in_o from_o they_o whereupon_o the_o business_n be_v hear_v at_o large_a there_o ensue_v this_o follow_a order_n h._n upon_o the_o ixth_o of_o april_n the_o king_n himself_o be_v present_a and_o likewise_o the_o commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v on_o tuesday_n follow_v exhibit_v in_o write_v what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o promise_v to_o effect_v and_o to_o specify_v what_o they_o will_v demand_v as_o a_o recompense_n for_o their_o labour_n etc._n etc._n â—ac_n which_o according_o be_v do_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o undertaker_n deliver_v in_o unto_o the_o commissioner_n be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o they_o do_v intent_n real_o to_o perfom_v the_o work_n of_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n without_o any_o tax_n upon_o the_o country_n except_v the_o deep_a meers_n and_o pool_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v under_o the_o level_n 2._o that_o when_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v do_v they_o will_v assure_v competent_a land_n for_o ever_o to_o stand_v liable_a for_o ever_o to_o maintain_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o 3._o to_o effect_v this_o drayn_n within_o 3_o year_n after_o a_o perfect_a contract_n make_v with_o his_o majesty_n for_o such_o land_n as_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a recompense_n for_o their_o cost_n and_o pain_n and_o the_o same_o land_n set_v out_o by_o metes_n and_o bound_n in_o severalty_n and_o sufficient_o assure_v to_o they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n 4._o that_o in_o order_n to_o this_o work_n they_o will_v open_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o uueland_n and_o make_v those_o river_n navigable_a as_o high_a as_o wisbeche_v and_o spalding_n 5._o and_o last_o not_o to_o forget_v to_o preserve_v the_o navigation_n between_o cambridg_n and_o lynne_n in_o recompense_v whereof_o they_o demand_v 165.2_o these_o proportion_n in_o the_o several_a fen_n hereafter_o express_v viz._n 1._o of_o buâ—rough_n great_a fen_n one_o three_o part_n 2._o burrough_n little_a fen_n eye-fen_n and_o flag_n fen._n a_o six_o part_n 3._o crowland_n fen_n 3_o piece_n a_o four_o part_n 4._o thorney_n fen_n a_o half_a part_n 5._o wisbeche_o high_a fen_n sutton_n and_o throcknall_n a_o three_o part_n 6._o fen_n on_o both_o side_n of_o march_n river_n between_o darcey_n load_n on_o the_o south_n and_o needham_n fen_n north_n 2_o three_o part_n 7._o wittlesey_n fen_n 1_o half_a part_n 8._o stanground_n 1_o five_o part_n 9_o ramsey_n fen_n 1_o half_a part_n 10._o huntingdon_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n of_o ramsey_n by_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n on_o the_o north_n up_o to_o yaxley_n and_o the_o skirt_n on_o the_o south_n and_o west_n one_o half_a part_n 11._o huntingdon_n fen_n from_o eryth_n bridge_n up_o to_o ramsey_n by_o the_o west-water_n and_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n east_n and_o north_n one_o three_o part_n 12._o donington_n fen_n in_o common_a one_o half_a part_n 13._o donington_n fen_n in_o several_a one_o six_o part_n 14._o fen_n between_o the_o west-water_n west_n sutton_n load_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o coveney_n drain_v south_n oxwillow_n load_n east_n coxlode_n and_o chateriz_n load_n north_n together_o with_o chateriz_n fen_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o donington_n one_o three_o part_n 15._o hunney_n fen_n one_o ten_o part_n 16._o sutton_n and_o hadenham_n fen_n one_o eight_o part_n 17._o grunty_n fen_n one_o three_o part_n 18._o a_o fen_n by_o sutton_n load_n and_o coveney_n between_o dounham_n hards_n one_o four_o part_n 19_o downham_n woo_v fen_n and_o other_o fen_n of_o ely_n between_o litleport_n ground_n and_o the_o ouse_n elie-upland_n and_o scarlet_a tree_n load_n one_o half_a part_n 20._o litleport_n fen_n on_o both_o side_n the_o ouse_n one_o three_o part_n 21._o other_o fen_n between_o darcy_n load_n north_n &_o welney_n river_n east_n one_o three_o part_n 22._o fen_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n one_o half_a part_n 23._o fen_n between_o welney-river_n and_o welney_n causey_n one_o half_a part_n 24._o the_o hale_v and_o mr._n hawe_n fen_n one_o half_a part_n 25._o fen_n on_o the_o north_n of_o stoke_n river_n to_o the_o great_a river_n between_o helgay_n and_o stoke_n one_o four_o part_n 26._o fen_n between_o stoke_n river_n north_n and_o brandon_n river_n south_n one_o four_o part_n 27._o fen_n between_o brandon_n river_n north_n and_o mildnall_n river_n south_n and_o litleport_n fen_n west_n one_o three_o part_n 28._o fen_n between_o mildnall_n river_n and_o the_o great_a river_n up_o to_o harrymere_n and_o the_o upland_n of_o isseham_n fordham_n and_o soham_n one_o four_o part_n 29._o soham_n fen_n by_o wick_v hard_n on_o the_o south_n one_o six_o part_n 30._o fen_n between_o wick_a hard_n on_o the_o south_n home_v fen_n quye_n and_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n west_n one_o four_o part_n 31._o fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o quoy_fw-fr compass_v of_o fulberne_a field_n one_o four_o part_n 32._o fen_n between_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n east_n and_o the_o hards_n of_o milterne_a uuaterbeche_n and_o denny_n abbey_n west_n and_o so_o extend_v west_n between_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o hard_a land_n south_n up_o to_o s._n ives_n bridge_n and_o a_o part_n on_o the_o other_o side_n of_o ouse_n between_o erith_n and_o s._n ives_n one_o eight_o part_n of_o the_o better_a one_o four_o part_n of_o the_o worse_o 33._o fen_n or_o drown_a land_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wisbeche_n 2_o three_o part_n the_o answer_n jac._n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o these_o proposition_n that_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o take_v away_o any_o man_n land_n without_o his_o voluntary_a assent_n and_o that_o the_o authority_n which_o they_o have_v by_o their_o commission_n to_o which_o they_o be_v strict_o bind_v be_v only_o to_o rate_v the_o charge_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n towards_o any_o such_o general_a work_n according_a to_o the_o profit_n which_o every_o such_o person_n shall_v receive_v by_o the_o same_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v discern_v before_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v who_o shall_v have_v profit_n thereby_o or_o how_o much_o they_o can_v not_o legal_o procure_v any_o such_o assurance_n before_o hand_n but_o if_o the_o undertaker_n will_v be_v constant_a to_o their_o proposition_n which_o themselves_o have_v before_o that_o time_n at_o divers_a sesion_n of_o sewer_n publish_v viz._n that_o they_o require_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o their_o intend_a work_n than_o a_o moiety_n only_o of_o the_o clear_a profit_n which_o by_o their_o sole_a industry_n and_o charge_n they_o shall_v bring_v unto_o each_o particular_a owner_n of_o these_o surround_v ground_n more_o than_o former_o be_v receive_v they_o shall_v be_v ready_a as_o at_o the_o first_o to_o give_v the_o say_v undertaker_n all_o lawful_a furtherance_n and_o assistance_n provide_v that_o before_o they_o begin_v their_o work_n they_o give_v security_n that_o they_o will_v not_o impair_v the_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o grant_n upon_o which_o term_n if_o the_o undertaker_n do_v refuse_v to_o proceed_v the_o say_a commissioner_n offer_v to_o do_v the_o work_v themselves_o according_a to_o the_o ancient_a course_n and_o legal_a power_n of_o their_o commission_n whereupon_o ensue_v this_o a._n order_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o reference_n from_o the_o king_n make_v upon_o this_o answer_n of_o the_o commissioner_n bear_v date_n at_o white_a hall_n 12_o julii_fw-la an._n 1620._o 18_o jac._n 1._o that_o according_a to_o a_o offer_n then_o make_v on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o country_n good_a security_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o undertaker_n for_o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o clear_a profit_n which_o by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v be_v improve_v upon_o every_o man_n ground_n above_o the_o rate_n that_o then_o the_o same_o be_v value_v at_o and_o that_o the_o security_n shall_v be_v partly_o from_o the_o owner_n and_o partly_o in_o case_n of_o common_a by_o aid_n of_o the_o commissioner_n with_o this_o condition_n that_o the_o land_n and_o part_n of_o each_o county_n shall_v be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o say_a county_n 2._o concern_v prejudice_n of_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o grant_v it_o be_v order_v that_o the_o undertaker_n be_v agree_v with_o for_o their_o security_n in_o form_n aforesaid_a they_o shall_v show_v unto_o the_o country_n the_o mean_v they_o intend_v in_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o level_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o country_n shall_v find_v it_o either_o prejudicial_a to_o mershland_n or_o otherwise_o and_o present_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o board_n their_o lordship_n concur_v therewith_o all_o far_a proceed_n to_o be_v stay_v 3._o that_o consideration_n shall_v be_v have_v that_o particular_n receive_v no_o damage_n by_o this_o drayn_n but_o that_o the_o owner_n have_v satisfaction_n out_o of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v
of_o idel_n to_o trent_n bank_n man_n row_v also_o with_o lesser_a boat_n to_o look_v swan_n over_o all_o part_n of_o it_o betwixt_o lammas_n and_o michaelmas_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n over_o star_n carr_n and_o axholme_n carr_n insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o sixty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n thus_o overflow_v by_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n the_o say_a king_n therefore_o be_v seize_v of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o divers_a land_n and_o waste_a ground_n belong_v to_o the_o same_o as_o also_o of_o and_o in_o the_o chase_n call_v hatfield_n chase_n with_o dikes_n mersh_fw-mi together_o with_o the_o lordship_n of_o wroote_n and_o finningley_n in_o the_o county_n of_o york_n all_o lie_v upon_o the_o same_o flat_a out_o of_o his_o royal_a and_o princely_a care_n for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o regain_n so_o great_a a_o proportion_n of_o surround_v land_n which_o at_o the_o best_a yield_v little_a or_o no_o profit_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n but_o contrariwise_o nourish_v beggar_n and_o idle_a person_n and_o have_v a_o chase_n of_o red_a deer_n through_o a_o good_a part_n of_o this_o fen_n which_o much_o annoy_v and_o oppress_v the_o residue_n resolve_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o counsel_n partly_o for_o the_o ease_n of_o his_o charge_n and_o increase_v of_o his_o revenue_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o improvement_n and_o reduce_v of_o so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o drown_a and_o boggy_a ground_n to_o be_v make_v good_a meadow_n arable_a and_o pasture_n for_o the_o general_a good_a do_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n contract_n with_o cornelius_n vermuden_n 1626._o then_o of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n esquire_n by_o article_n bear_v date_n the_o twenty_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v at_o his_o own_o charge_n drain_v and_o lay_v the_o same_o dry_a begin_v the_o work_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o say_a king_n shall_v have_v agree_v with_o those_o person_n that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a therein_o and_o finish_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a expedition_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o one_o full_a three_o part_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v ground_n to_o hold_v of_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n as_o of_o his_o manor_n of_o east_n geenwiche_n in_o free_a and_o common_a socage_n that_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n shall_v pay_v and_o satisfy_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o all_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o same_o level_n and_o so_o surround_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o say_a land_n shall_v be_v think_v worth_n by_o four_o commissioner_n whereof_o two_o to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o the_o other_o two_o by_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n that_o the_o work_n be_v finish_v there_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o better_a preservation_n thereof_o a_o corporation_n make_v to_o make_v act_n and_o ordinance_n to_o that_o end_n as_o occasion_n shall_v require_v consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o he_o the_o say_v cornelius_n and_o his_o heir_n do_v nominate_v that_o within_o three_o year_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v finish_v six_o commissioner_n to_o be_v appoint_v viz._n three_o by_o the_o lord_n treasurer_n of_o england_n for_o the_o time_n be_v and_o three_o by_o the_o same_o cornelius_n his_o heir_n etc._n etc._n to_o view_v they_o and_o estimate_n what_o the_o future_a yearly_a charge_n may_v amount_v unto_o for_o the_o perpetual_a maintain_n of_o they_o whereupon_o the_o say_v cornelius_n to_o convey_v and_o assure_v the_o inheritance_n of_o land_n to_o such_o a_o value_n as_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o support_v that_o charge_n and_o that_o whereas_o divers_a do_v claim_v common_a of_o pasture_n in_o sundry_a of_o the_o say_a ground_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o king_n shall_v issue_v out_o his_o commission_n under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n to_o certain_a person_n to_o treat_v and_o conclude_v with_o those_o commoner_n by_o way_n of_o composition_n in_o land_n or_o money_n concern_v the_o same_o whereupon_o commission_n be_v according_o direct_v 1656._o to_o several_a gentleman_n of_o those_o county_n to_o treat_v and_o agree_v with_o all_o such_o as_o pretend_v right_a of_o common_a within_o any_o of_o the_o manor_n abovementioned_a which_o take_v effect_n with_o each_o of_o they_o except_o those_o of_o the_o manor_n of_o epworth_n in_o this_o isle_n but_o sir_n robert_n heath_n be_v the_o then_o attorney_n general_n exhibit_v a_o information_n in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n against_o they_o three_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o who_o be_v all_o that_o at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v right_a of_o common_a there_o come_v and_o submit_v to_o such_o a_o award_n as_o sir_n john_n bank_n the_o then_o attorney_n general_a shall_v make_v therein_o who_o upon_o several_a hear_n of_o all_o party_n and_o their_o council_n make_v this_o award_n viz._n that_o of_o thirteen_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n belong_v to_o that_o manor_n which_o be_v then_o to_o be_v drayn_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o level_n six_o thousand_o acre_n shall_v be_v allot_v to_o the_o commoner_n as_o their_o part_n or_o portion_n lie_v next_o to_o the_o town_n and_o so_o preserve_v for_o ever_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o the_o remain_v seven_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o those_o waste_n to_o sir_n c._n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o their_o three_o part_n and_o for_o the_o say_v late_a king_n part_n in_o right_a of_o his_o interest_n as_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n which_o by_o consent_n be_v decree_v in_o the_o exchequer_n chamber_n and_o possession_n thereupon_o establish_v with_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o their_o assign_v the_o agreement_n be_v therefore_o thus_o make_v this_o great_a work_n be_v according_o begin_v and_o have_v so_o successful_a a_o progress_n that_o with_o the_o charge_n of_o fifty_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o five_o pound_n or_o thereabouts_o it_o become_v full_o finish_v within_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n the_o water_n which_o usual_o overflow_v the_o whole_a level_n be_v convey_v into_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n through_o snow_n sewer_n and_o althorpe_n river_n by_o a_o sluse_n which_o issue_v out_o the_o drayned_a water_n at_o every_o ebb_n and_o keep_v back_o the_o tide_n upon_o all_o come_n in_o thereof_o and_o now_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v what_o a_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o the_o public_a by_o this_o noble_a though_o chardgable_a work_n i_o shall_v here_o from_o the_o before-specified_n deposition_n observe_v first_o that_o since_o the_o drayn_n of_o haxey_n carr_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o have_v be_v sow_v with_o rape_n and_o other_o corn_n for_o three_o year_n together_o and_o bear_v plentiful_a crop_n that_o some_o part_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n not_o worth_a above_o six_o penny_n a_o acre_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la be_v after_o the_o say_v drayn_v worth_a xs._o the_o acre_n that_o several_a house_n have_v be_v since_o build_v and_o inhabit_v in_o sundry_a place_n of_o the_o say_v carr_n which_o former_o be_v drown_v land_n so_o likewise_o in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o level_n that_o since_o the_o drayn_n the_o gound_n be_v better_a worth_a xiijs._o iiijd._o a_o acre_n than_o they_o be_v two_o shilling_n a_o acre_n before_o that_o of_o ten_o acre_n of_o drayned_a land_n fifty_o quarter_n of_o rape_n seed_n have_v be_v get_v in_o one_o year_n and_o sell_v at_o xxxs._o the_o quarter_n that_o of_o the_o say_v drayn_v ground_n thâ—y_v have_v usual_o have_v three_o quarter_n and_o a_o half_a of_o wheat_n upon_o one_o acre_n three_o quarter_n of_o rye_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o eight_o quarter_n of_o oat_n upon_o one_o acre_n and_o for_o six_o year_n together_o seven_o quarter_n of_o oat_n on_o one_o acre_n that_o before_o this_o drayn_n the_o country_n thereabouts_o be_v full_a of_o wander_a beggar_n but_o very_o few_o afterward_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o weed_n of_o corn_n burn_v of_o ground_n thrash_a ditch_v harvest_n work_n and_o other_o husbandry_n all_o wage_n of_o labourer_n by_o reason_n of_o this_o great_a use_n of_o they_o be_v then_o double_v hereunto_o i_o shall_v add_v what_o i_o find_v in_o that_o print_a relation_n beforementioned_a viz._n the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n id_fw-la est_fw-la that_o the_o say_v cornelius_n vermuyden_n together_o with_o his_o participant_n and_o their_o assign_v be_v in_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a possession_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o they_o by_o
stretham_n mere_a on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n unite_v itself_o to_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o ouse_n be_v about_o xxij_o mile_n from_o its_o first_o head_n ouse_n which_o river_n of_o ouse_n rise_v near_o sisam_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o pass_v through_o part_n of_o buckingham_n and_o bedford_n shire_n whence_o it_o take_v in_o several_a petty_a streamlet_n at_o length_n descend_v by_o huntendon_n to_o erith_n where_o it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o fall_v east_n and_o by_o north_n near_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n to_o stretham_n mere_a aforesaid_a where_o it_o receive_v the_o grant_n abovementioned_a and_o the_o other_o now_o call_v the_o west_n water_n north_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o huntendonshire_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n under_o chateriz_n to_o benwick_n and_o there_o in_o former_a age_n meet_v with_o a_o part_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n at_o a_o place_n call_v shreweshiste_fw-gr it_o join_v with_o the_o first_o branch_n thereof_o descend_v from_o stretham_n aforesaid_a by_o ely_n littleport_n and_o wallenea_n at_o which_o place_n so_o unite_v they_o pass_v by_o outwell_n at_o the_o partition_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o marshland_n to_o wisheche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o at_o this_o present_a it_o be_v otherwise_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o due_a place_n as_o also_o when_o and_o how_o that_o alteration_n grow_v for_o the_o first_o banch_n whereunto_o grant_n do_v unite_v do_v now_o descend_v from_o stretham_n to_o ely_n thence_o to_o littleport_n and_o so_o by_o priest_n house_n and_o rebbech_n to_o salter_n load_n receive_v into_o it_o betwixt_o priest_n house_n and_o salter_n load_n these_o other_o stream_n viz._n swafham_n load_n and_o reach_z load_n out_o of_o cambridgshire_n mildenhall_n river_n out_o of_o suffolk_n and_o ouse_n parva_fw-la out_o of_o the_o confine_n of_o suffolk_n and_o norfolk_n the_o river_n of_o wissey_n fall_v in_o by_o helgay_n and_o at_o salter_n load_n the_o other_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v from_o outwell_n which_o come_v in_o there_o by_o the_o new_a pow_n dike_v and_o from_o thence_o in_o one_o course_n into_o lynne_n deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n the_o same_o deep_a be_v now_o the_o best_a receptacle_n and_o most_o fit_a place_n for_o conduct_v the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n so_o that_o by_o this_o river_n of_o ouse_n all_o the_o spring_n downfall_n rill_n and_o brook_n of_o huntendonshire_n for_o the_o most_o part_n bedfordshire_n total_o and_o some_o part_n of_o buckingham_n oxford_n and_o northampton_n shire_n be_v bring_v to_o the_o sea_n the_o compass_n of_o ground_n afford_v descent_n to_o they_o be_v sixscore_o mile_n at_o the_o least_o nene_n nene_n who_o head_n be_v about_o catesby_n in_o northamptonshire_n pass_v through_o a_o large_a tract_n of_o ground_n in_o that_o county_n and_o at_o length_n to_o peterborough_n enter_v the_o fen_n near_o that_o place_n have_v in_o its_o course_n take_v in_o divers_a petty_a stream_n in_o which_o fenny_a flat_a it_o divide_v itself_o into_o sundry_a branch_n whereof_o the_o chief_a now_o fall_v under_o stranground_n and_o horsey_n bridge_n into_o wittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o pass_v through_o that_o mere_a together_o with_o ubmere_n and_o ramsey_n mere_a run_v to_o benwick_n where_o it_o unite_v itself_o to_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n before-specified_n and_o so_o go_v to_o the_o sea_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o second_o branch_n of_o this_o river_n do_v take_v its_o course_n by_o thorney_n bar_n singlesholt_n and_o nomans_n land_n and_o so_o to_o the_o triangular_a bridge_n at_o croyland_n where_o it_o do_v unite_v with_o weland_n and_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o to_o spalding_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n but_o this_o channel_n of_o nene_n be_v now_o utter_o decay_v and_o likewise_o that_o of_o weland_n for_o whereas_o it_o do_v ancient_o fall_v into_o weland_n now_o weland_n make_v a_o fall_n backward_o by_o the_o same_o course_n to_o nomans_n land_n and_o the_o south_n ea_fw-la to_o dowesdale_n clowescrosse_n and_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o by_o wisbeche_n and_o weile_n as_o it_o can_v to_o the_o sea_n other_o branch_n of_o nene_n there_o have_v be_v in_o ancient_a time_n within_o the_o fen_n viz._n king_n delft_n pass_v a_o little_a below_o stanground_n by_o raven_n willow_n athwart_o the_o fen_n to_o ramsey_n ground_n where_o it_o fall_v into_o the_o nene_n wittlesey_n dike_a a_o little_a above_o horsey_n bridge_n which_o fall_v by_o whittlesey_n town_n run_v into_o nene_n below_o benwick_n divers_a other_o current_n of_o it_o there_o be_v by_o and_o through_o the_o bound_n of_o thorney_n chiefly_a knorlake_n the_o wride_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la which_o have_v heretofore_o dischardged_a themselves_o into_o the_o sea_n as_o some_o suppose_v by_o clow_n cross_a but_o of_o late_a time_n since_o the_o new_a leame_z be_v make_v by_o bishop_n morton_n from_o stanground_n to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v their_o chief_a and_o best_a passage_n have_v be_v by_o that_o channel_n this_o river_n of_o nene_n bring_v with_o it_o into_o the_o fen_n the_o downfall_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o northamptonshire_n and_o then_o have_v no_o present_a issue_n into_o the_o sea_n divide_v itself_o as_o i_o have_v show_v and_o be_v bound_v on_o one_o side_n with_o the_o ouse_n on_o another_o with_o uueland_n and_o on_o a_o three_o with_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o other_o bank_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n it_o be_v a_o principal_a cause_n of_o the_o surround_v of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o occasion_v abundance_n of_o â—ock_n wherewith_o the_o great_a part_n of_o south_n holland_n and_o uuisbeche_n which_o have_v make_v bank_n against_o the_o same_o be_v afflict_v weland_n uueland_n have_v its_o rise_n near_o sibertoft_n in_o northamptonshire_n and_o take_v in_o some_o petty_a streamlet_n come_v at_o length_n to_o market_n depe_v and_o s._n james_n depe_v where_o it_o enter_v the_o fen_n and_o burden_v they_o with_o all_o the_o water_n and_o downfall_n of_o part_n of_o northampton_n leicester_n rutland_n and_o lincolnshires_n whence_o pass_v to_o croyland_n bridge_n it_o divide_v itself_o into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o lead_v by_o south_n ea_z towards_o uuisbeche_n the_o other_o in_o a_o most_o slow_a course_n to_o spalding_n and_o surflet_n where_o receive_v the_o water_n of_o glen_n it_o go_v on_o to_o fosse-dike-stow_a and_o so_o into_o boston_n deep_a witham_n witham_n have_v its_o head_n at_o south_n uuitham_n in_o kesteven_n a_o province_n of_o lincolnshire_n and_o receive_v into_o it_o divers_a petty_a rivulet_n as_o it_o run_v on_o towards_o boston_n take_v in_o at_o anthony_n goat_n and_o newgote_v the_o water_n from_o the_o drown_a ground_n of_o uuildemore_n uuest_n fen_n and_o part_n of_o east_n fen_n together_o with_o a_o streamlet_n fall_v from_o the_o castle_n of_o bullinbroke_a and_o last_o at_o boston_n by_o trinity_n goat_n and_o through_o hammon_n beck_n and_o skirbeck_n gote_v divers_a rill_n and_o downfall_n out_o of_o kesteven_n between_o hekington_n burn_v and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n and_o then_o pass_v from_o boston_n by_o uuilberton_n ride_v do_v run_v into_o norman_a deep_a and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n after_o at_o least_o lxvi_o mile_n progress_n which_o river_n of_o witham_n bring_v with_o it_o the_o spring_n and_o downfall_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n whereby_o in_o the_o winter_n it_o can_v be_v contain_v within_o its_o bank_n overflow_v a_o large_a proportion_n of_o the_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v in_o holland_n kesteven_n and_o lindsey_n glen_n glen_n be_v the_o least_o river_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n serve_v almost_o to_o none_o other_o use_n but_o to_o carry_v away_o so_o much_o of_o its_o own_o water_n with_o the_o rill_n descend_v from_o burne_n as_o can_v be_v keep_v between_o two_o defensible_a bank_n by_o which_o it_o be_v carry_v through_o the_o fen_n into_o pinchbek_n the_o bottom_n of_o this_o river_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n high_a than_o the_o fenny_a ground_n by_o which_o it_o pass_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o drain_v for_o the_o same_o except_o the_o out-fall_a under_o surflete_a towards_o fossedike_n be_v recover_v cap._n xxxvii_o how_o those_o their_o outfall_n become_v obstruct_v have_v thus_o describe_v the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o these_o several_a stream_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o their_o inundation_n and_o drown_n of_o this_o great_a level_n whereby_o instead_o of_o the_o benefit_n which_o it_o may_v receive_v from_o their_o overflowing_n in_o case_n they_o have_v enjoy_v their_o free_a and_o natural_a passage_n and_o outfall_n it_o have_v be_v make_v for_o the_o most_o part_n for_o
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
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
the_o same_o according_a to_o that_o rate_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bank_n make_v ancient_o by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o wisebeche_n beginning_n at_o sareshirne_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o turnelake_n mouth_n thence_o to_o the_o pipe_n of_o walterse_n and_o so_o to_o elm_n fendich_n by_o grasner_n which_o bank_n be_v at_o that_o time_n break_v for_o want_n of_o repair_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o for_o the_o more_o and_o better_a safeguard_n of_o all_o the_o land_n in_o elm_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n that_o it_o shall_v begin_v at_o goneldiche_n &_o so_o cross_v the_o sewer_n of_o walterse_n unto_o sareshirne_n and_o blackdiche_n and_o there_o a_o pipe_n to_o be_v make_v under_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o so_o to_o extend_v direct_o to_o turnelake_n mouth_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o pipe_n of_o walterse_n as_o ancient_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v and_o so_o to_o the_o fen_n ditch_n of_o elm_n straight_o by_o the_o manor_n of_o walterse_n which_o bank_n to_o be_v in_o part_n repair_v and_o in_o part_n make_v new_a so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v xxiiii_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o ground_n and_o 4_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o level_n earth_n and_o to_o be_v repair_v as_o often_o as_o need_v require_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n betwixt_o the_o same_o bank_n &_o the_o bank_n call_v drayn_a diche_n in_o 4_o r._n 2._o there_o be_v a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o elm_n a._n before_o john_n holt_n and_o other_o than_o commissioner_n upon_o the_o thursday_n next_o before_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n gregory_n touch_v the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elm_n and_o welle_v at_o which_o time_n these_o ensue_a decree_n and_o ordinance_n be_v make_v viz._n that_o the_o portion_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v bishop_n dike_a which_o extend_v itself_o from_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v uernoun_n corner_n direct_o beyond_o the_o several_a land_n late_a hamon_n vernoun'sâ—_n in_o the_o fen_n unto_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o will._n atte_a lake_n and_o john_n atte_a delfe_n of_o welle_v shall_v be_v new_o make_v in_o the_o summer_n next_o follow_v as_o it_o have_v be_v decree_v former_o by_o john_n cavendish_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n and_o that_o the_o bank_n of_o welle_v shall_v be_v new_o agi_v like_o that_o of_o elm_n as_o it_o be_v also_o ordain_v so_o that_o all_o the_o land_n on_o the_o side_n of_o welle_v be_v to_o be_v agi_v upon_o the_o bank_n of_o uuelle_n call_v bishopsdiche_n according_a to_o their_o proportion_n in_o the_o like_a sort_n as_o all_o the_o land_n of_o elm_n be_v agi_v upon_o that_o bank_n in_o elm_n call_v bishosdich_n and_o they_o ordain_v that_o the_o man_n of_o elm_n shall_v make_v their_o moiety_n thereof_o and_o the_o man_n of_o welle_v their_o moiety_n and_o maintain_v &_o repair_v the_o same_o when_o need_n shall_v require_v for_o the_o future_a and_o they_o do_v likewise_o ordain_v for_o the_o better_a safeguard_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o elm_n and_o welle_v that_o every_o man_n have_v his_o portion_n thereupon_o shall_v plant_v willow_n opposite_a thereto_o towards_o the_o fen_n for_o to_o break_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o wave_n in_o flood_n time_n as_o also_o for_o keep_v of_o werk_n and_o that_o upon_o occasion_n there_o shall_v be_v stake_n in_o readiness_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o say_a willow_n for_o reparation_n thereof_o and_o they_o ordain_v that_o if_o the_o say_a willow_n so_o plant_v shall_v happen_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o cattle_n or_o otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v double_o replant_v again_o by_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a cattle_n or_o by_o those_o which_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o spoil_n the_o very_a next_o season_n ensue_v upon_o lawful_a request_n upon_o penalty_n of_o xld._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o every_o man_n suffer_v hurt_v in_o that_o kind_n and_o that_o the_o dike-reeves_n of_o elm_n or_o welle_v shall_v levy_v those_o penalty_n upon_o request_n make_v by_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v so_o injure_v and_o collect_v the_o same_o be_v so_o forfeit_v and_o they_o also_o ordain_v that_o the_o bank_n call_v needham_n diche_a &_o redmore_n diche_a shall_v be_v repair_v and_o raise_v high_a so_o that_o each_o of_o they_o may_v be_v 18_o foot_n in_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 7_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o that_o the_o say_v bank_n shall_v be_v join_v together_o by_o the_o make_n of_o a_o dam_n over_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n at_o friday_n bridge_n of_o the_o same_o thickness_n and_o height_n and_o that_o the_o north_n end_n of_o redmore_n diche_fw-it shall_v be_v annex_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o begedale_n field_n likewise_o by_o a_o dam_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a place_n over_o coldham_n sewer_n lily_n field_n and_o walterse_n with_o bridge_n to_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o that_o the_o grenediche_n of_o welle_v shall_v be_v repair_v and_o raise_v high_a in_o like_a kind_n from_o sewalesclote_n unto_o the_o stone_n cross_n at_o welle_v and_o a_o clown_n of_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o three_o foot_n in_o height_n be_v make_v there_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o nedeham_n field_n aswell_o on_o the_o part_n of_o welle_v as_o of_o elm_n and_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v raise_v his_o frontier_n towards_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o the_o stone_n cross_n towards_o welleshole_n and_o that_o the_o frontier_n ............_o be_v raise_v high_a by_o one_o foot_n and_o all_o other_o to_o the_o same_o height_n as_o also_o that_o soil_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o the_o river_n for_o raise_v of_o the_o say_a frontier_n so_o that_o the_o river_n of_o nedeham_n may_v descend_v into_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v upon_o penalty_n of_o xx_o s._n and_o that_o the_o say_a piece_n be_v levy_v by_o the_o dike-reeves_n of_o elm_n and_o welle_v and_o employ_v towards_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o frontier_n which_o sewer_n begin_v at_o friday_n bridge_n and_o extend_v unto_o the_o stone_n cross_n of_o welle_v aforesaid_a and_o last_o that_o no_o one_o shall_v permit_v their_o swine_n to_o go_v upon_o the_o say_a bank_n except_o they_o be_v ring_v upon_o penalty_n of_o a_o penny_n for_o each_o hog_n as_o often_o as_o they_o shall_v be_v find_v so_o unringe_v to_o be_v levy_v by_o the_o dike-reeves_n for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a town_n &_o that_o the_o party_n trespass_v upon_o be_v likewise_o recompense_v to_o the_o value_n of_o the_o damage_n in_o 15_o r._n 2._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elm_n complain_v a._n to_o the_o king_n a._n that_o whereas_o their_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n both_o on_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o towards_o the_o fen_n be_v by_o reason_n of_o divers_a tempest_n and_o great_a flood_n much_o break_v that_o their_o land_n have_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n surround_v and_o do_v continue_v in_o such_o sort_n overflow_v so_o that_o they_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n drain_v they_o in_o regard_n that_o they_o have_v not_o any_o gutter_n or_o sewer_n without_o the_o precinct_n of_o they_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o other_o town_n have_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o soil_n where_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o tenant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n use_v to_o have_v their_o ancient_a sewer_n be_v so_o much_o heighten_v by_o the_o silt_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o those_o sewer_n be_v utter_o lose_v and_o the_o water_n by_o that_o mean_n so_o obstruct_v as_o that_o it_o can_v not_o pass_v away_o as_o it_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v which_o do_v so_o impoverish_v the_o say_a townsman_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v constrain_v to_o seek_v new_a habitation_n and_o the_o rest_n likely_a to_o do_v so_o except_o some_o speedy_a remedy_n be_v apply_v thereto_o the_o say_a king_n therefore_o appoint_v sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr bardolf_n sir_n tho._n de_fw-fr morley_n sir_n hugh_n de_fw-fr louche_fw-fr sir_n john_n colvill_n sir_n philip_n de_fw-fr tilney_n sir_n john_n inglesthorpe_n sir_n reginald_n hakebeche_n and_o sir_n edm._n noon_n king_n will._n thirn_a tho._n pynchebek_n john_n markham_n will._n gascoign_n john_n richeford_n john_n styvecle_n tho._n de_fw-fr welles_n and_o john_n mareschall_n to_o view_v the_o same_o and_o to_o take_v such_o order_n therein_o as_o they_o shall_v deem_v meet_a proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o like_a appointment_n dorso_fw-la have_v they_o for_o the_o sewer_n in_o wisebeche_n elm_n and_o welle_v so_o choke_v up_o with_o silt_n as_o abovesaid_a after_o this_o viz._n in_o 16_o h._n 6._o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n by_o john_n colvile_n gilb._n haultofte_a and_o other_o upon_o saturday_n next_o
sewer_n where_o it_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n as_o before_o be_v mention_v and_o the_o one_o branch_n go_v south_n eastward_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a extend_v in_o distance_n and_o length_n from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a liiij_o mile_n and_o the_o same_o river_n descend_v from_o the_o say_v great_a cross_n unto_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n unto_o outwell_n sholle_a and_o so_o to_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n be_v in_o distance_n xxxiij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v creeklode_n in_o march_n aforesaid_a unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlviij_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o say_a north_n branch_n xxviij_o mile_n and_o from_o the_o say_a sewer_n called_z the_o leame_z in_o march_z aforesaid_a unto_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o k._n lynne_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a south_n branch_n be_v xlvii_o mile_n and_o by_o the_o north_n branch_n aforesaid_a xxvii_o mile_n the_o decay_n of_o which_o say_v several_a sewer_n with_o the_o river_n load_v and_o drayn_n from_o they_o extend_v unto_o the_o say_a town_n of_o wisebeche_n they_o say_v be_v the_o chief_a and_o special_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n aswell_o of_o the_o say_v marish_a and_o pasture_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenall_n adjoin_v and_o in_o continuance_n of_o time_n as_o they_o think_v in_o their_o conscience_n will_v utter_o drown_v the_o say_v parish_n and_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n unless_o the_o same_o decay_a sewer_n be_v scour_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a ordinance_n so_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n of_o the_o same_o great_a i_fw-mi in_o march_n aforesaid_a may_v be_v convey_v unto_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n by_o the_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforetime_o use_v and_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a occasion_n of_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o say_v marish_a ground_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v old_a sewer_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a call_v maid_n load_n and_o a_o part_n thereof_o call_v ship_n load_n the_o which_o lode_n begin_v at_o welney_n water_n otherwise_o call_v the_o south_n branch_n come_v from_o shrewysn_a point_n aforesaid_a and_o extend_v from_o thence_o unto_o a_o certain_a fen_n of_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n call_v week_n fen_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o helgay_n call_v shiplode_n helgay_n house_n and_o there_o into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n the_o which_o sewer_n they_o say_v have_v be_v most_o special_o decay_v by_o reason_n that_o there_o have_v not_o be_v keep_v a_o good_a sluice_n of_o stonework_n or_o timber_n with_o sufficient_a fall_n and_o hang_v door_n to_o the_o same_o to_o stop_v out_o the_o floudsilty_a water_n and_o also_o by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n fall_v not_o low_a towards_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n viz._n at_o and_o against_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o denver_n call_v denver_n hithe_a at_o the_o which_o place_n they_o think_v it_o most_o meet_a for_o to_o set_v and_o build_v the_o say_a sluice_n and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o substantial_a clouse_n of_o stone_n work_n and_o timber_n with_o two_o sufficient_a drawdore_n to_o the_o same_o to_o be_v set_v within_o half_a a_o furlong_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n to_o stop_v the_o fresh_a water_n aswell_o in_o the_o time_n of_o repair_v the_o same_o sluice_n as_o to_o keep_v and_o preserve_v a_o sufficient_a portion_n of_o water_n within_o the_o say_v drayn_n in_o the_o time_n of_o extreme_a drought_n furthermore_o they_o say_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o substantial_a bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n of_o the_o length_n of_o xx_o foot_n next_o unto_o welney_n water_n so_o as_o the_o same_o water_n at_o the_o entry_n thereof_o may_v have_v full_a passage_n have_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n a_o great_a decay_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o heir_n of_o richard_n cranford_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a maid_n load_n next_o from_o the_o say_v welney_n water_n call_v the_o south_n branch_n by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o furlong_n at_o the_o wideness_n of_o xx_o foot_n and_o of_o sufficient_a depth_n and_o next_o unto_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n and_o welney_n ought_v to_o dike_v the_o same_o by_o the_o space_n of_o one_o mile_n for_o certain_a land_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o common_a call_v dunthorn_n fen_n otherwise_o call_v our_o lady_n fen_n and_o one_o other_o mile_n for_o their_o common_a call_v blakmereshall_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n belong_v to_o the_o prior_n of_o fakenham_n to_o scour_v the_o say_a lode_n call_v shiplode_n by_o the_o space_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o then_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o beaupre_n hall_n in_o outwell_n aforesaid_a half_o a_o mile_n and_o for_o his_o manor_n of_o upwell_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o dissolve_a house_n of_o ramsey_n half_o a_o mile_n and_o then_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n for_o certain_a fen_n ground_n and_o marish_a half_n a_o mile_n and_o the_o landholders_n late_o belong_v to_o the_o monastery_n of_o walsingham_n three_o quarter_n of_o a_o mile_n then_o the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o land_n belong_v to_o the_o late_a celle_n of_o monk_n in_o k._n lynne_n three_o furlong_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o say_a place_n against_o denver_n hithe_n where_o the_o say_a sluice_n shall_v be_v set_v the_o township_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n shall_v dyke_n etc._n etc._n the_o rest_n of_o say_a load_n for_o four_o furlong_n in_o consideration_n that_o they_o be_v not_o charge_v in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n and_o shiplode_v and_o yet_o the_o same_o township_n shall_v drain_v by_o the_o same_o sewer_n by_o estimation_n a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o common_a fen_n and_o more_o and_o forasmuch_o as_o great_a commodity_n shall_v grow_v aswell_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o mershland_n and_o wygenhall_n by_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o sewer_n as_o well_o shall_v drain_v the_o fen_n of_o denver_n helgay_n and_o fordham_n as_o also_o shall_v receive_v the_o great_a abundance_n of_o fresh_a water_n the_o which_o before_o this_o time_n have_v descend_v against_o a_o certain_a bank_n in_o outwell_n and_o dounham_n aforesaid_a call_v the_o new_a powdich_n be_v the_o only_a defence_n and_o safeguard_n of_o the_o same_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n the_o which_o for_o lack_v of_o this_o provision_n at_o this_o present_a by_o they_o agree_v have_v be_v divers_a time_n of_o late_a year_n drown_v that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o aswell_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wigenhall_n as_o of_o the_o say_v 4._o infields_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n call_v plawfield_n kirkfield_n budbeche_v field_n and_o landy_n field_n shall_v bear_v and_o sustain_v the_o cost_v in_o and_o about_o the_o sufficient_a make_n of_o the_o say_a sluice_n and_o clowes_n and_o that_o after_o the_o same_o sluice_n and_o clowes_n be_v well_o and_o sufficient_o make_v that_o then_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v repair_v at_o the_o cost_v of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o denver_n fordham_n and_o helgay_n aforesaid_a except_o when_o the_o yearly_a charge_n in_o amend_v the_o same_o shall_v come_v to_o above_o the_o sum_n of_o xxvis._o viijd._o also_o they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v another_o great_a destruction_n aswell_o to_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o low_a ground_n within_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o say_v drain_v call_v in_o part_n new_a dike_a in_o littilport_n aforesaid_a and_o in_o part_n thereof_o call_v crikelode_n in_o sothery_a aforesaid_a betwixt_o sothery_a pool_n and_o modney_n and_o there_o enter_v into_o the_o say_a great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n ought_v to_o scour_v the_o say_a creeklode_n from_o the_o say_v great_a river_n of_o ouse_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v the_o willow_n by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o furlong_n and_o then_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o land_n of_o late_a belong_v to_o the_o cellerer_n of_o bury_n aught_o to_o dyke_n from_o the_o say_v willough_n unto_o pulver_n lake_n the_o dean_n of_o norwich_n for_o his_o church_n of_o fordham_n the_o parson_n of_o helgay_n for_o his_o
of_o the_o marsh_n just_a to_o the_o mouth_n of_o they_o which_o in_o every_o springtide_n afford_v store_n of_o water_n to_o grind_v down_o the_o channel_n whereof_o that_o on_o the_o north_n side_n be_v the_o more_o principal_a for_o the_o conduct_v whereof_o to_o the_o place_n of_o best_a advantage_n the_o leame_z be_v embank_v on_o that_o side_n â—y_a some_o certain_a space_n that_o the_o tide_n on_o the_o marsh_n can_v fall_v into_o it_o but_o by_o that_o finne_n at_o the_o very_a head_n and_o there_o by_o his_o plentiful_a descent_n scour_v to_o good_a purpose_n that_o which_o otherwise_o in_o summer_n will_v be_v silt_v up_o such_o penury_n there_o be_v of_o fresh_a water_n in_o the_o country_n at_o that_o time_n 1621._o in_o 19_o jac._n there_o be_v a_o decree_n pettibag_n make_v at_o outwell_n by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n then_o fit_v there_o for_o levy_v the_o forfeiture_n and_o penalty_n impose_v by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clakclose_v upon_o the_o landholders_n of_o churchfield_n and_o plawfield_n â—or_a not_o make_v sufficient_a sluice_n viz._n one_o at_o the_o south_n end_n of_o the_o pipe_n under_o welle_v river_n the_o other_o in_o plawfield_n drayn_n in_o the_o thirty_o acre_n of_o john_n fyncham_n esquire_n 1â—3â—_n and_o in_o 8_o caroli_n there_o have_v be_v a_o agreement_n make_v with_o henry_n dereham_n of_o london_n esquire_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o parish_n of_o tide_n s._n mary_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n tide_n s._n giles_n and_o newton_n in_o this_o county_n of_o cambridge_n make_v by_o the_o proprietary_n and_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n contain_v by_o estimation_n three_o thousand_o acre_n by_o which_o agreement_n the_o say_a henry_n be_v to_o make_v his_o drayne_n unto_o the_o outfall_n near_o eatts_n mere_a into_o the_o sea_n so_o that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v keep_v dry_a at_o least_o one_o foot_n under_o the_o soil_n and_o for_o his_o charge_n therein_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o xls._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v impose_v and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o that_o the_o say_v henry_n shall_v have_v two_o five_o part_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n upon_o a_o equal_a division_n thereof_o into_o five_o part_n to_o be_v establish_v to_o he_o and_o his_o heir_n for_o ever_o and_o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o say_v two_o five_o part_n to_o be_v set_v out_o to_o the_o say_v henry_n and_o his_o heir_n for_o the_o maintain_n of_o the_o say_a work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o say_a agreement_n be_v full_o ratify_v by_o a_o decree_n make_v at_o wisebeche_n upon_o the_o 20_o of_o september_n the_o same_o year_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v chap._n xlix_o hold_v on_o my_o course_n more_o westward_n ely_n i_o come_v to_o that_o part_n of_o this_o county_n which_o be_v call_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n the_o bound_n whereof_o i_o shall_v next_o take_v notice_n and_o then_o of_o what_o else_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o fen_n which_o do_v belong_v thereto_o the_o circuit_n of_o this_o isle_n say_v the_o register_n b._n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o erith_n brigge_n and_o from_o thence_o extend_v to_o sutton_n grove_n so_o to_o mepehale_n thence_o to_o wichhome_n brigg_n thence_o to_o ely_n dounhom_n thence_o to_o litisport_v thence_o to_o the_o town_n of_o ely_n thence_o to_o haveringmere_n thence_o to_o stratam_fw-la load_n thence_o to_o anglongwesche_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o isle_n thence_o to_o aldirhethe_v brigge_n and_o so_o to_o erith_n brigge_n the_o entrance_n into_o it_o be_v these_o the_o first_o at_o litisport_n the_o second_o at_o stuntmere_n brigge_n the_o three_o at_o alderhethe_o brigge_n and_o the_o four_o at_o erith_n brigge_n moreover_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v ibid._n that_o the_o commons_o in_o the_o fen_n of_o this_o isle_n bound_v be_v divide_v from_o those_o of_o chateriz_n at_o snarissode_n whence_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n go_v on_o to_o mepehale_n he_o and_o so_o to_o andelong_v bihee_o howbeit_o the_o commons_o of_o chateriz_n fen_n to_o mow_v cut_v and_o dig_v begin_v at_o dryebyresfen_n and_o so_o go_v on_o betwixt_o arnyatesmere_n and_o thence_o to_o blakwell_n and_o from_o blakwell_n to_o by_o i_fw-mi and_o from_o thence_o compass_v hunn_n eye_n unto_o langereche_n thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o dodyngton_n then_o to_o bilâ—ing_v thence_o to_o algaris-fen_n and_o so_o over_o the_o fen_n to_o achinwerdore_v but_o the_o pasture_n belong_v to_o chateriz_n go_v first_o to_o dounham_n thence_o to_o uuycheham_n thence_o to_o sutton_n and_o so_o to_o dodyngtone_n and_o march_n within_o which_o precinct_n the_o monk_n of_o ramsey_n have_v enter_v commom_n with_o chateriz_n belong_v likewise_o to_o chateriz_n be_v these_o meadow_n scil_n crow_n load_n begin_v near_o such_o fen_n muthe_n and_o extend_v to_o haul_v load_n which_o meadow_n be_v compass_v with_o water_n on_o every_o side_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o water_n from_o park_n hale_v to_o fenton_n be_v uuelagh_n beside_o one_o piece_n which_o the_o abbess_n have_v the_o demesne_fw-la fen_n of_o crow_n load_n belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n manor_n in_o chateriz_n begin_v at_o wolvey_n be_v which_o stand_v in_o the_o great_a river_n near_o to_o the_o place_n where_o fenton_n load_n descend_v thereinto_o hard_o by_o horshithe_n and_o so_o go_v on_o in_o length_n by_o the_o say_v great_a river_n southwards_o unto_o croslodeâ—_n â—_z which_o crosâ—lode_n be_v by_o some_o call_v parkhale_n load_n but_o by_o other_o the_o draught_n and_o far_o extend_v itself_o thwart_v the_o fen_n to_o the_o west_n by_o the_o southside_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v crow_n load_n unto_o wolvey_n load_n which_o by_o some_o be_v call_v fenton_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o wolvey_n welagh_o which_o stand_v near_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o wolvey_n load_n and_o opposite_a to_o wolvey_n be_v aforesaid_a within_o which_o precinct_n the_o abbess_n of_o chateriz_n hold_v one_o part_n of_o a_o meadow_n which_o hugh_n folyot_n sometime_o abbot_n of_o ramesey_n give_v unto_o she_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o soak_v of_o somersham_n ought_v to_o common_a aswell_o in_o graze_v as_o mow_v in_o that_o fen_n which_o extend_v from_o erith_n brigge_v unto_o parkhale_n load_n by_o the_o river_n and_o thence_o to_o fenton_n welugh_o to_o graze_v and_o mow_v and_o for_o housebote_n and_o firebote_n and_o from_o fenton_n welughe_o they_o ought_v to_o common_a in_o grazingâ—_n unto_o weremere_n and_o from_o weremere_n likewise_o to_o thornbrigge_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v note_v that_o within_o those_o precinct_n sir_n will._n le_fw-fr moigne_n have_v one_o field_n which_o be_v gain_v land_n and_o a_o grove_n of_o alder_n with_o two_o mere_n at_o roweye_n the_o bound_n b._n of_o higgen_n eye_n fen_n recover_v by_o simon_n abbot_n of_o ramsey_n be_v these_o viz._n from_o calverwodeyate_n and_o so_o direct_o to_o monk_n lade_v thence_o to_o hokeslade_n descend_v towards_o glatton_n and_o so_o by_o hokeslade_n unto_o byrchmere_n pooly_v thence_o to_o walton_n eld_n load_n direct_o to_o byrch_n holt_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o dry_a land_n of_o higgen_n eye_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o byrch_n holt_n and_o there_o by_o the_o dry_a land_n to_o north_n welne_v and_o thence_o unto_o calverwodeyate_n which_o fen_n contain_v a_o thousand_o acre_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o water_n belong_v unto_o this_o isle_n of_o ely_n there_o be_v a_o little_a island_n call_v ehâ—eneie_n a._n wherein_o the_o monk_n of_o ely_n have_v a_o cell_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o obstruction_n that_o hinder_v the_o fresh_a water_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o this_o great_a level_n from_o evacuate_v themselves_o as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v become_v by_o the_o swell_a of_o those_o water_n almost_o drown_v upon_o a_o great_a complaint_n ibid._n therefore_o make_v by_o the_o say_a monk_n unto_o alberic_n picot_n he_o give_v ibid._n they_o four_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o ground_n in_o the_o isle_n of_o denney_n which_o lie_v without_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v translate_v their_o house_n thither_o and_o make_v orchard_n and_o garden_n there_o for_o their_o use_n the_o next_o thing_n of_o note_n in_o reference_n to_o this_o isle_n wherewith_o i_o have_v meet_v be_v the_o repair_n of_o the_o causey_n lead_v thereto_o in_o 5_o h_n 3._o the_o king_n then_o give_v â—5_n unto_o peter_n de_fw-la valentiniis_fw-la a_o monk_n of_o ely_n four_o oak_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o forest_n of_o wauberge_n in_o huntendonshire_n for_o that_o purpose_n the_o record_n term_v it_o calcetum_fw-la de_fw-fr ely_n which_o make_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v
in_o breadth_n two_o and_o a_o half_a this_o county_n of_o huntendon_n be_v then_o a_o forest_n the_o regardor_n do_v in_o 34_o e._n 1._o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o king_n precept_n make_v this_o follow_a presentment_n b._n at_o the_o new_a temple_n in_o london_n viz._n that_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n in_o the_o town_n of_o ramsey_n the_o tenant_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n in_o wytlesheye_n and_o the_o tenant_n of_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n in_o wytlysheye_n have_v waste_v all_o the_o fen_n of_o kyngesdelfe_n of_o the_o alder_n hassocks_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o thousand_o acre_n so_o that_o the_o king_n deer_n can_v not_o have_v harbour_n there_o as_o they_o have_v before_o that_o perambulation_n likewise_o that_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o farsheve_v have_v waste_v the_o fen_n of_o farsheved_a of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n estimate_v at_o a_o hundred_o acre_n also_o that_o 2d_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n have_v make_v a_o purpresture_n in_o the_o say_v king_n forest_n within_o farsheved_a fen_n and_o enclose_v the_o same_o with_o a_o double_a ditch_n on_o the_o side_n towards_o farsheve_v which_o contain_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n by_o estimation_n and_o two_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v raise_v a_o new_a bank_n without_o the_o town_n of_o jakele_n contain_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n against_o the_o assize_n of_o the_o forest._n and_o that_o b._n john_n le_fw-fr woo_v of_o jakele_n come_v with_o the_o man_n of_o wytlysheye_n into_o the_o fen_n of_o kynggesdelfe_n and_o set_v fire_n therein_o which_o burn_v in_o length_n and_o breadth_n about_o four_o mile_n by_o estimation_n which_o cause_v great_a loss_n to_o the_o king_n in_o his_o heart_n hind_n and_o goat_n and_o likewise_o that_o the_o man_n of_o benewyk_n have_v destroy_v a_o certain_a place_n in_o kyngesdelf_n of_o the_o alder_n and_o rush_n call_v hertyngge_n contain_v a_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o breadth_n and_o they_o likewise_o then_o present_v that_o the_o banleu_n of_o ramsey_n begin_v at_o humberdale_n and_o so_o go_v on_o to_o wystowe_v low_a by_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o town_n of_o wystowe_n and_o so_o to_o ranelestone_n and_o thence_o to_o ranelesnoge_fw-mi thence_o to_o obmere-bote_n thence_o to_o scaldemere_n thence_o to_o ayxschebeche_v thence_o to_o the_o new_a load_n which_o lead_v betwixt_o middilmore_n and_o kynggesdelfe_n thence_o to_o beaurepeyre_n thence_o to_o tyrmerekote_v thence_o to_o pollyngsecote_n thence_o to_o caldemowchache_n thence_o to_o goldepyttelade_v and_o thence_o to_o homberdale_n the_o division_n 2._o betwixt_o this_o forest_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n his_o free_a chase_n of_o somersham_n 1._o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n scil_n at_o the_o three_o willow_n and_o thence_o extend_v to_o fentone_n load_n thence_o to_o the_o new_a bank_n thence_o to_o fentone_n cross_n thence_o to_o the_o mill_n at_o wardeboys_n thence_o to_o pydelemare_n thence_o to_o pydele_n dam_n thence_o to_o iny_n meed_n thence_o to_o kollangeleye_a thence_o to_o the_o hanger_n of_o bluntesham_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a river_n chap._n lii_o this_o be_v the_o last_o of_o those_o six_o county_n into_o which_o the_o great_a level_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v extend_v contain_v no_o more_o than_o a_o narrow_a skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n at_o the_o utmost_a point_n whereof_o that_o sometime_o great_a and_o famous_a abbey_n of_o medeshamstede_n since_o call_v peterborough_n be_v for_o the_o like_a advantage_n already_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o thorney_n and_o some_o other_o first_o found_v 1640._o by_o peada_n king_n of_o the_o mercian_n about_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcl_o and_o soon_o after_o ample_o endow_v by_o king_n wolpherus_fw-la his_o brother_n and_o successor_n in_o the_o government_n as_o to_o its_o situation_n and_o the_o more_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o fen_n belong_v thereto_o i_o shall_v exhibit_v what_o robert_n the_o swasham_n sometime_o a_o monk_n of_o that_o house_n sai_z b._n burch_n verò_fw-la in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la fundatus_fw-la etc._n etc._n burch_n be_v found_v in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvii_n for_o there_o begin_v the_o fen_n on_o the_o east_n side_n thereof_o which_o reach_v lx._n mile_n or_o more_o in_o length_n which_o fen_n be_v of_o no_o small_a benefit_n to_o the_o border_a people_n for_o there_o they_o have_v wood_n and_o other_o fuel_n for_o the_o fire_n and_o hay_n for_o fodder_n as_o also_o reed_n for_o thatch_v of_o their_o house_n with_o many_o other_o necessary_n there_o be_v likewise_o divers_a river_n water_n and_o great_a mere_a for_o fish_v the_o country_n abound_v in_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o best_a part_n whereof_o burch_n be_v seat_v have_v on_o the_o one_o side_n of_o it_o the_o fen_n and_o river_n and_o on_o the_o other_o upland_n ground_n with_o wood_n meadow_n and_o many_o pasture_n which_o do_v render_v it_o most_o beautiful_a on_o every_o part_n have_v a_o meet_a access_n to_o it_o by_o land_n except_o towards_o the_o east_n on_o which_o side_n without_o boat_n there_o be_v no_o come_n to_o it_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o it_o run_v the_o river_n nene_n etc._n etc._n and_o these_o be_v the_o limit_n of_o the_o possession_n pool_n fen_n lake_n fishing_n land_n etc._n etc._n which_o king_n wolphere_n give_v thereto_o that_o the_o monk_n therein_o place_v may_v free_o serve_v godâ—_n viz._n from_o medeshamstede_n to_o norburch_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o place_n call_v folly_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o main_a fen_n to_o esendic_n and_o from_o esendic_n to_o the_o place_n which_o they_o call_v fethermute_v thence_o directy_n to_o cuggedic_n ten_o mile_n distant_a ☜_o thence_o to_o raggewiâ—c_n five_o mile_n to_o the_o principal_a stream_n which_o go_v to_o elm_n and_o wisebeche_n and_o thence_o for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o mile_n up_o the_o say_v principal_a stream_n to_o trochenholt_n thence_o direct_o through_o the_o vast_a fen_n to_o derevorde_n in_o length_n xx_o mile_n thence_o to_o grecescros_n thence_o by_o a_o fair_a current_n call_v beadan_n ea_fw-la six_o mile_n to_o paccelode_n and_o so_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o many_o lake_n and_o spacious_a fen_n in_o huntendonshire_n together_o with_o the_o pool_n and_o lake_n call_v scelfremere_n and_o witlesmere_n and_o several_a other_o to_o they_o belong_v as_o also_o with_o the_o land_n and_o house_n which_o do_v lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o scelfremere_n and_o all_o within_o the_o fen_n to_o medeshamstede_n and_o thence_o to_o welmesford_n and_o so_o to_o clive_n and_o estune_n and_o from_o estune_n to_o stanforde_n and_o thence_o as_o the_o river_n run_v to_o norburch_n before-specified_n but_o touch_v the_o improvement_n make_v here_o by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v i_o find_v little_a in_o particular_a till_o of_o late_a time_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v anon_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a corner_n towards_o the_o high_a land_n which_o the_o fresh_a water_n for_o want_n of_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a evacuation_n overflow_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n conduce_v to_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o have_v be_v cut_v from_o the_o river_n nene_n through_o cambridgshire_n towards_o their_o most_o ancient_a and_o natural_a out-fall_a at_o wisebeche_n chap._n liii_o observation_n upon_o the_o commission_n and_o statute_n of_o sewer_n have_v now_o do_v with_o those_o particular_a endeavour_n of_o bank_v and_o drayn_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o the_o great_a level_n in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n that_o surround_v part_n of_o the_o country_n i_o come_v last_o to_o speak_v of_o that_o eminent_a and_o signal_n undertake_v viz._n the_o general_a win_n thereof_o by_o bank_n and_o sewer_n a_o work_n certain_o of_o no_o less_o honour_n to_o the_o first_o adventurer_n therein_o than_o beneficial_a to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a age._n but_o before_o i_o begin_v therewith_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a i_o conceive_v by_o way_n of_o preparation_n thereto_o to_o make_v some_o short_a observation_n upon_o the_o ancient_a commission_n and_o most_o notable_a statute_n of_o sewer_n and_o first_o touch_v the_o commission_n the_o antiquity_n and_o extent_n whereof_o do_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n i_o shall_v brief_o note_v first_o that_o the_o king_n ratione_fw-la dignitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la regiae_n ad_fw-la providendum_fw-la salvationi_fw-la regni_fw-la svi_fw-la circumquaque_fw-la fuit_fw-la astrictus_fw-la etc._n etc._n for_o those_o be_v the_o word_n therein_o be_v by_o the_o prerogative_n of_o his_o crown_n oblige_v to_o see_v and_o foresee_v to_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o realm_n 8._o second_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o they_o the_o commissioner_n may_v enforce_v the_o neglecter_n of_o their_o duty_n by_o distress_n of_o their_o good_n and_o likewise_o fine_a and_o imprison_v the_o dissobeyer_n of_o their_o order_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n viz._n ad_fw-la
beryall_a and_o westmore_n fen_n to_o wellenhey_n river_n and_o thence_o through_o certain_a fen_n of_o norfolk_n into_o the_o ouse_n about_o maid_n load_n will_v be_v most_o necessary_a and_o that_o without_o so_o do_v the_o fen_n can_v never_o be_v drayn_v thence_o we_o go_v to_o rebbech_n where_o brandon_n river_n alias_o ouse_n parva_fw-la fall_v into_o ouse_n near_o priest_n house_n thence_o to_o sotherey_n and_o modney_n thence_o to_o helgay_n bridge_n thence_o to_o fordham_n thence_o to_o salter_n load_n where_o nene_n fall_v into_o ouse_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a descent_n viz._n ten_o foot_n from_o the_o soil_n of_o the_o fen_n to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_v beside_o the_o natural_a descent_n of_o the_o fen-ground_n from_o the_o upland_n of_o huntingdon-shire_n thither_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v 27._o thence_o to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o hobbs_n house_n where_o we_o observe_v that_o plantwater_n which_o come_v out_o of_o nene_n at_o great_a cross_n to_o the_o say_v hobbs_n house_n with_o staven_n ea_fw-la which_o be_v wont_a to_o run_v to_o tower_n house_n and_o so_o to_o wisbeche_v do_v now_o run_v from_o hobbs_n house_n by_o hunster_n stone_n through_o hobbs_n dike_v into_o march_n river_n thence_o we_o go_v to_o march_n and_o dodington_n and_o between_o dodington_n and_o chateriz_n there_o be_v a_o small_a load_n besselinge_n load_n which_o run_v through_o a_o low_a marish_a fenn_n thence_o to_o chateriz_n town_n end_n where_o there_o be_v a_o sewer_n call_v chateriz_v leame_z grow_v from_o the_o west-water_n at_o chateriz_n ferry_n unto_o dodington_n weel_z thence_o to_o mephall_n and_o there_o see_v mephall_n load_n which_o run_v from_o sutton_n load_n thence_o by_o water_n to_z cambridge_z in_o which_o passage_n we_o take_v notice_n that_o harrymere_n gravel_n be_v a_o great_a mean_n of_o the_o overflow_a of_o grant_n as_o also_o of_o burwell_n load_n swaffham_n load_n and_o botesham_n load_n all_o which_o do_v fall_v into_o grant_n upon_o this_o view_n mr._n hunt_v who_o be_v the_o artist_n for_o the_o drayn_n represent_v a._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n what_o cut_v bank_n sluice_n clow_n etc._n etc._n will_v be_v in_o his_o judgement_n far_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o perfect_a this_o work_n all_o which_o they_o signify_v under_o their_o hand_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n together_o with_o their_o opinion_n how_o much_o it_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o enrich_n of_o the_o kingdom_n but_o decline_v in_o regard_n of_o shortness_n of_o time_n to_o give_v any_o estimate_n of_o the_o charge_n thereof_o or_o upon_o what_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v meet_a to_o take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o upon_o the_o xxiiiith_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n 1605._o the_o king_n himself_o by_o his_o letter_n b._n bear_v date_n at_o greenwich_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n as_o aforesaid_a incite_v they_o to_o fall_v in_o hand_n speedy_o with_o the_o work_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o that_o be_v a_o dry_a summer_n and_o so_o the_o more_o proper_a for_o it_o intimate_v also_o that_o for_o the_o better_a expedit_v thereof_o he_o have_v employ_v his_o chief_a justice_n popham_n to_o take_v pain_n therein_o whereupon_o such_o good_a speed_n be_v make_v that_o upon_o the_o xiiith_o of_o the_o next_o month_n this_o follow_a certificate_n be_v deliver_v in_o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n then_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n a._n the_o true_a content_n or_o number_n of_o acre_n in_o the_o fen_n describe_v in_o the_o general_a plot_n lie_v without_o the_o fendikes_a as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o william_n hayward_n gent._n surveyor_n upon_o his_o oath_n at_o wisbeche_n 13_o july_n 1605._o acre_n burrough-soke_a great_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n by_o catts-water_n 1605._o 8015_o burrough_n little_a fen._n 900_o croyland_n fen_n in_o three_o piece_n 2000_o certain_a several_a fen_n and_o wet_a meadow_n lie_v in_o ely_n between_o borough_n little_a fen_n borough_n great_a fen_n and_o cat_n water_n 763_o thorney_n ground_n contain_v in_o all_o 15850_o whereof_o in_o hard_a land_n 400_o acre_n in_o fenn_n 15450_o uuisbeche_n hundred_o high_a fen_n with_o sutton_n fen_n and_o throkenholt_n several_n 8365_o ladwer_n ixwell-moore_n the_o river_n etc._n etc._n and_o other_o several_n between_o coldham_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a the_o division_n of_o march_n uuelney-river_n and_o darcey-lode_n 0740_o uuittlesey_n and_o stanground_n common_a fen_n with_o divers_a several_n and_o half_a several_n between_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o thorney_n bound_n the_o division_n of_o uuisbeche_n high_a fen_n and_o dodington_n fen_n and_o from_o that_o division_n by_o the_o high_a stream_n and_o ramsey-mere_a to_o knuts_n delft_n and_o by_o that_o delft_n up_o to_o horsey_n brigg_n in_o which_o bind_v ramsey_n have_v a_o part_n of_o a_o fen_n next_o to_o ramsey_n mere_a contain_v 2800_o acre_n 24435_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o say_v delft_n the_o high_a stream_n ubmere_n uuittlesey_n mere_a and_o so_o by_o conquest_n load_n to_o pocket-holme_a and_o the_o high_a land_n 7390_o certain_a fen_n in_o huntingdonshire_n between_o the_o high_a land_n skirt_n and_o ramsey-hards_a and_o mere_a and_o the_o say_v high_a stream_n and_o conquest_n load_v 13455_o other_o fen_n of_o huntindonshire_n lie_v between_o ramsey_n mere_n the_o high_a stream_n to_o benwick_n the_o west-water_n to_o erith_n brigge_n and_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o high_a land_n between_o the_o say_a bridge_n and_o ramsey_n hards_n 13340_o the_o fen_n of_o dodington_n cum_fw-la membris_fw-la common_a and_o several_a 32000_o honey_n fen_n in_o all_o 370._o viz._n hard_a land_n 90._o fen_n 280_o chateryz_n fen_n together_o with_o certain_a fen_n of_o sutton_n and_o byall_a fen_n with_o some_o several_n lie_v between_o the_o bound_n of_o dodington_n and_o hony_n the_o west-water_n sutton_n load_n and_o oxwillow_n load_n 20700_o sutton_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o sutton_n load_n between_o the_o west-water_n haddenham_n fen_n and_o the_o harde_n of_o haddenham_n sutton_n and_o mephall_n 2910_o haddenham_n fen_n between_o the_o former_a fen_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n wilberton_n fen_n and_o haddenham_n hard_n 3870_o willingham_n fen_n on_o the_o south_n of_o the_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n of_o aldrey-causey_n beside_o hempsall_n on_o the_o east_n thereof_o 2920_o wilberton_n fen_n with_o part_n of_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o ouse_n and_o hard_a land_n to_z ely_z bridge_n 2790_o grunty-fen_n encompass_v with_o the_o high_a land_n 1694_o a_o fen_n more_o north_n between_o sutton_n load_n by_o coveney_n and_o the_o hard_a land_n of_o divers_a town_n compass_v it_o 3780_o downham_n wodfen_n and_o other_o fen_n between_o the_o fen_n of_o little_o port_n the_o ouse_n and_o ely_n hard-land_n to_o the_o town_n 2440_o the_o fen_n of_o littleport_n on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o ouse_n common_a and_o several_a 12660_o westmore_n south_n of_o darcey-lode_n and_o west_n of_o welney_n river_n together_o with_o divers_a several_n 15360_o certain_a fen_n ground_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n and_o the_o causey_n dike_v in_o upwell_n 1105_o certain_a fen_n common_a and_o several_a between_o welney_n river_n maid_n load_n the_o ouse_n and_o litleport_n ground_n 8600_o part_n of_o wisbeche_n high_a fen_n lie_v in_o waltersey_n with_o divers_a several_n 4320_o marshland-fen_n and_o many_o other_o ground_n between_o maid_n load_n and_o spalding_n river_n the_o fen_n bank_n and_o sea_n bank_n which_o will_v be_v make_v dry_a by_o the_o general_a drayn_v 4220_o the_o fen_n between_o helgay_n brigg_n and_o stoke_n brigg_n by_o the_o river_n on_o the_o southeast_n the_o high_a land_n of_o stoke_n wretton_n wereham_n dâ—reham_n and_o wroxham_n on_o the_o north_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o edmund_n skipwith_n gent._n on_o the_o west_n 2900_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o hocwold_n wilton_n feltwell_n methwold_n and_o northwold_n high_a land_n on_o the_o east_n soak_v river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o imbanked_a ground_n of_o helgay_n modney_n sotâ—erey_n and_o in_o part_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n on_o the_o west_n and_o brandon_n river_n from_o priest_n house_n to_o brandon_n brigg_n 23290_o the_o fen_n between_o brandon_n river_n on_o the_o north_n the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o part_n and_o whelpmore_n and_o burt_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n mildenhall_n high_a land_n and_o river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a land_n from_o mildenhall_n to_o brandon_n 22120_o between_o mildenhall_n river_n on_o the_o north_n east_n ouse_n from_o prickwillow_n to_o ely_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n west_n stuntney_n and_o soham_n causey_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o stuntney_n noruey_o soham_n isleham_n and_o worlington_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n contain_v 11780_o between_o the_o say_a causey_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o stuntney_n on_o the_o north_n ouse_n and_o grant_v from_o ely_n brigg_n by_o
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
bind_v by_o good_a and_o sufficient_a security_n to_o and_o for_o the_o cost_n and_o charge_n to_o be_v expend_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a work_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o thousand_o five_o hundred_o acre_n whereof_o five_o hundred_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a west_n fenn_v to_o be_v part_n and_o a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o best_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a east_n fenn_n to_o be_v the_o rest_n yearly_o to_o be_v let_v out_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o purpose_n that_o two_o thousand_o pound_n may_v be_v levy_v and_o keep_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o mayor_n of_o boston_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o time_n be_v to_o be_v employ_v for_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n until_o the_o value_n of_o five_o hundred_o pound_n shall_v be_v spend_v in_o and_o about_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a work_n and_o then_o the_o say_a profit_n to_o be_v employ_v and_o make_v two_o thousand_o pound_n to_o be_v bestow_v from_o time_n to_o time_n upon_o the_o say_a work_n for_o ever_o when_o occasion_n shall_v serve_v and_o at_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1631._o upon_o the_o xv_o of_o april_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o law_n before-specified_n and_o of_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n thomas_n and_o his_o participant_n there_o be_v another_o decree_n make_v that_o for_o their_o charge_n therein_o they_o shall_v not_o only_o have_v the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o of_o all_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o likewise_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n lie_v in_o the_o west_n fen_n and_o the_o several_n thereto_o adjoin_v limit_a and_o appoint_v to_o they_o by_o a_o former_a decree_n but_o some_o far_a augmentation_n in_o certain_a other_o particular_a place_n whereupon_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n begin_v ibid._n the_o work_n in_o september_n follow_v 1634._o and_o prosecute_v it_o with_o so_o much_o diligence_n that_o at_o another_o ibid._n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o boston_n upon_o the_o xuj_o of_o july_n 10_o caroli_n by_o thomas_n hâ—ughton_n esquire_n mayor_n of_o the_o borough_n of_o boston_n sir_n ralph_n maddison_n knight_n walter_n norton_n richard_n finsham_n george_n pulton_n roland_n hale_v john_n knight_n esquire_n and_o thomas_n bedford_n gent._n upon_o their_o view_n of_o those_o late_o surround_v ground_n viz._n east_n and_o west_n fen_n north_n fenn_n earl_n fen_n armetre_n fen_n and_o wildemore_n fen_n and_o other_o the_o drown_a commons_o and_o adjacent_a surround_v several_a ground_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n and_o north_n east_n of_o the_o river_n of_o witham_n within_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n undertake_v by_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n knight_n and_o his_o participant_n they_o adjudge_v the_o same_o to_o be_v so_o drayn_v as_o that_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o arable_a meadow_n or_o pasture_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o above_o sixteen_o hundred_o seventy_o and_o three_o acre_n remain_v drown_v of_o three_o thousand_o acre_n of_o pit_n holes_n deep_n and_o hollow_a place_n which_o be_v permit_v to_o be_v leâ—t_o cover_v with_o water_n beside_o the_o river_n drayn_n sewer_n and_o watercourse_n within_o the_o whole_a level_n undertake_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o associate_n to_o be_v drain_v within_o four_o year_n not_o then_o expire_v uâ—till_o michaelmass_o next_o follow_v according_a to_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o boston_n xv_o maii_n 6_o caroli_n and_o of_o another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v likewise_o in_o pursuance_n thereof_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a xv_o apr._n 7_o caroli_n and_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 1635._o upon_o the_o xi_o of_o august_n the_o next_o ensue_a year_n recital_n be_v make_v of_o the_o former_a decree_n whereby_o the_o one_o half_a of_o the_o say_a east_n fen_n and_o a_o three_o part_n of_o the_o several_n adjoin_v thereto_o and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o west_n fen_n as_o also_o the_o four_o part_n of_o all_o the_o surround_v ground_n aswell_o several_a as_o common_a former_o tax_v lie_v in_o the_o say_a west_n fen_n be_v decree_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n anthony_n and_o his_o participant_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o the_o commissioner_n do_v full_o ratify_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o they_o be_v then_o set_v out_o by_o particular_a mete_n and_o bound_n chap._n lvii_o the_o eight_o hundred_o fen_n there_o be_v likewise_o another_o great_a marsh_n lie_v in_o this_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n call_v eight_o hundred_o fen_n but_o ancient_o haut_fw-fr huntre_n fen_n contain_v twenty_o two_o thousand_o acre_n the_o drayn_n whereof_o be_v undertake_v by_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n of_o bless_a memory_n and_o to_o that_o end_n in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n 28_o martii_fw-la car._n 13_o car._n a_o decree_n make_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o xxs._n the_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o sixteen_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o braytofte_a swinesh_v wigtoft_n soutterby_n alderchurch_n fosse_n dyke_n kirton_n frampton_n wiberton_n hole_n dockdike_n and_o boston_n claim_v common_a therein_o but_o this_o tax_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o say_a commissioner_n sit_v again_o at_o boston_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o first_o of_o june_n than_o next_o ensue_v declare_v the_o say_a king_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a undertaker_n for_o the_o drayn_n thereof_o and_o that_o the_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v within_o six_o year_n next_o after_o that_o present_a session_n or_o any_o other_o time_n that_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v limit_v and_o do_v for_o recompense_v of_o the_o charge_n which_o shall_v be_v expend_v therein_o decree_n to_o he_o the_o say_a king_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n eight_o thousand_o acre_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o any_o six_o of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n after_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v finis_fw-la the_o index_n improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_v in_o foreign_a country_n viz._n egypt_n pag._n 1._o babylon_n 5._o belgic_a province_n 10._o frizeland_n 14._o gallia_n cis-alpina_a 9_o greece_n 6._o holland_n 12._o holstein_n 15._o italy_n viz._n fossa_n mariana_n 9_o fucine_n lake_n 9_o placentia_n 9_o pompein_o marsh_n 6._o zealand_n 15._o improvement_n by_o bank_v and_o drayn_n in_o england_n viz._n in_o cambridgshire_n 299._o isle_n of_o ely_n 356.180_o the_o siege_n thereof_o by_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n 186._o thorney_n 360._o derbyshire_n 138._o essex_n viz._n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 74._o havering_n and_o dagenham_n level_v 82._o gloucestershire_n 213._o kent_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 59_o lesnes_n marsh_n 62._o b._n 65._o a._n plumsted_n marsh_n 62._o b._n east-kent_n 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o edmund_n de_fw-fr passele_n john_n de_fw-fr ifield_n and_o stephan_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr dane_n there_o 36._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n de_fw-fr apuldrefeld_n there_o 38._o romeney_n marsh_n 16._o the_o law_n for_o conservation_n thereof_o make_v by_o h._n the_o bath_n a_o justice_n itinerant_n in_o 42_o h._n 3.19_o the_o ordinance_n by_o john_n de_fw-fr lovetot_n and_o henry_n the_o apletrefold_a 16_o e._n 1.24_o b._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o henry_n de_fw-fr apletrefeld_n and_o bertram_n de_fw-fr trancrey_n 18_o e._n 1.27_o a._n the_o ordinance_n make_v by_o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelow_n 35_o e._n 3.31_o immunity_n to_o the_o bailiff_n and_o jurats_n 33._o b._n incorporation_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n 34._o b._n huntendonshire_n 365._o a._n ramsey_n ibid._n wittlesey_n mer_n 363._o a._n kent_n and_o sussex_n 83._o the_o ordinance_n of_o john_n fogg_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n concern_v the_o marsh_n betwixt_o robertsbrigge_n and_o romeney_n 52._o b._n lincolnshire_n the_o marsh_n on_o ankholme_n 150._o axholme_n alias_o hatfield_n level_v 141._o holland_n 219._o a._n crowland_n 219._o a._n 179._o kesteven_n 194._o a._n depe_v fen_n ibid._n &_o 206._o a._n lovell_n undertaking_a to_o drain_v it_o 206._o b._n kesteven_n and_o holland_n 198._o b._n the_o marsh_n in_o lindsey_n 153._o b._n folsedike_n 167._o a._n the_o marsh_n on_o witham_n 168._o b._n middlesex_n the_o marsh_n in_o the_o suburb_n of_o london_n 73._o b._n middlesex_n and_o essex_n the_o marsh_n on_o thames_n 69._o norfolk_z 288._o a._n marshland_n 244._o the_o old_a podike_n first_o raise_v there_o 245._o a._n when_o first_o repair_v and_o how_o 246._o b._n 248._o a._n the_o new_a podike_n make_v there_o 264._o a._n northamptonshire_n 368._o nottinghamshire_n 138._o a._n somersetshire_n the_o
westm._fw-la inchoato_fw-la 8_o maii._fw-la a_o act_n for_o confirmation_n of_o certain_a decree_n of_o sewer_n make_v by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o limit_n of_o the_o level_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n whereas_o sir_n john_n monson_n in_o the_o eleaventh_fw-mi year_n of_o our_o late_a king_n of_o bless_a memory_n charles_n the_o first_o upon_o the_o request_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o part_n of_o lindsey_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o to_o do_v service_n for_o his_o country_n do_v undertake_v the_o dreyn_a and_o improvement_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n lie_v in_o those_o part_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n extend_v from_o humber_n to_o bishop-brigge_a which_o be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v to_o be_v hurtful_o surround_v both_o by_o the_o view_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o divers_a verdict_n of_o jury_n empanel_v of_o the_o able_a inhabitant_n after_o several_a view_v take_v and_o that_o the_o dreyn_v of_o those_o fen_n be_v ever_o heretofore_o much_o desire_v by_o the_o party_n interest_v therein_o and_o for_o that_o the_o design_n of_o dreyn_v of_o the_o same_o be_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n hold_v to_o be_v a_o work_n not_o only_o honourable_a but_o profitable_a for_o the_o country_n therefore_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n according_a to_o the_o power_n and_o direction_n of_o divers_a act_n and_o decree_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n ordain_v undertake_v the_o dreyn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o low_a ground_n and_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a for_o arable_a meadow_n or_o pasture_n yet_o so_o as_o he_o admit_v as_o many_o of_o the_o lord_n and_o owner_n as_o will_v adventure_v with_o he_o for_o their_o own_o upon_o the_o same_o term_n he_o do_v and_o do_v at_o his_o own_o and_o his_o participant_n great_a expense_n dreyn_a all_o those_o ground_n common_a and_o several_a fen_n within_o the_o part_n aforesaid_a between_o humber_n and_o bishopp-brigge_a contain_v by_o estimation_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o acre_n in_o one_o entire_a level_n or_o work_v of_o dreyn_v for_o the_o do_v whereof_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n have_v by_o divers_a act_n or_o decree_n of_o sewer_n ordain_v adjudge_v decree_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o seven_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n commons_o and_o fen_n by_o certain_a meet_v and_o bound_n whereby_o the_o same_o be_v distinguish_v and_o know_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o commons_o there_o which_o decree_n schedule_n and_o law_n of_o sewer_n upon_o the_o humble_a petition_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o his_o late_a majesty_n have_v his_o majesty_n royal_a assent_n and_o be_v enrol_v in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n according_a to_o the_o statute_n in_o that_o case_n provide_v and_o be_v exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n be_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o assign_n until_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o late_a trouble_n the_o undertake_n be_v perform_v and_o so_o adjudge_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n may_v it_o please_v your_o most_o excellent_a majesty_n that_o it_o may_v be_v enact_v and_o be_v it_o therefore_o enact_v by_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n by_o and_o with_o the_o advice_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o lord_n spiritual_a and_o temporal_a and_o commons_o in_o this_o present_a parliament_n assemble_v and_o by_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n aforesaid_a and_o his_o and_o their_o and_o every_o of_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n shall_v have_v hold_v possess_v and_o enjoy_v the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n so_o set_v out_o by_o several_a decree_n of_o sewer_n by_o meet_v and_o bound_n therein_o particular_o mention_v and_o express_v whereunto_o his_o majesty_n royal_a assent_n be_v have_v and_o by_o privy_a seal_n certify_v into_o his_o majesty_n high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o enrol_v and_o remain_v of_o record_n according_a to_o the_o several_a division_n and_o allotment_n since_o several_o and_o respective_o make_v between_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o and_o every_o of_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n free_v and_o discharge_v of_o and_o from_o all_o title_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o former_a owner_n and_o commoner_n whatsoever_o provide_v all_o way_n and_o be_v it_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n aforesaid_a that_o if_o it_o shall_v fall_v out_o at_o anytime_n hereafter_o that_o the_o say_v fen_n and_o low_a ground_n lie_v upon_o the_o river_n of_o ancholme_n between_o humber_n and_o bishopp-brigge_a for_o which_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_n have_v their_o say_a recompense_n of_o five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n set_v out_o for_o the_o dreyn_v of_o the_o same_o shall_v again_o be_v hurtful_o surround_v in_o default_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n and_o shall_v so_o continue_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o six_o month_n together_o except_o such_o lake_n drain_v sewer_n and_o portion_n of_o the_o say_a part_n as_o be_v except_v upon_o the_o contract_n not_o exceed_v two_o hundred_o acre_n so_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v find_v and_o adjudge_v defective_a in_o default_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n or_o assign_n by_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n for_o the_o time_n be_v whereof_o three_z to_o be_v of_o the_o quorum_fw-la and_o that_o the_o say_a view_n and_o judgement_n be_v certify_v upon_o record_n into_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n than_o it_o shall_v and_o may_v be_v lawful_a to_o and_o for_o the_o lord_n proprietor_n and_o owner_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n and_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_n and_o for_o every_o or_o any_o of_o they_o to_o enter_v into_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o and_o portion_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n so_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v set_v forth_o and_o allot_v a_o rateable_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n out_o of_o every_o of_o the_o say_a lordship_n and_o to_o have_v hold_v and_o enjoy_v the_o same_o and_o their_o several_a commons_o therein_o in_o as_o large_a and_o ample_a manner_n as_o they_o do_v and_o shall_v in_o the_o other_o part_v leave_v to_o they_o until_o the_o say_a part_n allot_v and_o leave_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n owner_n and_o commoner_n be_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v or_o some_o of_o they_o sufficient_o drayn_v and_o again_o recover_v at_o his_o and_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n as_o be_v aforesaid_a and_o that_o after_o that_o same_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o recover_v and_o drain_v the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n his_o participant_n and_o adventurer_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o gain_v and_o lose_v their_o say_a pasture_n and_o common_a in_o the_o say_v two_o thousand_o acre_n upon_o such_o and_o the_o like_a certificate_n and_o recovery_n have_v and_o make_v as_o be_v aforesaid_a for_o ever_o provide_v also_o that_o if_o the_o lord_n or_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n and_o ground_n within_o any_o the_o limit_n or_o bound_n aforesaid_a allot_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n again_o be_v it_o further_o enact_v that_o if_o they_o pay_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n or_o his_o assign_n the_o principal_a money_n by_o he_o disburse_v in_o drain_n the_o say_v level_n with_o reasonable_a damage_n for_o the_o same_o at_z or_o before_o the_o first_o day_n of_o may_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o six_o hundred_o sixty_o three_o or_o if_o any_o difference_n shall_v arise_v or_o happen_v between_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n and_o any_o of_o the_o say_a lord_n or_o owner_n touch_v the_o say_v principal_a money_n disburse_v as_o aforesaid_a or_o damage_n for_o the_o same_o which_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v demand_v then_o such_o sum_n and_o sum_n of_o money_n for_o the_o say_v principal_a
earth_n dig_v out_o of_o it_o she_o bring_v to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o riverâ—_n the_o brim_n whereof_o she_o strengthen_v with_o stone_n in_o such_o place_n where_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n do_v oppress_v they_o these_o two_o work_n viz._n the_o turn_n of_o the_o river_n into_o that_o wind_a posture_n and_o the_o make_v that_o drayn_n she_o do_v first_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o many_o bend_n thereof_o may_v glide_v more_o gentle_o next_o that_o the_o passage_n of_o ship_n towards_o babylon_n may_v be_v crooked_a and_o last_o that_o by_o those_o navigation_n the_o long_a turn_n of_o the_o channel_n may_v be_v sustain_v cap._n ii_o greece_n greece_n i_o next_o come_v to_o those_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o grecian_n whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n in_o thessaly_n and_o acarnania_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v say_v 423._o to_o have_v be_v ancient_o a_o lake_n be_v on_o every_o side_n enclose_v with_o mountain_n for_o on_o the_o east_n it_o have_v the_o hill_n peleon_n and_o ossa_n mutual_o join_v at_o their_o descent_n to_o the_o north_n olympus_n to_o the_o west_n pindus_n and_o to_o the_o south_n othris_n the_o valley_n betwixt_o these_o hill_n be_v thessaly_n among_o other_o river_n that_o flow_v into_o it_o these_o five_o be_v the_o chief_a peneus_n apidanus_n onochonus_n enipeus_n and_o pamisus_n which_o run_v from_o the_o hill_n encompass_v this_o country_n meet_v in_o the_o plain_a and_o become_v one_o stream_n which_o at_o one_o passage_n and_o that_o but_o narrow_a issue_v into_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o confluence_n of_o these_o water_n peneus_n continue_v the_o name_n it_o be_v report_v ibid._n that_o in_o old_a time_n when_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o outlet_a these_o river_n and_o the_o lake_n bebeis_n beside_o be_v not_o call_v as_o at_o present_a although_o they_o do_v run_v no_o less_o than_o now_o but_o run_v make_v all_o thessaly_n a_o sea_n the_o thessalian_n 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his_o horn_n and_o give_v it_o to_o oeneus_n in_o pledge_n of_o his_o marriage_n with_o deianeira_n his_o daughter_n they_o which_o collect_v truth_n out_o of_o fable_n say_v that_o hercules_n who_o be_v general_o beneficial_a for_o oeneus_n his_o father_n in_o law_n be_v sake_n restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a overflowing_n of_o this_o river_n with_o bank_n and_o trench_n and_o drayn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adjacent_a country_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o cornucopia_n which_o the_o poet_n make_v to_o be_v the_o emblem_n of_o plenty_n cap._n v._o of_o the_o roman_n that_o the_o roman_a work_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v not_o a_o few_o and_o those_o very_a eminent_a i_o shall_v next_o make_v manifest_a by_o their_o drain_v in_o the_o pompeian_a marsh_n the_o fossa_n mariana_n the_o improvement_n about_o placentia_n and_o gallia_n cisalpina_n the_o restraint_n of_o the_o river_n tiber_n in_o its_o overflowing_n and_o the_o exsiccation_n of_o the_o great_a fucine_n lake_n in_o italy_n sect._n 1_o the_o pompein_a marsh_n in_o the_o year_n 593_o when_o l._n anicius_n gallus_n &_o m._n cornelius_n cethegus_n be_v consul_n the_o senate_n 43.915.922_o be_v in_o counsel_n concern_v the_o province_n because_o there_o seem_v not_o sufficient_a use_n against_o the_o enemy_n for_o the_o ordinary_a force_n of_o both_o the_o consul_n which_o be_v 4_o legion_n beside_o the_o auxiliary_n &_o socii_fw-la there_o be_v a_o motion_n make_v concern_v the_o improvement_n of_o a_o great_a level_n of_o waste_a land_n lie_v under_o water_n about_o xl_o mile_n from_o rome_n in_o latium_n which_o business_n be_v entertain_v with_o great_a approbation_n for_o cuâ—ne_n like_a as_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o most_o high_a commondation_n for_o a_o private_a man_n to_o be_v call_v a_o good_a husbandman_n by_o the_o consul_n so_o do_v the_o senate_n now_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v deserve_v the_o praise_n of_o good_a husband_n for_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o in_o this_o opportunity_n of_o leisure_n they_o can_v gain_v such_o a_o quantity_n of_o rich_a land_n to_o italy_n which_o be_v the_o great_a part_n mountainous_a and_o barren_a neither_o be_v this_o employment_n think_v too_o mean_a for_o the_o legion_n though_o consist_v of_o free_a man_n for_o the_o roman_a and_o italian_a infantry_n as_o well_o accustom_v to_o the_o spade_n and_o basket_n as_o to_o the_o sword_n and_o buckler_n use_v to_o be_v their_o own_o pioner_n in_o their_o daily_a intrenchment_n neither_o work_v they_o for_o their_o own_o safety_n only_o in_o time_n of_o danger_n but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a also_o in_o time_n of_o security_n the_o 39_o consul_n ao._n 566._o have_v herein_o give_v a_o precedent_n who_o lest_o their_o soldier_n shall_v be_v idle_a employ_v they_o in_o make_v of_o highway_n hereupon_o it_o be_v decree_v that_o one_o consul_n shall_v attend_v the_o enemy_n in_o gallia_n and_o the_o other_o undertake_v the_o drayn_n of_o the_o pompeine_a marsh_n all_o 5._o the_o country_n which_o lie_v eastward_o of_o rome_n between_o the_o river_n tiber_n and_o campania_n be_v now_o unite_a under_o the_o name_n of_o latium_n and_o in_o it_o that_o place_n which_o lie_v towards_o the_o sea_n beneath_o the_o row_n of_o hill_n which_o reach_v from_o belitre_n to_o terracina_n be_v the_o large_a it_o be_v denominate_v from_o suessa_n pometia_n ancient_o a_o rich_a city_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o the_o volsi_fw-la but_o now_o scarce_o extant_a the_o maritime_a part_n of_o this_o vale_n for_o a_o great_a extent_n be_v drown_v not_o so_o much_o through_o any_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n who_o tide_n be_v here_o but_o small_a as_o by_o reason_n the_o water_n of_o amasenus_n and_o ufens_n the_o big_a river_n have_v not_o their_o passage_n sufficientt_o open_a into_o the_o sea_n diffuse_v themselves_o over_o those_o spacious_a low_a ground_n up_o towards_o sulmo_n &_o setia_n this_o tract_n be_v therefore_o call_v the_o pomentin_n or_o pomptin_a fen_n have_v be_v in_o such_o manner_n surround_v beyond_o all_o memory_n for_o homer_n 158._o describe_v the_o arrival_n of_o ulysses_n at_o the_o circean_a promontory_n call_v it_o a_o island_n in_o regard_n of_o these_o water_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o sea_n on_o the_o other_o the_o which_o island_n say_v theophrastus_n 9_o have_v about_o ten_o mile_n of_o circuit_n but_o in_o his_o time_n he_o write_v 3.5_o about_o twenty_o year_n after_o appius_n have_v be_v censor_n the_o river_n by_o cast_v up_o earth_n have_v join_v it_o to_o the_o continent_n so_o as_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v that_o hitherto_o either_o before_o the_o roman_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n or_o since_o there_o have_v be_v any_o order_n take_v for_o the_o win_n of_o this_o ground_n from_o the_o water_n but_o now_o by_o order_n of_o the_o senate_n the_o pomptin_a fen_n be_v lay_v dry_a 46._o by_o cornelius_n cethegus_n the_o consul_n to_o who_o that_o province_n fall_v and_o they_o be_v make_v good_a ground_n the_o country_n people_n allure_v therefore_o with_o the_o richness_n of_o the_o soil_n settle_v themselves_o here_o in_o such_o abundance_n that_o there_o be_v say_v aevi_fw-la to_o be_v not_o long_o after_o this_o time_n for_o i_o can_v understand_v it_o of_o any_o former_a three_o and_o twenty_o town_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v a_o land_n capable_a of_o many_o thousand_o husbandman_n but_o c._n in_o after_o time_n whilst_o the_o state_n distract_v with_o civil_a faction_n neglect_v the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o work_n the_o water_n again_o by_o degree_n gain_v upon_o the_o land_n so_o d._n as_o julius_n caesar_n have_v a_o intention_n not_o only_o to_o have_v drayn_v the_o fen_n anew_o but_o to_o have_v bring_v the_o appian_n way_n through_o they_o whether_o augusâ—us_n do_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o may_v be_v doubt_v for_o 26.4_o in_o vespasian_n time_n they_o
be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o miracle_n they_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v so_o well_o inhabit_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o conjecture_v when_o the_o bed_n of_o the_o river_n be_v scour_v and_o the_o land_n trench_v be_v that_o great_a cut_n make_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o these_o fen_n which_o serve_v afterward_o not_o so_o much_o for_o a_o sewer_n as_o the_o more_o direct_a and_o easy_a passage_n of_o the_o traveller_n for_o whereas_o the_o appian_n way_n trace_v the_o upland_n turn_v eastward_o and_o go_v in_o compass_n about_o the_o fensâ—_n this_o be_v draw_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n cross_v over_o more_o direct_o and_o meet_v the_o highway_n again_o about_o three_o mile_n from_o terracina_n say_v b._n strabo_n as_o you_o go_v to_o rome_n this_o canal_n abut_v on_o the_o appian_n way_n and_o be_v replenish_v in_o many_o place_n with_o the_o fennish_a and_o river_n water_n the_o ordinary_a passage_n be_v in_o the_o night_n so_o as_o they_o who_o go_v aboard_o in_o the_o evening_n land_n in_o the_o morning_n and_o go_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o journey_n in_o the_o appian_n way_n they_o pass_v also_o in_o the_o daytime_n the_o boat_n be_v tow_v with_o mule_n which_o water-passage_n be_v elegant_o describe_v by_o horace_n 5â—_n where_o the_o company_n part_v he_o mention_v the_o two_o way_n from_o forum_n appii_n to_o terracina_n the_o appian_n and_o this_o by_o boat_n this_o landing-place_n next_o to_o rome_n be_v in_o aftertime_n know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o forum_n appii_n a_o small_a town_n inhabit_v â—_o chief_o by_o watermen_n and_o victualler_n but_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a whether_o it_o be_v former_o build_v when_o the_o appian_n be_v first_o make_v or_o whether_o now_o upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v erect_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o they_o that_o here_o do_v take_v water_n &_o name_v from_o the_o road_n whereon_o it_o stand_v the_o use_n of_o this_o passage_n continue_v long_o after_o the_o restagnation_n of_o the_o fen_n which_o be_v not_o again_o drayn_v till_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n perform_v the_o work_n which_o julius_n caesar_n perhaps_o intend_v make_v a_o stone_n way_n through_o the_o pomptin_a fen_n build_v 777._o inn_n thereon_o &_o most_o magnificent_a bridge_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o such_o water_n as_o be_v on_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o fen_n in_o memory_n whereof_o a_o monumental_a stone_n be_v erect_v with_o this_o inscription_n copy_v from_o the_o original_n at_o terracina_n by_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n mr._n john_n graves_n imp._n caesar_n divi_z nervae_fw-la filius_n nerva_n traianus_n aug._n germanicus_n dacicus_n pontif_n max._n trib_o pot_n xiiii_o imp._n vi_o cos._n v._o pp_n decennâ—vium_n xviiii_o silice_fw-la sva_fw-la pegunia_fw-la stravit_fw-la liii_o this_o work_n of_o trajan's_n have_v no_o peculiar_a name_n but_o because_o it_o shorten_v the_o appian_n way_n be_v esteem_v part_n of_o it_o yet_o about_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o from_o the_o number_n of_o mile-stone_n it_o be_v call_v decennovium_fw-la the_o reckon_n be_v hierosoâ—ym_n from_o forum_n appii_n ad_fw-la medea_n the_o lodging_n of_o trajan_n rear_v on_o the_o way_n ix_o mile_n from_o thence_o to_o terracina_n x_o more_o and_o the_o canal_n or_o river_n so_o call_v because_o 1.182_o it_o be_v nineteeen_o mile_n long_o after_o this_o theodoricus_n king_n of_o italy_n authorize_v one_o decius_n to_o drain_v 33._o paludem_fw-la decennoviiâ—_n â—_z which_o he_o perform_v by_o cut_v many_o trench_n that_o be_v not_o before_o this_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o time_n that_o these_o marsh_n be_v lay_v dry_a and_o in_o memory_n thereof_o cause_v this_o inscription_n 152._o to_o be_v set_v up_o anxuri_n sive_fw-la terracinae_fw-la in_o caesarei_n templo_fw-la dn_n gloriosiss_n adq._n in_o clutus_n rex_fw-la the_o odoricus_n vict._n ac_fw-la trif_n semper_fw-la aug._n bono_n reip._n natus_n custos_fw-la libertatis_fw-la et_fw-la propagator_fw-la romani_fw-la nominis_fw-la domitor_n gentium_fw-la decennovii_n viae_fw-la appiae_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la a._n trip_v vsq_fw-la terracenam_fw-la iter_fw-la ad._n loca_fw-la quae_fw-la confluentibus_fw-la ab_fw-la utraq_n parte_fw-la paludum_fw-la per._n omnes._n retro-principium_a inundaverunt_fw-la vsvi._n publico_fw-la et_fw-la securitati_fw-la viantium_fw-la admiranda_fw-la propitio_fw-la deo_fw-la felicitate_a restitvit_fw-la operi_fw-la iniuncto_fw-la naviter_fw-la insudante_n adq._n clementissimi_fw-la principis_fw-la feliciter_fw-la deserviente_fw-it praeconiis_fw-la exit_fw-la prosapia_fw-la decio_n rum_fw-la caec_fw-la mav_n basilio_n decio_n vc_n inl_n expf_n vrb._n exppo_n exit_fw-la cons_n ord_n pat_n qvi_fw-fr ad_fw-la perpetuandam_fw-la tanti_fw-la domini_fw-la gloriam_fw-la per._n plurimos_fw-la qvi._n ante_fw-la erant_fw-la albeos_fw-la ....._o ............................._o deducta_fw-la in._n mare_n aqva_n ignoâ—ae_fw-la atavis_fw-la et_fw-la nimis_fw-la antiqvae_fw-la reddi_fw-la ......................._o sect._n 2._o fossa_n mariana_n this_o be_v make_v 414._o by_o the_o famous_a marius_n 65._o who_o be_v seven_o time_n consul_n near_o unto_o one_o of_o the_o outfall_n of_o the_o great_a river_n rhodanus_n in_o that_o fenny_a and_o marish_a country_n not_o far_o from_o aries_n and_o issue_v into_o the_o sea_n sect._n 3_o the_o fen_n about_o placentia_n these_o be_v occasion_v by_o the_o overflowing_n of_o the_o po_n be_v 217._o drayn_v by_o scaurus_n who_o cause_v navigable_a trench_n to_o be_v cut_v from_o they_o into_o parma_n the_o like_a be_v still_o observable_a in_o the_o territory_n of_o ferrara_n which_o though_o a_o low_a ground_n and_o receive_v the_o current_n of_o po_n with_o other_o river_n of_o lombardy_n be_v yet_o secure_v by_o bank_n and_o work_n which_o hinder_v their_o inundation_n particular_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o rotto_n di_fw-mi ficarollo_n and_o the_o ramo_n di_fw-it polistella_n sect._n 4._o gallia_n cis-alpina_a this_o 5._o country_n much_o abound_v with_o river_n especial_o that_o territory_n belong_v to_o the_o venetian_n which_o lie_v flat_a and_o towards_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o tide_n become_v a_o fenny_a marish_a but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o trench_n and_o bank_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v long_o before_o experiment_v in_o the_o low_a egypt_n some_o part_n thereof_o have_v be_v 212._o drayn_v and_o make_v useful_a for_o tillage_n some_o navigable_a and_o some_o cut_n into_o island_n sect._n 5._o of_o the_o river_n tiber._n to_o restrain_v the_o exorbitant_a overflowing_n of_o this_o stream_n which_o be_v not_o a_o little_a choke_v with_o dung_n and_o several_a old_a building_n that_o have_v fall_v into_o it_o i_o find_v 30._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n bestow_v some_o cost_n in_o the_o clear_n and_o scour_v of_o it_o and_o that_o after_o this_o through_o 1._o abundance_n of_o rain_n the_o low_a ground_n about_o the_o city_n suffer_v much_o by_o great_a inundation_n thereof_o the_o remedy_n in_o prevent_v the_o like_a for_o the_o future_a be_v by_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o ateius_n capito_n and_o l._n aruntius_n whereupon_o it_o be_v by_o they_o discuss_v in_o the_o senate_n whether_o for_o the_o moderate_v the_o flood_n of_o this_o river_n the_o stream_n and_o lake_n whereby_o it_o increase_v shall_v be_v turn_v another_o way_n but_o to_o that_o proposal_n there_o be_v several_a objection_n make_v from_o sundry_a city_n and_o colony_n the_o florentine_n desire_v that_o the_o clanis_n may_v not_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o accustom_a channel_n and_o turn_v into_o the_o river_n arnus_n in_o regard_n much_o prejudice_n will_v thereby_o befall_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n do_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o terano_n argue_v affirm_v that_o if_o the_o river_n nar_n shall_v but_o cut_v into_o small_a stream_n the_o overflowing_n thereof_o will_v surround_v the_o most_o fruitful_a ground_n of_o italy_n neither_o be_v those_o of_o reate_n a_o city_n in_o umbria_n silent_a who_o refuse_v to_o stop_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o lake_n uelinus_fw-la now_o call_v lago_n de_fw-fr terni_fw-la into_o the_o say_a river_n nar._n the_o business_n therefore_o find_v this_o opposition_n be_v let_v alone_o after_o which_o nerva_n or_o trajan_n attempt_v 27._o likewise_o by_o a_o trench_n to_o prevent_v the_o fatal_a inundation_n of_o this_o river_n but_o without_o success_n sect._n 6._o the_o fucine_n lake_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o little_a to_o be_v admire_v what_o labour_n and_o cost_v the_o roman_n bestow_v in_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v testify_v 20._o of_o the_o emperor_n claudius_n that_o he_o employ_v no_o less_o than_o thirty_o thousand_o man_n for_o the_o space_n of_o eleven_o year_n without_o intermission_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o great_a fucine_n câ—lanâ—_n lake_n in_o italy_n who_o dig_v for_o that_o purpose_n a_o channel_n of_o three_o mile_n in_o length_n whereof_o part_n be_v cut_v through_o a_o mountain_n yet_o do_v not_o accomplish_v the_o work_n which_o failingâ—_n no_o whit_n deter_v posterity_n for_o make_v father_n attempt_v therein_o
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
and_o covenable_a law_n and_o statute_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v and_o employ_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n in_o that_o work_n upon_o convenient_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o urgent_a necessity_n of_o expedition_n to_o be_v have_v therein_o howbeit_o after_o this_o time_n till_o the_o xith_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o late_a king_n charles_n i_o have_v not_o observe_v any_o thing_n else_o of_o moment_n concern_v these_o marsh_n but_o then_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o glamford_n brigge_n upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o march_n car._n in_o the_o say_a year_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n and_o car_n lie_v on_o both_o side_n of_o the_o before-specified_n river_n of_o ancholme_n in_o the_o lordship_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n atterby_n and_o several_a other_o it_o be_v then_o and_o there_o order_v 1659._o by_o will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n marmaduke_n darell_n samuel_n owfield_n stephan_n anderson_n esquire_n and_o richard_n nelthorpe_n gentleman_n his_o majesty_n commissioner_n that_o a_o tax_n of_o s._n iiij_o xiijd._o shall_v be_v assess_v upon_o every_o acre_n of_o land_n find_v in_o a_o verdict_n of_o the_o say_a session_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n aforesaid_a for_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o fen_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v a_o sluse_n or_o clow_n near_o the_o out-fall_a of_o the_o say_a river_n which_o say_v sum_n be_v not_o pay_v according_o the_o before-specified_n fen_n can_v not_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n there_o be_v therefore_o another_o commission_n short_o after_o direct_v to_o sir_n robert_n bell_n knight_n sir_n edward_z ascogh_o knight_n sir_n william_n pelham_n knight_n will._n tirwhit_o will._n anderson_n edmund_n anderson_n george_n glapthorne_n and_o edward_n tourney_n esquire_n who_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o sit_v at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a upon_o the_o xxiiijth_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o follow_v where_o they_o the_o say_v commissioner_n do_v decree_n ibid._n and_o ordain_v that_o those_o fen_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o take_v in_o hand_n and_o to_o that_o end_n treat_v with_o some_o foreign_a undertaker_n who_o demand_n be_v find_v too_o high_a and_o all_o other_o gentleman_n refuse_v sir_n john_n munson_n knight_n of_o the_o honourable_a order_n of_o the_o bath_n a_o person_n eminent_o qualify_v with_o learning_n and_o sundry_a other_o ample_a endowment_n have_v a_o fair_a estate_n in_o this_o county_n and_o no_o small_a proportion_n of_o these_o surround_v marsh_n out_o of_o a_o noble_a desire_n to_o serve_v his_o country_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v be_v the_o undertaker_n thereof_o himself_o upon_o the_o term_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n unto_o those_o foreiner_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o they_o leave_v every_o freeholder_n at_o liberty_n to_o adventure_v for_o his_o own_o share_n if_o they_o think_v fit_a upon_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o give_v they_o a_o month_n time_n to_o consider_v of_o it_o of_o which_o offer_v most_o of_o the_o great_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o that_o level_n accept_v whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n decree_v ibid._n first_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n shall_v and_o may_v forthwith_o set_v upon_o the_o work_n and_o accomplish_v it_o within_o the_o space_n of_o the_o six_o next_o ensue_v year_n second_o that_o all_o the_o say_a ground_n be_v so_o drayn_v shall_v for_o ever_o afterward_o continue_v for_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n except_v some_o quantity_n thereof_o not_o exceed_v cc_o acre_n which_o be_v to_o be_v leave_v for_o lake_n and_o sike_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o superfluous_a water_n within_o the_o same_o three_o that_o he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v at_o their_o own_o cost_n repair_v and_o keep_v all_o drayn_n and_o sluice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v conduce_v thereto_o and_o for_o the_o better_a preserve_n of_o the_o say_a work_n to_o make_v such_o new_a drayn_n and_o sluice_n with_o cart_n bridge_n over_o they_o where_o need_n shall_v be_v in_o such_o place_n as_o any_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v think_v fit_a four_o that_o in_o consideration_n of_o this_o great_a work_n he_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v have_v and_o enjoy_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o seven_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o marsh_n dischardged_a from_o all_o commons_o title_n charge_n interest_n and_o demand_n of_o all_o or_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o be_v assign_v and_o allot_v to_o they_o out_o of_o the_o say_a lordship_n or_o any_o six_o of_o they_o before_o the_o feast-day_n of_o s._n michael_n the_o archangel_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1636._o to_o be_v enjoy_v from_o the_o time_n that_o the_o say_v ground_n shall_v be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n five_o that_o if_o through_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n after_o the_o end_n of_o those_o six_o year_n the_o abovementioned_a ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v again_o surround_v and_o so_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n together_o and_o that_o by_o view_n and_o judgement_n of_o the_o commissioner_n the_o same_o shall_v be_v so_o certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n that_o then_o in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o again_o in_v and_o make_v fit_a for_o erable_a within_o six_o month_n after_o such_o certificate_n transmit_v into_o the_o chancery_n it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o say_a ground_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o enter_v into_o two_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v five_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o seven_o acre_n until_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o drown_v shall_v be_v again_o recover_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n etc._n etc._n six_o that_o every_o person_n who_o have_v land_n adjoin_v to_o those_o drayned_a ground_n which_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v better_v by_o this_o drayn_n shall_v pay_v unto_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n his_o heir_n or_o assign_v for_o every_o acre_n so_o improve_v so_o much_o as_o by_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v be_v adjudge_v fit_a seven_o that_o in_o case_n the_o say_a river_n of_o ankolme_n shall_v in_o order_n to_o this_o drayn_n be_v divert_v by_o any_o new_a cut_n such_o lord_n of_o manor_n and_o other_o as_o have_v have_v liberty_n of_o fish_v in_o the_o old_a channel_n shall_v in_o lieu_n thereof_o have_v the_o like_a benefit_n and_o liberty_n in_o the_o new_a eight_o that_o where_o any_o man_n ground_n shall_v happen_v to_o be_v cast_v from_o his_o lordship_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o the_o river_n the_o same_o person_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v to_o have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o and_o from_o the_o same_o through_o the_o lordship_n of_o he_o to_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o cast_v which_o decree_n of_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n be_v exemplify_v under_o the_o great_a seal_n of_o england_n by_o the_o king_n letter_n patent_n bear_v date_n 27_o octobris_fw-la 14_o caroli_n after_o which_o at_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o adjournment_n at_o glamford_n brigge_v aforesaid_a the_o four_o day_n of_o may_n in_o the_o xiiijth_z year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n charles_n by_o and_o before_o william_n amcot_n john_n broxholme_n marmaduke_n darrell_n thomas_n nethercot_n roger_n gregory_n and_o mich._n mounckton_n esquire_n tho._n hely_n henry_a sandwith_n john_n barnard_n edw._n nelthorpe_n tho._n farmery_n and_o william_n darvin_n gentleman_n commissioner_n appoint_v for_o this_o level_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ankolme_n extend_v from_o bishop_n brigg_n on_o the_o south_n to_o ferriby_n brigg_n on_o the_o north_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o low_a water_n mark_n in_o humbre_fw-mi and_o into_o the_o manor_n of_o glentham_n bishop_n norton_n and_o divers_a other_o after_o recital_n of_o the_o decree_n and_o ordinance_n make_v in_o the_o two_o former_a session_n of_o 11_o caroli_n before_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o that_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v likewise_o at_o glamford_n brigg_n aforesaid_a by_o and_o before_o william_n amcott_n marmaduke_n darrell_n john_n broxholme_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v adjudge_v and_o declare_v that_o the_o say_a sir_n john_n monson_n have_v with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a â—umms_n of_o money_n well_o and_o sufficient_o drayn_v and_o recover_v those_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o say_a law_n make_v the_o 24_o of_o august_n in_o the_o say_v 11_o year_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o say_v will._n amcott_n and_o
spout_v be_v lay_v at_o the_o high_a end_n of_o collyson_n gate_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o land_n that_o shall_v drain_v by_o it_o as_o also_o another_o between_o hall_n toft_a and_o richard_n lowy_n his_o land_n by_o the_o land_n that_o be_v to_o drain_v by_o it_o and_o another_o against_o one_o dyke_n end_n of_o john_n holiday_n by_o all_o the_o land_n which_o shall_v drain_v by_o it_o all_o which_o thing_n be_v then_o decree_v by_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n and_o several_a other_o order_n by_o they_o make_v for_o the_o cleanse_n and_o repair_v of_o sundry_a drayn_n sewer_n and_o goat_n which_o be_v then_o defective_a there_o be_v also_o in_o the_o same_o second_o year_n of_o queen_n eliza._n reign_n a_o decree_n lindsey_n make_v in_o the_o duchy_n court_n that_o the_o port_n and_o haven_n of_o waynflete_a from_o the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o eye_n unto_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o place_n call_v norman_a diepe_a shall_v be_v repair_v dike_v and_o scour_v of_o sufficient_a depth_n and_o breadth_n as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v be_v accustom_v and_o this_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o say_a queen_n or_o her_o fermour_n of_o her_o fish_n at_o wainflete_a the_o heir_n of_o sir_n william_n brereton_n kt._n or_o his_o tenant_n and_o by_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n viz._n two_o part_n of_o the_o say_a port_n â—â—om_o the_o say_a place_n call_v the_o west_n end_n of_o the_o eye_n unto_o the_o sea_n or_o plaâ—e_v call_v norman_a diepe_a at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_a queen_n or_o her_o fermour_n the_o heir_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n brereton_n knight_n a_o four_o part_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o soak_v of_o bullingbroke_n the_o other_o four_o part_n after_o this_o viz._n 4_o aprilis_fw-la anno_fw-la 1571._o 13_o eliz._n there_o be_v a_o view_n ibid._n take_v of_o the_o fresh_a and_o salt_a water_n bank_n in_o waynflete_a s._n marry_o by_o tho._n quadring_n esq_n the_o high_a shireeve_n of_o lincoâ—nshire_n hamond_n upton_n esquire_n william_n derby_n and_o anthony_n kyme_n and_o other_o justice_n of_o sewer_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v present_v ibid._n that_o the_o north_n end_n of_o a_o bank_n call_v the_o fen_n dyke_n in_o waynflete_a s._n mary_n extend_v to_o deacon_n gap_n against_o the_o south_n in_o friskeney_n be_v in_o length_n three_o hundred_o road_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o commoner_n of_o waynflete_a s._n mary_n for_o that_o the_o say_v commoner_n get_v reed_n and_o do_v fish_n in_o two_o fen_n adjoin_v to_o both_o side_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o because_o the_o say_a commoner_n have_v bite_v for_o their_o cattle_n in_o the_o say_v two_o fen_n and_o that_o from_o the_o say_a deacon_n gap_n unto_o the_o clow_n call_v the_o fen_n clow_n and_o thence_o unto_o strange_a place_n the_o say_a bank_n be_v in_o length_n about_o three_o mile_n and_o in_o decay_n so_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o friskeney_n be_v thereby_o surround_v aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o owner_n and_o commoner_n as_o be_v before_o that_o time_n accustom_v to_o do_v it_o likewise_o that_o simon_n goat_n be_v use_v as_o before_o have_v be_v accustom_v may_v serve_v for_o a_o whole_a drayn_n aswell_o for_o the_o take_v away_o of_o the_o head_n of_o the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o east_n fen_n as_o for_o the_o low_a ground_n adjoin_v to_o the_o same_o in_o friskeney_n and_o wrangle_n and_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n in_o friskeney_n and_o wrangle_n to_o bear_v such_o reasonable_a charge_n in_o the_o same_o drayn_n as_o by_o the_o bench_n shall_v be_v think_v meet_v also_o that_o new_a goat_n in_o friskenay_n be_v a_o sufficient_a drayn_n for_o the_o say_a town_n so_o that_o it_o be_v scour_v and_o cleanse_v with_o the_o petty_a drayn_n belong_v thereto_o and_o last_o that_o waynflet_n s._n mary_n be_v then_o destitute_a of_o any_o drayn_n whereupon_o they_o desire_v that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o drayn_n into_o waynflet_n haven_n all_o which_o be_v then_o decree_v ibid._n accord_o and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o alford_n 4_o junii_fw-la 23_o caroli_n there_o be_v a_o decree_n pettibag_n make_v that_o the_o new_a sea_n bank_n of_o ingoldmel_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o skirt_a to_o the_o height_n of_o hogstrop_n new_a sea-bank_n viz._n nine_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a twelve_o foot_n square_a and_o sixty_o foot_n in_o the_o skirt_n from_o the_o say_v hogstrop_n sea-bank_n to_o watson_n house_n in_o ingoldmel_n at_o the_o charge_n of_o croft_n burgh_n bratoft_n irby_n frisby_n great_a steep_v and_o gunby_n the_o landlord_n bear_v three_o part_n thereof_o and_o the_o tenant_n the_o four_o cap._n xxx_o dyke_n on_o the_o south_n west_n side_n of_o this_o province_n be_v fosse_n dike_a a_o artificial_a trâ—nch_n extend_v from_o that_o great_a marish_a below_o the_o city_n of_o lincoln_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n at_o torkley_n which_o be_v about_o seven_o mile_n this_o be_v make_v 20._o by_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o in_o the_o year_n 1121._o 21_o h._n 1._o for_o the_o bring_n up_o of_o navigable_a vessel_n from_o the_o say_a river_n unto_o that_o city_n for_o the_o commodity_n thereof_o which_o trench_n as_o it_o be_v of_o special_a consequence_n for_o that_o purpose_n so_o do_v it_o no_o less_o benefit_n to_o the_o part_n adjacent_a by_o drayn_v that_o fenny_a level_n from_o the_o stand_a water_n then_o much_o annoy_v it_o but_o this_o ditch_n stand_v in_o such_o a_o flat_a that_o it_o have_v no_o quick_a current_n of_o water_n through_o it_o to_o scour_v out_o the_o mud_n and_o filth_n which_o by_o little_a and_o little_o increase_v therein_o it_o come_v in_o time_n to_o be_v so_o choke_v up_o that_o it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o cleanse_v for_o support_v therefore_o of_o that_o charge_n certain_a sum_n of_o money_n be_v assess_v upon_o those_o land-holders_n which_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o and_o collector_n appoint_v for_o the_o same_o which_o collector_n convert_v a_o great_a part_n thereof_o to_o their_o own_o use_n king_n edward_n 3._o in_o the_o 9_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n assign_v dorso_fw-la adam_n de_fw-fr lymberg_n geffrey_n de_fw-fr edenham_n thomas_n de_fw-fr sibethorpe_n and_o nicholas_n below_o to_o inquire_v thereof_o what_o be_v then_o do_v therein_o i_o find_v not_o but_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v that_o within_o thirty_o year_n after_o it_o be_v grow_v so_o full_a of_o weed_n and_o grass_n and_o the_o earth_n so_o tread_v into_o the_o same_o by_o drive_v of_o cattle_n over_o it_o in_o seâ—â—â—â—_n place_n and_o the_o mud_n increase_v to_o such_o a_o thickness_n that_o the_o citizen_n of_o lincoln_n aswell_o in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o tradesman_n of_o the_o city_n of_o york_n town_n of_o nottingham_n and_o kingston_n upon_o hull_n as_o several_a other_o place_n do_v in_o 39_o e._n 3._o make_v a_o great_a complaint_n thereof_o to_o the_o king_n in_o parliament_n represent_v the_o damage_n which_o accrue_v to_o they_o thereby_o in_o regard_n that_o ship_n and_o boat_n can_v not_o pass_v too_o and_o fro_o therein_o with_o merchandize_n and_o victual_n as_o they_o have_v wont_a to_o do_v the_o say_a king_n therefore_o much_o tender_v the_o good_a of_o that_o city_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o other_o person_n who_o have_v occasion_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o same_o with_o boat_n and_o other_o vessel_n for_o their_o better_a advantage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o commerce_n and_o trade_n and_o to_o that_o â—nd_n be_v willing_a to_o apply_v a_o speedy_a remedy_n thereto_o constitute_v philip_n de_fw-fr lymbury_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n adam_n de_fw-fr lymbergh_n illard_n de_fw-fr usflet_n robert_n de_fw-fr morton_n and_o walter_n de_fw-fr poynton_n or_o any_o four_o three_o or_o two_o of_o they_o to_o view_v the_o say_a channel_n and_o the_o defect_n thereof_o and_o 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 aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o who_o they_o be_v that_o aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o cleanse_v the_o same_o and_o for_o how_o long_a time_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n they_o have_v so_o do_v and_o to_o distrain_v they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o who_o they_o shall_v find_v liable_a thereto_o to_o repair_v and_o make_v good_a those_o defect_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o to_o compel_v they_o thereto_o by_o amerciament_n and_o such_o other_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v of_o all_o and_o singular_a the_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n but_o if_o these_o commissioner_n do_v any_o thing_n therein_o it_o amount_v to_o little_a for_o about_o ten_o year_n after_o the_o term_n be_v then_o keep_v at_o lincoln_n the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapentake_n in_o this_o
element_n and_o thereby_o check_v the_o usual_a tide_n get_v ground_n so_o fast_o upon_o the_o ocean_n as_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o place_n to_o do_v where_o the_o sea_n have_v any_o stop_n that_o those_o active_a and_o industrious_a people_n the_o roman_n who_o make_v all_o use_n of_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o profit_n find_v the_o soil_n thus_o raise_v above_o the_o usual_a tide_n to_o be_v much_o more_o rich_a and_o fertile_a than_o any_o upland_n ground_n bestow_v the_o pain_n and_o cost_n to_o raise_v strong_a bank_n of_o earth_n on_o that_o side_n towards_o the_o ocean_n to_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o springtide_n which_o common_o happen_v about_o xx_o or_o thirty_o time_n in_o the_o revolution_n of_o one_o year_n and_o some_o much_o high_a than_o other_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o north_n east_n wind_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o county_n of_o holland_n and_o marshland_n be_v thus_o win_v and_o gain_v for_o that_o this_o be_v a_o work_n of_o the_o roman_n that_o expression_n of_o tacitus_n agricolae_fw-la whereof_o i_o have_v take_v notice_n in_o my_o discourse_n concern_v romeney_n marsh_n do_v not_o only_o imply_v but_o the_o coin_v find_v in_o those_o part_n with_o the_o large_a heap_n of_o earth_n still_o to_o be_v see_v there_o which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v raise_v for_o monument_n of_o some_o eminent_a military_a person_n whilst_o their_o colony_n remain_v in_o this_o nation_n do_v more_o than_o probable_o show_v i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o our_o ancestor_n the_o saxon_n make_v use_v of_o this_o way_n of_o sepulture_n saxones_n gens_fw-la christi_fw-la ignari_fw-la in_fw-la hortis_fw-la amaenis_fw-la si_fw-la domi_fw-la fortè_fw-la aegroti_fw-la moriebantur_fw-la si_fw-la foris_fw-la auâ—_n bello_fw-la occisi_fw-la in_fw-la aegestis_fw-la per_fw-la campos_fw-la terrae_fw-la tumulis_fw-la quos_fw-la burgos_n appellabant_fw-la sepulti_fw-la sunt_fw-la say_v leland_n the_o saxon_n a_o heathen_a people_n if_o by_o reason_n of_o sickness_n they_o die_v at_o home_n be_v bury_v in_o their_o garden_n but_o if_o abroad_o and_o slay_v in_o war_n then_o in_o the_o field_n under_o heap_n of_o earth_n which_o they_o call_v burrows_n so_o likewise_o the_o dane_n once_o master_n of_o this_o realm_n for_o awhile_o as_o adolphus_n cyprius_n testify_v slâ—swic_n danos_n olim_fw-la in_fw-la memoriam_fw-la regum_fw-la &_o heroum_fw-la ex_fw-la terrâ_fw-la coacervatâ_fw-la ingentes_fw-la mole_n montium_fw-la instar_fw-la eminentes_fw-la erexisse_fw-la credibile_fw-la omnino_fw-la &_o probabile_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o atque_fw-la illis_fw-la in_o locis_fw-la ut_fw-la plurimum_fw-la quo_fw-la homines_fw-la commearant_a atque_fw-la iter_fw-la haberent_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o viis_fw-la publicis_fw-la quo_fw-la posteritati_fw-la memoriam_fw-la conservarent_fw-la &_o quodamodo_fw-la immortalitati_fw-la mandarent_fw-la that_o the_o dane_n ancient_o in_o memory_n of_o their_o king_n and_o noble_n do_v raise_v exceed_v great_a heap_n of_o earth_n cast_v up_o together_o like_a unto_o hill_n be_v both_o credible_a and_o probable_a and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o place_n where_o people_n travel_v whereby_o they_o may_v perpetuate_v their_o memory_n to_o posterity_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n make_v they_o immortal_a but_o that_o these_o be_v rather_o of_o the_o roman_n erection_n i_o do_v most_o incline_v to_o believe_v partly_o in_o respect_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a person_n for_o their_o ingenuity_n experience_n and_o industry_n to_o gain_v these_o country_n from_o the_o sea_n next_o by_o reason_n that_o many_o of_o their_o coin_n have_v be_v find_v there_o and_o last_o because_o so_o many_o of_o those_o tumuli_fw-la of_o a_o very_a great_a magnitude_n be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v it_o be_v aâ—ricolae_fw-la the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n so_o to_o inter_v as_o be_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o a_o eminent_a historian_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o germanicus_n who_o thus_o dispose_v of_o the_o unburied_a bone_n of_o the_o slay_a soldier_n of_o varus_n whereof_o i_o have_v at_o large_a elsewhere_o iâ—lustr_n take_v notice_n as_o also_o from_o that_o passage_n in_o lucan_n et_fw-la regum_fw-la cineres_fw-la excelso_fw-la monte_fw-fr quiescunt_fw-la nor_o do_v it_o a_o little_a conduce_v to_o the_o proof_n hereof_o that_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a urn_n prakirk_n dig_v up_o of_o late_a year_n in_o the_o cut_n of_o some_o drain_v through_o the_o adjacent_a fen_n so_o likewise_o in_o a_o place_n call_v ford_z ea_z near_a sotham_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n wherein_o be_v find_v 1658._o burn_v bone_n ash_n and_o coal_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_a testimony_n that_o some_o of_o their_o colony_n have_v residence_n in_o these_o part_n touch_v which_o kind_n of_o urn_n burial_n see_v far_o in_o that_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o learned_a dr_n tho._n brown_n of_o norwich_n print_v at_o london_n in_o an._n 1658._o from_o who_o i_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v receive_v much_o direction_n for_o my_o better_a guidance_n in_o this_o present_a work_n neither_o be_v that_o long_a causey_n make_v of_o gravel_n of_o about_o three_o foot_n in_o thickness_n and_o sixty_o foot_n broad_a now_o cover_v with_o the_o moor_n in_o some_o place_n three_o and_o in_o some_o other_o five_a foot_n thick_a which_o exâ—endeth_v itself_o from_o denver_n in_o norfolk_n near_o salter_n load_n over_o the_o great_a wash_n to_o charke_n thence_o to_o march_n plantwater_n and_o eldernell_n and_o so_o to_o peterborongh_v in_o length_n about_o twenty-four_o mile_n likely_a to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o a_o roman_a work_n as_o may_v seem_v from_o the_o word_n of_o herodian_a 3._o in_o the_o life_n of_o severus_n the_o emperor_n where_o take_v notice_n how_o hardy_a and_o warlike_a a_o people_n the_o britan_n be_v and_o of_o their_o expertnesse_n in_o swim_v he_o say_v sed_fw-la inprimis_fw-la tamen_fw-la curae_fw-la habuit_fw-la pontibus_fw-la occupare_fw-la paludes_fw-la ut_fw-la stare_n in_fw-la tuto_fw-la milites_fw-la facile_fw-la per_fw-la eas_fw-la discurrere_fw-la possent_fw-la atque_fw-la in_o solido_fw-la praeliari_fw-la siquidem_fw-la pleraque_fw-la loca_fw-la frequentibus_fw-la oceani_fw-la alluvionibus_fw-la paludescunt_fw-la per_fw-la eas_fw-la igitur_fw-la paludes_fw-la barbari_fw-la ipsi_fw-la natant_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o therefore_o viz._n severus_n first_o take_v care_n to_o make_v causey_n over_o the_o fen_n that_o his_o soldier_n may_v stand_v on_o firm_a ground_n and_o with_o ease_n pass_v over_o they_o fight_v on_o the_o dry_a land_n there_o be_v many_o place_n fenny_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o frequent_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n over_o which_o those_o barbarous_a people_n do_v swim_v cap._n xxxv_o how_o the_o main_a level_n come_v first_o to_o be_v a_o fenn_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v evident_a enough_o that_o those_o county_n of_o holland_n and_o marshland_n be_v first_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o afterward_o defend_v with_o strong_a bank_n make_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o roman_n it_o will_v therefore_o not_o be_v improper_a for_o i_o to_o go_v on_o and_o show_v with_o what_o care_n and_o cost_n as_o also_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o bank_n so_o make_v for_o their_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n support_v and_o maintain_v till_o this_o present_a but_o because_o i_o conceive_v it_o may_v better_o conduce_v to_o the_o more_o perspicuous_a carry_v on_o of_o my_o story_n to_o show_v how_o that_o spacious_a level_n lie_v southwards_o towards_o the_o continent_n and_o bound_v with_o the_o high_a land_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v come_v at_o first_o to_o be_v a_o fenny_a lake_n and_o then_o increase_v by_o tract_n of_o time_n in_o depth_n i_o shall_v reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v touch_v the_o repair_n and_o strengthen_n of_o those_o bank_n till_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o attempt_n and_o endeavour_n which_o have_v in_o several_a age_n be_v make_v for_o the_o gain_n or_o improve_n of_o the_o sundry_a part_n thereof_o by_o the_o skill_n and_o labour_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o borderer_n or_o any_o other_o who_o have_v be_v adventurer_n in_o those_o work_n cap._n xxxvi_o of_o the_o rise_n course_n and_o outfall_n of_o the_o several_a river_n pass_v through_o it_o and_o now_o in_o order_n to_o this_o demonstration_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a river_n which_o rise_v in_o the_o adjacent_a high-land_n country_n have_v their_o issue_n to_o the_o sea_n through_o several_a part_n of_o this_o vast_a level_n i_o be_o next_o to_o take_v notice_n which_o those_o river_n be_v whence_o they_o come_v and_o where_o they_o have_v their_o outfall_n first_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o grant_n whence_o cambridge_n ancient_o call_v grantbrigge_n take_v its_o name_n grant_n this_o have_v its_o original_n about_o ashwell_n in_o hartfordshire_n bring_v with_o it_o the_o down-falls_a of_o part_n of_o that_o country_n and_o part_n of_o essex_n pass_v through_o cambridgshire_n and_o at_o
divers_a age_n a_o most_o unhealthy_a stagnation_n of_o water_n yield_v no_o considerable_a profit_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n or_o those_o that_o border_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o obstruction_n which_o the_o before_o specify_v river_n have_v have_v in_o pass_v out_o free_o to_o the_o sea_n have_v be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o drown_n already_o speak_v of_o be_v apparent_a enough_o i_o shall_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n make_v manifest_a what_o it_o be_v that_o have_v thus_o stop_v and_o choke_v up_o these_o their_o outfall_n whosoever_o have_v observe_v the_o constant_a tide_n which_o flow_v up_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o lynne_n will_v find_v the_o water_n always_o very_o thick_a and_o muddy_a there_o because_o the_o sea_n bear_v a_o large_a breadth_n northwards_o from_o thence_o work_v with_o so_o much_o distemper_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o silt_n do_v daily_o settle_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o that_o ostiarie_n and_o likewise_o in_o the_o other_o viz._n of_o wisbeche_n spalding_n and_o boston_n so_o that_o in_o time_n it_o can_v not_o but_o grow_v to_o that_o thickness_n without_o some_o artificial_a help_n to_o quicken_v the_o current_n upon_o its_o evacuation_n at_o every_o ebb_n whereby_o it_o may_v be_v carry_v out_o again_o that_o it_o must_v needs_o force_v back_o the_o fresh_a water_n and_o cause_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overflow_v but_o at_o length_n to_o drown_v the_o whole_a level_n through_o which_o their_o stream_n do_v pass_v and_o this_o we_o see_v apparent_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o to_o such_o a_o height_n be_v the_o silt_n grow_v that_o in_o the_o year_n 1635._o upon_o the_o deep_v of_o 2._o wisbeche_n river_n the_o workman_n at_o eight_o foot_n below_o the_o then_o bottom_n thereof_o come_v to_o another_o bottom_n which_o be_v stony_a and_o in_o it_o at_o several_a distance_n find_v seven_o boat_n that_o have_v lyen_fw-we there_o overwhelm_v with_o the_o silt_n for_o many_o age_n so_o likewise_o at_o salter_n load_n at_o the_o dig_v of_o a_o foundation_n for_o the_o sasse_n which_o be_v there_o set_v up_o of_o late_a year_n by_o the_o adventurer_n in_o that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o present_a drayn_n the_o silt_n be_v observe_v to_o be_v ten_o foot_n deep_a and_o next_o below_o that_o three_o foot_n thickness_n of_o firm_a moor_n then_o bluish_a gault_n which_o the_o workman_n judge_v to_o have_v be_v silt_v original_o because_o be_v dry_a it_o not_o only_o crumble_v like_o it_o but_o have_v the_o root_n of_o reed_n in_o it_o then_o below_o it_o moor_n of_o three_o foot_n thickness_n much_o firm_a and_o clear_a than_o the_o other_o and_o last_o whitish_a clay_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o very_a natural_a and_o bottom_a soil_n at_o the_o first_o before_o those_o change_v happen_v either_o from_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o choke_v up_o these_o outfall_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v add_v hereunto_o what_o likewise_o have_v of_o late_a year_n be_v observe_v at_o witlesey_n in_o the_o cast_n of_o those_o moat_n by_o mr._n underwood_n for_o the_o fence_n in_o of_o his_o new_a plantation_n of_o fruit_n tree_n viz._n that_o dig_v through_o the_o moor_n at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a they_o come_v to_o a_o perfect_a soil_n and_o swath_n of_o grass_n lie_v thereon_o as_o they_o be_v first_o mow_v which_o clear_o manifest_v that_o some_o great_a landfloud_n many_o age_n since_o meet_v with_o a_o obstruction_n at_o the_o natural_a ostiaries_n towards_o the_o sea_n by_o reason_n of_o much_o silt_n which_o after_o a_o long_a drought_n have_v choke_v they_o up_o do_v then_o spread_v itself_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o water_n till_o this_o general_a drayn_n ever_o since_o cover_v the_o same_o have_v produce_v a_o moor_n now_o grow_v to_o this_o thickness_n and_o moreover_o that_o at_o the_o set_n down_o of_o skyrbeck_n sluse_n near_a boston_n there_o be_v find_v at_o xuj_o foot_n deep_a cover_v with_o silt_n a_o smith_n forge_n and_o all_o the_o tool_n thereunto_o belong_v with_o horshoo_n and_o other_o thing_n make_v of_o iron_n as_o some_o that_o see_v it_o have_v affirm_v to_o i_o cap._n xxxviii_o of_o the_o vast_a extent_n and_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o fresh_a water_n occasion_v by_o these_o obstruction_n of_o their_o outfall_n to_o manifest_v this_o though_o there_o nee_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o ocular_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n and_o the_o observation_n to_o what_o a_o depth_n the_o moor_n be_v increase_v which_o be_v mere_o grow_v from_o the_o long_a stagnation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n ten_o in_o some_o twelve_o and_o in_o some_o fourteen_o or_o fifteen_o foot_n deep_a nay_o four_a foot_n high_o than_o the_o level_n of_o marshland_n yet_o will_v i_o exhibit_v divers_a evident_a testimony_n thereof_o from_o several_a undoubted_a authority_n therewithal_o discover_v some_o notable_a piece_n of_o story_n which_o be_v not_o common_o know_v to_o the_o world_n may_v not_o i_o presume_v seem_v tedious_a to_o any_o reader_n in_o region_fw-la gyrviorum_fw-la est_fw-la nobile_fw-la monaâ—_n sterium_fw-la etc._n etc._n in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o gyrvi_fw-it say_v the_o register_n of_o peterborough_n there_o be_v a_o famous_a monastery_n b._n heretofore_o call_v medeshamstede_n but_o now_o usual_o burch_n the_o gyrvii_n be_v those_o which_o inhabit_v near_o the_o fen_n because_o gyr_n in_o english_a be_v the_o same_o as_o profunda_fw-la paâ—us_fw-la a_o deep_a fen_n in_o the_o latin_a for_o by_o the_o inundation_n and_o overflow_a of_o the_o river_n the_o water_n stand_v upon_o the_o level_n ground_n make_v a_o deep_a lake_n and_o so_o render_v it_o uninhabitable_a except_v in_o some_o high_a place_n which_o god_n of_o purpose_n raise_v as_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v habitation_n for_o his_o servant_n who_o choose_v to_o dwell_v there_o for_o in_o such_o place_n within_o the_o fen_n do_v thoy_z viz._n the_o monk_n of_o ramâ—sey_n thorney_n crouland_n and_o many_o other_o reside_v to_o which_o there_o be_v no_o access_n but_o by_o navigable_a vessel_n except_o unto_o ramesey_n by_o a_o causey_n raise_v with_o much_o labour_n on_o the_o one_o side_n thereof_o within_o the_o same_o precinct_n also_o be_v ely_n place_v be_v a_o island_n seven_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n contain_v in_o itself_o xxij_o town_n compass_v on_o every_o side_n with_o fen_n and_o water_n and_o whereunto_o there_o be_v only_o three_o causey_n have_v thus_o at_o peterborough_n make_v my_o entrance_n into_o this_o vast_a fenn_n my_o next_o observation_n thereof_o shall_v be_v at_o crouland_n the_o horror_n of_o which_o place_n be_v lively_o represent_v in_o the_o story_n of_o s._n guthlake_n a_o devout_a hermit_n who_o many_o age_n since_o choose_v it_o for_o his_o retirement_n there_o be_v in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o britain_n say_v the_o writer_n of_o that_o saint_n life_n a_o hideous_a fen_n of_o a_o huge_a bigness_n 7._o which_o begin_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n gronte_n not_o far_o from_o a_o castle_n bear_v that_o name_n extend_v itself_o from_o the_o south_n to_o the_o north_n in_o a_o very_a long_a tract_n even_o to_o the_o sea_n ofttimes_o cloud_v mith_o moist_a and_o dark_a vapour_n have_v within_o it_o divers_a island_n and_o wood_n as_o also_o crooked_a and_o wind_a river_n wheâ—_n therefore_o that_o man_n of_o bleâ—â—ed_a memory_n guthlac_n have_v find_v out_o the_o desert_a place_n of_o this_o vast_a wilderness_n and_o by_o god_n assistance_n have_v pass_v through_o they_o he_o inquire_v of_o the_o borderer_n what_o they_o know_v thereof_o who_o relate_v several_a thing_n of_o its_o dreadfulness_n and_o solitude_n there_o stand_v up_o one_o among_o they_o call_v tatwine_v who_o affirm_v that_o he_o know_v a_o certain_a island_n in_o the_o more_o remote_a and_o secret_a part_n thereof_o which_o many_o have_v attempt_v to_o inhabit_v but_o can_v not_o for_o the_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a monster_n and_o several_a terror_n wherewith_o they_o be_v affright_v whereupon_o s._n guthlac_n earnest_o entreat_v that_o he_o will_v show_v he_o that_o place_n tatwine_v therefore_o yield_v to_o the_o request_n of_o this_o holy_a man_n take_v a_o fisher_n boat_n christ_n be_v his_o guide_n through_o the_o intricacy_n of_o this_o darksome_a fen_n pass_v thereunto_o it_o be_v call_v cruland_n and_o situate_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o lake_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o desartnesse_n former_o know_v to_o very_a few_o for_o no_o country_n man_n before_o that_o devout_a servant_n of_o christ_n s._n guthlac_n can_v endure_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o such_o apparition_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o frequent_o see_v there_o not_o long_o after_o
mere_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o landholders_n of_o tilney_n for_o the_o drayn_n and_o avoid_v of_o the_o water_n from_o all_o the_o tenement_n of_o the_o town_n of_o tirington_n betwixt_o new_a fen_n ditch_n viz._n from_o the_o house_n of_o laurence_n chapell_n northwards_o to_o the_o great_a sea_n bank_n within_o which_o space_n more_o than_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v contain_v except_v the_o great_a gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v and_o maintain_v aswell_o at_o the_o cost_n of_o tirington_n walpole_n walsokâ—n_n and_o emneth_n and_o that_o part_n of_o wigenhale_n which_o have_v commodity_n thâ—râ—by_o as_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v the_o bridge_n at_o robert_n de_fw-fr midleton_n house_n which_o be_v to_o be_v always_o make_v and_o maintain_v by_o john_n de_fw-fr engaldesthorpe_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr scales_n in_o consideration_n of_o the_o fish_n thâ—re_o ancient_o grant_v to_o they_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o according_o enjoy_v in_o common_a with_o the_o town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o except_v likewise_o the_o bridge_n call_v black_a ditch_n bridge_n unto_o the_o fen_n at_o tilney_n stow_z which_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n of_o walsoken_n and_o emnethe_n be_v oblige_v to_o make_v and_o continual_o maintain_v for_o the_o water_n descend_v thereby_o to_o the_o sea_n as_o they_o have_v use_v to_o do_v for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a time_n out_o of_o mind_n and_o likewise_o except_v the_o several_a bridge_n of_o all_o the_o tenant_n and_o person_n conversant_a upon_o that_o sewer_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o house_n of_o rob._n de_fw-fr midleton_n and_o gullysgole_n in_o islington_n &_o except_v all_o the_o particular_a brige_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v conversant_a upon_o the_o sâ—â—â—rs_n betwixt_o the_o fedditch_n and_o cuntesforth_n brigge_n in_o tilney_n because_o they_o belong_v special_o to_o those_o person_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o custowe_n in_o tirington_n to_o tilney_n fen_n brigge_n aught_o to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o bridge_n there_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o that_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o to_o islington_n bridge_n aught_o to_o contain_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n throughout_o and_o the_o same_o bridge_n twelve_o foot_n at_o the_o ground_n and_o the_o sewer_n from_o thence_o unto_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n xviii_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o the_o water_n course_n &_o every_o bridge_n beyond_o that_o sewer_n upon_o that_o current_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o that_o all_o the_o say_a sewer_n with_o the_o gutter_n call_v knight_n goal_n and_o tâ—e_v common_a bank_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a gâ—tter_n aught_o to_o be_v repair_v &_o cleanse_v from_o thenceforth_o aswell_o by_o the_o remote_a â—_z which_o have_v benefit_n thereby_o as_o by_o the_o saâ—d_a town_n of_o tylney_n and_o islâ—ngton_n aâ—_n ancient_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o the_o common_a sewery_n betwixt_o old_a fen_n diche_a and_o osgood_n hirne_n shall_v be_v eight_o â—oot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o aâ—d_o that_o upon_o the_o cleanse_n and_o scour_v thereof_o in_o every_o place_n half_o the_o â—arth_n so_o cast_v out_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o raise_v the_o common_a drive_v high_a and_o all_o the_o bridge_n over_o the_o say_a sewer_n six_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o least_o which_o sewer_n to_o be_v scour_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o all_o those_o that_o reside_v near_o thereto_o and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o the_o sewer_n from_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o croft_a belong_v to_o the_o message_n of_o will._n de_fw-fr westbrigg_n aught_o to_o be_v always_o scour_v and_o maintain_v among_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a sewer_n unto_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o abbot_n of_o dereham_n land_n by_o the_o hadeland_n there_o lie_v and_o tâ—ere_o turn_v near_o the_o same_o laâ—d_n to_o the_o sewer_n next_o unto_o the_o drive_v and_o that_o the_o trench_n betwixt_o the_o tenement_n of_o john_n the_o son_n of_o peter_n drugh_n &_o john_n sabine_n anâ—_n elsewhere_o in_o the_o hâ—â—eland_n call_v sonnerâ—â—ye_n which_o be_v undue_o make_v a_o common_a path_n shall_v be_v forthwith_o stop_v up_o and_o so_o keep_v thenceforth_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o same_o path_n may_v be_v hinder_v and_o they_o moreover_o ordain_v all_o the_o sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n to_o be_v open_v in_o every_o place_n and_o so_o keep_v for_o ever_o and_o they_o far_o decree_v that_o for_o the_o inviolable_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o before-specified_n ordinance_n reasonable_a tax_n shall_v be_v moderate_o assess_v by_o the_o guardian_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o place_n and_o chief_o by_o xij_o other_o authorize_v and_o associate_v to_o they_o and_o then_o collect_v by_o geffrey_n at_o falyate_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o say_v guardian_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o those_o twelve_o shall_v diligent_o inquire_v of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o those_o ordinance_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o make_v due_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o same_o by_o distress_n &_o sâ—le_n of_o their_o good_n &_o grievous_a amercement_n as_o often_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n do_v also_o decree_n that_o the_o same_o penalty_n and_o punishment_n against_o such_o as_o shall_v violate_v those_o ordinance_n or_o negligent_o in_o any_o sort_n withdraw_v themselves_o in_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o shall_v firm_o and_o inviolable_o be_v impose_v from_o thenceforth_o forever_o as_o be_v then_o and_o have_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n be_v use_v in_o wigenhale_n and_o other_o town_n in_o these_o part_n of_o marshland_n for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n viz._n that_o as_o often_o as_o any_o one_o of_o what_o estate_n or_o condition_n soever_o shall_v not_o repair_v his_o proportion_n of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o causey_n before-specified_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o islington_n as_o also_o the_o say_v common_a sewer_n belong_v to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o ordinance_n aforesaid_a that_o a_o fit_a day_n shall_v be_v assign_v he_o by_o the_o before-specified_n guardian_n before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o perform_v the_o same_o within_o that_o time_n that_o xiid._o which_o be_v call_v a_o bilawe_n shall_v be_v levy_v upon_o he_o fâ—r_v every_o perch_n unrepaired_a ☞_o and_o then_o aâ—â—â—â—er_a day_n to_o be_v give_v he_o to_o accompâ—â—â—â—â—he_v same_o before_o which_o no_o danger_n may_v in_o likelihood_n happen_v and_o in_o case_n he_o do_v not_o make_v performance_n thereof_o before_o that_o time_n that_o then_o he_o shall_v pâ—y_v for_o every_o perch_n two_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v biscot_n and_o then_o that_o a_o three_o day_n shall_v be_v allow_v he_o to_o effect_v the_o same_o before_o which_o no_o peril_n may_v probable_o happen_v within_o which_o time_n in_o case_n he_o fail_v to_o pay_v for_o every_o acre_n three_o shilling_n which_o be_v call_v triscot_n and_o thenceforth_o that_o the_o say_v delinquent_n in_o those_o neglect_v to_o be_v always_o distrain_v and_o the_o distress_n to_o be_v prize_v open_o and_o sell_v by_o xij_o honest_a and_o lawful_a man_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o tilney_n and_o ilsington_n and_o the_o money_n arise_v by_o such_o sale_n oâ—_n those_o distress_n employ_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o the_o say_a repair_n and_o the_o remainder_n in_o case_n there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v any_o to_o be_v forthwith_o restore_v save_v always_o to_o the_o say_a guardian_n the_o forfeiture_n of_o the_o bilaw_n biscots_n and_o triscots_n for_o the_o cause_n aforesaid_a in_o the_o winter_n season_n of_o this_o year_n so_o great_a be_v the_o tempest_n 18._o that_o the_o town_n of_o walsoken_n westwalton_n and_o enemuthe_n receive_v extraordinary_a loss_n by_o inundation_n from_o the_o sea_n insomuch_o as_o they_o become_v petitioner_n to_o the_o king_n for_o some_o alleviation_n of_o the_o tax_n of_o a_o fifteen_o then_o grant_v to_o he_o in_o parliament_n by_o the_o commons_o of_o this_o realm_n whereunto_o the_o say_a king_n do_v gracious_o condescend_v and_o thereupon_o direct_v his_o precept_n 18._o to_o the_o treasurer_n and_o baron_n of_o his_o exchequer_n as_o also_o to_o the_o assessor_n and_o collector_n of_o the_o same_o to_o abate_v unto_o they_o eight_o pound_n thereof_o the_o whole_a sum_n be_v lx_o the_o next_o yâ—ar_n â—ollowing_v geffrey_n de_fw-fr colevill_n roger_n de_fw-fr hakebeche_n geffrey_n bryseyard_n and_o adam_n de_fw-fr fincham_n be_v constitute_v 18._o commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n neâ—r_v walpole_n in_o this_o province_n in_o the_o winter_n of_o which_o year_n the_o sea_n be_v so_o outrageous_a that_o it_o break_v the_o
this_o river_n of_o well_o i_fw-mi near_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v two_o jettye_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n each_o opposite_a to_o other_o and_o distant_a xviij_o foot_n to_o hinder_v the_o tide_n from_o flow_v up_o westward_n towards_o welle_v and_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n may_v have_v the_o quick_a fall_n into_o the_o ouse_n and_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n 13_o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n call_v thief_n lake_n lie_v in_o denver_n fen_n be_v make_v within_o xl_o rood_n of_o salter_n load_n between_o shiplode_n and_o salter_n load_n and_o x_o foot_n wide_a unto_o the_o land_n lake_n with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n by_o thomas_n gawswell_n gent._n owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o east_n hall_n in_o denver_n 14_o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n in_o denverfenn_n call_v streme_a lake_n be_v make_v of_o the_o wideness_n of_o x_o foot_n to_o bring_v the_o water_n out_o of_o the_o fenn_n by_o the_o space_n of_o six_o furlong_n to_o be_v make_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o denver_n with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o other_o common_a sewer_n call_v denver_n hithe_a lie_v in_o denver_n fenn_n between_o stream_n lake_n and_o shiplode_v be_v make_v one_o furlong_n in_o length_n or_o more_o and_o x_o foot_n wide_a with_o a_o sufficient_a goal_n by_o nicholas_n haâ—e_v esquire_n owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o west_n hall_n in_o denver_n that_o the_o brink_n of_o ouse_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o shiplode_v be_v make_v viij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o six_o at_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n that_o some_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o straightning_n of_o lynne_n haven_n which_o be_v wide_a than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v cause_v the_o tide_n to_o rise_v high_o by_o a_o foot_n at_o salter_n load_n than_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v within_o these_o xx_o year_n 1_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v i_o find_v eiz_v a_o certificate_n and_o presentment_n make_v the_o xxxth_o of_o june_n by_o richard_n nicholls_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o other_o jurat_v for_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v 1_o that_o all_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o great_a river_n lead_v from_o salter_n load_n to_o lynne_n and_o all_o other_o land_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clacklosse_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n and_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o a_o certain_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi situate_v in_o the_o hundred_o and_o half_a of_o clackclose_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v great_a river_n make_v and_o erect_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o with_o be_v defend_v and_o save_v from_o submersion_n and_o drown_n with_o fresh_a water_n by_o the_o say_v diche_n or_o bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi which_o bank_n have_v be_v keep_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o land_n in_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n by_o a_o certain_a field_n call_v haw_v and_o by_o a_o hundred_o acre_n in_o stow-bardolfe_a and_o the_o frontier_n against_o north_n delf_n house_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a powdich_n only_o yet_o thereby_o be_v defend_v all_o the_o land_n tenement_n and_o commons_o on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v and_o emneth_n marsh_n do_fw-mi and_o aught_o to_o be_v charge_v for_o their_o portion_n and_o profit_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n take_v between_o the_o priory_n of_o mullycourt_n and_o salter_n load_n aforesaid_a as_o appear_v by_o certain_a order_n make_v before_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o late_a king_n henry_n the_o six_o yet_o the_o say_a land_n tenement_n and_o commons_o last_v abovesaid_a be_v not_o there_o chardged_a nor_o defend_v any_o part_n thereof_o contrary_a to_o equity_n and_o justice_n 2_o and_o that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o frebridge_n nor_o any_o of_o they_o nor_o any_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v distrain_v or_o trouble_v by_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o fee_n nor_o their_o minister_n when_o they_o or_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v come_v thither_o for_o the_o make_v their_o portion_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n nor_o for_o the_o oversight_n of_o the_o make_v thereof_o nor_o for_o the_o depasture_v of_o their_o horse_n there_o nor_o for_o their_o carriage_n but_o that_o they_o may_v return_v in_o the_o meet_a and_o most_o convenient_a way_n for_o they_o and_o have_v free_a ingress_n and_o egress_n to_o the_o same_o dyke_n or_o bank_n without_o any_o amerciament_n or_o other_o punishment_n save_v to_o the_o lord_n wayf_n stray_v punishment_n for_o blood_n draught_n and_o for_o hue_n and_o cry_n 3_o and_o that_o every_o person_n be_v chardgable_a to_o keep_v their_o portion_n upon_o the_o say_a bank_n from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o and_o after_o the_o custom_n of_o marshland_n by_o old_a custom_n use_v that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o bylawe_n byscot_n triscot_n and_o wopeny_n and_o that_o every_o town_n of_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o frebridge_n be_v chardgable_a to_o keep_v and_o repair_v their_o portion_n upon_o the_o say_a bank_n upon_o pain_n of_o xxl._o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n king_n and_o queen_n of_o this_o realm_n 4_o and_o that_o the_o menure_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n aught_o to_o be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o bank_n and_o xij_o foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o say_v dike_n or_o bank_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o north_n side_n but_o when_o for_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o water_n it_o can_v be_v take_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n call_v the_o new_a pow_z do_fw-mi 5_o item_n they_o say_v and_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a ward_n ditch_fw-ge or_o fence_v bank_n call_v the_o old_a pow_n do_v which_o do_v begin_v at_o a_o place_n call_v the_o wech_fw-mi or_o west_n head_n next_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n brink_n and_o extend_v westward_n nine_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o two_o road_n unto_o a_o certain_a place_n called_z the_o thwart_v lane_n or_o the_o new_a pow_n do_v of_o marshland_n which_o bank_n be_v in_o good_a repair_n from_o the_o west_n end_v thereof_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n in_o walpole_n charge_n where_o against_o edmund_n beaupre_n esquire_n have_v fix_v and_o set_v certain_a bar_n into_o a_o pasture_n of_o his_o there_o by_o reason_n the_o say_a edmund_n do_v keep_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a crest_n or_o fen-bank_n on_o the_o north_n brink_n of_o rightforth_n load_n which_o defend_v the_o water_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o from_o the_o pow_n diche_a aforesaid_a but_o at_o a_o certain_a gate_n upon_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n diche_a in_o emneth_n charge_n in_o the_o reach_n aforesaid_a be_v a_o certain_a pipe_n lay_v by_o the_o say_v edmund_n beaupre_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o certain_a land_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v which_o be_v to_o the_o surround_v of_o the_o fen_n and_o smethe_n of_o marshland_n and_o of_o right_n ought_v not_o that_o way_n to_o drain_v but_o by_o rightforth_n load_n and_o that_o the_o say_a pipe_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v up_o and_o the_o say_a place_n stop_v and_o make_v high_a that_o no_o water_n drain_v that_o way_n 6_o and_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v old_a pow_n do_v in_o the_o charge_n of_o walpole_n terington_n clenchwarton_n and_o part_n of_o tylney_n in_o part_n be_v defective_a for_o lack_v of_o height_n and_o breadth_n and_o that_o most_o chief_o by_o the_o ruin_n and_o decay_v of_o a_o certain_a crest_n or_o fen-bank_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v keep_v on_o the_o north_n side_n brink_n of_o rightforth_n load_n by_o nicholas_n hare_n esquire_n and_o other_o and_o that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o the_o old_a pow_z do_fw-mi be_v in_o good_a repair_n even_o unto_o rightforth_n load_n brink_n by_o the_o ruin_n and_o decay_v of_o which_o bank_n the_o gross_a common_a called_z the_o smethe_o and_o the_o fen_n of_o marshland_n and_o certain_a fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o uuigenhall_n and_o stow-bardolf_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v pow_o do_fw-mi may_v be_v surround_v and_o damnify_v 7_o and_o that_o the_o say_v thwart_v lane_n or_o the_o new_a pow_n do_v of_o marshland_n extend_v from_o the_o old_a pow_n do_v aforesaid_a unto_o a_o certain_a place_n of_o emneth_n marsh_n do_fw-mi call_v abbot_n hirne_n as_o we_o think_v in_o our_o conscience_n aught_o to_o be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o
load_n and_o that_o in_o consideration_n thereof_o the_o say_v land-holders_n shall_v pay_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n cl._o and_o on_o the_o xxvi_o of_o the_o same_o month_n it_o be_v far_o decree_v ibid._n that_o all_o the_o rind_n bank_n within_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n towards_o the_o sea_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o height_n and_o scantling_n hereafter_o express_v viz._n in_o terington_n walpole_n west_n walton_n and_o emneth_n in_o height_n eight_o foot_n above_o the_o ordinary_a marshtide_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o top_n ten_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o rind_n bank_n in_o islington_n tilney_n west_n lynne_n north-lynne_a and_o clenchwarton_n to_o be_v of_o such_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o the_o dyke-reeves_n shall_v think_v fit_a as_o also_o that_o register_n book_n of_o parchment_n be_v make_v by_o the_o dykereeves_a in_o every_o town_n contain_v the_o number_n of_o acre_n of_o their_o land_n with_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o bank_n wall_n wood-shore_n and_o other_o defence_n which_o every_o of_o the_o say_a town_n be_v charge_v to_o make_v either_o to_o the_o sea_n or_o otherwise_o and_o that_o whereas_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n tilney_n and_o clenchwarton_n have_v indikes_a for_o their_o defence_n against_o the_o salt_n water_n in_o case_n any_o sudden_a breach_n of_o the_o sea-bank_n shall_v happen_v it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o say_v indikes_a shall_v be_v careful_o maintain_v and_o repair_v by_o those_o dyke-reeves_n out_o of_o the_o common_a acreshot_a assess_v within_o every_o of_o the_o say_v to_n after_o this_o at_o another_o iâ—id_n session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v on_o the_o xvijth_o day_n of_o april_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1610_o 8_o jac._n it_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o country_n of_o marshland_n be_v subject_a to_o surround_v aswell_o by_o downfall_n of_o rain_n as_o by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o fresh_a water_n and_o be_v therefore_o keep_v drayn_v by_o sewer_n descend_v to_o knight's-gole_n the_o common_a out-fall_a to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o flow_a and_o ebb_v of_o the_o sea_n be_v then_o so_o silt_v up_o with_o sand_n at_o divers_a time_n especial_o in_o summer_n that_o it_o obstruct_v the_o water_n in_o the_o say_a sewer_n to_o the_o utter_a surround_v of_o all_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o the_o say_a country_n and_o moreover_o that_o the_o say_a goal_n in_o former_a time_n have_v be_v keep_v and_o perfect_v as_o also_o the_o fleet_n from_o the_o same_o unto_o the_o before-specified_n river_n by_o a_o certain_a ancient_a pair_n of_o clow_n place_v up_o high_o in_o the_o sewer_n thereby_o one_o appoint_v for_o the_o take_n in_o of_o the_o tide_n and_o so_o hold_v up_o the_o water_n between_o a_o pair_n of_o clow_n until_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v run_v low_a and_o then_o forcible_o let_v go_v for_o the_o scour_n of_o sand_n out_o of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o fleet_n and_o that_o the_o set_v open_a of_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o put_v down_o and_o pull_v up_o the_o say_a clow_n will_v be_v both_o dangerous_a and_o troublesome_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o greatness_n and_o weight_n of_o the_o say_a clow_n make_v to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v ordain_v and_o decree_v that_o there_o shall_v in_o consideration_n thereof_o be_v yearly_o pay_v out_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n be_v several_a within_o the_o say_a rind_n of_o marshland_n which_o be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n and_o have_v usual_o pay_v thereunto_o the_o sum_n of_o ijd._o ob_fw-la by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n of_o the_o say_a land_n and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o of_o every_o hundred_o acre_n of_o land_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n and_o elm_n oldfield_n and_o outwell_n which_o then_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v drayn_v by_o the_o say_a goal_n by_o the_o owner_n or_o occupier_n thereof_o vd._o and_o so_o after_o that_o rate_n and_o whereas_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n in_o clme_n and_o certain_a land_n in_o outwell_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n from_o emneth_n unto_o beaupre_n hall_n and_o so_o to_o ston_a stile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o old_a pow_n dyke_n have_v at_o divers_a time_n drayn_v their_o say_a land_n in_o oldfiâ—ld_n into_o marshland_n through_o the_o out-rinde_n bank_n of_o marshland_n call_v break_v dyke_n and_o so_o through_o emneth_n into_o marshland_n fenn_n as_o also_o their_o land_n in_o outwell_n to_o the_o great_a hurt_n of_o the_o say_a country_n by_o suffer_v those_o water_n to_o run_v into_o the_o say_a fen_n without_o any_o perfect_a sewer_n to_o carry_v they_o down_o in_o any_o goal_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o likewise_o without_o pay_v any_o tax_n acreshot_a or_o other_o contribution_n towards_o any_o drayn_n sewer_n or_o goal_n in_o marshland_n for_o the_o same_o it_o be_v then_o also_o order_v that_o the_o say_v land_n shall_v not_o thenceforth_o be_v drayn_v into_o marshland_n fenn_n but_o by_o and_o under_o such_o condition_n here_o express_v viz._n that_o the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n and_o outwell_n shall_v before_o the_o xxiiijth_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v give_v unto_o the_o land-holders_n of_o marshland_n cl._o viz._n the_o land-holders_n of_o oldfield_n lxxvl._o and_o they_o of_o outwell_n xxvl._o towards_o the_o make_n of_o a_o certain_a load_n between_o marshland_n fenn_n and_o smethe_n call_v shore_n load_n in_o wideness_n xij_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n four_o or_o five_o foot_n and_o towards_o the_o make_n of_o three_o sufficient_a stone-bridge_n for_o cart_n to_o pass_v over_o the_o say_v lode_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o strength_n nor_o height_n of_o those_o their_o bank_n so_o repair_v as_o aforesaid_a which_o can_v secure_v they_o from_o that_o dreadful_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n happen_v on_o the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o an._n 1613._o 11_o jac._n the_o memorial_n whereof_o i_o shall_v here_o deliver_v from_o a_o inscription_n upon_o the_o east_n wall_n of_o the_o south_n isle_n in_o wisebeche_n church_n to_o the_o immortal_a praise_n of_o god_n almighty_a that_o save_v his_o people_n in_o all_o adversity_n be_v it_o keep_v in_o perpetual_a memory_n that_o on_o the_o feast_n day_n of_o all_o saint_n be_v the_o first_o of_o november_n in_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n 1613._o late_a in_o the_o night_n the_o sea_n break_v in_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o a_o north-east_n wind_n meet_v with_o a_o spring_n tide_n and_o overflow_v all_o marshland_n with_o this_o town_n of_o wisebeche_n both_o on_o the_o north_n side_n and_o the_o south_n and_o almost_o the_o whole_a hundred_o round_n about_o to_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o man_n life_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o some_o beside_o the_o exceed_a great_a loss_n which_o these_o county_n sustain_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o bank_n and_o spoil_v of_o corn_n cattle_n and_o howse_v which_o can_v not_o be_v estimate_v which_o loss_n with_o other_o thing_n of_o note_n relate_v to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o the_o particular_a town_n then_o surround_v as_o they_o be_v present_v upon_o oath_n by_o the_o juror_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frethebridge_n before_o the_o king_n commissioner_n sit_v at_o lynne_n upon_o the_o ixth_o day_n of_o december_n in_o the_o year_n before-specified_n i_o have_v here_o likewise_o think_v fit_a to_o transcribe_v the_o presentment_n banco_n of_o the_o jury_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o frebridge_n in_o marshland_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_z 9_o decemb._n 11_o jac._n an._n 1613._o 1_o inprimis_fw-la we_o present_v and_o say_v etc._n etc._n that_o there_o be_v belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o terington_n terington_n a_o sea-dyke_n contain_v xic_a road_n in_o length_n or_o thereabouts_o which_o be_v in_o good_a repair_n before_o the_o first_o and_o second_o day_n of_o november_n last_o whereof_o ccccxx_n ride_v be_v ruinate_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n that_o then_o happen_v and_o also_o one_o bridge_n call_v st._n johns_n bridge_n be_v then_o break_v up_o 2_o that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n lose_v by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n 1876_o sheep_n amount_v to_o the_o sum_n of_o lviij_o l._n and_o more_o in_o great_a beast_n lose_v 120_o value_v at_o 322_o l._n in_o corn_n sow_v in_o the_o field_n 480_o acre_n value_v at_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n amount_v to_o 720_o l._n hay_o lose_v in_o the_o field_n and_o barn_n to_o the_o value_n of_o cc_o l._n corn_n in_o the_o barn_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o dcc_n l._n grass_n in_o the_o field_n lose_v to_o the_o value_n of_o d_o l._n dwelling_v house_n utter_o ruinate_v and_o waste_v xiij_o and_o cxlii_o dwell_a house_n there_o impair_v to_o the_o value_n of_o a_o m_o l._n bedding_n and_o other_o householdstuff_n
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
to_o the_o sluse_n by_o ouse_n cxiiii_o rod_n and_o a_o half_a and_o they_o then_o also_o decree_v that_o for_o take_v away_o of_o the_o sock_n of_o bishop_n dike_n and_o better_a drayn_n of_o this_o fen_n a_o drayn_n shall_v be_v make_v under_o bishop_n dike_v within_o the_o say_a fen_n thirty_o foot_n at_o the_o least_o from_o the_o say_v bishop_n dike_n in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o depth_n ....._o the_o menour_n whereof_o to_o be_v cast_v towards_o bishop_n dike_a the_o which_o drayn_n to_o begin_v at_o fenbridge_n and_o to_o go_v to_o the_o barrs_n that_o part_n the_o fen_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o alex._n baalam_n gent._n etc._n etc._n thence_o to_o a_o pair_n of_o barrs_n stand_v on_o bishop_n dike_a next_o to_o the_o west_n corner_n of_o malles_fw-la fen_n then_o to_o the_o drain_n call_v langbech_n thence_o to_o dod_n style_v and_o thence_o under_o greendike_n to_o the_o sluse_n late_o erect_v at_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o sewer_n make_v from_o hall_n fen_n to_o the_o say_a sluice_n at_o st._n christopher_n chapel_n and_o likewise_o that_o a_o ancient_a sewer_n belong_v to_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v knight_n dike_v beginning_n near_o benford_n hall_n now_o mr._n alex._n balaam_n house_n and_o so_o pass_v under_o needham_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n so_o unto_o elm_n drive_v and_o thence_o to_o the_o drive_v in_o burial_n field_n near_o s._n christopher_n chapel_n shall_v be_v keep_v and_o maintain_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n five_o and_o moreover_o that_o the_o agisted_a dike_n call_v ea_fw-la brink_n begin_v at_o needham_n dike_v and_o extend_v from_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n unto_o dod_n stile_n shall_v be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n repair_v and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a the_o dikereeve_v to_o levy_v for_o every_o iiiid._o by_o they_o expend_v vid._o and_o for_o every_o iiiid._o unpaid_a to_o levy_v vid._o likewise_o that_o a_o indike_n be_v make_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o sewer_n extend_v from_o hodghirnâ—_n through_o bardolph_n fen_n and_o a_o new_a sluse_n near_o the_o river_n ouse_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o common_a load_n and_o a_o acreshot_a of_o xiid._o the_o acre_n impose_v upon_o all_o the_o land_n in_o nedham_n and_o burial_n for_o support_v the_o charge_n thereof_o and_o that_o for_o default_n in_o payment_n of_o the_o acreshot_a distress_n shall_v be_v take_v and_o sell_v restore_v the_o surplusage_n in_o any_o market_n within_o ten_o mile_n and_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n b._n hold_v at_o lynne_n regis_fw-la ult_n sept._n 33_o eliz._n before_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n nich._n hare_n hâ—mfr_n guibon_n edm._n bell_n rob._n forest_n tho._n oxburgh_n alex._n balam_n john_n willoughby_n and_o miles_n forest_n esquire_n it_o be_v far_o order_v that_o whereas_o the_o acreshot_n impose_v upon_o richard_n fyncham_n gent._n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o nedham_n fen_n amount_v to_o xxxvil._o viiis._o be_v not_o pay_v noâ—_n any_o distress_n to_o be_v find_v upon_o the_o ground_n charge_v therewith_o and_o that_o rich._n fyncham_n and_o rob._n fyncham_n interest_v in_o the_o reversion_n of_o the_o say_a land_n do_v refuse_v to_o pay_v the_o same_o that_o john_n fyncham_n of_o upwell_n gent._n have_v pay_v the_o say_a sum_n to_o the_o dikereeve_v shall_v have_v the_o say_v land_n for_o a_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n upon_o the_o 19_o of_o sept._n 39_o eliz._n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v by_o edmund_n bell_n john_n reppe_n tho._n hewar_n tho._n oxburge_n rich._n ogle_n anthony_n irby_n alexan._n balam_n william_n guibon_n and_o john_n hunt_v esquire_n there_o be_v certain_a law_n and_o ordinance_n 27._o make_v concern_v the_o course_n of_o welney_n stream_n and_o welle_v stream_n with_o other_o sewer_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n law_n nene_n ouse_n and_o weland_n but_o the_o land-water_n from_o the_o county_n of_o hunt_n northampton_n cambr._n and_o norâ—f_o and_o some_o part_n of_o suff._n which_o border_n upon_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n eliz_n do_v stay_n in_o the_o fenny_a ground_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n etc._n etc._n forasmuch_o as_o neither_o the_o several_a river_n nor_o the_o other_o stream_n that_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o same_o as_o march_z stream_n the_o new_a leame_z the_o west-water_n and_o divers_a load_v within_o those_o limit_n be_v sufficient_o cleanse_v not_o imbank_v for_o the_o ready_a conveyance_n of_o they_o to_o the_o sea_n by_o mean_n whereof_o the_o out-ring_n bank_n of_o depe_v croyland_n and_o south_n ea_fw-la in_o com._n linc._n and_o the_o fen_n dike_v waltersey_n bank_n bishop_n dike_a elm_n i_fw-mi brink_n coldham_n and_o redmore_n bank_n in_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o out-ring_n of_o marshland_n as_o also_o the_o new_a powdike_a in_o com._n norff._n be_v in_o year_n of_o water_n much_o chargeable_a to_o the_o owner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o country_n and_o those_o fenny_a ground_n lie_v unprofitable_a the_o say_a commissioner_n deliberate_o consider_v the_o redress_n do_v conceive_v that_o by_o renew_v of_o the_o former_a depth_n and_o wideness_n of_o those_o river_n load_v and_o stream_n as_o also_o of_o the_o decay_a bank_n and_o by_o far_o imbank_v in_o place_n convenient_a the_o say_v marish_a ground_n will_v be_v perfect_v or_o much_o amend_v and_o therefore_o do_v ordain_v that_o welney_n stream_n and_o well_o stream_n from_o litelport_n chair_n to_o well_o ea_fw-la and_o so_o towards_o elm_n as_o the_o same_o have_v be_v accustom_v to_o have_v their_o fall_n and_o march_v stream_n unto_o shrewysn_a where_o it_o fall_v into_o well_o stream_n as_o also_o that_o the_o water_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la ancient_o call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o clow_n cross_n unto_o guy_n hirne_n before_o the_o x_o of_o december_n which_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o year_n 1598._o shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o scour_v by_o such_o as_o be_v to_o do_v the_o same_o and_o that_o the_o lode_n call_v small_a load_n from_o the_o great_a river_n in_o upwell_n to_o ingram_n hyrn_v be_v scour_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n knight_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n or_o edm._n bell_n esquire_n for_o their_o land_n in_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n parcel_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o late_a abbey_n of_o dereham_n and_o thence_o to_o seman_n goole_n and_o thence_o to_o northdelph_n by_o those_o who_o land_n lie_v adjacent_a thereto_o so_o also_o darcey-lode_n and_o coxlode_v likewise_o that_o maid_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n and_o the_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n which_o end_v at_o northdelph_n shall_v be_v perfect_v the_o bank_n to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o bottom_n xuj_o foot_n and_o four_o in_o the_o top_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o height_n and_o the_o say_v maidlode_v to_o be_v five_o foot_n deep_a and_o thirty_o foot_n wide_a by_o the_o space_n of_o the_o first_o 2_o mile_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o next_o two_o mile_n in_o wideness_n 25_o foot_n and_o for_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o same_o and_o shiplode_v xx_o foot_n with_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n in_o wideness_n twelve_o foot_n of_o water_n and_o in_o depth_n below_o the_o low-water-mark_a of_o the_o say_a river_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o be_v about_o bartholomew_n tide_n all_o to_o be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o have_v interest_n of_o common_a in_o neatmore_n and_o the_o other_o moiety_n of_o london_n load_n begin_v at_o upwell_n causey_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n for_o the_o residue_n of_o their_o common_a call_v neatmore_n lie_v without_o the_o limit_n likewise_o that_o a_o tax_n of_o x_o s._n the_o acre_n be_v impose_v for_o erect_v of_o sluice_n heighten_v of_o bank_n and_o make_v of_o drayn_n and_o in_o default_n of_o payment_n thereof_o the_o one_o half_a of_o their_o land_n who_o shall_v neglect_v to_o be_v sold._n moreover_o that_o for_o drayn_v of_o denver_n fen_n a_o sewer_n of_o xviii_o or_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n be_v cut_v through_o the_o same_o to_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n and_o a_o sluice_n at_o its_o entrance_n thereinto_o and_o that_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o causey_n extend_v from_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n be_v end_n unto_o london_n load_n head_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v the_o indike_n lead_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o north_n side_n of_o london_n load_n to_o welle_v streme_a at_o northdelph_n with_o sufficient_a indikes_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n and_o causey_n shall_v before_o the_o first_o of_o jan._n next_o following_z be_v make_v and_o maintain_v of_o the_o like_a wideness_n height_n and_o breadth_n as_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v purchaser_n or_o lessee_n do_v or_o shall_v make_v they_o between_o london_n load_n
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
est_fw-la from_o the_o first_o slope_n of_o the_o bank_n fifty_o foot_n high_a and_o so_o make_v a_o new_a outfall_n from_o wisbeche_n to_o the_o 4_o goat_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o sea_n 4._o a_o branch_n of_o nene_n usual_o pass_v from_o peterburgh_n to_o crowland_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n that_o outfall_n decay_v be_v turn_v back_o by_o dowesdale_n with_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi to_o wisbeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 5._o a_o great_a part_n of_o ouse_n and_o nene_n unite_v descend_v from_o benwick_n by_o great-crosse_n to_o wisbeche_v but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v they_o both_o fall_n by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o so_o into_o ouse_n at_o salter_n load_n 6._o the_o water_n of_o welle_v be_v by_o a_o short_a cut_n convey_v under_o broken-dyke_n by_o hichcock_n dam_n to_o elm_n floodgate_n the_o old_a way_n lie_v through_o enm_v by_o the_o wroe_n 7._o the_o river_n of_o elm_n run_v by_o divers_a crook_n from_o elm_n to_o wisbechâ—_n be_v cut_v straight_o and_o the_o water_n pass_v by_o a_o short_a course_n as_o by_o the_o old_a channel_n on_o both_o side_n the_o new_a river_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v 8._o the_o river_n in_o wisbeche_n a_o little_a above_o the_o great_a bridge_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n run_v crooked_a be_v cut_v straight_o and_o so_o to_o this_o day_n continue_v 9_o the_o river_n of_o clows-crosse_a be_v crooked_a at_o either_o end_n be_v in_o the_o upper_a end_n convey_v by_o willow-dike_a straight_o to_o grain_n hill_n and_o in_o the_o low_a end_n rectify_v by_o a_o new_a cut_n the_o old_a channel_n be_v forsake_v weland_n 10._o ingulphus_n in_o his_o history_n of_o crouland_n make_v mention_v how_o richard_n de_fw-fr rullos_n chamberlain_n to_o king_n william_n the_o conqueror_n have_v marry_v the_o daughter_n of_o hugh_n de_fw-fr evermue_n lord_n of_o burne_n and_o depe_v for_o the_o inlargment_n of_o his_o town_n of_o depe_v divert_v the_o river_n of_o weland_n et_fw-la in_o pratis_fw-la quae_fw-la erant_fw-la nuper_fw-la profundi_fw-la lacus_fw-la &_o paludes_fw-la immeabiles_fw-la excluso_fw-la fluvio_fw-la invenit_fw-la campos_fw-la uberimos_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la desiderabilem_fw-la &_o de_fw-la puteis_fw-la &_o uliginibus_fw-la maledictis_fw-la fecit_fw-la hortum_fw-la voluptatis_fw-la and_o in_o the_o meadow_n which_o before_o be_v deep_a lake_n and_o drown_a fen_n by_o exclude_v the_o river_n he_o find_v they_o fruitful_a field_n and_o as_o good_a ground_n as_o can_v be_v wish_v nay_o of_o the_o very_a pit_n and_o bog_n he_o thereby_o make_v a_o garden_n of_o pleasure_n moreover_o the_o same_o river_n of_o weland_n have_v ancient_o its_o course_n by_o spalding_n through_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o outfall_n thâ—re_o a_o great_a part_n thereof_o sometime_o fall_v through_o grâ—at_a posson_n and_o so_o out_o by_o quaplode_n but_o that_o out-fall_a also_o decay_v as_o most_o outfall_n over_o the_o washes_n have_v and_o still_o will_v do_v that_o way_n be_v stop_v up_o and_o the_o river_n drive_v to_o seek_v a_o course_n in_o a_o very_a faint_a manner_n by_o south_n i_fw-mi towards_o wisbeche_n where_o again_o through_o the_o defect_n of_o wisbeche_n outfall_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o nene_n at_o the_o new_a leam_n end_v at_o guyhirne_n they_o both_o turn_v back_o under_o waltersey_n bank_n to_o hobbes_n and_o so_o to_o march_n stream_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o great_a branch_n of_o nene_n come_v to_o welle_v and_o so_o to_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n also_o as_o say_v leland_n by_o a_o short_a way_n call_v the_o new_a drayne_n be_v put_v from_o croyland_n to_o spalding_n as_o now_o it_o go_v 12._o grant_n the_o river_n of_o grant_n by_o a_o fair_a channel_n pass_v from_o beech_n to_o charefen_n in_o cottenham_n and_o so_o into_o ouse_n be_v divert_v and_o by_o a_o straight_a course_n turn_v down_o by_o another_o branch_n of_o the_o same_o river_n to_o harrimere_n where_o it_o lose_v the_o name_n 13._o last_o new_a eegate_n in_o gosberchurch_n find_v through_o the_o marsh_n another_o outfall_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convenient_a as_o the_o first_o the_o jurat_n as_o the_o record_n say_v b._n requisiti_fw-la si_fw-la cursus_fw-la aquae_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la sit_fw-la sufficiens_fw-la ad_fw-la eductionem_fw-la &_o deliberationem_fw-la aquae_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_a â—ic_n sed_fw-la dicunt_fw-la qoud_n antiquus_fw-la cursus_fw-la plus_fw-la competeret_fw-la &_o utilior_fw-la esset_fw-la quam_fw-la cursus_fw-la quam_fw-la nunc_fw-la tenet_fw-la eo_fw-la qoud_n minoribus_fw-la sumptibus_fw-la reparari_fw-la poterit_fw-la directè_fw-la currendo_fw-la quam_fw-la longè_fw-la per_fw-la cirevitum_fw-la &_o in_fw-la obliquo_fw-la &_o citius_fw-la aqua_fw-la per_fw-la ibi_fw-la deliberari_fw-la be_v ask_v if_o the_o channel_n wherein_o that_o water_n than_o run_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o carry_v it_o away_o they_o say_v that_o it_o be_v but_o they_o far_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a current_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o fit_a and_o beneficial_a than_o it_o in_o regard_n it_o may_v be_v repair_v at_o less_o charge_n by_o run_v straight_o than_o to_o go_v about_o by_o a_o long_a circuit_n and_o the_o water_n much_o soon_o evacuate_v and_o for_o these_o two_o reason_n the_o jurat_n have_v often_o propose_v to_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n short_a way_n to_o pass_v water_n as_o from_o leonard_n pipe_n to_o the_o four_o goat_n for_o the_o water_n on_o wisbeche_n north_n side_n and_o a_o new_a drayn_n xx_o foot_n wide_a by_o a_o short_a way_n from_o new_a dike_a in_o witlesey_n lineal_o to_o the_o great_a river_n on_o the_o north_n of_o wing_n lake_n and_o many_o more_o etc._n etc._n and_o in_o a_o word_n most_o of_o the_o new_a course_n propose_v for_o the_o general_a drain_n be_v of_o that_o kind_n chap._n liv._o for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n it_o have_v be_v a_o long_o receive_v opinion_n aswell_o by_o the_o borderer_n upon_o the_o fen_n as_o other_o that_o the_o total_a drown_n of_o this_o great_a level_n whereof_o we_o have_v in_o our_o time_n be_v eye_n witness_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v occasion_v by_o the_o neglect_n of_o put_v the_o law_n of_o sewer_n in_o due_a execution_n in_o these_o latter_a time_n and_o that_o before_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o monastery_n by_o king_n h._n 8._o the_o passage_n for_o the_o water_n be_v keep_v with_o cleanse_v and_o the_o bank_n with_o better_a repair_n chief_o through_o the_o care_n and_o cost_v of_o those_o religious_a house_n it_o can_v i_o confess_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o open_n and_o scour_v of_o those_o many_o petty_a drayne_n and_o sewer_n which_o ancient_o have_v be_v make_v by_o sundry_a person_n for_o the_o better_a drayn_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a land_n may_v much_o conduce_v to_o the_o soon_o take_v away_o of_o these_o vast_a spreading_n of_o water_n in_o the_o summer_n season_n but_o whole_o to_o clear_v they_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o perfect_a open_n and_o cleanse_v of_o their_o natural_a outfall_n which_o the_o daily_a flow_v of_o the_o tide_n have_v choke_v up_o with_o so_o great_a a_o thickness_n of_o silt_n as_o in_o the_o xxxviith_o chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v full_o show_v in_o order_n whereunto_o the_o first_o considerable_a attempt_n whereof_o i_o have_v see_v any_o notable_a memorial_n be_v in_o 20_o eliz._n the_o queen_n then_o grant_v her_o commission_n to_o sir_n thomas_n cecil_n scaâ—c_fw-la sir_n william_n fitzwilliams_n sir_n edward_n montagu_n and_o sir_n henry_n cromwell_n knight_n robert_z sapcott_n robâ—_n winfeld_n william_n hunstone_n edmund_n hall_n robert_n bevell_n vincent_n skinner_n and_o john_n mountsteve_v esquire_n and_o to_o any_o four_o or_o more_o of_o they_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o these_o follow_a article_n entitle_v article_n to_o be_v inquire_v on_o by_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n through_o and_o by_o the_o drayn_n call_v clowse_n cross_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 1._o to_o cause_n a_o perfect_a level_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o drayn_n throughout_o all_o place_n convenient_a from_o the_o clowecrosse_a to_o the_o sea_n 2._o item_n to_o inquire_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o workman_n or_o otherwise_o how_o a_o perch_n of_o the_o same_o may_v be_v wrought_v and_o so_o consequent_o what_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o whole_a will_v amount_v unto_o 3._o item_n how_o that_o charge_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o bear_v and_o by_o who_o and_o how_o the_o same_o may_v be_v rate_v by_o the_o acre_n or_o otherwise_o have_v a_o respect_n to_o charge_v the_o owner_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o severalty_n with_o more_o and_o the_o commoner_n with_o less_o ratable_o according_a to_o their_o portion_n 4._o item_n to_o inquire_v and_o certify_v the_o quantity_n of_o the_o ground_n that_o be_v several_a and_o the_o ground_n that_o lie_v in_o common_a 5._o item_n the_o name_n of_o the_o town_n
that_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a to_o be_v charge_v in_o contribution_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o benefit_n they_o shâ—ll_v receive_v by_o the_o say_v drayn_n and_o likewise_o the_o name_n of_o the_o owner_n in_o severalty_n chargeable_a for_o the_o same_o 6._o item_n what_o detriment_n loss_n or_o hindrance_n may_v or_o be_v like_a to_o come_v to_o our_o sovereign_a lady_n the_o queen_n majesty_n or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n by_o open_v of_o the_o say_v drayn_n 7._o item_n a_o book_n make_v of_o the_o contribution_n to_o appoint_v for_o the_o well_o and_o perfect_a do_v of_o the_o work_n certain_a collector_n to_o levy_v the_o money_n and_o certain_a other_o person_n to_o see_v to_o the_o expend_v of_o the_o same_o all_o which_o to_o yield_v account_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n hereupon_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n sit_v at_o peterborough_n upon_o the_o ixth_o of_o june_n in_o the_o same_o year_n and_o there_o empanel_v certain_a juror_n viz._n six_o for_o each_o county_n of_o the_o county_n of_o northampton_n lincoln_n huntendon_n and_o cambridge_n who_o present_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o to_o the_o first_o article_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a descent_n or_o fall_n between_o clowse-crosse_a and_o the_o sea_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o that_o the_o most_o convenient_a place_n for_o conduct_v of_o the_o drayn_n be_v from_o the_o windmill_n corner_n upon_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o bank_n call_v willow_n dike_a unto_o a_o place_n there_o call_v gannok_fw-mi and_o from_o thence_o to_o cut_v through_o the_o land_n of_o the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o the_o land_n of_o henry_n adam_n esquire_n in_o the_o fenn_n of_o tid_n s._n marry_o in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n unto_o the_o ea_fw-la between_o both_o shire_n viz._n lincoln_n and_o cambridge_n at_o grain_n hill_n and_o so_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o the_o old_a drayn_n divide_v both_o the_o shire_n unto_o the_o goat_n call_v shire_n goat_n 2._o to_o the_o second_o article_n that_o by_o estimation_n every_o perch_n from_o clowes_n cross_n to_o gannok_n be_v in_o number_n 968._o every_o perch_n have_v xx_o foot_n in_o length_n xxiiii_o in_o breadth_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o depth_n will_v cost_v for_o the_o make_v thereof_o xus_fw-la and_o every_o perch_n after_o the_o quantity_n aforesaid_a from_o gannok_n to_o grain_n hill_n 61_o perch_n will_v cost_v x_n the_o charge_n of_o the_o perch_v aforesaid_a amount_v 75â—l._n 06s._o 08d._o and_o from_o grain_n hill_n to_o shire_n goat_n be_v in_o number_n 1732_o perch_n will_v cost_v for_o every_o perch_n scour_v 03s._o 04d._o that_o sum_n amount_v to_o 288l._o 13s._o 04d._o the_o sum_n total_a 1045l._o item_n for_o build_v of_o the_o clowes_n and_o for_o every_o other_o extraordinary_a charge_n thereto_o belong_v they_o judgit_fw-la will_v cost_v a_o hundred_o pound_n the_o total_a of_o the_o whole_a 1145l._o 3._o to_o the_o three_o article_n they_o present_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o drayn_n from_o clowes_n cross_n to_o grain_n hill_n shall_v be_v bear_v by_o the_o equal_a charge_n of_o cambridgshire_n to_o be_v leuâ—ed_v of_o all_o those_o town_n and_o ground_n nigh_o adjoin_v and_o have_v common_a or_o several_a in_o any_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n within_o any_o of_o the_o say_v country_n beforenamed_n reap_v or_o take_v any_o profit_n or_o commodity_n by_o drayn_v of_o the_o fen_n by_o the_o drayn_n through_o clowes_n cross_n and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n 4._o and_o 5._o to_o the_o four_o and_o five_o article_n they_o present_v a_o bill_n or_o book_n of_o several_a country_n and_o town_n thereunto_o annex_v of_o all_o that_o they_o know_v and_o for_o far_a knowledge_n they_o refer_v it_o to_o the_o good_a discretion_n of_o the_o lord_n master_n owner_n and_o dweller_n within_o any_o of_o the_o town_n and_o ground_n near_o adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o reap_v or_o take_v any_o commodity_n or_o profit_n any_o manner_n of_o way_n by_o the_o say_v drayn_n call_v clowes_n across_o drayn_n or_o shire_n drayn_n 6._o to_o the_o six_o article_n they_o present_v that_o to_o their_o knowledge_n there_o be_v neither_o detriment_n loss_n or_o hindrance_n like_a to_o happen_v to_o the_o queen_n majesty_n or_o any_o person_n or_o person_n by_o open_v the_o say_v drayn_n the_o clowes_n and_o bank_n be_v sufficient_o make_v order_v and_o keep_v except_o two_o acre_n of_o the_o queen_n majesty_n and_o henry_n adam_n esquire_n but_o great_a commodity_n and_o profit_n to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o dweller_n near_o to_o any_o of_o the_o say_a ground_n or_o fen_n above_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n 7._o and_o to_o the_o seven_o article_n they_o present_v that_o they_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o good_a discretion_n of_o the_o commissioner_n to_o appoint_v at_o their_o pleasure_n next_o follow_v the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o town_n and_o land_n contributory_a and_o chargeable_a towards_o this_o work_n as_o also_o of_o the_o treasurer_n and_o surveyor_n for_o each_o county_n but_o what_o be_v accomplish_v therein_o i_o be_o yet_o to_o learn_v sure_o i_o be_o that_o it_o will_v have_v fall_v far_o short_a of_o perform_v what_o be_v aim_v at_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o without_o a_o general_a drayn_n all_o these_o particular_a attempt_n how_o chargeable_a soever_o will_v be_v of_o little_a moment_n witness_v that_o fair_a channel_n make_v by_o john_n morton_n bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o king_n h._n 7._o time_n call_v morton_n leame_z or_o the_o new_a leame_z extend_v from_o below_o peterborough_n to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o this_o of_o clow_n cross_v as_o also_o popham_n ea_fw-la the_o londoner_n load_n and_o many_o other_o which_o cost_n have_v it_o be_v at_o once_o bestow_v upon_o the_o main_a work_n may_v have_v go_v far_o towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o a_o general_a exsiccation_n of_o this_o whole_a fenny_a tract_n and_o this_o be_v at_o length_n experimental_o find_v to_o be_v so_o by_o such_o as_o be_v man_n of_o skill_n and_o judgement_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o that_o so_o noble_a and_o profitable_a a_o undertake_n as_o this_o of_o a_o general_a drayn_n will_v may_v be_v promote_v and_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o they_o who_o be_v lord_n id_fw-la est_fw-la of_o the_o soil_n of_o those_o great_a waste_a ground_n or_o any_o several_n as_o be_v subject_n to_o such_o inundation_n may_v not_o hinder_v so_o laudable_a a_o work_n tend_v to_o the_o disburthen_v from_o those_o great_a and_o constant_a charge_n in_o bank_n and_o sewer_n which_o be_v find_v to_o be_v of_o little_a avail_n to_o that_o public_a end_n and_o prevent_v the_o extraordinary_a benefit_n which_o as_o be_v clear_o see_v will_v accrue_v thereby_o to_o the_o realm_n that_o excellent_a statute_n of_o xliij_o eliz._n be_v make_v entitle_v a_o act_n for_o the_o recover_n of_o many_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n of_o marsh_n and_o other_o ground_n subject_a common_o to_o surround_v within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntendon_n northampton_n lincoln_n norfolk_n suffolk_n sussex_n essex_n kent_n and_o the_o county_n palatine_n of_o duresme_fw-fr the_o preamble_n whereof_o run_v thus_o whereas_o it_o be_v apparent_a to_o such_o as_o have_v travail_v in_o the_o execution_n of_o commission_n of_o sewer_n in_o the_o isle_n and_o county_n aforesaid_a that_o the_o waste_v commons_o marsh_n and_o fenny_a ground_n there_o subject_n to_o surround_v may_v be_v recover_v by_o skilful_a and_o able_a undertaker_n whereby_o great_a and_o inestimable_a benefit_n will_v arise_v to_o her_o majesty_n her_o heir_n and_o successor_n disburthen_v her_o highness_n of_o many_o chargeable_a bank_n and_o work_n of_o sewer_n within_o those_o surround_v gronnd_n as_o the_o increase_n of_o many_o able_a subject_n by_o habitation_n be_v there_o erect_v and_o in_o like_a sort_n profitable_a to_o many_o her_o highness_n subject_n both_o body_n politic_a and_o corporate_a who_o have_v estate_n of_o inheritance_n and_o other_o interest_n within_o the_o same_o and_o for_o that_o the_o drayn_n and_o make_v dry_a and_o profitable_a of_o those_o surround_v ground_n be_v chief_o hinder_v for_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v waste_v and_o commons_o subject_a yearly_a to_o surround_v wherein_o divers_a have_v common_a by_o prescription_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o resiance_n and_o inhabitancy_n which_o kind_n of_o commons_o nor_o their_o interest_n therein_o can_v by_o the_o common_a law_n be_v extinguish_v or_o grant_v to_o bind_v other_o which_o shall_v inhabit_v there_o afterward_o and_o in_o that_o also_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o commoner_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o poverty_n be_v unable_a to_o pay_v the_o great_a charge_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v undertake_v the_o recovery_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v that_o the_o owner_n of_o
all_o surround_v waste_v and_o commons_o as_o also_o the_o most_o of_o the_o commoner_n for_o their_o particular_a commons_o may_v contract_v or_o bargain_n for_o part_n of_o such_o commons_o waste_v &_o several_n with_o such_o person_n or_o person_n who_o will_v undertake_v the_o drayn_n the_o country_n themselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o say_a act_n acknowledge_v and_o that_o the_o same_o their_o contract_n and_o conveyance_n thereupon_o make_v shall_v be_v good_a and_o available_a in_o law_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o other_o the_o commoner_n therein_o but_o not_o against_o the_o say_a queen_n her_o heir_n or_o successor_n except_o such_o conveyance_n shall_v be_v certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n in_o case_n the_o say_v waste_v be_v of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o except_v the_o royal_a assent_n be_v obtain_v thereunto_o howbeit_o upon_o this_o act_n happen_v so_o near_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o queen_n reign_n little_o be_v do_v but_o king_n james_n short_o after_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n be_v a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a prince_n as_o also_o of_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o withal_o high_o sensible_a of_o the_o general_a advantage_n which_o thereby_o will_v redound_v to_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o his_o letter_n b._n direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o county_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_z cambridge_n huntendon_n northampton_n and_o lincoln_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n the_o xith_o of_o july_n jac._n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n encourage_v their_o proceed_n therein_o express_v his_o readiness_n to_o allow_v a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o land_n to_o be_v so_o recover_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n in_o like_a proportion_n that_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n shall_v do_v and_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v one_o henry_n totnall_n and_o john_n hunt_v respective_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o to_o treat_v and_o contract_v with_o as_o many_o lord_n and_o commoner_n as_o they_o may_v touch_v the_o premise_n desire_v likewise_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o be_v aid_v to_o the_o say_v henry_n totnall_n and_o i._o hunt_v therein_o the_o limit_n b._n of_o the_o commission_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n 1605._o attempt_v aâ—_n 1605._o the_o ground_n lie_v between_o and_o within_o any_o the_o limit_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n every_o way_n between_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o between_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o same_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o norff._n suff._n cambr._n and_o huntingdon_n and_o between_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o huntingdon_n &_o northampton_n shire_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n aswell_o of_o the_o washes_n in_o lincolnshire_n as_o those_o between_o the_o same_o wash_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n great_a porsant_a bank_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o say_a river_n of_o welland_n great_a porsant_a bank_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n in_o the_o county_n of_o north._n and_o linc._n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n or_o in_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o the_o same_o the_o particular_a ibid._n limit_n from_o the_o corner_n of_o edw._n skypwith_n bank_n next_o to_o creek_n load_n by_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o so_o by_o that_o bank_n to_o maid_n load_n alias_o shiplode_n and_o by_o a_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n to_o calsey-dike_a and_o so_o through_o a_o part_n of_o upwell_n to_o lakebridg_v and_o from_o thence_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o friday_n brigge_n and_o so_o elm_n leame_z to_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n and_o to_o tilnâ—y_v hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o hob_n house_n alias_o bensted_n hyrne_v to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o clowes_n cross_n and_o so_o by_o south_n ea_z bank_n and_o through_o crouland_n to_o the_o further_a end_n thereof_o towards_o white_a house_n &_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o new_a bank_n or_o banks_n as_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n in_o com._n northt_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n to_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o northt_v and_o hunt_n to_o erith_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o over_o fen_n bank_n to_o over_o hive_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n to_o a_o causey_n lead_v from_o water_n beech_n to_o clay_n hive_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n unto_o upwere_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n suff._n and_o norff._n to_o stoke_n causey_n and_o by_o it_o and_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o land_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n to_o another_o bank_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n skipwith_n by_o stoke_n river_n and_o by_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o helgay_n causey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n of_o helgay_n and_o sotherey_n subject_n to_o surround_v unto_o sotherey_n calsey_n and_o by_o it_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o sotherey_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n to_o the_o say_a corner_n of_o the_o say_a mr_n edw._n skipwith_n bank_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o this_o great_a work_n direction_n be_v give_v to_o one_o mr._n richard_n atkins_n of_o outwelle_n a_o person_n who_o observation_n in_o these_o fenny_a ground_n be_v very_o notable_a to_o make_v search_n with_o a_o augar_n of_o xi_o foot_n long_a on_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o new_a leame_z from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o stanground_n stafe_n to_o find_v the_o soil_n there_o of_o at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a whereupon_o he_o begin_v so_o to_o do_v on_o the_o second_o of_o april_n 1605._o and_o find_v the_o first_o place_n on_o the_o north_n side_n 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 5._o all_o moor._n 6._o at_o mile_n and_o half_a tree_n moor_n 7_o 8._o all_o moor._n 9_o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 10._o on_o the_o north_n side_n moor_n in_o knarlake_n moor_n at_o eleven_o foot_n deep_a 12._o on_o the_o south_n side_n against_o knarlake_n all_o moor._n 13._o in_o the_o leame_z moor._n 14._o on_o the_o north_n side_n all_o moor_n to_o 8._o foot_n 15._o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 9_o foot_n deep_a 16._o by_o lord_n dike_v end_n black_a moor_n mix_v with_o earth_n 17._o in_o the_o leame_z the_o like_a 18._o on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o like_a 19_o on_o the_o south_n side_n lipny_n holt_n against_o the_o hill_n mix_v earth_n 20._o westward_o a_o furlong_n black_a moor_n mix_v 21._o the_o like_a 22._o 23._o against_o easttree_n mix_v moor._n 24._o nigh_o cotes_n moor_n on_o both_o side_n 25._o against_o cotes_n all_o moor_n above_o cotes_n on_o the_o north_n moor_n by_o basual_o hill_n 26._o at_o stonhil_n dole_n moor._n 27._o against_o calf_n croft_n south_n bassa_n gravel_n north_n moor._n 28._o between_o the_o leame_z and_o the_o lake_n against_o the_o mill_n moor._n 29._o between_o great_a hill_n and_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n moor_n mix_v 30._o between_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n and_o eastlong_a lot_n all_o clay_n aloft_o and_o gravel_n at_o 2._o foot_n 8._o inch_n 31._o more_o westward_n in_o the_o river_n gravel_n and_o silt_n at_o 4_o foot_n 32._o on_o the_o north_n side_n at_o north_n i_fw-mi gravel_n the_o like_a 33._o at_o north_n long-lott_n all_o clay_n aloft_o 34._o 35._o by_o bradley_n fen_n clay_n and_o mix_a earth_n aloft_o about_z 3_o foot_n 36._o by_o bradley_n fen_n to_o the_o leam_n end_n such_o like_a above_o but_o rank_n moor_n all_o the_o way_n under_o the_o search_n make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o plawlis_n be_v at_o erith_n bridge_n within_o lx_o pole_n of_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o first_o ham_n there_o at_o 2_o foot_n and_o 2_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a clay_n but_o after_o under_o the_o same_o at_z 8_o and_o 9_o and_o 10_o foot_n and_o upward_o be_v all_o red_a moor_n and_o so_o from_o thence_o
all_o the_o way_n over_o sutton_n fen_n by_o i_fw-mi fen_n many_o fen_n and_o westmore_n to_o wellney_n turf_n ground_n all_o red_a moor._n and_o likewise_o to_o cotehirne_v nigh_o frank_n dike_v end_n so_o till_o within_o lx_o rod_n where_o at_o â—ive_a foot_n it_o be_v mix_v silt_n and_o at_o the_o water_n side_n day_n the_o like_a for_o 60_o to_o 80_o rod_n over_o welln_v i_fw-mi green_fw-mi and_o after_o right_n over_o to_o maid_n load_n at_o the_o head_n of_o mr._n skipwiths_n ground_n all_o vile_a moor_n by_o the_o whole_a tract_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o 22_o of_o april_n next_o follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o king_n majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n to_o the_o before-specified_n commissioner_n 1605._o desire_v they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o person_n as_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o general_a good_a which_o be_v like_a to_o come_v to_o this_o drayn_n shall_v oppose_v it_o or_o use_v mean_n to_o other_o so_o to_o do_v or_o otherwise_o to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o attend_v the_o say_a council_n and_o whereas_o some_o of_o the_o commissioner_n intend_v the_o advantage_n to_o some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o country_n doubt_v the_o success_n of_o the_o general_a work_n have_v make_v a_o order_n touch_v that_o of_o clow_n across_o only_a the_o say_v lord_n by_o this_o letter_n do_v command_v they_o not_o to_o proceed_v therein_o till_o it_o shall_v be_v discern_v what_o success_n the_o general_a undertake_n will_v have_v upon_o receipt_n of_o which_o letter_n the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v at_o huntendon_n the_o xixth_o of_o may_n ensue_v make_v this_o return_n b._n to_o that_o honourable_a board_n viz._n that_o after_o long_a debate_n and_o all_o objection_n hear_v they_o conclude_v with_o one_o consent_n that_o this_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v fesible_a and_o without_o any_o peril_n to_o any_o haven_n or_o county_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o that_o they_o do_v reckon_v it_o the_o most_o noble_a work_n for_o the_o say_a lord_n to_o further_o and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o country_n interest_v to_o have_v good_a by_o that_o ever_o be_v take_v in_o hand_n of_o that_o kind_n in_o those_o day_n refer_v more_o particular_a relation_n concern_v it_o to_o the_o beforementioned_a mr._n hunt_n and_o mr._n totnallâ—_n â—_z the_o bearer_n of_o those_o letter_n the_o commissioner_n name_v subscribe_v thereto_o be_v there_o viz._n oliver_n cromwell_n robert_n bevyll_n john_n cutts_n john_n cotton_n robert_n wingfield_n robert_n cotton_n simeon_n steward_n richard_n cox_n henry_n spelman_n anthony_n forest._n thomas_n lambert_n robert_n cromwell_n anthony_n ireby_n thomas_n ogle_n christopher_n hudson_n william_n styrmyn_n john_n fyncham_n william_n martial_n whereupon_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a view_n b._n of_o the_o whole_a level_n begin_v on_o the_o xxith_o of_o june_n next_o follow_v by_o sir_n robert_n bevill_n sir_n robert_n wingfield_n sir_n john_n gamlyn_n â—uniâ—_n sir_n richard_n cox_n and_o sir_n anthony_n forest_n knight_n christopher_n hodson_n and_o matthew_n robinson_n esquire_n and_o thus_o certify_v as_o follow_v first_o we_o repair_v to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o two_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o glen_n where_o we_o find_v the_o say_v out-fall_a reasonable_a good_a thence_o to_o cowhyrne_n and_o pikebridg_n and_o so_o to_o spalding_n bridge_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o river_n very_o defective_a in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o from_o cowhyrn_n to_o spalding_n bridge_n a_o great_a bank_n lie_v on_o either_o side_n the_o river_n from_o spalding_n bridge_n to_o willow_n row_n end_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n to_o white_a house_n the_o river_n all_o along_o be_v defective_a as_o abovesaid_a have_v a_o great_a elbow_n by_o cubbet_n and_o peakell_n which_o much_o hinder_v its_o course_n to_o the_o out-fall_a from_o white_a house_n to_o crowland_n and_o by_o the_o cross_n in_o the_o ea_fw-la to_o waldram_n hall_n the_o like_a defect_n of_o breadth_n and_o depth_n appear_v as_o aforesaid_a 22._o from_o peterborough_n bridge_n to_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o catts-water_n which_o ancient_a sewer_n be_v so_o grow_v up_o with_o earth_n and_o weed_n as_o that_o it_o serve_v neither_o for_o passage_n with_o boat_n nor_o drayn_v and_o so_o have_v be_v of_o long_a time_n which_o ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v for_o the_o ordinary_a passage_n to_o and_o from_o spalding_n and_o other_o place_n in_o holland_n to_o peterburrow_n thence_o to_o stanground_n steafe_n where_o we_o find_v the_o river_n sufficient_a for_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o guy_n hirne_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v wonderful_a defect_n in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o all_o which_o passage_n we_o find_v the_o like_a defect_n 24._o from_o thence_o by_o elm_n river_n to_o frydaybridge_n and_o so_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o lakebridge_n thence_o to_o shrewesnest_n by_o welle_v river_n where_o we_o take_v boat_n perceive_v at_o shrewesnest_n that_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n which_o come_v from_o the_o mare_n have_v but_o six_o mile_n to_o salter_n load_n to_o pass_v by_o welle_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o quar_n of_o the_o say_a channel_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o run_v from_o shrewesnest_n to_o salter_n load_n by_o welleney_n litleport_n chair_n and_o sotherey_n ferrey_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v 28_o mile_n and_o that_o the_o river_n through_o welle_v can_v be_v convenient_o amend_v ea._n to_o remedy_v which_o mr._n hunt_n desire_v that_o a_o new_a river_n of_o 80_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_o be_v make_v from_o march_n river_n at_o the_o ham_n cross_a marmound_n etc._n etc._n through_o netemore_n to_o fall_v into_o welle_v river_n near_o london_n load_n between_o shrewesn_a and_o forweare_v we_o find_v a_o place_n call_v the_o ham_n not_o above_o two_o foot_n deep_a about_o 4_o mile_n from_o shrew_n nest_n be_v elm_n leame_z which_o be_v a_o sewer_n go_v from_o march_n river_n to_o friday_n bridge_n through_o elm_n river_n to_o wisbeche_v which_o sewer_n be_v land_v up_o thence_o we_o come_v to_o march_z leame_z about_o a_o mile_n and_o half_a short_a of_o march_n bridge_n which_o be_v much_o decay_v to_o the_o great_a hindrance_n of_o navigation_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o wisbeche_n and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o all_o the_o ground_n betwixt_o chateriz_n ferrey_n and_o march_v river_n and_o at_o march_n bridge_n on_o either_o side_n we_o find_v divers_a gravels_n which_o do_v stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o river_n thence_o to_o great-crosse_n 3_o mile_n above_o march_n bridge_n and_o so_o through_o ramsey_n ugge_n and_o witlesey_n mere_n thence_o to_o farset_n bridge_n about_o xvij_o foot_n broad_a thence_o etc._n etc._n to_o peterborow_n from_o peterborow_n to_o yaxley_n load_n 25._o thence_o to_o ramsey_n load_n along_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o upland_n thence_o to_o erith_n brigg_n where_o mr._n hunt_n disire_v a_o new_a river_n from_o the_o first_o corner_n of_o the_o west_n water_n beneath_o the_o say_a bridge_n to_o begin_v in_o midlemore_n fen_n near_o to_o the_o several_n and_o so_o to_o go_v line_n right_a unto_o wellenhey-river_n nigh_o sprall_n be_v and_o thence_o line_n right_a to_o the_o fall_n into_o ouse_n at_o the_o end_n of_o maid_n load_n or_o at_o some_o apt_a place_n between_o that_o and_o salter_n load_n which_o river_n or_o rivers_n to_o contain_v in_o breadth_n 120_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8_o foot_n and_o for_o preservation_n of_o the_o navigation_n to_o and_o from_o st._n ives_n to_o cambridge_n and_o linne_n as_o also_o to_o wisbeche_v he_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o divers_a other_o sluice_n be_v make_v viz._n one_o in_o the_o ouse_n near_o the_o hermitage_n one_o in_o the_o west_n water_n near_o to_o the_o new_a river_n to_o stop_v the_o water_n from_o run_v to_o benwick_n and_o for_o navigation_n drayn_v of_o huntingdon_n fen_n ground_n between_o it_o and_o the_o upland_n ground_n and_o other_o necessary_a use_n and_o so_o many_o sluice_n at_o the_o end_n as_o the_o say_a river_n shall_v be_v divide_v into_o part_n which_o he_o think_v to_o make_v into_o 3_o river_n of_o xl_o foot_n a_o piece_n 26._o thence_o we_o come_v to_o over_n aldrich-causey_n haddenham_n grunty_n fen_n and_o so_o to_o ely_n in_o ely_n town_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o water_n be_v but_o 14_o inch_n deep_a and_o upon_o the_o hards_n 18_o inch_n and_o in_o some_o place_n 2_o foot_n thence_o we_o pass_v by_o water_n to_o sotherey_n and_o prick-willow_n where_o mildenhall_n river_n fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o between_o ely_n and_o littleport_n chair_n we_o observe_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n be_v so_o crooked_a that_o the_o make_v a_o new_a river_n from_o erith_n bridge_n through_o sutton_n
upwere_a on_o the_o west_n wickynhie_a ground_n on_o the_o south_n and_o of_o soham_n east_n 4297_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n between_o grant_n from_o upwere_n to_o clay_n hithe_a and_o horningsey_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o west_n the_o way_n from_o quoy_fw-fr to_o eambridge_n and_o quoy_fw-fr and_o bottesham_n high_a ground_n on_o the_o southâ—_n the_o two_o swafham_n reach_v burwell_n lanward_n and_o fordham_n on_o the_o east_n and_o of_o soham_n and_o wickin_n north_n 11950_o the_o fen_n between_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o teversham_n and_o hinton_n west_n of_o fulburne_n south_n of_o great_a and_o little_a wilbram_n east_n of_o bottesham_n and_o quoy_fw-fr north_n 1240_o between_o grant_n from_o harrymere_n to_o ditton_n on_o the_o east_n of_o ouse_n from_o harrymere_n to_o aldrich_n bridge_n on_o the_o north_n hempsall_n yram_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o rampton_n west_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o cottenham_n and_o denney_n abbey_n south_n 9480_o hempsall_n and_o ireham_n east_n of_o aldrich_n causey_n 823_o the_o low_a ground_n from_o st._n ives_n to_o erith_n bridge_n on_o the_o south_n the_o fen_n of_o willingham_n and_o over_n on_o the_o east_n the_o high_a ground_n of_o swasey_n drayton_n and_o stanton_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o high_a ground_n of_o st._n ives_n west_n 3529_o the_o low_a ground_n below_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o ouse_n between_o the_o say_a river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o east_n and_o the_o high_a land_n of_o bluntesham_n hallywell_n and_o st._n ives_n on_o the_o north_n and_o west_n 1871_o the_o total_a sum_n 307242_o acre_n whereupon_o the_o say_v commissioner_n sit_v 1605._o at_o wisebeche_n aforesaid_a upon_o the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a the_o lord_n chief-justice_n popham_n be_v then_o and_o there_o present_a make_v certain_a law_n â—_o and_o ordinance_n the_o extract_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v ordered_n first_o that_o sir_n john_n popham_n knight_n lord_n chief_a justice_n of_o england_n sir_n thomas_n fleming_n knight_n chief_a baron_n of_o the_o exchequer_n sir_n william_n rumney_n knight_n alderman_n of_o london_n and_o john_n eldred_n citizen_n and_o clothworker_n of_o london_n their_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v within_o the_o space_n of_o 7_o year_n next_o come_v at_o their_o own_o proper_a cost_n and_o charge_n drain_v all_o the_o fen_n and_o surround_v ground_n between_o the_o old_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n as_o it_o now_o run_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n and_o depe_v and_o within_o the_o land_n eas_fw-la hereafter_o mention_v and_o convey_v the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n or_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o from_o some_o place_n at_o or_o near_o erith_n bridge_n aforesaid_a unto_o such_o place_n between_o salter_n load_n and_o maiden_n load_n as_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n shall_v think_v meet_a which_o conveyance_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o two_o uttermost_a bank_n 30_o pole_n at_o the_o least_o and_o the_o river_n to_o be_v 30_o foot_n wide_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o same_o utmost_a bank_n to_o be_v each_o of_o they_o 30_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 7_o foot_n in_o height_n at_o the_o least_o and_o if_o that_o height_n will_v not_o do_v to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n etc._n etc._n then_o to_o raise_v they_o high_o that_o the_o like_a passage_n be_v make_v at_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o fen_n near_o peterborough_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n from_o thence_o to_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o likewise_o for_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n from_o its_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n at_o waldram_n hall_n until_o it_o meet_v with_o glen_n that_o land-eas_a from_o erith_n to_o stanground_n and_o thence_o to_o waldram_n hall_n be_v make_v to_o defend_v the_o ground_n within_o they_o and_o between_o the_o say_v new_a passage_n of_o ouse_n and_o weland_n from_o the_o land_n flood_n fall_v from_o the_o upland-countreys_n which_o land_n eas_fw-la to_o be_v from_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o fence_n dike_v 6_o pole_n at_o least_o that_o a_o drain_v be_v make_v from_o salter_n load_n unto_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n to_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n which_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o same_o land_n eas_fw-la etc._n etc._n that_o a_o new_a bank_n be_v make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o ely_n to_o defend_v the_o ground_n between_o that_o and_o the_o same_o new_a passage_n from_o the_o overflow_n of_o ouse_n as_o also_o other_o necessary_a sluice_n and_o drayn_n within_o the_o precinct_n beforementioned_a with_o bridge_n etc._n etc._n for_o passage_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v such_o sum_n of_o money_n as_o the_o commissioner_n at_o their_o session_n shall_v think_v fit_a from_o those_o person_n who_o shall_v take_v benefit_n by_o this_o drayn_n and_o not_o contribute_v part_n of_o their_o land_n towards_o the_o charge_n thereof_o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v allow_v for_o the_o drain_v at_o clow_n cross_a in_o ease_n of_o this_o charge_n to_o the_o country_n that_o a_o navigable_a sluse_n be_v make_v at_o salter_n load_n and_o that_o well-creeke_n shall_v be_v enlarge_v and_o dike_v to_o london_n load_n and_o thence_o through_o neatmore_n to_o wadingstowe_n and_o thence_o over_o the_o river_n of_o wellenhee_o as_o direct_o as_o may_v be_v unto_o or_o above_o the_o ham_n in_o march_n river_n and_o a_o sluse_n with_o a_o bridge_n to_o be_v make_v at_o wadingstow_n to_o keep_v so_o much_o of_o the_o river_n neene_v as_o shall_v be_v needful_a in_o its_o old_a course_n through_o both_o the_o town_n of_o welle_v in_o recompense_n of_o which_o performance_n the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o have_v one_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o thousand_o acre_n of_o statute_n measure_n of_o fen_n ground_n at_o fivescore_o to_o the_o hundred_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o every_o particular_a fen_n proportionable_o by_o the_o commissioner_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n next_o come_v the_o whole_a number_n of_o surround_v acre_n be_v 307242._o and_o that_o the_o undertaker_n their_o heir_n etc._n etc._n shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o say_a water_n fishing_n and_o bank_n of_o and_o within_o the_o river_n with_o the_o indikes_n and_o land-eas_a and_o liberty_n to_o take_v sufficient_a menure_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n which_o rivers_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v account_v parcel_n of_o the_o say_v 130000_o acre_n so_o assign_v to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v make_v good_a all_o drown_a parcel_n out_o of_o their_o own_o proportion_n or_o in_o value_n in_o case_n the_o drayn_n be_v not_o make_v perfect_a to_o the_o land-owner_n of_o which_o quick_a dispatch_v his_o majesty_n be_v advertise_v he_o write_v to_o they_o again_z from_o theobalds_n upon_o the_o xxiiith_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n by_o which_o letter_n a._n he_o commend_v their_o endeavour_n in_o the_o work_n jac._n and_o progress_n make_v therein_o and_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o opposition_n which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o certain_a people_n thereto_o not_o know_v out_o of_o what_o spirit_n it_o proceed_v desire_v they_o to_o take_v special_a care_n to_o suppress_v the_o spread_a of_o all_o false_a rumour_n that_o may_v give_v distaste_n to_o the_o country_n touch_v their_o proceed_n therein_o and_o with_o those_o who_o be_v then_o employ_v by_o his_o majesty_n in_o that_o service_n as_o also_o to_o examine_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o such_o rumour_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n give_v advertisement_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o council_n of_o any_o mutinous_a speech_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v this_o business_n so_o general_o intend_v for_o the_o public_a good_a short_o after_o this_o viz._n upon_o monday_n aug._n 5_o mr._n hunt_n ric._n atkyns_n and_o other_o lay_v 5_o out_o the_o ground_n where_o the_o river_n through_o neatmore_n shall_v go_v by_o a_o straight_a line_n to_o mumbe_n dike_v end_n 1605._o but_o mislike_v the_o way_n on_o tuesday_n they_o veiw_v new_a ditch_n and_o in_o the_o north-east_n end_v thereof_o begin_v by_o the_o pow_z do_fw-mi lay_v out_o the_o ditch_n to_o be_v lead_v line-right_a from_o thence_o to_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n and_o upon_o seven_o wednesday_n about_o 8_o of_o the_o clock_n the_o work_n begin_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o mr._n hunt_n who_o cast_v the_o first_o spit_v the_o wrong_a way_n mr._n helon_n mr._n totnall_n mr._n hamon_n mr._n john_n fyncham_n mr._n richard_n atkyns_n and_o other_o and_o be_v prosecute_v so_o well_o as_o that_o upon_o dec._n the_o xxith_o of_o december_n follow_v be_v the_o feast_n day_n of_o s._n thomas_n the_o apostle_n the_o bank_n at_o the_o cross_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n be_v open_v and_o the_o river_n
suffer_v to_o run_v as_o also_o a_o bridge_n present_o lay_v over_o mâ—rtij_fw-la but_o on_o the_o xuth_o of_o march_n next_o ensue_v there_o happen_v so_o great_a a_o storm_n that_o it_o break_v the_o bank_n of_o this_o new_a river_n and_o drown_v neatmore_n with_o the_o several_n adjoin_v so_o that_o on_o the_o xxi_o martij_fw-la of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o march_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n again_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o petition_n b._n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a fen-town_n without_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n in_o the_o county_n of_o suff._n and_o cambridg_n humble_o desire_v that_o whereas_o a_o most_o laudable_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o fen_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o recommend_v to_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o divers_a town_n lie_v on_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n will_v have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o in_o regard_n their_o land_n be_v very_o seldom_o surround_v they_o therefore_o may_v be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o intend_a act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o a_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n ground_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o drayn_n for_o the_o support_v of_o their_o charge_n therein_o whereupon_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n date_v at_o white-hall_n upon_o the_o xxxi_o of_o august_n in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n james_n his_o reign_n 1606._o recite_v what_o have_v be_v signify_v former_o by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o fecibleness_n of_o the_o before-specified_n drayn_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n be_v present_a at_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o country_n that_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n be_v so_o far_o to_o further_o the_o same_o as_o to_z man_n of_o understanding_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o his_o people_n as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n then_o make_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o moreover_o that_o at_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wysbeche_n order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o draw_v of_o a_o law_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o but_o that_o some_o person_n not_o well_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n complain_v to_o his_o majesty_n of_o great_a loss_n and_o hindrance_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v in_o case_n the_o say_a act_n shall_v proceed_v and_o therefore_o desire_v the_o say_v commissioner_n to_o examine_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o complaint_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o fen_n with_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o last_o year_n profit_n and_o that_o present_a year_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o the_o say_v commissioner_n make_v this_o return_n bâ—_n to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v meet_v at_o cambridge_n on_o the_o 22._o of_o october_n 1606._o for_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o petition_n former_o mention_v and_o that_o they_o find_v few_o reason_n to_o fortify_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o intend_a bill_n all_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v treat_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o want_n of_o drayn_v be_v a_o inestimable_a hurt_n to_o those_o fenny_a country_n and_o that_o whereas_o a_o objection_n have_v be_v make_v of_o much_o prejudice_n that_o may_v redound_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o such_o drayn_n they_o have_v information_n by_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o recover_a ground_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n such_o as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v live_v upon_o alm_n have_v no_o help_n but_o by_o fish_v and_o fowl_v and_o such_o poor_a mean_n out_o of_o the_o common_a fen_n while_o they_o lay_v drown_v be_v since_o come_v to_o good_a and_o supportable_a estate_n the_o chief_a content_n a._n of_o the_o bill_n handle_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 4._o regis_fw-la jacobi_n touch_v this_o general_a drayn_n the_o limitation_n of_o time_n allow_v to_o sir_n john_n popam_n knight_n lord_n chief_z justice_z and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o adventurer_n for_o accomplish_v the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ten_o year_n after_o the_o end_n of_o that_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o particular_a cutts_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o undertaker_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o a_o new_a river_n with_o a_o bank_n and_o indike_a from_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n between_o weland_n and_o burrow_n bank_n unto_o or_o near_o heddike_n corner_n and_o thence_o to_o crouland_n water_n head_n and_o there_o to_o place_v a_o sluse_n and_o so_o to_o great_a porsand_n bank_n with_o a_o dam_n over_o the_o river_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o keep_v in_o weland_n from_o overflow_a 2._o to_o amend_v the_o leame_z from_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_n and_o to_o cut_v a_o new_a river_n and_o bank_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o say_v leame_z with_o indikes_n for_o preserve_v of_o the_o bank_n the_o north_n bank_n to_o begin_v from_o burrow_n little_a fen_n bank_n where_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 3._o to_o enlarge_v the_o river_n from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n 4._o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a passage_n for_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n either_o by_o enlarge_n its_o channel_n or_o embank_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v two_o new_a river_n to_o begin_v about_o erith_n brigg_n and_o so_o to_o go_v by_o sprall_n be_v to_o maid_n load_n and_o so_o through_o denver_n fen_n into_o ouse_n about_o denver_n hithe_o with_o sufficient_a bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o new_a river_n and_o west_n water_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o navigation_n in_o old_a ouse_n and_o grant_n may_v not_o be_v impair_v 5._o to_o imbank_v in_o all_o needful_a place_n grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n river_n viz._n grant_v from_o a_o corner_n below_o clayhithe_n ferrey_n mildenhall_n and_o brandon_n rivers_n from_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n or_o from_o some_o other_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o stoke_n river_n from_o stoke_n causey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o they_o fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o to_o enlarge_v they_o where_o need_n be_v with_o bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n as_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 6._o and_o to_o make_v new_a river_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n where_o need_n be_v &c._n &c._n yield_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n such_o recompense_n as_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a as_o also_o bridges_n passage_n sluice_n and_o land_n eas._n 7._o that_o they_o may_v take_v in_o water_n to_o maintain_v fish_v so_o as_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v within_o bank_n and_o be_v not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o adjoin_a fen_n 8._o to_o make_v ferrye_n and_o ferrey_n house_n where_o need_n be_v 9_o that_o for_o this_o performance_n the_o undertaker_n etc._n etc._n to_o have_v in_o severalty_n 112000._o acre_n statute_n measure_n by_o the_o small_a hundred_o by_o assignation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 10._o that_o where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a waste_n to_o answer_v the_o undertaker_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o the_o commoner_n the_o land_n owner_n not_o to_o be_v impeach_v in_o their_o several_n 11._o that_o the_o commissioner_n do_v respect_v both_o quantity_n and_o quality_n in_o their_o opportion_v 12._o that_o such_o opportion_v be_v make_v before_o michaellmass_n a._n 1007._o if_o they_o may_v 13._o that_o of_o waltersey_n the_o undertaker_n to_o have_v 2._o full_a part_n of_o 3._o to_o be_v set_v out_o as_o aforesaid_a 14._o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v the_o soil_n water_n and_o fish_v of_o all_o the_o new_a river_n so_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n 15._o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o take_v their_o profit_n as_o they_o finish_v their_o drayning_n 16._o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n shall_v be_v again_o overflowen_v recompense_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o party_n damnify_v out_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n to_o be_v assess_v by_o any_o six_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o 2._o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la where_o such_o surround_v shall_v happen_v 17._o that_o all_o ground_n adjoin_v to_o these_o fen_n which_o be_v better_v by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v contribute_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o undertaker_n as_o any_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a 18._o that_o all_o manor_n waste_v and_o common_a shall_v have_v mete_n and_o boundary_n set_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n where_o the_o bound_n be_v
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
dike_v and_o upon_o report_n make_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n clement_n edmunds_n it_o be_v order_v 1618._o by_o their_o lordship_n that_o the_o earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n the_o lord_n carew_n mr._n treasurer_n and_o mr._n comptroller_n of_o his_o majesty_n household_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o exchequer_n the_o mr._n of_o the_o roll_n and_o sir_n edw._n coke_n or_o any_o 4._o of_o they_o shall_v take_v consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o business_n etc._n etc._n and_o prepare_v some_o opinion_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o board_n of_o what_o present_a course_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v therein_o in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o order_n the_o say_a earl_n of_o arundel_n make_v a_o journey_n into_o these_o part_n where_o have_v treaty_n with_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n knight_n and_o baronet_n anthony_n thomas_n esquire_n and_o other_o they_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n anthony_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o undertaker_n in_o this_o great_a adventure_n do_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o cost_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o bestow_v therein_o make_v these_o â—ollowing_a proposal_n b._n viz._n 1._o to_o have_v all_o the_o king_n land_n drown_v with_o fresh_a or_o salt_a water_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o recover_v at_o the_o free_a rent_n of_o iiijd_n the_o acre_n over_o and_o above_o all_o rent_n or_o revenue_n then_o in_o be_v or_o come_v to_o his_o majesty_n 2._o to_o have_v all_o the_o prince_n his_o land_n upon_o the_o like_a condition_n 3._o to_o have_v of_o all_o subject_n land_n so_o drown_v all_o the_o year_n two_o three_o to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o hold_v in_o severalty_n for_o ever_o 4._o and_o of_o all_o such_o land_n of_o subject_n which_o lie_v drown_v half_o the_o year_n to_o have_v the_o one_o half_a to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n of_o which_o proposal_n the_o king_n like_v well_o he_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n the_o 4._o of_o september_n in_o the_o xvij_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o anthony_n with_o other_o have_v undertake_v to_o drain_v all_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n norff._n suff._n linc._n northt_v and_o hunt_n with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o his_o say_a majesty_n and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o their_o proposition_n and_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o design_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v aid_v to_o they_o in_o expedit_v such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v and_o to_o further_o they_o therein_o with_o their_o authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n do_v purpose_n to_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o sea_n by_o open_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o navigable_a to_o spalding_n and_o wisbeche_n which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o turn_v the_o water_n upon_o any_o neighbour_n country_n and_o draw_v the_o same_o into_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a channel_n and_o that_o whatever_o commission_n or_o assistance_n they_o shall_v desire_v to_o further_a this_o work_n order_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o the_o same_o desire_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o king_n direction_n therein_o whereupon_o within_o three_o day_n after_o the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v 1619._o at_o peterborough_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v forthwith_o order_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o instruction_n by_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n the_o undertaker_n before-specified_n shall_v have_v the_o free_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v with_o their_o enterprise_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o likewise_o their_o furtherance_n in_o such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v with_o the_o lord_n owner_n and_o commoner_n interest_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o moreover_o that_o further_a time_n and_o long_a day_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o perfect_v their_o work_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n nene_n and_o weland_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o they_o viz._n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o no_o advantage_n take_v of_o the_o penalty_n in_o the_o law_n former_o make_v for_o effect_v the_o business_n before_o that_o time_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o 20_o and_o 23_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o september_n 1619._o have_v receive_v these_o follow_a proposition_n from_o the_o undertaker_n viz._n 1._o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o to_o drain_v the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n as_o that_o by_o their_o say_a work_n no_o person_n shall_v receive_v any_o hurt_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v from_o time_n to_o time_n maintain_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o so_o drayn_v 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o recompense_n but_o where_o through_o their_o industry_n a_o increase_n of_o benefit_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o that_o after_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v 4._o that_o if_o question_n shall_v arise_v whether_o any_o benefit_n be_v receive_v in_o any_o particular_a by_o their_o industry_n it_o shall_v be_v decide_v by_o a_o sufficient_a and_o able_a jury_n to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o county_n and_o such_o juror_n so_o nominate_v and_o no_o other_o to_o be_v reture_v by_o the_o sheriff_n 5._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o a_o jury_n of_o that_o isle_n 6._o and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v such_o recompense_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v receive_v hurt_v or_o damage_n by_o any_o of_o their_o say_a work_n as_o the_o commissioner_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a 7._o that_o at_o their_o own_o charge_n they_o will_v make_v provision_n that_o water_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o stay_v at_o those_o town_n where_o water_n have_v before_o come_v and_o stay_v for_o navigation_n and_o transportation_n and_o the_o township_n afterward_o to_o maintain_v it_o 8._o and_o that_o they_o will_v better_v and_o not_o hurt_v or_o impair_v the_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n and_o ouse_n and_o do_v therefore_o order_n and_o decree_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v have_v their_o free_a consent_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o will_v assist_v they_o etc._n etc._n in_o their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o state_n of_o any_o commons_o but_o only_o to_o have_v such_o competent_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o severalty_n to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n as_o shall_v content_v they_o for_o their_o work_n of_o drayn_v the_o same_o and_o the_o residue_n of_o every_o common_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o than_o it_o do_v and_o at_o a_o session_n 1619._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o s._n ives_n on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v they_o decree_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o order_n make_v at_o peterborough_n 8_o sept._n and_o that_o present_a order_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o every_o town_n village_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o premise_n shall_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o say_v several_a county_n etc._n etc._n before_o the_o with_o of_o oct._n next_o then_o come_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o owner_n commoner_n etc._n etc._n interest_v in_o any_o surround_v ground_n within_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a may_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n for_o conclude_v their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o 4_o of_o october_n ensue_v the_o say_a undertaker_n send_v their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o commissioner_n for_o norfolk_n sit_v at_o a_o session_n at_o ilsington_n excuse_v their_o not_o wait_v on_o they_o soon_o and_o enclose_v the_o copy_n of_o those_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n to_o they_o desire_z that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o their_o neighbour_n together_o with_o their_o proposal_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o contract_v with_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o meeting_n with_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o norff._n at_o cambridge_n on_o wednesday_n the_o xiijth_o of_o october_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o they_o will_v cause_v
commodity_n 4._o that_o no_o land_n shall_v contribute_v to_o this_o charge_n which_o be_v then_o at_o 8s._o a_o acre_n or_o upward_o except_o it_o lay_v in_o small_a quantity_n and_o intermix_v with_o other_o land_n so_o that_o the_o work_n can_v not_o go_v forward_o without_o it_o and_o then_o to_o have_v a_o moiety_n of_o profit_n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la 5._o that_o their_o lordship_n shall_v not_o intermeddle_v with_o any_o part_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v already_o settle_v &_o agree_v on_o 6._o that_o the_o undertaker_n according_a to_o their_o promise_n shall_v begin_v the_o work_n within_o one_o month_n after_o this_o agreement_n shall_v be_v conclude_v all_o which_o be_v thus_o settle_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o last_o day_n of_o may_n then_o past_a with_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o party_n for_o aught_o appear_v to_o their_o lordship_n forasmuch_o nevertheless_o as_o the_o undertaker_n have_v not_o then_o enter_v upon_o the_o work_n nor_o make_v any_o proceed_n therein_o the_o time_n of_o the_o year_n require_v expedition_n it_o be_v according_a to_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n and_o command_v order_v by_o that_o board_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v either_o go_v on_o according_a to_o the_o article_n so_o agree_v on_o at_o that_o board_n or_o otherwise_o desist_v from_o that_o undertake_n and_o hold_v the_o country_n no_o long_o in_o suspense_n but_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o such_o further_a course_n as_o shall_v be_v expedient_a to_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v likewise_o order_v that_o copy_n of_o those_o article_n and_o order_n shall_v be_v deliver_v both_o to_o the_o undertaker_n and_o such_o gentleman_n as_o attend_v that_o service_n there_o for_o the_o country_n and_o afterward_o viz._n upon_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n the_o king_n by_o his_o letter_n jac._n direct_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n publish_v at_o cambridge_n 18_o aug._n commend_v the_o undertaker_n readiness_n and_o acceptance_n of_o such_o mean_a condition_n in_o so_o hazardous_a a_o enterprise_n require_v that_o they_o may_v have_v square_a deal_n in_o the_o valuation_n of_o the_o land_n as_o they_o have_v be_v true_o let_v and_o security_n for_o the_o partage_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v allot_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v any_o just_a exception_n thereto_o and_o likewise_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v give_v they_o their_o best_a assistance_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o with_o cheerfullness_n in_o the_o work_n the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n also_o by_o their_o letter_n jac._n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n incite_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n and_o for_o their_o settle_n of_o the_o business_n with_o they_o according_a to_o that_o agreement_n in_o pursuance_n whereof_o in_o a_o session_n jac._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n upon_o the_o 17_o of_o august_n follow_v it_o be_v order_v that_o sir_n miles_n sandys_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n edw._n peyton_n knight_n and_o baronet_n and_o several_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridg_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n shall_v view_v and_o value_n according_a to_o the_o annual_a worth_n of_o the_o same_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o tax_n surround_v and_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o the_o same_o have_v bear_v for_o x._o year_n then_o past_a all_o the_o fen_n ground_n within_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n begin_v at_o fen-drayton_n on_o tuesday_n the_o 22_o of_o that_o instant_a august_n and_o that_o four_o able_a and_o sufficient_a man_n of_o every_o parish_n shall_v attend_v the_o say_a commissioner_n there_o for_o the_o better_a inform_v they_o in_o the_o true_a value_n of_o those_o ground_n and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v also_o at_o cambridge_n aforesaid_a it_o be_v decree_v that_o the_o adventurer_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n of_o drayn_v this_o whole_a level_n jac._n shall_v have_v out_o of_o the_o surround_v ground_n so_o to_o be_v drayn_v one_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n and_o the_o king_n himself_o who_o have_v be_v hear_v to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o kingdom_n he_o will_v not_o any_o long_o suffer_v these_o country_n to_o be_v abandon_v to_o the_o will_n of_o the_o water_n nor_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v waste_n and_o unprofitable_a be_v then_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o principal_a undertaker_n ☞_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o great_a disturbance_n he_o have_v about_o that_o time_n and_o after_o till_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reign_n for_o regain_n the_o palatinate_n then_o violent_o invade_v by_o a_o powerful_a army_n and_o his_o daughter_n with_o her_o husband_n and_o child_n expose_v to_o the_o wide_a world_n for_o a_o subsistence_n which_o be_v the_o impediment_n or_o what_o else_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o say_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o far_a progress_n be_v make_v therein_o nor_o any_o thing_n else_o conduce_v thereto_o till_o the_o five_o year_n of_o our_o late_a sovereign_a king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n when_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n upon_o the_o 6_o of_o january_n 1629._o it_o be_v decree_v that_o a_o tax_n of_o six_o shilling_n a_o acre_n shall_v be_v lay_v upon_o all_o the_o say_v marish_a fenny_a waste_n and_o surround_v ground_n in_o order_n to_o this_o general_a drayn_n notwithstanding_o which_o decree_n there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o say_a tax_n pay_v nor_o any_o prosecution_n of_o that_o work_n câ—r_n howbeit_o in_o another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z upon_o the_o first_o of_o september_n the_o year_n ensue_v the_o commissioner_n then_o present_a be_v xlvii_o in_o number_n there_o be_v a_o contract_n make_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n knight_n a_o person_n well_o experience_v in_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o this_o level_n and_o he_o for_o his_o recompense_n therein_o to_o have_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n of_o the_o say_v surround_v land_n but_o the_o country_n be_v not_o satisfy_v to_o deal_v with_o sir_n cornelius_n in_o regard_n he_o be_v a_o alien_n they_o intimate_v their_o dislike_n to_o the_o commissioner_n and_o withal_o become_v humble_a suitor_n to_o francis_n then_o earl_n of_o bedford_n who_o be_v owner_n of_o near_a twenty_o thousand_o acre_n about_o thorney_n and_o wittlesey_n of_o this_o fenny_a level_n to_o undertake_v the_o work_n at_o who_o request_n as_o also_o of_o the_o commissioner_n he_o condescend_v thereto_o whereupon_o for_o the_o better_a ratify_v of_o this_o agreement_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z before-specified_n car._n upon_o the_o xiijth_o of_o january_n follow_v and_o by_o xli_o commissioner_n then_o and_o there_o present_a a_o solemn_a decree_n make_v recite_v these_o particular_n viz._n that_o the_o work_n of_o drayn_v be_v first_o propound_v 19_o jac._n at_o cambridg_n at_o a_o general_a session_n there_o where_o the_o then_o king_n james_n declare_v by_o his_o letter_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v undertake_v it_o and_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o expense_n the_o quantity_n of_o 120000._o acre_n be_v decree_v to_o his_o majesty_n his_o heir_n and_o successor_n for_o ever_o but_o the_o work_n be_v neglect_v by_o he_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o have_v often_o recommend_v the_o care_n to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o gracious_a intimation_n the_o commissioner_n at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o huntingdon_n 20_o jan._n 5_o caroli_n do_v lay_v a_o tax_n of_o vis_fw-la the_o acre_n upon_o all_o and_o every_o marsh_n and_o fen_n ground_n which_o tax_n nor_o any_o part_n thereof_o be_v ever_o pay_v and_o moreover_o that_o whereas_o at_o a_o session_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_z 1_o sept._n then_o last_o pass_v id_fw-la est_fw-la 6._o caroli_n the_o commissioner_n be_v xlvij_o present_a do_v contract_n with_o sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n that_o he_o shall_v undertake_v the_o work_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n and_o in_o recompense_n thereof_o to_o have_v 90000._o acre_n parcel_n equal_o and_o indifferent_o to_o be_v lay_v out_o and_o that_o the_o say_v corn._n vermuden_n have_v present_v the_o commissioner_n with_o a_o map_n and_o design_n of_o the_o work_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o but_o require_v 95000._o acre_n which_o the_o commissioner_n and_o country_n be_v unwilling_a to_o grant_v or_o that_o any_o contract_n shall_v be_v make_v with_o a_o alien_a or_o stranger_n they_o therefore_o petition_v that_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n then_o present_a will_v undertake_v the_o work_n which_o the_o say_a earl_n yield_v unto_o under_o the_o agreement_n and_o article_n here_o under_o express_v viz._n 1._o that_o he_o shall_v
may_v the_o better_o accomplish_v this_o so_o great_a a_o undertatake_n as_o also_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v the_o work_n after_o they_o shall_v be_v complete_v the_o say_v francis_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o x_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n obtain_v lettee_n patent_n of_o incorporation_n bear_v date_n 13_o martii_fw-la caroli_n whereby_o the_o say_a king_n make_v some_o recital_n of_o the_o before-specified_n law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o king_n lynne_n 13_o jan._n 6_o car._n with_o his_o royal_a assent_n thereunto_o do_v incorporate_v he_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o certain_a other_o person_n viz._n oliver_n earl_n of_o bullingbroke_n henry_n lord_n maltrevers_n edward_n lord_n gorges_n sir_n francis_n crane_n knight_n chancellor_z of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n thomes_n teringham_n knight_n sir_n robert_z lovell_z knight_z sir_n filbert_n vernat_fw-la knight_n sir_n miles_n sandis_n knight_n william_n sam_n doctor_n of_o law_n oliver_n s._n john_n esquire_n anthony_n hamond_n esquire_n and_o samuel_n spalding_n gentleman_n into_o a_o body_n politic_a to_o be_v guardian_n and_o conserver_n of_o the_o fen_n land_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n huntingdon_n northampton_n lincoln_n norfolk_n suffolk_n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n two_o bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o the_o society_n aforesaid_a and_o that_o they_o and_o other_o to_o be_v elect_v into_o that_o fellowship_n to_o have_v a_o perpetual_a succession_n by_o those_o name_n and_o title_n with_o power_n to_o purchase_v land_n plead_v and_o be_v implead_v and_o to_o have_v a_o common_a seal_n and_o moreover_o that_o out_o of_o this_o their_o society_n be_v yearly_o choose_v upon_o the_o xxix_o of_o september_n one_o who_o shall_v bear_v the_o name_n of_o governor_n another_o to_o be_v deputy_n governor_n and_o two_o other_o to_o be_v bailiff_n of_o the_o same_o society_n to_o continue_v for_o one_o complete_a year_n each_o of_o the_o say_a commonalty_n have_v of_o inheritance_n five_o hundred_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n land_n that_o upon_o death_n or_o removal_n the_o survivor_n to_o elect_v other_o in_o their_o room_n and_o that_o six_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n for_o the_o public_a benefit_n of_o the_o society_n whereof_o the_o governor_n or_o deputy_n governor_n to_o be_v one_o also_o that_o the_o governor_n deputy_n governor_n and_o bailiff_n shall_v make_v oath_n for_o the_o due_a execution_n of_o their_o office_n so_o likewise_o their_o servant_n and_o minister_n by_o this_o charter_n of_o incorporation_n the_o say_a governor_n bailiff_n and_o commonalty_n of_o this_o society_n and_o their_o successor_n be_v likewise_o constitute_v guardian_n of_o all_o the_o water_n river_n and_o fen_n within_o the_o precinct_n aforesaid_a with_o power_n to_o seize_v and_o take_v all_o net_n and_o other_o engine_n make_v and_o use_v therein_o for_o destroy_v of_o fish_n contrary_n to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o they_o be_v thereby_o empower_v to_o inquire_v by_o oath_n of_o all_o trespass_n and_o offence_n commit_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o offender_n by_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n which_o fine_n and_o amerciament_n to_o be_v levy_v by_o their_o officer_n and_o to_o be_v to_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o society_n without_o any_o estreit_n thereof_o make_v into_o the_o exchequer_n likewise_o to_o build_v church_n or_o chapel_n and_o make_v churchyard_n in_o such_o fit_a place_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o they_o shall_v judge_v meet_a and_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v consecrate_v by_o the_o bishop_n and_o to_o take_v reasonable_a toll_n of_o all_o carriage_n and_o commodity_n at_o such_o bridge_n as_o they_o shall_v erect_v and_o maintain_v so_o also_o for_o jade_a boat_n pass_v under_o the_o same_o bridge_n and_o last_o to_o register_n all_o conveyance_n of_o these_o their_o land_n within_o three_o month_n after_o the_o make_v thereof_o in_o certain_a book_n to_o be_v keep_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o the_o say_a governor_n and_o bailiff_n all_o which_o be_v accomplish_v about_o three_o year_n after_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o peterborough_n twelve_o oct._n 13_o car._n the_o whole_a level_n be_v adjudge_v drayn_v 1657._o and_o the_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v set_v out_o by_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o mete_n and_o bound_n unto_o the_o say_v francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_n the_o charge_n 2._o of_o these_o work_n to_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n but_o notwithstanding_o this_o great_a expense_n it_o be_v at_o length_n evident_o discern_v ibid._n that_o though_o the_o land_n be_v very_o much_o improve_v by_o those_o work_n yet_o be_v they_o subject_a to_o inundation_n especial_o in_o the_o winter_n season_n and_o therefore_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n 12_o aprilis_n 1638._o the_o year_n ensue_v the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n undertake_n be_v adjudge_v defective_a and_o on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o may_n follow_v mâ—â—i_fw-la in_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wisbeche_n the_o particular_a defect_n therein_o be_v consider_v by_o the_o commissioner_n there_o be_v a_o new_a tax_n of_o xv_o s._n the_o acre_n impose_v by_o they_o but_o upon_o dupe_v fâ—n_o thirty_o s._n the_o acre_n waldersey_n and_o coldham_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n needham_n fen_n vis_fw-la viijd_o the_o acre_n for_o the_o marsh_n within_o the_o precinct_n of_o walton_n wallokne_v and_o walpole_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n tide_n s._n mary_n sutton_n in_o holland_n lutton_n gedney_n fleâ—te_n holbeche_o ouaplode_n moulton_n and_o weston_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n wisbeche_n leverington_n newton_n and_o tide_n s._n giles_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n xls._n the_o acre_n marshlandâ—en_o â—en_z xxs._n the_o acre_n and_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n in_o marshland_n x_o s._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n oâ—_n wisebeche_n between_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n wisebeche_v river_n the_o old_a sea-bank_n and_o the_o shire_n drain_v viz._n the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n within_o the_o say_a north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o neuton_n and_o tide_n aforesaid_a x_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o common_a fen-ground_n lie_v within_o the_o north_n side_n of_o wisebeche_n vi_o s._n viij_o d._n the_o acre_n the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n in_o holland_n in_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n viz._n the_o common_a at_o xx_o s._n the_o acre_n and_o the_o several_a at_o x_o s._n and_o it_o be_v then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_a tax_n shall_v be_v pay_v in_o to_o the_o treasurer_n appoint_v to_o receive_v the_o same_o before_o the_o xviijth_o of_o july_n than_o next_o ensue_v that_o present_a session_n to_o the_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v speedy_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n that_o so_o the_o say_a fen_n may_v by_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v aswell_o winter-ground_n as_o summer-ground_n in_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o save_v convenient_a forelands_n and_o receptacle_n for_o winter_n flood_n hereupon_o his_o late_a majesty_n king_n charles_n the_o first_o of_o bless_a memory_n take_v this_o great_a business_n into_o his_o princely_a consideration_n and_o foresee_v that_o these_o land_n be_v 3._o a_o continent_n of_o about_o four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n in_o case_n they_o be_v make_v winter-ground_n will_v be_v a_o extraordinary_a benefit_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n viz._n of_o six_o hundred_o thousand_o pound_n per_fw-la annum_fw-la value_n as_o also_o a_o great_a and_o certain_a revenue_n to_o all_o party_n interest_v and_o likewise_o because_o the_o owner_n who_o be_v very_o many_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o do_v so_o great_a a_o work_n one_o being_z willing_a and_o another_o not_o one_o able_a to_o contribute_v another_o not_o be_v therefore_o please_v to_o undertake_v the_o make_n of_o those_o land_n winter-ground_n at_o his_o own_o charge_n whereby_o the_o say_v four_o hundred_o thousand_o acre_n may_v be_v profitable_a firm_a and_o good_a and_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n thereof_o do_v command_v divers_a gentleman_n expert_a in_o such_o adventure_n to_o give_v their_o advice_n how_o these_o land_n may_v be_v recover_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v winter-ground_n to_o the_o end_n the_o say_a work_n may_v be_v complete_v among_o which_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n be_v one_o who_o after_o view_v take_v thereof_o return_v their_o
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
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 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 depe_a fen_n as_o the_o great_a level_n and_o hereafter_o in_o order_v the_o same_o will_v 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 have_v any_o former_a interest_n or_o engagement_n therein_o and_o likewise_o well_o approve_v the_o rest_n of_o your_o proceed_n require_v you_o to_o go_v on_o with_o the_o care_n you_o have_v begin_v not_o doubt_v but_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v be_v say_v by_o the_o council_n at_o bar_n touch_v commission_n of_o sewer_n you_o will_v consider_v the_o weight_n of_o their_o argument_n and_o give_v they_o a_o fit_a answer_n thereunto_o at_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntentendon_n 23_o julii_n 14_o caroli_n deeping_n fen_n 27000_o acre_n the_o charge_n 27500_o 13750_o acre_n the_o proportion_n 12000_o acre_n whereof_o 9000_o out_o of_o the_o undertaker_n 3000_o out_o of_o the_o king_n owner_n and_o commoner_n with_o purpose_n to_o come_v for_o more_o if_o it_o will_v not_o perfect_a the_o mere_a and_o meer-ground_n 4500_o acre_n the_o proportion_n of_o 4200_o acre_n be_v 34_o 3150_o acre_n stretham_n mere_a 3000_o acre_n 300_o acre_n a_o moiety_n thereof_o 150_o acre_n porsand_fw-mi and_o south_n holland_n 36000_o acre_n the_o charge_n 11200l._o 20000_o of_o the_o worst_a at_o 12d._o the_o acre_n 10000_o of_o the_o middle_a sort_n at_o 4_o s._n the_o acre_n 6000_o of_o the_o best_a at_o 8_o s._n the_o acre_n 2_o three_o of_o the_o worst_a 13334_o acre_n 1._o 3d._o a_o moiety_n of_o the_o middle_a sort_n 5000_o acre_n 1_o four_o of_o the_o best_a being_n 1500_o acre_n in_o toto_fw-la 19833._o acre_n north_n of_o wisberhe_n 15000_o acre_n whereof_o 8000_o acre_n surround_v a_o moiety_n to_o be_v decree_v 4000_o acre_n marshland_n common_a fen_n 4000_o acre_n to_o the_o undertaker_n two_o three_o viz._n 2666_o acre_n the_o marsh_n 9000_o acre_n to_o be_v imbank_v 7000_o acre_n the_o charge_n 17500l._o the_o recompense_n two_o three_o viz_o 4666._o acre_n and_o a_o half_a the_o great_a level_v 306000_o acre_n whereof_o 12000_o acre_n to_o the_o king_n the_o charge_n 132900l._o the_o proportion_n 100000_o acre_n whereof_o of_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n already_o set_v forth_o 43000_o acre_n out_o of_o the_o country_n 57000_o acre_n and_o then_o leave_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n 40000_o acre_n none_o to_o be_v take_v till_o the_o work_n be_v do_v and_o judgement_n upon_o a_o winter_n experience_n and_o that_o probationary_a etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a to_o be_v bind_v for_o the_o work_n both_o the_o king_n and_o the_o earl_n except_v the_o king_n 12000_o acre_n and_o moreover_o to_o enrich_v these_o country_n by_o several_a new_a plantation_n and_o divers_a ample_a privilege_n among_o which_o his_o royal_a intention_n that_o of_o the_o build_n of_o a_o eminent_a town_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o level_n at_o a_o little_a village_n call_v manea_n and_o to_o have_v call_v it_o charlemont_n be_v one_o the_o design_n whereof_o he_o draw_v himself_o intend_v to_o have_v make_v a_o navigable_a stream_n from_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o to_o manifest_v his_o earnest_n and_o real_a purpose_n for_o the_o speedy_a performance_n of_o what_o be_v likely_a to_o redound_v so_o much_o to_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o people_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o realm_n he_o cause_v 1._o a_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o morton_n leame_z extend_v from_o peterborough_n to_o wisbeche_v to_o be_v make_v and_o a_o navigable_a sasse_n at_o stanground_n and_o begin_v the_o like_a bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o that_o leam_fw-la 2._o he_o cause_v a_o new_a river_n to_o be_v cut_v betwixt_o the_o stone_n sluse_n at_o the_o horseshoe_n and_o the_o sea_n below_o wisbeche_n of_o lx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o about_o two_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a in_o length_n with_o bank_n on_o both_o side_n thereof_o 3._o and_o last_o he_o place_v a_o sluice_n in_o the_o marsh_n below_o tide_n upon_o the_o out-fall_a of_o the_o shire_n drayn_n which_o afterward_o be_v swallow_v up_o by_o the_o quick_a sand_n but_o here_o i_o come_v to_o a_o period_n of_o that_o noble_a design_n of_o this_o excellent_a prince_n he_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o prosecute_v it_o any_o far_o those_o fatal_a cloud_n which_o begin_v to_o appear_v in_o scotland_n the_o year_n before_o by_o the_o unhappy_a combination_n of_o that_o people_n in_o a_o league_n and_o covenant_n thicken_a apace_o that_o present_a year_n scil_n an._n 1638_o so_o that_o he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o raise_v a_o army_n and_o to_o march_v thither_o in_o person_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o approach_a storm_n which_o when_o with_o no_o small_a charge_n &_o trouble_v he_o believe_v he_o have_v do_v &_o disband_v his_o army_n upon_o assurance_n of_o their_o future_a more_o steadfast_a obedience_n they_o soon_o after_o invade_v this_o kingdom_n with_o a_o powerful_a host_n which_o occasion_v his_o sacred_a majesty_n to_o call_v a_o parliament_n here_o hope_v both_o of_o advice_n and_o assistance_n from_o his_o english_a subject_n for_o the_o get_n out_o and_o quiet_v of_o those_o turbulent_a spirit_n but_o instead_o thereof_o what_o a_o foundation_n the_o predominant_a party_n in_o the_o parliament_n confederate_v with_o their_o brethren_n the_o scot_n for_o by_o that_o title_n they_o be_v then_o please_v to_o call_v they_o have_v lay_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o king_n the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o enslave_v of_o the_o whole_a nation_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v here_o to_o tell_v the_o woeful_a day_n which_o we_o have_v see_v be_v still_o so_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a people_n the_o king_n work_n therefore_o be_v thus_o obstruct_v and_o the_o country_n thereupon_o enter_v upon_o the_o say_v nineâ—y_o five_o tâ—ousand_o acre_n the_o say_v late_a earl_n of_o bâ—dford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1641_o make_v their_o application_n to_o the_o then_o parliament_n and_o have_v their_o case_n commit_v but_o the_o flame_n of_o war_n so_o soon_o after_o break_v out_o not_o only_o hinder_v they_o from_o any_o far_a prosecution_n of_o their_o purpose_n but_o occasion_v the_o work_n make_v both_o by_o he_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o late_a majesty_n to_o decay_v and_o become_v useless_a whereupon_o william_n earl_n of_o bedford_n son_n and_o heir_n to_o francis_n then_o decease_v be_v willing_a to_o prosecute_v the_o work_n wherein_o his_o father_n have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o adventurer_n make_v his_o address_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o some_o other_o his_o participant_n to_o that_o convention_n sit_v at_o weâ—tminster_n 1649._o in_o the_o year_n 1649._o and_o then_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o parliament_n be_v thereby_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o undertaker_n for_o the_o same_o and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n for_o perfect_v thereof_o as_o they_o be_v set_v out_o in_o october_n 13_o caroli_n or_o thenceforth_o shall_v be_v set_v out_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o act._n the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n therefore_o fall_v in_o hand_n with_o the_o work_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n whereof_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o main_a body_n of_o the_o fen_n so_o undertake_v by_o they_o be_v divide_v into_o three_o distinct_a level_n viz._n the_o north_n level_v the_o middle_a level_n and_o the_o south_n level_v every_o of_o which_o have_v its_o particular_a bank_n and_o outfall_n 1._o that_o which_o i_o call_v the_o north_n level_v lie_v betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n and_o moreton_o leame_z they_o defend_v from_o weland_n by_o a_o bank_n begin_v at_o peakirk_n run_v to_o crouland_n and_o so_o to_o brotherhouse_n where_o it_o unite_v with_o holland_n bank_n which_o bank_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o great_a bank_n be_v general_o be_v seventy_o foot_n broad_a at_o the_o bottom_n and_o eight_o foot_n in_o height_n peterborough_n water_n viz._n the_o river_n nene_n be_v also_o keep_v off_o by_o the_o like_a bank_n extend_v from_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_n but_o the_o drayn_n be_v only_o those_o that_o be_v before_o which_o be_v by_o this_o earl_n and_o his_o participant_n new_o scour_v and_o open_v and_o the_o outfall_n be_v also_o the_o same_o viz._n by_o shire_n drayne_n and_o the_o sluse_n at_o tide_n for_o the_o sluice_n set_v in_o the_o marsh_n be_v all_o lose_v which_o cost_v near_o 25000l._o moreover_o they_o cause_v wisbeche_v river_n to_o be_v open_v for_o the_o length_n of_o two_o mile_n
swinsh_v upon_o the_o xi_o of_o august_n than_o last_o pass_v upon_o full_a debate_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o former_a decree_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a schedule_n of_o all_o the_o fen_n &c._n &c._n comprise_v in_o a_o decree_n of_o tax_n bear_v date_n at_o boston_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o march_n in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n charles_n from_o kyme_n ea_fw-la southward_o aswell_o within_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n as_o holland_n to_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n be_v part_n of_o the_o say_v level_n mention_v in_o that_o decree_n make_v at_o sleford_n etc._n etc._n it_o do_v at_o that_o time_n appear_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o those_o present_a commissioner_n at_o boston_n that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o level_n amount_v to_o thirty_o six_o thousand_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o and_o recital_n be_v likewise_o make_v that_o whereas_o at_o the_o say_a session_n of_o swinesh_v it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o several_n within_o the_o say_v level_n lie_v from_o kyme_n ea_fw-la to_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n may_v not_o contribute_v any_o part_n of_o land_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o say_a quantity_n of_o fourteen_o thousand_o acre_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a proportion_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o fen_n and_o commons_o and_o in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o bourne_n upon_o the_o xith_o câ—r_n of_o august_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v there_o be_v a_o special_a assignation_n in_o what_o particular_a place_n in_o each_o of_o the_o fen_n before-specified_n the_o quantity_n so_o decree_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v set_v out_o and_o a_o certain_a mistake_n concern_v poynton_n fen_n rectify_v which_o say_v several_a decree_n viz._n that_o at_o sleford_n 2_o junii_fw-la 11_o caroli_n that_o at_o boston_n 29_o martii_fw-la 12_o car._n and_o this_o at_o bourne_n 11_o aug._n 13_o car._n be_v afterward_o in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n 25_o sept._n 14_o car._n ratify_v and_o confirm_v car._n and_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n hold_v likewise_o at_o sleford_n upon_o the_o xiiijth_o car._n of_o march_n than_o next_o ensue_v the_o commissioner_n receive_v information_n by_o the_o say_a earl_n that_o he_o have_v then_o effectual_o drayn_v all_o the_o land_n between_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n and_o kyme_n ea_fw-la contain_v more_o than_o thirty_o five_o thousand_o acre_n and_o take_v view_n of_o they_o with_o all_o the_o sluice_n bank_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n therein_o do_v so_o adjudge_v thereof_o and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o say_a undertake_v and_o last_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n hold_v at_o sleford_n also_o upon_o the_o 14_o of_o june_n next_o follow_v recite_v and_o confirm_v all_o the_o former_a decree_n and_o that_o whereas_o but_o three_o thousand_o acre_n be_v â—â—r_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o sleford_n make_v 2_o junii_fw-la 11_o caroli_n decree_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o work_n within_o the_o say_v whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v nevertheless_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n condescend_v to_o tie_v the_o say_v fourteen_o thâ—usand_o acre_n for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a work_n make_v between_o the_o river_n of_o glene_n and_o kyme_n ea_fw-la over_z and_o above_o the_o rent_n of_o iiijd_n the_o acre_n thereupon_o reserve_v to_o be_v pay_v out_o of_o the_o say_v fourteen_o thousand_o acre_n in_o case_n the_o say_v iiijd._o the_o acre_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a they_o decree_v and_o ratify_v the_o same_o according_o after_o which_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v be_v at_o no_o less_o than_o forty_o five_o thousand_o pound_n charge_v therein_o do_v enclose_v build_v inhabit_v plant_v plough_n sow_n and_o reap_v two_o year_n without_o disturbance_n but_o the_o three_o year_n divers_a clamorous_a petition_n be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v by_o the_o country_n people_n whereupon_o after_o examination_n of_o witness_n order_n be_v grant_v from_o both_o house_n to_o quiet_a the_o possession_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o crop_n then_o upon_o the_o land_n nevertheless_o the_o petitioner_n in_o contempt_n of_o all_o enter_v and_o destroy_v the_o drain_v and_o building_n as_o also_o the_o crop_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v reap_v to_o a_o very_a great_a value_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o hold_v the_o possession_n to_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o those_o costly_a work_n and_o exceed_a discommodity_n to_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n chap._n lvi_o the_o east_n and_o west_n fen_n northwards_o of_o this_o fenny_a part_n of_o the_o country_n call_v lindsey_n level_v be_v divers_a other_o marsh_n lie_v towards_o waynflete_a the_o great_a whereof_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n fen_n upon_o a_o writ_n of_o ad_fw-la quod_fw-la dampnum_fw-la in_o 41_o eliz._n concern_v the_o drayn_n of_o these_o fen_n it_o appear_v desuncti_fw-la that_o the_o east_n fen_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o lindsey_n be_v find_v to_o contain_v five_o thousand_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o and_o that_o the_o one_o half_a thereof_o be_v the_o skirt_n hill_n and_o out-rings_a may_v convenient_o be_v drayn_v but_o the_o other_o half_a consist_v of_o deep_n for_o the_o most_o part_n can_v not_o be_v recover_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o commons_o and_o several_n pertain_v to_o the_o town_n confine_v on_o the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o amount_v to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o all_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n surround_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o fen_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v câ—roli_n but_o in_o 6_o caroli_n 15_o maii_n there_o be_v a_o decree_n petti-baâ—_a make_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n by_o robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n lord_n great_a chamberlain_n of_o england_n edward_z earl_n of_o dorset_z lord_n chamberlain_z to_o the_o queen_n john_n shorey_n mayor_n of_o boston_n sir_n robert_n killigrew_n vice-chamberlain_n to_o the_o queen_n sir_n robert_z bell_n sir_n john_n browne_n knight_n robert_n calais_n sergeant_n at_o law_n and_o other_o which_o decree_n make_v this_o follow_a recital_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o boston_n 7_o &_o 9_o apr._n than_o last_o pass_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n robert_n bell_n and_o other_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o ground_n hereafter_o name_v be_v overflow_v with_o fresh_a water_n viz._n dockdike_n hurne_n from_o armitage_n causey_n and_o howbriggs_n east_n to_o the_o river_n of_o witham_n west_n and_o from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wytham_n south_n to_o hawthorne_n north_n from_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hundell_n house_n ground_n and_o so_o along_o by_o raydyke_n to_o the_o north_n side_n of_o moorhouse_n ground_n from_o thence_o by_o marcham_n revesby_n east_n kirkby_n and_o hagnaby_n to_o hagnaby_n gate_n from_o thence_o along_o by_o bar_n load_n bank_n and_o the_o west_n end_n of_o stickney_n several_n to_o stickney_n graunge_a from_o thence_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o westhouse_n ground_n along_o to_o blacksyke_n from_o thence_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o medlam_n to_o gamock_n stake_n from_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hundel_n house_n ground_n from_o stickney_n graunge_a southwards_o on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o several_n of_o stickney_n and_o nordyke_n gate_n east_n to_o nordyke_n stream_n south_n and_o the_o west_n fen_n west_n wherein_o be_v include_v westhouse_n ground_n the_o low_a ground_n belong_v to_o stickney_n grange_n and_o thornedales_n from_o norlands_n lane_n along_o between_o sibsey_n several_n aâ—d_v the_o new_a drayn_n to_o hale_n causey_n from_o thence_o along_o to_o the_o shottell_n and_o that_o all_o these_o ground_n as_o also_o the_o ground_n mention_v in_o a_o verdict_n heretofore_o give_v up_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 16_o jan._n an._n 1629._o viz._n the_o east_n fen_n extend_v in_o length_n from_o the_o several_n of_o wainflet_n on_o the_o east_n to_o the_o several_n of_o stickney_n on_o the_o west_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o several_n of_o waynflet_n friskeney_n wrangle_n leake_n and_o stickney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o several_n of_o stichford_n keales_n toynton_n halton_n stâ—ping_v and_o thorpe_n on_o the_o north_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n surround_v ground_n and_o likewise_o that_o certain_a several_n and_o commons_o of_o divers_a lord_n and_o owner_n belong_v to_o waynflet_n and_o friskeney_n lie_v between_o a_o bank_n call_v fendyke_n bank_n on_o the_o east_n and_o east_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n and_o abut_a
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