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
commodity_n 4._o that_o no_o land_n shall_v contribute_v to_o this_o charge_n which_o be_v then_o at_o 8s._o a_o acre_n or_o upward_o except_o it_o lay_v in_o small_a quantity_n and_o intermix_v with_o other_o land_n so_o that_o the_o work_n can_v not_o go_v forward_o without_o it_o and_o then_o to_o have_v a_o moiety_n of_o profit_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 5._o that_o their_o lordship_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v already_o settle_v &_o agree_v on_o 6._o that_o the_o undertaker_n according_a to_o their_o promise_n shall_v begin_v the_o work_n within_o one_o month_n after_o this_o agreement_n shall_v be_v conclude_v all_o which_o be_v thus_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n then_o past_a with_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o their_o lordship_n forasmuch_o nevertheless_o as_o the_o undertaker_n have_v not_o then_o enter_v upon_o the_o work_n nor_o make_v any_o proceed_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o the_o year_n require_v expedition_n it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o command_v order_v by_o that_o board_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v either_o go_v on_o according_a to_o the_o article_n so_o agree_v on_o at_o that_o board_n or_o otherwise_o desist_v from_o that_o undertake_n and_o hold_v the_o country_n no_o long_o in_o suspense_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o such_o further_a course_n as_o shall_v be_v expedient_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v likewise_o order_v that_o copy_n of_o those_o article_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o undertaker_n and_o such_o gentleman_n as_o attend_v that_o service_n there_o for_o the_o country_n and_o afterward_o viz._n upon_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n the_o king_n by_o his_o letter_n jac._n direct_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n publish_v at_o cambridge_n 18_o aug._n commend_v the_o undertaker_n readiness_n and_o acceptance_n of_o such_o mean_a condition_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o enterprise_n require_v that_o they_o may_v have_v square_a deal_n in_o the_o valuation_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o have_v be_v true_o let_v and_o security_n for_o the_o partage_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v allot_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o just_a exception_n thereto_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v give_v they_o their_o best_a assistance_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o with_o cheerfullness_n in_o the_o work_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n also_o by_o their_o letter_n jac._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n incite_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n and_o for_o their_o settle_n of_o the_o business_n with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o agreement_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o in_o a_o session_n jac._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n upon_o the_o 17_o of_o august_n follow_v it_o be_v order_v that_o sir_n miles_n sandys_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n edw._n peyton_n knight_n and_o baronet_n and_o several_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridg_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n shall_v view_v and_o value_n according_a to_o the_o annual_a worth_n of_o the_o same_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o tax_n surround_v and_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o same_o have_v bear_v for_o x._o year_n then_o past_a all_o the_o fen_n ground_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n begin_v at_o fen-drayton_n on_o tuesday_n the_o 22_o of_o that_o instant_a august_n and_o that_o four_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n of_o every_o parish_n shall_v attend_v the_o say_a commissioner_n there_o for_o the_o better_a inform_v they_o in_o the_o true_a value_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o cambridge_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o adventurer_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n of_o drayn_v this_o whole_a level_n jac._n shall_v have_v out_o of_o the_o surround_v ground_n so_o to_o be_v drayn_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n and_o the_o king_n himself_o who_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o suffer_v these_o country_n to_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o water_n nor_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v waste_n and_o unprofitable_a be_v then_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o principal_a undertaker_n ☞_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o great_a disturbance_n he_o have_v about_o that_o time_n and_o after_o till_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n for_o regain_n the_o palatinate_n then_o violent_o invade_v by_o a_o powerful_a army_n and_o his_o daughter_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o child_n expose_v to_o the_o wide_a world_n for_o a_o subsistence_n which_o be_v the_o impediment_n or_o what_o else_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o far_a progress_n be_v make_v therein_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o conduce_v thereto_o till_o the_o five_o year_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_a king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n when_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n upon_o the_o 6_o of_o january_n 1629._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o six_o shilling_n a_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o the_o say_v marish_a fenny_a waste_n and_o surround_v ground_n in_o order_n to_o this_o general_a drayn_n notwithstanding_o which_o decree_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n pay_v nor_o any_o prosecution_n of_o that_o work_n câ—r_n howbeit_o in_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z upon_o the_o first_o of_o september_n the_o year_n ensue_v the_o commissioner_n then_o present_a be_v xlvii_o in_o number_n there_o be_v a_o contract_n make_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n knight_n a_o person_n well_o experience_v in_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o this_o level_n and_o he_o for_o his_o recompense_n therein_o to_o have_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v land_n but_o the_o country_n be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o deal_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n in_o regard_n he_o be_v a_o alien_n they_o intimate_v their_o dislike_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o withal_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o francis_n then_o earl_n of_o bedford_n who_o be_v owner_n of_o near_a twenty_o thousand_o acre_n about_o thorney_n and_o wittlesey_n of_o this_o fenny_a level_n to_o undertake_v the_o work_n at_o who_o request_n as_o also_o of_o the_o commissioner_n he_o condescend_v thereto_o whereupon_o for_o the_o better_a ratify_v of_o this_o agreement_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z before-specified_n car._n upon_o the_o xiijth_o of_o january_n follow_v and_o by_o xli_o commissioner_n then_o and_o there_o present_a a_o solemn_a decree_n make_v recite_v these_o particular_n viz._n that_o the_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v first_o propound_v 19_o jac._n at_o cambridg_n at_o a_o general_a session_n there_o where_o the_o then_o king_n james_n declare_v by_o his_o letter_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v undertake_v it_o and_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o expense_n the_o quantity_n of_o 120000._o acre_n be_v decree_v to_o his_o majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o work_n be_v neglect_v by_o he_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o have_v often_o recommend_v the_o care_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o gracious_a intimation_n the_o commissioner_n at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o huntingdon_n 20_o jan._n 5_o caroli_n do_v lay_v a_o tax_n of_o vis_fw-la the_o acre_n upon_o all_o and_o every_o marsh_n and_o fen_n ground_n which_o tax_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o be_v ever_o pay_v and_o moreover_o that_o whereas_o at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z 1_o sept._n then_o last_o pass_v id_fw-la est_fw-la 6._o caroli_n the_o commissioner_n be_v xlvij_o present_a do_v contract_n with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n that_o he_o shall_v undertake_v the_o work_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o in_o recompense_n thereof_o to_o have_v 90000._o acre_n parcel_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o to_o be_v lay_v out_o and_o that_o the_o say_v corn._n vermuden_n have_v present_v the_o commissioner_n with_o a_o map_n and_o design_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o but_o require_v 95000._o acre_n which_o the_o commissioner_n and_o country_n be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v or_o that_o any_o contract_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o alien_a or_o stranger_n they_o therefore_o petition_v that_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n then_o present_a will_v undertake_v the_o work_n which_o the_o say_a earl_n yield_v unto_o under_o the_o agreement_n and_o article_n here_o under_o express_v viz._n 1._o that_o he_o shall_v
the_o history_n of_o imbank_v and_o drayn_n of_o divers_a fen_n and_o marsh_n both_o in_o foreign_a part_n and_o in_o this_o kingdom_n and_o of_o the_o improvement_n thereby_o extract_v from_o record_n manuscript_n and_o other_o authentic_a testimony_n by_o william_n dugdale_n esquire_n norroy_n king_n of_o arms._n london_n print_v by_o alice_n warren_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n mdclxii_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n most_o gracious_a sovereign_n the_o first_o and_o great_a attempt_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o this_o kingdom_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o those_o vast_a fen_n lie_v in_o cambridgeshire_n and_o the_o county_n adjacent_a be_v by_o that_o prudent_a and_o grave_a prelate_n john_n morton_n sometime_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o principal_a instrument_n of_o that_o happy_a union_n betwixt_o the_o two_o house_n of_o york_n and_o lancaster_n as_o the_o channel_n betwixt_o peterborough_n and_o wisbeche_n still_o bear_v his_o name_n do_v witness_v and_o the_o next_o by_o your_o royal_a grandfather_n and_o father_n of_o bless_a memory_n the_o chief_a branch_n of_o that_o renown_a stock_n which_o not_o succeed_v as_o it_o be_v design_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o distraction_n of_o those_o time_n it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o your_o sacred_a majesty_n and_o advantage_n of_o your_o realm_n to_o complete_a and_o make_v perfect_a that_o noble_a undertake_n to_o which_o end_n i_o most_o humble_o offer_v unto_o your_o majesty_n this_o present_a historical_a discourse_n whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v not_o only_o that_o divers_a great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n and_o other_o person_n famous_a in_o their_o time_n have_v in_o foreign_a part_n be_v active_a in_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o how_o much_o your_o majesty_n be_v own_o royal_a ancestor_n have_v by_o several_a excellent_a and_o wholesome_a law_n promote_v the_o like_a in_o this_o kingdom_n pray_v to_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o will_v bless_v your_o majesty_n with_o a_o long_a and_o prosperous_a reign_n that_o good_a art_n may_v again_o flourish_v among_o we_o and_o virtue_n receive_v its_o due_a encouragement_n to_o the_o joy_n of_o all_o your_o loyal_a subject_n and_o among_o they_o of_o your_o majesty_n most_o obedient_a subject_n and_o faithful_a servant_n william_n dugdale_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n that_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o king_n be_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o man_n will_v gainsay_v hence_o be_v it_o that_o those_o country_n the_o soil_n whereof_o be_v natural_o fruitful_a be_v always_o much_o better_o esteem_v than_o such_o as_o be_v sterile_a in_o regard_n they_o afford_v more_o and_o better_a sustenance_n to_o their_o inhabitant_n and_o hence_o be_v it_o likewise_o that_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n have_v by_o so_o much_o art_n and_o industry_n endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o best_a improvement_n of_o their_o waste_v commons_o and_o all_o sort_n of_o barren_a land_n among_o which_o advantage_n that_o of_o enclosure_n have_v not_o be_v the_o least_o whereof_o there_o be_v a_o notable_a instance_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n and_o somerset_n which_o though_o little_a differ_v in_o their_o extent_n and_o goodness_n of_o soil_n yet_o if_o estimation_n may_v be_v make_v by_o muster_n subsidy_n ten_o and_o fifteen_o enclosure_n have_v make_v the_o one_o more_o than_o double_a to_o exceed_v the_o other_o both_o in_o people_n and_o wealth_n as_o have_v long_o ago_o be_v observe_v 45._o by_o some_o of_o great_a judgement_n if_o then_o the_o mere_a enclosure_n and_o tillage_n of_o that_o which_o natural_o yield_v little_a profit_n do_v just_o deserve_v so_o great_a a_o commendation_n how_o much_o more_o be_v the_o skill_n and_o pain_n of_o those_o to_o be_v have_v in_o esteem_n who_o have_v recover_v many_o vast_a proportion_n of_o land_n total_o overwhelm_v with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o of_o these_o i_o need_v not_o look_v out_o for_o example_n from_o abroad_o our_o own_o country_n affoard_v a_o multitude_n of_o notable_a instance_n as_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n will_v full_o manifest_v whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o in_o sundry_a part_n of_o this_o realm_n there_o be_v many_o thousand_o of_o acre_n which_o do_v now_o yield_v much_o benefit_n yearly_a by_o rape_n cole-seed_n grass_n hay_o hemp_n flax_n wheat_n oat_n and_o other_o grain_n nay_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o excellent_a plant_n garden-stuff_n and_o fruit_n tree_n which_o in_o former_a time_n be_v drown_v land_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o give_v encouragement_n to_o oâ—â—_n two_o late_a sovereign_n of_o bless_a memory_n viz._n king_n james_n and_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o to_o become_v the_o sole_a adventurer_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o vast_a fen_n of_o cambridgshire_n and_o the_o five_o other_o adjacent_a county_n a_o worthy_a work_n and_o never_o total_o attempt_v till_o their_o time_n well_o discern_v that_o by_o a_o complete_a performance_n thereof_o the_o costly_a and_o troublesome_a meeting_n of_o commissioner_n for_o sewer_n the_o frequent_a great_a tax_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o divers_a bank_n and_o drain_v with_o many_o unhappy_a controversy_n and_o emulation_n relate_v thereto_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v and_o if_o our_o industry_n be_v but_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o the_o belgic_a province_n how_o much_o more_o may_v those_o drayned_a ground_n afford_v we_o for_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n than_o they_o yet_o do_v forasmuch_o as_o they_o lie_v below_o the_o level_n of_o the_o sea_n at_o high_a tide_n be_v drayn_v by_o engine_n which_o cast_v out_o the_o water_n and_o we_o have_v not_o only_o a_o descent_n to_o the_o sea_n but_o divers_a large_a river_n and_o stream_n for_o lead_v the_o water_n to_o their_o natural_a outfall_n to_o give_v instance_n in_o the_o benefit_n first_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o large_a proportion_n of_o this_o one_o level_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o five_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n it_o be_v from_o the_o edge_n of_o suffolk_n to_o waynflete_a in_o lincolnshire_n full_a lxviii_o mile_n in_o a_o strait_a line_n and_o if_o we_o reckon_v by_o the_o bow_n of_o the_o fenn_n which_o run_v up_o on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o river_n witham_n within_o a_o mile_n of_o lincoln_n it_o may_v be_v well_o account_v lxxx_o mile_n the_o breadth_n be_v in_o many_o place_n thirty_o more_o xx_o and_o seldom_o so_o little_a as_o ten_o mile_n so_o that_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o to_o be_v as_o good_a ground_n and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o low_a country_n enjoy_v in_o the_o netherlands_o next_o for_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o soil_n be_v gain_v from_o the_o water_n do_v it_o not_o for_o the_o most_o part_n exceed_v the_o high_a ground_n thereon_o border_v as_o much_o as_o other_o meadow_n do_v which_o be_v ordinary_o let_v for_o xxs._n the_o acre_n and_o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o in_o the_o marsh_n beyond_o waynflete_a in_o lincolnshire_n where_o the_o ground_n be_v sever_v and_o trench_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o poor_a man_n though_o they_o sit_v at_o great_a rent_n for_o their_o cattle_n be_v always_o sound_a and_o thrive_a be_v therefore_o merchandable_a or_o if_o they_o come_v to_o a_o mischance_n yet_o fit_a for_o food_n moreover_o beside_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o flesh_n and_o white_a meat_n with_o the_o breed_n of_o serviceable_a horse_n let_v we_o consider_v the_o abundance_n of_o wool_n hydes_n tallow_n and_o other_o commodity_n which_o this_o fruitful_a ground_n now_o produce_v and_o that_o the_o new_a channel_n make_v for_o the_o drayn_n do_v yield_v no_o small_a advantage_n to_o all_o those_o part_n for_o the_o carriage_n of_o their_o corn_n and_o merchandise_n whereas_o before_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o go_v many_o mile_n about_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a bend_n of_o the_o river_n and_o if_o we_o weigh_v the_o great_a inconvenience_n which_o these_o overflowing_n have_v produce_v certain_o the_o advantage_n by_o the_o general_a drayn_n aught_o the_o more_o to_o be_v prize_v for_o in_o the_o winter_n time_n when_o the_o ice_n be_v strong_a enough_o to_o hinder_v the_o passage_n of_o boat_n as_o have_v be_v by_o some_o well_o observe_v and_o yet_o not_o able_a to_o bear_v a_o man_n the_o inhabitant_n upon_o the_o hards_n and_o the_o bank_n within_o the_o fen_n can_v have_v no_o help_n of_o food_n nor_o comfort_n for_o body_n or_o soul_n no_o woman_n aid_n in_o her_o travail_n no_o mean_n to_o baptize_v a_o child_n or_o partake_v of_o the_o communion_n nor_o supply_v of_o any_o necessity_n save_v what_o those_o poor_a desolate_a place_n do_v afford_v and_o what_o expectation_n of_o health_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n where_o there_o be_v no_o element_n good_a the_o air_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n
in_o the_o wapentake_v of_o mauley_n and_o coryngham_n and_o in_o the_o soak_v of_o kirketone_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o in_o the_o soak_v or_o hundred_o of_o basâ—tlawe_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n therein_o consonant_n to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n touch_v the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o say_a custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o say_a work_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a consider_v the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o the_o speedy_a accomplishment_n thereof_o the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 14_o e._n 4._o have_v thomas_n bishop_n of_o lincoln_n will._n lord_n hastyng_n sir_n john_n scrope_n of_o bolton_n knight_n sir_n robert_n markham_n knight_n john_n stanhope_n gervase_n clifton_n robert_n willughby_n thomas_n molineux_n thomas_n nevil_n and_o john_n metheley_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewersâ—_n from_o broughton-sulny_a unto_o the_o river_n of_o devene_n in_o this_o county_n and_o from_o feldyke_n in_o bingham_n unto_o the_o say_a river_n of_o devene_n as_o also_o by_o and_o about_o the_o same_o river_n from_o the_o county_n of_o leicester_n beyond_o kilvyngton_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a so_o also_o in_o 22_o e._n 4._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o same_o archbishop_n and_o most_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a person_n but_o far_o touch_v the_o fen_n in_o this_o county_n i_o have_v not_o see_v other_o than_o what_o a_o law_n pettibag_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o stockwith_n 14_o aug._n 5_o caroli_n mention_v which_o be_v that_o whereas_o john_n lyens_n and_o other_o dutch_a man_n have_v undertake_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o privy_a council_n to_o drain_v the_o car_n and_o marsh_n in_o the_o lordship_n of_o hatfield_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n axholme_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o other_o great_a car_n in_o this_o county_n of_o nottingham_n and_o have_v make_v divers_a great_a river_n and_o drayn_n to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v decree_v that_o for_o the_o better_a convey_v away_o of_o the_o water_n one_o sluice_n shall_v be_v erect_v on_o bikersdyke_n within_o the_o parish_n of_o misterton_n at_o a_o place_n lie_v over_o the_o bridge_n call_v bleesford_n bridge_n and_o to_o make_v a_o cut_n over_o the_o common_a ground_n call_v bleesford_n to_o mifterton_n firm_a ground_n and_o that_o whereas_o the_o say_v john_n and_o his_o participant_n become_v undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a carr_n ground_n in_o everton_n in_o this_o county_n of_o nottingham_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o they_o be_v to_o have_v to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n for_o ever_o five_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n lay_v out_o from_o everton_n enclosure_n all_o along_o by_o gryngeley_n bank_n side_n unto_o the_o tofte_n carr_n bank_n or_o new_a bank_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o surveyor_n choose_v on_o each_o part_n cap._n xxvii_o be_v now_o come_v into_o lincolnshire_n i_o shall_v first_o begin_v with_o the_o isle_n of_o arholme_n which_o for_o many_o age_n have_v be_v a_o fenny_a tract_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n cover_v with_o water_n but_o more_o ancient_o not_o so_o for_o original_o it_o be_v a_o woody_a country_n and_o not_o at_o all_o annoy_v with_o those_o inundation_n of_o the_o river_n that_o pass_v through_o it_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o oak_n fir_n and_o other_o tree_n which_o have_v be_v of_o late_a frequent_o find_v in_o the_o moor_n upon_o make_v of_o sundry_a ditch_n and_o channel_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o the_o oak_n tree_n lie_v somewhat_o above_o three_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o near_o their_o root_n which_o do_v still_o stand_v as_o they_o grow_v viz._n in_o firm_a earth_n below_o the_o moor_n and_o the_o body_n for_o the_o most_o part_n north_n west_n from_o the_o root_n not_o cut_v down_o with_o axe_n but_o burn_v asunder_o somewhat_o near_o the_o ground_n as_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v coal_v do_v manifest_a of_o which_o sort_n there_o be_v multitude_n and_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a bigness_n viz._n five_o yard_n in_o compass_n and_o sixteen_o yard_n long_o and_o some_o small_a of_o a_o great_a length_n with_o good_a quantity_n of_o acorn_n near_o they_o and_o of_o small_a nut_n so_o many_o that_o there_o have_v be_v find_v no_o less_o than_o two_o peck_v together_o in_o some_o place_n but_o the_o fir_n tree_n do_v lie_v a_o foot_n or_o eighteen_o inch_n deep_o of_o which_o kind_n there_o be_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o many_o of_o they_o be_v above_o thirty_o yard_n in_o length_n nay_o in_o the_o year_n 1653._o there_o be_v a_o fir_n pole_n take_v up_o by_o one_o robert_n browne_n of_o haxey_n of_o xxxvi_o yard_n long_a beside_o the_o top_n lie_v near_o the_o root_n which_o stand_v likewise_o as_o it_o grow_v have_v be_v burn_v and_o not_o hew_v down_o which_o tree_n bear_v at_o the_o bottom_n ten_o inch_n square_a and_o at_o the_o top_n eight_o about_o xx_o year_n since_o also_o in_o the_o moor_n at_o thurne_n near_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n be_v sound_v a_o ladder_n of_o fir_n of_o a_o large_a substance_n with_o about_o xl_o staff_n which_o be_v thirty_o three_o inch_n asunder_o but_o so_o rot_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v get_v up_o whole_a and_o in_o haxey_n carr_n at_o the_o like_a depth_n a_o hedge_n with_o stake_n and_o binding_n the_o truth_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o tree_n thus_o overgrow_v with_o the_o moor_n through_o a_o long_a time_n of_o stagnation_n by_o the_o fresh_a water_n in_o these_o part_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n have_v for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a year_n last_o pass_v take_v up_o at_o least_o two_o thousand_o cart_n load_v in_o a_o yâ—ar_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o this_o woody_a level_n which_o extend_v itself_o into_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi and_o hatfield_n chase_n in_o yorkshire_n become_v first_o thus_o overflow_v i_o can_v say_v nothing_o there_o be_v not_o any_o memorial_n thereof_o transmit_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o history_n or_o record_n but_o that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o for_o divers_a hundred_o of_o year_n the_o depth_n of_o the_o moor_n do_v sufficient_o manifest_a which_o can_v not_o in_o a_o few_o age_n grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n it_o be_v of_o howbeit_o as_o to_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o i_o may_v rational_o conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v through_o the_o muddinesse_n of_o the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o humbre_v into_o trent_n do_v in_o time_n leave_v so_o much_o silt_v to_o obstruct_v the_o current_n of_o idle_a do_v and_o other_o river_n that_o have_v not_o their_o free_a passage_n as_o former_o they_o flow_v back_o and_o overwhelm_v that_o flat_a country_n with_o water_n insomuch_o as_o the_o high_a ground_n become_v a_o island_n as_o it_o be_v still_o we_o see_v call_v and_o a_o place_n so_o defencible_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o spaciousness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n environ_v it_o that_o roger_n lord_n mowbray_n a_o eminent_a baron_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o k._n henry_n the_o second_o be_v time_n and_o then_o lord_n thereof_o adhere_v to_o young_a henry_n upon_o his_o rebellion_n in_o those_o day_n repair_v hither_o and_o fortify_v a_o old_a castle_n which_o have_v be_v 1174._o long_o ruinous_a for_o reduce_v whereof_o to_o the_o king_n obedience_n the_o lincolnshire_n man_n have_v no_o other_o access_n thereto_o transport_v themselves_o by_o ship_v in_o the_o year_n 1174_o 20_o h._n 2._o so_o likewise_o in_o 50_o h._n 3._o after_o the_o battle_n of_o evesham_n wherein_o the_o rebellious_a baron_n be_v discomfit_v some_o of_o they_o flee_v similiter_n hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o security_n for_o the_o reason_n above_o express_v but_o after_o that_o time_n it_o be_v not_o long_o ere_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o these_o part_n imitate_v the_o good_a husbandry_n of_o those_o in_o other_o country_n who_o have_v by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v make_v good_a improvement_n in_o such_o fenny_a place_n do_v begin_v to_o do_v the_o like_a here_o for_o in_o 1_o e._n 3._o i_o find_v that_o robert_n de_fw-fr nottingham_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr newmarch_n be_v constitute_v commissioner_n dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n as_o have_v be_v make_v to_o that_o purpose_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v to_o some_o decay_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la john_n darcy_n of_o the_o park_n roger_n de_fw-fr newmarch_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr crosholme_n several_a other_o commission_n there_o be_v
be_v reform_v by_o the_o township_n and_o person_n who_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o to_o be_v of_o xij_o in_o breadth_n and_o of_o height_n sufficient_a for_o boat_n to_o pass_v under_o upon_o pain_n of_o 3l._o 6s._o 8._o for_o every_o bridge_n unfinished_a at_o michaelmas_n follow_v and_o that_o the_o waredyke_n beginning_n at_o colehousestile_n and_o so_o extend_v along_o the_o river_n of_o burne_n i_fw-mi to_o goodrams_n coote_n shall_v be_v continue_v from_o the_o say_v coote_n to_o do_v hurne_n and_o to_o be_v distant_a from_o the_o river_n c._n fooâ—_n and_o in_o breadth_n xij_o foot_n and_o depth_n iiij_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o pinchbeckâ—_n upon_o pain_n of_o xxd._o for_o every_o ride_v unfinished_a at_o michaelmas_n than_o next_o follow_v also_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v newedyke_n in_o dykesen_n shall_v be_v perfect_v from_o eedyke_n bridge_n unto_o holland_n fendyke_n according_a to_o the_o law_n at_o sempringham_n as_o aforesaid_a upon_o pain_n also_o of_o iijs_fw-la iiijd._o for_o every_o ride_v unfinished_a at_o michaelmas_n than_o next_o follow_v likewise_o that_o the_o sewer_n extend_v direct_o against_o the_o east_n to_o northgraft_v shall_v be_v dyke_v and_o bank_v sufficient_o by_o the_o township_n of_o hakenby_n dunsby_n and_o pinchebeck_n and_o the_o manure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o north_n and_o that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o pinchbeck_n limit_n to_o the_o graft_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o northgraft_n from_o the_o first_o fall_n of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n into_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n aught_o to_o be_v xij_o foot_n broad_a and_o six_o foot_n deep_a and_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o pinchbeck_n before_o michaelmas_n than_o next_o ensue_v upon_o the_o penalty_n above-specified_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o beech_n from_o wrightbold_a clowe_n to_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v dyke_v rode_v and_o scour_v by_o the_o township_n of_o pynchbeck_n gosberkirk_n and_o surflet_n as_o have_v be_v accustom_v before_o michaelmas_n than_o next_o ensue_v upon_o like_a pain_n likewise_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v marisbeek_v shall_v be_v scour_v by_o the_o landholders_n there_o according_a to_o their_o several_a part_n to_o be_v do_v before_o the_o say_a day_n etc._n etc._n also_o that_o the_o bank_n from_o colehouse_n stile_n to_o goodrams_n coote_n and_o thence_o to_o do_v hurne_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o xij_o foot_n thickness_n and_o three_o foot_n height_n where_o most_o need_v require_v by_o the_o land-holders_n of_o pinchbeck_n and_o burne_n according_a to_o their_o limit_n before_o the_o say_a day_n etc._n etc._n and_o last_o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v hawewell_n shall_v be_v scour_v to_o dykebarre_v by_o the_o fermour_n of_o the_o haw_n and_o tho._n gotherd_v thence_o to_o repingale_n south-dyke_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dyke_n morton_n hakenby_n and_o dunsby_n thence_o to_o berhomepole_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o repingale_n ringstone_n and_o kirkby-underwood_n before_o michaelmas_n than_o next_o follow_v after_o this_o viz._n in_o 43_o and_o 44_o eliz._n there_o arise_v a_o great_a controversy_n sewer_n about_o the_o erect_n of_o two_o new_a goat_n at_o skirbek_n and_o langare_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n out_o 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_o what_o he_o can_v but_o it_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o country_n of_o kesteven_n and_o the_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 ☜_o make_v a_o law_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o those_o new_a goat_n whâ—re_v 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 chief_a justice_n viz._n popham_n and_o anderson_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n ibid._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 the_o statute_n of_o twenty-three_o of_o henry_n the_o eight_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n fen_n see_v far_o in_o my_o last_o chapter_n under_o the_o title_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n cap._n xlvi_o from_o lincolnshire_n keep_v on_o my_o course_n eastward_n i_o come_v next_o into_o norfolk_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o which_o country_n very_o great_a advantage_n have_v be_v make_v by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v whereof_o the_o most_o ancient_a be_v in_o that_o part_n of_o it_o call_v marshland_n next_o adjoin_v to_o holland_n last_o speak_v of_o that_o this_o be_v original_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o roman_n i_o have_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a which_o admit_v we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o our_o ancestor_n the_o saxon_n consider_v the_o extraordinary_a fertility_n of_o the_o soil_n have_v a_o fair_a invitation_n to_o seat_n themselves_o therein_o for_o that_o they_o do_v so_o be_v evident_a enough_o from_o that_o authentic_a survey_n scac._n take_v by_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n which_o show_v that_o the_o town_n now_o in_o be_v there_o be_v all_o extant_a in_o the_o day_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o confessor_n nor_o be_v it_o improbable_a but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o likewise_o for_o divers_a precede_a age_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o church_n of_o ely_n be_v possess_v 1._o of_o walpole_n long_v before_o a_o place_n of_o no_o small_a note_n by_o reason_n it_o give_v birth_n to_o s._n goderic_n the_o hermit_n of_o who_o m._n paris_n make_v ample_a 1170._o mention_n tâ—iâ—_n country_n on_o the_o east_n be_v bound_v by_o the_o stream_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n with_o wisbeche_n river_n on_o the_o north_n with_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o on_o the_o south_n with_o the_o new_a podike_a as_o the_o map_n show_v and_o contain_v no_o less_o than_o tâ—irty_o thousand_o acre_n whereof_o part_n be_v a_o â—amous_a plain_n call_v the_o smeeth_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o town_n therein_o maintain_v at_o least_o thirty_o thousand_o sheep_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o of_o a_o large_a extâ—nt_n in_o the_o wide_a part_n of_o it_o than_o two_o english_a mile_n of_o this_o plain_a i_o may_v not_o omâ—â—_n a_o tradition_n which_o the_o common_a people_n thereabouts_o have_v viz._n that_o in_o old_a time_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o neighbour_a village_n have_v a_o fierce_a contest_v with_o one_o hickifric_n the_o then_o owner_n of_o it_o touch_v the_o bound_n thereof_o which_o grow_v so_o hot_a that_o at_o length_n it_o come_v to_o blow_n and_o that_o hickifric_n be_v a_o person_n of_o extraordinary_a stature_n and_o courage_n take_v a_o axletree_n from_o a_o cart_n instead_o of_o a_o sword_n and_o the_o wheâ—l_n for_o his_o buckler_n and_o be_v so_o arm_v most_o stout_o repel_v those_o bold_a invader_n for_o far_a testimony_n of_o which_o notable_a exploit_n they_o to_o this_o day_n show_v a_o large_a grave-stone_n near_o the_o east_n end_n of_o the_o chancel_n in_o tilney_n church-yard_n whereupon_o the_o form_n of_o a_o cross_n be_v so_o cut_v as_o that_o the_o upper_a part_n thereof_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o flourish_n wherewith_o the_o carver_n have_v adorn_v it_o show_v to_o be_v somewhat_o circular_a which_o they_o will_v therefore_o need_n have_v â—o_o be_v the_o wheel_n and_o the_o shaft_n the_o axletree_n it_o be_v observe_v that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o province_n there_o be_v neither_o mole_n nor_o rat_n and_o that_o such_o have_v be_v the_o care_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n for_o pervention_n of_o mischief_n which_o may_v happen_v by_o any_o breach_n of_o the_o public_a sea-bank_n that_o they_o have_v environ_v every_o town_n with_o a_o particular_a bank_n call_v the_o indike_n or_o ward-dikâ—â—_a â—_z which_o upon_o any_o such_o inundation_n do_v secure_v it_o from_o danger_n as_o for_o the_o several_a sewer_n and_o bridge_n which_o it_o have_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o lâ—st_o place_n purpose_v now_o to_o go_v on_o in_o take_v notice_n of_o such_o improvement_n as_o have_v be_v make_v within_o the_o old_a precinct_n thereof_o as_o also_o how_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o fresh_a water_n on_o the_o other_o with_o the_o far_a enlargement_n of_o its_o particular_a bound_n by_o a_o ancient_a plead_v ........_o it_o appear_v that_o before_o the_o year_n mclxxxi_o 27_o h._n 2._o there_o be_v neither_o any_o habitation_n nor_o ground_n that_o yield_v profit_n within_o that_o part_n of_o wigenhale_n from_o busterdesdole_n unto_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o town_n except_o the_o monastery_n
sandy_a land_n under_o the_o two_o sewer_n in_o elm_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o those_o field_n may_v run_v at_o rotispipe_n upon_o penalty_n of_o stop_v all_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o likewise_o ordain_v that_o the_o sewer_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n beginning_n from_o the_o goule_a hirne_n may_v have_v its_o ancient_a course_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o the_o pipe_n lie_v in_o hillary_n diche_fw-it under_o the_o sewer_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o say_v pipe_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o landholders_n in_o the_o new_a close_a of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n have_v its_o ancient_a course_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o newbridgg_n drive_v and_o there_o either_o a_o bridge_n or_o a_o sufficient_a pipe_n to_o be_v make_v opposite_a to_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n cake_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n may_v have_v its_o course_n from_o that_o bridge_n or_o pipe_n unto_o the_o pipe_n in_o meesdrove_n lie_v under_o the_o sewer_n of_o elm_n and_o that_o the_o same_o pipe_n be_v make_v and_o repair_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v then_o break_v by_o the_o man_n of_o elm_n if_o the_o say_a sewer_n will_v run_v any_o more_o and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n have_v its_o ancient_a current_n from_o that_o pipe_n unto_o jeconnesgate_n on_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o nether_a gate_n and_o that_o a_o bridge_n be_v make_v near_o unto_o the_o message_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o john_n pateshull_n over_o that_o sewer_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v cleanse_v and_o dig_v whensoeâ—er_n and_o wheresoever_o need_n require_v and_o that_o the_o drove_n be_v raise_v high_a with_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v dig_v out_o of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o last_o they_o ordain_v that_o every_o acre_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o every_o acre_n on_o the_o northside_n of_o elm_n shall_v pay_v a_o penny_n and_o more_o if_o need_v require_v for_o the_o repair_n from_o jecons_n gate_n of_o that_o sewer_n and_o to_o amend_v the_o pipe_n and_o bridge_n of_o the_o same_o sewer_n and_o where_o need_v require_v to_o make_v they_o new_a and_o moreover_o that_o jeconnesgate_n be_v amend_v and_o new_o make_v when_o need_n shall_v be_v as_o also_o that_o every_o field_n shall_v make_v the_o bridge_n and_o pipe_n belong_v thereto_o and_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v their_o own_o sewer_n in_o 41_o e._n 3._o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr colvill_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n hugh_n lovet_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n lie_v upon_o the_o sea-coast_n and_o otherwise_o betwixt_o tide_n brigg_n and_o the_o town_n of_o chatery_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 42_o e._n 3._o have_v sir_n robert_n deal_v isle_n sir_n hugh_n lovet_n and_o sir_n john_n vernoun_n knight_n with_o other_o for_o all_o those_o in_o wisebeche_n elm_n welle_v march_n and_o marford_n in_o this_o county_n in_o 47_o e._n 3._o john_n cavendish_n and_o other_o his_o associate_n justice_n of_o sewer_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o say_v king_n commission_n dorso_fw-la sit_v at_o elm_n before_o who_o it_o be_v present_v a._n by_o the_o juror_n that_o a_o certain_a bank_n ancient_o make_v for_o safeguard_n of_o all_o those_o land_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v beginning_n at_o the_o footpath_n opposite_a to_o the_o gate_n of_o wisebeche_n castle_n and_o so_o extend_v itself_o to_o goneldich_n thence_o to_o bensted_n hirne_n thence_o to_o tilney_n hirne_n thence_o to_o mareys_fw-la gate_n and_o thence_o to_o charity_n cross_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uernoun_n corner_n and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v be_v then_o almost_o break_v and_o in_o decay_n by_o reason_n whereof_o divers_a land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o precinct_n thereof_o be_v overflow_v by_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n there_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n do_v then_o contain_v no_o more_o than_o four_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v they_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n shall_v be_v raiseâ—_n three_o foot_n high_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a height_n thereof_o from_o the_o level_n ground_n may_v be_v seven_o foot_n and_o the_o thickness_n thereof_o at_o the_o bottom_n xxxij_o foot_n and_o at_o the_o top_n xij_o foot_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o fen_n may_v not_o any_o way_n enter_v through_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v land_n tenement_n common_a of_o fish_v or_o pasture_n who_o may_v have_v safeguard_n defence_n or_o benefit_n by_o the_o make_n or_o repair_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n or_o loss_n for_o the_o not_o do_v thereof_o be_v oblige_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o hold_n to_o make_v the_o same_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n so_o that_o the_o land_n on_o the_o south_n side_n the_o river_n of_o elm_n shall_v be_v agi_v upon_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o byshopesoyke_n and_o that_o all_o other_o land_n and_o tenement_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n be_v agi_v upon_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o the_o fen-bank_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a to_o any_o man_n make_v his_o part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o the_o fen_n to_o dig_v and_o carry_v away_o earth_n for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o perch_n without_o the_o say_a bank_n without_o the_o contradiction_n of_o any_o man_n as_o ancient_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v provide_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o dig_v within_o the_o length_n of_o two_o perch_n thereof_o upon_o penalty_n of_o xxs._n and_o they_o far_o ordain_v that_o neither_o the_o lord_n nor_o any_o commoner_n shall_v depasture_n any_o of_o his_o cattle_n upon_o the_o same_o bank_n except_o sheep_n nor_o make_v any_o drist_n with_o cattle_n over_o it_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o future_a damage_n thereto_o upon_o penalty_n of_o a_o penny_n for_o every_o beast_n so_o drive_v or_o depasture_v thereon_o by_o the_o knowledge_n or_o default_n of_o the_o owner_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n to_o who_o the_o repair_n thereof_o belong_v so_o often_o as_o he_o shall_v offend_v therein_o and_o that_o such_o cattle_n as_o shall_v be_v find_v there_o depasture_v or_o drive_v in_o manner_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o same_o bank_n sheep_n only_o except_v to_o be_v impound_v by_o the_o bailiff_n of_o waltersey_n or_o dike_n reeves_n of_o elm_n wisebechâ—_n or_o welle_v at_o waltersey_n or_o in_o the_o common_a pound_n of_o elm_n wisebeche_n or_o welle_v now_o make_v or_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n and_o therein_o to_o be_v detain_v until_o they_o shall_v satisfy_v and_o pay_v the_o penalty_n aforesaid_a to_o be_v employ_v in_o repair_n of_o that_o man_n bank_n which_o have_v receive_v damage_n by_o those_o cattle_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o eight_o bar_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o set_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o hinder_v the_o pass_n of_o cattle_n upon_o it_o asweel_v of_o stranger_n as_o commoner_n the_o first_o at_o waltersey_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n the_o second_o at_o the_o corner_n of_o bensted_n hirne_n the_o three_o at_o hunterstones_n by_o the_o bishop_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o hunterstones_n the_o four_o at_o the_o end_n of_o waldersey_n drive_v by_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n the_o five_o near_o the_o gate_n of_o tilney_n house_n by_o the_o say_a prior_n of_o ely_n the_o six_o at_o coldham_n hithe_a by_o the_o lord_n of_o coldham_n the_o seven_o at_o charite_n cross_n by_o the_o field_n of_o elm_n and_o the_o eight_o at_o the_o end_n of_o grenediche_n next_o to_o welle_v and_o that_o the_o say_v bar_n shall_v be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v when_o need_n require_v upon_o pain_n of_o xxs._n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o to_o the_o lord_n and_o commoner_n who_o ought_v to_o repair_v they_o as_o often_o as_o any_o damage_n shall_v happen_v to_o the_o commoner_n thereby_o provide_v nevertheless_o that_o every_o one_o at_o the_o make_n of_o his_o bank_n may_v have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n thereto_o and_o to_o amend_v the_o same_o as_o need_n require_v and_o that_o the_o penalty_n aforesaid_a shall_v be_v employ_v to_o the_o repair_n thereof_o as_o aforesaid_a and_o that_o every_o dike_n reeve_n of_o elm_n and_o wisebeche_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o likewise_o every_o dike_n reeve_n of_o welle_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v may_v have_v power_n by_o
these_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o council_n to_o be_v publish_v in_o their_o church_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o the_o xv_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o a_o session_n ja._n of_o sewer_n at_o huntingdon_n the_o â—aid_a commissioner_n recite_v their_o proceed_n at_o several_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v before_o that_o time_n in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o king_n direction_n and_o for_o the_o better_a expedit_v of_o the_o work_n decree_v that_o for_o and_o towards_o the_o open_n of_o the_o ancient_a outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o welland_n and_o all_o other_o necessary_a work_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a ground_n etc._n etc._n every_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v drown_v ground_n in_o those_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n linc._n and_o norff._n shall_v be_v tax_v at_o xxs._n the_o acre_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o the_o owner_n thereof_o before_o the_o 7._o of_o dec._n then_o next_o come_n unto_o thomas_n bishop_n of_o peterborough_n sir_n francis_n fane_n sir_n rob._n bevill_n &c._n &c._n and_o other_o by_o this_o decree_n name_v to_o remain_v in_o their_o hand_n to_o be_v ratable_o pay_v over_o to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n after_o their_o work_n of_o drayn_v shall_v be_v do_v whole_a or_o in_o part_n and_o that_o for_o want_n of_o payment_n thereof_o at_o the_o day_n and_o time_n appoint_v the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v in_o a_o full_a session_n of_o sewer_n to_o be_v hold_v the_o 21._o day_n of_o dec._n follow_v at_o peterborough_n allow_v and_o set_v forth_o such_o portion_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n for_o which_o the_o sum_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o pay_v unto_o the_o same_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n in_o recompense_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v as_o shall_v seem_v just_a etc._n etc._n unto_o they_o which_o shall_v be_v enjoy_v &c._n &c._n according_o and_o that_o after_o the_o say_a work_n of_o drayn_v shall_v be_v perfect_v and_o adjudge_v sufficient_o do_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n at_o a_o general_a session_n for_o that_o purpose_n a_o competent_a proportion_n of_o land_n to_o be_v reassure_v by_o the_o say_a undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n or_o assign_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o last_o that_o copy_n of_o this_o order_n shall_v be_v publish_v by_o the_o sheriff_n in_o the_o several_a county_n etc._n etc._n where_o the_o say_a drain_n be_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o work_n do_v not_o go_v on_o so_o effectual_o as_o the_o king_n desire_v which_o occasion_v a_o letter_n 1619._o from_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n the_o 5._o of_o december_n ensue_v whereby_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o attendance_n upon_o they_o by_o the_o undertaker_n in_o several_a session_n of_o sewer_n and_o yet_o that_o little_a progress_n have_v be_v make_v therein_o they_o desire_v they_o again_o to_o afford_v their_o effectual_a assistance_n for_o remove_v of_o such_o difficulty_n as_o may_v hinder_v a_o undertake_n of_o so_o great_a a_o hope_n nothing_o now_o rest_v but_o the_o put_n of_o their_o own_o order_n in_o execution_n for_o advancement_n of_o the_o same_o whereupon_o the_o commissioner_n siâ—ting_v at_o spalding_n jac._n upon_o the_o xvith_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o december_n recite_v the_o decree_n make_v at_o huntendon_n in_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v there_o upon_o the_o xv_o and_o xuj_o of_o october_n precede_v and_o take_v notice_n that_o no_o money_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n of_o xxs._n the_o acre_n have_v be_v pay_v as_o be_v then_o order_v do_v judge_n pâ—â—tibag_n and_o decree_n that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o say_v worthy_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o say_a fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n in_o general_a beforementioned_a or_o those_o particular_n hereafter_o mention_v or_o any_o of_o they_o respective_o in_o that_o county_n of_o lincoln_n shall_v by_o god_n help_v be_v well_o and_o true_o accomplish_v by_o the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n and_o expense_n and_o so_o adjudge_v and_o approve_v by_o six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n commorant_n and_o reside_v within_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n for_o those_o work_n that_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o those_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n commorant_n and_o reside_v within_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n for_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o the_o say_a part_n of_o kesteven_n then_o and_o from_o thenceforth_o they_o the_o say_v sir_n william_n ayloffe_n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n be_v the_o undertaker_n beforementioned_a thâ—ir_a heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v the_o part_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o ground_n usual_o and_o hurtful_o surround_v and_o by_o they_o undertake_v to_o be_v drayn_v respective_o as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n then_o have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o fen_n call_v depe_v spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n and_o of_o goggisland_n belong_v to_o crowland_n by_o contract_n heretofore_o make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o notwithstanding_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o same_o fen_n than_o remain_v drown_v that_o therefore_o the_o say_v several_a fen_n call_v spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n and_o depe_a fen_n and_o goggisland_n together_o with_o that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n in_o the_o occupation_n and_o tenure_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n or_o his_o tenant_n shall_v be_v all_o entire_o and_o whole_o survay_v and_o measure_v by_o two_o several_a surveyor_n whereof_o one_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n ayloff_n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n the_o say_a undertaker_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n and_o the_o other_o by_o some_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o the_o whole_a content_n and_o number_n of_o acre_n to_o be_v exact_o take_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o thereof_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_v to_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o lie_v open_a and_o in_o common_a as_o together_o with_o the_o say_v several_a ground_n in_o the_o tenure_n and_o occupation_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n shall_v amount_v unto_o and_o extend_v to_o a_o moiety_n or_o half_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o all_o together_o to_o be_v proportionable_o take_v out_o of_o the_o say_v several_a fen_n viz._n one_o part_n out_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbeck_n south_n fen_n another_o part_n out_o of_o depe_a fen_n and_o a_o three_o part_n out_o of_o goggisland_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n then_o in_o they_o lie_v in_o common_a to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o the_o say_v six_o or_o more_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o either_o of_o the_o say_a part_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n within_o their_o say_a several_a part_n respective_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a and_o drown_a ground_n call_v bellesmore_n lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o wesson_n in_o the_o say_a county_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n two_o three_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a be_v the_o ground_n of_o william_n coulson_n of_o the_o same_o yeoman_n two_o three_o part_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o marish_a ground_n call_v the_o east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n john_n payton_n knight_n and_o other_o one_o four_o part_n and_o of_o whaplode_n and_o holbeche_n common_a marish_a or_o fen_n ground_n one_o half_a part_n and_o of_o sutton_n fen_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la two_o three_o part_n and_o it_o be_v far_o order_v and_o decree_v that_o till_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v drayn_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v drayn_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o two_o river_n of_o glene_n and_o weland_n and_o the_o bank_n environ_v the_o say_a south_n fen_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n at_o the_o charge_n and_o cost_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o exeter_n or_o his_o assign_v according_a to_o the_o contract_n make_v with_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n that_o this_o decree_n also_o have_v little_a effect_n i_o be_o much_o incline_v to_o believe_v for_o upon_o the_o last_o of_o february_n follow_v the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n write_v 16â—â—_n again_o to_o those_o commissioner_n require_v they_o to_o attend_v the_o king_n in_o person_n at_o his_o council_n board_n in_o the_o three_o week_n of_o lent_n ensue_v there_o to_o clear_v such_o doubt_n as_o his_o malesty_n shall_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v
may_v the_o better_o accomplish_v this_o so_o great_a a_o undertatake_n as_o also_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v complete_v the_o say_v francis_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o x_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n obtain_v lettee_n patent_n of_o incorporation_n bear_v date_n 13_o martii_fw-la caroli_n whereby_o the_o say_a king_n make_v some_o recital_n of_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_n 13_o jan._n 6_o car._n with_o his_o royal_a assent_n thereunto_o do_v incorporate_v he_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o certain_a other_o person_n viz._n oliver_n earl_n of_o bullingbroke_n henry_n lord_n maltrevers_n edward_n lord_n gorges_n sir_n francis_n crane_n knight_n chancellor_z of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n thomes_n teringham_n knight_n sir_n robert_z lovell_z knight_z sir_n filbert_n vernat_fw-la knight_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n william_n sam_n doctor_n of_o law_n oliver_n s._n john_n esquire_n anthony_n hamond_n esquire_n and_o samuel_n spalding_n gentleman_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a to_o be_v guardian_n and_o conserver_n of_o the_o fen_n land_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntingdon_n northampton_n lincoln_n norfolk_n suffolk_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n two_o bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o society_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o they_o and_o other_o to_o be_v elect_v into_o that_o fellowship_n to_o have_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n by_o those_o name_n and_o title_n with_o power_n to_o purchase_v land_n plead_v and_o be_v implead_v and_o to_o have_v a_o common_a seal_n and_o moreover_o that_o out_o of_o this_o their_o society_n be_v yearly_o choose_v upon_o the_o xxix_o of_o september_n one_o who_o shall_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o governor_n another_o to_o be_v deputy_n governor_n and_o two_o other_o to_o be_v bailiff_n of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o continue_v for_o one_o complete_a year_n each_o of_o the_o say_a commonalty_n have_v of_o inheritance_n five_o hundred_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n land_n that_o upon_o death_n or_o removal_n the_o survivor_n to_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o room_n and_o that_o six_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o society_n whereof_o the_o governor_n or_o deputy_n governor_n to_o be_v one_o also_o that_o the_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n and_o bailiff_n shall_v make_v oath_n for_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n so_o likewise_o their_o servant_n and_o minister_n by_o this_o charter_n of_o incorporation_n the_o say_a governor_n bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o this_o society_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v likewise_o constitute_v guardian_n of_o all_o the_o water_n river_n and_o fen_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a with_o power_n to_o seize_v and_o take_v all_o net_n and_o other_o engine_n make_v and_o use_v therein_o for_o destroy_v of_o fish_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o they_o be_v thereby_o empower_v to_o inquire_v by_o oath_n of_o all_o trespass_n and_o offence_n commit_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n by_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n which_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n to_o be_v levy_v by_o their_o officer_n and_o to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o society_n without_o any_o estreit_n thereof_o make_v into_o the_o exchequer_n likewise_o to_o build_v church_n or_o chapel_n and_o make_v churchyard_n in_o such_o fit_a place_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v meet_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o take_v reasonable_a toll_n of_o all_o carriage_n and_o commodity_n at_o such_o bridge_n as_o they_o shall_v erect_v and_o maintain_v so_o also_o for_o jade_a boat_n pass_v under_o the_o same_o bridge_n and_o last_o to_o register_n all_o conveyance_n of_o these_o their_o land_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o make_v thereof_o in_o certain_a book_n to_o be_v keep_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o the_o say_a governor_n and_o bailiff_n all_o which_o be_v accomplish_v about_o three_o year_n after_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o peterborough_n twelve_o oct._n 13_o car._n the_o whole_a level_n be_v adjudge_v drayn_v 1657._o and_o the_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v set_v out_o by_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o mete_n and_o bound_n unto_o the_o say_v francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_n the_o charge_n 2._o of_o these_o work_n to_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o great_a expense_n it_o be_v at_o length_n evident_o discern_v ibid._n that_o though_o the_o land_n be_v very_o much_o improve_v by_o those_o work_n yet_o be_v they_o subject_a to_o inundation_n especial_o in_o the_o winter_n season_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n 12_o aprilis_n 1638._o the_o year_n ensue_v the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n undertake_n be_v adjudge_v defective_a and_o on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o may_n follow_v mâ—â—i_fw-la in_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n the_o particular_a defect_n therein_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o commissioner_n there_o be_v a_o new_a tax_n of_o xv_o s._n the_o acre_n impose_v by_o they_o but_o upon_o dupe_v fâ—n_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n waldersey_n and_o coldham_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n needham_n fen_n vis_fw-la viijd_o the_o acre_n for_o the_o marsh_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o walton_n wallokne_v and_o walpole_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n tide_n s._n mary_n sutton_n in_o holland_n lutton_n gedney_n fleâ—te_n holbeche_o ouaplode_n moulton_n and_o weston_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n wisbeche_n leverington_n newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n xls._n the_o acre_n marshlandâ—en_o â—en_z xxs._n the_o acre_n and_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o marshland_n x_o s._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n oâ—_n wisebeche_n between_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n wisebeche_v river_n the_o old_a sea-bank_n and_o the_o shire_n drain_v viz._n the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n within_o the_o say_a north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n aforesaid_a x_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n vi_o s._n viij_o d._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o holland_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n viz._n the_o common_a at_o xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a at_o x_o s._n and_o it_o be_v then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a tax_n shall_v be_v pay_v in_o to_o the_o treasurer_n appoint_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o before_o the_o xviijth_o of_o july_n than_o next_o ensue_v that_o present_a session_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v speedy_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n that_o so_o the_o say_a fen_n may_v by_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v aswell_o winter-ground_n as_o summer-ground_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o save_v convenient_a forelands_n and_o receptacle_n for_o winter_n flood_n hereupon_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n take_v this_o great_a business_n into_o his_o princely_a consideration_n and_o foresee_v that_o these_o land_n be_v 3._o a_o continent_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n in_o case_n they_o be_v make_v winter-ground_n will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n viz._n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la value_n as_o also_o a_o great_a and_o certain_a revenue_n to_o all_o party_n interest_v and_o likewise_o because_o the_o owner_n who_o be_v very_o many_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n one_o being_z willing_a and_o another_o not_o one_o able_a to_o contribute_v another_o not_o be_v therefore_o please_v to_o undertake_v the_o make_n of_o those_o land_n winter-ground_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n whereby_o the_o say_v four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n may_v be_v profitable_a firm_a and_o good_a and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n thereof_o do_v command_v divers_a gentleman_n expert_a in_o such_o adventure_n to_o give_v their_o advice_n how_o these_o land_n may_v be_v recover_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v winter-ground_n to_o the_o end_n the_o say_a work_n may_v be_v complete_v among_o which_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n be_v one_o who_o after_o view_v take_v thereof_o return_v their_o