington_n extend_v from_o the_o great_a river_n at_o bell_n drive_v to_o moyne_v cross_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o old_a ea_z a_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o iime_n and_o stone_n 3_o foot_n square_a and_o a_o sufficient_a drayn_n from_o the_o same_o to_o geris_n dam_n be_v sufficient_o maintain_v that_o the_o township_n of_o runcton_n holm_n and_o watlington_n do_v make_v a_o drain_n from_o the_o pipe_n lie_v between_o bell_n drive_v and_o flemings_n hive_n to_o the_o great_a lake_n of_o 8_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a that_o those_o which_o ought_v to_o amend_v the_o drain_v ☜_o neglect_v for_o 14_o day_n the_o dike_n reeve_n to_o perform_v the_o work_n take_v for_o for_o every_o penny_n lay_v out_o 3d._o thaâ—_n the_o causey_n call_v fleming_n hive_n lie_v in_o runcton_n holm_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 16_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n 5_o on_o the_o north_n side_n that_o thorpe_n land_n goal_n be_v maintain_v 9_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o that_o stow_n goole_n alias_o hirne_n goal_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o that_o the_o sea-bank_n from_o stow_n bridge_n to_o the_o division_n between_o stow_n and_o dounham_n be_v in_o breadth_n on_o the_o top_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a that_o the_o drayn_n in_o wimbotesham_n extend_v from_o midlâ—tons_n house_n to_o the_o parsonage_n be_v 3_o foot_n broad_a and_o 2_o foot_n deep_a thence_o to_o inghams_n corner_n 5_o foot_n broad_a and_o 3_o foot_n deep_a and_o thence_o to_o wimbotesham_n goal_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o that_o the_o drayn_n in_o downham_n on_o the_o east_n side_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n extend_v from_o bydewell_n to_o the_o great_a river_n be_v make_v from_o bydwell_n to_o goodcrosse_n in_o breadth_n 3_o foot_n and_o depth_n 2._o from_o thence_o to_o the_o goole_n do_fw-mi in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a river_n in_o breadth_n 10_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o that_o the_o drayn_n in_o dounham_n by_o yerning_n ditch_n extend_v to_o tullymore_n in_o denver_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5_o and_o the_o gool_n belong_v thereto_o to_o be_v repair_v that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o dounham_n goole_n to_o denver_n hithe_a be_v 6_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a that_o all_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a river_n from_o denver_n hithe_n to_o west_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o gunnels_n load_n be_v on_o the_o top_n 5_o foot_n broad_a and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water-mark_a so_o likewise_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o west_n load_n alias_o wyssey_n river_n extend_v from_o gunnels_n load_n to_o shippen_n load_n and_o from_o shippen_n load_n to_o helgay_n bridge_n to_o be_v 12_o foot_n at_o the_o bottom_n 6_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o in_o height_n equal_a with_o helgay_n causey_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o king_n james_n the_o sea_n have_v make_v a_o very_a great_a breach_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o great_a yarnmouth_n and_o happisborow_n in_o this_o county_n of_o norfolk_n and_o overflow_v and_o drown_v much_o hard_a ground_n beside_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o low_a ground_n within_o divers_a town_n and_o parish_n not_o only_o of_o this_o county_n but_o also_o of_o suffolk_n there_o be_v a_o special_a act_n 20._o of_o parliament_n then_o make_v for_o the_o issue_v out_o of_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n for_o the_o survey_n and_o view_v thereof_o and_o use_v such_o other_o mean_n for_o the_o speedy_a recover_n of_o they_o as_o by_o the_o say_a act_n be_v particular_o direct_v chap._n xlvi_o in_o 6_o h._n 3._o complaint_n 3._o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n that_o the_o sea-tide_n have_v overflow_v a_o great_a part_n of_o dunwich_n and_o the_o land_n adjacent_a as_o also_o that_o they_o do_v daily_o encroach_v more_o and_o more_o thereon_o so_o that_o far_a damage_n be_v like_a to_o happen_v in_o case_n something_o be_v not_o do_v therein_o he_o issue_v out_o his_o letter_n 3._o patent_n unto_o all_o the_o earl_n baron_n knight_n and_o freeholder_n of_o this_o county_n affectionate_o desire_v they_o that_o they_o will_v apply_v a_o proper_a and_o speedy_a remedy_n thereto_o and_o in_o 3_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 18._o to_o the_o constable_n of_o orford_n castle_n that_o for_o the_o better_a defence_n of_o orford_n marsh_n ☞_o he_o shall_v cause_v new_a bank_n to_o be_v make_v where_o none_o be_v before_o and_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a one_o in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o 18_o e._n 1._o there_o be_v so_o great_a and_o sudden_a a_o inundation_n dorso_fw-la of_o the_o sea_n at_o gernemuthe_n and_o the_o part_n thereabouts_o that_o it_o break_v into_o the_o house_n and_o carry_v out_o much_o of_o their_o good_n and_o chest_n with_o money_n and_o jewel_n as_o also_o sheep_n and_o other_o cattle_n out_o of_o the_o pasture_n many_o whereof_o be_v take_v up_o by_o those_o who_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a owner_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o king_n have_v information_n he_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la will._n de_fw-fr gyselham_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr redham_n commissioner_n to_o inquire_v in_o who_o hand_n they_o then_o be_v and_o to_o cause_v restitution_n thereof_o to_o be_v make_v in_o 3_o e._n 2._o hervie_n de_fw-fr staunton_n john_n le_fw-fr breton_n ric._n de_fw-fr walsyngham_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v the_o sea-bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n where_o need_v require_v the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la in_o 9_o e._n 2._o have_v robert_n de_fw-fr reydone_n and_o roger_n sturmy_n for_o all_o those_o upon_o the_o coast_n betwixt_o ippeswiche_n and_o donewich_n and_o in_o 31_o h._n 6._o the_o abbot_n of_o leyston_n and_o sybeton_n thomas_n brew_v john_n harleston_n will._n jenney_n reginald_n rous_n john_n strange_a and_o richard_n yakesley_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o make_v the_o like_a view_n from_o amynesmere_n haven_n unto_o rakewarebrigge_n and_o from_o stonhill_n to_o keyesbrigge_n and_o from_o rakewarebrigge_n to_o yoxford_n brigge_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n etc._n etc._n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o that_o work_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n in_o accelarate_v thereof_o for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o further_a mischief_n so_o also_o in_o 36_o h._n 6._o be_v dorso_fw-la sir_n robert_n corbet_n knight_n thomas_n brew_v john_n harlestone_n henry_n grey_n reginald_n rous_n and_o henry_n turnour_n chap._n xlvii_o return_v now_o westward_n i_o come_v to_o cambridgshire_n wherein_o the_o large_a proportion_n of_o this_o spacious_a fenny_a tract_n lie_v and_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o obstruction_n thereof_o of_o the_o old_a natural_a outfall_n at_o wisebeche_n not_o only_o of_o that_o great_a river_n ouse_n whole_o with_o grant_v and_o likewise_o a_o branch_n of_o nene_n then_o unite_v to_o it_o but_o of_o divers_a load_v and_o lake_n beside_o have_v be_v both_o the_o original_a and_o chief_a cause_n that_o the_o main_a level_n become_v thus_o total_o overflow_v and_o consequent_o the_o occasion_n of_o such_o excessive_a pain_n and_o continual_a charge_n aswell_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o from_o utter_a drown_n as_o recovery_n of_o what_o be_v so_o under_o water_n i_o shall_v next_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o manifold_a endeavour_n and_o vast_a expense_n in_o that_o kind_n which_o have_v be_v use_v in_o order_n thereto_o as_o also_o of_o such_o dreadful_a inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o sundry_a violent_a tempest_n or_o of_o the_o same_o fresh_a water_n which_o for_o divers_a age_n have_v happen_v in_o these_o part_n in_o the_o year_n mccxxxvi_o 21._o h._n 3._o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o martinmass_n day_n and_o for_o the_o space_n of_o eight_o day_n more_o so_o boisterous_a be_v the_o wind_n that_o the_o sea_n be_v raise_v much_o high_a than_o its_o usual_a bound_n break_v in_o at_o wisebeche_n and_o other_o place_n of_o this_o country_n ita_fw-la quod_fw-la naviculae_fw-la pecora_fw-la necnon_fw-la &_o hominum_fw-la maxima_fw
distringendum_fw-la &_o per_fw-la amerciamenta_fw-la &_o alio_fw-la modo_fw-la prout_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o which_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o common_a law_n id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o ancient_a usage_n of_o this_o kingdom_n as_o the_o learned_a sergeant_n calais_n well_o infer_v from_o the_o word_n dignitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la regiae_n all_o prerogative_n be_v without_o limitation_n of_o time_n now_o for_o the_o statute_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v in_o 6_o h._n 6._o and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o it_o give_v they_o authority_n to_o make_v officer_n to_o take_v account_n of_o their_o expenditor_n to_o set_v labourer_n on_o work_n and_o to_o rate_v the_o wage_n of_o such_o labourer_n then_o that_o of_o 8_o h._n 6._o cap._n 3._o which_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o former_a grant_v power_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o ordain_v and_o execute_v the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v make_v according_a to_o the_o effect_n and_o purport_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n next_o that_o of_o 18_o h._n 6._o cap._n 10._o which_o continue_v the_o power_n of_o that_o statute_n of_o 6_o h._n 6._o for_o ten_o year_n long_o the_o time_n first_o limit_v therein_o be_v then_o expire_v then_o that_o of_o 23_o h._n 6._o cap._n 9_o prolong_v that_o of_o 18_o h._n 6._o to_o xv_o year_n more_o next_o that_o 7._o of_o 12_o e._n 4._o cap._n 6._o which_o not_o only_o add_v the_o like_a number_n xv_o year_n more_o thereto_o but_o enlarge_v it_o to_o the_o march_n of_o caleis_n guynes_n and_o ham_n on_o the_o border_n of_o france_n and_o flanders_n then_o that_o of_o 4_o h._n 7._o cap._n 1._o prolong_v that_o of_o 12_o e._n 4._o to_o twenty-five_o year_n more_o likewise_o that_o of_o 6_o h._n 8._o cap._n 10._o ratify_v the_o former_a act_n and_o give_v power_n to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o grant_v out_o commission_n of_o sewer_n into_o all_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n next_o that_o of_o 23_o h._n 8._o cap._n 5._o in_o the_o preamble_n whereof_o there_o be_v these_o word_n viz._n the_o king_n nothing_o erthe_o so_o high_o weigh_v as_o advance_v of_o the_o common_a profit_n wealth_n and_o commodity_n of_o this_o realm_n whence_o say_v the_o before-specified_n learned_a sergeant_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o make_n of_o this_o law_n be_v of_o all_o other_o think_v to_o be_v most_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a consequence_n the_o king_n prefer_v the_o same_o before_o any_o earthly_a thing_n and_o the_o king_n care_n therein_o become_v his_o royal_a person_n very_o worthy_o because_o by_o this_o statute_n safety_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o realm_n and_o wealth_n and_o profit_n to_o the_o people_n thereof_o in_o that_o preamble_n it_o be_v likewise_o observable_a first_o that_o marsh_n and_o low_a ground_n have_v former_o be_v by_o politic_a wisdom_n win_v and_o make_v profitable_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o commonwealth_n second_o that_o if_o more_o speedy_a and_o further_a remedy_n be_v not_o have_v and_o provide_v though_o divers_a provision_n have_v be_v former_o make_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a remedy_n for_o reformation_n thereof_o and_o three_o that_o power_n be_v give_v thereby_o to_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o three_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la to_o take_v any_o man_n timber_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v use_v therein_o and_o to_o set_v the_o price_n thereof_o as_o also_o to_o sell_v any_o man_n land_n nay_o the_o king_n be_v also_o or_o part_v thereof_o in_o fee_n or_o for_o what_o other_o term_n they_o please_v all_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o king_n be_v royal_a assent_n have_v thereunto_o be_v not_o to_o be_v repeal_v but_o by_o act_n or_o parliament_n and_o make_v they_o therefore_o a_o absolute_a court_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v sewer_n after_o this_o about_o two_o year_n viz._n 25_o h._n 8._o cap._n 10_o there_o be_v another_o statute_n which_o extend_v this_o last_o commission_n to_o the_o town_n and_o march_n of_o caleis_n and_o impose_v a_o penalty_n of_o five_o mark_n upon_o every_o commissioner_n who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o be_v swear_v according_a to_o the_o act_n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o then_o that_o of_o 3_o &_o 4_o e._n 6._o cap._n 8._o which_o take_v notice_n how_o beneficial_a the_o statute_n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o have_v be_v to_o this_o realm_n ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v continue_v with_o these_o addition_n thereto_o for_o ever_o viz._n that_o all_o skot_n loâ—s_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n thenceforth_o to_o be_v rate_v and_o tax_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o king_n land_n his_o heir_n or_o successor_n for_o any_o thing_n concern_v the_o article_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v gather_v and_o levy_v by_o distress_n or_o otherwise_o in_o like_a manner_n and_o form_n as_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o land_n of_o any_o other_o person_n and_o that_o no_o commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v thenceforth_o have_v continuance_n for_o above_o five_o year_n after_o the_o date_n thereof_o next_o that_o of_o 13_o eliz._n cap._n 9_o which_o authorise_v the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n thenceforth_o to_o stand_v in_o force_n for_o the_o term_n of_o ten_o year_n next_o after_o their_o date_n unless_o they_o be_v repeal_v by_o reason_n of_o any_o commission_n or_o by_o supersedeas_fw-la and_o last_o that_o of_o 3_o jac._n cap._n 14._o which_o comprehend_v the_o wall_n ditch_n bank_n gutter_n sewer_n gate_n causeys_n bridges_n stream_n and_o watercourse_n have_v their_o passage_n into_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o within_o two_o mile_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n as_o subject_a to_o the_o commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n and_o to_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o same_o to_o these_o for_o remove_v of_o some_o scruple_n touch_v the_o power_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o erect_v of_o new_a sluice_n and_o for_o make_v new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n where_o none_o be_v before_o i_o shall_v add_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o two_o chief_a justice_n viz._n popham_n and_o anderson_n man_n famous_a in_o their_o time_n for_o their_o learning_n in_o both_o these_o case_n and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o before-specified_n serg._n calais_n in_o his_o say_v read_v upon_o the_o stat._n of_o 23_o h._n 8._o as_o also_o of_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n attorney_n general_a to_o king_n james._n in_o 43_o &_o 44_o eliz._n a_o great_a controversy_n do_v arise_v in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n about_o the_o erect_n of_o two_o new_a goat_n at_o skirbeck_n and_o langare_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n of_o south_n holland_n and_o the_o fen_n into_o boston_n haven_n which_o work_n sir_n edward_n dimock_n knight_n do_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o friend_n further_a what_o he_o can_v but_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o country_n of_o kefâ—even_n and_o they_o very_a exception_n take_v thereto_o be_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n can_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o commission_n make_v a_o law_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o these_o new_a goat_n where_o never_o any_o stand_v before_o whereupon_o the_o decision_n of_o this_o point_n come_v at_o length_n before_o the_o then_o two_o justice_n viz._n popham_n and_o anderson_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n that_o the_o say_v new_a goat_n if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v good_a and_o profitable_a for_o the_o safety_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o country_n they_o may_v be_v erect_v by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o statute_n the_o like_a controversy_n arise_v in_o 12_o jacobi_fw-la in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntingdon_n and_o northampton_n about_o the_o make_n of_o new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n which_o be_v much_o oppose_v the_o business_n come_v in_o the_o end_n to_o be_v hear_v before_o the_o king_n and_o the_o council_n whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n upon_o mature_a deliberation_n compare_v the_o undue_a proceed_n of_o those_o who_o have_v disturb_v his_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o those_o county_n with_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o also_o with_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o ancient_a and_o late_a time_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n deliver_v in_o write_v very_o exact_o and_o full_o upon_o the_o say_a question_n touch_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_v commissionersâ—_n it_o be_v object_v 1._o that_o the_o commissioner_n have_v no_o power_n to_o raise_v new_a bank_n drayn_n or_o sluice_n where_o there_o have_v be_v none_o before_o 2._o that_o they_o may_v not_o lay_v the_o tax_n upon_o hundred_o town_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o in_o general_a but_o upon_o
for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v of_o himself_o at_o all_o intermeddle_v with_o such_o distress_n as_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n but_o that_o such_o justice_n as_o be_v to_o be_v execute_v thereupon_o shall_v be_v reserve_v to_o we_o and_o our_o heir_n or_o to_o our_o special_a mandate_n as_o it_o be_v before_o express_v in_o that_o patent_n of_o our_o say_a grandfather_n which_o king_n continue_v his_o mindfulness_n thereof_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n bear_v date_n at_o york_n 24_o augusti_n in_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n appoint_v robert_n de_fw-fr kendale_n john_n malemeyn_n de_fw-fr hoo_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr cotes_n gentleman_n then_o of_o special_a note_n in_o this_o country_n to_o oversee_v the_o sea-bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n situate_v betwixt_o apeldre_n and_o romenale_n and_o in_o the_o 17_o of_o his_o reign_n by_o the_o like_a patent_n dorso_fw-la date_v at_o westminster_n xxo_o maii_n constitute_v edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifeld_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr sardone_fw-fr his_o commissioner_n for_o the_o like_a view_n of_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a part_n of_o the_o say_v marsh._n the_o next_o year_n follow_v there_o have_v be_v a_o complaint_n make_v to_o the_o king_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a trench_n make_v betwixt_o apuldre_n and_o the_o port_n of_o romenhale_n very_o many_o discommodity_n and_o loss_n daily_o befall_v the_o country_n adjacent_a whereupon_o he_o assign_v 38._o the_o before-specified_n edmund_n and_o john_n together_o with_o william_n de_fw-fr cotes_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o these_o part_n by_o who_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o premise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o discover_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v that_o trench_n and_o when_o and_o for_o what_o cause_n as_o also_o how_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n and_o moreover_o what_o discommodity_n &_o damage_n have_v happen_v by_o mean_n thereof_o and_o to_o who_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n but_o be_v afterward_o advertise_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o dissension_n rise_v betwixt_o his_o baron_n of_o the_o cinque_fw-fr port_n and_o the_o commonality_n of_o romenale_n marsh_n by_o reason_n thereof_o that_o both_o side_n be_v prepare_v to_o fight_v it_o out_o if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o far_a proceed_n in_o that_o inquisition_n which_o as_o it_o will_v occasion_v much_o terror_n to_o the_o people_n thereabouts_o so_o may_v it_o not_o a_o little_a hinder_v that_o warlike_a expedition_n which_o the_o say_a king_n then_o intend_v consider_v therefore_o the_o need_n that_o at_o present_a he_o have_v of_o the_o service_n of_o his_o faithful_a subject_n aswell_o by_o land_n as_o by_o sea_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o his_o utmost_a power_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o unity_n and_o peace_n by_o his_o special_a precept_n ibid._n bear_v date_n at_o guldeford_n 6_o aug._n he_o command_v the_o before-specified_n edmund_n john_n and_o william_n for_o the_o cause_n above_o express_v to_o supersede_n the_o take_n of_o that_o intend_a inquisition_n until_o they_o shall_v receive_v his_o far_a command_n therein_o which_o stop_v in_o that_o business_n last_v not_o long_o for_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o next_o february_n the_o king_n grant_v out_o a_o new_a commission_n 19_o to_o they_o for_o to_o proceed_v forthwith_o therein_o in_o the_o same_o year_n it_o seem_v that_o the_o bank_n in_o this_o marsh_n betwixt_o tide_n and_o dengemareys_n be_v break_v for_o in_o the_o month_n of_o june_n ensue_v i_o find_v that_o the_o say_a king_n issue_v out_o his_o commission_n dorso_fw-la to_o henry_n de_fw-fr shardon_n thomas_n de_fw-mi â—eversham_fw-mi and_o william_n de_fw-fr roberts_n brigge_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o they_o that_o great_a care_n and_o regard_n can_v be_v than_o appear_v by_o what_o i_o have_v already_o instance_a to_o have_v be_v take_v in_o the_o regulation_n of_o all_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o marsh_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v well_o imagine_v nevertheless_o such_o be_v the_o pravity_n of_o some_o ill-disposed_a man_n who_o chief_o mind_v their_o particular_a gain_n though_o it_o be_v by_o cheat_v the_o public_a that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o strict_a watch_n over_o they_o all_o good_a order_n will_v be_v subvert_v and_o little_a else_o but_o cozenage_n if_o not_o rapine_n practise_v instead_o thereof_o as_o we_o shall_v find_v by_o the_o do_n of_o some_o who_o be_v employ_v with_o the_o levy_n and_o collection_n of_o money_n to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o watergangs_a of_o this_o marsh_n who_o most_o unconscionable_o and_o against_o the_o trust_n repose_v in_o they_o make_v use_v of_o those_o sum_n so_o gather_v to_o their_o own_o private_a use_n insomuch_o as_o complaint_n thereof_o be_v make_v to_o the_o king_n in_o 5_o e._n 3._o who_o thereupon_o give_v commission_n 19_o to_o william_n de_fw-fr clinton_n ralph_n sauvage_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr feversham_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o particular_n thereof_o which_o king_n out_o of_o the_o like_a tender_a respect_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o marsh_n 3._o as_o his_o father_n and_o other_o his_o ancestor_n have_v by_o his_o leter_n exâ—_n patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 28_o of_o novem._n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n wherein_o he_o recite_v that_o famous_a ordinance_n make_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n of_o which_o i_o have_v so_o often_o make_v mention_n add_v his_o royal_a confirmation_n thereof_o and_o afterward_o at_o sundry_a time_n as_o occasion_v require_v grant_v his_o commission_n to_o several_a person_n of_o quality_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o kent_n for_o the_o overseeing_a the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a and_o take_v care_n for_o their_o necessary_a repair_n as_o by_o the_o enroulment_n of_o they_o appear_v viz._n in_o april_n 13_o e._n 3._o dorso_fw-la to_o thomas_n de_fw-fr brockhill_n william_n de_fw-fr oralsâ—on_n robert_n de_fw-fr shâ—rden_n and_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr basham_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o sea-coast_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o lude_n near_o romenhale_n and_o in_o octob._n follow_v to_o dorso_n the_o same_o thomas_n geffrey_n and_o james_n de_fw-fr echyngham_n touch_v those_o which_o lie_v betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o romne_n and_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v longerake_n and_o betwixt_o the_o church_n of_o lyde_n and_o the_o sea_n within_o the_o town_n of_o lyde_n in_o june_n 18_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o thomas_n de_fw-fr brokhull_n john_n de_fw-fr err_v thomas_n de_fw-fr rethelin_n and_o william_n alleyn_n of_o brokeland_n for_o those_o in_o romenhale_n marsh._n in_o march_v 21_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o thomas_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr gillingham_n stephan_n donet_fw-la and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr horsham_n for_o the_o same_o bank_n in_o april_n 22_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o james_n de_fw-fr echingham_n thomas_n de_fw-fr broxhill_n and_o the_o rest_n last_o mention_v the_o like_a so_o also_o in_o dorso_fw-la july_n follow_v to_z william_n de_fw-fr broclond_n stephan_n de_fw-fr horsham_n richard_n de_fw-fr morton_n and_o william_n waschare_n but_o notwithstanding_o that_o wholesome_a ordinance_n so_o often_o mention_v and_o the_o several_a confirmation_n thereof_o i_o find_v that_o simon_n islip_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n with_o other_o land-holders_n within_o this_o marsh_n of_o romene_n make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n b._n to_o the_o king_n in_o 33_o e._n 3._o that_o whereas_o all_o those_o their_o land_n lay_v border_v to_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o without_o the_o continual_a support_n of_o the_o bank_n gutter_n ditch_n and_o other_o mound_n aswell_o for_o exclude_v the_o sea_n as_o for_o the_o void_a out_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n there_o make_v they_o can_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n be_v defend_v and_o preserve_v farther_o show_v that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n ancestor_n to_o the_o say_v king_n edward_z the_o 3_o ordain_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n of_o the_o say_a king_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o whosoever_o be_v tenant_n and_o resident_a within_o the_o precinct_n who_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n therein_o situate_a shall_v choose_v aught_o to_o be_v the_o bailiff_n to_o levy_v the_o tax_n assess_v for_o reparation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n as_o in_o the_o say_a ordinance_n more_o full_o may_v appear_v and_o that_o though_o in_o pursuance_n of_o those_o ordinance_n one_o john_n atte_n lose_v a_o tenant_n and_o resident_a within_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v be_v elect_v and_o depute_v to_o the_o office_n of_o the_o say_a bailiff_n for_o levy_v of_o the_o say_a tax_n by_o the_o lord_n of_o this_o marsh_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a nevertheless_o one_o matthew_n
the_o haver_a knight_n john_n de_fw-fr cavendishe_v john_n de_fw-fr gildesburgh_n and_o other_o be_v make_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bâ—nks_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o berk_v and_o eâ—t-tilbury_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v ☜_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr waâ—ton_n knight_n thomas_n torell_n and_o thomas_n belhouse_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a commission_n for_o the_o bank_n at_o west-thurrok_a so_o also_o in_o 43_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n the_o lodelowe_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v thomas_n yonge_n john_n aâ—brey_n and_o will._n naffeâ—ton_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a west_n hamme_n &_o berk_n the_o like_a dorso_o in_o 44_o e._n 3._o have_v sr_n hen._n the_o grey_a of_o codnore_n knight_n sir_n rob._n de_fw-fr marny_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr goldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o the_o water_n of_o markediche_n and_o other_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n betwixt_o berk_n and_o est-tyllebury_a aforesaid_a other_o commission_n in_o the_o same_o king_n time_n be_v these_o viz._n dorso_fw-la in_o 48_o e._n 3._o to_o robert_n bealknap_n john_n de_fw-fr bampton_n and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n between_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n and_o est-tilbury_n in_o 49_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v knight_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr sutton_n knight_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr poley_n knight_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o bradwell_n as_o also_o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich_n carreu_n john_n aubrey_n and_o roger_n germeyn_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a and_o west-hamme_a with_o appointment_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o likewise_o to_o doâ—sâ—_n nich_n carreu_n robert_n bealknap_n will._n tank_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o the_o abbess_n of_o berk_n and_o moreover_o to_o dorso_o the_o say_v nicholas_n robert_n bealknap_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr teye_n for_o several_a other_o bank_n in_o divers_a marsh_n within_o this_o county_n in_o 50_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n and_o will._n halden_n for_o those_o from_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o to_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wanton_n knight_n roger_n mareschall_n thomas_n de_fw-fr belhous_n and_o roger_n germayn_n for_o those_o at_o west_n thurrok_n in_o 51_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o robert_n bealknap_n thomas_n maundevill_n rob._n de_fw-fr teyesâ—_n â—_z and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n in_o several_a marsh_n and_o place_n of_o this_o county_n and_o in_o 1_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n will._n de_fw-fr halden_n john_n auberey_n john_n bampton_n william_n rykhill_n and_o roger_n gremyn_n for_o those_o from_o stratford_n aâ—te_v bow_n to_o berk_n in_o 2_o r._n 2._o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr grey_n of_o wilton_n sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n sir_n will._n berland_n sir_n will._n wauton_n sir_n john_n symond_n sir_n john_n chaneeux_n knight_n geffrey_n darsham_n rob._n rigdon_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a marsh_n through_o this_o county_n which_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o power_n to_o choose_v and_o take_v so_o many_o carpenter_n with_o other_o artificer_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o county_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o except_v the_o fee_n of_o the_o church_n and_o except_v such_o as_o be_v assign_v for_o the_o say_v king_n special_a service_n and_o to_o employ_v they_o therein_o imprison_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v refractory_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wauton_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr middleton_n roger_n marescall_n roger_n germayn_n and_o john_n stody_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a sort_n assign_v for_o those_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n and_o the_o garden_n of_o farndon_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o west_n thurrok_n so_o also_o in_o dorso_fw-la 4_o r._n 2._o be_v the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n henry_n asty_a and_o laurence_n allerthorpe_n for_o those_o at_o esthamme_n and_o west-hamme_a in_o 8_o r._n 2._o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n brembre_n maior_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n robert_n bealknap_n nich._n carreu_n will._n rykehill_n richard_n ryall_n and_o roger_n germyn_n be_v dorso_fw-la appoint_v as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n from_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la rob._n bealknap_n will._n wauton_n john_n guldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o bark_v and_o dakenham_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n before_o that_o time_n exercise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o in_o 15_o r._n 2._o john_n radyngton_n prior_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n sir_n john_n deyncourt_n knight_n will._n de_fw-fr horbury_n clerk_n thomas_n newenton_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o reynham_n and_o alvytheley_n and_o to_o act_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o though_o by_o the_o great_a care_n which_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o divers_a coast_n from_o inundation_n that_o lie_v thus_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o as_o have_v by_o great_a iudustry_n be_v win_v from_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o sea_n much_o advantage_n do_v accrue_v to_o the_o common_a wealth_n yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o violence_n and_o irresistible_a force_n of_o that_o element_n be_v agitate_a by_o high_a and_o boisterous_a wind_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o prevention_n thereof_o it_o sometime_o waste_v and_o consume_v much_o in_o other_o place_n of_o which_o sundry_a example_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o requisite_a but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o viz._n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n osithes_n in_o this_o county_n whereof_o i_o find_v cottâ—nianâ—_n mention_n in_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v unto_o robert_n de_fw-fr braybroke_n bishop_n of_o london_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n richard_n 2d._o and_o to_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n of_o that_o church_n by_o sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n knight_n who_o thereby_o show_v that_o whereas_o that_o monastery_n be_v situate_a near_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o have_v in_o it_o a_o abbot_n and_o twenty_o canon_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n augustine_n serve_v god_n there_o devout_o every_o day_n and_o that_o the_o revenue_n thereof_o be_v through_o various_a mishap_n without_o their_o default_n so_o diminish_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sustenance_n be_v abate_v viz._n in_o southflete_a c_o acres_n of_o their_o arable_a land_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n total_o drown_v as_o also_o there_o and_o at_o their_o beckarie_n of_o coketwyk_n in_o one_o pasture_n wherein_o at_o sometime_o a_o c_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o ew-sheep_n may_v be_v keep_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o bank_n '_o and_o inundation_n thereof_o then_o scarce_o lxx_o cow_n and_o eight_o hundred_o ewe_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o moreover_o that_o two_o marsh_n call_v wyggebergh_n mer_n and_o holewyke_v mersh_fw-mi in_o which_o six_o hundred_o mutton_n may_v be_v yearly_o keep_v be_v then_o through_o the_o continual_a tide_n daily_o overflow_v that_o scarce_o four_o hundred_o can_v be_v maintain_v and_o that_o the_o water-mill_n situate_v in_o the_o town_n of_o s._n osiths_n and_o belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n which_o have_v be_v worth_a xxl._n be_v by_o the_o sea-tide_n so_o spoil_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v repair_v under_o a_o hundred_o pound_n charge_n and_o last_o that_o the_o marsh_n wall_n in_o that_o town_n in_o length_n three_o mile_n which_o include_v a_o pasture_n for_o lxx_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o mutton_n and_o ewe_n be_v so_o tear_v and_o break_v at_o that_o time_n that_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o same_o there_o must_v be_v other_o bank_n make_v anew_o and_o those_o old_a one_o quit_v so_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_a pasturage_n be_v for_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v leave_v out_o scarce_o fifty_o cow_n and_o six_o hundred_o sheep_n can_v be_v there_o maintain_v in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o these_o loss_n he_o petition_v that_o the_o church_n of_o elmestede_n may_v be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o religious_a house_n very_o many_o commission_n have_v i_o afterward_o also_o see_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o in_o a_o brief_a manner_n point_n at_o viz._n in_o 9_o h._n 4._o to_o
county_n do_v exhibit_v a_o presentment_n 17._o in_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n import_v that_o this_o channel_n call_v fossedike_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o torksey_n unto_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n have_v be_v ancient_o open_a and_o full_a of_o water_n so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n lade_v with_o victual_n and_o other_o vendible_a commodity_n do_v use_v to_o pass_v to_o and_o from_o nottingham_n york_n kingston_n upon_o hull_n and_o sundry_a other_o place_n and_o county_n by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o trent_n and_o so_o by_o this_o channel_n to_o lincoln_n and_o from_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n to_o the_o great_a benefit_n of_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n and_o advantage_n of_o all_o tradesman_n pass_v that_o way_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n adjacent_a be_v then_o choke_v up_o for_o want_n of_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o torkesey_n and_o town_n of_o torksey_n with_o the_o member_n thereof_o the_o prioress_n of_o fosse_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n gilb._n earl_n of_o angos_n &_o his_o tenant_n sir_n ralph_n daubney_n knight_n and_o his_o tenant_n the_o abbot_n of_o newsum_n john_n frunellâ—_n â—_z the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o gilbert_n de_fw-fr bridshull_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr normanton_n of_o saxelbie_n the_o lady_n katherine_n swinford_n john_n brett_n of_o thornhagh_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n sir_n ralph_n painell_n knight_n and_o all_o other_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o say_a channel_n and_o their_o ancestor_n who_o lordship_n lay_v on_o either_o side_n and_o abut_a on_o the_o same_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n lie_v against_o his_o own_o lordship_n do_v and_o ought_v to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o say_a channel_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o choke_v up_o and_o obstruct_v for_o above_o thirty_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o king_n as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o city_n aforesaid_a notwithstanding_o which_o presentment_n the_o king_n issue_v out_o a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la the_o very_a next_o ensue_v year_n unto_o sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n mr_n geffrey_n le_fw-fr scrope_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr stafford_n clerk_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o obstruction_n thereof_o but_o i_o make_v a_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v thereupon_o cleanse_v for_o in_o 8_o r._n 2._o which_o be_v about_o nine_o year_n after_o i_o find_v that_o john_n duke_n of_o lancaster_n john_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n henry_n percy_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n sir_n michael_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr pole_n knight_n sir_n philip_n darcy_n knight_n and_o other_o be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la by_o the_o say_a king_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o scour_v so_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n may_v have_v a_o clear_a passage_n through_o it_o as_o ancient_o they_o have_v use_v cap._n xxxi_o the_o marsh_n on_o withom_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o this_o province_n lie_v the_o river_n of_o witham_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o suburb_n of_o lincoln_n to_o boston_n by_o which_o stream_n great_a vessel_n have_v ancient_o come_v up_o from_o boston_n to_o that_o city_n as_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o do_v by_o tradition_n affirm_v and_o as_o may_v seem_v by_o large_a rib_n of_o they_o which_o within_o memory_n have_v be_v there_o dig_v up_o but_o the_o descent_n of_o this_o stream_n from_o the_o say_a city_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v so_o little_a that_o the_o water_n have_v a_o slow_a passage_n can_v keep_v it_o wide_a and_o deep_a enough_o either_o for_o navigation_n or_o drayn_v of_o the_o adjacent_a marsh_n without_o the_o frequent_a help_n of_o dig_v and_o clear_v the_o same_o the_o mud_n and_o weed_n increase_v so_o much_o therein_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o tend_v to_o that_o purpose_n as_o also_o of_o its_o course_n above_o that_o city_n whereof_o the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o find_v be_v in_o 6_o e._n 3._o henry_n de_fw-fr fienton_n will._n dysney_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr sibthorpe_n be_v then_o constitute_v dorso_fw-la the_o king_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_v thereoâ—_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o bekingham_n and_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n it_o be_v turn_v out_o of_o its_o right_a channel_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o so_o obstruct_v with_o sand_n mud_n and_o plantation_n of_o tree_n as_o also_o by_o floodgate_n sluice_n mill_n causeys_n and_o ditch_n that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o same_o be_v hinder_v cause_v frequent_a inundation_n to_o the_o land_n adjacent_a after_o this_o viz._n in_o 37_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 7._o exhibit_v to_o john_n de_fw-fr repynghale_n and_o h._n asty_a than_o the_o say_v king_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o newerk_n upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n laurence_n for_o the_o view_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n and_o remove_v all_o obstruction_n and_o impediment_n whereby_o the_o free_a current_n thereof_o from_o the_o town_n of_o claypole_n unto_o the_o say_a city_n of_o lincoln_n be_v hinder_v which_o presentment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o wapentake_v of_o boby_n and_o graffow_n import_v that_o the_o east_n mill_n at_o bracebrigge_n belong_v to_o the_o knight_n hospitalar_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n stand_v in_o the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n do_v obstruct_v the_o current_n thereof_o to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o knight_n hospitalar_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o river_n than_o have_v not_o sufficient_a depth_n nor_o breadth_n from_o the_o sheepcote_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n katherine_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o bracebrigge_n and_o that_o the_o say_v knight_n hospitalar_n have_v certain_a floodgate_n therâ—_n which_o do_v turn_v the_o right_a course_n of_o that_o river_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a channel_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n be_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o prior_n of_o the_o say_a hospital_n of_o s._n john_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o appear_v before_o those_o commissioner_n at_o newerk_n the_o wednesday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o assumption_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o answer_v to_o these_o particular_n who_o appear_v according_o do_v allege_v that_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v be_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o house_n and_o that_o the_o say_a mill_n then_o stand_v as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o do_v without_o that_o that_o either_o he_o or_o his_o predecessor_n have_v build_v any_o new_a mill_n there_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o floodgate_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v erect_v there_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n with_o this_o order_n viz._n that_o the_o gate_n thereof_o shall_v be_v yearly_o remove_v from_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n elene_n in_o the_o month_n of_o may_n unto_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a cross_n but_o that_o after_o that_o day_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n elene_n they_o shall_v stand_v in_o their_o place_n and_o if_o the_o say_a river_n of_o withom_n shall_v happen_v upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o be_v so_o much_o raise_v as_o to_o be_v above_o a_o certain_a stake_n stand_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a floodgate_n than_o the_o same_o gate_n to_o be_v remove_v until_o the_o water_n shall_v abate_v to_o the_o height_n of_o that_o stake_n which_o say_v stake_n have_v be_v there_o make_v and_o place_v for_o a_o gage_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n without_o that_o that_o any_o floodgate_n be_v raise_v high_a than_o that_o stake_n or_o that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n ought_v to_o be_v remove_v the_o business_n therefore_o be_v come_v to_o this_o issue_n the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v at_o carleton_n in_o moreland_n on_o friday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a it_o be_v find_v by_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o s._n johns_n and_o his_o predecessor_n be_v not_o seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o have_v be_v before_o allege_v but_o that_o they_o be_v erect_v there_o after_o that_o time_n though_o not_o by_o the_o say_a prior_n therefore_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o floodgate_n shall_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o shireeve_n of_o lincolnshire_n have_v command_v to_o remove_v they_o according_o and_o to_o make_v certificate_n of_o his_o do_n
of_o the_o learned_a alemanensis_fw-la that_o country_n now_o a_o fair_a and_o dry_a habitation_n have_v be_v sea_n almost_o as_o far_o as_o tongerne_v cap._n ix_o holstein_n in_o holsatia_n likewise_o holstein_n about_o dithmarsh_n and_o the_o tract_n of_o wilstar_n and_o crempen_a consist_v of_o low_a ground_n and_o subject_a to_o inundation_n johannes_n adolphus_n duke_n of_o holstein_n begin_v in_o the_o year_n mdcx_o by_o notable_a work_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o year_n secure_v many_o thousand_o acre_n &_o improve_v the_o land_n above_o three_o hundred_o thousand_o dollar_n which_o be_v effect_v he_o parcele_v they_o out_o by_o gift_n or_o sale_n unto_o his_o subject_n reserve_v out_o of_o every_o portion_n a_o rent_n unto_o himself_o tantum_n territorii_fw-la subditis_fw-la &_o amiciss_fw-la cessit_fw-la ea_fw-la lege_fw-la ut_fw-la vel_fw-la aggeribus_fw-la cingatur_fw-la vel_fw-la ab_fw-la aquis_fw-la intestinis_fw-la liberetur_fw-la &_o hinc_fw-la quotannis_fw-la celsitudinis_fw-la suae_fw-la aerario_fw-la certus_fw-la canon_n pro_fw-la quolibet_fw-la foot_n demeto_fw-la numeretur_fw-la as_o the_o learned_a schoneveldeus_fw-la 47._o report_v cap._n x._o america_n neither_o do_v we_o want_v example_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o america_n for_o the_o city_n of_o mexico_n be_v seat_v in_o a_o great_a lake_n much_o subject_n to_o inundation_n which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v it_o in_o the_o year_n mdcxxxiiii_o the_o spaniard_n with_o mighty_a industry_n secure_v that_o habitation_n by_o turn_v the_o lake_n and_o so_o lay_v the_o city_n dry_a cap_n xi_o have_v now_o do_v with_o my_o observation_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a banking_n and_o drayning_n in_o foreign_a part_n which_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o i_o come_v to_o england_n that_o be_v the_o place_n of_o my_o far_a design_v discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n wherein_o for_o my_o more_o orderly_a proceed_n i_o do_v purpose_n to_o begin_v with_o kent_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o eastern_a situation_n and_o in_o it_o first_o with_o romney_n marsh_n a_o spacious_a tract_n in_o that_o country_n and_o more_o ancient_o secure_v from_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o ocean_n than_o any_o other_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n as_o may_v seem_v by_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n for_o regulate_v its_o repair_n which_o have_v be_v long_o ago_o make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n whereunto_o all_o the_o other_o marsh_n and_o fen_n in_o this_o nation_n be_v to_o conform_v and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o other_o heretofore_o surround_v marsh_n in_o that_o county_n aswell_o adjacent_a to_o the_o thames_n as_o border_v on_o the_o sea_n and_o have_v so_o do_v to_o ascend_v up_o the_o stream_n of_o that_o fair_a river_n on_o the_o southside_n and_o then_o descend_v on_o the_o north_n side_n to_o observe_v what_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v memorable_a in_o reference_n to_o any_o marsh_n that_o lie_v on_o either_o thence_o into_o sussex_n somersetshire_n gloucestershire_n yorkshire_n and_o lincolnshire_n and_o last_o to_o that_o great_a level_n which_o extend_v itself_o no_o less_o than_o lx._n mile_n and_o into_o six_o county_n viz._n cambridge_n huntindon_n northampton_n norfolk_n suffolk_z and_o lincolnshire_n wherewith_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o work_n how_o long_o since_o or_o by_o who_o this_o fruitful_a and_o large_a tract_n contain_v 211._o no_o less_o than_o twenty_o four_o thousand_o acre_n be_v win_v from_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v no_o testimony_n leave_v to_o we_o from_o any_o record_n or_o historian_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v discover_v which_o defect_n do_v strong_o argue_v that_o the_o first_o gain_v thereof_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n it_o be_v true_a that_o munire_fw-la viam_fw-la be_v a_o phrase_n use_v by_o cicero_n for_o the_o pave_v a_o way_n or_o make_v a_o causâ—y_n and_o some_o brit._n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o here_o the_o word_n paludibus_fw-la emuniendis_fw-la be_v to_o have_v the_o like_a signification_n and_o to_o be_v construe_v in_o make_v causey_n over_o the_o fen_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v as_o i_o can_v well_o admit_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o before_o any_o pavement_n or_o causey_n can_v be_v make_v in_o such_o place_n the_o water_n be_v of_o necessity_n first_o to_o be_v take_v and_o keep_v off_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v so_o that_o allow_v that_o construction_n what_o i_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v well_o enough_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o the_o banking_n and_o drayning_n both_o here_o and_o in_o some_o other_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n which_o be_v before_o that_o time_n overflow_v by_o sea-tide_n be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o roman_n as_o when_o i_o come_v to_o holland_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o marshland_n in_o norfolk_n i_o purpose_n more_o full_o to_o demonstrate_v and_o therefore_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o be_v here_o in_o britain_n do_v something_o in_o this_o kind_n as_o i_o shall_v make_v more_o evident_a in_o my_o discourse_n of_o holland_n and_o marshland_n before_o specify_v from_o undoubted_a testimony_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o this_o marsh_n be_v a_o part_n thereof_o in_o regard_n that_o not_o long_o after_o their_o desertion_n of_o this_o country_n i_o find_v mention_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v then_o inhabit_v for_o in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxcvi_o it_o be_v thus_o say_v a._n of_o ceolf_n king_n of_o mercia_n viz._n that_o cantiam_fw-la vastavit_fw-la &_o provinciam_fw-la quae_fw-la dicitur_fw-la mersâ—wari_fw-la which_o no_o doubt_n be_v mean_v this_o romney_n marsh_n for_o the_o learned_a cambden_n in_o his_o britannia_n speak_v of_o it_o sai_z that_o in_o the_o saxon_n time_n the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d id_fw-la est_fw-la viri_fw-la palustres_fw-la marshmen_n which_o accord_v fit_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o place_n there_o be_v who_o suppose_v that_o the_o name_n of_o it_o viz._n romeney_n do_v declare_v sufficient_o that_o it_o be_v at_o first_o win_v from_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o roman_n but_o 208._o mr._n lambert_n say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o saxon_n time_n write_v rumen-ea_a id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o large_a watery_a place_n and_o since_o that_o râ—menale_n and_o romenale_n corrupt_o consonant_a to_o which_o expression_n of_o he_o i_o find_v that_o the_o river_n pasâ—â—ng_v through_o this_o marsh_n be_v ancient_o call_v rumen_n ea_fw-la for_o so_o it_o appear_v by_o that_o grant_n 57_o of_o pleigmund_n the_o archbishop_n make_v to_o christs-church_n in_o canterbury_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccc_n in_o these_o word_n concedo_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la christi_fw-la terram_fw-la quae_fw-la voco_fw-la wefe_v merse_n juxta_fw-la flumen_fw-la quod_fw-la voco_fw-la rumen_fw-la ea_fw-la have_v now_o by_o these_o circumstantial_a testimony_n show_v that_o the_o roman_n be_v they_o that_o by_o their_o skill_n and_o experience_n in_o such_o work_n of_o bank_v and_o drayn_v do_v first_o gain_v this_o rich_a and_o large_a tract_n of_o ground_n from_o the_o impetutuous_a sea-tide_n i_o shall_v now_o descend_v to_o those_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n which_o the_o care_n and_o wisdom_n of_o succeed_a age_n do_v make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o defence_n thereof_o from_o be_v again_o drown_v and_o destroy_v by_o the_o violent_a overflowing_n of_o the_o ocean_n that_o the_o common_a law_n of_o england_n whereof_o we_o find_v no_o original_n be_v 7._o at_o first_o certain_a constitution_n make_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a king_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o nation_n there_o be_v none_o i_o presume_v that_o doubt_v though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o authority_n for_o to_o back_v they_o than_o long_a usage_n and_o custom_n the_o like_a therefore_o i_o suppose_v be_v the_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o this_o marsh_n for_o albeit_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o learn_v when_o and_o by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o frame_v and_o compose_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o unquestionable_a record_n that_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n since_o they_o be_v call_v antiquas_fw-la &_o approbatas_fw-la consuetudines_fw-la i.e._n ancient_a and_o approve_a custom_n for_o â—â—râ—o_o in_o 35_o h._n 3._o the_o king_n direct_v his_o writ_n to_o the_o sheriff_n of_o kent_n and_o thereby_o declare_v ibid._n that_o complaint_n have_v be_v make_v to_o he_o on_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o xxiiii_o jurat_n make_v choice_n of_o for_o the_o conservation_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o sea-bank_n of_o râ—menale_n import_v that_o whereas_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o ancient_a and_o approve_a custom_n they_o have_v distrain_v those_o who_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o repair_v those_o bank_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o tenement_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o the_o country_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o he_o the_o say_a shireeve_n have_v make_v replevin_n of_o the_o same_o
to_o the_o say_a shireeve_n bear_v date_n the_o xxth_o of_o april_n requite_v he_o to_o return_v back_o those_o distress_n to_o the_o end_n that_o no_o more_o complaint_n may_v be_v make_v against_o he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n for_o which_o he_o may_v far_o incur_v the_o say_a king_n displeasure_n b._n to_o give_v instance_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a person_n who_o oppose_v these_o ordinance_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a can_v i_o exact_o do_v it_o i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o one_o only_a suit_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v commence_v by_o one_o godfrey_n le_fw-fr fauâ—oner_n against_o hamon_n pit_n john_n cobbe_n and_o other_o for_o take_v ten_o cow_n by_o way_n of_o distress_n upon_o his_o the_o say_a godfrey_n manor_n of_o hurst_n for_o his_o disobedience_n to_o the_o say_a ordinance_n to_o which_o action_n the_o say_a hamon_n and_o his_o fellow-defendant_n plead_v that_o the_o say_v godfrey_n enjoy_v certain_a possession_n lie_v in_o romney_n marsh_n in_o which_o marsh_n all_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n to_o make_v the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o other_o inundation_n of_o water_n and_o that_o the_o xxiiii_o man_n oâ—_n that_o marsh_n choose_v and_o swear_v by_o the_o commonality_n thereof_o aught_o to_o make_v distress_n in_o the_o same_o upon_o all_o the_o landholders_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whensoever_o the_o bank_n and_o watercourse_n thereof_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o repair_n which_o say_v jurat_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v because_o they_o can_v not_o attend_v it_o themselves_o make_v choice_n of_o the_o say_v hamon_n to_o take_v those_o distress_n and_o constitute_v he_o their_o bailiff_n so_o to_o do_v ☞_o and_o that_o they_o have_v this_o liberty_n by_o the_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o by_o the_o king_n charter_n which_o they_o then_o produce_v whereupon_o they_o say_v that_o by_o teason_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n default_n that_o distress_n take_v for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v just_o make_v of_o which_o there_o be_v assign_v by_o the_o say_a jurat_n three_o perch_n and_o a_o half_a at_o the_o least_o for_o his_o proportion_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o apuldre_n to_o be_v repair_v at_o his_o cost_n and_o according_a to_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o water_n more_o if_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o divers_a place_n and_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o have_v take_v a_o great_a distress_n upon_o he_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o country_n they_o say_v nevertheless_o also_o that_o they_o take_v upon_o one_o a._n b._n a_o fermour_n to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n ten_o steer_n and_o ten_o lamb_n belong_v to_o i._o n._n tenant_n also_o to_o the_o say_v godfrey_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o default_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a for_o which_o they_o afterward_o make_v satisfaction_n and_o have_v their_o cattle_n again_o and_o be_v question_v for_o how_o much_o he_o take_v the_o first_o distress_n and_o for_o how_o much_o the_o second_o he_o say_v that_o the_o first_o default_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n be_v estimate_v at_o four_o mark_n and_o the_o second_o at_o xlviiis._o and_o the_o say_v godfrey_n allege_v that_o he_o hold_v those_o tenement_n in_o the_o marsh_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o grant_n of_o henry_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n grandfather_n to_o king_n henry_n then_o be_v and_o that_o the_o same_o king_n henry_n give_v they_o to_o william_n the_o son_n of_o balderic_n ancestor_n of_o the_o say_v godfrey_n who_o heir_n he_o be_v and_o that_o by_o this_o grant_n both_o his_o ancestor_n and_o himself_o after_o they_o always_o hold_v their_o tenement_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o free_o and_o quiet_o as_o the_o say_a baldric_n first_o hold_v they_o and_o he_o far_o say_v that_o this_o custom_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergang_n be_v never_o require_v neither_o of_o his_o say_a ancestor_n nor_o himself_o till_o about_o five_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n be_v make_v bailiff_n for_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o watergang_n nor_o that_o they_o ever_o make_v they_o at_o any_o time_n and_o produce_v the_o charter_n of_o the_o say_a king_n henry_n the_o second_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o his_o ancestor_n hold_v those_o tenement_n by_o that_o feoffment_n so_o free_o that_o they_o never_o do_v any_o repair_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n not_o watergangs_a and_o that_o neither_o he_o after_o he_o possess_v the_o same_o land_n nor_o his_o ancestor_n be_v ever_o distrain_v till_o within_o these_o five_o or_o six_o year_n last_o pass_v that_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o know_v who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v those_o distress_n for_o that_o defect_n in_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o watergangs_a which_o neither_o he_o nor_o his_o ancestor_n make_v nor_o be_v use_v to_o make_v he_o require_v judgement_n of_o their_o recognition_n whereunto_o the_o say_v hamon_n and_o the_o rest_n reply_v that_o in_o former_a time_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n touch_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o before-specified_n banks_n and_o watergangs_a upon_o which_o there_o grow_v a_o suit_n in_o the_o country_n before_o the_o shireeve_n wherein_o the_o say_v xxiiii_o jurat_n deem_v themselves_o wrong_v come_v to_o the_o king_n court_n and_o complain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n allege_v this_o plea_n do_v not_o pertain_v to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o hold_v it_o be_v therefore_o determine_v by_o the_o king_n counsel_n that_o the_o king_n justice_n shall_v be_v send_v thither_o to_o ordain_v and_o dispose_v of_o those_o difference_n according_a to_o justice_n and_o according_o henry_n the_o bath_n be_v send_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v summons_n of_o xl_o day_n as_o in_o the_o iter_fw-la of_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o say_v henry_n upon_o his_o view_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o watergangs_a by_o the_o consent_n &_o good_a like_n of_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n then_o ordain_v that_o the_o archbishop_n bishop_n abbot_n prior_n earl_n baron_n and_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n shall_v contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n &_o watergangs_a according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o tenement_n whereupon_o as_o the_o say_v godfrey_n desire_v to_o be_v defend_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n &_o watergangs_a the_o say_a hamon_n require_v that_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n shall_v contribute_v to_o those_o repair_n as_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o ordinance_n as_o aforesaid_a he_o refer_v himself_o to_o the_o record_n in_o the_o roll_n of_o the_o say_v henry_n the_o bath_n and_o also_o the_o say_a hamon_n further_o allege_v that_o of_o necessity_n the_o say_a godfrey_n ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n because_o that_o if_o his_o land_n shall_v not_o be_v defend_v by_o they_o it_o will_v be_v whole_o drown_v &_o make_v salt_n but_o to_o this_o the_o say_v godfrey_n answer_v that_o though_o that_o ordinance_n be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o say_v henry_n yet_o he_o the_o say_v godfrey_n never_o give_v his_o consent_n thereto_o and_o that_o he_o be_v neither_o summon_v nor_o call_v to_o come_v before_o he_o at_o the_o make_v thereof_o and_o moreover_o say_v that_o neither_o before_o the_o same_o ordinance_n so_o make_v nor_o after_o either_o he_o or_o his_o ancestor_n ever_o so_o contribute_v but_o always_o hold_v their_o land_n quiet_o without_o any_o exaction_n at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o before-specified_n king_n henry_n charter_n grandfather_n to_o the_o then_o king_n henry_n until_o two_o year_n before_o that_o the_o before-specified_n hamon_n and_o other_o take_v his_o cattle_n whereupon_o he_o require_v judgement_n whether_o the_o same_o ordinance_n ought_v to_o prejudice_v he_o in_o that_o behalf_n howbeit_o the_o say_a hamon_n and_o other_o reply_v that_o he_o have_v the_o common_a summons_n of_o xl_o day_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o whole_a commonality_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n have_v whereof_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o thereupon_o say_v that_o though_o the_o say_v godfrey_n will_v not_o come_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v with_o his_o neighbour_n he_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v free_a from_o payment_n of_o the_o before-specified_n contribution_n for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n because_o it_o conduce_v to_o the_o common_a profit_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n in_o the_o same_o marsh_n that_o aswell_o his_o land_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o other_o tenant_n be_v defend_v by_o the_o
the_o next_o year_n follow_v richard_n wakeherst_n will._n bertyne_n thomas_n betenham_n thomas_n hordene_n walter_n colepeper_n and_o john_n derham_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o smalhithe_n and_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o pend_n and_o likewise_o betwixt_o farnehille_n and_o a_o bank_n lead_v from_o mayteham_n to_z pend_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o parish_n of_o tenterden_n and_o rolveldene_n with_o power_n to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o place_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o instant_a necessity_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n in_o 28_o h._n 6._o will._n keen_a esquire_n john_n bamburgh_n stephan_n slegge_n and_o other_o be_v in_o like_a fort_n constitute_v commissioner_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o rede_v and_o redehille_n thence_o to_o huntebornebrigge_n thence_o to_o the_o upland_n of_o bregge_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o rede_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o tenterden_n apuldre_n and_o wodechirche_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a in_o 13_o e._n 4._o sir_n john_n fog_n knight_n sir_n will._n haute_fw-fr knight_n roger_n brent_n john_n fyneux_n will._n brent_n john_n nethirsole_n and_o john_n heart_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n appoint_v for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o tenterdene_n and_o lyde_n as_o also_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a in_o 14_o e._n 4._o the_o king_n have_v receive_v advertisement_n that_o the_o bank_n ditch_n &c._n &c._n lie_v on_o the_o sea-coast_n and_o marsh_n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n in_o sussex_n and_o the_o town_n of_o romney_n in_o this_o county_n of_o kent_n be_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n much_o break_v and_o decay_a to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o those_o part_n and_o be_v therefore_o desirous_a that_o some_o speedy_a remedy_n shall_v be_v use_v therein_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n colloniâ—na_fw-la patent_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n 16_o julii_fw-la in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a constitute_v sir_n john_n fog_n sir_n william_n haute_fw-fr and_o sir_n john_n gilford_n knight_n and_o john_n elryngton_n john_n brumston_n henry_n auger_n will._n belknap_n and_o robert_n oxenbregge_v esquire_n as_o also_o bartholomew_n bolney_n roger_n brent_n john_n fyneux_n vincent_n fynche_n john_n nethersole_n and_o john_n heart_n his_o commissioner_n give_v power_n to_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n john_n fyneux_n vincent_n fynche_n john_n nethersole_n and_o john_n heart_n to_o be_v one_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n and_o to_o inquire_v upon_o the_o oath_n aswell_o of_o knight_n as_o other_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o before-specified_n counties_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o by_o who_o the_o truth_n in_o the_o premise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o know_v through_o who_o default_n these_o damage_n have_v there_o happen_v and_o who_o they_o be_v that_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n or_o common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n in_o those_o county_n or_o have_v or_o may_v have_v preservation_n and_o benefit_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n or_o loss_n for_o want_n of_o they_o aswell_o those_o that_o be_v remote_a as_o those_o that_o be_v near_o to_o the_o danger_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n or_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o carucate_n proportionable_a to_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o likewise_o for_o their_o common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_n and_o together_o with_o the_o bailiff_n of_o the_o liberty_n and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o county_n and_o part_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o or_o some_o of_o they_o new_a where_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o likewise_o for_o cleanse_v the_o trench_n and_o if_o cause_n be_v to_o stop_v they_o up_o so_o that_o no_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o rich_a or_o poor_a or_o of_o what_o state_n degree_n or_o dignity_n soever_o who_o may_v have_v advantage_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o detriment_n for_o want_n of_o they_o and_o moreover_o to_o make_v agistment_n upon_o the_o sea-ditche_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o part_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o perch_n and_o as_o often_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v needful_a to_o renew_v they_o and_o likewise_o to_o depute_v certain_a diligent_a and_o faithful_a guardian_n for_o the_o preservation_n before_o mention_v and_o to_o hear_v the_o account_n of_o the_o collector_n of_o money_n which_o be_v to_o be_v levy_v for_o that_o occasion_n and_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o obstruction_n of_o those_o trench_n and_o that_o they_o the_o say_v commissioner_n or_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v one_o to_o take_v distress_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o who_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o depute_v for_o that_o purpose_n for_o the_o arrearage_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v collect_v as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v be_v and_o also_o to_o make_v and_o ordain_v fit_a and_o necessary_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o seacoast_n and_o marsh_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o adjacent_a part_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o of_o romeney_n marsh._n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o the_o premise_n aswell_o at_o the_o say_v king_n suit_n as_o the_o suit_n of_o any_o other_o whasoever_o which_o shall_v come_v in_o question_n before_o they_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o to_o take_v and_o employ_v in_o the_o say_a work_n and_o repair_v as_o many_o ditcher_n and_o other_o workman_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v expedient_a for_o the_o work_n and_o repair_v before_o mention_v upon_o competent_a salary_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o in_o that_o behalf_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o great_a urgent_a and_o instant_a necessity_n for_o expedition_n therein_o futrher_n require_v the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o say_v bartholomew_n roger_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v one_o to_o accomplish_v the_o premise_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o whosoever_o they_o shall_v find_v either_o negligent_a or_o refractory_a in_o make_v their_o proportionable_a repair_n belong_v to_o they_o to_o compel_v they_o thereto_o by_o distress_n and_o amerciament_n and_o such_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o they_o shall_v deem_v most_o expedient_a to_o the_o end_n the_o say_a defect_n may_v be_v sudden_o make_v good_a and_o to_o cause_v whatsoever_o they_o shall_v ordain_v and_o determine_v therein_o to_o be_v firm_o observe_v act_v therein_o as_o to_o justice_n appertain_v and_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n aforesaid_a save_v to_o the_o say_a king_n all_o amerciament_n and_o other_o thing_n herein_o to_o he_o belong_v whereupon_o afterward_o viz._n on_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o xviijth_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n the_o say_a justice_n be_v inform_v that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o fresh_a marsh_n lie_v within_o the_o subsequent_a limit_n viz._n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n call_v cowelese_v towards_o the_o north_n the_o land_n in_o the_o ree_n lead_v from_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o place_n call_v lynkehoke_v near_o romeney_n towards_o the_o east_n the_o way_n lead_v from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v lynkehoke_v by_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o bank_n at_o lyde_n and_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o high_a street_n of_o that_o town_n to_o pigwell_n and_o a_o place_n call_v the_o holmestone_n lie_v without_o the_o bank_n call_v wikewall_n the_o land_n of_o promhill_n situate_v without_o the_o bank_n call_v simondes_n wall_n and_o kent_n wall_n and_o the_o gulf_n of_o salt_n water_n run_v from_o the_o camer_n unto_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v cowelese_v towards_o the_o west_n except_v the_o marsh_n call_v the_o kete_a denecourt_n mershe_o and_o bourghser_n mershe_n and_o other_o marsh_n then_o late_o take_v in_o by_o the_o before-specified_n john_n elryngton_n and_o richard_n gilford_n esquire_n with_o the_o bank_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v daily_o subject_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o inundation_n by_o the_o sea_n and_o salt_n water_n for_o default_n of_o repair_n and_o
common_a forland_n as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v use_v upon_o which_o such_o carriage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o repair_n maintenance_n or_o make_v of_o those_o wall_n might_n without_o impediment_n be_v make_v and_o likewise_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a swear_v do_v several_o say_v that_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n call_v the_o becard_n who_o ought_v to_o pay_v and_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o bank_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v have_v not_o any_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v go_v ride_v or_o drive_v to_o that_o marsh_n nor_o from_o it_o except_o over_o other_o man_n land_n or_o upon_o the_o bank_n or_o forland_n lead_v thence_o to_o and_o from_o the_o say_v marsh._n and_o they_o say_v that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh-law_n there_o in_o all_o such_o case_n before_o that_o time_n use_v the_o tenant_n of_o that_o land_n at_o their_o pleasure_n may_v go_v ride_v and_o drive_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o say_a marsh_n over_o and_o upon_o the_o forland_n of_o the_o bank_n lead_v to_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o from_o the_o same_o and_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n or_o partition_n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n &c._n &c._n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v or_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o land-holders_n and_o how_o much_o land_n every_o such_o tenant_n have_v or_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v the_o say_a juror_n do_v several_o present_v the_o certainty_n thereupon_o according_a to_o the_o form_n and_o as_o it_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o sewer_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v then_o exhibit_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n and_o thereupon_o the_o say_a john_n fog_n john_n scotte_n and_o other_o to_o the_o number_n of_o eight_o of_o the_o say_a justice_n forasmuch_o as_o upon_o their_o say_a view_n and_o inquisition_n aforesaid_a make_v and_o take_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a it_o evident_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o danger_n of_o drown_v by_o default_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o bank_n whereupon_o in_o short_a time_n inestimable_a damage_n may_v accrue_v unless_o a_o fit_a remedy_n in_o that_o behalf_n be_v the_o soon_o have_v and_o that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v may_v very_o well_o be_v preserve_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o by_o the_o make_n of_o sewer_n ditch_n and_o gutter_n in_o those_o marsh_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a commodity_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o those_o precinct_n except_o before_o except_v and_o that_o in_o default_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o support_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o every_o of_o they_o all_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n those_o except_v as_o aforesaid_a will_v be_v in_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o easy_o overwhelm_v to_o the_o inestimable_a loss_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o whereby_o all_o those_o tenant_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v equal_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o such_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o land_n and_o marsh_n there_o from_o this_o peril_n and_o inundation_n viz._n every_o one_o of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v as_o his_o number_n of_o acre_n and_o perch_n of_o land_n there_o as_o in_o the_o say_a marsh_n of_o romeney_n according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n statute_n and_o custom_n thereof_o have_v and_o to_o that_o time_n use_v in_o the_o like_a case_n there_o have_v wont_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v consider_v beside_o that_o the_o say_v land_n and_o marsh_n ☜_o lie_v within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v be_v never_o before_o settle_v under_o any_o certain_a and_o fit_a statute_n or_o ordinance_n by_o any_o authority_n for_o their_o secure_a defence_n and_o preservation_n and_o moreover_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a king_n desire_v seasonable_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n and_o chief_o for_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o seacoast_n in_o his_o parliament_n hold_v at_o westminster_n the_o six_o of_o october_n in_o the_o xijth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o by_o divers_a prorogation_n continue_v till_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n thereof_o by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a sit_v in_o the_o say_a parliament_n at_o the_o petition_n of_o the_o commonalty_n of_o this_o his_o realm_n then_o and_o there_o exhibit_v to_o he_o among_o other_o thing_n ordain_v and_o constitute_v that_o several_a commission_n of_o sewer_n shall_v be_v issue_v out_o to_o sundry_a person_n by_o the_o chancellor_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v throughout_o all_o the_o part_n of_o this_o realm_n where_o need_n shall_v require_v according_a to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o certain_a commission_n in_o a_o statute_n make_v in_o the_o parliament_n of_o henry_n the_o six_o in_o deed_n but_o not_o in_o right_a king_n of_o england_n hold_v at_o westminster_n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o make_v ordain_v and_o constitute_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o perform_v all_o other_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o effect_n of_o those_o commission_n as_o in_o the_o say_a statute_n of_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n publish_v be_v more_o full_o contain_v whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n issue_v out_o his_o letter_n patent_n to_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n john_n fog_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o justice_n beforementioned_a in_o form_n aforesaid_a the_o tenor_n of_o which_o petition_n and_o answer_n thereto_o and_o of_o the_o statute_n ordinance_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o say_v romeney_n marsh_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o certain_a roll_n annex_v thereunto_o have_v also_o regard_v to_o the_o public_a advantage_n and_o common_a profit_n aswell_o by_o virtue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a statute_n publish_v in_o the_o say_v xijth_o year_n as_o of_o the_o say_a letter_n patent_n as_o aforesaid_a hereupon_o make_v to_o the_o before-specified_n justice_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a and_o other_o premise_n that_o it_o will_v seem_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o they_o in_o this_o behalf_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n to_o establish_v and_o ordain_v what_o shall_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o avoid_n of_o the_o peril_n and_o damage_n abovesaid_a call_v together_o such_o as_o the_o business_n concern_v for_o the_o perpetual_a safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v by_o the_o assent_n aswell_o of_o all_o those_o juror_n of_o the_o enquest_n aforesaid_a appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n who_o have_v land_n within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a liable_a to_o the_o say_a danger_n to_o be_v preserve_v in_o form_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o of_o very_a many_o lord_n of_o fee_n and_o other_o land-holders_n there_o be_v on_o the_o say_v friday_n at_o lyde_n aforesaid_a in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o say_v king_n royal_a purpose_n for_o more_o advantage_n and_o less_o detriment_n the_o say_a justice_n do_v provide_v make_v and_o publish_v certain_a proper_a and_o commodious_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o king_n people_n and_o especial_o for_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o those_o ground_n and_o marsh_n within_o the_o say_a limit_n except_o before_o except_v not_o favour_v any_o person_n therein_o to_o endure_v and_o be_v observe_v for_o ever_o as_o follow_v first_o it_o be_v decree_v and_o ordain_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n justice_n with_o the_o consent_n aforesaid_a that_o thenceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o there_o shall_v be_v within_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n aforesaid_a within_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a except_o before_o except_v two_o bailiff_n twenty_o four_o jurat_n two_o collector_n and_o two_o expenditor_n of_o the_o land-holders_n within_o those_o limit_n except_o before_o except_v for_o the_o preservation_n safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v and_o of_o the_o bank_n belong_v thereto_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o say_v twenty-four_o jurat_n ten_o or_o eight_o of_o they_o at_o least_o the_o say_a land_n and_o marsh_n except_o before_o except_v ought_v to_o be_v govern_v keep_v defend_v and_o preserve_v from_o the_o peril_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o inundation_n of_o the_o fresh_a matter_n by_o bank_n
of_o idel_n to_o trent_n bank_n man_n row_v also_o with_o lesser_a boat_n to_o look_v swan_n over_o all_o part_n of_o it_o betwixt_o lammas_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n over_o star_n carr_n and_o axholme_n carr_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n thus_o overflow_v by_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v seize_v of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o divers_a land_n and_o waste_a ground_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o and_o in_o the_o chase_n call_v hatfield_n chase_n with_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi together_o with_o the_o lordship_n of_o wroote_n and_o finningley_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n all_o lie_v upon_o the_o same_o flat_a out_o of_o his_o royal_a and_o princely_a care_n for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o regain_n so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o surround_v land_n which_o at_o the_o best_a yield_v little_a or_o no_o profit_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o contrariwise_o nourish_v beggar_n and_o idle_a person_n and_o have_v a_o chase_n of_o red_a deer_n through_o a_o good_a part_n of_o this_o fen_n which_o much_o annoy_v and_o oppress_v the_o residue_n resolve_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n partly_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o revenue_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o reduce_v of_o so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o drown_a and_o boggy_a ground_n to_o be_v make_v good_a meadow_n arable_a and_o pasture_n for_o the_o general_a good_a do_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n contract_n with_o cornelius_n vermuden_n 1626._o then_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n esquire_n by_o article_n bear_v date_n the_o twenty_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o charge_n drain_v and_o lay_v the_o same_o dry_a begin_v the_o work_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o say_a king_n shall_v have_v agree_v with_o those_o person_n that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a therein_o and_o finish_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a expedition_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o one_o full_a three_o part_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n to_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o east_n geenwiche_n in_o free_a and_o common_a socage_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v pay_v and_o satisfy_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o all_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o same_o level_n and_o so_o surround_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o say_a land_n shall_v be_v think_v worth_n by_o four_o commissioner_n whereof_o two_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o the_o other_o two_o by_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n that_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v there_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o better_a preservation_n thereof_o a_o corporation_n make_v to_o make_v act_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o end_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n and_o his_o heir_n do_v nominate_v that_o within_o three_o year_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v finish_v six_o commissioner_n to_o be_v appoint_v viz._n three_o by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o three_o by_o the_o same_o cornelius_n his_o heir_n etc._n etc._n to_o view_v they_o and_o estimate_n what_o the_o future_a yearly_a charge_n may_v amount_v unto_o for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o say_v cornelius_n to_o convey_v and_o assure_v the_o inheritance_n of_o land_n to_o such_o a_o value_n as_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o support_v that_o charge_n and_o that_o whereas_o divers_a do_v claim_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o say_a ground_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v issue_v out_o his_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n to_o certain_a person_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o those_o commoner_n by_o way_n of_o composition_n in_o land_n or_o money_n concern_v the_o same_o whereupon_o commission_n be_v according_o direct_v 1656._o to_o several_a gentleman_n of_o those_o county_n to_o treat_v and_o agree_v with_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v right_a of_o common_a within_o any_o of_o the_o manor_n abovementioned_a which_o take_v effect_n with_o each_o of_o they_o except_o those_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o epworth_n in_o this_o isle_n but_o sir_n robert_n heath_n be_v the_o then_o attorney_n general_n exhibit_v a_o information_n in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n against_o they_o three_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o who_o be_v all_o that_o at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v right_a of_o common_a there_o come_v and_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o award_n as_o sir_n john_n bank_n the_o then_o attorney_n general_a shall_v make_v therein_o who_o upon_o several_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n and_o their_o council_n make_v this_o award_n viz._n that_o of_o thirteen_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n belong_v to_o that_o manor_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v drayn_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o level_n six_o thousand_o acre_n shall_v be_v allot_v to_o the_o commoner_n as_o their_o part_n or_o portion_n lie_v next_o to_o the_o town_n and_o so_o preserve_v for_o ever_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o the_o remain_v seven_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o those_o waste_n to_o sir_n c._n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o their_o three_o part_n and_o for_o the_o say_v late_a king_n part_n in_o right_a of_o his_o interest_n as_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n which_o by_o consent_n be_v decree_v in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n and_o possession_n thereupon_o establish_v with_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o their_o assign_v the_o agreement_n be_v therefore_o thus_o make_v this_o great_a work_n be_v according_o begin_v and_o have_v so_o successful_a a_o progress_n that_o with_o the_o charge_n of_o fifty_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o five_o pound_n or_o thereabouts_o it_o become_v full_o finish_v within_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n the_o water_n which_o usual_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n be_v convey_v into_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n through_o snow_n sewer_n and_o althorpe_n river_n by_o a_o sluse_n which_o issue_v out_o the_o drayned_a water_n at_o every_o ebb_n and_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n upon_o all_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v what_o a_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o public_a by_o this_o noble_a though_o chardgable_a work_n i_o shall_v here_o from_o the_o before-specified_n deposition_n observe_v first_o that_o since_o the_o drayn_n of_o haxey_n carr_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o rape_n and_o other_o corn_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o bear_v plentiful_a crop_n that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n not_o worth_a above_o six_o penny_n a_o acre_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la be_v after_o the_o say_v drayn_v worth_a xs._o the_o acre_n that_o several_a house_n have_v be_v since_o build_v and_o inhabit_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n which_o former_o be_v drown_v land_n so_o likewise_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o level_n that_o since_o the_o drayn_n the_o gound_n be_v better_a worth_a xiijs._o iiijd._o a_o acre_n than_o they_o be_v two_o shilling_n a_o acre_n before_o that_o of_o ten_o acre_n of_o drayned_a land_n fifty_o quarter_n of_o rape_n seed_n have_v be_v get_v in_o one_o year_n and_o sell_v at_o xxxs._o the_o quarter_n that_o of_o the_o say_v drayn_v ground_n thâ—y_v have_v usual_o have_v three_o quarter_n and_o a_o half_a of_o wheat_n upon_o one_o acre_n three_o quarter_n of_o rye_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o eight_o quarter_n of_o oat_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o for_o six_o year_n together_o seven_o quarter_n of_o oat_n on_o one_o acre_n that_o before_o this_o drayn_n the_o country_n thereabouts_o be_v full_a of_o wander_a beggar_n but_o very_o few_o afterward_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o weed_n of_o corn_n burn_v of_o ground_n thrash_a ditch_v harvest_n work_n and_o other_o husbandry_n all_o wage_n of_o labourer_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a use_n of_o they_o be_v then_o double_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v what_o i_o find_v in_o that_o print_a relation_n beforementioned_a viz._n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n together_o with_o his_o participant_n and_o their_o assign_v be_v in_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o by_o
and_o covenable_a law_n and_o statute_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v and_o employ_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n in_o that_o work_n upon_o convenient_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o expedition_n to_o be_v have_v therein_o howbeit_o after_o this_o time_n till_o the_o xith_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o thing_n else_o of_o moment_n concern_v these_o marsh_n but_o then_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o glamford_n brigge_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o march_n car._n in_o the_o say_a year_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n and_o car_n lie_v on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o before-specified_n river_n of_o ancholme_n in_o the_o lordship_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n atterby_n and_o several_a other_o it_o be_v then_o and_o there_o order_v 1659._o by_o will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n marmaduke_n darell_n samuel_n owfield_n stephan_n anderson_n esquire_n and_o richard_n nelthorpe_n gentleman_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n that_o a_o tax_n of_o s._n iiij_o xiijd._o shall_v be_v assess_v upon_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n find_v in_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o say_a session_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o fen_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v a_o sluse_n or_o clow_n near_o the_o out-fall_a of_o the_o say_a river_n which_o say_v sum_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o before-specified_n fen_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n there_o be_v therefore_o another_o commission_n short_o after_o direct_v to_o sir_n robert_n bell_n knight_n sir_n edward_z ascogh_o knight_n sir_n william_n pelham_n knight_n will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n edmund_n anderson_n george_n glapthorne_n and_o edward_n tourney_n esquire_n who_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o sit_v at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a upon_o the_o xxiiijth_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o follow_v where_o they_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v decree_n ibid._n and_o ordain_v that_o those_o fen_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o take_v in_o hand_n and_o to_o that_o end_n treat_v with_o some_o foreign_a undertaker_n who_o demand_n be_v find_v too_o high_a and_o all_o other_o gentleman_n refuse_v sir_n john_n munson_n knight_n of_o the_o honourable_a order_n of_o the_o bath_n a_o person_n eminent_o qualify_v with_o learning_n and_o sundry_a other_o ample_a endowment_n have_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o this_o county_n and_o no_o small_a proportion_n of_o these_o surround_v marsh_n out_o of_o a_o noble_a desire_n to_o serve_v his_o country_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o undertaker_n thereof_o himself_o upon_o the_o term_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n unto_o those_o foreiner_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o leave_v every_o freeholder_n at_o liberty_n to_o adventure_v for_o his_o own_o share_n if_o they_o think_v fit_a upon_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o give_v they_o a_o month_n time_n to_o consider_v of_o it_o of_o which_o offer_v most_o of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o level_n accept_v whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v ibid._n first_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v and_o may_v forthwith_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o accomplish_v it_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o six_o next_o ensue_v year_n second_o that_o all_o the_o say_a ground_n be_v so_o drayn_v shall_v for_o ever_o afterward_o continue_v for_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n except_v some_o quantity_n thereof_o not_o exceed_v cc_o acre_n which_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o lake_n and_o sike_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o superfluous_a water_n within_o the_o same_o three_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v at_o their_o own_o cost_n repair_v and_o keep_v all_o drayn_n and_o sluice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v conduce_v thereto_o and_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o the_o say_a work_n to_o make_v such_o new_a drayn_n and_o sluice_n with_o cart_n bridge_n over_o they_o where_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o any_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v think_v fit_a four_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o great_a work_n he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o seven_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o marsh_n dischardged_a from_o all_o commons_o title_n charge_n interest_n and_o demand_n of_o all_o or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v assign_v and_o allot_v to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o say_a lordship_n or_o any_o six_o of_o they_o before_o the_o feast-day_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1636._o to_o be_v enjoy_v from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n five_o that_o if_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n after_o the_o end_n of_o those_o six_o year_n the_o abovementioned_a ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v again_o surround_v and_o so_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n together_o and_o that_o by_o view_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o commissioner_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v so_o certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n that_o then_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o again_o in_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o erable_a within_o six_o month_n after_o such_o certificate_n transmit_v into_o the_o chancery_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o enter_v into_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n until_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o drown_v shall_v be_v again_o recover_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n etc._n etc._n six_o that_o every_o person_n who_o have_v land_n adjoin_v to_o those_o drayned_a ground_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v better_v by_o this_o drayn_n shall_v pay_v unto_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n or_o assign_v for_o every_o acre_n so_o improve_v so_o much_o as_o by_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v be_v adjudge_v fit_a seven_o that_o in_o case_n the_o say_a river_n of_o ankolme_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o this_o drayn_n be_v divert_v by_o any_o new_a cut_n such_o lord_n of_o manor_n and_o other_o as_o have_v have_v liberty_n of_o fish_v in_o the_o old_a channel_n shall_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o have_v the_o like_a benefit_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o new_a eight_o that_o where_o any_o man_n ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cast_v from_o his_o lordship_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o river_n the_o same_o person_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v to_o have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o and_o from_o the_o same_o through_o the_o lordship_n of_o he_o to_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o cast_v which_o decree_n of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n be_v exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n by_o the_o king_n letter_n patent_n bear_v date_n 27_o octobris_fw-la 14_o caroli_n after_o which_o at_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o adjournment_n at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a the_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_z year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n charles_n by_o and_o before_o william_n amcot_n john_n broxholme_n marmaduke_n darrell_n thomas_n nethercot_n roger_n gregory_n and_o mich._n mounckton_n esquire_n tho._n hely_n henry_a sandwith_n john_n barnard_n edw._n nelthorpe_n tho._n farmery_n and_o william_n darvin_n gentleman_n commissioner_n appoint_v for_o this_o level_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ankolme_n extend_v from_o bishop_n brigg_n on_o the_o south_n to_o ferriby_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_n in_o humbre_fw-mi and_o into_o the_o manor_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n and_o divers_a other_o after_o recital_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o two_o former_a session_n of_o 11_o caroli_n before_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o glamford_n brigg_n aforesaid_a by_o and_o before_o william_n amcott_n marmaduke_n darrell_n john_n broxholme_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n have_v with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a â—umms_n of_o money_n well_o and_o sufficient_o drayn_v and_o recover_v those_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a law_n make_v the_o 24_o of_o august_n in_o the_o say_v 11_o year_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o say_v will._n amcott_n and_o
the_o archangel_n to_o answer_v unto_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n who_o come_v according_o and_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o and_o some_o of_o his_o predecessor_n with_o their_o tenant_n and_o fermour_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n adjacent_a to_o those_o bank_n have_v for_o their_o own_o commodity_n and_o benefit_n often_o repair_v divers_a part_n of_o they_o but_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o thereupon_o do_v put_v himself_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o jury_n which_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v come_v and_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o predecessor_n as_o also_o their_o servant_n tenant_n and_o fermour_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n lie_v in_o the_o place_n adjoin_v to_o those_o bank_n have_v very_o often_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o damage_n to_o themselves_o repair_v those_o bank_n for_o their_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v plead_v and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o that_o neither_o the_o say_a abbot_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v ever_o repair_v they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n or_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n within_o the_o say_a bank_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n wherefore_o the_o say_a abbot_n be_v dischardged_a from_o that_o presentment_n but_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o h._n 6._o time_n there_o be_v a_o inquisition_n cedulâ_fw-la take_v at_o staunford_n in_o this_o county_n before_o sir_n john_n beauchamp_n knight_n then_z steward_z of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o john_n duke_n of_o norfolk_n marshal_z of_o england_n and_o the_o marshal_n of_o the_o court_n of_o marshalsiâ—_n in_o the_o say_v king_n household_n where_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a clough_n call_v shiphey_n lie_v at_o dousdale_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o crouland_n then_o break_v by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n of_o divers_a person_n thereabouts_o be_v overflow_v to_o their_o great_a damage_n and_o hindrance_n and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o as_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v which_o clough_n have_v be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o repair_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o xxxvi_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o vi_o and_o do_v so_o remain_v at_o the_o take_n of_o this_o inquisition_n upon_o which_o presentment_n so_o make_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n by_o his_o attorney_n appear_v at_o depe_v upon_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n 4_o before_o the_o steward_n and_o marshal_n of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o to_o the_o say_a charge_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o contest_v therein_o with_o the_o king_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o his_o fine_n and_o be_v according_o which_o the_o court_n assess_v at_o vis._o viij_o d._n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o there_o be_v a_o award_n 7._o make_v betwixt_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o spald_v and_o pinchebec_n by_o john_n woodhouse_n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n of_o lancaster_n john_n leventhorp_n receiver_n and_o will._n babington_n one_o of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o say_a duchy_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o richard_n norton_n chief_a justice_n of_o the_o common_a plea_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o then_o justice_n of_o that_o court_n who_o do_v decree_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n all_o the_o soil_n of_o goggisland_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a fish_n and_o fowl_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchebec_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o take_v any_o other_o profit_v therein_o except_v common_a of_o pasture_n cap._n xlv_o have_v now_o do_v with_o what_o concern_v that_o sometime_o famous_a monastery_n of_o crouland_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o province_n but_o before_o i_o descend_v to_o speak_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o ancient_a bank_n so_o long_o before_o make_v for_o the_o gain_v thereof_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o its_o defence_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o also_o such_o work_n of_o drayn_v or_o otherwise_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_a improve_n of_o all_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o impertinent_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o follow_a marsh_n and_o fen_n be_v observe_v to_o have_v long_o since_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccxxxij_o in_o b._n langtoft_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n in_o ibid._n baston_n xuj_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o eight_o in_o breadth_n in_o a._n holbeche_n and_o capelade_v in_o the_o year_n dcccli_o five_o thousand_o acre_n and_o in_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n time_n in_o b._n algarekirk_n ten_o ox_n gang_v then_o waste_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sea_n inundation_n next_o to_o observe_v that_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o do_v xlii_o afforest_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o aswell_o as_o of_o kesteven_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o king_n john_n do_v in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n deafforest_n 30._o all_o those_o land_n that_o belong_v to_o surflet_n gosbercherche_fw-fr quadaver_a and_o dunnington_n as_o to_o the_o sea-bank_n in_o this_o province_n i_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o till_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o time_n but_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 15._o to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n liable_a to_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v repair_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o use_v to_o be_v which_o tenant_n be_v afterward_o to_o have_v allowance_n thereof_o from_o their_o landlord_n and_o about_o four_o year_n afterward_o viz._n in_o 44._o h._n 3._o the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n to_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n of_o who_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v signal_n mention_v in_o my_o discourse_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n recite_v that_o whereas_o through_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n into_o these_o part_n of_o holland_n inestimable_a loss_n have_v happen_v and_o more_o be_v imminent_a as_o he_o have_v credible_a information_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o he_o have_v send_v his_o precept_n to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v any_o land_n and_o tenement_n in_o these_o part_n which_o ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o ditch_n bridge_n and_o bank_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fen_n therein_o in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o say_a land_n nevertheless_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o great_a care_n of_o that_o work_n he_o appoint_v dorso_fw-la the_o before-specified_n henry_n together_o with_o the_o say_a shireeve_n to_o provide_v forthwith_o for_o those_o repair_n and_o to_o make_v distress_n for_o the_o same_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o security_n of_o those_o part_n in_o 47_o h._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 8._o by_o a_o jury_n exhibit_v to_o martin_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n itinerant_a at_o lincoln_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o clause_n of_o easter_n show_v that_o ancient_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a will._n de_fw-fr rumare_fw-la earl_n oâ—_n linâ—colne_n chester_n it_o happen_v that_o two_o man_n carry_v a_o corpse_n from_o stikeney_n to_o cibecey_n to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o churchyard_n there_o drown_v it_o on_o north_n dyke_n causey_n which_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n a._n he_o acquaint_v the_o abbot_n of_o revesby_n therewith_o and_o advertise_v he_o that_o he_o and_o his_o covent_n aught_o at_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a causey_n in_o consideration_n of_o two_o piece_n of_o ground_n which_o he_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v give_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o ever_o whereof_o one_o be_v call_v heyholme_n and_o the_o other_o west_n few_o contain_v about_o sixscore_o acre_n and_o worth_a by_o the_o year_n vil._o and_o the_o juror_n far_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n which_o then_o be_v do_v receive_v that_o land_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o they_o do_v according_o repair_v it_o for_o a_o long_a time_n until_o that_o
of_o crabhous_n with_o some_o land_n belong_v thereto_o all_o be_v then_o waste_v and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o fen_n but_o afterward_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o of_o divers_a other_o come_v and_o with_o drayn_v and_o bank_v win_v as_o much_o thereof_o by_o their_o industry_n as_o they_o can_v and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o secure_o enjoy_v the_o same_o be_v contenâ—_n to_o be_v tenant_n for_o it_o unto_o such_o great_a man_n of_o who_o they_o hold_v their_o other_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o occasion_n by_o a_o common_a consent_n among_o themâ—_n raise_v be_v the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v about_o the_o year_n mccxxiij_o 7_o h._n 3._o nor_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o country_n any_o other_o than_o a_o marsh_n about_o that_o time_n for_o by_o that_o precept_n 14._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n for_o give_v unto_o hubert_n de_fw-fr burgo_n than_o justice_n of_o england_n the_o like_a possession_n thereof_o as_o he_o have_v in_o king_n john_n time_n when_o he_o go_v into_o poictou_n for_o the_o serviâ—e_n of_o that_o king_n it_o be_v so_o call_v and_o bound_v with_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n welle_v hagebeche_v tilney_n and_o tirington_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o half_a marshland_n all_o which_o be_v soon_o after_o restore_v 10._o to_o the_o church_n of_o ely_n as_o have_v a_o better_a interest_n to_o it_o than_o this_o great_a man_n but_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v podike_n so_o make_v as_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o marshland_n man_n have_v no_o clear_a title_n to_o the_o whole_a soil_n whereon_o it_o be_v erect_v will._n bardolfe_n at_o that_o time_n lord_n ojh_o the_o manor_n of_o stow_n wimbotesham_n and_o dounham_n lordship_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n chaleng_v some_o right_n therein_o for_o in_o 35_o h._n 3._o they_o come_v to_o a_o agreement_n with_o he_o by_o a_o fine_a arm._n levy_v before_o the_o justice_n itinerant_a at_o norwich_n in_o the_o xv_o of_o s._n martin_n the_o principal_a party_n to_o the_o say_v fine_a be_v the_o then_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n dereham_n and_o s._n edmundsbuâ—y_o thomas_z de_fw-fr ingaldesthorp_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr shouldham_n by_o which_o fine_a the_o say_v will._n bardolf_n quit_v all_o his_o title_n in_o the_o whole_a marsh_n call_v west_n fen_n through_o which_o the_o same_o bank_n extend_v unto_o the_o say_a bishop_n prior_n abbot_n etc._n etc._n and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o they_o to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n the_o before-specified_n old_a bank_n viz._n podike_n and_o a_o cxx_o acre_n of_o marsh_n with_o the_o appurtenance_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n within_o the_o same_o bank_n northwards_o contain_v xij_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n about_o three_o year_n after_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o this_o province_n want_v repair_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n be_v require_v 15._o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o person_n in_o the_o lete_n of_o clenchwarton_n and_o west_n len_n who_o be_v tenant_n of_o such_o land_n as_o aught_o to_o repair_v those_o bank_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v repair_v for_o repel_v the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n which_o tenant_n to_o have_v afterward_o allowance_n for_o the_o same_o from_o their_o landlord_n what_o be_v then_o do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o but_o within_o four_o year_n ensue_v it_o appear_v â—5_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n have_v exceed_o great_a loss_n by_o the_o breach_n both_o of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o those_o which_o shall_v have_v keep_v off_o the_o fresh_a water_n insomuch_o as_o the_o king_n be_v advertise_v thereof_o command_v â—5_n the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n that_o he_o shall_v forthwith_o distrain_v all_o the_o land-holders_n who_o may_v have_v benefit_n thereby_o to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o say_a land_n lie_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o they_o and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o more_o damage_n happen_v by_o a_o new_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o breach_n of_o those_o bank_n towards_o wisbeche_n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n have_v require_v 12._o the_o say_a bishop_n to_o distrain_v all_o his_o tenant_n within_o this_o province_n of_o mershland_n and_o elsewhere_o within_o his_o say_a liberty_n who_o have_v defence_n and_o safeguard_n thereby_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o have_v use_v to_o do_v he_o send_v his_o precept_n 12._o to_o the_o shireeâ—e_n of_o cambridgshire_n thereby_o charge_v he_o that_o after_o the_o say_a bishop_n have_v so_o distrain_v his_o say_a tenant_n as_o abovesaid_a he_o the_o say_a shireeve_n shall_v not_o deliver_v any_o cattle_n so_o take_v by_o way_n of_o distress_n without_o the_o king_n special_a command_n in_o 16_o e._n 1._o will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr middilton_n be_v constitute_v 9_o commissioner_n to_o inquire_v of_o certain_a breach_n in_o the_o bank_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o the_o hawe_z and_o ilsington_n in_o this_o province_n and_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o the_o like_a commission_n 12._o have_v they_o the_o next_o year_n ensue_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n then_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n so_o also_o in_o 18_o e._n 1._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr pageham_n for_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n siwellediche_n fendiche_n and_o gildangordiche_n then_o break_v by_o flood_n in_o divers_a place_n in_o 21_o e._n 1._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o country_n make_v a_o grievous_a complaint_n 11._o to_o the_o king_n import_v that_o whereas_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n be_v ancient_o make_v and_o have_v till_o that_o time_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o those_o part_n against_o flood_n of_o water_n certain_a malefactor_n have_v a_o purpose_n to_o do_v they_o mischief_n have_v make_v a_o hole_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o do_v by_o force_n and_o arm_n hinder_v those_o that_o will_v have_v stop_v it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o aswell_o the_o tide_n from_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o fresh_a water_n overflow_v the_o pasture_n lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o this_o great_a injury_n assign_v 11._o peter_n de_fw-fr campania_n thomas_n de_fw-fr hacford_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr shropham_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o this_o county_n who_o they_o be_v that_o do_v make_v this_o breach_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o that_o trespass_n and_o the_o say_a king_n be_v inform_v that_o in_o case_n the_o fresh_a water_n come_v by_o utwell_n can_v have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o sea_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o mix_v with_o the_o water_n run_v in_o mershland_n ☞_o this_o country_n of_o mershland_n by_o that_o sever_n of_o they_o will_v be_v much_o amend_v he_o command_v the_o say_v commissioner_n that_o they_o shall_v forthwith_o go_v to_o the_o town_n of_o utwelle_n and_o there_o take_v order_n that_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n so_o descend_v that_o way_n shall_v have_v their_o due_a and_o ancient_a course_n to_o the_o sea_n as_o former_o so_o that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n may_v have_v its_o drayn_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o same_o out-fall_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o king_n direct_v his_o commission_n a._n to_o simon_n de_fw-fr elysworth_n and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr hageford_n to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n as_o also_o of_o other_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o this_o county_n the_o jurat_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethbrigge_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n do_v upon_o their_o oath_n present_a that_o through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n in_o make_v and_o repair_v of_o their_o ditch_n above_o the_o podyke_n great_a loss_n have_v happen_v in_o those_o day_n to_o these_o part_n of_o mershland_n so_o that_o the_o land_n of_o divers_a man_n be_v drown_v by_o the_o inundation_n both_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o say_v pokedyke_n can_v not_o be_v sufficient_o repair_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o country_n in_o regard_n that_o certain_a man_n of_o wigenhale_n have_v divers_a land_n lie_v adjacent_a to_o the_o same_o bâ—nk_n
be_v there_o before_o the_o say_a stop_n be_v so_o make_v and_o the_o water_n likewise_o common_a for_o fish_v to_o all_o the_o neighbourhood_n and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o borderer_n on_o each_o part_n thereof_o be_v either_o tenant_n to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n the_o earl_n warren_n or_o of_o john_n de_fw-fr bardolf_n and_o other_o lord_n and_o be_v far_o ask_v whether_o the_o say_v edmund_n or_o elizabeth_n do_v in_o their_o time_n do_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o maintenance_n and_o keep_v up_o of_o that_o dam_n they_o say_v that_o after_o the_o before-specified_n bishop_n have_v first_o make_v it_o it_o do_v not_o need_v any_o repair_n or_o amendment_n and_o that_o the_o say_v robert_n peverell_n edmund_n or_o elizabeth_n do_v not_o in_o their_o time_n meddle_v at_o all_o therewith_o and_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n impanel_v and_o swear_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o channel_n call_v south_n edyke_n begin_v at_o crouland_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o tide_n in_o that_o county_n through_o which_o the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v from_o the_o fen_n and_o up-country_n use_v to_o pass_v unto_o the_o sea_n by_o raise_v the_o crest_n thereof_o no_o more_o than_o two_o foot_n be_v then_o scarce_o sufficient_a to_o carry_v away_o those_o water_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o beforementioned_a obstruction_n though_o the_o bank_n be_v in_o height_n no_o less_o than_o xv_o foot_n on_o each_o side_n and_o that_o before_o this_o obstruction_n be_v so_o make_v whensoever_o there_o be_v any_o occasion_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o raise_v it_o high_o the_o agistment_n of_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o those_o part_n at_o a_o halfpenny_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o same_o but_o that_o then_o through_o the_o overflow_a of_o those_o water_n every_o acre_n be_v agi_v at_o iiiid._o and_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a obstruction_n no_o less_o than_o xl_o thousand_o acre_n of_o moor_n and_o marish_a ground_n in_o holland_n fen_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n be_v found_v by_o the_o progenitor_n of_o the_o king_n be_v of_o england_n and_o that_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n meadow_n moor_n and_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o this_o obstruction_n overflow_v and_o drown_v so_o that_o the_o possession_n of_o that_o monastery_n will_v not_o suffice_v to_o maintain_v the_o house_n except_o the_o number_n of_o monk_n be_v lessen_v and_o that_o by_o mean_n thereof_o the_o king_n in_o the_o time_n of_o vacancy_n of_o the_o say_a abbey_n do_v lose_v the_o benefit_n which_o may_v accrue_v to_o he_o thereby_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o obstruction_n the_o land_n meadow_n moor_n marsh_n and_o pasture_n of_o depe_a fen_n burgh_n fen_n and_o spalding_n fen_n which_o contain_v seven_o thousand_o acre_n as_o also_o the_o moor_n and_o marsh_n to_o the_o moor_n of_o kestevene_n be_v so_o overflow_v and_o drown_v that_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n of_o all_o the_o town_n adjacent_a on_o every_o part_n have_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o obstruction_n lose_v the_o profit_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o common_a passage_n for_o ship_n and_o boat_n from_o crouland_n to_o the_o haven_n of_o lenne_n with_o corn_n and_o other_o commodity_n have_v wont_a to_o be_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o outwell_n where_o the_o before-specified_n obstruction_n be_v and_o that_o then_o they_o be_v constrain_v by_o reason_n of_o that_o stop_n to_o go_v about_o by_z old_z wellenhee_o and_o little_o port_n which_o be_v fifty_o mile_n far_o than_o the_o other_o way_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o king_n and_o his_o liege_n people_n of_o those_o part_n a_o thousand_o mark_n yearly_a and_o the_o juror_n for_o cambridgshire_n impanel_v and_o swear_v do_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n descend_v from_o huntendon_n be_v the_o bound_n betwixt_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n shire_n and_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n ☞_o descend_v from_o peterborough_n and_o other_o part_n above_o do_v meet_v at_o benwick_n in_o cambridgshire_n and_o have_v use_v to_o run_v direct_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a port_n of_o lenne_n by_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o outwell_n until_o xxxi_o year_n than_o last_o pass_v that_o the_o say_a bishop_n make_v that_o stop_n as_o aforesaid_a by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o land_n meadow_n fen_n turbary_n and_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o arable_a belong_v to_o all_o the_o town_n betwixt_o fen_n drayton_n and_o benwick_n beforementioned_a unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o utwell_n in_o cambridgshire_n and_o which_o be_v adjacent_a thereto_o and_o for_o the_o length_n and_o breadth_n of_o about_o thirty_o mile_n be_v common_o overflow_v and_o drown_v every_o year_n so_o that_o neither_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a land_n etc._n etc._n nor_o the_o commoner_n have_v any_o yearly_a profit_n by_o they_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n and_o such_o as_o will_v pass_v that_o way_n ccl_o and_o upward_o every_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n abovesaid_a there_o be_v not_o that_o passage_n for_o vessel_n with_o corn_n and_o merchandise_n towards_o the_o beforementioned_a port_n as_o have_v use_v to_o be_v neither_o in_o go_v nor_o return_v except_o by_o old_a wellen_v he_o and_o lytle_n port_n which_o be_v xxxvi_o mile_n about_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v ask_v how_o much_o the_o say_a manor_n of_o coldham_n be_v then_o more_o worth_a annual_o than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o that_o stop_n be_v so_o make_v they_o answer_v xll._n by_o the_o year_n and_o the_o juror_n for_o huntendonshire_n empanel_v and_o swear_v for_o the_o same_o purpose_n say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o whereas_o man_n will_v pass_v from_o the_o town_n of_o jakele_n holme_n glatton_n and_o ramsey_n by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n direct_o towards_o the_o haven_n of_o lenne_n aforesaid_a with_o navigable_a vessel_n lade_v with_o corn_n and_o other_o vendible_a commodity_n by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o outwell_n they_o be_v then_o hinder_v by_o the_o say_a dam_n that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o go_v about_o more_o than_o fifty_o mile_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o all_o the_o meadow_n land_n pasture_n fen_n and_o turbary_n from_o the_o town_n of_o s._n neot_n in_o huntendonshire_n lie_v adjacent_a or_o near_o to_o the_o river_n ouse_n in_o length_n thirty_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n x._o mile_n more_o or_o less_o unto_o the_o town_n of_o benwike_n where_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n have_v their_o confluence_n and_o likewise_o the_o land_n meadow_n pasture_n and_o fen_n of_o all_o the_o town_n betwixt_o aylington_n in_o that_o county_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v musâ—cote_n in_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v xuj_o mile_n in_o flood_n time_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v by_o reason_n that_o they_o can_v not_o pass_v away_o as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o those_o fen_n and_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o commoner_n in_o they_o do_v total_o lose_v the_o benefit_n which_o belong_v to_o they_o thereby_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n six_o hundred_o mark_n by_o the_o year_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o say_a king_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o glatton_n whereunto_o the_o hamlet_n of_o holme_n belong_v to_o which_o market_n man_n from_o the_o part_n of_o lenne_n and_o elsewhere_o in_o norfolk_n and_o suffolk_n can_v not_o pass_v with_o their_o victual_n and_o merchandise_n by_o ship_n and_o boat_n nor_o return_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a obstruction_n insomuch_o as_o that_o manor_n of_o the_o king_n whereunto_o the_o say_a market_n belong_v be_v less_o worth_a by_o ten_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la than_o former_o and_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n empanel_v likewise_o and_o swear_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o river_n of_o neene_n have_v wont_a to_o pass_v direct_o from_o peterborough_n to_o the_o port_n of_o bishop_n lenne_n whereby_o the_o man_n of_o that_o county_n usual_o carry_v merchandise_n corn_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o victual_n with_o ship_n and_o boat_n by_o outwell_n in_o norfolk_n until_o within_o xxxi_o year_n then_o past_a that_o the_o say_v walter_n langtone_n late_a bishop_n of_o cou._n and_o lich._n obstruct_v the_o course_n of_o the_o before-specified_n water_n insomuch_o as_o all_o person_n who_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o go_v from_o peterborough_n unto_o that_o haven_n be_v constrain_v to_o go_v by_o old_a wellenhee_o and_o litil_o port_n which_o in_o go_v and_o come_v be_v a_o far_a journey_n by_o fifty_o mile_n and_o
they_o also_o say_v that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o the_o marsh_n of_o burgh_n fen_n north_n fen_n talnholt_n fen_n as_o also_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjacent_a to_o those_o fen_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v when_o any_o flood_n of_o water_n happen_v in_o regard_n that_o the_o say_v water_n can_v not_o pass_v as_o they_o former_o have_v do_v so_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o those_o fen_n with_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o commoner_n in_o they_o do_v lose_v the_o profit_n unto_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n fifty_o mark_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la upon_o all_o which_o verdict_n the_o say_a adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n than_o the_o king_n attorney_n be_v appoint_v to_o wait_v for_o judgement_n therein_o and_o on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n john_n bapt._n next_o after_o the_o say_v xv_o of_o the_o holy_a trinity_n the_o king_n send_v his_o special_a precept_n to_o the_o say_v geffrey_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n whereby_o recite_v what_o have_v pass_v he_o command_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o judgement_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o verdict_n aforesaid_a which_o precept_n bear_v date_n the_o three_o day_n of_o july_n in_o the_o year_n abovementioned_a whereupon_o they_o give_v this_o follow_a sentence_n viz._n that_o whereas_o by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o before-specified_n dam_n be_v make_v at_o outwell_n by_o the_o sad_a walter_n de_fw-fr langeton_n and_o that_o robert_n peverell_n his_o brother_n and_o heir_n as_o also_o edmund_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o the_o say_v robert_n do_v at_o some_o time_n repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o this_o obstruction_n be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n of_o norfolk_n ccl_o per_fw-mi annum_fw-la and_o whereas_o it_o be_v likewise_o find_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n that_o the_o land_n of_o thorney_n fen_n ramsey_n fen_n and_o other_o be_v so_o drown_v aforesaid_a they_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a dam_n so_o raise_v to_o the_o hurt_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o nuisance_n of_o all_o the_o person_n before-mentionedâ—_a and_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v of_o nuisance_n in_o this_o behalf_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v to_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o shireeve_v for_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n lincoln_n and_o northampton_n be_v require_v to_o make_v the_o like_a proclamation_n within_o their_o respective_a liberty_n viz._n that_o all_o person_n concern_v therein_o shall_v be_v at_o outwell_n aforesaid_a to_o aid_v the_o say_v shirâ—eve_v of_o norfolk_n in_o pull_v down_o of_o the_o say_v dam._n after_o this_o about_o five_o year_n scil_n in_o 10_o e._n 3._o john_n de_fw-fr shardlowe_n simon_n de_fw-fr drayton_n john_n de_fw-fr colvill_n and_o john_n claver_fw-la be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o inquire_v touch_v the_o decay_n in_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n about_o wisebeche_n tide_n s._n giles_n elm_n leveryngton_n and_o neuton_n with_o the_o part_n adjacent_a and_o to_o take_v speedy_a order_n for_o their_o repair_n and_o in_o 12_o e._n 3._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v that_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n about_o wysebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o repair_n issue_v a_o commission_n 417._o unto_o mr._n john_n de_fw-fr hildesley_n chancellor_n of_o his_o exchequer_n richard_n de_fw-fr bayeux_n john_n de_fw-fr wilton_n john_n the_o stoken_n and_o will._n neuport_n to_o inquire_v thereof_o and_o through_o who_o default_n they_o become_v so_o ruinous_a and_o who_o be_v land-holders_n thereabouts_o or_o have_v safeguard_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o to_o distrain_v they_o for_o their_o repair_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o land_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n the_o person_n abovementioned_a do_v intend_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n of_o nene_n run_v to_o a_o certain_a fish_n call_v livermere_n lie_v in_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v and_o belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o s._n edmundsbury_n but_o be_v hinder_v from_o so_o do_v after_o this_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v the_o say_a king_n receive_v advertisement_n from_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o elm_n 419._o welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n that_o though_o it_o have_v be_v find_v by_o a_o inquisition_n take_v before_o the_o above_o mention_v commissioner_n that_o the_o ordinary_a and_o chief_a safeguard_n for_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n will_v be_v by_o a_o causey_n to_o be_v make_v at_o gongested_a lake_n unto_o the_o crike_v and_o thence_o unto_o march_n dyke_n and_o that_o the_o crike_v shall_v be_v whole_o stop_v up_o and_o that_o the_o say_v town_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v unless_o that_o be_v do_v and_o moreover_o that_o though_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n have_v often_o request_v those_o commissioner_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o stop_v be_v make_v will_v much_o redound_v to_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o same_o town_n they_o will_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v do_v and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n nothing_o be_v nevertheless_o perform_v therein_o he_o require_v they_o that_o in_o case_n it_o be_v so_o they_o will_v forthwith_o call_v such_o person_n before_o they_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o therein_o and_o to_o proceed_v in_o effect_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o commission_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v to_o attend_v they_o upon_o the_o saturday_n next_o after_o mochaelmass_n day_n and_o there_o swear_v do_v say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o common_a and_o principal_a safeguard_n for_o the_o whole_a town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n will_v be_v by_o make_v of_o a_o causey_n from_o gongested_a lake_n to_o the_o crike_v and_o from_o the_o crike_v to_o march_n diche_a and_o that_o the_o say_v crike_v shall_v be_v utter_o stop_v up_o as_o also_o that_o the_o saidâ—_n causey_n ought_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o land-holders_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n as_o aforesaid_a from_o mermaunde_n unto_o the_o house_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr vernon_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n in_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v within_o the_o precinct_n before-specified_n shall_v be_v agi_v at_o iid._o and_o more_o if_o need_v require_v but_o afterward_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n by_o the_o same_o justice_n come_v the_o freeholder_a of_o tide_n neuton_n leverington_n and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wise_a and_o allege_v that_o the_o obstruction_n of_o that_o crike_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v permit_v because_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v the_o water_n run_v through_o that_o channel_n call_v the_o crike_n will_v so_o rise_v increase_n and_o stand_v upon_o the_o fen-bank_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o leverington_n as_o that_o the_o tenant_n of_o those_o town_n viz._n wisebeche_n and_o leverington_n can_v not_o be_v able_a to_o maintain_v they_o but_o their_o say_a bank_n will_v be_v break_v and_o their_o land_n total_o drown_v and_o lose_v whereby_o more_o damage_n by_o half_n will_v happen_v to_o those_o town_n than_o benefit_n to_o the_o town_n of_o elm_n welle_v and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n whereunto_o the_o say_v tenant_n of_o elm_n and_o welle_v answer_v that_o the_o water_n of_o crike_v have_v then_o so_o swift_a a_o course_n by_o welle_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n that_o though_o the_o say_v crike_v be_v stop_v as_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n the_o water_n run_v by_o the_o same_o crike_v will_v never_o turn_v towards_o wisebeche_n nor_o do_v any_o hurt_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o crike_v where_o the_o water_n than_o run_v be_v the_o proper_a and_o several_a soil_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n which_o bishop_n may_v lawful_o at_o his_o pleasure_n stop_v the_o same_o whereupon_o come_v the_o abbot_n of_o s._n edmundsberry_n by_o his_o attorney_n and_o claim_v a_o certain_a fish_n in_o the_o say_a water_n of_o crike_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o canutus_n sometime_o king_n of_o england_n and_o bring_v a_o precept_n from_o the_o king_n direct_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n recite_v a_o confirmation_n make_v to_o the_o say_a abbey_n by_o the_o before-specified_n king_n canutus_n and_o other_o
bind_v by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a security_n to_o and_o for_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n to_o be_v expend_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o acre_n whereof_o five_o hundred_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a west_n fenn_v to_o be_v part_n and_o a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o best_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n to_o be_v the_o rest_n yearly_o to_o be_v let_v out_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n that_o two_o thousand_o pound_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mayor_n of_o boston_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n until_o the_o value_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o then_o the_o say_a profit_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o make_v two_o thousand_o pound_n to_o be_v bestow_v from_o time_n to_o time_n upon_o the_o say_a work_n for_o ever_o when_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o at_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1631._o upon_o the_o xv_o of_o april_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o law_n before-specified_n and_o of_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n thomas_n and_o his_o participant_n there_o be_v another_o decree_n make_v that_o for_o their_o charge_n therein_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o of_o all_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o likewise_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n fen_n and_o the_o several_n thereto_o adjoin_v limit_a and_o appoint_v to_o they_o by_o a_o former_a decree_n but_o some_o far_a augmentation_n in_o certain_a other_o particular_a place_n whereupon_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n begin_v ibid._n the_o work_n in_o september_n follow_v 1634._o and_o prosecute_v it_o with_o so_o much_o diligence_n that_o at_o another_o ibid._n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o boston_n upon_o the_o xuj_o of_o july_n 10_o caroli_n by_o thomas_n hâ—ughton_n esquire_n mayor_n of_o the_o borough_n of_o boston_n sir_n ralph_n maddison_n knight_n walter_n norton_n richard_n finsham_n george_n pulton_n roland_n hale_v john_n knight_n esquire_n and_o thomas_n bedford_n gent._n upon_o their_o view_n of_o those_o late_o surround_v ground_n viz._n east_n and_o west_n fen_n north_n fenn_n earl_n fen_n armetre_n fen_n and_o wildemore_n fen_n and_o other_o the_o drown_a commons_o and_o adjacent_a surround_v several_a ground_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n and_o north_n east_n of_o the_o river_n of_o witham_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n undertake_v by_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n knight_n and_o his_o participant_n they_o adjudge_v the_o same_o to_o be_v so_o drayn_v as_o that_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o arable_a meadow_n or_o pasture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o seventy_o and_o three_o acre_n remain_v drown_v of_o three_o thousand_o acre_n of_o pit_n holes_n deep_n and_o hollow_a place_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v leâ—t_o cover_v with_o water_n beside_o the_o river_n drayn_n sewer_n and_o watercourse_n within_o the_o whole_a level_n undertake_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o associate_n to_o be_v drain_v within_o four_o year_n not_o then_o expire_v uâ—till_o michaelmass_o next_o follow_v according_a to_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o boston_n xv_o maii_n 6_o caroli_n and_o of_o another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v likewise_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a xv_o apr._n 7_o caroli_n and_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1635._o upon_o the_o xi_o of_o august_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o former_a decree_n whereby_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o west_n fen_n as_o also_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n aswell_o several_a as_o common_a former_o tax_v lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n be_v decree_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o the_o commissioner_n do_v full_o ratify_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v then_o set_v out_o by_o particular_a mete_n and_o bound_n chap._n lvii_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n there_o be_v likewise_o another_o great_a marsh_n lie_v in_o this_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n call_v eight_o hundred_o fen_n but_o ancient_o haut_fw-fr huntre_n fen_n contain_v twenty_o two_o thousand_o acre_n the_o drayn_n whereof_o be_v undertake_v by_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n 28_o martii_fw-la car._n 13_o car._n a_o decree_n make_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o xxs._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o sixteen_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o braytofte_a swinesh_v wigtoft_n soutterby_n alderchurch_n fosse_n dyke_n kirton_n frampton_n wiberton_n hole_n dockdike_n and_o boston_n claim_v common_a therein_o but_o this_o tax_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v again_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o first_o of_o june_n than_o next_o ensue_v declare_v the_o say_a king_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v within_o six_o year_n next_o after_o that_o present_a session_n or_o any_o other_o time_n that_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v limit_v and_o do_v for_o recompense_v of_o the_o charge_n which_o shall_v be_v expend_v therein_o decree_n to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n eight_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o any_o six_o of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n after_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v finis_fw-la the_o index_n improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v in_o foreign_a country_n viz._n egypt_n pag._n 1._o babylon_n 5._o belgic_a province_n 10._o frizeland_n 14._o gallia_n cis-alpina_a 9_o greece_n 6._o holland_n 12._o holstein_n 15._o italy_n viz._n fossa_n mariana_n 9_o fucine_n lake_n 9_o placentia_n 9_o pompein_o marsh_n 6._o zealand_n 15._o improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_n in_o england_n viz._n in_o cambridgshire_n 299._o isle_n of_o ely_n 356.180_o the_o siege_n thereof_o by_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n 186._o thorney_n 360._o derbyshire_n 138._o essex_n viz._n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 74._o havering_n and_o dagenham_n level_v 82._o gloucestershire_n 213._o kent_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 59_o lesnes_n marsh_n 62._o b._n 65._o a._n plumsted_n marsh_n 62._o b._n east-kent_n 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifield_n and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr dane_n there_o 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n de_fw-fr apuldrefeld_n there_o 38._o romeney_n marsh_n 16._o the_o law_n for_o conservation_n thereof_o make_v by_o h._n the_o bath_n a_o justice_n itinerant_n in_o 42_o h._n 3.19_o the_o ordinance_n by_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n the_o apletrefold_a 16_o e._n 1.24_o b._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o henry_n de_fw-fr apletrefeld_n and_o bertram_n de_fw-fr trancrey_n 18_o e._n 1.27_o a._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelow_n 35_o e._n 3.31_o immunity_n to_o the_o bailiff_n and_o jurats_n 33._o b._n incorporation_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n 34._o b._n huntendonshire_n 365._o a._n ramsey_n ibid._n wittlesey_n mer_n 363._o a._n kent_n and_o sussex_n 83._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n fogg_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n concern_v the_o marsh_n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n and_o romeney_n 52._o b._n lincolnshire_n the_o marsh_n on_o ankholme_n 150._o axholme_n alias_o hatfield_n level_v 141._o holland_n 219._o a._n crowland_n 219._o a._n 179._o kesteven_n 194._o a._n depe_v fen_n ibid._n &_o 206._o a._n lovell_n undertaking_a to_o drain_v it_o 206._o b._n kesteven_n and_o holland_n 198._o b._n the_o marsh_n in_o lindsey_n 153._o b._n folsedike_n 167._o a._n the_o marsh_n on_o witham_n 168._o b._n middlesex_n the_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n 73._o b._n middlesex_n and_o essex_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 69._o norfolk_z 288._o a._n marshland_n 244._o the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v there_o 245._o a._n when_o first_o repair_v and_o how_o 246._o b._n 248._o a._n the_o new_a podike_n make_v there_o 264._o a._n northamptonshire_n 368._o nottinghamshire_n 138._o a._n somersetshire_n the_o