late_a year_n by_o this_o active_a and_o ingenious_a people_n in_o their_o great_a and_o beneficial_a improvement_n the_o number_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n so_o much_o increase_v as_o that_o urgent_a necessity_n enforce_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o utmost_a skill_n for_o the_o accomplish_n somewhat_o as_o may_v be_v considerable_a in_o such_o a_o case_n this_o be_v by_o drayn_v of_o sundry_a lake_n whereof_o sixteen_o be_v most_o considerable_a all_o which_o be_v perform_v within_o the_o space_n of_o these_o last_o fifty_o year_n by_o certain_a windmill_n devise_v and_o erect_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o chief_a of_o which_o lake_n call_v the_o beemster_n contain_v above_o eighteen_o hundred_o acre_n make_v dry_a by_o the_o help_n of_o lxx._n of_o those_o mill_n and_o wall_v about_o with_o a_o bank_n of_o great_a strength_n and_o substance_n be_v now_o become_v a_o place_n of_o such_o profit_n and_o pleasure_n through_o the_o abundance_n of_o cattle_n that_o be_v feed_v in_o it_o and_o the_o plantation_n therein_o otherwise_o make_v that_o it_o may_v not_o without_o desert_n be_v very_o just_o call_v the_o most_o famous_a garden_n of_o all_o that_o province_n the_o other_o lake_n so_o drayn_v as_o i_o have_v say_v do_v lie_n about_o the_o city_n of_o alcmare_n horn_n and_o purmerende_a and_o be_v vulgar_o call_v de_fw-fr schermere_n de_fw-fr whert_z de_fw-fr pucmer_n and_o de_fw-fr wormer_n which_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o help_n of_o few_o mill_n be_v now_o become_v not_o only_o most_o fruitful_a pasture_n and_o little_a inferior_a to_o the_o beemster_n but_o have_v so_o enrich_v the_o adjoin_a village_n by_o the_o concourse_n of_o people_n to_o they_o that_o through_o the_o great_a emolument_fw-fr to_o the_o public_a treasury_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o cheese_n and_o butter_n there_o make_v there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a holland_n within_o the_o old_a that_o the_o performance_n of_o these_o eminent_a work_n require_v extraordinary_a 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behold_v for_o much_o that_o i_o have_v here_o say_v touch_v these_o improvement_n in_o holland_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o i_o have_v express_v cap._n vii_o friesland_n this_o country_n situate_v also_o very_o low_o and_o much_o subject_n to_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n want_v not_o the_o like_a advantage_n by_o wall_n and_o bank_n of_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v better_a safeguard_n as_o that_o of_o holland_n have_v nor_o of_o less_o antiquity_n i_o presume_v but_o those_o elder_a time_n i_o shall_v pass_v by_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o remarkable_a and_o famous_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n do_v by_o 241._o gaspar_n roblesius_n a_o portugal_n governor_n of_o this_o province_n and_o groningen_n under_o philip_n the_o second_o k._n of_o spain_n about_o the_o year_n mdlxxvi_o this_o worthy_a person_n have_v drive_v out_o entenius_fw-la a_o rebel_n and_o disperse_v his_o force_n betake_v himself_o to_o work_n and_o study_n besit_v a_o time_n of_o peace_n perfect_v that_o famous_a sea-bank_n by_o which_o westergoos_n a_o part_n of_o that_o territory_n be_v defend_v from_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o ocean_n which_o for_o many_o age_n have_v by_o its_o tide_n occasion_v infinite_a damage_n to_o the_o country_n thereby_o raise_v to_o his_o memory_n a_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o fame_n for_o by_o his_o contrivance_n it_o be_v that_o the_o work_n be_v set_v upon_o and_o by_o his_o power_n that_o the_o people_n of_o themselves_o averse_a and_o slow_a to_o so_o public_a and_o beneficial_a a_o work_n be_v compel_v to_o come_v in_o man_n by_o man_n to_o raise_v this_o strong_a bank_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v to_o quench_v a_o fire_n in_o this_o alone_a it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o security_n to_o the_o country_n and_o for_o his_o honour_n which_o exceed_v the_o renown_n of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v the_o precede_a governor_n of_o that_o country_n under_o the_o emâ—perour_n charles_n the_o uth_o and_o the_o say_a king_n philip_n to_o last_o say_v my_o author_n ibid._n quamdiu_fw-la natura_fw-la rerum_fw-la aut_fw-la mari_fw-fr limes_z sit_v i_o e._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o famous_a sea-bank_n be_v perfect_v adrianus_n vastartius_fw-la and_o johannes_n carolus_n go_v to_o harling_n and_o erect_v a_o monumental_a pillar_n of_o stone_n upon_o the_o shore_n there_o which_o shall_v give_v bound_n to_o the_o maritime_a and_o mediterranean_a westergois_n and_o thenceforth_o avoid_v all_o future_a contention_n about_o the_o repair_n that_o sea-bank_n in_o the_o foundation_n of_o which_o pillar_n be_v lay_v twelve_o thousand_o brick_n the_o height_n of_o it_o be_v xx_o foot_n above_o the_o top_n of_o the_o say_a sea-bank_n and_o this_o inscription_n towards_o the_o west_n caspari_n à _fw-fr robles_n equiti_fw-la domino_fw-la de_fw-fr billi_n etc._n etc._n frisiae_n groâ—ingae_n ejusque_fw-la territorii_fw-la ac_fw-la adjacentium_fw-la gubernatori_fw-la quod_fw-la hanc_fw-la provinciam_fw-la praeter_fw-la arma_fw-la consiliis_fw-la &_o munimentis_fw-la juverit_fw-la ac_fw-la inter_fw-la cetera_fw-la aggere-ipsis_a kal._n nou._n mdlxx_o funditus_fw-la everso_fw-la amplissimi_fw-la d._n viglii_fw-la zuichemi_fw-it patris_fw-la patriae_fw-la auxiliaribus_fw-la operis_fw-la &_o adhibitis_fw-la igramo_n ab_fw-la achelen_n pr._n adriano_n vastaret_fw-la petro_n frittema_n &_o joanne_v carolo_n senatoribus_fw-la conciliorum_fw-la sociis_fw-la novum_fw-la maris_fw-la propugnaculum_fw-la summo_fw-la labour_v vigiliâ_fw-la &_o celeritate_fw-la decretis_fw-la quoque_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr svo_fw-la persolutis_fw-la diligentiae_fw-la praemiis_fw-la tribus_fw-la plus_fw-la minus_fw-la mensibus_fw-la à _fw-la fundamentis_fw-la erexerit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la summam_fw-la manum_fw-la perduxerit_fw-la atque_fw-la hunc_fw-la lapidem_fw-la sublatis_fw-la controversiarum_fw-la litibus_fw-la terminum_fw-la esse_fw-la voluit_fw-la gratus_fw-la provincialium_fw-la ordo_fw-la ob_fw-la rem_fw-la prudenter_fw-la benè_fw-la &_o fideliter_fw-la gestam_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la ac_fw-la de_fw-fr republicâ_fw-la optimè_fw-la merito_fw-la in_o et_fw-fr this_o province_n likewise_o and_o in_o groningen_n which_o adjoin_v thereto_o divers_a lake_n have_v also_o be_v drayn_v of_o late_a year_n which_o be_v now_o become_v most_o fruitful_a pasture_n among_o which_o the_o most_o notable_a be_v a_o certain_a fenny_a tract_n which_o in_o the_o dutch_a language_n they_o call_v the_o wild_a weemh_o which_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o divers_a merchant_n of_o amsterdam_n be_v become_v such_o rich_a meadow_n ground_n that_o within_o these_o six_o or_o seven_o year_n last_o pass_v about_o the_o number_n of_o ten_o thousand_o people_n go_v thither_o to_o plant_v themselves_o who_o do_v now_o live_v there_o very_o happy_o cap._n viii_o zelandâ—_n in_o aº_n mdxxxvi_o 161._o the_o new_a haven_n of_o middleburg_n in_o the_o island_n of_o walcren_n pass_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n from_o the_o town_n unto_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o island_n where_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o sea_n be_v finish_v before_o this_o their_o haven_n be_v near_o unto_o the_o salt_n marsh_n to_o armuyden_n have_v a_o crooked_a course_n unto_o the_o town_n and_o there_o very_o discommodious_a and_o in_o 177._o aº_n mdxlvii_o adolph_n of_o burgundy_n signior_n of_o chapelle_n and_o wackene_n jerosme_n sandelin_n signior_n of_o herentont_n receiver_n of_o bewesterscheldt_n in_o zeeland_n and_o some_o private_a gentleman_n do_v recover_v and_o wall_n in_o about_o sheerenskerke_n and_o henkepsandt_n in_o the_o country_n of_o zuydbeveclandt_n otherwise_o call_v the_o isle_n of_o ter_n go_v the_o old_a enclosure_n or_o poidor_n which_o be_v a_o land_n win_v from_o the_o sea_n the_o which_o before_o the_o inundation_n be_v usual_o call_v zeeshuys_n so_o as_o it_o remain_v a_o long_a time_n unprofitable_a but_o since_o its_o recovery_n they_o call_v it_o cray_n at_o this_o present_a a_o most_o fertile_a country_n it_o will_v require_v a_o volume_n to_o give_v instance_n of_o the_o sundry_a work_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o these_o low_a country_n by_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sluice_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v less_o active_a in_o brabant_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v for_o in_o the_o opinion_n
half_a of_o all_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o to_o be_v in_v according_a to_o the_o purport_n and_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o say_v recite_v indenture_n the_o other_o moiety_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n ground_n according_a to_o the_o several_a proportion_n of_o their_o quantity_n which_o they_o then_o have_v in_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v hold_v of_o edmund_n cook_n esquire_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o lesnes_n and_o fant_n in_o free_a socage_n by_o fealty_n and_o one_o penny_n rend_v for_o every_o acre_n and_o not_o in_o chief_a nor_o by_o knight_n service_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a charge_n of_o this_o work_n the_o say_v in_v marsh_n to_o be_v dischardged_a from_o all_o tithe_n and_o ten_o whatsoever_o for_o and_o during_o the_o term_n of_o seven_o year_n next_o after_o the_o inning_n win_a and_o fence_v of_o the_o same_o cap._n fourteen_o and_o now_o surrey_n though_o by_o what_o have_v yet_o be_v instance_a touch_v the_o improvement_n make_v by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v upon_o the_o verge_n of_o this_o river_n the_o first_o commission_n which_o i_o have_v vouch_v bear_v not_o date_n above_o three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n since_o yet_o do_v i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o that_o this_o good_a husbandry_n be_v far_o more_o ancient_a for_o notwithstanding_o the_o like_a commission_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o other_o marsh_n situate_v high_o upon_o this_o stream_n whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n by_o and_o by_o be_v not_o much_o elder_a it_o will_v by_o great_a circumstance_n be_v evident_a that_o some_o of_o these_o bank_n be_v not_o of_o less_o antiquity_n than_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_n here_o in_o britain_n otherwise_o how_o can_v that_o ancient_a borough_n of_o suthwarke_n have_v be_v build_v the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o stand_v be_v at_o first_o natural_o flat_a and_o low_a and_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o usual_a tide_n as_o the_o adjoin_a marsh_n still_o will_v be_v be_v not_o they_o defend_v by_o the_o like_a bank_n though_o now_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o vast_a building_n there_o which_o do_v stand_v upon_o artificial_a ground_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o suburb_n to_o that_o great_a and_o ancient_a city_n of_o london_n there_o be_v little_a notice_n take_v that_o it_o have_v be_v so_o raise_v where_o beside_o divers_a roman_a coin_n that_o be_v still_o frequent_o dig_v up_o i_o myself_o in_o the_o year_n 1658_o saw_n in_o those_o field_n on_o the_o backside_n of_o winchâ—ster_n house_n call_v suthwark_n parkâ—_n upon_o the_o sink_n of_o divers_a cellar_n for_o some_o new_a building_n at_o about_o two_o foot_n below_o the_o present_a level_n of_o the_o ground_n a_o roman_a pavement_n make_v of_o brick_n not_o above_o a_o inch_n and_o a_o half_a square_n and_o adjoin_v to_o it_o a_o more_o curious_a piece_n of_o the_o like_a small_a brick_n in_o length_n about_o ten_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n five_z wrought_v in_o various_a colour_n and_o in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o betwixt_o certain_a border_n in_o the_o fashion_n of_o wreathe_a column_n the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n very_o lively_o express_v in_o that_o kind_n of_o mosaique_a work_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o commission_n the_o first_o whereof_o our_o public_a record_n do_v take_v notice_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o 23_o e._n 1._o which_o be_v direct_v to_o john_n de_fw-fr metingham_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr carleton_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o lambehethe_n and_o grenewiche_n after_o this_o about_o three_o year_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v maintain_v the_o bank_n near_o retherhithe_n the_o breach_n thereof_o be_v such_o as_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o marsh_n become_v drown_v whereupon_o the_o king_n commit_v the_o manage_n of_o their_o repair_n to_o his_o trusty_a and_o belove_a will_n haward_n soon_o after_o one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o court_n of_o common_a plea_n to_o who_o he_o assign_v a_o certain_a sum_n of_o money_n for_o that_o purpose_n which_o not_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o work_n though_o he_o the_o say_v william_n even_o beyond_o his_o ability_n add_v thereto_o of_o his_o own_o purse_n the_o say_a king_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n ordain_v dorso_fw-la that_o all_o those_o land_n which_o through_o the_o before-specified_n neglect_n be_v thus_o overflow_v and_o drown_v shall_v be_v seize_v into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o commit_v to_o some_o such_o honest_a and_o trusty_a person_n as_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v repair_v and_o new_a make_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o have_v and_o enjoy_v by_o a_o extent_n to_o be_v make_v thereof_o until_o he_o shall_v reimburse_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a land_n to_o the_o full_a of_o whatsoever_o he_o may_v lay_v out_o upon_o that_o work_n in_o 2_o e._n 2._o john_n de_fw-fr foxle_n walter_n de_fw-fr gloucestre_fw-fr with_o some_o other_o be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o take_v view_n of_o a_o certain_a breach_n of_o a_o bank_n near_o bermundsey_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o in_o the_o same_o year_n it_o happen_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a breach_n the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o dorso_o bermondsey_n receive_v great_a loss_n by_o the_o drown_n of_o certain_a ground_n belong_v to_o that_o house_n the_o king_n therefore_o at_o the_o request_n of_o isabella_n his_o queen_n grant_v dorso_o this_o favour_n to_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n that_o nothing_o of_o the_o corn_n hay_o or_o any_o the_o good_a or_o catall_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a priory_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o king_n or_o any_o other_o without_o the_o assent_n of_o they_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n the_o like_a breach_n also_o happen_v in_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o marsh_n in_o suthwarke_n which_o not_o long_o before_o pertain_v to_o the_o knight_n templar_n but_o then_o be_v in_o the_o king_n hand_n he_o be_v advertise_v thereof_o direct_v his_o precept_n 7._o bear_v date_n at_o barwick_n upon_o twede_n 23_o maii_n 4_o e._n 2._o unto_o william_n de_fw-fr montalt_n at_o that_o time_n guardian_n of_o those_o land_n command_v he_o that_o out_o of_o the_o profit_n of_o they_o he_o shall_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v speedy_o repair_v and_o in_o 9_o e._n 2._o richard_n de_fw-fr repham_n and_o edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n be_v constitute_v doâ—sâ—_n commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o london_n bridge_n and_o the_o manor_n call_v fauxes-halle_n as_o also_o of_o a_o certain_a bank_n in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n in_o suthwerke_n which_o have_v be_v ancient_o make_v for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o be_v then_o ruinous_a and_o break_a and_o likewise_o of_o certain_a ditch_n whereby_o the_o fresh_a water_n have_v former_o use_v to_o descend_v into_o the_o thames_n which_o be_v then_o choke_v up_o and_o to_o distrain_v all_o such_o person_n for_o the_o repait_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o ditch_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o any_o land_n that_o they_o hold_v or_o otherwise_o be_v oblige_v thereto_o in_o 13_o e._n 2._o upon_o a_o inquisition_n 3._o take_v before_o john_n de_fw-fr everdon_n and_o geffrey_n de_fw-fr hertelpole_n than_o the_o king_n justice_n assign_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o defect_n in_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n which_o be_v situate_a betwixt_o london_n bridge_n and_o grenewiche_n the_o jury_n present_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o part_n of_o a_o bank_n at_o retherhethe_n contain_v thirteen_o perch_n in_o length_n be_v then_o break_v and_o that_o sir_n john_n latimer_n knight_n in_o respect_n of_o a_o certain_a message_n that_o he_o have_v there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v chardged_a with_o the_o repair_n thereof_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n it_o be_v likewise_o present_v that_o at_o a_o place_n there_o call_v milnewardstrete_n there_o be_v a_o gutter_n call_v mouse_n goter_n so_o obstruct_v that_o the_o water_n which_o have_v use_v and_o ought_v to_o pass_v through_o it_o into_o the_o thames_n be_v stop_v and_o that_o one_o richard_n le_fw-fr chaundeler_n be_v oblige_v by_o right_a to_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o land_n there_o and_o moreover_o that_o there_o be_v another_o gutter_n in_o the_o land_n late_o belong_v to_o richard_n de_fw-fr dunle_fw-mi so_o stop_v likewise_o the_o cleanse_v whereof_o belong_v to_o agnes_n his_o widow_n than_o tenant_n to_o the_o say_a land_n as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v another_o gutter_n in_o the_o ground_n whereof_o richard_n de_fw-fr ashwy_n have_v be_v late_o possess_v which_o gutter_n be_v then_o likewise_o
it_o be_v then_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n call_v wythyrne_n be_v stop_v by_o sand_n and_o weed_n through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o wythyes_n on_o the_o one_o part_n &_o sir_n will._n cogan_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o honyfpull_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o that_o afterward_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o say_a tenant_n constitute_v the_o say_a john_n fytelton_n and_o john_n pane_n their_o attorney_n to_o answer_v thereto_o and_o by_o another_o inquisition_n take_v at_o taunton_n the_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n giles_n the_o abbot_n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n the_o juror_n upon_o their_o oath_n do_v say_v that_o the_o say_a abbot_n do_v at_o monketon_n maintain_v certain_a tree_n hang_v in_o the_o river_n of_o tone_n overthwart_o the_o same_o stream_n insomuch_o as_o boat_n can_v not_o pass_v there_o betwixt_o the_o mill_n of_o tobrigge_n and_o bathepole_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o mill_n call_v bathepole_n for_o grind_v of_o corn_n be_v build_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o river_n of_o tone_n with_o stone_n wall_n six_o foot_n high_o than_o they_o have_v former_o be_v by_o sir_n richard_n de_fw-fr atton_n knight_n which_o mill_n the_o say_a abbot_n then_o have_v and_o support_v and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o full_a mill_n build_v in_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o say_a sir_n richard_n de_fw-fr atton_n after_o the_o great_a plague_n which_o be_v then_o also_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o say_a stream_n can_v not_o have_v its_o passage_n as_o former_o but_o overflow_v both_o the_o corn_n ground_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjacent_a to_o the_o damage_n of_o all_o the_o country_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o king_n high_a way_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bathepole-brigge_a be_v so_o overflow_v and_o spoil_v by_o the_o flow_a back_n of_o the_o say_a water_n that_o people_n can_v not_o travel_v that_o way_n and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n ought_v to_o amend_v the_o same_o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o by_o the_o build_n of_o those_o mill_n and_o wall_n the_o boat_n which_o have_v wont_a to_o have_v passage_n that_o way_n with_o merchandise_n from_o bridgewater_n to_o taunton_n be_v stop_v and_o that_o the_o fish_n be_v also_o thereby_o hinder_v of_o their_o course_n to_o and_o from_o those_o place_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o a_o certain_a piece_n of_o ground_n on_o one_o part_n in_o monketon_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o say_a abbot_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o willow_n and_o other_o tree_n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o predecessor_n their_o servant_n and_o tenant_n there_o and_o also_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n poulet_n knight_n have_v appropriate_v the_o ground_n on_o the_o other_o side_n by_o the_o like_a plantation_n so_o that_o the_o channel_n which_o have_v be_v ancient_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a be_v not_o then_o above_o x_o or_o xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o bathepole_n to_o criche_n by_o reason_n whereof_o boat_n can_v not_o pass_v therein_o as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o the_o country_n to_o answer_v all_o which_o charge_n the_o abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n appear_v by_o their_o attorney_n upon_o the_o wednesday_n in_o easter_n week_n in_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o as_o to_o the_o bank_n call_v southelake_n wall_n first_o present_v say_v that_o it_o be_v in_o othery_n and_o not_o in_o weston_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o his_o the_o say_v abbot_n manor_n of_o sowy_a and_o far_o say_v that_o he_o hold_v a_o certain_a piece_n of_o ground_n call_v southlakemore_n in_o othery_n aforesaid_a contain_v about_o xl_o acre_n of_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n &_o that_o it_o be_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n and_o lay_v betwixt_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v burwall_n which_o manor_n the_o say_a abbot_n hold_v as_o parcel_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n of_o glastonbury_n and_o that_o he_o and_o all_o his_o predecessor_n be_v seize_v thereof_o time_n beyond_o memory_n as_o in_o the_o right_n of_o their_o say_a church_n and_o he_o allege_v moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a river_n call_v paret_fw-la which_o be_v adjacent_a to_o the_o say_a ground_n call_v southlake_n mere_a into_o which_o river_n the_o sea_n water_n do_v flow_v and_o ebb_v and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v southlake_n wall_n be_v and_o have_v be_v there_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o same_o ground_n call_v southlake_n mere_a aswell_o to_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o tide_n flow_v in_o by_o the_o say_a river_n as_o of_o the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v by_o that_o and_o other_o channel_n to_o the_o damage_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o ground_n a_o certain_a high_a way_n call_v the_o drene_a extend_v itself_o through_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o all_o his_o predecessor_n and_o tenant_n of_o othery_n have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n maintain_v the_o say_a bank_n call_v southlake_n wall_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o ground_n and_o way_n as_o aforesaid_a without_o that_o that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o rune_n sewer_n gutter_n trench_n or_o ditch_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v southlake_n wall_n or_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o be_v and_o without_o that_o that_o any_o rune_n be_v obstruct_v by_o that_o bank_n or_o any_o bank_n elsewhere_o in_o weston_n call_v southlake_n wall_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o say_a presentment_n and_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v by_o the_o country_n and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o the_o two_o wear_v call_v tap_a wear_v in_o the_o river_n of_o paret_fw-la by_o which_o the_o current_n of_o that_o water_n be_v hinder_v he_o say_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o manor_n of_o sowy_a as_o parcel_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o church_n of_o glastonbury_n as_o also_o a_o certain_a floodgate_n call_v tap_a be_v in_o the_o say_a river_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o that_o manor_n and_o so_o suppose_v to_o be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o say_v that_o the_o same_o floodgate_n have_v be_v there_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o all_o his_o predecessor_n be_v seize_v thereof_o as_o parcel_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n and_o that_o it_o than_o be_v in_o breadth_n height_n and_o depth_n as_o much_o as_o it_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o say_a water_n be_v not_o any_o otherwise_o stop_v than_o it_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o make_v proof_n thereof_o by_o the_o country_n and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o the_o say_a pleck_n of_o osier_n so_o appropriate_v by_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n in_o weston_n he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v amend_v and_o total_o remove_v and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v also_o ready_a to_o prove_v and_o as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o say_a tree_n and_o appropriate_v of_o the_o soil_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v not_o guilty_a and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o because_o the_o say_a tenant_n can_v not_o justify_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v remove_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n they_o be_v amerce_v at_o half_a a_o mark._n and_o as_o to_o the_o watercourse_n call_v wythyrune_v which_o be_v obstruct_v as_o aforesaid_a the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n of_o wythies_n answer_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v amend_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n and_o long_o before_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n that_o he_o have_v suffer_v tree_n in_o monketan_n to_o hang_v over_o the_o river_n of_o tone_n and_o overthwart_o the_o same_o so_o that_o boat_n can_v not_o pass_v to_o and_o fro_o he_o say_v that_o those_o tree_n grow_v above_o bathepole_n mill_n where_o boat_n never_o use_v to_o pass_v neither_o can_v or_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o that_o the_o say_v tree_n be_v not_o any_o nuisance_n all_o which_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o justify_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n that_o bathepole_n mill_n be_v build_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o river_n of_o tone_n with_o stone_n wall_n high_a by_o six_o foot_n than_o they_o former_o have_v be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o full_a mill_n build_v there_o etc._n etc._n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o
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
aug._n in_o the_o say_v xlith_o year_n and_o he_o to_o be_v chardged_a with_o the_o bank_n compass_v the_o say_a fen_n with_o the_o dike_n scour_a and_o rode_a of_o both_o the_o say_a river_n etc._n etc._n with_o bridge_n staker_n drayn_n and_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o say_a law_n impose_v and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a three_o part_n of_o all_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n by_o certain_a man_n thereunto_o appoint_v under_o such_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o other_o two_o part_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o say_v thomas_n by_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a law_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o whole_a estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o pound_n and_o more_o and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a question_n wilful_o stir_v &c._n &c._n between_o the_o county_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n about_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a country_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o say_v thomas_n can_v not_o have_v his_o say_v three_o part_v allot_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a law_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o for_o the_o decide_n those_o controversy_n there_o be_v the_o 8_o of_o april_n in_o xliiij_o eliz._n a_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o many_o knight_n and_o gentleman_n stranger_n to_o both_o the_o say_a country_n who_o do_v â—ot_n only_o set_v down_o and_o determine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o say_a bound_n but_o do_v also_o set_v out_o and_o assign_v the_o say_v three_o part_n belong_v to_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n as_o by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n make_v at_o spald_v aforesaid_a the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a by_o sir_n henry_n north_n knight_n sir_n john_n bolles_n knight_n valentine_n browne_n henry_n warner_n robert_n bevill_n robert_n wingfeld_n anthony_n ireby_n rob._n cotton_n richard_n cox_n robert_n jetherell_n and_o john_n s._n george_n appear_v according_a to_o which_o division_n the_o same_o be_v by_o man_n skilful_a in_o survey_v divide_a and_o set_v out_o since_o which_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a conference_n and_o agreement_n for_o two_o several_a drove-way_n through_o the_o say_v three_o part_n which_o be_v last_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o law_n of_o sewer_n 17_o of_o march_n 45_o eliz._n by_o tho._n lord_n burlegh_n edw._n heron_n etc._n etc._n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n with_o allowance_n to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n of_o as_o much_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o the_o say_a drove-way_n contain_v which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n make_v up_o a_o full_a three_o part_n be_v by_o mete_n and_o bound_n assign_v to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n and_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o enclose_v but_o can_v not_o perfect_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o the_o time_n and_o riotous_a let_n and_o disturbance_n of_o lewd_a people_n cast_v down_o his_o bank_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v ibid._n that_o the_o say_v thomas_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o three_o part_n so_o set_v out_o etc._n etc._n upon_o condition_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o full_o perfect_v the_o say_v drayn_v within_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n from_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v &c._n &c._n and_o after_o that_o maintain_v and_o keep_v they_o etc._n etc._n firm_a and_o depasturable_a in_o summer_n and_o winter_n except_o three_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v spald_v and_o depe_v fen_n and_o gogsland_n for_o lake_n and_o sikes_n and_o xl_o acre_n in_o borne_n and_o thurlby_n fen_n and_o except_v the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n then_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n but_o shall_v suffer_v the_o say_v two_o part_n to_o be_v drown_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n together_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v three_o year_n and_o the_o same_o certify_v by_o twelve_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o six_o of_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o of_o kesteven_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o record_v that_o then_o in_o case_n the_o say_a ground_n within_o one_o year_n follow_v be_v not_o recover_v etc._n etc._n than_o the_o lord_n and_o proprietarìe_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o re-enter_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n enter_v upon_o their_o common_a in_o the_o say_v three_o part_n according_a to_o their_o former_a right_n how_o far_o mr._n lovel_n proceed_v in_o this_o adventure_n i_o know_v not_o but_o his_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v as_o it_o seem_v i_o find_v that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v at_o large_a by_o and_o by_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o may_n 14_o caroli_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o several_a tax_n upon_o the_o particular_a fen_n and_o marsh_n throughout_o that_o vast_a tract_n in_o order_n to_o that_o work_n assess_v lindsey_n xxx_n a_o acre_n upon_o depe_a fen_n before-specified_n and_o afterward_o scil_n in_o july_n follow_v sit_v at_o huntendon_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v the_o xxiiijth_o of_o that_o month_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n certify_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o learned_a council_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o the_o adventurer_n touch_v that_o fen_n aswell_o for_o maâ—ter_n of_o law_n as_o fact_n and_o equity_n and_o upon_o full_a debate_n and_o advise_v consideration_n thereof_o be_v unanimous_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o tax_v impose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n at_o wisebeche_n beforementioned_a be_v upon_o just_a ground_n and_o â—o_o resolve_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o be_v not_o pay_v they_o may_v therefore_o lawful_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o further_o and_o perfect_a drayn_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n which_o will_v be_v very_o great_a notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n disburse_v by_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o adventurer_n and_o they_o far_o certify_v that_o before_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o make_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n they_o humble_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n whether_o they_o shall_v proceed_v therein_o or_o not_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v whether_o his_o majesty_n will_v become_v the_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n himself_o and_o so_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o the_o say_a adventurer_n to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a disbursment_n therein_o whereof_o they_o have_v or_o can_v receive_v little_a fruit_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o stand_v which_o they_o whole_o do_v submit_v to_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n desire_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v speedy_o signify_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v proceed_v according_o and_o humble_o offer_v this_o advice_n to_o their_o lordship_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o adventurer_n or_o any_o other_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o say_a drayn_v under_o his_o majesty_n â—o_o perform_v it_o by_o any_o way_n or_o design_n other_o than_o such_o as_o his_o majesty_n or_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v approve_v and_o direct_v by_o new_a act_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o their_o fen_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n thereunto_o adjoin_v in_o regard_n otherwise_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o general_a work_n and_o they_o moreover_o desire_v that_o care_n may_v be_v take_v that_o no_o more_o time_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o but_o that_o the_o same_o may_v proceed_v that_o instant_a summer_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o king_n upon_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o proposal_n i_o find_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n signify_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n from_o theobalds_n in_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n which_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o far_o and_o more_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o
and_o maid_n load_n on_o the_o west_n head_n thereof_o and_o last_o that_o the_o dikereeve_v shall_v levy_v iid._o for_o id._o upon_o all_o that_o do_v make_v default_n in_o pay_v of_o their_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o mershland_n and_o if_o the_o dikâ—reeves_v shall_v be_v remiss_a than_o the_o commissioner_n to_o levy_v the_o say_v iid._o for_o id._o and_o id._o upon_o the_o say_a dikereeve_v beside_o which_o acreshot_a being_n not_o pay_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n payton_n and_o his_o lady_n and_o edmund_z bell_n esquire_n as_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n there_o be_v a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sechie_n in_o com._n norff._n upon_o the_o eight_o day_n of_o may_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n eliz._n by_o francis_n gawdy_a esquire_n one_o of_o the_o queen_n justice_n of_o the_o plea_n before_o herself_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o in_o that_o session_n a_o demise_n 26._o for_o thirty_o nine_o year_n make_v unto_o will._n ingelbert_n and_o other_o of_o divers_a land_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edm._n bell_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_v will._n and_o his_o fellow_n lessee_n shall_v out_o of_o the_o profit_n of_o those_o their_o land_n make_v performance_n of_o what_o have_v be_v so_o decree_v by_o those_o commissioner_n and_o at_o another_o session_n 25._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o dounham_n in_o com._n norff._n upon_o the_o xx_o of_o sept._n in_o the_o same_o year_n by_o the_o say_v francis_n gawdye_o edmund_n bell_n clement_n spelman_n edmund_n moundeford_n john_n reppe_n thomas_n hewar_n thomas_n oxburgh_n esquire_n and_o other_o recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o law_n and_o ordinance_n for_o drayn_v the_o fen_n and_o marsh_n before-specified_n the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v that_o will._n engelbert_n john_n watts_n and_o other_o and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v be_v undertaker_n for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o to_o keep_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o be_v perfect_v shall_v have_v the_o full_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n so_o drayn_v which_o lie_n and_o adjoyn_v to_o the_o say_v lode_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o likewise_o the_o moiety_n of_o all_o the_o several_a ground_n wherein_o no_o common_a be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v enjoy_v within_o the_o say_a limit_n between_o london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n and_o other_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a except_o of_o the_o several_a ground_n of_o sir_n john_n payton_n kt._n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edm._n bell_n esquire_n or_o any_o of_o they_o within_o those_o limit_n after_o this_o at_o another_o session_n 19_o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sechie_n aforesaid_a upon_o wednesday_n in_o easter_n week_n be_v the_o xi_o of_o april_n in_o the_o xli_o year_n of_o the_o say_a queen_n by_o the_o say_v francis_n gawdy_n clement_n spelman_n and_o other_o recital_n be_v make_v of_o those_o ordinance_n establish_v in_o the_o former_a session_n before_o note_v hold_v the_o 29_o of_o sept._n 39_o eliz._n for_o drayn_v the_o marsh-ground_n in_o upwell_n before-specified_n by_o a_o load_n call_v london_n load_n provide_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o neatmore_n and_o certain_a ground_n adjoin_v on_o the_o north_n part_n and_o the_o drayn_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n on_o the_o south_n whereby_o the_o bank_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o bottom_n in_o height_n five_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n four_o foot_n as_o also_o the_o dikes_n five_o foot_n deep_a and_o in_o wideness_n at_o the_o top_n thirty_o foot_n for_o the_o first_o two_o miles_n and_o for_o the_o next_o two_o mile_n twenty-five_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shiplode_v xx_o foot_n with_o a_o level_n bottom_n unto_o the_o sluse_n for_o the_o same_o at_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n which_o sluse_n to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n wide_a the_o one_o moiety_n to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o as_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a in_o the_o same_o and_o the_o other_o moiety_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o their_o common_a call_v neatmore_n lie_v without_o the_o limit_n aforesaid_a imbank_v and_o that_o aswell_o every_o acre_n of_o several_a ground_n as_o that_o wherein_o any_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a lie_v within_o the_o precinct_n abovementioned_a be_v assess_v at_o ten_o shilling_n the_o acre_n towards_o the_o erect_n of_o the_o say_a sluse_n heighten_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o make_v of_o the_o drayn_n or_o load_v call_v maid_n load_n or_o ship_n load_n and_o the_o say_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_n call_v london_n load_n and_o that_o the_o land_n of_o such_o as_o be_v so_o tax_v and_o in_o default_n to_o be_v sell_v the_o say_v commissioner_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n do_v decree_n divers_a land_n to_o be_v according_o sell_v for_o such_o their_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o what_o the_o owner_n of_o they_o have_v be_v so_o assess_v and_o tax_v eliz._n extract_v out_o of_o a_o certificate_n 20._o of_o certain_a commissioner_n assemle_v at_o upwell_n 24_o sept._n 41_o eliz._n 1._o that_o the_o bank_n sometime_o call_v the_o crest_n but_o now_o turk-banke_n late_o re-edify_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fen_n â—in_a upwell_n lie_v betwixt_o maid_n load_n and_o london_n load_n will_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o many_o of_o her_o majesty_n subject_n for_o beside_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o whole_a ground_n imbank_v which_o be_v esteem_v 4000_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o from_o id._o the_o acre_n to_o 3s._o 4d._o or_o more_o there_o arise_v a_o improvement_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o acre_n in_o denver_n and_o likewise_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o plawfield_n and_o churchfield_n in_o welle_v which_o be_v heretofore_o much_o oppress_v with_o water_n as_o also_o of_o the_o new_a podike_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n 2._o that_o this_o bankâ—_n call_v turk_n bank_n be_v erect_v about_o two_o year_n since_o but_o there_o be_v long_o before_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o ancient_a bank_n or_o causey_n near_o the_o say_v new_a bank_n call_v turk_n bank_n and_o on_o the_o west_n side_n thereof_o towards_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n which_o bank_n be_v original_o make_v for_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n come_v out_o of_o the_o say_a isle_n from_o overflow_a the_o ground_n now_o imbank_v and_o other_o adjoin_a ground_n and_o for_o a_o way_n and_o passage_n for_o footman_n between_o welle_v and_o welneye_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v of_o ancient_a time_n another_o old_a bank_n or_o crest_n call_v the_o common_a drove_n on_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_v old_a bank_n towards_o the_o say_a isle_n adjoin_v unto_o the_o river_n of_o wellenhe_n be_v the_o division_n between_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o ely_n and_o norff._n which_o say_v bank_n be_v make_v for_o keep_v those_o water_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n in_o their_o ancient_a and_o right_a course_n 4._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o certain_a court_n roll_n and_o record_n that_o divers_a person_n have_v be_v amerce_v and_o fine_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n edw._n 1._o and_o since_o for_o cut_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n whereby_o the_o say_a river_n of_o welneye_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o right_a course_n and_o whereby_o the_o ground_n on_o norff._n side_n confine_v upon_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wellnye_o part_n whereof_o be_v now_o in_v be_v surround_v 5._o that_o after_o the_o drayn_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n be_v perfect_v as_o by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n be_v provide_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o other_o the_o country_n confine_v shall_v receive_v much_o more_o benefit_n and_o be_v better_o drayn_v than_o before_o the_o inning_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o erection_n of_o the_o say_a turk_n bank_n they_o have_v be_v eâ—iz_n the_o presentment_n 23._o of_o the_o jury_n for_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n make_v 25_o sept._n 41_o eliz._n 1._o that_o the_o bank_n call_v turk_n bank_n contain_v in_o compass_n about_o xv_o mile_n will_v be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o fall_n of_o many_o water_n flow_v towards_o the_o sea_n through_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n it_o be_v plant_v between_o the_o two_o most_o natural_a drayn_n on_o that_o side_n the_o isle_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o many_o water_n flow_v out_o of_o neene_n ouse_n and_o other_o stream_n fall_v by_o dodington_n and_o march_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o turn_v they_o unto_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n towards_o litleport_n and_o the_o country_n thereabouts_o where_o fall_v into_o the_o ouse_n they_o stop_v the_o water_n natural_o flow_v into_o those_o quarter_n from_o that_o ordinary_a drayn_n etc._n
on_o the_o old_a drayn_n call_v simon_n gote_v towards_o the_o south_n and_o upon_o thorpe-dale_n towards_o the_o north_n and_o certain_a several_n of_o divers_a lord_n and_o owner_n belong_v to_o wrangle_n lie_v between_o the_o say_v old_a drayn_n call_v simon_n gote_v on_o the_o east_n and_o leake_n several_n on_o the_o west_n and_o abut_a upon_o lade_n bank_n towards_o the_o north_n and_o upon_o the_o old_a fendike_n bank_n towards_o the_o south_n be_v surround_v ground_n most_o part_n of_o the_o year_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o several_a ground_n and_o commons_o of_o divers_a lord_n and_o owner_n belong_v to_o leake_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o east_n fen_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o outwear_v bank_n on_o the_o south_n and_o abut_a upon_o wrangle_n several_n towards_o the_o east_n and_o upon_o sibsey_n wearbank_n and_o stikney_n wydalls_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o the_o several_n of_o divers_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o ground_n belong_v to_o stickney_n wydalls_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o east_n fen_n of_o the_o east_n and_o north_n and_o abut_a upon_o valentine_n dyke_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o upon_o a_o drayn_n lead_v to_o nordyke_n brigge_v towards_o the_o south_n be_v surround_v ground_n in_o the_o winter_n time_n and_o last_o that_o the_o several_n of_o certain_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o ground_n belong_v to_o toyntons_n next_o spillesby_n call_v the_o demesn_n lie_v between_o the_o east_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n and_o a_o certain_a meadow_n call_v the_o east_n fen_n on_o the_o north_n and_o abut_a upon_o a_o drayn_n call_v toynton_n beck_n towards_o the_o east_n and_o upon_o hare_n hill_n towards_o the_o west_n be_v surround_v ground_n also_o for_o the_o winter_n season_n and_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o decree_v that_o for_o &_o towards_o the_o natural_a outfall_n of_o wainflet_n haven_n black_a goat_n symons_n goat_n mandfoster_v goat_n new_a goat_n and_o amton_n goat_n and_o all_o or_o part_n of_o the_o same_o as_o also_o any_o other_o ancient_a drayn_n as_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v think_v or_o find_v most_o necessary_a to_o be_v use_v shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o make_v deep_a as_o need_v shall_v require_v with_o all_o other_o necessary_a work_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a ground_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o several_a recite_v commission_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n as_o above_o be_v express_v and_o that_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o common_a mention_v in_o the_o say_a verdict_n and_o express_v upon_o the_o say_a view_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o be_v overflow_v with_o fresh_a water_n which_o may_v receive_v benefit_n by_o the_o say_v drayn_v shall_v be_v tax_v and_o charge_v with_o the_o sum_n of_o xs._o the_o acre_n to_o be_v pay_v at_o or_o before_o the_o fourteen_o day_n of_o may_n then_o next_o come_n unto_o william_n locton_n and_o gervase_n scroop_n esquire_n or_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o the_o say_a tax_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o say_a land_n and_o commons_o to_o the_o end_n that_o if_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pay_v the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n may_v be_v legal_o authorise_v to_o make_v bargain_n for_o land_n with_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n knight_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o undertaker_n and_o the_o say_a tax_n to_o remain_v in_o the_o hand_n under_o the_o lock_n and_o key_n of_o two_o of_o the_o say_a party_n name_v and_o two_o of_o the_o same_o undertaker_n the_o sum_n be_v first_o certain_o know_v to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n by_o authority_n of_o the_o court_n to_o be_v ratable_o pay_v over_o to_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n thomas_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o undertaker_n to_o be_v nominate_v by_o he_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v after_o the_o say_a drayn_n shall_v be_v do_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n proportionable_a and_o in_o default_n of_o such_o payment_n of_o the_o sum_n of_o xs._o so_o assess_v upon_o every_o acre_n as_o abovesaid_a the_o say_a court_n at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n of_o six_o commissioner_n whereof_o three_o to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la shall_v set_v forth_o decree_n and_o establish_v such_o proportion_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n for_o which_o the_o sum_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o pay_v unto_o the_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v in_o recompense_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o it_o be_v also_o far_o order_v by_o authority_n of_o that_o court_n that_o process_n shall_v be_v award_v per_fw-la curiam_fw-la to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n or_o his_o deputy_n require_v they_o to_o give_v summons_n and_o knowledge_n by_o way_n of_o proclamation_n in_o all_o the_o market_n town_n and_o fit_a place_n for_o those_o part_n and_o within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n that_o all_o lord_n owner_n commoner_n and_o party_n interest_v in_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n aforesaid_a may_v take_v and_o have_v notice_n thereof_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o make_v return_n of_o the_o say_a process_n at_o the_o several_a session_n of_o sewer_n to_o be_v hold_v for_o those_o part_n at_o boston_n aforesaid_a the_o xv_o of_o may_v then_o next_o upon_o xll._o penalty_n which_o say_v decree_v the_o say_a robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n and_o other_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n before-specified_n do_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o they_o that_o no_o part_n of_o the_o tax_n so_o assess_v as_o aforesaid_a be_v pay_v in_o unto_o the_o say_v gervase_n scroop_n and_o william_n locton_n they_o proceed_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o say_v former_a decree_n according_a to_o the_o true_a intent_n and_o meaning_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o his_o majesty_n direction_n former_o signify_v by_o his_o royal_a letter_n and_o therefore_o be_v credible_o inform_v that_o for_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o say_a work_n of_o drayn_v of_o those_o surround_v ground_n haven_n one_o great_a and_o navigable_a stream_n and_o river_n aught_o to_o be_v cast_v from_o out_o of_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n and_o ground_n and_o so_o lead_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o mile_n or_o thereabouts_o unto_o the_o haven_n of_o boston_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o one_o or_o more_o very_a large_a goat_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n and_o other_o material_n requisite_a for_o the_o effect_n of_o so_o great_a a_o work_n aught_o of_o necessity_n to_o be_v build_v at_o the_o haven_n side_n and_o that_o many_o other_o petty_a sewer_n gutter_n and_o stream_n shall_v also_o be_v cast_v to_o have_v their_o course_n to_o the_o say_v main_a river_n and_o many_o bridge_n build_v over_o the_o say_a stream_n and_o other_o matter_n do_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o only_a cost_n etc._n etc._n of_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n knight_n john_n worsop_n esquire_n henry_n briggs_n master_n of_o art_n and_o hildebrand_n pruson_n who_o the_o say_a court_n do_v order_n to_o perform_v all_o those_o thing_n within_o the_o space_n of_o four_o year_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n michael_n the_o arch_a angel_n than_o next_o come_v which_o say_v sir_n anthony_n john_n etc._n etc._n be_v thereupon_o appoint_v undertaker_n of_o the_o say_a work_n according_o it_o be_v also_o decree_v that_o in_o consideration_n of_o such_o their_o performance_n they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n as_o also_o a_o three_o part_n in_o three_o part_n to_o be_v divide_v of_o all_o the_o say_v several_n which_o lie_v in_o or_o adjoin_v to_o and_o upon_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n and_o moreover_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o fellow_n undertaker_n for_o the_o consideration_n aforesaid_a shall_v have_v a_o full_a four_o part_n in_o four_o part_n to_o be_v divide_v of_o all_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n fen_n and_o in_o the_o say_a several_n thereto_o adjoin_v butt_v and_o bound_v as_o aforesaid_a to_o have_v and_o enjoy_v in_o several_a after_o the_o say_a drayn_n shall_v be_v sufficient_o complete_v all_o which_o part_v to_o be_v set_v forth_o by_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n present_o after_o the_o say_a drayn_n shall_v be_v finish_v as_o aforesaid_a in_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o convenient_a place_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n whereby_o the_o owner_n and_o commoner_n of_o the_o other_o part_n may_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v their_o several_a and_o respective_a interest_n with_o the_o least_o prejudice_n and_o to_o and_o for_o their_o best_a advantage_n and_o the_o say_a commissioner_n do_v also_o decree_n that_o from_o and_o after_o the_o perfect_a of_o this_o work_n of_o drayn_v the_o say_a land_n so_o assign_v to_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n anthony_n thomas_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n shall_v be_v
say_a bank_n to_o take_v care_n of_o its_o amendment_n in_o 34_o h._n 6._o sir_n john_n fortescu_n knight_n then_o chief_a justice_n of_o the_o king_n bench_n john_n fylolle_n thomas_n burgoyne_n walter_n grene_n john_n harpour_n robert_n tanfeld_n will._n chadworth_n thomas_n cornwalys_n and_o thomas_n croxton_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o s._n katherine_n mill_n before_o mention_v unto_o the_o chapel_n call_v s._n marie_n matfelone_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n dunstan_n in_o stepenhithe_n thence_o to_o the_o church_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o bremley_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o leye_n thence_o to_o the_o thames_n and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o those_o of_o romeney_n marsh_n the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n in_o 7_o e._n 4._o have_v thomas_n abbot_n of_o grace_n near_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n thomas_n urswyk_n thomas_n frowyk_n esquire_n and_o other_o in_o 14_o e._n 4._o sir_n thomas_n urswyke_a knight_n john_n elryngtone_n thomas_n frowyk_n will._n essex_n and_o other_o be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o all_o those_o bank_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o tower_n of_o london_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o by_o make_v law_n etc._n etc._n and_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o 20_o e._n 4._o thomas_n bishop_n of_o london_n edmund_z abbot_z of_o grace_n will._n wirsley_n dean_n of_o paul_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n and_o sir_n thomas_n frowyk_n knight_n richard_n gardener_z and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o lymeostez_n and_o the_o wall_n call_v black_a wall_n so_o ibid._n also_o in_o the_o same_o year_n have_v the_o say_a thomas_n edmund_z and_o william_n together_z with_o henry_n sharp_a dean_n of_o the_o free_a chapel_n of_o s._n stephan_n within_o the_o king_n palace_n at_o westminster_n john_n harding_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n thomas_n of_o acon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o london_n sir_n john_n elryngton_n knight_n sir_n thomas_z frowyk_fw-mi knight_n richard_n gardner_n and_o other_o for_o all_o the_o bank_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o leye_a betwixt_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n and_o the_o bridge_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n side_n of_o those_o river_n and_o the_o roadway_n which_o lie_v betwixt_o white_a chapel_n parish_n and_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n before-specified_n cap._n xvi_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n and_o that_o some_o place_n in_o the_o very_a suburb_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n itself_o have_v original_o be_v fenny_a and_o moorish_a though_o now_o by_o no_o small_a industry_n and_o cost_n equal_v the_o chief_a which_o be_v natural_o otherwise_o be_v apparent_a from_o undoubted_a testimony_n fitz_n stephan_n who_o live_v above_o five_o hundred_o year_n since_o speak_v of_o that_o place_n now_o call_v b._n moor_n field_n say_v thus_o cum_fw-la est_fw-la congelata_fw-la palus_fw-la illa_fw-la magna_fw-la quae_fw-la moenia_fw-la vrbis_fw-la aquilonalis_fw-la alluit_fw-la exeunt_fw-la lusum_fw-la super_fw-la glaciem_fw-la densae_fw-la juvenum_fw-la turmae_fw-la etc._n etc._n when_o the_o great_a fen_n which_o water_v the_o wall_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o city_n be_v freeze_v multitude_n of_o young_a people_n go_v to_o play_v upon_o the_o ice_n some_o take_v a_o little_a room_n to_o run_v do_v set_v their_o foot_n a_o good_a distance_n and_o glide_v a_o great_a way_n other_o sit_v upon_o thick_a piece_n of_o ice_n as_o big_a as_o millstone_n and_o be_v draw_v by_o many_o who_o hold_v hand_n in_o hand_n when_o the_o foot_n of_o one_o slip_v they_o all_o tumble_v down_o together_o but_o other_o more_o expert_a in_o sport_v thereon_o fix_v bone_n under_o their_o heel_n and_o take_v a_o pikestaff_n do_v shove_v themselves_o forward_o with_o so_o much_o force_n that_o they_o glide_v with_o no_o less_o swiftness_n than_o a_o bird_n fly_v or_o a_o arrow_n pass_v out_o of_o a_o bow_n this_o fen_n say_v a._n stow_n stretch_v from_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n betwixt_o bishopsgate_n and_o the_o postern_n call_v cripplegate_n to_o finsbury_n and_o to_o holy-well_a continue_v a_o waste_n and_o a_o unprofitable_a ground_n a_o long_a time_n so_o that_o the_o same_o be_v all_o let_v for_o four_o mark_n the_o year_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o but_o in_o the_o year_n mccccxv_n 3_o h._n 5._o thomas_n fawconer_n maior_n cause_v the_o wall_n to_o be_v break_v towards_o the_o moor_n and_o build_v the_o postern_n call_v moor_n gate_n for_o ease_v of_o the_o citizen_n to_o walk_v that_o way_n upon_o causey_n to_o iseldâ—n_n and_o hoxton_n moreover_o he_o cause_v the_o ditch_n of_o the_o city_n and_o other_o the_o ditch_n from_o shores-ditch_n to_o deep_a ditch_n by_o bethlem_n into_o the_o moor_n ditch_n to_o be_v new_o cast_v and_o cleanse_v by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o say_a fen_n or_o moor_n be_v great_o drain_v and_o dry_v and_o in_o the_o year_n mdxij_o roger_n atchley_n maior_n cause_v divers_a dikes_n to_o be_v cast_v and_o make_v to_o drain_v the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v moor_n field_n with_o bridge_n arch_v over_o they_o and_o the_o ground_n about_o to_o be_v level_v whereby_o the_o say_a field_n be_v make_v somewhat_o more_o commodious_a but_o yet_o it_o stand_v full_a of_o noisome_a water_n whereupon_o in_o the_o year_n mdxxvij_o sir_n thomas_n seymour_n maior_n cause_v divers_a sluice_n to_o be_v make_v to_o convey_v the_o say_v water_n over_o the_o town_n ditch_n into_o the_o course_n of_o walbrooke_n and_o so_o into_o the_o thames_n and_o by_o these_o degree_n be_v this_o fen_n or_o moor_n at_o length_n make_v main_a and_o hard_a ground_n which_o before_o be_v overgrow_v with_o flag_n sedge_n and_o rush_n serve_v to_o no_o use_n nor_o be_v the_o ground_n in_o fleetstreet_n and_o thereabouts_o long_o since_o much_o better_a than_o a_o marish_a for_o the_o same_o author_n a._n say_v that_o in_o the_o year_n mdxcv_o he_o observe_v that_o when_o the_o labourer_n have_v break_v up_o the_o pavement_n against_o chancery_n lane_n end_n up_z towards_z s._n dunstan_n church_n and_o have_v dig_v four_o foot_n deep_a they_o find_v another_o pavement_n of_o hard_a stone_n more_o sufficient_a than_o the_o first_o and_o therefore_o hard_o to_o be_v break_v under_o which_o be_v in_o the_o made-ground_n pile_n of_o timber_n drive_v very_o thick_a and_o almost_o close_o together_o the_o same_o be_v as_o black_a as_o coal_n and_o many_o of_o they_o rot_v and_o now_o to_o manifest_v that_o not_o only_o the_o law_n but_o the_o usual_a practice_n be_v where_o disobedience_n or_o neglect_n have_v be_v find_v in_o those_o as_o be_v chardgable_a with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o any_o bank_n or_o sewer_n make_v for_o the_o common_a defence_n of_o such_o marsh_n as_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o surround_v that_o coercion_n be_v to_o be_v exercise_v for_o the_o performance_n thereof_o i_o shall_v here_o exhibit_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o decree_n pettiâ—ag_n make_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ilford_n in_o essex_n 19_o aprilis_n aº_n 1639._o which_o recite_v a_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o like_a session_n at_o ilford_n before-specified_n for_o raise_v the_o sum_n of_o seventeen_o hundred_o and_o six_o pound_n for_o repair_v a_o breach_n in_o the_o bank_n or_o marsh-wall_n of_o bromley_n marsh_n in_o this_o county_n whereby_o ninety_o four_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v surround_v and_o the_o neglect_n of_o certain_a person_n therein_o name_v to_o pay_v their_o proportion_n thereof_o which_o be_v assess_v upon_o they_o a_o lease_n for_o xli_o year_n be_v make_v of_o several_a parcel_n of_o ground_n belong_v to_o those_o so_o neglect_v unto_o other_o at_o the_o rent_n of_o one_o pepper_n corn_n yearly_o cap._n xvii_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o marsh_n in_o middlesex_n essex_n i_o come_v to_o those_o in_o essex_n which_o county_n be_v divide_v by_o the_o river_n of_o lie_n ancient_o call_v luye_o of_o this_o river_n it_o be_v memorable_a 10._o that_o the_o dane_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 894._o and_o 23_o of_o king_n alfred_n reign_n sail_v up_o it_o with_o their_o ship_n and_o build_v a_o castle_n on_o the_o bank_n thereof_o about_o xx_o mile_n from_o london_n near_o which_o the_o londoner_n give_v they_o battle_n and_o have_v the_o better_a of_o the_o day_n put_v they_o to_o flight_n so_o that_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o fly_v to_o that_o hold_v whereof_o the_o king_n have_v notice_n he_o cause_v this_o river_n to_o be_v cut_v into_o three_o branch_n to_o
the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v not_o get_v their_o ship_n back_o who_o discern_v what_o be_v do_v leave_v they_o and_o flee_v towards_o severne_n that_o which_o be_v here_o call_v a_o castle_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v some_o fort_n make_v at_o or_o near_o hartford_n situate_v upon_o the_o bank_n of_o this_o river_n for_o before_o the_o tide_n be_v keep_v back_o at_o stratford_n bow_n by_o a_o large_a sasse_n there_o make_v to_o keep_v the_o level_n above_o it_o from_o drown_v no_o question_n but_o that_o they_o flow_v above_o ware_n and_o bring_v up_o small_a vessel_n near_o to_o hartford_n there_o be_v betwixt_o ware_n and_o hartford_n a_o hill_n which_o to_o this_o day_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o shipman_n hill_n and_o a_o tradition_n of_o the_o country_n people_n that_o ship_n do_v in_o ancient_a time_n lie_v at_o anchor_n in_o that_o valley_n the_o first_o mention_n wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v concern_v the_o marsh_n of_o essex_n be_v essex_n in_o king_n john_n time_n roger_n de_fw-fr crammavill_n be_v then_o attach_v to_o show_v cause_n why_o he_o do_v not_o stand_v to_o the_o determination_n make_v in_o the_o say_v king_n court_n by_o a_o fine_a betwixt_o himself_o and_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n touch_v the_o bank_n gutter_n and_o ditch_n to_o be_v make_v in_o renham_n marsh_n at_o which_o time_n the_o say_a prior_n produce_v the_o beforementioned_a fine_a so_o make_v betwixt_o they_o which_o testify_v that_o the_o say_v roger_n do_v then_o agree_v that_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n will_v make_v and_o repair_v those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o land_n in_o that_o marsh_n so_o that_o every_o acre_n which_o the_o say_v roger_n do_v possess_v shall_v be_v tax_v as_o those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o prior._n and_o the_o say_v roger_n come_v and_o acknowlege_v the_o agreement_n and_o justify_v that_o he_o have_v full_o make_v those_o bank_n according_a to_o what_o belong_v to_o his_o tenement_n and_o thereupon_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o those_o who_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o marsh._n upon_o complaint_n 1._o make_v to_o the_o king_n in_o 8_o e._n 1._o by_o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n that_o whereas_o he_o do_v use_v yearly_a to_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n of_o the_o marsh_n of_o west-hamme_a as_o often_o as_o need_v require_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o his_o land_n and_o the_o land_n of_o his_o neighbour_n lie_v within_o those_o marsh_n againt_v the_o overflowing_n of_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n and_o luye_n and_o that_o his_o say_a neighbour_n do_v neglect_v to_o do_v the_o like_a for_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 13._o to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o essex_n command_v he_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o that_o be_v faulty_a therein_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_a abbot_n may_v have_v contribution_n in_o that_o behalf_n in_o 15_o e._n 1._o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr lamburne_n have_v 6._o commission_n to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o this_o county_n upon_o the_o side_n of_o thames_n and_o part_n adjacent_a then_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o inquire_v through_o who_o default_n they_o become_v so_o ruinous_a in_o 20_o e._n 1._o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n make_v a_o new_a complaint_n dorso_fw-la to_o the_o king_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o abovesaid_a whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n require_v the_o shireeve_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o such_o repair_n of_o their_o bank_n and_o ditch_n and_o have_v not_o according_o do_v their_o duty_n therein_o as_o also_o those_o who_o do_v refuse_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o say_a abbot_n according_a unto_o their_o due_a proportion_n in_o 31_o e._n 1._o walter_n le_fw-fr bawd_n richard_n de_fw-fr perneford_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr dovor_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n and_o those_o at_o wolwyche_n in_o kent_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la have_v john_n le_fw-fr bretun_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr wauton_n in_o 34_o e._n 1._o for_o those_o in_o essex_n only_o several_a other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n for_o this_o county_n only_o be_v in_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v time_n viz._n to_o dâ—â—so_o h._n spigurnell_n john_n de_fw-fr dovor_n and_o john_n de_fw-mi malegraffe_v in_o 3_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la walter_n le_fw-fr bawd_n will._n fitz_n robert_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr norton_n in_o 6_o e._n 2._o to_o doâ—sâ—_n the_o same_o william_n henry_n gernet_n and_o thomas_n dakenham_n in_o 7_o e._n 2._o to_o doâ—sâ—_n will._n de_fw-fr hanyngfeld_n john_n le_fw-fr burser_n and_o thomas_n the_o ult_v in_o 8_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la nich._n frembaud_n henry_n gernet_n john_n de_fw-fr davor_n and_o richard_n bastard_n in_o 9_o e._n 2._o in_o 14_o e._n 2._o henry_n grene_n john_n de_fw-fr dovere_fw-la and_o thomas_n de_fw-fr chene_n 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 etc._n etc._n at_o renham_n benington_n and_o alvitheley_n in_o 17_o e._n 2._o john_n the_o dour_a robert_n de_fw-fr ashele_n and_o nich._n de_fw-fr scotford_n the_o dorso_fw-la like_a for_o all_o the_o marsh_n upon_o the_o thames_n in_o this_o county_n so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a john_n john_n de_fw-fr wydefeld_n and_o walter_n de_fw-fr hegham_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o stretford_n atte_a bough_n and_o est-tilbury_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a in_o 18_o e._n 2._o john_n boteler_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr hay_n be_v appoint_v dorso_o to_o view_v a_o certain_a causey_n betwixt_o maldon_n and_o hebrugg_n under_o which_o through_o a_o arch_n the_o fresh_a water_n have_v use_v to_o run_v into_o the_o sea_n which_o water_n be_v then_o stop_v and_o likewise_o dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o esthamme_n in_o essex_n and_o wolwiche_n in_o kent_n so_o also_o in_o 5_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_o robert_n de_fw-fr rochfort_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr stanford_n for_o all_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o densey_n and_o rochfort_n in_o 10_o e._n 3._o henry_n gernet_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n assign_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n in_o this_o county_n sit_v at_o west_n hamme_n on_o wednesday_n be_v the_o feast_n of_o s._n edmund_n the_o king_n where_o the_o prioress_n of_o stratford_n make_v complaint_n 7_o before_o they_o that_o will._n de_fw-fr masun_n bailiff_n of_o the_o marsh_n of_o westhamme_n have_v distrain_v she_o for_o cs._o for_o the_o repair_n of_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v the_o prior_n wall_n for_o she_o say_v that_o she_o neither_o have_v nor_o hold_v any_o land_n nor_o ground_n in_o the_o say_a marsh_n for_o the_o which_o any_o wall_n ought_v by_o she_o to_o be_v repair_v and_o therefore_o require_v judgement_n but_o she_o say_v that_o one_o john_n de_fw-fr covele_n long_o ago_o viz._n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o hold_v in_o the_o say_a marsh_n as_o of_o the_o fee_n of_o muntfichet_n which_o then_o belong_v to_o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr handlo_n fifty_o acre_n of_o land_n together_o with_o the_o say_a bank_n then_o call_v coveles_a wall_n and_o a_o certain_a piece_n of_o pasture_n call_v the_o hope_n lie_v near_o the_o say_a bank_n without_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n viz._n between_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o thames_n which_o land_n together_o with_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o hope_n be_v before_o that_o time_n ever_o assess_v together_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o that_o bank_n whensoever_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n and_o the_o say_v john_n de_fw-fr covele_n be_v so_o seize_v alien_v the_o say_a bank_n and_o hope_n to_o robert_n le_fw-fr ku_n to_o hold_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o the_o repair_n and_o maintain_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n for_o ever_o the_o say_a hope_n then_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o pasturage_n of_o six_o cow_n as_o it_o be_v report_v and_o afterward_o the_o say_a john_n de_fw-fr covele_n long_o before_o the_o statute_n entitle_v quia_fw-la emptores_fw-la terrarum_fw-la sell_v the_o say_a land_n by_o parcel_n to_o divers_a tenant_n to_o hold_v to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n of_o he_o the_o say_v john_n and_o his_o heir_n for_o a_o certain_a yearly_a rent_n and_o suit_n of_o court_n to_o be_v thereupon_o perform_v and_o afterward_o the_o say_a john_n do_v whole_o sell_v from_o himself_o and_o his_o heir_n all_o the_o demesn_a of_o the_o before-specified_n tenement_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a rent_n and_o service_n which_o he_o have_v wont_a to_o receive_v of_o his_o say_a tenant_n unto_o one_o simon_n de_fw-fr
king_n high_a way_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bathepole_n brigge_n be_v spoil_v by_o the_o reflow_a of_o the_o say_a water_n and_o that_o the_o boat_n which_o have_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o passage_n with_o merchandise_n from_o briggewater_n to_o taunton_n be_v hinder_v etc._n etc._n the_o say_a abbot_n answer_v that_o the_o say_v richard_n de_fw-fr atton_n be_v seize_v of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o those_o other_o land_n and_o hold_v they_o of_o the_o abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n his_o predecessor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o monketon_n and_o in_o right_a of_o his_o church_n of_o glastonbury_n and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v richard_n and_o all_o they_o who_o estate_n he_o then_o have_v in_o those_o mill_n land_n etc._n etc._n have_v hold_v they_o of_o the_o predecessor_n of_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n by_o certain_a service_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o say_a mill_n be_v grow_v old_a and_o ruinous_a he_o the_o say_v richard_n do_v new_o build_v they_o and_o make_v they_o of_o the_o same_o height_n breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o they_o be_v before_o he_o so_o pull_v they_o down_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v which_o say_v mill_n with_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n aforesaid_a the_o say_a richard_n by_o the_o king_n licence_n then_o and_o there_o exhibit_v give_v to_o one_o walter_n abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n the_o precede_a abbot_n to_o hold_v to_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o and_o so_o say_v that_o the_o then_o abbot_n hold_v those_o mill_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a without_o that_o that_o they_o be_v build_v high_a in_o any_o sort_n other_o than_o be_v before_o allege_v and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o say_v that_o before_o those_o mill_n be_v so_o new_o build_v by_o the_o say_v richard_n the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v into_o the_o say_a channel_n in_o great_a flood_n do_v overflow_v the_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjoin_v and_o also_o the_o before-specified_n roadway_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bridgwater_n so_o that_o the_o overflow_a of_o those_o ground_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o same_o way_n be_v not_o at_o all_o worse_o after_o the_o say_v new_a build_n of_o those_o mill_n than_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v likewise_o ready_a to_o prove_v and_o the_o say_a abbot_n far_o answer_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a king_n high_a way_n so_o spoil_v as_o by_o the_o beforementioned_a presentment_n be_v suppose_v in_o regard_n that_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n nor_o any_o one_o who_o estate_n he_o have_v in_o any_o of_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n aforesaid_a he_o use_v to_o perform_v such_o repair_n in_o those_o way_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o say_v moreover_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a place_n below_z the_o say_v mill_n call_v bathepole_n cross_n whereunto_o all_o the_o boat_n come_v from_o briggewater_n towards_o taunton_n by_o the_o same_o water_n and_o not_o above_o nor_o far_o in_o the_o say_a river_n of_o tone_n aught_o of_o ancient_a time_n to_o go_v up_o or_o pass_v or_o can_v so_o do_v but_o have_v use_v to_o be_v unload_v there_o and_o this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o he_o likewise_o say_v that_o one_o walter_n late_a abbot_n of_o glastonbury_n his_o predecessor_n than_o tenant_n of_o those_o mill_n within_o eighteen_o year_n before_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o not_o of_o right_a make_v a_o certain_a chest_n of_o board_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o then_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n lord_n of_o taunton_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o pool_n of_o those_o mill_n by_o which_o chest_n the_o boat_n in_o time_n of_o flood_n may_v be_v draw_v up_o into_o the_o say_a pool_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o boat_n be_v draw_v by_o that_o chest_n sometime_o get_v up_o to_o the_o say_v bishop_n mill_n call_v tobrigge_n mill_n without_o that_o that_o the_o say_v boat_n do_v use_v to_o pass_v up_o towards_o taunton_n in_o the_o same_o river_n of_o tone_n any_o far_a than_o the_o place_n call_v bathepole_a cross_n time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o without_o that_o that_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o say_a river_n be_v more_o hinder_v in_o their_o passage_n towards_o taunton_n than_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v before_o the_o new_a build_n of_o the_o say_a mill_n and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o certain_a ground_n in_o monketon_n appropriate_v to_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n by_o the_o plant_n of_o willow_n and_o other_o tree_n thereon_o by_o his_o servant_n and_o tenant_n the_o say_v servant_n and_o tenant_n affirm_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v amend_v and_o total_o remove_v and_o that_o this_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v and_o the_o say_a abbot_n likewise_o answer_v that_o as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o appropriate_v the_o soil_n in_o monketon_n aforesaid_a he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o guilty_a and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o and_o because_o his_o servant_n and_o tenant_n do_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o say_a nuisance_n be_v not_o remove_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o say_a presentment_n they_o be_v therefore_o amerce_v in_o half_a a_o mark._n all_o which_o thing_n they_o the_o say_v abbot_n with_o his_o servant_n &_o tenant_n be_v ready_a to_o prove_v they_o require_v judgement_n there_o in_o whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v summon_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o say_a justice_n on_o thursday_n in_o easter_n week_n and_o there_o swear_v do_v say_v that_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v southlake_n wall_n be_v in_o othery_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_v abbot_n manor_n of_o sowy_a and_o not_o in_o weston_n and_o so_o be_v and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o same_o abbot_n have_v before_o plead_v and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o never_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v any_o sewer_n gutter_n trench_n or_o ditch_n in_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o that_o no_o rune_n be_v stop_v by_o the_o say_a bank_n as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o tenant_n have_v also_o plead_v and_o as_o to_o the_o two_o wear_v call_v tap_a wear_v in_o the_o river_n of_o peret_n they_o say_v that_o the_o say_a abbot_n hold_v the_o manor_n of_o sowy_a as_o parcel_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o monastery_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o floudgate_n call_v tap_a be_v in_o the_o same_o river_n which_o be_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_a manor_n and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o the_o watercourse_n there_o be_v not_o otherwise_o stop_v than_o it_o have_v be_v from_o the_o say_a time_n as_o he_o have_v former_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n of_o those_o mill_n call_v bathepole_n mill_n they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v old_a and_o ruinous_a and_o new_o build_v by_o the_o before-specified_n richard_n after_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o of_o the_o same_o height_n and_o depth_n as_o they_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o not_o otherwise_o so_o that_o neither_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n beforementioned_a nor_o the_o high_a way_n betwixt_o taunton_n and_o bridgewater_n in_o bathepole_n be_v drown_v or_o prejudice_v by_o the_o say_v new_a build_n of_o they_o in_o any_o other_o manner_n than_o as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o be_v in_o great_a flood_n and_o time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v also_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o presentment_n concern_v the_o passage_n of_o boat_n and_o fish_n from_o bridgwater_n to_o taunton_n they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o place_n call_v bathepole_n cross_n on_o the_o low_a side_n of_o those_o mill_n and_o that_o there_o all_o the_o boat_n come_v from_o briggewater_n towards_o taunton_n have_v use_v to_o be_v unload_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o that_o they_o neither_o can_v nor_o ought_v of_o right_a to_o go_v far_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a chest_n for_o the_o draw_v up_o of_o boat_n near_o to_o the_o say_a mill_n be_v make_v by_o the_o say_v walter_n late_a abbot_n of_o glastonbâ—ry_n predecessor_n of_o the_o then_o abbot_n about_o xuj_o year_n before_o voluntary_o and_o not_o of_o any_o right_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n of_o uuinchester_n lord_n of_o taunton_n to_o draw_v his_o boat_n to_o tobrigge_n mill_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o fish_n be_v not_o at_o all_o hinder_v to_o swim_v in_o that_o river_n any_o otherwise_o than_o what_o they_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n as_o the_o say_a abbot_n do_v before_o plead_v and_o allege_v and_o as_o to_o the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n call_v wythrune_v which_o be_v stop_v they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n nuisance_n
by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o ride_v of_o land_n in_o the_o same_o town_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o close_o call_v thom_n parrok_n in_o the_o same_o town_n of_o est_fw-fr cottyngwithe_n which_o watercourse_n be_v so_o obstruct_v that_o the_o adjacent_a land_n for_o default_n of_o cleanse_v thereof_o be_v drow_v and_o that_o robert_n abbot_n of_o fountain_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a watercourse_n from_o that_o place_n call_v both_o hill_n to_o the_o halle_n bank_n and_o that_o thomas_n abbot_n of_o s._n mary_n in_o york_n aught_o and_o do_v use_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o from_o thence_o unto_o middilhylbrigge_n and_o that_o will._n woderowe_n of_o queldryk_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o from_o thence_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o ride_v and_o that_o the_o prioress_n of_o thikhed_a aught_o to_o repair_v it_o from_o that_o road_n unto_o the_o close_a call_v thom_n parrok_n and_o that_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o say_a watercourse_n be_v cleanse_v aught_o to_o be_v fourteen_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o depth_n the_o shireeve_n therefore_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o party_n abovesaid_a to_o answer_v etc._n etc._n who_o appear_v according_o can_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o wherefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o shireeve_n require_v to_o distrain_v they_o and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v newlandyke_n in_o telburne_n descend_v from_o landryk_n mose_n on_o the_o east_n part_n unto_o the_o channel_n call_v dubbeldykes_n in_o melburne_n which_o say_v channel_n do_v run_v to_o a_o place_n call_v skategraves_n in_o seton_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o current_n of_o two_o sewer_n call_v the_o fossedykes_n run_v betwixt_o seton_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o lathum_fw-la and_o folkerthorpe_n on_o the_o west_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o foulnay_n and_o that_o the_o say_v channel_n be_v obstruct_v for_o want_v of_o scour_v as_o also_o that_o the_o land_n there_o sow_v with_o corn_n together_o with_o the_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n adjacent_a be_v overflow_v for_o want_v of_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o town_n of_o melburne_n ought_v to_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v the_o same_o from_o landrykmose_n to_o skategreves_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o great_a ditch_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v doderesse_n on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o the_o town_n of_o seton_n alice_n hay_o lady_n of_o lathum_fw-la the_o prior_n of_o ellerton_n the_o town_n of_o lathum_fw-la john_n the_o pothowe_n and_o the_o town_n of_o folkerthorpe_n to_o repair_v all_o those_o other_o channel_n beforementioned_a that_o be_v to_o say_v each_o of_o they_o for_o their_o land_n and_o against_o their_o land_n unto_o the_o say_a water_n of_o foulnay_n and_o that_o the_o say_v sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o depth_n from_o folkethorpe_n bridge_n unto_o the_o say_a water_n of_o foâ—lnaye_v whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v they_o to_o answer_v etc._n etc._n who_o appear_v etc._n etc._n and_o be_v amerce_v &c._n &c._n as_o abovesaid_a and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o watercourse_n call_v blaktoft_n damn_n otherwise_o haunsardamme_n which_o reach_v from_o foulnay_n to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v then_o also_o obstruct_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o richard_n haunsard_n and_o the_o town_n of_o blaktoft_n for_o their_o land_n in_o blaktoft_n and_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o viij_o foot_n in_o depth_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v etc._n etc._n as_o abovesaid_a and_o they_o far_o present_v that_o the_o say_v richard_n haunsard_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o channel_n from_o hunsardamme_n to_o foulnay_n unto_o the_o south_n end_n of_o gylâ—erdyke_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o be_v amerce_v and_o that_o the_o village_n of_o blaktoft_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o from_o haunsardamme_n as_o abovesaid_a therefore_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o distrain_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o say_a juror_n also_o present_v that_o the_o watercourse_n of_o langedyke_n from_o whalsey_n to_o skelflete_a aught_o to_o be_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o that_o the_o same_o as_o also_o the_o watercourse_n of_o ragolfdyke_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o spaldyngton_n gripthorpe_n wylughtoft_n fowerthorpe_n heâ—lâ—thorpe_n melburne_n bubwithe_n lathum_fw-la seton_n everyngham_n herswell_n holme_n birsay_n beleby_n estryngton_n portyngton_n kaynyll_n birland_n ousâ—thorpe_n hythe_n sandholme_n blaktoft_n yneflete_a cotnesse_n saltmersk_n skelton_n sandhall_n hothom_n southclyff_fw-mi northclyff_fw-mi and_o scalby_n and_o that_o the_o say_v watercourse_n be_v obstruct_v wherefore_o the_o shireeve_n be_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n who_o appear_v can_v not_o gainsay_v the_o charge_n therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o shireeve_n command_v to_o distrain_v they_o for_o the_o complete_a performance_n of_o all_o those_o repair_n and_o they_o likewise_o present_v that_o the_o watercourse_n call_v thornton_n damn_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o langdyke_n to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v obstruct_v so_o that_o the_o adjacent_a ground_n be_v thereby_o drown_v and_o that_o the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorntone_n for_o thorntone_n house_n and_o also_o that_o thorntone_n damn_n and_o ......_o damn_n aught_o to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o viij_o foot_n in_o depth_n the_o shireeve_n therefore_o have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a abbot_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o say_a abbot_n be_v oblige_v to_o repair_v cleanse_v and_o maintain_v the_o watercourse_n from_o langedyke_n unto_o the_o town_n of_o skalby_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n as_o it_o be_v before_o allege_v wherefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v and_o command_v give_v to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o distrain_v he_o by_o all_o his_o land_n and_o they_o moreover_o present_v that_o the_o watercourse_n call_v temple_n damn_n which_o late_o belong_v to_o the_o master_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o england_n be_v obstruct_v so_o that_o the_o land_n adjacent_a be_v thereby_o drown_v which_o watercourse_n ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o sir_n stephan_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o masham_n knight_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o faxflete_a from_o mikilsyke_n with_o the_o ditch_n in_o helwysgote_n and_o crakeputte_v to_o the_o water_n of_o humbre_fw-mi wherefore_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n who_o appear_v by_o thomas_n de_fw-fr waldeby_n his_o attorney_n say_v that_o he_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a watercourse_n call_v temple_n damn_n from_o carbrygge_n unto_o thâ—_n river_n of_o humbre_a but_o say_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o from_o mikilsyke_n with_o its_o ditch_n in_o hewysgote_n and_o crakepitte_v to_o the_o say_a bridge_n call_v the_o carbrygge_n any_o otherwise_o than_o a_o commoner_n in_o wall_a fen_n and_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v be_v inquire_v of_o by_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n whereunto_o the_o juror_n say_v that_o the_o say_v stephan_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o watercourse_n from_o mikilsyke_n with_o the_o ditch_n in_o helwysgote_n and_o crakepiâ—te_n unto_o carbrigge_n otherwise_o than_o a_o commoner_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o wallyngfen_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o the_o say_v stephan_n have_v in_o his_o plead_n allege_v and_o therefore_o he_o be_v dischardged_a thereof_o but_o because_o the_o say_a watercourse_n from_o carbrygge_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi be_v not_o repair_v at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o before-specified_n presentment_n be_v take_v he_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o distrain_v he_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v parkdyke_n descend_v from_o haunsardamme_n eastward_n to_o thornton_n damn_n and_o thence_o betwixt_o scalby_n and_o scalby_n green_a unto_o temple_n damn_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o blaktoft_n from_o haunsardamme_n to_o thornton_n damn_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o temple_n damn_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorntone_n and_o the_o town_n of_o scalby_n and_o that_o the_o say_a watercourse_n be_v obstruct_v towards_o skalby_n by_o henry_n de_fw-fr kelme_n and_o other_o who_o throw_v earth_n into_o it_o by_o the_o command_n of_o sir_n stephan_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o masham_n knight_n wherefore_o the_o shireeve_n be_v require_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n and_o henry_n to_o answer_v etc._n etc._n who_o according_o appear_v and_o say_v that_o there_o then_o be_v and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n a_o certain_a roadway_n from_o the_o town_n and_o manor_n of_o faxflete_a unto_o the_o same_o place_n where_o by_o
the_o above-specified_n presentment_n the_o say_a obstruction_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o thence_o unto_o hovedene_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o henry_n and_o other_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n do_v cast_v earth_n and_o sand_n there_o for_o the_o amendment_n of_o that_o way_n without_o that_o that_o there_o be_v any_o ancient_a watercourse_n descend_v as_o abovesaid_a into_o temple_n damn_n as_o it_o be_v present_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o country_n may_v inquire_v thereof_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o common_a or_o ancient_a watercourse_n descend_v from_o thornton_n damn_n aforesaid_a unto_o temple_n damn_n as_o have_v be_v allege_v wherefore_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n and_o henry_n be_v dischardged_a and_o the_o same_o juror_n likewise_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v new_a derwent_n from_o the_o end_n of_o hovedene_n town_n viz._n from_o the_o way_n from_o hale_n to_o dykysmin_n be_v obstruct_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hovedene_n knedelyngtone_n askylby_n kylpyn_n neusome_a brend_n spaldyngtone_n kayvill_n and_o thorpe_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o they_o of_o hovedene_n knedelyngtone_n kylpyn_n kayvill_n and_o thorpe_n appear_v several_o say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o watercourse_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforesaid_a therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o say_a town_n of_o askylby_n neusome_a brend_n and_o spaldyngtone_n several_o answer_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repair_v that_o watercourse_n as_o it_o have_v be_v present_v and_o do_v therefore_o request_n that_o the_o country_n may_v inquire_v thereof_o whereupon_o the_o juror_n be_v call_v say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o askylby_n newsome_n brend_n &_o spaldingtone_n ought_v not_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v then_o dischardged_a and_o they_o moreover_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v ruddeflete_a descend_v from_o wallyngfen_n to_o ruddeflete_a and_o so_o by_o the_o milne_n damn_n of_o brounflete_a to_o humbre_v be_v obstruct_v and_o that_o william_n than_o master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o york_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v hodflete_a descend_v from_o wallyngfen_n to_o humbre_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a master_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a master_n etc._n etc._n who_o appear_v can_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v &c._n &c._n and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n be_v command_v to_o distrain_v he_o and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v frisdyke_n which_o be_v total_o obstruct_v so_o that_o the_o adjacent_a ground_n be_v thereby_o drown_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o sir_n stephan_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o masham_n knight_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o faxflete_a .........................._o and_o as_o touch_v the_o plaae_n call_v whitenge_v to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o york_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v he_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n who_o according_o appear_v by_o his_o attorney_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a watercourse_n from_o that_o place_n call_v whitenge_n unto_o oxm_a dyke_n as_o it_o have_v be_v present_v therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o shireeve_n command_v to_o distrain_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o say_a master_n also_o by_o his_o attorney_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o once_o do_v together_o with_o the_o say_v stephan_n repair_v the_o same_o watercourse_n from_o that_o place_n call_v whitenge_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o say_a master_n the_o one_o half_a thereof_o and_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n the_o other_o half_o therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o last_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v daneldyke_n through_o which_o the_o water_n of_o neusome_a park_n do_v pass_v to_o aldergo_v near_o lostsome_a be_v stop_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o newsome_n and_o by_o the_o landholders_n in_o neusome_a border_v upon_o the_o say_a watercourse_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n abovesaid_a who_o appear_v according_o say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o lostsome_a askylby_n and_o barnby_n near_o hovedene_n aught_o to_o repair_v that_o watercourse_n therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v in_o the_o same_o first_o year_n of_o king_n h._n 4._o sir_n john_n le_fw-fr scrope_n knight_n sir_n gerard_n the_o ouseflete_a knight_n thomas_n egmantone_n robert_n de_fw-fr haldenby_n richard_n de_fw-fr norton_n will._n de_fw-fr lodyngtone_n and_o nich._n rosselyn_n be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n etc._n etc._n upon_o ouse_n air_n and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o osgodcrosse_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o proceed_v there_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 3_o h._n 4._o be_v dorso_fw-la edmund_n duke_n of_o york_n sir_n gerard_n sothill_n knight_n robert_n tirwhyte_n john_n rome_n clerk_n john_n gaytesford_n thomas_n brunham_n will._n ludyngton_n edm._n fitz_n william_n thomas_n sheffield_n and_o thomas_n egmanton_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o isle_n of_o axholme_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o bykersdyke_n on_o each_o side_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n and_o the_o river_n of_o done_n on_o each_o side_n as_o well_o in_o this_o county_n as_o in_o lincolnshire_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o they_o from_o the_o town_n of_o doncastre_n to_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o in_o 8_o h._n 4._o henry_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o maâ—ham_n william_n gascoigne_n alexander_n metham_n thomas_n bromeflete_a richard_n tirwhyt_n alexander_n lounde_n hugh_n arderne_a and_o wil._n roâ—â—elyn_n have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la assignation_n for_o those_o bank_n upon_o the_o coast_n of_o humbre_a and_o ouse_n from_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n to_o hesyll_v and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o likewise_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n the_o say_a henry_n le_fw-fr scrope_n with_o his_o associate_n meet_v ebon_n at_o hovedene_n upon_o saturday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n laurence_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a before_o who_o the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapentake_n of_o this_o county_n on_o the_o coast_n of_o humbre_a and_o ouse_n from_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n to_o hesill_n do_v present_a that_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n a_o certain_a common_a sewer_n call_v aldedergo_v which_o do_v reach_v in_o length_n direct_o from_o the_o town_n of_o hovedene_n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n and_o town_n of_o knedellyngtone_n askilby_n and_o barneâ—y_n in_o hovedenshire_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o tenant_n in_o hoveden_n bernhill_n the_o town_n of_o newsome_n and_o lostsome_a in_o spaldyngmore_n on_o the_o north_n part_n to_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o derwent_n unto_o the_o ouse_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o in_o depth_n which_o say_v sewer_n the_o town_n of_o neusome_a lostsome_a birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askilby_n and_o barneby_n of_o right_a aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n lie_v in_o those_o â—owns_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v not_o then_o repair_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o tenant_n of_o nâ—wsome_n lostsome_n birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askylby_n and_o barnâ—by_n aforesaid_a and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n betwixt_o barneby_n mersh_fw-mi on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o land_n of_o thomas_n haukesworth_n in_o lostsome_a on_o the_o north_n part_n aâ—_n the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n towards_o the_o west_n near_o the_o say_a river_n of_o derwent_n have_v bâ—en_o new_o obstruct_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o newsome_n lostsome_n birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askylby_n and_o barneby_n insomuch_o as_o the_o land_n on_o each_o side_n the_o same_o sewer_n be_v
afterward_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n in_o 25_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la will._n basset_n thomas_n de_fw-fr swinford_n will._n de_fw-fr clive_n thomas_n levelance_n will._n wascelyn_n and_o thomas_n degmanton_n for_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n within_o this_o isle_n in_o 26_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la ralph_n de_fw-fr wilughby_n will._n basset_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflete_fw-la robert_n de_fw-fr haldanby_n john_n the_o lase_a croft_a and_o john_n de_fw-fr flete_n of_o bulwiche_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n and_o done_n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o crulle_n in_o 39_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n tours_n will._n wascelyn_n and_o ralph_n de_fw-fr burnham_n for_o those_o upon_o the_o river_n of_o do_v idel_n and_o bekersdik_n in_o this_o isle_n wherein_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 40_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr ingelby_n will._n de_fw-fr fyncheden_n will._n de_fw-fr galby_n parson_n of_o the_o church_n of_o epworth_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o part_n of_o balne_a and_o mersland_n and_o lordship_n of_o haitfield_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n as_o also_o within_o this_o isle_n and_o soak_v of_o crulle_n in_o this_o county_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la have_v the_o say_a thomas_n and_o william_n with_o roger_n de_fw-fr kirketon_n and_o other_o in_o 41_o e._n 3._o so_o also_o in_o 43_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_fw-la master_n john_n de_fw-fr burnham_n will._n de_fw-fr galby_n clerk_n richard_n poutrell_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o this_o isle_n betwixt_o butterwyk_n and_o gunthorpe_n in_o 2_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la henry_n percy_n earl_n of_o northumberland_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n roger_n de_fw-fr fulthorpe_n henry_n asty_a john_n poucher_n thomas_n de_fw-fr burnham_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr topclyf_n for_o those_o betwixt_o bykerdyke_n and_o doneheve_v throughout_o all_o this_o isle_n and_o the_o soak_v of_o crulle_n then_o in_o decay_n through_o the_o forcâ—_n of_o trent_n and_o in_o 7_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la thomas_n de_fw-fr mowbray_n earl_n of_o nottingham_n sir_n will_n de_fw-fr willughby_n knight_n will_n de_fw-fr skipwith_n and_o other_o for_o all_o those_o in_o this_o isle_n as_o also_o betwixt_o bykersdyke_n on_o both_o side_n in_o notinghamshire_n and_o the_o river_n of_o do_v in_o yorkshire_n in_o 1_o h._n 5._o will._n lodyngton_n thomas_n egmanton_n and_o john_n dowenay_v rob._n warerton_n and_o edmund_n fitzwilliam_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n &_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o soak_v of_o crulle_n and_o this_o isle_n of_o axholme_n and_o betwixt_o bekerdyke_n on_o each_o side_n sit_v lin._n at_o crulle_n upon_o the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a before_o who_o the_o jury_n then_o present_v lin._n that_o one_o geffrey_n gaddesby_n late_a abbot_n of_o selby_n do_v cause_v a_o strong_a sluse_n of_o wood_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o the_o head_n of_o a_o certain_a sewer_n call_v the_o mare_n dyke_n of_o a_o sufficient_a height_n and_o breadth_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o tide_n come_v from_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o against_o the_o fresh_a water_n descend_v from_o the_o west_n part_n of_o the_o before-specified_n sluse_n to_o the_o say_a sewer_n into_o the_o same_o river_n of_o trent_n and_o thence_o into_o humbre_a and_o perform_v the_o same_o upon_o his_o free_a good_a will_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o country_n which_o say_v sluse_n certain_a unknown_a person_n inhabitant_n of_o the_o lordship_n of_o haytfield_n pull_v down_o in_o the_o time_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr shireburne_n late_a abbot_n of_o that_o place_n and_o next_o successor_n of_o the_o say_v geffrey_n and_o they_o say_v far_o that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o the_o beforementioned_a abbot_n if_o he_o please_v shall_v cause_v to_o be_v there_o make_v without_o the_o say_a sluse_n towards_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n than_o next_o ensue_v one_o dem_n for_o that_o present_a and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o for_o the_o future_a the_o say_v freeholders_n as_o also_o the_o say_a town_n and_o every_o of_o they_o may_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v the_o say_a sewer_n call_v the_o mare_n dyke_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n belong_v to_o each_o of_o they_o therein_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o the_o bridge_n of_o ludington_n call_v lane_n end_n brigg_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n be_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a abbot_n richard_n amcote_n and_o the_o rest_n to_o appear_v before_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n at_o crutl_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o tuesday_n next_o before_o the_o nativity_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n than_o next_o ensue_v to_o answer_v etc._n etc._n at_o which_o day_n they_o all_o come_v according_o and_o can_v not_o gainsay_v what_o have_v be_v so_o present_v by_o those_o juror_n and_o long_o after_o this_o scil_n in_o 5_o e._n 4._o sir_n thomas_n burghe_n and_o sir_n robert_n constable_n knight_n john_n nevil_n robert_n sheffield_n junior_a thomas_n moigne_n richard_n haunserd_n of_o ouresby_n and_o other_o be_v constitute_v dorso_o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n throughout_o this_o isle_n as_o also_o betwixt_o bykersdyke_n on_o each_o side_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n and_o the_o river_n of_o done_n on_o both_o side_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n and_o within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o manley_n yereburgh_n coryngham_n aslakhowe_n and_o walshcroste_v in_o this_o county_n of_o lincoln_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 the_o realm_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o labourer_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v necessary_a for_o that_o work_n upon_o competent_a wage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n for_o hasten_v thereof_o have_v thus_o trace_v down_o the_o successive_a commission_n for_o improvement_n of_o the_o marsh_n in_o this_o isle_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v until_o after_o the_o statue_n 5._o of_o 6_o h._n 6._o which_o statute_n prescribe_v a_o form_n for_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v issue_v out_o after_o that_o time_n throughout_o this_o whole_a realm_n wherein_o direction_n and_o power_n be_v give_v to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v therein_o to_o make_v and_o ordain_v necessary_a and_o convenable_a statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o salvation_n and_o conservation_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o marsh_n and_o the_o part_n adjoin_v thereto_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marshâ—_n and_o likewise_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o and_o singular_a complaint_n that_o shall_v come_v before_o they_o touch_v that_o business_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 the_o say_a româ—ney_n marsh_n appoint_v also_o that_o upon_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n they_o shall_v take_v and_o put_v into_o the_o say_a work_n and_o reparation_n as_o many_o ditch-maker_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o perform_v that_o service_n it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a as_o i_o conceive_v to_o give_v far_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n i_o shall_v therefore_o descend_v to_o that_o great_a and_o no_o less_o commendable_a work_n which_o be_v undertake_v short_o after_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n his_o reign_n not_o only_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v marsh_n of_o this_o isle_n but_o of_o the_o adjacent_a fenny_a ground_n lie_v in_o yorkshire_n viz._n hatfield_n chase_n and_o dikesmersh_n wherein_o i_o may_v not_o omit_v to_o observe_v scaceâ—_n that_o the_o overflowing_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n over_o tâ—at_a whole_a level_n be_v such_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o before-specified_n rivers_n of_o idel_n bickers_n dyke_n turn_v do_v and_o air_n be_v obstruct_v in_o divers_a place_n with_o so_o much_o silt_v and_o other_o impediment_n chief_o contract_v by_o the_o daily_a tide_n as_o i_o have_v before_o declare_v that_o not_o only_o in_o winter_n but_o even_o in_o the_o summer_n time_n boat_n lade_v with_o plaster_n have_v pass_v over_o that_o part_n thereof_o call_v hatfield_n chaâ—e_v to_o a_o place_n call_v hollen_n brigge_n near_a hatfield_n woodhouse_n the_o water_n upon_o the_o drown_a ground_n be_v about_o three_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o fisher_n house_n call_v steere_n lodge_n stand_v on_o ground_n throw_v up_o and_o raise_v three_o or_o four_o foot_n above_o the_o level_n often_o drown_v neither_o be_v haxey_n carr_n less_o overwhelm_v large_a boat_n lade_v with_o xx_o quarter_n of_o corn_n usual_o pass_v over_o it_o from_o the_o river_n
divers_a age_n a_o most_o unhealthy_a stagnation_n of_o water_n yield_v no_o considerable_a profit_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o those_o that_o border_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o obstruction_n which_o the_o before_o specify_v river_n have_v have_v in_o pass_v out_o free_o to_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o drown_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v apparent_a enough_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v manifest_a what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v thus_o stop_v and_o choke_v up_o these_o their_o outfall_n whosoever_o have_v observe_v the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o lynne_n will_v find_v the_o water_n always_o very_o thick_a and_o muddy_a there_o because_o the_o sea_n bear_v a_o large_a breadth_n northwards_o from_o thence_o work_v with_o so_o much_o distemper_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o silt_n do_v daily_o settle_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o ostiarie_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o wisbeche_n spalding_n and_o boston_n so_o that_o in_o time_n it_o can_v not_o but_o grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n without_o some_o artificial_a help_n to_o quicken_v the_o current_n upon_o its_o evacuation_n at_o every_o ebb_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v out_o again_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o force_v back_o the_o fresh_a water_n and_o cause_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overflow_v but_o at_o length_n to_o drown_v the_o whole_a level_n through_o which_o their_o stream_n do_v pass_v and_o this_o we_o see_v apparent_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o such_o a_o height_n be_v the_o silt_n grow_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 1635._o upon_o the_o deep_v of_o 2._o wisbeche_n river_n the_o workman_n at_o eight_o foot_n below_o the_o then_o bottom_n thereof_o come_v to_o another_o bottom_n which_o be_v stony_a and_o in_o it_o at_o several_a distance_n find_v seven_o boat_n that_o have_v lyen_fw-we there_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o silt_n for_o many_o age_n so_o likewise_o at_o salter_n load_n at_o the_o dig_v of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o sasse_n which_o be_v there_o set_v up_o of_o late_a year_n by_o the_o adventurer_n in_o that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o present_a drayn_n the_o silt_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v ten_o foot_n deep_a and_o next_o below_o that_o three_o foot_n thickness_n of_o firm_a moor_n then_o bluish_a gault_n which_o the_o workman_n judge_v to_o have_v be_v silt_v original_o because_o be_v dry_a it_o not_o only_o crumble_v like_o it_o but_o have_v the_o root_n of_o reed_n in_o it_o then_o below_o it_o moor_n of_o three_o foot_n thickness_n much_o firm_a and_o clear_a than_o the_o other_o and_o last_o whitish_a clay_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o very_a natural_a and_o bottom_a soil_n at_o the_o first_o before_o those_o change_v happen_v either_o from_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o choke_v up_o these_o outfall_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v add_v hereunto_o what_o likewise_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v observe_v at_o witlesey_n in_o the_o cast_n of_o those_o moat_n by_o mr._n underwood_n for_o the_o fence_n in_o of_o his_o new_a plantation_n of_o fruit_n tree_n viz._n that_o dig_v through_o the_o moor_n at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a soil_n and_o swath_n of_o grass_n lie_v thereon_o as_o they_o be_v first_o mow_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o some_o great_a landfloud_n many_o age_n since_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o natural_a ostiaries_n towards_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o much_o silt_n which_o after_o a_o long_a drought_n have_v choke_v they_o up_o do_v then_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o water_n till_o this_o general_a drayn_n ever_o since_o cover_v the_o same_o have_v produce_v a_o moor_n now_o grow_v to_o this_o thickness_n and_o moreover_o that_o at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o skyrbeck_n sluse_n near_a boston_n there_o be_v find_v at_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a cover_v with_o silt_n a_o smith_n forge_n and_o all_o the_o tool_n thereunto_o belong_v with_o horshoo_n and_o other_o thing_n make_v of_o iron_n as_o some_o that_o see_v it_o have_v affirm_v to_o i_o cap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o vast_a extent_n and_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n occasion_v by_o these_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n to_o manifest_v this_o though_o there_o nee_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ocular_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o the_o observation_n to_o what_o a_o depth_n the_o moor_n be_v increase_v which_o be_v mere_o grow_v from_o the_o long_a stagnation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n ten_o in_o some_o twelve_o and_o in_o some_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o foot_n deep_a nay_o four_a foot_n high_o than_o the_o level_n of_o marshland_n yet_o will_v i_o exhibit_v divers_a evident_a testimony_n thereof_o from_o several_a undoubted_a authority_n therewithal_o discover_v some_o notable_a piece_n of_o story_n which_o be_v not_o common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n may_v not_o i_o presume_v seem_v tedious_a to_o any_o reader_n in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la nobile_fw-la monaâ—_n sterium_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvi_fw-it say_v the_o register_n of_o peterborough_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a monastery_n b._n heretofore_o call_v medeshamstede_n but_o now_o usual_o burch_n the_o gyrvii_n be_v those_o which_o inhabit_v near_o the_o fen_n because_o gyr_n in_o english_a be_v the_o same_o as_o profunda_fw-la paâ—us_fw-la a_o deep_a fen_n in_o the_o latin_a for_o by_o the_o inundation_n and_o overflow_a of_o the_o river_n the_o water_n stand_v upon_o the_o level_n ground_n make_v a_o deep_a lake_n and_o so_o render_v it_o uninhabitable_a except_v in_o some_o high_a place_n which_o god_n of_o purpose_n raise_v as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v habitation_n for_o his_o servant_n who_o choose_v to_o dwell_v there_o for_o in_o such_o place_n within_o the_o fen_n do_v thoy_z viz._n the_o monk_n of_o ramâ—sey_n thorney_n crouland_n and_o many_o other_o reside_v to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o access_n but_o by_o navigable_a vessel_n except_o unto_o ramesey_n by_o a_o causey_n raise_v with_o much_o labour_n on_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o within_o the_o same_o precinct_n also_o be_v ely_n place_v be_v a_o island_n seven_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n contain_v in_o itself_o xxij_o town_n compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o fen_n and_o water_n and_o whereunto_o there_o be_v only_o three_o causey_n have_v thus_o at_o peterborough_n make_v my_o entrance_n into_o this_o vast_a fenn_n my_o next_o observation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v at_o crouland_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o place_n be_v lively_o represent_v in_o the_o story_n of_o s._n guthlake_n a_o devout_a hermit_n who_o many_o age_n since_o choose_v it_o for_o his_o retirement_n there_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o britain_n say_v the_o writer_n of_o that_o saint_n life_n a_o hideous_a fen_n of_o a_o huge_a bigness_n 7._o which_o begin_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n gronte_n not_o far_o from_o a_o castle_n bear_v that_o name_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n in_o a_o very_a long_a tract_n even_o to_o the_o sea_n ofttimes_o cloud_v mith_o moist_a and_o dark_a vapour_n have_v within_o it_o divers_a island_n and_o wood_n as_o also_o crooked_a and_o wind_a river_n wheâ—_n therefore_o that_o man_n of_o bleâ—â—ed_a memory_n guthlac_n have_v find_v out_o the_o desert_a place_n of_o this_o vast_a wilderness_n and_o by_o god_n assistance_n have_v pass_v through_o they_o he_o inquire_v of_o the_o borderer_n what_o they_o know_v thereof_o who_o relate_v several_a thing_n of_o its_o dreadfulness_n and_o solitude_n there_o stand_v up_o one_o among_o they_o call_v tatwine_v who_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v a_o certain_a island_n in_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o secret_a part_n thereof_o which_o many_o have_v attempt_v to_o inhabit_v but_o can_v not_o for_o the_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a monster_n and_o several_a terror_n wherewith_o they_o be_v affright_v whereupon_o s._n guthlac_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o that_o place_n tatwine_v therefore_o yield_v to_o the_o request_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n take_v a_o fisher_n boat_n christ_n be_v his_o guide_n through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o this_o darksome_a fen_n pass_v thereunto_o it_o be_v call_v cruland_n and_o situate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o lake_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o desartnesse_n former_o know_v to_o very_a few_o for_o no_o country_n man_n before_o that_o devout_a servant_n of_o christ_n s._n guthlac_n can_v endure_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o apparition_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o frequent_o see_v there_o not_o long_o after_o
the_o say_v depe_v fen_n and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n and_o that_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n it_o be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o own_o service_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v have_v just_a regard_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o same_o with_o most_o public_a and_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o whole_a fen_n he_o be_v far_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o sole_a adventurer_n aswell_o of_o this_o particular_a fen_n call_v depe_v fen_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o that_o he_o will_v afterward_o in_o order_v the_o same_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n unto_o such_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o as_o have_v any_o former_a interest_n or_o engagement_n therein_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n i_o find_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n pettibag_n make_v at_o st._n ives_n the_o xuth_o of_o october_n 17_o caroli_n that_o the_o commissioner_n therein_o recite_v that_o whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o this_o depe_a fen_n as_o also_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbek_n fen_n and_o of_o gogsland_n belong_v to_o crouland_n by_o contract_n make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o remain_v drown_v they_o then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_v fen_n shall_v be_v survey_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n jac._n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n undertaker_n and_o six_o commissioner_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o a_o moiety_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n and_o their_o heir_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n for_o drayn_v thereof_o and_o two_o three_o of_o all_o the_o ground_n surround_v lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o weston_n call_v bellesmore_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n and_o two_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n and_o in_o quaplode_n and_o holbeche_n the_o one_o half_a after_o which_o divers_a gentleman_n who_o name_n be_v express_v in_o the_o map_n here_o exhibit_v become_v adventurer_n for_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o and_o in_o order_n thereto_o cause_v the_o river_n of_o welland_n from_o waldram_n hall_n to_o spalding_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o be_v make_v wide_a and_o deep_o the_o drain_v call_v the_o staker_n drain_v about_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o to_o ease_v the_o river_n of_o glen_n together_o with_o hill_n drayne_n and_o uernat_n drayne_n they_o likewise_o make_v new_a and_o perfect_v exeter_n drayne_n from_o cubbet_n tunnel_n almost_o to_o the_o sea_n near_o spalding_n they_o also_o erect_v a_o great_a fluce_n and_o make_v all_o the_o partition_n dike_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o map_n show_v by_o which_o work_v the_o water_n be_v so_o well_o take_v off_o that_o in_o summer_n this_o whole_a fen_n yield_v great_a store_n of_o grass_n and_o hay_n and_o have_v be_v make_v winter_n ground_n in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o confusion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n which_o ensue_v soon_o after_o the_o convention_n of_o the_o late_a long_a parliament_n as_o be_v very_o well_o know_v possess_v themselves_o thereof_o so_o that_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n be_v neglect_v by_o the_o adventurer_n it_o become_v again_o overflow_v and_o so_o remain_v at_o this_o time_n cap._n xliv_o how_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o province_n be_v at_o first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n i_o have_v already_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o my_o discourse_n brief_o manifest_v that_o therefore_o which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o reference_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v touch_v the_o far_a improvement_n thereof_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v and_o the_o support_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n before_o wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o begin_v with_o crouland_n make_v famous_a of_o old_a by_o s._n guthlake_n a_o holy_a hermit_n who_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o for_o devotions_n sake_n betake_v himself_o hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o the_o great_a solitude_n how_o terrible_a and_o hideous_a the_o part_n hereabout_o then_o be_v consider_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o fen_n i_o need_v not_o to_o make_v far_a relation_n have_v elsewhere_o jac._n so_o full_o discourse_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o brief_o point_v at_o what_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o pious_a man_n s._n guthlake_n ethelbald_n then_o king_n of_o mercia_n who_o confessor_n b._n he_o have_v be_v discern_v how_o renown_v he_o grow_v for_o sundry_a miracle_n seek_v out_o his_o sepulture_n and_o have_v send_v for_o a_o monk_n of_o evesham_n call_v kenulph_n who_o be_v then_o eminent_a for_o his_o holy_a life_n as_o also_o consult_v with_o he_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o covent_n do_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxvi_o begin_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o goodly_a monastery_n in_o this_o place_n which_o he_o endow_v with_o the_o whole_a isle_n of_o crouland_n bound_v a._n with_o these_o water_n viz._n schepishee_n towards_o the_o east_n nene_n towards_o the_o west_n south_n i_o on_o the_o south_n and_o asendik_n to_o the_o north_n where_o the_o common_a sewer_n than_o be_v betwixt_o spalding_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o tract_n of_o ground_n contain_v four_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n and_o whereunto_o belong_v those_o large_a adjacent_a fen_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o river_n of_o weland_n that_o towards_o the_o north_n call_v goggislond_n extend_v two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o asaph_n where_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o isle_n be_v and_o one_o mile_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o unto_o apenholt_n on_o the_o north_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o water_n the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o fen_n lie_v southwards_o of_o the_o say_a stream_n of_o weland_n contain_v also_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o southlake_n near_o the_o channel_n opposite_a to_o aspath_n have_v two_o mile_n also_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n to_o fynsâ—tt_n on_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n which_o be_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o fen._n and_o because_o 20._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o king_n design_v to_o erect_v this_o abbey_n be_v so_o moist_a and_o fenny_a that_o it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o bear_v a_o build_n of_o stone_n he_o bring_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o mighty_a pile_n make_v of_o oak_n and_o alder_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v drive_v deep_a into_o the_o ground_n as_o also_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o firm_a and_o hard_a earth_n dig_v nine_o mile_n thence_o and_o upon_o those_o he_o raise_v that_o structure_n that_o oratory_n which_o s._n guthlake_n have_v there_o be_v only_o of_o timber_n and_o now_o though_o i_o have_v already_o point_v at_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o isle_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o before-specified_n charter_n of_o king_n ethelbald_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o find_v it_o afterward_o more_o exact_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o confirmation_n of_o other_o king_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o place_n therein_o express_v may_v give_v a_o clear_a light_n unto_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v of_o thâ—se_a fenny_a part_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o description_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n that_o first_o whereof_o be_v by_o bertulph_n king_n of_o mercia_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccli_o viz._n aâ—_n from_o aswicktost_a hirne_n to_o tedwarthar_n the_o water_n of_o schâ—pishâ—e_n have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o cappelade_v on_o the_o east_n and_o from_o tedwarthar_n to_o namans_n land_n hirne_n the_o water_n of_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi bound_v it_o have_v the_o same_o isle_n on_o the_o north_n thereof_o and_o the_o wood_n of_o ancarig_n id_fw-la est_fw-la thorney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o from_o namans_n land_n hirne_n to_o crouland_n bridge_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n be_v the_o limit_n thereof_o have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n call_v alderlound_n on_o the_o west_n and_o from_o
shall_v continue_v where_o it_o then_o run_v in_o 11_o e._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o commission_n dorso_fw-la issue_v unto_o n._n de_fw-fr stapelton_n w._n de_fw-fr brumpton_n and_o e._n de_fw-fr bekingham_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 whether_o the_o abbot_n of_o croyland_n or_o prior_n of_o spalding_n ought_v to_o repair_v certain_a bridge_n gutter_n bank_n and_o ditch_n in_o those_o part_n concern_v which_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n betwixt_o they_o dorso_fw-la in_o 10_o e._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o petition_n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n and_o his_o council_n in_o parliament_n set_v forth_o the_o many_o peril_n and_o loss_n which_o have_v befall_v several_a man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o ill_a way_n betwixt_o crouland_n and_o spalding_n as_o also_o that_o great_a mischief_n be_v like_a to_o happen_v thereby_o unless_o by_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o way_n a_o remedy_n be_v speedy_o use_v and_o that_o all_o those_o danger_n and_o loss_n may_v well_o be_v avoid_v in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o new_a causey_n make_v betwixt_o the_o say_a town_n of_o crouland_n and_o a_o place_n call_v the_o brother_n house_n by_o the_o say_a abbot_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a ground_n for_o the_o make_n and_o repair_v whereof_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n be_v to_o take_v a_o certain_a custom_n of_o all_o person_n travel_v that_o way_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o much_o affect_v the_o safeguard_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o people_n and_o for_o that_o respect_n desire_v to_o be_v certify_v whether_o the_o say_a abbot_n will_v be_v willing_a to_o undertake_v the_o make_n and_o repair_v of_o such_o a_o causey_n or_o not_o and_o if_o so_o then_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sort_n direct_v his_o precept_n to_o he_o require_v his_o answer_n thereto_o whereupon_o the_o abbot_n by_o his_o letter_n signify_v to_o the_o king_n that_o the_o distance_n betwixt_o the_o great_a bridge_n within_o the_o town_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o say_a place_n call_v brotherhouse_n within_o which_o space_n these_o danger_n in_o passage_n be_v be_v no_o less_o than_o three_o mile_n and_o in_o a_o fenny_a soil_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o river_n weland_n where_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o lowness_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o a_o moorish_a earth_n it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a matter_n to_o make_v a_o causey_n fit_a and_o durable_a for_o passenger_n because_o it_o can_v not_o be_v make_v otherwise_o than_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o that_o river_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o water_n in_o winter_n time_n that_o it_o cover_v the_o ground_n a_o ell_n and_o a_o half_a in_o depth_n and_o in_o a_o tempestuous_a wind_n two_o ell_n at_o which_o time_n the_o ground_n on_o the_o side_n of_o that_o river_n upon_o the_o brink_n whereof_o the_o say_a causey_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v be_v often_o break_v by_o bargeman_n and_o mariner_n and_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o wind_n so_o tear_v away_o as_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v diminish_v and_o waste_v so_o that_o in_o case_n a_o causey_n shall_v be_v there_o make_v it_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v consume_v and_o waste_v away_o by_o the_o power_n of_o those_o wind_n except_o it_o be_v raise_v very_o high_a and_o broad_a and_o defend_v by_o some_o mean_n against_o such_o danger_n and_o that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o ease_v of_o passenger_n aswell_o on_o that_o side_n the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o town_n of_o crouland_n as_o overthwart_v the_o same_o causey_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v many_o high_a and_o strong_a bridge_n which_o will_v require_v no_o little_a charge_n to_o the_o end_n that_o load_v barge_n and_o boat_n may_v pass_v under_o they_o and_o that_o may_v serve_v for_o necessary_a sewer_n over_o which_o bridge_n load_v cart_n horse_n and_o other_o might_n also_o travel_v and_o for_o the_o support_v of_o this_o great_a charge_n ever_o barge_n pass_v that_o way_n in_o a_o tempestuous_a time_n shall_v pay_v xiid._o every_o load_v cart_n xijd._o every_o load_v horse_n vi_o penny_n every_o man_n carry_v a_o burden_n iid._o every_o horse_n not_o load_v iij_o every_o man_n single_o go_v that_o way_n i_o d._n and_o for_o cattle_n and_o other_o thing_n carry_v by_o water_n more_o or_o less_o as_o shall_v be_v agree_v with_o the_o boat-man_n and_o in_o great_a storm_n and_o flood_n double_a to_o what_o be_v before_o express_v to_o be_v pay_v for_o all_o carriage_n by_o water_n that_o way_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o make_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a causey_n be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o chardgable_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o length_n height_n and_o thickness_n with_o necessary_a bridge_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o say_a abbot_n propose_v then_o to_o the_o king_n whether_o he_o will_v please_v to_o grant_v unto_o he_o and_o his_o monastery_n for_o to_o undergo_v the_o same_o such_o a_o custom_n for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n of_o every_o passenger_n aswell_o by_o land_n as_o water_n travail_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o lordship_n of_o crouland_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a to_o such_o a_o work_n though_o such_o custom_n do_v not_o exceed_v the_o one_o half_a of_o what_o passenger_n do_v at_o that_o time_n pay_v and_o after_o those_o seven_o year_n shall_v be_v expire_v a_o certain_a lesser_a custom_n apportion_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o such_o necessary_a maintenance_n and_o repair_v thereof_o and_o that_o in_o case_n the_o king_n will_v so_o do_v that_o then_o he_o will_v do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o make_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_v causey_n and_o bridge_n which_o answer_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v no_o reply_n make_v thereto_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o year_n after_o but_o then_o the_o parliament_n again_o sit_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n exhibit_v a_o petition_n ibid._n to_o the_o king_n whereby_o they_o humble_o beseech_v he_o that_o for_o the_o safety_n and_o advantage_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o passenger_n he_o will_v take_v the_o answer_n of_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n into_o consideration_n and_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v meet_v therein_o whereupon_o the_o say_a king_n much_o regard_v the_o safety_n and_o welfare_n of_o his_o people_n and_o therefore_o desire_v for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o the_o work_n to_o be_v more_o full_o certify_v touch_v the_o premise_n assign_v robert_n de_fw-fr colevill_n adam_n de_fw-fr limbergh_n john_n de_fw-fr ros_fw-fr humphrey_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n will._n de_fw-fr bayeux_n and_o ranulph_n de_fw-fr paris_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 country_n what_o manner_n of_o custom_n and_o how_o much_o the_o bargeman_n and_o boat-man_n do_v then_o receive_v aswell_o for_o man_n as_o cattle_n and_o have_v to_o that_o time_n usual_o receive_v and_o who_o ought_v to_o make_v that_o way_n and_o take_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o as_o also_o upon_o who_o soil_n on_o both_o side_n the_o barge_n and_o boat_n have_v use_v to_o land_n and_o who_o the_o whole_a passage_n be_v and_o moreover_o what_o and_o how_o much_o custom_n will_v be_v requisite_a for_o the_o say_a abbot_n to_o take_v for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o year_n in_o consideration_n of_o his_o charge_n in_o make_v the_o same_o causey_n and_o bridges_n upon_o his_o own_o proper_a soil_n and_o how_o much_o after_o those_o seven_o year_n be_v expire_v to_o maintain_v they_o in_o repair_n as_o also_o how_o many_o causey_n and_o bridge_n and_o of_o what_o length_n breadth_n height_n and_o thickness_n each_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o the_o more_o safe_a and_o substantial_a benefit_n of_o passenger_n and_o last_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v of_o any_o damage_n to_o the_o say_a king_n or_o other_o if_o he_o do_v grant_v to_o the_o say_a abbot_n such_o custom_n as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o consideration_n above_o specify_v but_o what_o be_v do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o memorandum_n ann_n that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n until_o the_o day_n of_o sir_n john_n wake_v who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o edward_n the_o second_o and_o edward_n the_o three_o king_n of_o england_n nothing_o be_v do_v against_o the_o abbey_n of_o crouland_n for_o raise_v of_o a_o bank_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o gokesland_n in_o holland_n but_o in_o the_o time_n of_o thomas_n wake_n the_o son_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n the_o say_a bank_n be_v make_v and_o so_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n then_o make_v that_o bank_n from_o kenulphston_n to_o crouland_n hyrn_v alius_fw-la dyke_n end_n from_o which_o place_n the_o lordship_n of_o depe_v begin_v and_o continue_v to_o woo_v lade_v until_o the_o time_n of_o john_n duke_n of_o somerset_n and_o then_o the_o
one_o robert_n de_fw-fr haâ—les_fw-fr archdeacon_n of_o lincoln_n at_o the_o request_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n make_v a_o collection_n throughout_o all_o his_o archdeaconry_n for_o the_o maintenance_n thereof_o with_o which_o money_n so_o get_v the_o say_a monk_n of_o revesby_n repair_v the_o same_o until_o about_o ten_o year_n before_o the_o exhibit_v of_o the_o say_a presentment_n but_o after_o that_o time_n suffer_v it_o to_o go_v to_o ruin_v wherefore_o they_o precise_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v it_o still_o and_o no_o other_o and_o be_v ask_v whether_o that_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n can_v keep_v it_o in_o repair_n with_o the_o yearly_a value_n of_o the_o say_a land_n they_o answer_v that_o they_o may_v and_o they_o say_v likewise_o that_o william_n de_fw-fr rumare_n son_n of_o the_o say_v william_n do_v after_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n confirm_v to_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n the_o land_n abovementioned_a in_o pure_a alm_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o that_o causey_n at_o which_o time_n he_o make_v the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n swear_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o say_a confirmation_n so_o make_v to_o they_o in_o pure_a alm_n they_o must_v repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o same_o causey_n as_o they_o have_v before_o that_o time_n use_v to_o do_v allege_v that_o for_o the_o want_n of_o repair_n thereof_o divers_a person_n be_v drown_v every_o year_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n for_o the_o wapentake_v of_o kirkâ—tone_n ellow_n and_o anelund_n choose_v to_o inquire_v concern_v a_o certain_a causey_n call_v holland_n causey_n dyke_n and_o of_o the_o bridge_n call_v peckebrigge_n say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o in_o truth_n one_o robert_n jokem_n of_o horbelinge_v ancient_o give_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n one_o message_n and_o one_o yard_n land_n lie_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a causey_n near_o to_o the_o very_a site_n of_o the_o say_a priory_n to_o have_v and_o to_o hold_v to_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n for_o ever_o for_o the_o reparation_n and_o maintenance_n of_o the_o before-specified_n causey_n from_o the_o head_n thereof_o towards_o kesteven_n to_o the_o innome_n oâ—_n dovingtone_n and_o for_o that_o consideration_n be_v those_o canon_n of_o s._n saviour_n enfeoff_v of_o the_o say_a message_n and_o land_n to_o maintain_v the_o same_o causey_n for_o ever_o and_o the_o same_o juror_n also_o say_v that_o the_o beforementioned_a canon_n do_v afterward_o obtain_v a_o bull_n from_o the_o pope_n to_o exhort_v the_o people_n of_o the_o country_n to_o contribute_v towards_o the_o repair_n of_o that_o causey_n by_o mean_n whereof_o they_o collect_v much_o money_n and_o that_o with_o those_o money_n as_o also_o with_o the_o profit_n of_o that_o message_n and_o land_n and_o other_o money_n bequeath_v unto_o they_o by_o several_a great_a man_n decease_v they_o use_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o till_o within_o twenty_o year_n then_o last_v pass_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o reason_n of_o a_o flood_n that_o they_o can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o since_o that_o time_n that_o they_o employ_v those_o money_n so_o collect_v and_o bequeath_v as_o aforesaid_a in_o purchase_v of_o land_n and_o they_o say_v direct_o that_o those_o canon_n ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o causey_n from_o the_o head_n of_o holland_n bridge_n unto_o the_o innome_n of_o doningtone_n and_o not_o any_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o that_o message_n and_o what_o they_o have_v so_o purchase_v they_o may_v very_o well_o do_v it_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o doningtone_n ought_v to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o before-specified_n causey_n from_o that_o place_n call_v the_o innome_n unto_o the_o head_n of_o the_o same_o towards_o holland_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o land_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n thereof_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n call_v the_o innome_n grant_v to_o they_o by_o the_o country_n and_o as_o to_o the_o say_a bridge_n call_v peckebrigg_n they_o say_v that_o before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o priory_n of_o spalding_n there_o be_v not_o any_o there_o and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o spalding_n do_v ancient_o first_o build_v it_o and_o be_v so_o build_v that_o he_o and_o his_o successor_n do_v ever_o afterward_o repair_v it_o by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o take_v toll_n of_o all_o stranger_n pass_v over_o it_o and_o at_o that_o time_n do_v also_o so_o do_v for_o which_o reason_n they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o spalding_n ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o and_o no_o other_o person_n whatsoever_o and_o be_v ask_v of_o what_o breadth_n the_o say_a bridge_n and_o causey_n ought_v to_o be_v they_o say_v that_o the_o causey_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o broad_a as_o that_o cart_n and_o carriage_n may_v meet_v thereon_o and_o the_o bridge_n of_o peckebridge_n so_o wide_a as_o that_o man_n ride_v on_o horse_n back_o may_v also_o meet_v upon_o it_o and_o because_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o say_a inquisition_n that_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o revesâ—y_n ought_v to_o maintain_v the_o causey_n call_v north_n dyke_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o land_n so_o give_v unto_o tâ—eâ—_n by_o the_o beforementioned_a william_n de_fw-fr rumare_n and_o that_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o s._n saviour_n ought_v to_o maintain_v that_o part_n of_o the_o say_a causey_n call_v holland_n bridge_n causey_n by_o reason_n of_o those_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o the_o man_n of_o deningtone_n the_o other_o part_n the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o seize_v the_o before-specified_n land_n into_o the_o king_n hand_n and_o to_o retain_v they_o until_o such_o time_n as_o they_o shall_v give_v security_n for_o the_o repair_v abovesaid_a and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n michael_n then_o next_o ensue_v the_o like_a command_n he_o have_v to_o distrain_v the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o spalding_n by_o all_o the_o good_n which_o he_o can_v find_v of_o they_o within_o his_o bayliwick_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bridge_n call_v peckebrigge_n within_o that_o time_n in_o 50_o h._n 3._o the_o king_n be_v advertise_v dorso_o that_o aswell_o his_o own_o land_n as_o the_o land_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o spaulding_n and_o other_o lie_v in_o this_o province_n of_o holland_n be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n gutter_n and_o sewer_n in_o divers_a part_n thereof_o do_v dorso_o assign_v john_n le_fw-fr moyne_n and_o alexander_n de_fw-fr montefort_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a &_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o same_o province_n who_o they_o be_v that_o then_o have_v safeguard_n and_o preservation_n by_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n against_o the_o sea_n and_o aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o also_o to_o distrain_v all_o those_o that_o be_v land-holders_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o ellowe_n for_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o every_o acre_n may_v be_v equal_o assess_v whosoever_o hold_v the_o same_o and_o be_v so_o repair_v to_o maintain_v they_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o their_o tenement_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_o have_v thomas_n de_fw-fr frankton_n john_n beke_v and_o the_o before-specified_n alexander_n de_fw-fr montefort_n in_o 3_o e._n 1._o for_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o sewer_n in_o the_o same_o year_n upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n concern_v the_o bank_n lie_v in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v cadenham_n toft_a it_o be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v in_o very_o good_a repair_n in_o 6_o e._n 1_o there_o be_v a_o complaint_n 9_o make_v to_o the_o king_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o henry_n de_fw-fr lacie_n earl_n of_o lincoln_n that_o he_o have_v receive_v extraordinary_a damage_n within_o his_o lordship_n and_o land_n in_o swaneton_n by_o inundation_n of_o the_o fen_n betwixt_o swaneton_n and_o dunnington_n and_o other_o town_n adjacent_a by_o reason_n that_o the_o sewer_n ditch_n and_o gutter_n which_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v there_o in_o the_o time_n of_o his_o ancestor_n be_v then_o obstruct_v and_o the_o bridge_n in_o ruin_n through_o the_o default_n of_o those_o that_o aught_o to_o repair_v they_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o assign_v 9_o ralph_n de_fw-fr hengham_n and_o william_n de_fw-fr norburgh_n to_o inquire_v who_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o to_o distrain_v they_o thereto_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o inforformation_n dorso_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o kirketou_n have_v sustain_v much_o loss_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o haute_fw-fr hundre_v fen_n in_o the_o say_a wapentake_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o sewer_n ditch_n and_o
bank_n in_o sunâ—â—y_a place_n drown_v many_o cattle_n and_o spoylâ—d_v a_o great_a quantity_n of_o corn_n so_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tuney_n walpoâ—â—_n wâ—lsokne_v west_n walton_fw-mi 〈…〉_z petition_v 18._o the_o king_n â—or_a remedy_n â—â—â—rein_o he_o assign_v 18._o constantine_n dâ—_n moâ—tiâ—â—er_n john_n de_fw-fr hiderseâ—e_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr â—â—kele_n to_o make_v enquiry_n thereof_o and_o consider_v of_o some_o speedy_a way_n of_o redress_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v impanel_v and_o swear_v who_o present_v tilney_n upon_o oath_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n have_v a_o câ—rtain_a bank_n towards_o the_o sâ—a_n on_o the_o east_n part_n of_o the_o say_a town_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o town_n of_o clenchwarton_n towards_o wigenhale_n and_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n the_o charge_n in_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o one_o mile_n and_o a_o halâ—_n thereof_o amount_v to_o lviiil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n perch_v xviii_o d._n and_o the_o other_o half_a mile_n vil._o xs._o viz._n for_o â—very_n pâ—rch_fw-mi vi_fw-mi d._n and_o they_o say_v that_o upon_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o st._n hillary_n precede_v the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n in_o no_o less_o than_o five_o place_n that_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n be_v overflow_v with_o the_o sea_n water_n and_o the_o land_n meadow_n and_o pasture_n belong_v thereto_o continual_o drown_v for_o the_o space_n of_o seven_o day_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o winter-corn_n then_o sow_v upon_o the_o ground_n be_v destroy_v as_o also_o much_o of_o the_o corn_n and_o hay_n in_o their_o barn_n with_o c._n murrons_n and_o lx._n ewe_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o cccl._o unto_o the_o say_a town_n and_o they_o say_v that_o before_o thâ—y_n can_v make_v good_a that_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n contain_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a in_o length_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o say_a town_n five_o message_n and_o xl_o acre_n of_o ground_n which_o be_v the_o land_n of_o thomas_n de_fw-fr ingaldesthorpe_n and_o other_o with_o divers_a good_n then_o therein_o be_v be_v utter_o lose_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o a_o cl._o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n expend_v in_o the_o repair_n the_o say_v four_o furlong_n and_o a_o half_a of_o the_o same_o indike_n xll._o and_o that_o to_o make_v the_o same_o good_a as_o it_o ancient_o have_v be_v will_v require_v lxl._o more_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o lx._n year_n then_o past_a one_o parish_n church_n with_o the_o parsonage_n be_v by_o the_o break_n in_o of_o the_o sea_n ruin_v and_o within_o thirty_o year_n a_o manor_n house_n of_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n and_o of_o his_o tenant_n and_o other_o xx_o message_n â—_o with_o a_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n of_o tâ—lney_n have_v another_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n viz._n in_o length_n from_o tyrington_n one_o mile_n towards_o clâ—nchwarton_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o by_o the_o year_n and_o that_o they_o have_v another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n for_o defence_n thereof_o against_o the_o fresh_a water_n the_o repair_n whereof_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la anum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o whole_a yearly_a charge_n which_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n do_v undergo_v in_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n gutter_n great_a and_o small_a bridge_n kays_n and_o schore_n with_o several_a sewer_n for_o the_o preservation_n thereof_o come_v to_o cxll._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o this_o town_n of_o tilney_n by_o that_o grievous_a tempest_n so_o happen_v upon_o the_o monday_n before-specified_n lose_v one_o gutter_n call_v scales_n goule_n to_o their_o damage_n of_o xxxl._o and_o that_o the_o charge_n in_o new_a make_n of_o xij_o new_a gutter_n great_a and_o small_a five_o bridge_n to_o be_v new_o make_v or_o repair_v and_o divers_a sewer_n will_v amount_v unto_o xxxl._o which_o of_o necessity_n must_v be_v do_v the_o summer_n follow_v and_o they_o say_v that_o these_o danger_n do_v every_o year_n much_o increase_v upon_o they_o in_o regard_n that_o the_o fifteen_o tax_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o two_o precede_a year_n amount_v to_o lxl._o and_o the_o raise_n arm_a and_o array_v of_o hobelar_n and_o mariner_n xxl._o there_o be_v dccxlvij_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v within_o they_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n edmundsbury_n and_o dereham_n and_o other_o religious_a house_n which_o be_v assess_v with_o the_o spirituality_n and_o therefore_o contribute_v nothing_o therein_o and_o they_o say_v 112._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walpole_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n on_o the_o north_n part_v thereof_o for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n which_o bank_n extend_v from_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n to_o the_o gutter_n of_o waltone_n walpoâ—e_n call_v noâ—â—che_n goal_n contain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o two_o mile_n will_v require_v ccl._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la charge_n and_o the_o residue_n xls._o and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n hilary_n the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o tear_v by_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v â—own_v bestow_v xl_o in_o the_o repair_n thereof_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o same_o king_n reign_n upon_o the_o eve_n of_o s._n andrew_n a_o certain_a sea-bank_n at_o ristofte_a break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n whereby_o two_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v utter_o lose_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o within_o thirty_o year_n thâ—n_n last_o pass_v they_o likewise_o lose_v for_o ever_o one_o parish_n church_n xx_o message_n and_o ccc_o acre_n of_o land_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o this_o town_n be_v at_o the_o yearly_a charge_n of_o lxs._o in_o repair_v of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a with_o divers_a bridge_n belong_v thereto_o and_o that_o the_o say_a town_n have_v also_o another_o bank_n towards_o the_o fen_n call_v pokediche_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o stand_v they_o in_o xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la repair_n and_o they_o say_v walsokne_v that_o the_o town_n of_o walsokne_v have_v a_o certain_a bank_n for_o its_o defence_n towards_o the_o sea_n extend_v from_o warfanglestowe_n to_o emen_v meny_n and_o cotain_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n whereof_o the_o repair_n for_o one_o mile_n amount_v to_o xxvil._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la viz._n for_o every_o perch_n vid._o and_o that_o the_o same_o bank_n be_v so_o break_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n upon_o the_o before-specified_n monday_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v at_o xxl._n cost_v in_o repair_n thereof_o and_o that_o in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o say_a king_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n they_o spend_v xxxl_o and_o that_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o repair_n of_o the_o gutter_n great_a and_o small_a and_o bridge_n for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o t_o say_v own_o amount_v to_o cs._o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o same_o town_n have_v a_o certain_a bank_n call_v pokediche_n towards_o the_o fen_n for_o defence_n thereof_o from_o the_o fresh_a water_n which_o bank_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n have_v xls._o per_fw-la annum_fw-la bestow_v thereon_o in_o repair_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n inhabitant_n in_o repair_v of_o one_o gutter_n at_o colevile_n mill_n in_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n the_o second_o be_v reign_v and_o another_o at_o coldhirne_n in_o the_o eighteen_o year_n for_o drayn_v the_o water_n from_o their_o land_n to_o the_o sea_n expend_v xl_o l._n and_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o water_n called_z wallenhee_o which_o have_v wont_a to_o run_v towards_o the_o sea_n under_o the_o sea-bank_n of_o walsokne_v where_o it_o have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o depth_n and_o hollowness_n ☞_o that_o the_o land_n in_o that_o town_n have_v a_o sufficient_a evacuation_n of_o their_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n thereby_o be_v at_o the_o suit_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n cambridge_n huntendon_n eee_o and_o lincoln_n make_v to_o the_o king_n and_o judgement_n of_o his_o court_n divert_v towards_o wigenhale_n by_o well_o dam_v the_o sand_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n in_o those_o channel_n wherein_o it_o have_v former_o pass_v that_o the_o waâ—ers_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o walsokne_v can_v not_o drain_v any_o long_a that_o way_n by_o reason_n whereof_o no_o less_o than_o ccc_o acre_n
former_o have_v be_v a_o stone_n bridge_n and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o manor_n of_o coldham_n and_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o crofts_n of_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la and_o beyond_o to_o secchithe_n bridge_n and_o thence_o westward_n and_o in_o breadth_n to_o a_o certain_a way_n which_o lead_v from_o sech_n gate_n unto_o jones_n dole_n fence_n and_o thence_o to_o lynne_n dyke_n northwards_o unto_o the_o how_o dyke_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o larkyshirne_v aforesaid_a in_o the_o say_a town_n of_o south_n lynne_n hardwick_n westwinche_n and_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o that_o defence_n every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o his_o land_n and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o all_o person_n which_o have_v land_n and_o tenement_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v clenchwarton-marshland_n within_o the_o town_n of_o south_n lynne_n aforesaid_a and_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o secchithe_n magna_fw-la south_n lynne_n secchithe_n parva_fw-la and_o watlington_n in_o divers_a place_n from_o secchithe_n gate_n southwards_o to_o the_o crofts_n of_o secchithe_n parva_fw-la and_o from_o secchithe_n drain_v westward_n to_o east_n wroe_fw-mi dyke_n at_o watlingtone_n and_o the_o old_a i_fw-mi of_o wigenhale_n as_o also_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o watlingtone_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o cornfen_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o wroedike_n westward_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n and_o from_o poâ—dyke_n southwards_o to_o gery_n dam_v and_o thence_o southwards_o in_o the_o newlande_n to_o deylode_n drive_v and_o from_o wigenhaleâ—bedding_n to_o the_o river_n of_o wigenhale_n westward_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o land-holders_n in_o the_o town_n of_o roungeton_n holm_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v holme_n bite_v which_o reach_v from_o deyslode_n drive_v to_o green_a yate_n southwards_o aught_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o straightning_n of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o bank_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o before-specified_n place_n as_o aforesaid_a because_o they_o lie_v within_o the_o defence_n and_o safeguard_n and_o have_v or_o may_v have_v benefit_n or_o loss_n by_o the_o say_a river_n and_o bank_n and_o that_o all_o their_o tenant_n likewise_o ought_v to_o make_v repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o say_v new_a bank_n for_o the_o restrain_v of_o those_o river_n within_o the_o beforementioned_a limit_n when_o and_o as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o they_o say_v that_o this_o restriction_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o make_n of_o those_o new_a bank_n in_o the_o place_n before-specified_n will_v be_v a_o secure_a last_a and_o perpetual_a defence_n to_o all_o the_o bank_n and_o all_o the_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o town_n and_o place_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v therefore_o ordain_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n that_o the_o say_a work_n shall_v be_v do_v according_o in_o 11_o r._n 2._o sir_n edmund_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n and_o sir_n philip_n de_fw-fr tilney_n knight_n together_o with_o john_n martial_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o cattesbak_v and_o the_o fen_n end_n within_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 7_o h._n 4._o have_v sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n sir_n pain_n tiptoft_n and_o sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr shelton_n knight_n richard_n norton_n will._n ludington_n and_o william_n snetesham_n for_o all_o those_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n aswell_o upon_o the_o sea-coast_n as_o otherwise_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o tiryngtone_n walpole_n walton_n walsokne_v enemethe_o welle_v wigenhale_n tylneye_n and_o clenchwarton_n ancient_o ordain_v for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o town_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 10_o h._n 4._o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o same_o sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n with_o sir_n edmund_n de_fw-fr thorpe_n sir_n john_n colvyle_n sir_n ralph_n shelton_n and_o sir_n john_n rocheford_n knight_n richard_n norton_n william_n rees_n william_n ludyngton_n laurence_n trusebut_n and_o richard_n gegge_n for_o all_o those_o sea-bank_n lie_v within_o the_o town_n of_o tyringtone_n for_o the_o safeguard_n thereof_o and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n be_v implead_v 62._o for_o damage_n which_o be_v sustain_v by_o his_o neglect_n in_o repair_v his_o proportion_n of_o pokedike_n for_o his_o land_n in_o walsokne_v and_o in_o 8_o h_n 5._o john_n cokain_n sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n sir_n john_n colvill_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n and_o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr rocheford_n knight_n robert_z tirwhit_o richard_n norton_n william_n ludyngtone_n john_n benard_n thomas_n derham_n nich_n morys_n william_n fulbarneâ—_n â—_z and_o robert_n bird_n be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o tyrington_n walpole_n waltone_n walsokne_v enemethe_o welle_v wygenale_n tilneye_n and_o clenchwarton_n then_o break_v and_o in_o decay_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n with_o direction_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n what_o they_o do_v therein_o i_o have_v not_o see_v but_o soon_o after_o viz._n in_o 1_o h._n 6._o the_o king_n receive_v information_n m._n that_o the_o bank_n sewer_n &c._n &c._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v and_o the_o stream_n which_o run_v from_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n and_o wigenhale_n in_o this_o province_n of_o marshland_n be_v so_o tear_v and_o consume_v partly_o with_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o great_a flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n pass_v that_o way_n as_o that_o very_o much_o damage_n have_v happen_v to_o the_o whole_a country_n thereabouts_o constitute_v m._n thomas_n duke_n of_o eâ—eter_n sir_n thomas_z erpingham_z and_o sir_n henry_n rocheforth_o knight_n william_n paston_n john_n schuldham_n simeon_n fyncham_n john_n man_v and_o thomas_n dereham_n commissioner_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o make_v such_o agistment_n both_o for_o raise_v of_o new_a bank_n where_o need_n shall_v be_v and_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o decay_n beforementioned_a in_o such_o sort_n as_o they_o shall_v deem_v most_o expedient_a for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o country_n which_o commission_n bear_v date_n at_o swynesh_v the_o xij_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o shireeve_n of_o norfolk_n have_v command_v to_o impanell_n juror_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o downham_n hithe_a upon_o thursday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n than_o next_o ensue_v who_o then_o and_o there_o attend_v the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n upon_o their_o oath_n present_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v pokediche_n ancient_o make_v for_o safeguard_n of_o the_o town_n in_o this_o province_n of_o marshland_n and_o all_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n within_o the_o same_o be_v then_o so_o break_v and_o ruinous_a that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o ground_n be_v thereby_o overflow_v with_o the_o fresh_a water_n to_o the_o extraordinary_a damage_n of_o all_o such_o person_n as_o be_v landholders_n or_o that_o do_v enjoy_v common_a of_o pasture_n or_o fish_v there_o and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n bank_n can_v not_o be_v make_v firm_a and_o sufficient_a by_o any_o repair_n thereof_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o ground_n whereon_o it_o stand_v consider_v and_o therefore_o they_o ordain_v and_o decree_v that_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o all_o the_o town_n in_o marshland_n aforesaid_a and_o of_o all_o the_o land_n within_o the_o compass_n thereof_o pokedike_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o wall_n or_o bank_n make_v new_a on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o saltery_n load_n brink_n by_o all_o the_o land-holders_n throughout_o marshland_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o resident_n within_o the_o town_n thereof_o and_o of_o the_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n so_o to_o be_v make_v new_a shall_v be_v make_v and_o raise_v upon_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o great_a river_n which_o pass_v from_o uuelle_n to_o saltery_n load_n and_o uuigenhale_n viz._n from_o the_o shore_n of_o that_o river_n by_o the_o space_n of_o twenty-four_o foot_n as_o also_o to_o begin_v in_o that_o place_n call_v saltery_n load_n and_o to_o extend_v itself_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o priory_n of_o mullycourt_n westward_n and_o that_o the_o height_n thereof_o from_o saltery_n load_n to_o north_n delfe_n shall_v be_v five_o foot_n from_o the_o level_n earth_n and_o the_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n xviij_o foot_n and_o from_o northdelf_n to_o the_o say_a priory_n six_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o ground_n with_o xviij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o xij_o at_o the_o top_n of_o good_a measure_n so_o that_o it_o may_v sufficient_o keep_v out_o the_o water_n of_o
lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o xl_o l._n in_o this_o distress_n the_o people_n of_o the_o town_n flee_v to_o the_o church_n for_o refuge_n some_o to_o haystack_n some_o to_o the_o baulk_n in_o the_o house_n till_o they_o be_v near_o famish_v poor_a woman_n leave_v their_o child_n swim_v in_o their_o bed_n till_o good_a people_n adventure_v their_o life_n go_v up_o to_o the_o breast_n in_o the_o water_n to_o fetch_v they_o out_o at_o the_o window_n whereof_o mr._n browne_n the_o minister_n do_v fetch_v divers_a to_o the_o church_n upon_o his_o back_n and_o have_v it_o not_o please_v god_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o mayor_n and_o alderman_n of_o king_n lynne_z with_o compassion_n who_o send_v beer_n and_o victual_n thither_o by_o boat_n many_o have_v perish_v which_o boat_n come_v the_o direct_a way_n over_o the_o soil_n from_o lynne_n to_o terington_n 3_o that_o the_o creek_n which_o now_o run_v under_o terington_n bank_n and_o underneath_o they_o have_v within_o four_o or_o five_o year_n last_o pass_v run_v half_o a_o mile_n off_o and_o that_o about_o xx_o year_n since_o it_o do_v run_v about_o a_o mile_n off_o 4_o we_o think_v that_o the_o approach_n of_o the_o say_a creek_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o decay_n and_o overthrow_v of_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o that_o at_o this_o present_a the_o say_a creek_n run_v where_o bank_n have_v late_o stand_v be_v twenty-four_o foot_n deep_a or_o more_o at_o a_o low_a water_n and_o that_o by_o the_o say_a outrage_n there_o be_v four_o other_o great_a creek_n wear_v in_o the_o whole_a ground_n to_o the_o town-ward_n where_o there_o be_v corn_n reap_v the_o last_o harvest_n whereof_o two_o of_o the_o say_a creek_n be_v fourscore_o foot_n broad_a a_o piece_n and_o near_o thirty_o foot_n deep_a and_o be_v wear_v to_o the_o town-ward_n within_o ten_o rod_n of_o the_o indyke_n by_o the_o reflow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o water_n from_o out_o of_o the_o town_n to_o the_o seaward_o and_o that_o these_o creek_n be_v so_o wear_v within_o the_o space_n of_o xlviij_o hour_n 5_o we_o say_v that_o the_o township_n of_o terington_n stand_v chardged_a with_o xic_n rod_n of_o bank_n at_o xuj_o foot_n to_o the_o rod_n which_o within_o 50_o year_n last_o pass_v cost_v make_v mmxx_o l._n and_o that_o ninescore_o rod_n part_v thereof_o have_v by_o the_o space_n of_o xx_o year_n last_o pass_v be_v make_v with_o earth_n straw_n and_o wood_n at_o iiijl._o the_o rod_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la which_o be_v for_o every_o year_n 720l._o there_o have_v be_v more_o fourscore_o and_o two_o rod_n part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n make_v very_o strong_o with_o lime_n and_o stone_n which_o cost_n the_o first_o make_v betwixt_o xuj_o and_o xxl._o the_o rod_n amount_v to_o mmml._o there_o be_v more_o six_o rod_n of_o stone_n wall_n make_v which_o cost_v ccl._o the_o yearly_a repair_n of_o the_o say_a stone_n wall_n have_v cost_v by_o the_o space_n of_o xij_o or_o fourteen_o year_n last_o past_o ccl._o the_o repair_n of_o viic_n liiij_o rode_n the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v xic_a rod_n cost_v seven_o year_n since_o ccclxxiijl._o and_o now_o upon_o this_o rage_n will_v cost_v more_o there_o be_v also_o two_o inbank_n lose_v by_o the_o say_a outrage_n which_o be_v make_v within_o ten_o year_n last_o pass_v and_o cost_v cccc_o l._n also_o one_o other_o indike_n make_v the_o last_o year_n which_o cost_v make_v dxcviii_o l._n and_o be_v now_o ruinate_v by_o this_o last_o rage_n to_o the_o value_n of_o cxx_o l._n there_o be_v also_o expose_v to_o the_o sea_n this_o last_o year_n without_o the_o say_v indike_n cxxxvi_o acre_n for_o which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n a_o allowance_n of_o fifty_o shilling_n the_o acre_n be_v and_o must_v be_v pay_v amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o cccxx_o l._n 6_o we_o say_v that_o the_o salt_n marsh_n of_o terington_n be_v exceed_o wear_v away_o for_o the_o king_n majesty_n have_v one_o marsh_n in_o the_o occupation_n of_o awdley_n lad_n alias_o baker_n or_o his_o assign_v call_v the_o gonge_a marsh_n which_o by_o report_n have_v contain_v about_o ccc_o acre_n and_o within_o thirty_o year_n last_o pass_v contain_v lx._n acre_n which_o be_v now_o all_o wear_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o his_o majesty_n have_v lose_v more_o within_o these_o thirty_o year_n c_o acres_n of_o marsh_n be_v part_n of_o other_o marsh_n which_o the_o say_a mr._n lad_n hold_v by_o lease_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o marsh_n be_v as_o we_o suppose_v chief_o waste_v or_o decay_v for_o want_v of_o keep_v and_o maintain_v of_o divers_a dam_n which_o be_v name_v and_o set_v down_o hereafter_o in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o xiith_o article_n 7_o we_o say_v that_o the_o water_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n have_v ancient_o fall_v to_o the_o four_o goat_n as_o they_o now_o do_v and_o from_o thence_o they_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o sea_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n more_o than_o a_o mile_n off_o from_o terington_n banks_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o in_o ancient_a time_n they_o have_v fall_v to_o the_o sea_n much_o far_o off_o but_o in_o our_o opinion_n upon_o our_o view_n take_v they_o may_v be_v carry_v at_o this_o time_n a_o near_a way_n to_o the_o sea_n viz._n from_o the_o four_o goat_n aforesaid_a over_o tide_n marsh_n and_o sutton_n marsh_n unto_o a_o creek_n there_o call_v king_n creek_n and_o there_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o deep_a call_v lutton_n leame_z and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n which_o be_v a_o short_a course_n for_o the_o river_n by_o vi_o mile_n and_o have_v a_o much_o better_a out-fall_a 8_o we_o say_v that_o all_o the_o town_n within_o the_o isle_n which_o have_v be_v heretofore_o chardged_a with_o the_o maintenance_n of_o wisebech_n river_n and_o such_o other_o town_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o huntingdonshire_n border_v on_o the_o say_a isle_n between_o peterborough_n and_o somersham_n who_o have_v heretofore_o contribute_v to_o the_o maintenance_n of_o clow_n across_o drayne_n or_o wysebech_n river_n shall_v in_o our_o opinion_n be_v benefit_v thereby_o and_o the_o town_n of_o walpole_n and_o terington_n proportionable_o but_o for_o the_o portion_n of_o money_n to_o be_v particular_o rate_v upon_o every_o several_a town_n we_o leave_v it_o to_o far_a consideration_n 9_o we_o say_v that_o we_o hold_v it_o convenient_a there_o be_v a_o new_a indike_n take_v at_o terington_n for_o the_o present_a and_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o say_a town_n but_o whether_o the_o say_v indike_n will_v defend_v the_o town_n any_o long_a time_n except_o the_o water_n be_v divert_v and_o the_o marsh_n imbank_v we_o know_v not_o 10_o nihil_fw-la 11_o nihil_fw-la 12_o we_o say_v that_o these_o marsh_n follow_v be_v very_o much_o decay_v for_o want_v of_o make_v and_o maintain_v of_o dam_n viz_o between_o one_o marsh_n in_o the_o tenure_n of_o awdley_n lad_n and_o one_o other_o marsh_n call_v the_o new_a marsh_n be_v also_o the_o king_n majesty_n be_v in_o the_o tenure_n of_o sir_n robert_n wind_n or_o his_o assign_v there_o be_v a_o creek_n call_v hurdle_n fleet_n which_o it_o x_o rod_n broad_a and_o xx_o foot_n deep_a within_o the_o level_n soil_n be_v on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o ewe_n marsh_n and_o the_o myssâ—e_n which_o creek_n continual_o flow_v and_o reflow_v dangerous_o over_o the_o marsh_n but_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n it_o have_v not_o be_v dam_v neither_o can_v we_o present_v who_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o same_o there_o be_v also_o another_o fleet_n call_v ground_n fleet_n upon_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ewe_n marsh_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o mr._n judde_n which_o contain_v in_o breadth_n 5_o rod_n and_o in_o depth_n xuj_o foot_n within_o the_o level_n soil_n which_o fleet_n be_v never_o dam_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n there_o be_v also_o another_o fleet_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o mr._n iudd_n marsh_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o edmund_n riches_n that_o be_v in_o breadth_n four_o road_n and_o in_o depth_n x_o foot_n which_o likewise_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v never_o dam_v which_o say_v fleet_n in_o our_o opinion_n be_v great_a occasion_n of_o wear_v away_o the_o marsh_n there_o there_o be_v also_o a_o passage_n way_n or_o chase_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ewe_n marsh_n which_o be_v call_v uuaterlese_fw-mi diche_fw-it and_o on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o mrs._n rachel_n and_o anne_n deane_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o nicholas_n judde_n which_o chase_n be_v not_o maintain_v with_o dam_n as_o within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n it_o have_v be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o marsh_n but_o who_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o we_o be_v ignorant_a 13_o nihil_fw-la 14_o nihil_fw-la 15_o we_o say_v that_o in_o our_o opinion_n it_o be_v very_o convenient_a
thomas_n beaupre_n for_o as_o much_o by_o john_n fincham_n also_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n for_o the_o like_a proportion_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o walsyngham_n for_o three_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o lynne_n for_o three_o furlong_n unto_o the_o end_n thereof_o wide_o load_n ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v for_o half_a a_o mile_n by_o the_o prior_n of_o thetford_n and_o the_o heir_n of_o bekeswell_n for_o twenty-five_o furlong_n and_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n for_o one_o mile_n old_a small_a load_n begin_v from_o wide_a load_n and_o aught_o for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o by_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n and_o john_n aylesham_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o furlong_n webwinch_n lake_n ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o mile_n the_o town_n of_o welle_v aught_o to_o scour_v from_o the_o sholle_a of_o outwell_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n thence_o the_o prior_n of_o lynne_n unto_o mullicourt_n for_o one_o furlong_n and_o thence_o the_o prior_n of_o lewes_n for_o one_o mile_n and_o more_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o john_n ailesham_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o watercourse_n from_o north_n delf_n unto_o salter_n load_n for_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n alone_o for_o two_o mile_n and_o more_o the_o lord_n scrope_n ought_v to_o cleanse_v the_o channel_n from_o darsey_n load_n to_o manytownsend_n for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n cock_n load_n begin_v at_o hunney_n corner_n and_o continue_v to_o manyfeld_n end_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n and_o from_o mannyfeld_n end_n to_o harry_n mace_n coat_n by_o the_o lord_n scrope_n unto_o maney_n load_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n have_v its_o rise_n above_o northampton_n and_o come_v to_o peterborough_n bridge_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v noman_n land_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o south_n i_fw-mi which_o be_v distant_a from_o peterborough_n fourteen_o mile_n by_o estimation_n which_o river_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o peterborough_n and_o thorney_n but_o be_v not_o and_o from_o noman_n land_n to_o dowesdale_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o thorney_n for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o clow_n cross_a on_o the_o south_n side_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o on_o the_o north_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n with_o the_o town_n of_o holbeche_n fleet_n and_o sutton_n for_o six_o mile_n the_o river_n of_o wailand_n begin_v above_o the_o town_n of_o stamford_n and_o run_v unto_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o crouland_n and_o thence_o one_o part_n thereof_o pass_v unto_o spalding_n i_fw-mi and_o the_o other_o to_o nomans_n land_n some_o say_v that_o it_o do_v ancient_o râ—n_v into_o a_o certain_a fen_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n call_v the_o pricmote_a alias_o posson_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o now_o that_o current_n be_v stop_v it_o run_v by_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi unto_o clow_n cross_a and_o so_o to_o guy_n hirne_n furthermore_o betwixt_o shepelode_n and_o salterslode_n there_o be_v a_o sewer_n call_v thief_n lake_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o thomas_n gawsell_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n at_o salterslode_n it_o lie_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o salter_n load_n about_o half_a a_o mile_n distant_a also_o there_o be_v another_o common_a sewer_n call_v stremelake_n lie_v betwixt_o shiplode_n aforesaid_a and_o salter_n load_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v cleanse_v the_o fen_n betwixt_o crekelode_n welle_v and_o salterslode_v aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o denver_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o furlong_n and_o more_o there_o be_v also_o a_o common_a sewer_n call_v ancient_o denver_n hithe_n now_o stop_v by_o the_o lord_n berkley_n and_o the_o town_n of_o denver_n which_o contain_v one_o furlong_n and_o more_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o 2_o edw._n 6._o at_o a_o session_n b._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o upwell_n upon_o the_o monday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n by_o geffrey_n colvile_n edmund_n reaupre_n thomas_n dereham_n richâ—rd_n everard_n and_o john_n willoughby_n esquire_n james_n hawes_n and_o john_n schuldham_n gentleman_n the_o juror_n present_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o by_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n yearly_o descend_v from_o the_o county_n 6._o of_o norff._n suff._n cambr._n bedf._n hunt_n north._n rutl._n and_o linc._n by_o and_o through_o two_o great_a river_n viz._n ouse_n extend_v from_o cambridge_n unto_o ely_n thence_o to_o lytilport_n chair_n thence_o to_o sotherey_n thence_o to_o helgay_n thence_o to_o fordham_n thence_o to_o denver_n thence_o to_o a_o place_n in_o dounham_n call_v salter_n load_n thence_o to_o wymbotesham_n thence_o to_o stow-bardolf_n and_o thence_o unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o king_n lynne_z in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n and_o the_o other_o great_a river_n call_v the_o great_a i_fw-mi extend_v from_o peterburgh_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o northampton_n unto_o ramsey_n thence_o to_o a_o certain_a sewer_n or_o decay_a river_n in_o march_n in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n call_v great_a cross_n thence_o to_o a_o certain_a decay_a river_n or_o sewer_n call_v creke_v load_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a thence_o into_o another_o decay_a river_n or_o sewer_n call_v the_o new_a leame_z in_o march_z aforesaid_a thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v shewysn_a point_n and_o there_o the_o say_a river_n divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n whereof_o the_o one_o return_v south_n eastward_o and_o be_v call_v the_o south_n branch_n unto_o a_o certain_a old_a decay_a sewer_n in_o welney_n a_o hamlet_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v maid_n load_n thence_o unto_o another_o old_a decay_a sewer_n between_o welney_n aforesaid_a and_o lytilport_n in_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n call_v new_a dike_a and_o creek_n load_n in_o sotherey_n aforesaid_a thence_o unto_o lytilport_n chair_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o to_o the_o aforesaid_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o so_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n and_o the_o other_o branch_n descend_v north_n east_n ward_n call_v the_o north_n branch_n from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v shrewysn_a point_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a call_v outwell_n sholle_a thence_o southward_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o dounham_n aforesaid_a call_v northdelf_n thence_o eastward_n unto_o salter_n load_n into_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n there_o be_v yearly_o drown_v within_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n aforesaid_a eight_o thousand_o acre_n of_o marish_a and_o pasture_n ground_n over_o and_o beside_o the_o great_a damage_n unto_o four_o several_a infield_n of_o the_o same_o parish_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbech_n and_o sandyfield_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 1600_o acre_n and_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o same_o parish_n to_o the_o number_n of_o 300_o household_n be_v not_o the_o same_o field_n and_o house_n defend_v by_o great_a bank_n dikes_n and_o crest_n make_v for_o their_o safeguard_n to_o the_o great_a impoverish_n of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n special_o by_o the_o say_a water_n descend_v by_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi wisbeche_n from_o peterborough_n unto_o ramsey_n thence_o to_o march_n so_o to_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi sometime_o be_v convey_v unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisebeche_n by_o the_o say_v decay_a river_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a call_v great_a cross_n crekelode_n and_o the_o new_a leame_z whereof_o the_o far_a river_n call_v great_a cross_n pass_v not_o in_o distance_n from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi in_o march_n aforesaid_a to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisebeche_n ten_o mile_n and_o the_o say_a load_n call_v crek_n load_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a be_v not_o in_o distance_n in_o length_n from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisbeche_n but_o six_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o the_o say_v new_a leame_z but_o 5_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a from_o the_o say_v great_a i_fw-mi unto_o wisebeche_n and_o now_o the_o water_n be_v force_v to_o take_v in_o manner_n his_o full_a and_o whole_a course_n contrary_a wise_a from_o his_o natural_a and_o most_o ready_a fall_v at_o wisebeche_n aforesaid_a in_o form_n aforesaid_a be_v constrain_v unto_o the_o say_a chapel_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v shrewysn_a point_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_a
church_n of_o helgay_n the_o landholders_n late_a massingham_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a bexwell_n aught_o to_o dyke_n the_o say_a sewer_n against_o the_o late_a landholders_n of_o the_o cellerer_n of_o bury_n from_o the_o say_a willow_n unto_o pulverlake_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a cellerer_n of_o bury_n aught_o to_o dike_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a sewer_n in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o middyl_n in_o creeklode_n against_o all_o man_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o mile_n the_o say_v landholders_n of_o the_o land_n belong_v to_o ramsey_n aught_o to_o dyke_n a_o certain_a place_n call_v balkwere_v abut_a upon_o gnatlode_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n the_o parson_n of_o helgay_n the_o landholders_n of_o massingham_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a bexwell_n aught_o to_o dyke_n the_o say_a sewer_n unto_o four_o load_n end_n the_o heir_n of_o tho._n butler_n of_o helgay_n aught_o to_o dyke_n a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v hog_n middle_a by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n the_o king_n for_o land_n sometime_o the_o duke_n of_o gloucester_n aught_o to_o dike_v at_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o great_a be_v against_o all_o man_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o castleacre_n and_o wendling_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a bexwell_n aught_o to_o dyke_n the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n against_o the_o king_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n then_o the_o landholders_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o say_v celerer_fw-la of_o bury_n aught_o to_o make_v a_o shet_v middyl_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o more_o the_o king_n for_o land_n sometime_o the_o duke_n of_o gloucester_n aught_o to_o dyke_n a_o certain_a place_n call_v chattyng_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o furlong_n and_o more_o and_o the_o landholders_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o say_v celerer_fw-la of_o bury_n aught_o to_o dyke_n a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v stream_n middyl_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a priory_n of_o modney_n ought_v to_o dyke_n the_o one_o half_a of_o unge_fw-la medyl_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n against_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o thetford_n the_o heir_n of_o john_n ashfeild_n the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o ramsey_n sometime_o nicholas_n gunne_n ought_v to_o dyke_n the_o say_a sewer_n against_o the_o say_a landholders_n of_o the_o late_a priory_n of_o modney_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a john_n ashfeild_n ought_v to_o dyke_n at_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v lod_n be_v by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o thetford_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_a john_n champayne_n aught_o to_o make_v the_o other_o part_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a priory_n of_o modney_n ought_v to_o make_v the_o one_o half_a of_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v bulling_n against_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o ramsey_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n and_o more_o and_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o say_v late_a priory_n of_o modney_n and_o massingham_n aught_o to_o dyke_n the_o say_a sewer_n call_v credy-middyl_a by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n the_o landholders_n of_o the_o late_a monastery_n of_o thetford_n ought_v to_o dyke_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v jolles-middyl_a by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n the_o township_n of_o litilport_n the_o landholders_n sometime_o call_v nicholas_n orme_n and_o the_o earl_n of_o worcester_n aught_o to_o dyke_n the_o say_a sewer_n call_v new_a dyke_n unto_o the_o say_a south_n branch_v call_v welney_n water_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o that_o the_o person_n chargeable_a with_o the_o make_n scour_a etc._n etc._n of_o these_o sewer_n shall_v have_v the_o fishing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v so_o charge_v also_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o say_v marish_a and_o pasture_n ground_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n which_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o a_o certain_a river_n parcel_n of_o the_o north_n branch_n extend_v from_o shrewysn_a point_n unto_o outwellsholl_n the_o which_o decay_n begin_v at_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a call_v saltham_n lake_n and_o extend_v to_o a_o place_n in_o downham_n call_v north_n delf_n and_o so_o to_o salter_n load_n the_o which_o river_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o breadth_n in_o the_o narrow_a place_n of_o the_o channel_n twenty-four_o foot_n and_o of_o convenient_a depth_n and_o of_o the_o breadth_n and_o depth_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wygenall_n from_o the_o say_a place_n call_v salthamlake_n unto_o salter_n load_n and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a bank_n before_o remember_v call_v the_o new_a powdich_n set_v in_o outwell_n and_o downham_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o east_n and_o north_n part_n of_o the_o same_o river_n aswell_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o certain_a low_a ground_n in_o downham_n outwell_n wimbotesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wygenall_n for_o and_o against_o the_o abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n descend_v to_o and_o against_o the_o same_o bank_n the_o which_o bank_n begin_v at_o the_o south_n end_n of_o the_o parish_n of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v south_n eastward_o unto_o mullycourt_n drive_v thence_o to_o saltham_n lake_n thence_o to_o north_n delf_n in_o dounham_n and_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n and_o adjoin_v in_o part_n thereof_o to_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o say_a river_n and_o in_o part_n to_o the_o north_n side_n thereof_o which_o bank_n by_o all_o the_o limit_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v in_o breadth_n in_o the_o foundation_n xviii_o foot_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o the_o top_n twelve_o foot_n and_o in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n unto_o the_o top_n thereof_o from_o the_o say_v saltham_n lake_n unto_o northdelph_n six_o foot_n of_o lawful_a measure_n and_o from_o north_n delf_n unto_o salter_n load_n in_o height_n five_o foot_n of_o like_a measure_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o landholders_n of_o those_o land_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a in_o certain_a field_n in_o the_o same_o town_n call_v mutlycourt_n field_n sandy_a field_n out-sandy_a field_n alias_o blewick_n field_n and_o powdich_n field_n aught_o to_o maintain_v the_o say_a bank_n from_o the_o town_n end_n of_o outwell_n unto_o mullycourt_n drive_v at_o their_o cost_n and_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n for_o the_o say_v late_a priory_n of_o mullycourt_n from_o mullycourt_n drive_v unto_o saltham_n lake_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wygenhall_n from_o the_o say_v saltham_n lake_n unto_o north_n delft_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o salter_n load_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n have_v grow_v most_o especial_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o earth_n take_v for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o have_v be_v dyke_v and_o cast_v from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n whereas_o by_o the_o ancient_a ordinance_n it_o have_v be_v appoint_v to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o west_n part_n of_o the_o say_a river_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n in_o time_n of_o summer_n and_o in_o the_o winter_n upon_o great_a necessity_n the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wygenhall_n to_o take_v their_o manure_n in_o the_o common_a fen_n of_o outwell_n and_o dounham_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o north_n part_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n in_o distance_n xl_o foot_n from_o the_o same_o and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o bank_n extend_v from_o salter_n load_n aforesaid_a unto_o dounham_n brigge_n and_o thence_o unto_o stow_n bardolf_n house_n and_o so_o by_o the_o same_o house_n to_o staple_n be_v in_o stow_z bardolf_n aforesaid_a make_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o several_a and_o common_a ground_n and_o marsh_n of_o dounham_n wimbottesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n for_o and_o against_o the_o flood_n and_o spring_n water_n come_v out_o and_o from_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o king_n lynne_z aforesaid_a the_o which_o bank_n viz._n from_o salter_n load_n to_o dounham_n bridge_n aught_o to_o be_v in_o breadth_n in_o the_o foundation_n xviii_o foot_n and_o on_o the_o top_n twelve_o foot_n and_o in_o sufficient_a height_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a bank_n from_o salter_n load_n
to_o dounham_n brigge_n unto_o stow_n brink_n house_n to_o which_o place_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v vi_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o staple_n be_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o of_o sufficient_a height_n and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n wymbottesham_n and_o stow_n bardolf_n aught_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforesaid_a also_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n fall_v within_o certain_a several_a ground_n and_o common_a fen_n of_o denver_n aforesaid_a on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o south_n part_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o ouse_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n aforesaid_a and_o set_v at_o the_o say_v hithe_n one_o good_a and_o substantial_a sluice_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n with_o a_o fall_a door_n for_o the_o avoidance_n of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o old_a bank_n extend_v from_o upwell_n town_n end_n by_o and_o through_o the_o common_a of_o upwell_n call_v neatmore_n unto_o a_o place_n call_v moule_n reach_z next_z unto_o the_o common_a drove_n of_o upwell_n extend_v from_o upwell_n town_n end_n to_o welney_n aforesaid_a the_o which_o bank_n be_v make_v in_o the_o beginning_n as_o it_o shall_v seem_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o certain_a common_a and_o several_a fen_n call_v neatmore_n low_a fen_n waxbeche_n and_o walsyngham_n fen_n the_o which_o fen_n amount_v to_o the_o number_n of_o 2000_o acre_n by_o estimation_n or_o more_o be_v yearly_o drown_v by_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v bank_n and_o that_o the_o say_a bank_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n one_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a and_o in_o breadth_n in_o the_o foundation_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o the_o top_n four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o the_o charge_n of_o make_v and_o keep_v the_o same_o aught_o to_o be_v bear_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o old_a sewer_n call_v small-lode_n between_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n aforesaid_a which_o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n in_o upwell_n call_v northbranch_n at_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v welhirn_n yard_n and_o extend_v to_o ingram_n hirne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o seman_n goole_n in_o the_o same_o town_n which_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v scour_v by_o the_o king_n majesty_n for_o certain_a land_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a sometime_o belong_v to_o the_o monastery_n of_o west_n derham_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n for_o his_o manor_n of_o upwellâ—_n â—_z and_o will._n norman_n for_o land_n sometime_o john_n aylesham_n aught_o joint_o to_o keep_v and_o scour_v the_o say_v small_a load_n from_o ingram_n hirne_v unto_o seman_n goal_n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o mile_n and_o further_o they_o say_v that_o where_o there_o be_v 4_o several_a field_n in_o the_o parâ—shes_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n viz._n plawfield_n churchfield_n budbeche_v field_n and_o sondy_n field_n the_o which_o field_n be_v defend_v by_o great_a bank_n keep_v by_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o say_a field_n to_o their_o great_a cost_n they_o say_v that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abundance_n of_o water_n fall_v within_o the_o say_a field_n it_o can_v be_v convey_v out_o of_o they_o unto_o the_o sea_n by_o any_o of_o the_o sewer_n beforementioned_a for_o the_o avoidance_n therefore_o of_o the_o same_o fresh_a water_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v at_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o same_o field_n two_o sewer_n the_o one_o to_o begin_v at_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o the_o same_o field_n call_v wadingstowe_n and_o from_o thence_o direct_o in_o a_o dyke_n by_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v plawfield_n dike_a and_o so_o by_o a_o certain_a dike_v call_v baâ—dike_n and_o then_o in_o a_o dyke_n between_o the_o common_a drove_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o robert_n dannet_n gent._n on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o forth_o in_o a_o dike_a between_o a_o ground_n call_v the_o thirty_o acre_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v robert_n dannet_n and_o anth._n cotton_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o so_o direct_o into_o a_o pipe_n or_o sluice_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o little_a river_n call_v the_o small_a load_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o other_o sewer_n to_o begin_v at_o hilling_n drive_v in_o plawfield_n aforesaid_a and_o to_o pass_v in_o two_o dikes_n in_o both_o side_n of_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o so_o into_o the_o common_a river_n call_v hermite'_v i_o and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o will._n walsyngham_n gent._n on_o both_o part_n under_o the_o common_a drive_v call_v sprouter_n drove_n and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_a between_o the_o say_a drive_v on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o william_n norman_n on_o the_o other_o and_o from_o thence_o into_o the_o say_a dike_n or_o drayn_n at_o bardrove_n and_o so_o into_o the_o say_a sluice_n under_o the_o say_a river_n call_v the_o small_a load_n and_o from_o the_o say_a pipe_n or_o sluice_n unto_o the_o dike_n belong_v to_o the_o king_n in_o right_a of_o the_o late_a dissolve_a monastery_n of_o west_n dereham_n into_o the_o say_a field_n call_v kirkfield_n and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_n in_o the_o the_o same_o field_n between_o the_o king_n land_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n on_o the_o other_o unto_o a_o certain_a ground_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n call_v goddard_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v r._n fyncham_n and_o from_o thence_o the_o same_o drayn_n to_o extend_v in_o a_o dike_n overthware_fw-mi the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v richard_n into_o a_o dike_n of_o the_o same_o richard_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o peter_n bateman_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n and_o from_o thence_o overthwart_o in_o a_o dike_n by_o the_o midst_n of_o certain_a ground_n of_o the_o king_n be_v call_v anbell_n land_n into_o a_o common_a drive_v call_v dove_n drove_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_v anbell_n land_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o new_a dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n and_o the_o say_a drive_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o extend_v in_o a_o dyke_n between_o the_o say_v dove_n drove_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o king_n call_v derebought_a land_n and_o the_o land_n late_a walter_n godard_n and_o one_o piece_n of_o land_n call_v howardyn_n of_o the_o other_o part_n direct_o into_o kirkfield_n ditch_n and_o then_o overthwart_o in_o one_o pipe_n or_o goat_n of_o stone_n under_o dove_n drove_n aforesaid_a and_o so_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dike_n by_o a_o certain_a pasture_n ground_n of_o ric._n foulesham_n call_v the_o xx_o acre_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o kirkfield_n dike_v on_o the_o other_o and_o so_o in_o the_o say_v dike_n into_o the_o land_n of_o anthony_n crofte_v and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_a land_n call_v the_o xx_o acre_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dyke_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v direct_o by_o the_o say_v kirkfield_n dyke_n unto_o the_o common_a drive_v call_v each_o drove_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_a crofte_n and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o goat_n or_o pipe_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o say_a drive_v and_o then_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o kirkfield_n dike_n on_o the_o other_o part_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o say_a drive_v between_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o the_o say_a land_n of_o crofte_v and_o so_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o say_v dike_n of_o crofte_v unto_o the_o meadow_n of_o william_n norman_n sometime_o john_n curtis_n and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v crofte_v and_o the_o say_v will._n norman_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o say_a pasture_n of_o the_o say_v will._n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o say_v kirkfield_n dike_n on_o the_o other_o part_n unto_o kirfield_n dike_n corner_n â—_z and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o great_a pipe_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n under_o the_o say_v great_a river_n extend_v from_o
outwell_n shâ—ll_v unto_o north_n delft_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n under_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_n diche_a and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o sewer_n for_o the_o water_n of_o both_o the_o say_a field_n call_v plawfield_n and_o kirkfield_n by_o and_o through_o the_o common_a of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a call_v mullycourt_n drive_v and_o so_o forth_o in_o the_o same_o sewer_n or_o drayn_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o sumpte_n against_o the_o meadow_n of_o the_o say_v edmond_n beaupre_n call_v galcroft_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a bridge_n call_v angle_n brigge_n in_o the_o common_a of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a and_o from_o thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a sallow_a ground_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n call_v hodge_n hirne_v and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o rightforth_n load_n which_o lode_n begin_v at_o the_o south_n corner_n of_o hodges_n hirne_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v from_o thence_o between_o the_o common_a drive_v of_o outwell_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o marish_a and_o fenn_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o arundel_n call_v bardolf_n fenn_n on_o the_o other_o unto_o the_o north_n corner_n of_o hodges_n hirne_n and_o thence_o right_o forth_o between_o the_o marsh_n and_o fen_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n on_o both_o side_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o stow_n bardolf_n aforesaid_a call_v north_n hook_n and_o thence_o direct_o in_o a_o drayn_n to_o stow_n bridge_n in_o stow_z bardolph_z aforesaid_a and_o there_o through_o a_o sluice_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n into_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n also_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o field_n call_v budbech_n field_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v make_v a_o drayn_n by_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o same_o field_n from_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o upwell_n call_v dod_n style_n by_o divers_a hedding_n unto_o pie_n drive_v in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o pipe_n or_o goat_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o same_o drive_v and_o from_o thence_o direct_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o drive_v call_v mayor_n drove_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v rob._n dannet_n the_o land_n of_o the_o king_n as_o in_o the_o right_n of_o the_o say_a monastery_n of_o west_n dereham_n the_o land_n of_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o land_n of_o john_n fyncham_n gent._n the_o land_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o anth._n crofte_v the_o land_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o edm._n chattery_n the_o land_n of_o john_n coney_n the_o land_n of_o reynold_n hilbrond_n the_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o parsonage_n of_o outwell_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o heir_n of_o crofte_v and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v ric._n fyncham_n on_o the_o other_a part_n and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_n unto_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v john_n fyncham_n and_o then_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v john_n on_o the_o one_o part_n and_o divers_a man_n on_o the_o other_a part_n unto_o the_o yard_n stead_n of_o the_o say_v john_n sometime_o thomas_n hollow_n of_o outwell_n aforesaid_a and_o there_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dam_n between_o the_o say_a land_n and_o the_o land_n of_o john_n coney_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v john_n fyncham_n unto_o the_o front_n of_o the_o say_v john_n in_o owtwell_n aforesaid_a and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o pipe_n or_o sluice_n of_o stone_n and_o timber_n under_o the_o same_o front_n and_o also_o in_o the_o same_o sluice_n under_o a_o certain_a river_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a call_v the_o little_a load_n the_o which_o river_n divide_v the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n and_o cambridgshire_n camb._n and_o so_o forth_o in_o the_o same_o pipe_n into_o the_o say_a field_n call_v sandyfield_n and_o thence_o in_o a_o drayn_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n call_v reynolds_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v john_n fincham_n on_o the_o other_o unto_o a_o certain_a pasture_n ground_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n call_v the_o upward_o and_o so_o in_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n on_o both_o side_n unto_o a_o certain_a pasture_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n call_v the_o xx_o acre_n and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o pipe_n or_o goat_n of_o stone_n lay_v between_o the_o land_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n on_o both_o part_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n by_z or_o through_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n unto_o a_o certain_a gysted_a dike_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n call_v blewick_n dike_a and_o there_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o pipe_n or_o sluice_n of_o stone_n under_o the_o same_o dike_n and_o then_o into_o a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n aswell_o for_o the_o water_n of_o the_o say_v sondyfield_n as_o for_o the_o water_n of_o the_o say_a field_n call_v budbech_n field_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o same_o sewer_n for_o both_o the_o say_a field_n call_v budbeche_n and_o sondy_n field_n by_o and_o through_o the_o common_a of_o outwell_n call_v blewick_n fen_n unto_o the_o say_a place_n call_v hodges_n hirne_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o say_v drayn_n for_o the_o say_a field_n call_v plawfield_n and_o kirk_n field_n to_o pass_v forth_o with_o the_o same_o by_z and_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v rightforth_n load_n by_o and_o through_o bardolf_n fen_n unto_o north_n hook_n aforesaid_a and_o from_o thence_o unto_o the_o pipe_n or_o sluice_n at_o stow_n bridge_n aforesaid_a and_o by_o and_o through_o the_o same_o into_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o say_v drayn_n for_o plawfield_n aforesaid_a aught_o to_o be_v in_o breadth_n from_o the_o say_a place_n where_o it_o begin_v unto_o the_o say_a sluice_n lie_v under_o small_a load_n 8._o foot_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluice_n by_o all_o the_o say_v drayn_n unto_o hodges_n hirne_n 8._o foot_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n at_o a_o place_n call_v hodges_n hirne_n 8._o foot_n wide_o and_o the_o say_a sewer_n for_o budbech_n field_n to_o be_v in_o breadth_n from_o the_o say_a place_n where_o it_o begin_v unto_o the_o pipe_n under_o the_o little_a load_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a 7_o foot_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o the_o say_a sluice_n lie_v under_o the_o say_v blewick_n dyke_n 7_o foot_n and_o from_o thence_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n to_o be_v in_o breadth_n in_o the_o narrow_a place_n of_o the_o same_o xij_o foot_n and_o so_o to_o stow_n bridge_n and_o that_o they_o be_v make_v of_o depth_n according_a to_o the_o wideness_n all_o which_o sewer_n and_o drayn_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o and_o every_o person_n chargeable_a to_o the_o make_n of_o they_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o 13_o eliz._n at_o another_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n it_o be_v present_v by_o the_o juror_n scil_n 1._o that_o the_o sea-bank_n begin_v at_o tide_n goat_n in_o tide_n s._n giles_n adjoin_v upon_o the_o county_n of_o linc._n and_o so_o lead_v to_o a_o place_n call_v the_o horse-shoe_n be_v in_o great_a decay_n be_v make_v in_o height_n xx_o foot_n above_o the_o saltmarsh_n and_o in_o breadth_n six_o foot_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tide_n newton_n and_o leverington_n eliz._n and_o from_o the_o horse-shoe_n unto_o crabmarsh_n gate_n of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o height_n by_o all_o the_o land_n in_o estfield_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sluice_n of_o wisbeche_n which_o bank_n from_o crabmersh_n gate_n be_v decay_v in_o bishop_n goodrick_n time_n and_o part_v thereof_o carry_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o say_a bishop_n for_o the_o pavement_n of_o the_o market_n place_n in_o wisbeche_n and_o part_n by_o mr._n william_n blomfield_n for_o make_v of_o a_o windmill_n there_o 2_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v whymeydike_n begin_v at_o the_o sea_n bank_n end_n at_o the_o horse-shoe_n in_o leverington_n aught_o to_o be_v make_v unto_o cox_n corner_n in_o wisbeche_n above_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o water_n xx_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o from_o cox_n corner_n the_o old_a market_n of_o wisbeche_n the_o i_fw-mi bank_n to_o newdike_n end_n alias_o lentshurne_n beyond_o bevys_n hall_n on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_a river_n to_o be_v make_v in_o height_n twelve_o foot_n and_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n by_o all_o the_o landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wysbeche_n and_o that_o newdike_n from_o lyntyshirne_n unto_o the_o far_a cross_n at_o guyhirne_n be_v make_v in_o height_n xuj_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n by_o the_o say_v landholders_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wysbeche_n 3_o that_o the_o high_a fendike_n begin_v at_o guyhirne_n cross_v and_o so_o lead_v to_o
next_o year_n follow_v upon_o the_o 7_o day_n of_o june_n in_o a_o session_n 1609._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n these_o follow_a law_n be_v make_v viz._n 1._o that_o the_o defect_n in_o popham_n load_n shall_v be_v amend_v 2._o that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o welle_v by_o which_o the_o say_a lode_n must_v pass_v there_o be_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o same_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n make_v extend_v from_o the_o causey_n of_o upweâ—l_n to_o welle_v river_n at_o north_n delft_n and_o the_o say_a crest_n or_o bank_n to_o be_v six_o foot_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n xviii_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n be_v scour_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n more_o in_o depth_n than_o it_o than_o be_v with_o indikes_n of_o x_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o in_o depth_n and_o two_o convenient_a pipe_n or_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n at_o north_n delft_n into_o welle_v river_n 3._o that_o a_o bridge_n of_o stone_n be_v make_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o causey_n aforesaid_a over_o the_o say_v lode_n of_o x_o foot_n broad_a with_o sluice_n in_o the_o three_o arch_n thereof_o 4._o that_o four_o pair_n of_o barrs_n be_v set_v up_o to_o keep_v cattle_n from_o come_v on_o the_o say_a bank_n 5._o and_o that_o welle_v river_n from_o mullycourt_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v above_o 50_o foot_n wide_o jac._n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o law_n the_o river_n call_v popham_n load_n be_v again_o take_v a._n in_o hand_n upon_o the_o first_o of_o august_n ensue_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n deep_o â—aâ—_n soon_o after_o this_o viz._n on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o the_o same_o month_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n pettibâ—g_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o commissioner_n take_v into_o their_o consideration_n that_o whereas_o part_v of_o the_o main_a river_n divide_v the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n from_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n call_v the_o west_n water_n have_v use_v to_o fall_v by_o and_o through_o sutton_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o sundry_a load_v to_o cannol_n load_n and_o so_o into_o welney_n water_n near_o littleport_n all_o which_o load_v by_o sundry_a annoyance_n and_o negligence_n be_v become_v almost_o altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o sundry_a town_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n they_o order_v and_o decree_v that_o all_o the_o say_v load_v shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o also_o that_o one_o ancient_a bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o west_n water_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o sutton_n load_n end_n and_o so_o to_o mydelmore_n stamp_n shall_v be_v raise_v four_o foot_n from_o the_o level_n of_o the_o ground_n thereabouts_o and_o make_v ten_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 3_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n by_o the_o owner_n &_o c._n â—f_n the_o say_a ground_n and_o one_o other_o bank_n lie_v by_o the_o say_v westwater_n upon_o mydilmore_n and_o another_o at_o the_o south_n thereof_o in_o south_n medland_n extend_v itself_o from_o new_a ditch_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o height_n and_o breadth_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n abovesaid_a and_o that_o another_o bank_n lie_v partly_o by_o the_o say_v westwater_n extend_v from_o the_o â—outh_n end_n of_o abbot_n holload_n house_n bank_n to_o holload_v gate_n at_o the_o mile_n end_n and_o so_o by_o the_o westwater_n in_o north_n medland_n unto_o sutton_n load_n end_v aforesaid_a thence_o to_o mydilmore_n stamp_n thence_o by_o shakpole_n load_n so_o to_o manny_n mandolegate_n to_o hunlode_v gate_n to_o be_v repair_v as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n &_o mepall_v abovemention_v about_o that_o time_n twelvemonth_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wysebeche_n viz._n sexto_fw-la julii_fw-la 8_o jacobi_fw-la where_o james_n haw_o gentleman_n 1610._o edmund_n gawsell_n gent._n and_o other_o present_v arm._n as_o follow_v inprimis_fw-la we_o find_v not_o by_o any_o record_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o river_n of_o well_o from_o north_n delf_n pingle_v unto_o salter_n load_n have_v at_o any_o time_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v ditch_v but_o we_o find_v that_o it_o have_v be_v twice_o enlarge_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v viz._n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o 1._o and_o at_o the_o erect_n of_o new_a powdich_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o likewise_o find_v that_o in_o 18_o eliz._n there_o be_v 24_o foot_n of_o ground_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n next_o salter_n load_n grant_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n &_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n whereof_o twelve_o foot_n be_v dig_v next_o to_o the_o river_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o bank_n to_o amend_v the_o pow_n do_v in_o time_n of_o necessity_n in_o full_a satisfaction_n whereof_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wiggenhall_n with_o the_o landholders_n aforesaid_a do_v grant_v to_o widen_v the_o river_n there_o twelve_o foot_n which_o grant_n be_v then_o decree_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n for_o perpetuity_n etc._n etc._n we_o likewise_o say_v that_o popham_n i_fw-mi do_v and_o be_v likely_a to_o bring_v much_o more_o water_n to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o north_n delf_n to_o salter_n load_n than_o have_v usual_o pass_v that_o way_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o verdict_n ensue_v then_o and_o at_o that_o place_n these_o order_n make_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n sir_n miles_n sand_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o ixth_o of_o august_n next_o follow_v a_o view_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o the_o river_n between_o north_n delf_n and_o salter_n load_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o view_n a_o law_n make_v for_o the_o widen_v dike_v and_o make_v it_o of_o such_o wideness_n and_o depth_n as_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o odd_a acre_n in_o stowe_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v and_o that_o the_o say_v landholders_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v thereupon_o free_a from_o any_o charge_n towards_o popham_n ee._n upon_o this_o view_n it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v that_o the_o river_n from_o north_n delf_n to_o matthew_n bales_n and_o xl_o pole_n lowerâ—_n shall_v be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a which_o be_v do_v according_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v 1611._o at_o stow_n brynke_v in_o come_v noff._n upon_o the_o xx_o of_o may_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v by_o the_o commissioner_n that_o the_o undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o drain_v all_o the_o ground_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o 4_o jac._n former_o mention_v through_o the_o pipe_n call_v coldham_n goat_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o bank_n of_o elm_n leame_z and_o so_o through_o a_o piece_n of_o ground_n lie_v between_o the_o say_v leame_z and_o a_o bank_n lead_v from_o friday_n bridge_n to_o bishop_n dike_v and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v over_o against_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o needham_n thence_o betwixt_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o say_v field_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o needham_n bank_n and_o thornedike_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o to_o old_a load_n call_v chapell_n load_n thence_o through_o greendike_n thence_o to_o the_o bridge_n near_o bâ—aupre_n hall_n thence_o to_o stonhamslile_n and_o so_o to_o boy_n fen_n gate_n thence_o unto_o bedingfield_n barrs_n and_o so_o to_o hook_n gate_n and_o thence_o to_o staple_n be_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n this_o be_v call_v coldham_n and_o waltersey_n law_n in_o pursuance_n jac._n whereof_o the_o diker_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n upon_o the_o wednesday_n than_o next_o follow_v and_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o august_n the_o maâ—ons_n begin_v ibid._n the_o pipe_n under_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n which_o be_v finish_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n after_o michaelmass_n day_n after_o which_o within_o a_o few_o day_n viz_o on_o friday_n ensue_v the_o mason_n begin_v ibid._n the_o sluse_n at_o stow_n for_o coldham_n and_o upon_o saturday_n be_v the_o xxith_o of_o september_n the_o commissioner_n take_v ibid._n view_v jac._n for_o mr._n bell_n in_o stowe_n and_o uuelle_n for_o the_o low_a ground_n between_o popham_n load_n and_o the_o new_a powdike_n all_o thing_n therefore_o speed_v on_o so_o well_o upoâ—_n thursday_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o
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
opinion_n all_o conclude_a it_o fesible_a but_o differ_v much_o in_o the_o way_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o give_v instance_n of_o the_o various_a conceit_n of_o such_o who_o his_o say_a majesty_n employ_v to_o inform_v he_o therein_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a howbeit_o of_o those_o that_o 1642._o exhibit_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n a_o person_n of_o great_a experience_n in_o drayn_v than_o most_o other_o be_v be_v not_o the_o least_o considerable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n thereto_o but_o such_o speed_n there_o be_v make_v in_o the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a adventure_n that_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n on_o the_o xviijth_o 1638._o day_n of_o july_n than_o next_o ensue_v the_o say_a king_n himself_o be_v declare_v the_o undertaker_n and_o to_o have_v not_o only_o those_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n which_o have_v be_v former_o set_v out_o for_o the_o say_a earl_n but_o also_o fifty_o seven_o thousand_o acre_n more_o from_o the_o country_n his_o design_n be_v as_o by_o the_o decree_n then_o make_v at_o huntendon_n appear_v to_o make_v the_o say_a fen_n as_o well_o winter-ground_n as_o summer-ground_n as_o have_v before_o be_v express_v viz._n out_o of_o depe_v pinchbeck_n spalding_n south_n fen_n and_o croyland_n fen_n alias_o gogsland_n fen_n twelve_o thousand_o acre_n and_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o land_n out_o of_o which_o the_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n have_v be_v former_o assign_v to_o and_o for_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n first_o the_o number_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o acre_n parcel_n of_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o which_o twelve_o thousand_o be_v then_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o say_a majesty_n his_o fermour_n or_o under-tenant_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o forty_o thousand_o acre_n more_o whereof_o eighty_o three_o thousand_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o to_o be_v take_v in_o part_n and_o fifty_o seven_o thousand_o in_o full_a of_o the_o say_v hundred_o and_o forty_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v indifferent_o take_v and_o set_v out_o of_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n where_o or_o out_o of_o which_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v so_o decree_v or_o assign_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n viz._n out_o of_o such_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o do_v lie_n on_o the_o north-west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v new_a river_n call_v bedford_n river_n 29_o thousand_o acre_n in_o part_n of_o the_o say_v 57_o thousand_o acre_n and_o out_o of_o those_o on_o the_o southeast_n side_n of_o the_o say_v new_a river_n 28_o thousand_o acre_n in_o full_a for_o the_o say_v 57_o thousand_o acre_n and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_v common_a and_o several_a low_a ground_n lie_v in_o holland_n com._n linc._n within_o the_o river_n weland_n porson_n bank_n the_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n the_o shire_n drayne_n and_o the_o several_a high_a marsh_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o town_n or_o parish_n of_o tide_n s._n mary_n sutton_n lutton_n gedney_n flete_n holbeche_n quaplode_n moulton_n weston_n and_o spalding_n 19_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o 33_o acre_n and_o for_o drayn_v the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n lie_v between_o the_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n wisbeche_v river_n the_o old_a sea-bank_n and_o the_o shire_n drayne_n in_o wisbeche_n leverington_n newton_n s._n giles_n tide_n s._n mary_n and_o porson_n drive_v the_o quantity_n of_o 4000_o acre_n and_o for_o drayn_v the_o common_a fen-ground_n of_o the_o town_n of_o marshland_n call_v marshland_n fen_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 4000_o acre_n the_o quantity_n of_o two_o three_o part_n divide_v into_o three_o and_o for_o drayn_v the_o marsh_n land_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o sea_n in_o or_o near_a walton_n walsoken_n and_o walpole_n in_o come_v norff._n between_o the_o old_a sea_n bank_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o old_a course_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 3000_o acre_n and_o of_o the_o marsh_n land_n and_o marsh_n ground_n lie_v in_o or_o near_a wisbeche_n leverington_n neuton_n and_o tid_n s._n giles_n in_o come_v cantab._n and_o the_o course_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n and_o the_o shire_n drayne_v there_o together_o with_o one_o piece_n thereof_o late_o imbank_v next_o the_o say_a shire_n drayne_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 1000_o acre_n and_o of_o the_o marsh_n &c._n &c._n lie_v in_o or_o near_o tid_v s._n mary_n sutton_n in_o holland_n lutton_n gedney_n flete_n holbeche_n quaplode_n moulton_n and_o weston_n in_o come_v linc._n between_o the_o marsh-ground_n there_o former_o imbank_v and_o the_o sea_n extend_v along_o the_o sea_n coast_n there_o contain_v by_o estimation_n 5000_o acre_n the_o quantity_n of_o two_o full_a three_o part_n and_o for_o drayn_v of_o stretham_n mere_a and_o the_o meer-ground_n thereof_o contain_v by_o estimation_n 300_o acre_n the_o one_o half_a thereof_o or_o of_o so_o much_o thereof_o as_o shall_v be_v drayn_v and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o meers_n meer-ground_n lake_n and_o pool_n the_o quantity_n of_o 3_o four_o part_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v drayn_v divide_v equal_o into_o four_o part_n and_o that_o though_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n have_v not_o perform_v his_o undertake_n he_o shall_v in_o recompense_n of_o his_o great_a charge_n in_o those_o river_n cut_n and_o drayn_n by_o he_o and_o his_o participant_n make_v have_v 40_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v assign_v he_o out_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a 83_o thousand_o acre_n residue_n of_o the_o say_a proportion_n of_o 95_o thousand_o acre_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n as_o aforesaid_a about_o three_o day_n follow_v for_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o xxith_o 1638._o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n the_o say_a commissioner_n still_o fit_v at_o huntendon_n dispatch_v away_o letter_n lindsey_n of_o that_o date_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n concern_v their_o transaction_n then_o in_o hand_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v touch_v the_o great_a level_n we_o have_v receive_v many_o and_o several_a complaint_n from_o divers_a township_n therein_o that_o their_o land_n be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o drayn_n upon_o hear_v whereof_o and_o of_o the_o proof_n by_o they_o make_v and_o declaration_n of_o divers_a commissioner_n in_o court_n we_o find_v many_o of_o they_o true_a and_o according_a to_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o some_o of_o we_o his_o commissioner_n we_o have_v make_v a_o order_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o take_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o land_n and_o common_a of_o pasture_n until_o the_o drayn_n be_v adjudge_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o pull_v down_o or_o deface_v any_o mound_n fence_n or_o drayn_v without_o due_a proof_n make_v and_o a_o special_a order_n of_o the_o court_n in_o that_o behalf_n wherein_o the_o country_n have_v receive_v and_o express_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v also_o two_o several_a day_n hear_v mr._n holborn_n and_o mr._n st._n john_n be_v of_o council_n with_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n in_o the_o great_a level_n and_o they_o have_v take_v divers_a exception_n and_o argue_v at_o large_a against_o the_o law_n of_o tax_n and_o proceed_n upon_o this_o commission_n and_o their_o main_a objection_n tend_v to_o destroy_v not_o only_o these_o tax_n decree_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o admit_v will_v plain_o overthrow_v all_o the_o presentment_n tax_n decree_n and_o proceed_n for_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n we_o be_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v and_o shall_v therein_o give_v a_o just_a and_o speedy_a resolution_n and_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n proceed_v to_o the_o further_a execution_n of_o this_o commission_n and_o settle_v of_o this_o great_a work_n i_o have_v not_o see_v any_o direct_a answer_n make_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n unto_o this_o letter_n but_o on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o the_o same_o month_n there_o be_v a_o letter_n date_v at_o theobalds_n the_o court_n be_v then_o there_o from_o william_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o send_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n of_o they_o to_o he_o date_v the_o xxith_o the_o tenor_n whereof_o for_o so_o much_o as_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a level_n i_o have_v here_o likewise_o insert_v and_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o