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
of_o all_o sort_n of_o tree_n especial_o wild_a ash_n the_o length_n and_o bigness_n whereof_o may_v be_v see_v by_o the_o beam_n and_o rafter_n on_o the_o roof_n of_o the_o church_n but_o now_o through_o tract_n of_o time_n the_o wood_n for_o the_o most_o part_n go_v the_o fertility_n of_o the_o turf_n be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o land_n convert_v to_o tillage_n bear_v corn_n plentiful_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o profitable_a otherwise_o be_v full_a of_o fair_a garden_n fat_a pasture_n shady_a grove_n and_o rich_a meadow_n which_o in_o the_o spring_n time_n make_v a_o most_o beautiful_a show_v moreover_o on_o the_o border_n of_o it_o there_o be_v several_a mere_a full_a of_o eel_n as_o also_o spacious_a fen_n and_o pool_n abound_v with_o divers_a sort_n of_o fish_n and_o waterfoul_n whereof_o one_o call_v ramsey_n mere_a from_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n much_o excel_v the_o other_o adjacent_a water_n in_o beaâ—ty_n and_o profit_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o most_o large_a and_o woody_a side_n of_o it_o and_o pleasant_o beat_v upon_o that_o sandy_a shore_n thereof_o call_v mereham_n make_v a_o delightful_a object_n to_o the_o beholder_n in_o the_o deep_a and_o great_a gulf_n of_o which_o mere_a there_o be_v frequent_o take_v by_o several_a sort_n of_o net_n as_o also_o with_o bait_a hook_n and_o other_o sish_a instrument_n pike_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a bigness_n call_v hakedes_o by_o the_o county_n people_n and_o though_o both_o fisher_n and_o fowler_n cease_v neither_o day_n nor_o night_n to_o haunt_v it_o yet_o be_v there_o always_o of_o fish_n and_o foul_n no_o little_a store_n what_o proportion_n to_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o divers_a particular_a town_n in_o this_o county_n ancient_o be_v of_o i_o shallâ—_n in_o the_o next_o place_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o record_n make_v manifest_a by_o which_o they_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o those_o part_n may_v discern_v how_o much_o improvement_n have_v be_v since_o make_v therein_o through_o the_o industry_n of_o the_o borderer_n or_o whether_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v by_o neglect_n expatiate_v to_o a_o more_o large_a extent_n upon_o that_o memorable_a survey_n hunt_n make_v short_o after_o the_o norman_a conquest_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o colne_n be_v then_o repute_v to_o be_v one_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o half_a a_o mile_n in_o breadth_n and_o those_o in_o wardboys_n just_a as_o much_o but_o in_o 3_o edw._n 1._o there_o be_v a_o far_o more_o exact_a account_n lond._n of_o they_o it_o be_v then_o find_v by_o inquisition_n as_o follow_v viz._n that_o the_o fen_n pertain_v to_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v call_v faresheve_v ferri_fw-la contain_v then_o in_o length_n from_o faresheved_a brigge_n at_o the_o one_o end_n unto_o the_o other_o where_o ramsey_n fen_n and_o fairesheved_a fen_n do_v part_n two_o mile_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o bank_n call_v king_n delft_n unto_o wythlesmare_n one_o mile_n in_o which_o fen_n there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o certain_a meadow_n call_v kingesdelph-mede_n contain_v cx._n acre_n and_o another_o call_v myleby_n of_o x._o acre_n the_o same_o meadow_n then_o belong_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stangrund_n and_o faresheve_v moreover_o there_o be_v then_o a_o certain_a division_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o stanground_n and_o flectone_n begin_v at_o broad_a he_o near_o to_o the_o mayden-cros_a and_o extend_v itself_o by_o the_o ancient_a load_n to_o lavehythe_n and_o from_o thence_o direct_o to_o blancheferye_n and_o thence_o to_o stakengeshirste_n be_v a_o certain_a common_a pasture_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o stangrund_n and_o flectone_n likewise_o that_o in_o the_o hundred_o of_o normancros_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a fen_n call_v kyngesdelf_n beginning_n at_o the_o end_n of_o brod_n he_o scil_n at_o the_o end_n of_o kyngesdelf_n and_o extend_v itself_o circular_o to_o wittleseye_n town_n be_v end_n for_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o wytlesheye_n by_o the_o hold_v old_a i_fw-mi to_o pokeslode_v for_o the_o space_n also_o of_o two_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o hold_v old_a eee_o to_o west_n fen_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o wysemuthe_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o beynwic_n for_o three_o mile_n thence_o to_o syrmare_n for_o two_o mile_n thence_o to_o kyngge_n delfe_n end_n southwards_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a point_n of_o broad_a i_fw-mi where_o kynge_n delfe_n end_v for_o five_o mile_n which_o whole_a circuit_n contain_v xx_o mile_n and_o belonge_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o ramsey_n and_o thorney_n and_o priory_n of_o ely_n for_o which_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n have_v the_o charter_n of_o s._n edward_n from_o gangestede_n eastward_n to_o hyndelake_n in_o the_o west_n and_o so_o at_o wendelmere_n and_o cayeresholt_n with_o the_o confirmation_n of_o several_a king_n since_o that_o time_n the_o fen_n of_o glactone_n extend_v itself_o from_o denton_n lade_v to_o hubbemere_n contain_v in_o length_n a_o mile_n but_o it_o begin_v at_o the_o town_n of_o holme_n and_o continue_v to_o saldermere_n which_o be_v in_o length_n three_o mile_n the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o conyngton_n begin_v at_o conyngton_n mere_a and_o reach_v to_o the_o redipole_n and_o thence_o to_o scelremore_n contain_v in_o length_n from_o conington_n mere_a to_o selremere_n two_o mile_n from_o selremere_n it_o go_v to_o berchemere_n and_o thence_o by_o hokeslade_n for_o three_o furlong_n unto_o monk_n lade_v and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a load_n to_o the_o new_a load_n at_o sautre_fw-fr for_o a_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a and_o two_o furlong_n which_o be_v betwixt_o sautre_fw-fr fen_n and_o conyngton_n and_o so_o it_o hold_v on_o by_o the_o new_a load_n unto_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o nesse_n and_o from_o the_o three_o hassoke_v unto_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n direct_o and_o from_o the_o say_a bank_n it_o go_v on_o crooked_o unto_o the_o north_n side_n of_o conyngton_n mere_a be_v in_o length_n from_o that_o bank_n unto_o the_o say_v northern_a side_n one_o mile_n and_o a_o half_a within_o which_o circuit_n conington_n fen_n be_v include_v but_o the_o abbot_n of_o saltrey_a aught_o of_o right_a to_o make_v two_o bridge_n in_o the_o say_a fen_n beyond_o monk_n lade_v over_o which_o the_o man_n of_o conynton_n be_v to_o drive_v their_o cattle_n to_o pasture_n beyond_o that_o lade_n the_o fen_n of_o dentone_n contain_v in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o extend_v itself_o to_o witlesmare_n one_o way_n and_o another_o way_n to_o dentone_n field_n be_v four_o acre_n in_o breadth_n but_o glattone_v and_o holme_n have_v by_o force_n appropriate_v to_o themselves_o a_o half_a furlong_n and_o more_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n in_o breadth_n except_v one_o bank_n and_o in_o length_n one_o mile_n and_o do_v there_o dig_v turf_n by_o force_n and_o carry_v they_o away_o nor_o can_v the_o man_n of_o denton_n dig_v turf_n with_o they_o but_o they_o have_v pasturage_n there_o for_o their_o cattle_n moreover_o the_o earl_n of_o cornwall_n do_v appropriate_a to_o himself_o the_o flete_n and_o ditch_v it_o in_o which_o place_n contain_v three_o acre_n and_o have_v be_v common_a to_o dentone_n glattone_n and_o holme_n the_o fen_n of_o waltone_n begin_v at_o michelholme_n hale_v extend_v itself_o thence_o for_o two_o furlong_n unto_o stakelode_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fen_n and_o thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o croslode_v and_o thence_o for_o two_o mile_n to_o hokeslode_v thence_o for_o three_o furlong_n to_o brichmere_n thence_o for_o four_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n load_n and_o thence_o for_o one_o furlong_n to_o hubbemere_n cote_n thence_o for_o two_o mile_n unto_o ranelesnok_n and_o thence_o for_o half_a a_o mile_n unto_o michelholm_n hale_v to_o the_o town_n and_o abbey_n of_o sautre_fw-fr belong_v a_o certain_a fen_n which_o begin_v at_o the_o one_o end_n at_o saneshyl_n and_o the_o head_n of_o monk_n bank_n and_o extend_v itself_o in_o length_n near_o to_o monk_n meadow_n crooked_o for_o one_o mile_n and_o so_o go_v on_o by_o the_o stable_n and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o bar_n of_o bolloke_n fenâ—_n â—_z and_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o head_n of_o new_a lade_n for_o half_a a_o mile_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o eastern_a dyke_n for_o one_o mile_n and_o from_o eastern_a dyke_n at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o bank_n of_o staneshille_n for_o four_o furlong_n and_o thus_o the_o fen_n of_o sautre_fw-fr be_v perfect_o bound_v and_o beyond_o monkeslade_n bâ—_n the_o whole_a fen_n of_o waltone_n and_o conytone_n to_o wytlesmere_n bank_n and_o hubbemere_n bank_n they_o be_v to_o common_a with_o their_o cattle_n the_o common_a of_o pasture_n in_o the_o fen_n belong_v to_o the_o two_o town_n of_o wardeboys_n and_o caldecote_n be_v in_o length_n two_o mile_n and_o
s._n guthlake_n be_v awake_a in_o the_o night_n time_n betwixt_o his_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v accustom_v of_o a_o sudden_a he_o discern_v all_o his_o cell_n to_o be_v full_a of_o black_a troop_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o creep_v in_o under_o the_o door_n as_o also_o at_o chink_n and_o hole_n and_o come_v both_o oâ—t_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o from_o the_o earth_n fill_v the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v with_o dark_a cloud_n in_o their_o look_n they_o be_v cruel_a and_o of_o form_n terrible_a have_v great_a head_n long_a neck_n lean_a face_n pale_a countenance_n ill-favoured_a beard_n rough_a ear_n wrinkle_a forehead_n fierce_a eye_n stink_a mouth_n tooth_n like_o horse_n spit_v fire_n out_o of_o their_o throat_n crooked_a jaw_n broad_a lip_n loud_a voice_n burn_a hair_n great_a cheek_n high_a breast_n rugged_a thigh_n bunch_a knee_n bend_a leg_n swell_v ankle_n preposterous_a foot_n open_a mouth_n and_o hoarse_a cry_n who_o with_o such_o mighty_a shriek_n be_v hear_v to_o roar_v that_o they_o fill_v almost_o the_o whole_a distance_n from_o heaven_n with_o their_o bellow_a noise_n and_o by_o and_o by_o rush_v into_o the_o house_n first_o bind_v the_o holy_a maâ—_n than_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o cell_n and_o cast_v he_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n into_o the_o dirty_a fen_n and_o have_v so_o do_v carry_v he_o through_o the_o most_o rough_a and_o troublesome_a part_n thereof_o draw_v he_o among_o bramble_n and_o brier_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o limb_n cap._n thirty-nine_o from_o crouland_n i_o come_v to_o ely_n a_o island_n situate_a in_o the_o main_a body_n of_o this_o fen_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o sundry_a memorable_a passage_n that_o do_v notable_o set_v forth_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n which_o do_v environ_v it_o many_o year_n since_o whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n as_o they_o happen_v in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o this_o island_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o a_o place_n of_o voluntary_a retirement_n by_o those_o who_o out_o of_o great_a piety_n forsake_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n betake_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o devout_a prayer_n frequent_a watch_n and_o strict_a abstinence_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o manifest_v in_o particular_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n evidence_v unto_o we_o from_o all_o antiquity_n that_o such_o person_n do_v sever_v themselves_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o less_o disturbance_n apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o religious_a and_o holy_a duty_n s._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rusticus_n tell_v we_o praecipui_fw-la inventores_fw-la &_o cultores_fw-la monachatus_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la in_o veteri_fw-la teâ—â—amento_fw-la qui_fw-la aedificabant_fw-la casulas_fw-la propè_fw-la fluenta_fw-la jordanis_n &_o turbis_fw-la &_o urbibus_fw-la derelictis_fw-la polenta_fw-la &_o herbis_fw-la agrestibus_fw-la victitabant_fw-la that_o the_o principal_a beginner_n and_o lover_n of_o a_o monastique_a life_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o leave_v the_o town_n and_o conversation_n with_o people_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o coarse_a bread_n and_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n and_o build_v themselves_o cottage_n near_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o these_o pious_a votary_n first_o seâ—led_v in_o this_o island_n as_o a_o place_n of_o so_o great_a retirement_n and_o solitude_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o viz._n the_o conveniency_n of_o fish_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o food_n for_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n become_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o flesh_n to_o any_o of_o those_o monk_n it_o have_v so_o high_a a_o esteem_n that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o monastery_n then_o in_o be_v in_o this_o realm_n do_v with_o great_a reverence_n entertain_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v erect_v for_o divers_a age_n afterward_o be_v of_o no_o other_o order_n as_o to_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o brief_a touch_n with_o the_o occasion_n in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a veneration_n whilst_o it_o stand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o s._n audrey_n the_o first_o foundress_n thereof_o to_o who_o shrine_n not_o a_o few_o resort_v for_o the_o many_o miracle_n there_o wrought_v as_o be_v then_o not_o only_o with_o much_o confidence_n affirm_v but_o undoubted_o believe_v â—_o etheldreda_n vulgar_o call_v audrey_n daughter_n to_o anna_n king_n of_o the_o east-angle_n be_v through_o the_o persuasion_n of_o her_o father_n marry_v to_o tombert_n a_o prince_n of_o the_o southern_a gyrvii_n or_o fen-man_n have_v this_o isle_n of_o ely_n give_v she_o in_o dower_n by_o her_o say_a husband_n unto_o which_o after_o his_o death_n she_o retire_v a_o pure_a virgin_n notwithstanding_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n almost_o three_o year_n and_o affect_v the_o place_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o access_n to_o it_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o wilderness_n sever_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n she_o there_o settle_a herself_o take_v to_o her_o company_n certain_a person_n with_o who_o she_o have_v contract_v friendship_n for_o religion_n sake_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o about_o five_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o such_o her_o retirement_n egfrid_n k._n of_o northumberland_n be_v high_o inflame_v with_o her_o beauty_n through_o the_o power_n of_o her_o friendsâ—_n obtain_v she_o for_o his_o wife_n howbeit_o after_o she_o have_v be_v wed_v about_o xij_o year_n she_o resolve_v no_o long_o to_o deâ—er_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o she_o have_v set_v her_o heart_n upon_o and_o without_o any_o free_a leave_n of_o her_o say_a husband_n as_o a_o queen_n and_o a_o virgin_n she_o repair_v to_o the_o monastery_n in_o coldingham_n in_o scotland_n where_o ebba_n her_o husband_n aunt_n be_v then_o abbess_n and_o there_o be_v veil_v a_o nun_n by_o bishop_n wilfrid_n where_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n she_o learn_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a and_o his_o burden_n easy_a but_o then_o k._n egfrid_n desire_v to_o have_v she_o again_o as_o his_o wife_n endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o out_o of_o the_o say_v religious_a house_n and_o to_o that_o end_n forthwith_o go_v thither_o whereof_o the_o abbess_n have_v notice_n present_o advise_v she_o to_o hasten_v thence_o and_o to_o make_v no_o stay_n till_o she_o come_v to_o her_o own_o habitation_n at_o ely_n whereupon_o she_o depart_v much_o lament_v and_o sorrow_v and_o accompany_v with_o two_o holy_a virgin_n vice_n selbeâ—na_n and_o selbera_n ascend_v a_o great_a hill_n near_o colburthesheve_v at_o which_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o send_v such_o a_o rain_n that_o king_n egfrid_n who_o pursue_v she_o can_v not_o have_v access_n thereto_o in_o any_o place_n for_o the_o water_n where_o they_o continue_v without_o either_o meat_n or_o drink_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o spâ—ce_n of_o seven_o day_n till_o the_o king_n without_o hope_n of_o get_v to_o she_o return_v with_o much_o amazement_n and_o go_v to_o york_n after_o which_o he_o can_v never_o endure_v s._n wilfride_n but_o long_o harbour_v revenge_n towards_o he_o do_v at_o length_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o bishopric_n but_o these_o nun_n still_o continue_v on_o the_o top_n of_o that_o rock_n where_o almost_o faint_v for_o lack_v of_o water_n ebba_n the_o venerable_a abbess_n abovementioned_a advise_v audrey_n that_o she_o shall_v pray_v devout_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o who_o supply_v his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o rock_n will_v vouchsafe_v water_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o great_a necessity_n whereupon_o she_o pour_v out_o her_o prayer_n unto_o god_n with_o much_o fervency_n there_o immediate_o gush_v out_o a_o clear_a spring_n which_o not_o only_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n at_o that_o time_n but_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o infirm_a people_n drink_v of_o it_o have_v thereby_o receive_v health_n to_o which_o miracle_n my_o author_n add_v one_o more_o viz._n that_o the_o footstep_n of_o this_o holy_a virgin_n be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o side_n of_o this_o hill_n both_o as_o she_o ascend_v and_o descend_v from_o it_o in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o if_o she_o have_v tread_v upon_o soft_a wax_n after_o this_o saint_z audrey_z for_o so_o my_o author_n now_o call_v she_o take_v with_o her_o the_o two_o maid_n beforementioned_a go_v thence_o and_o pass_v the_o river_n humbre_fw-mi land_v at_o wintringham_n in_o lincolnshire_n about_o ten_o furlong_n from_o which_o town_n they_o come_v to_o
and_o pitcher_n all_o good_a earthen_a ware_n whereupon_o be_v call_v into_o the_o king_n kitchen_n that_o they_o may_v buy_v some_o of_o his_o pot_n there_o come_v in_o one_o of_o the_o constable_n of_o the_o town_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o say_v that_o he_o never_o see_v any_o man_n in_o favour_n of_o face_n and_o stature_n so_o like_o hereward_n as_o a_o poor_a man_n may_v be_v like_a to_o a_o rich_a and_o a_o country_n man_n to_o soldier_n insomuch_o as_o divers_a come_v about_o he_o desire_v to_o see_v a_o man_n like_o so_o much_o fame_v a_o person_n and_o thereupon_o bring_v he_o into_o the_o king_n hall_n among_o the_o knight_n and_o souldiâ—rs_n that_o they_o may_v behold_v he_o but_o some_o when_o they_o see_v he_o say_v that_o a_o man_n of_o no_o great_a limb_n can_v not_o be_v of_o that_o valour_n and_o courage_n as_o hereward_n be_v say_v to_o be_v other_o ask_v he_o if_o he_o know_v or_o have_v ever_o see_v that_o wicked_a fellow_n scil_n hereward_n to_o who_o he_o answer_v i_o wish_v that_o he_o be_v now_o here_o among_o we_o he_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n that_o i_o have_v for_o he_o take_v a_o cow_n and_o four_o sheep_n from_o i_o which_o be_v all_o the_o good_n in_o the_o world_n that_o i_o have_v except_o my_o pot_n and_o this_o mare_n and_o the_o only_a livelihood_n for_o myself_o and_o my_o two_o son_n about_o this_o time_n the_o king_n dinner_n be_v make_v ready_a hereward_n retire_v into_o the_o kitchen_n and_o after_o dinner_n the_o servant_n cook_n and_o groom_n of_o the_o kitchen_n give_v he_o wine_n and_o beer_n that_o they_o may_v make_v he_o drink_v and_o laugh_v at_o he_o scoff_v at_o he_o diverse_o have_v a_o purpose_n to_o shave_v his_o crown_n and_o pull_v off_o the_o hair_n of_o his_o beard_n and_o then_o to_o hoodwink_v he_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v break_v his_o own_o pot_n which_o they_o have_v set_v about_o he_o but_o refuse_v to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v one_o of_o they_o strike_v he_o who_o he_o requite_v present_o with_o a_o blow_n that_o knock_v he_o down_o insomuch_o as_o the_o rest_n take_v up_o tongue_n and_o other_o thing_n to_o beat_v he_o which_o he_o discern_v forthwith_o snatch_v up_o a_o fire_n shovel_n and_o lay_v about_o he_o stout_o kill_v one_o and_o wound_v divers_a of_o they_o whereupon_o it_o be_v make_v know_v in_o the_o house_n they_o apprehend_v he_o and_o put_v he_o in_o ward_n and_o soon_o after_o the_o king_n be_v go_v out_o to_o hunt_v one_o of_o his_o keeper_n come_v and_o bring_v a_o naked_a sword_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o pair_n of_o fetter_n in_o the_o other_o which_o he_o threaten_v to_o put_v upon_o he_o but_o hereward_n be_v too_o nimble_a for_o he_o wrest_v the_o sword_n out_o of_o his_o hold_n and_o slay_v he_o and_o so_o over_o hedge_n and_o ditch_n haste_v to_o the_o king_n be_v outer_a court_n where_o he_o find_v his_o mare_n and_o though_o some_o pursue_v he_o get_v safe_a away_o to_o somersham_n wood_n where_o he_o hide_v himself_o till_o the_o moon_n shine_v after_o midnight_n and_o then_o come_v into_o the_o isle_n but_o whilst_o he_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o wood_n he_o chance_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o person_n who_o horse_n be_v tire_v and_o himself_o too_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o the_o king_n servant_n that_o have_v pursue_v a_o man_n who_o have_v kill_v one_o of_o the_o kitchen_n boy_n and_o another_o that_o have_v the_o custody_n of_o he_o after_o he_o be_v apprehend_v for_o that_o fact_n and_o desire_v he_o that_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o generosity_n sake_n he_o will_v discover_v to_o he_o whether_o he_o see_v such_o a_o fellow_n or_o not_o who_o he_o then_o describe_v to_o who_o he_o reply_v because_o thou_o require_v i_o to_o tell_v thou_o for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o generosity_n i_o will_n know_v therefore_o that_o i_o be_o the_o man_n and_o now_o that_o thou_o may_v be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o i_o be_o so_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v speak_v with_o i_o take_v this_o thy_o sword_n with_o thou_o for_o a_o testimony_n and_o leave_v thy_o lance_n with_o i_o all_o which_o he_o report_v to_o the_o king_n who_o with_o those_o that_o be_v the_o present_a admire_a hereward_n for_o a_o excellent_a soldier_n the_o king_n therefore_o according_a to_o his_o former_a purpose_n have_v prepare_v divers_a warlike_a instrument_n bring_v his_o whole_a army_n to_o aelrehe_v now_o audrey_n cause_v great_a store_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n with_o divers_a sort_n of_o faggot_n and_o such_o like_a material_n to_o be_v carry_v thither_o and_o summon_v all_o the_o fisherman_n in_o those_o part_n with_o their_o boat_n to_o meet_v at_o cotingelade_v that_o they_o may_v transport_v thither_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v and_o raise_v large_a hill_n and_o heap_n on_o this_o side_n alrehe_v whereupon_o to_o fight_v among_o which_o fisherman_n come_v hereward_n himself_o also_o with_o a_o boat_n use_v all_o show_n of_o diligence_n and_o the_o same_o day_n before_o sun_n set_v have_v set_v fire_n on_o what_o be_v so_o bring_v and_o kill_v and_o drown_v divers_a he_o make_v his_o escape_n away_o and_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v not_o be_v know_v he_o colour_v his_o head_n and_o beard_n red_a neglect_v no_o way_n to_o disguise_v himself_o which_o may_v further_o the_o do_v of_o mischief_n to_o his_o adversary_n whereof_o the_o king_n hear_v command_v that_o if_o ever_o he_o can_v be_v take_v he_o shall_v be_v bring_v alive_a to_o he_o without_o any_o hurt_n but_o have_v warning_n by_o these_o loss_n the_o king_n cause_v more_o strict_a guard_n and_o watch_v day_n and_o night_n in_o every_o place_n and_o within_o seven_o day_n raise_v four_o or_o five_o mount_n of_o earth_n and_o other_o material_n in_o which_o they_o place_v certain_a warlike_a engine_n intend_v on_o the_o morrow_n with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o assault_v the_o isle_n and_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o succeed_v therein_o set_v that_o old_a witch_n before_o mention_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o they_o that_o be_v so_o well_o guard_v she_o may_v exercise_v her_o wicked_a art_n who_o be_v so_o get_v up_o make_v long_a speech_n against_o the_o isle_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v in_o it_o make_v sign_n and_o show_n of_o their_o be_v vanquish_v and_o always_o at_o the_o end_n of_o each_o spell_n she_o turn_v up_o her_o bare_a buttock_n towards_o the_o isle_n howbeit_o as_o she_o be_v beginning_n with_o her_o three_o spell_n there_o be_v those_o of_o the_o isle_n that_o set_v fire_n on_o the_o reed_n grow_v in_o the_o fen_n all_o thereabouts_o which_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o wind_n spread_v itself_o no_o less_o than_o two_o furlong_n and_o make_v a_o horrible_a noise_n of_o crackle_v among_o the_o willow_n and_o such_o like_a vegetable_n do_v so_o affright_v the_o assailant_n that_o they_o haste_v away_o as_o fast_o as_o they_o can_v but_o be_v trouble_v with_o the_o smoke_n can_v not_o tell_v which_o way_n to_o betake_v themselves_o insomuch_o as_o many_o be_v drown_v the_o defendant_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o smoke_n get_v out_o of_o the_o isle_n and_o shour_a multitude_n of_o arrow_n upon_o they_o and_o in_o this_o prodigious_a rout_n and_o confusion_n of_o the_o assailant_n down_o tumble_v the_o old_a witch_n from_o the_o place_n where_o she_o be_v set_v and_o break_v her_o neck_n nay_o the_o king_n himself_o hardly_o escape_v death_n there_o be_v a_o arrow_n shoot_v into_o his_o target_n which_o he_o carry_v away_o with_o he_o to_o his_o tent_n which_o so_o soon_o as_o his_o soldier_n see_v they_o fear_v he_o have_v be_v wound_v but_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o hurt_n otherwise_o than_o by_o evil_a counsel_n in_o be_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v through_o the_o cunning_a of_o that_o wicked_a sorceress_n express_v that_o all_o the_o mischief_n which_o have_v happen_v do_v befall_v he_o deserve_o in_o put_v any_o trust_n in_o her_o devilish_a art_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v that_o ralph_n surname_v waer_fw-mi earl_n of_o the_o east-angle_n have_v privy_o get_v together_o a_o great_a strength_n invite_v divers_a of_o the_o english_a to_o his_o wedding_n oblige_v they_o to_o his_o party_n deceitful_o by_o a_o oath_n and_o waste_v the_o whole_a country_n from_o norwich_n to_o thetford_n whereof_o the_o two_o earl_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chief_a person_n who_o then_o be_v in_o this_o isle_n have_v notice_n repair_v to_o they_o leave_v only_a hereward_n with_o the_o monk_n and_o his_o own_o soldier_n to_o defend_v this_o place_n thing_n stand_v therefore_o thus_o
etc._n whereupon_o complaint_n be_v make_v unto_o mr._n justice_n gawdy_n and_o other_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n sit_v at_o sechie_n in_o com._n norff._n xi_o of_o april_n last_o pass_v it_o be_v by_o they_o order_v 1._o that_o the_o say_a turk_n bank_n shall_v be_v present_o cut_v 2._o that_o small_a load_n london_n load_n and_o maid_n load_n be_v sufficient_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o welle_v and_o the_o londoner_n 3._o that_o maid_n load_n be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o mouth_n twenty-five_o and_o xx_o foot_n at_o the_o sluâ—e_n with_o sluice_n to_o carry_v it_o and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n and_o so_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o londoner_n as_o need_n shall_v require_v whereupon_o on_o may_n day_n follow_v the_o say_a bank_n be_v cut_v in_o many_o place_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o water_n run_v so_o forcible_o through_o the_o say_a cut_n that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o x_o or_o twelve_o day_n after_o it_o suck_v in_o divers_a boat_n and_o vessel_n pass_v that_o way_n and_o it_o be_v far_o present_v that_o a_o little_a without_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o this_o bank_n there_o have_v be_v a_o crest_n for_o people_n to_o travel_v on_o from_o welney_n to_o welle_v in_o the_o summer_n time_n when_o the_o water_n be_v down_o for_o which_o cause_n the_o say_a church-path_n be_v about_o fifty_o year_n pass_v make_v of_o more_o strength_n and_o height_n than_o in_o former_a time_n by_o one_o mr._n beaupre_n the_o same_o be_v not_o long_o after_o cut_v down_o in_o many_o place_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o bishop_n goodrick_n than_o lord_n chancellor_n of_o england_n and_o bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o 44_o eliz._n there_o be_v a_o agreement_n bear_v date_n the_o xx_o of_o march_n make_v by_o indenture_n between_o sir_n john_n peyton_n kâ—_n dame_n dorothy_n his_o wife_n and_o edmund_z bell_n esquire_n than_o owner_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o upwell_n john_n richardson_n and_o divers_a other_o who_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o commoner_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o upwell_n aforesaid_a and_o john_n watts_n citizen_n and_o alderman_n of_o london_n sir_n william_n cokain_n of_o london_n skinner_n and_o other_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o divers_a fenny_a waste_n and_o commons_n contain_v about_o three_o thousand_o acre_n lie_v in_o upwell_n between_o a_o certain_a drayn_n call_v london_n load_n towards_o the_o north_n maiden_n load_n and_o ship_n load_n towards_o the_o south_n and_o towards_o the_o west_n adjoin_v to_o and_o upon_o the_o causey-bank_n extend_v from_o london_n load_n to_o welney_n and_o towards_o the_o east_n upon_o denver_n common_a for_o drayn_v and_o maintain_v whereof_o they_o be_v to_o have_v convey_v unto_o they_o their_o heir_n and_o assign_v one_o full_a moiety_n of_o the_o say_a waste_n whereupon_o with_o the_o expense_n of_o great_a sum_n of_o money_n they_o do_v accomplish_v the_o work_n and_o according_o have_v the_o say_a moiety_n thereof_o set_v out_o for_o they_o which_o they_o enjoy_v for_o divers_a year_n till_o about_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o king_n james_n his_o reign_n that_o the_o fen-water_n break_v their_o bank_n and_o drown_v all_o again_o the_o country_n people_n then_o turn_v the_o adventurer_n out_o of_o their_o possession_n which_o they_o keep_v till_o francis_n late_a earl_n of_o bedford_n beâ—ame_v the_o principal_a undertaker_n for_o drain_n of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o do_v perform_v the_o work_n but_o afterward_o his_o say_a drayn_n meeting_n with_o some_o disaster_n the_o whole_a level_n become_v total_o surround_v again_o and_o so_o continue_v until_o william_n earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n do_v in_o the_o year_n 1649._o undertake_v to_o drain_v it_o anew_o which_o in_o four_o year_n time_n he_o perfect_v as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o more_o full_o show_v whereupon_o sir_n john_n watts_n knight_n and_o some_o other_o who_o claim_v under_o the_o first_o undertaker_n beforementioned_a be_v restore_v to_o the_o possession_n thereof_o at_o a_o session_n a._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o king_n lynne_n 1._o octob._n 7_o jacobi_fw-la before_o sir_n ralph_n hare_n sir_n thomas_n hewar_n and_o sir_n henry_n spelman_n knight_n john_n reppe_n thomas_n oxburgh_n jacobi_fw-la thomas_n athow_n rob._n gawsell_n and_o richard_n bachcroft_n esquire_n and_o other_o it_o be_v ordain_v that_o the_o decree_n make_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o needham_n fen_n and_o burial_n field_n the_o ten_o of_o october_n 31_o eliz._n shall_v be_v confirm_v in_o all_o point_n and_o a_o acreshot_v of_o xd._a the_o acre_n impose_v for_o the_o speedy_a redress_n of_o all_o default_n in_o the_o say_a drayn_n bank_n etc._n etc._n certain_a observance_n make_v upon_o the_o marsh_n below_o the_o 4_o cambridgshire_n goat_n of_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n and_o certain_a creek_n there_o with_o their_o sand_n and_o deep_n by_o richard_n atkins_n of_o utwell_n gent._n in_o june_n 1605._o jaâ—_n wisbeche_v chanel_n fall_v from_o the_o 4_o goat_n eastward_o down_o by_o walpole_n marsh_n on_o the_o east_n and_o south_n to_o crosse-key_n corner_n alias_o gates-end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o pass_v towards_o tirington_n bank_n leave_v to_o the_o southward_n a_o high_a score_n of_o clay_n the_o only_a preservative_n of_o the_o town_n and_o when_o it_o have_v run_v east_n as_o low_a as_o against_o the_o beacon_n then_o do_v it_o turn_v flat_a north_n under_o the_o sand_n call_v tirington_n breast_n lie_v on_o the_o east_n of_o the_o channel_n and_o so_o continue_v northwards_o by_o the_o say_a breast_n by_o the_o space_n of_o 5_o mile_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o blow_n deep_a it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o upon_o every_o flow_n there_o come_v from_o the_o north_n out_o of_o blow-deepe_a a_o tide_n which_o run_v along_o tirington_n breast_n on_o the_o east_n side_n and_o a_o sand_n call_v the_o thief_n on_o the_o west_n and_o out_o of_o the_o west_n from_o a_o channel_n call_v the_o maid_n eye_n come_v another_o tide_n and_o both_o these_o do_v meet_v within_o a_o mile_n of_o tirington_n bank_n and_o so_o meet_v do_v make_v great_a sea_n there_o and_o many_o time_n when_o the_o wind_n be_v at_o west_n or_o north_n the_o sea_n rise_v there_o high_o than_o they_o do_v ten_o mile_n off_o at_o sea_n these_o two_o tide_n thus_o unite_v with_o violence_n run_v right_a upon_o tirington_n bank_n and_o but_o that_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n have_v there_o place_v a_o score_n of_o clay_n contain_v not_o above_o a_o furlong_n in_o breadth_n the_o bank_n can_v not_o in_o man_n reason_n stand_v the_o next_o 3_o tide_n this_o score_n of_o clay_n by_o the_o fret_a of_o the_o sea_n daily_o waste_v and_o the_o people_n of_o the_o place_n not_o understand_v what_o a_o defence_n it_o be_v to_o their_o bank_n continual_o bear_v away_o the_o same_o to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n never_o foresee_v their_o destruction_n if_o that_o score_n of_o clay_n be_v once_o go_v and_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o ordinary_a depth_n of_o his_o channel_n suffer_v to_o come_v to_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o bank_n where_o maid_n eye_n meet_v with_o tirington_n deep_a at_o the_o very_a entrance_n thereof_o at_o a_o dead_a low_a water_n it_o exceed_v not_o 5_o or_o 6_o foot_n deep_a at_o this_o day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o a_o great_a drought_n the_o whole_a mouth_n thereof_o of_o have_v be_v stop_v with_o sand_n but_o upon_o the_o next_o great_a fresh_a that_o happen_v all_o those_o sand_n have_v be_v remove_v and_o the_o channel_n grow_v to_o the_o old_a course_n again_o here_o be_v a_o special_a observance_n to_o be_v make_v qui_fw-la habet_fw-la intellectum_fw-la attendat_fw-la decursus_fw-la namque_fw-la aquae_fw-la dulcis_fw-la viam_fw-la praebet_fw-la marinae_fw-la oceanus_n interim_n ex_fw-la duobus_fw-la his_fw-la canalibus_fw-la aestuans_fw-la fossata_fw-la marina_fw-la alatrandâ—_n alluendo_fw-la inundando_fw-la &_o lacerando_fw-la saepissimè_fw-la gravissimeque_fw-la ita_fw-la excercet_a ut_fw-la deficientibus_fw-la aggeribus_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la malè_fw-la sustentatis_fw-la multùm_fw-la doleo_fw-la de_fw-la finali_fw-la perditione_n &_o dissolutione_n partium_fw-la adjacentium_fw-la verisimiliter_fw-la quod_fw-la absit_fw-la formidatur_fw-la nisi_fw-la &_o hinc_fw-la nascitur_fw-la periculum_fw-la &_o onus_fw-la illico_fw-la acquirendum_fw-la est_fw-la remedium_fw-la &_o salus_fw-la homines_fw-la verò_fw-la patriae_fw-la cum_fw-la plerique_fw-la inertes_fw-la sint_fw-la &_o hebeti_fw-la ingenio_fw-la in_fw-la se_fw-la inuicem_fw-la nuper_fw-la pro_fw-la fossatorum_fw-la sustentandorum_fw-la oneribus_fw-la obruentes_fw-la de_fw-la remedio_fw-la ex_fw-la sublatâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la ne_fw-la somniare_fw-la quidem_fw-la possunt_fw-la sed_fw-la nec_fw-la ingenioso_n inertiamque_fw-la svam_fw-la desidiosam_fw-la exosos_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la vivere_fw-la vix_fw-la sustinâ—re_fw-la possunt_fw-la the_o head_n of_o the_o 4_o lincolnshire_n silt_v goat_n be_v preserve_v especial_o in_o summer_n by_o two_o great_a finns_n bring_v
the_o causey_n lead_v from_o soham_n to_o ely_n consider_v the_o antiquity_n xli_o thereof_o for_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o at_o that_o time_n i_o make_v a_o question_n because_o many_o year_n after_o this_o the_o baron_n who_o take_v up_o arm_n against_o k._n henry_n the_o three_o make_v this_o isle_n their_o last_o refuge_n as_o in_o the_o xli_o chapt._n be_v observe_v which_o can_v not_o have_v afford_v such_o security_n to_o they_o have_v there_o be_v many_o access_n to_o it_o by_o land_n but_o what_o deserve_v more_o observation_n be_v the_o commodious_a and_o flourish_a condition_n of_o some_o of_o the_o fen_n pertain_v ancient_o to_o this_o isle_n which_o occasion_v no_o small_a dispute_n betwixt_o the_o borderer_n thereon_o touch_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o several_a bound_n for_o in_o k._n henry_n the_o first_o be_v day_n i_o find_v xâ—_n that_o after_o a_o long_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n of_o ely_n nigell_n be_v than_o bishop_n and_o abbey_n of_o thorney_n about_o the_o limit_n of_o wysebeche_n fen_n and_o thorney_n fen_n as_o also_o of_o thorney_n fen_n and_o wytlesey_n fen_n there_o be_v choose_v divers_a prudent_a man_n aswell_o of_o the_o clergy_n as_o laity_n by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o part_n who_o thus_o subscribe_v and_o settle_v the_o same_o viz._n from_o tidbrithwic_n above_o the_o old_a stream_n by_o scepelac_n unto_o toft_n and_o thence_o by_o schepelak_n unto_o cnor_n thence_o to_o ringmere_n thence_o betwixt_o thorney_n and_o wytlesey_n from_o cnor_n to_o midfentre_n and_o from_o midfentre_n unto_o the_o stream_n call_v must._n notwithstanding_o which_o conclusion_n some_o of_o the_o succeed_a abbot_n be_v not_o satisfy_v as_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v for_o it_o appear_v cxxxvii_o that_o in_o 19_o h._n 3._o upon_o claim_n make_v by_o robert_n the_o then_o abbot_n unto_o a_o thousand_o acre_n of_o wysebeche_n fen_n hugh_n ........_o at_o that_o time_n bishop_n of_o ely_n by_o a_o fine_a levy_v at_o huntendon_n on_o the_o octave_n of_o s._n john_n baptist_n before_o robert_n de_fw-fr lexinton_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n itinerant_a do_v grant_v and_o confirm_v unto_o the_o beforementioned_a abbot_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thorney_n a_o full_a mile_n within_o that_o fen_n viz._n betwixt_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n wood_n and_o wysebeche_n towards_o the_o east_n north_n and_o south_n according_a to_o the_o perch_n of_o xx_o foot_n and_o where_o the_o say_a wood_n determine_v the_o abbot_n to_o have_v the_o say_a mile_n by_o a_o line_n direct_o extend_v unto_o the_o division_n of_o the_o county_n of_o lincoln_n and_o cambridge_n and_o unto_o other_o boundary_n which_o divide_v their_o own_o fen_n betwixt_o wytlesey_n and_o thorney_n to_o enjoy_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o successor_n for_o ever_o about_o this_o time_n also_o the_o extent_n of_o a_o large_a fen_n call_v heye_n fen_n belong_v to_o the_o manor_n of_o wysebeche_n and_o to_o the_o town_n of_o leverington_n neuton_n tid_n elm_n and_o welle_v within_o the_o liberty_n of_o ely_n be_v thus_o set_v ibid._n forth_o viz._n from_o the_o shof_n to_o the_o horseshoe_n by_o the_o old_a stream_n and_o from_o the_o horse_n shoe_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o robert_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o wride_n by_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n bank_n unto_o two_o furlong_n beyond_o knor_z and_o so_o to_o orchardstede_n thence_o to_o stodpathe_v thence_o to_o wipe_v from_o wipe_v by_o the_o deed_n he_o to_o nymeres_n and_o so_o to_o westfencote_n by_o the_o same_o stream_n and_o thence_o to_o wysemouthe_n thence_o to_o suerdesdelfe_n to_o great_a cross_a thence_o by_o iden_n he_o to_o quedale_n so_o to_o merchforde_v thence_o by_o the_o church_fw-mi and_o the_o heyeront_n unto_o echinghee_n and_o so_o lineal_o by_o heyront_n to_o tharmerecote_n thence_o to_o stanymeres_n thence_o direct_o to_o freileswere_v and_o so_o by_o oldwellen_n he_o to_o millestede_n and_o from_o millestede_n to_o shrewediche_n where_o all_o the_o say_a town_n ought_v to_o eat_v in_o common_a horn_n under_o horn_n with_o their_o cattle_n touch_v the_o fen_n call_v kingsdelfe_n belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o ramsey_n it_o likewise_o appear_v seven_o that_o the_o bound_n thereof_o begin_v at_o hindelake_n and_o thence_o extend_v to_o gangstede_n thence_o to_o southea_n thence_o to_o south_n south_n ea_fw-la so_o to_o pokelode_n thence_o to_o the_o head_n of_o gresemere_n hence_o to_o pakkelode_n and_o so_o by_o the_o marsh_n and_o stream_n â—alled_v cnoutesdelfe_n and_o middelmor_n to_o hindeslake_n but_o the_o whole_a territory_n of_o ramsey_n with_o the_o hundred_o of_o hirstington_n be_v much_o more_o large_a viz._n ix_o from_o the_o stone_n near_o the_o house_n of_o john_n freman_n son_n to_o thomas_n of_o great_a ranele_n unto_o walton_n barwe_v thence_o to_o hokessede_v and_o so_o to_o toroldescote_n thence_o to_o haltesher_n and_o so_o to_o hindeslake_n thence_o by_o the_o stream_n call_v cnoutesdelfe_n divide_v middilmore_n and_o kyngesdelf_n unto_o steylinghale_n thence_o to_o schelwpol_n and_o so_o to_o cromestal_a thence_o to_o wetinge_n and_o so_o to_o etinge_n thence_o to_o athelstonesdelf_n so_o to_o depelake_n thence_o to_o hokewerebiht_v thence_o to_o wolfeye_v load_n so_o to_o colputteslode_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o huniberdale_n thence_o through_o the_o midst_n of_o wystowe_n unto_o the_o stone_n before-specified_n but_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n have_v it_o not_o total_o to_o himself_o as_o it_o seem_v for_o after_o much_o dispute_n betwixt_o robert_n abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o hugh_n abbot_n of_o ramsey_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o h._n 3._o reign_v touch_v the_o common_a of_o pasture_n in_o this_o fen_n unto_o which_o the_o monk_n of_o thorney_n then_o lay_v claim_v the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n withstand_v the_o same_o and_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a challenge_n forasmuch_o as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o ramesey_n have_v no_o common_a in_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o thorney_n fen_n of_o jakele_n nor_o that_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o thorney_n do_v any_o service_n to_o the_o abbey_n of_o ramsey_n in_o consideration_n whereof_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v such_o common_a they_o come_v to_o this_o agreement_n by_o a_o fine_a twelve_o levy_v in_o the_o king_n court_n at_o westminster_n mense_fw-la pasch._n 8_o h._n 3._o viz._n that_o the_o whole_a part_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n from_o kingesdelfe_n through_o new_a hyndâ—lake_n unto_o the_o new_a fault_n upon_o witlesmare_n be_v the_o part_n towards_o ramsey_n shall_v remain_v to_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o ramesey_n and_o his_o successor_n peaceable_o for_o ever_o without_o any_o claim_n that_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o thorney_n or_o his_o successor_n shall_v make_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o other_o part_n thereof_o from_o the_o say_a kingsdelf_n through_o new_a hyndelakâ—_n unto_o the_o new_a fault_n upon_o witlesmare_n be_v the_o part_n towards_o jaâ—ele_n and_o farresheve_v the_o say_a abbot_n of_o thorney_n and_o his_o successor_n shall_v enjoy_v for_o ever_o without_o any_o claim_n of_o common_a therein_o by_o the_o say_a abbot_n of_o ramsey_n or_o his_o successor_n and_o it_o be_v agree_v that_o the_o ditch_n to_o be_v make_v for_o distinguish_v and_o sever_n these_o commons_o shall_v be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n whereof_o the_o one_o half_a all_o along_o to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o abbot_n of_o thorney_n part_n and_o the_o other_o out_o of_o the_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n side_n and_o to_o be_v make_v direct_o by_o a_o straight_a line_n from_o kingesdelfe_n beforementioned_a unto_o the_o say_v new_a fault_n upon_o witlesmare_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v the_o boundary_a betwixt_o both_o their_o fen_n it_o shall_v be_v common_a to_o each_o of_o they_o and_o their_o successor_n to_o fish_n therein_o and_o carry_v any_o thing_n through_o it_o for_o their_o ease_n and_o commodity_n which_o ditch_n be_v set_v 10._o forth_o by_o twelve_o knight_n upon_o the_o king_n be_v special_a precept_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o by_o consent_n of_o all_o party_n make_v and_o perfect_v according_o but_o after_o this_o there_o grow_v far_o dispute_v betwixt_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o abbot_n of_o ramsey_n concern_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o fen-land_n which_o be_v not_o settle_v till_o about_o the_o year_n mcclvi_o 40_o h._n 3._o howbeit_o then_o do_v w._n de_fw-fr ......._o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o hugh_z abbot_n of_o ramsey_n come_v to_o a_o full_a conclusion_n therein_o the_o relation_n thereof_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o so_o ample_o manifest_v how_o dismal_a a_o tract_n all_o those_o part_n have_v long_o before_o be_v and_o unto_o what_o a_o height_n of_o improvement_n they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n grow_v i_o shall_v here_o from_o a_o eminent_a historian_n 30._o of_o that_o time_n exhibit_v a._n mcclvi_o 40._o h._n 3._o facta_fw-la est_fw-la pax_fw-la inter_fw-la episcopum_fw-la eliensem_fw-la w_n &_o hugonem_fw-la abbatem_fw-la
and_o in_o 18_o e._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la william_n la_fw-fr zouche_n john_n de_fw-fr cantebrig_n simon_n de_fw-fr brim_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr hinton_n for_o those_o in_o this_o county_n alone_o upon_o a_o plead_v in_o 40_o e._n 3._o it_o be_v find_v cautab_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o the_o prior_n of_o ely_n do_v obstruct_v the_o course_n of_o the_o water_n at_o wilburgham_n magna_fw-la in_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v watholm_n dam_n so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v its_o current_n as_o it_o usual_o have_v insomuch_o as_o the_o commons_o belong_v to_o the_o town_n of_o fulbourne_n be_v overflow_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n and_o in_o 12_o h._n 4._o the_o town_n of_o harlton_n be_v question_v caâ—â—ab_n for_o divert_v the_o current_n of_o the_o water_n betwixt_o harlton_n and_o haselingfeld_n to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n can_v not_o deny_v the_o charge_n and_o therefore_o be_v amerce_v ralph_n bateman_n be_v then_o lord_n of_o that_o manor_n in_o 14_o h._n 6._o william_n godrede_v thomas_n fulthorpe_n sir_n john_n colvyle_n sir_n henry_n rocheforth_o and_o sir_n robert_n hakebeche_v king_n william_n yeluerton_n thomas_n dereham_n john_n jaky_v thomas_n reynold_n and_o john_n tylney_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n sewer_n and_o ditch_n throughout_o this_o whole_a county_n only_o and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o same_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o runmey_n marsh_n mere_a on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o this_o county_n and_o at_o the_o outmost_a skirt_n thereof_o lie_v wittlesey_n mere_a the_o great_a lake_n in_o all_o these_o part_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o worthy_a of_o note_n i_o shall_v therefore_o close_v up_o what_o i_o have_v far_o to_o say_v of_o this_o shire_n with_o that_o particular_a description_n of_o it_o which_o i_o find_v in_o the_o register_n a._n of_o peterborough_n in_o septentrionali_fw-la parte_fw-la stagni_fw-la etc._n etc._n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o this_o lake_n there_o be_v a_o water_n call_v merelade_v issue_v out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o neene_n where_o the_o northern_a bound_n thereof_o be_v this_o with_o the_o fen_n thereto_o belong_v have_v at_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o certain_a fish_n call_v eddâ—rmuthe_n upon_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o be_v two_o other_o mere_n call_v wellepole_n and_o trendelmere_n betwixt_o which_o be_v a_o narrow_a stream_n contain_v two_o furlong_n in_o length_n call_v trendelmere_n beech_n have_v in_o it_o two_o fishing_n and_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o narrow_a water_n there_o of_o one_o mile_n long_o which_o be_v call_v falet_n have_v in_o it_o one_o fish_v in_o that_o part_n thereof_o betwixt_o wytlesmere_n and_o kynkesdelf_n where_o the_o eastern_a boundary_a thereof_o be_v the_o breadth_n of_o the_o mere_a contain_v three_o mile_n have_v in_o it_o a_o narrow_a stream_n call_v derescuf_n and_o a_o wood_n name_v rageholt_n on_o the_o south_n part_v thereof_o also_o there_o be_v another_o slender_a stream_n of_o three_o furlong_n in_o length_n call_v selfremerebeche_n have_v in_o it_o two_o fishing_n at_o the_o end_n whereof_o be_v a_o lake_n name_v selfremere_n have_v on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o a_o narrow_a water_n of_o half_a a_o mile_n long_o call_v ubbemere_n lade_v at_o the_o head_n whereof_o be_v likewise_o another_o fish_n and_o about_o the_o middle_n thereof_o there_o be_v a_o place_n in_o the_o fen_n call_v alwynesbarwe_v and_o there_o be_v the_o southern_a boundary_a thereof_o moreover_o on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o this_o lake_n there_o be_v also_o a_o narrow_a stream_n contain_v two_o furlong_n in_o length_n name_v trendemere_n beech_n which_o have_v one_o fish_v in_o it_o at_o the_o end_n whereof_o be_v the_o mere_a call_v west_n trendemere_n on_o that_o side_n there_o be_v also_o these_o water_n viz._n drelgmere_n wellepole_n withibuscemere_n langemere_n kinninge_n and_o musklemere_n there_o be_v likewise_o on_o that_o side_n another_o narrow_a water_n of_o one_o mile_n in_o length_n extend_v to_o oppebeche_v and_o have_v in_o it_o one_o fish_v at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o water_n be_v the_o western_a limit_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o all_o the_o water_n pertain_v to_o witlesmere_n about_o two_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o north_n east_n side_n of_o the_o before-specified_n mere_a there_o be_v a_o memorable_a channel_n cut_v through_o the_o body_n of_o the_o fen_n extend_v itself_o from_o near_a ramsey_n to_o peterborough_n and_o be_v call_v king_n delft_n the_o common_a tradition_n be_v that_o king_n canutus_n or_o his_o queen_n be_v in_o some_o peril_n in_o their_o passage_n from_o ramsey_n to_o peterborough_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o boysterousnesse_n of_o the_o wave_n upon_o witlesey_n mere_a cause_v this_o ditch_n to_o be_v first_o make_v and_o therewith_o do_v some_o westm._n of_o our_o historian_n agree_v who_o say_v thus_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la mxxxiiii_o cnuto_fw-mi rex_fw-la potentissimus_fw-la viam_fw-la in_o marisco_fw-la inter_fw-la ramsey_n &_o burgum_fw-la quoth_v king_n delft_n dicitur_fw-la ut_fw-la periculum_fw-la magnorum_fw-la stagnorum_fw-la vitaretur_fw-la eruderavit_fw-la but_o how_o to_o reconcile_v this_o testimony_n to_o what_o i_o meet_v with_o above_o threescore_o year_n before_o i_o well_o know_v not_o which_o be_v that_o king_n edgar_n confirm_v to_o the_o monk_n of_o peterborough_n beforementioned_a the_o four_o part_n of_o uuitlesmere_n with_o all_o the_o water_n fishing_n and_o fen_n thereto_o belong_v bound_v ecclesiae_fw-la it_o to_o these_o limit_n viz._n quorum_fw-la septentrionalis_n est_fw-la ubi_fw-la primùm_fw-la intrat_fw-la mere_a load_n the_o ampne_a nen_n orientaliter_fw-la ad_fw-la king_n delft_n australiter_fw-la ad_fw-la adewinesbarue_v &c_n &c_n id_fw-la est_fw-la whereof_o the_o north_n side_n be_v where_o mere_a load_n first_o enter_v thereinto_o from_o the_o river_n nen_fw-mi eastward_o to_o king_n delft_n and_o southward_o to_o aldewynesbarue_v etc._n etc._n but_o the_o large_a and_o most_o notable_a be_v that_o fair_a channel_n make_v from_o stanground_n steafe_n below_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_v near_o uuisebeche_n of_o xl_o foot_n in_o breadth_n by_o 405._o john_n moreton_n bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o king_n henry_n the_o seventh_n day_n and_o still_o call_v moreton_n leame_z or_o the_o new_a leame_z a_o work_n certain_o of_o singular_a consequence_n not_o only_o for_o the_o quick_a evacuation_n of_o the_o overflowing_n of_o nene_n but_o for_o conveniency_n of_o carriage_n from_o peterborough_n to_o uuisebeche_v which_o will_v remain_v a_o last_a memorial_n to_o that_o worthy_a bishop_n chap._n li._n south-west_n from_o cambridgshire_n lie_v the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n into_o which_o a_o skirt_n likewise_o of_o this_o great_a level_n extend_v at_o the_o entrance_n whereof_o i_o meet_v first_o with_o ramsey_n compass_v with_o fen_n on_o all_o part_n except_v towards_o the_o south-west_n and_o contain_v about_o ......_o acre_n wherein_o for_o the_o like_a respect_n as_o in_o ely_n crouland_n and_o thorney_n by_o other_o ailwin_n a_o near_a kinsman_n to_o king_n edgar_n and_o who_o be_v style_v by_o our_o historian_n totius_fw-la angliae_fw-la aldermannus_n id_fw-la est_fw-la chief_z justice_n of_o england_n do_v find_v â—_o a_o eminent_a monastery_n for_o monk_n of_o s._n benedict_n rule_n almost_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o norman_a conquest_n touch_v the_o situation_n of_o this_o isle_n for_o so_o it_o be_v ancient_o call_v let_v we_o hear_v what_o the_o register_n of_o that_o abbey_n say_v quum_fw-la igitur_fw-la in_o orientali_fw-la angulo_fw-la territorii_fw-la huntedonensis_fw-la etc._n etc._n forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o this_o place_n situate_v in_o the_o eastern_a corner_n of_o huntendoushire_n where_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o river_n ouse_n restrain_v the_o bound_n of_o the_o fen_n be_v for_o its_o bigness_n the_o fair_a of_o the_o fenny_a island_n and_o which_o many_o have_v endeavour_v to_o extol_v so_o that_o it_o need_v not_o our_o commendation_n nevertheless_o we_o will_v not_o whole_o leave_v it_o untouched_a on_o the_o west_n side_n for_o on_o all_o other_o there_o be_v no_o access_n to_o it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o fen_n it_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o firm_a land_n with_o certain_a deep_a and_o boggy_a quagmire_n in_o breadth_n about_o two_o bow_n shoot_v insomuch_o as_o in_o time_n past_a the_o access_n unto_o it_o be_v by_o navigable_a vessel_n bring_v thither_o through_o a_o slow_a stream_n with_o gentle_a wind_n but_o now_o by_o much_o labour_n and_o no_o small_a cost_n there_o be_v with_o wood_n stones_n and_o gravel_n a_o firm_a causey_n make_v so_o that_o people_n may_v come_v to_o it_o on_o foot_n in_o length_n this_o island_n do_v extend_v almost_o unto_o two_o mile_n but_o in_o breadth_n not_o so_o much_o be_v environ_v with_o alder_n reed_n green_a cane_n and_o bulrush_n which_o do_v beautify_v it_o exceed_o and_o before_o it_o become_v inhabit_v be_v full_a
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
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
know_v and_o so_o likewise_o where_o they_o be_v not_o know_v to_o do_v the_o like_a which_o boundarye_n shall_v stand_v good_a for_o ever_o and_o that_o if_o the_o commissioner_n can_v agree_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v certify_v to_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n or_o lord_n keeper_n for_o the_o time_n be_v who_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o certain_a judge_n of_o both_o bench_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o that_o within_o 3._o year_n after_o such_o determination_n the_o owner_n and_o commoner_n to_o make_v division_n dikes_n in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o shall_v be_v think_v fit_a by_o their_o lord_n and_o the_o homage_n 19_o that_o the_o commons_o shall_v be_v stint_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o great_a part_n of_o the_o freeholder_n and_o copyholder_n commoner_n with_o the_o allowance_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o isle_n or_o one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o assize_n of_o the_o county_n 20._o that_o the_o cottager_n upon_o the_o lord_n waste_v not_o have_v right_a of_o common_a because_o they_o have_v be_v suffer_v to_o take_v benefit_n of_o the_o waste_n shall_v be_v provide_v for_o by_o the_o lord_n and_o homage_n in_o every_o manor_n in_o the_o say_a waste_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o homage_n shall_v think_v fit_a 21._o that_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n belong_v to_o the_o undertaker_n no_o more_o than_o 4d._o a_o acre_n to_o be_v pay_v for_o the_o tithe_n thereof_o for_o ever_o yearly_o 21._o that_o after_o the_o say_v drayn_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o corporation_n or_o body_n politic_a of_o thirty_o know_v discreet_a and_o sufficient_a person_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o fen_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n to_o purchase_v etc._n etc._n land_n to_o sue_v and_o to_o be_v sue_v by_o that_o name_n the_o first_o of_o these_o to_o be_v martinâ—ishop_n â—ishop_z of_o ely_n sir_n anthony_n mildmay_n sir_n john_n peyton_n governor_n of_o gernâ—ey_n siâ—_n oliver_n crumwell_n sir_n robert_n bevyll_n sir_n edw._n coke_n attorney_n general_n sir_n john_n cutts_n sir_n john_n heigham_n sir_n rob._n wingfield_n â—ir_n rob._n cotton_n sir_n edw._n apsley_n sir_n henry_n warner_n sir_n miles_n sandys_n sir_n simeon_n steward_n sir_n thomas_n lambert_n sir_n william_n rumney_n knight_n humphrey_n tindall_n dean_n of_o ely_n anthony_n irby_n tho._n war_n thomas_n rawlyâ—s_v and_o henry_n totnall_n esquire_n john_n eldred_n roger_n oâ—field_n of_o london_n merchant_n john_n fyncham_n and_o john_n hunt_v gentleman_n and_o when_o these_o die_v new_a to_o be_v choose_v by_o the_o most_o voice_n out_o of_o such_o lord_n or_o undertaker_n as_o shall_v have_v 1000_o acre_n at_o the_o least_o of_o land_n assign_v to_o they_o 21._o and_o that_o the_o governor_n for_o ever_o shall_v have_v assure_v to_o they_o 112000_o acre_n statute_n measure_n which_o they_o may_v keep_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o profit_n to_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o drayn_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o drown_v as_o before_o so_o far_o as_o it_o will_v suffice_v and_o when_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v the_o governor_n then_o to_o lay_v a_o tax_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o do_v it_o withal_o 22._o and_o that_o the_o say_v governor_n may_v make_v law_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o drayn_n and_o levy_v such_o tax_n in_o case_n aforesaid_a and_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n be_v ratify_v by_o the_o lord_n chancellor_n lord_n keeper_n or_o the_o lord_n tresurer_n and_o the_o two_o chief_a justiceâ—_n or_o any_o three_o of_o they_o whereof_o the_o lord_n keeper_n or_o treasurer_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o governor_n to_o let_v the_o land_n to_o they_o appoint_v to_o the_o best_a value_n so_o as_o they_o exceed_v not_o the_o term_n of_o seven_o year_n an._n 4o._o jacobi_fw-la regis_fw-la cap._n 13._o observation_n b_o out_o of_o the_o act_n for_o drayn_v of_o certain_a fen_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n contain_v about_o 6000._o acre_n and_o compass_v with_o a_o bank_n call_v the_o ring_n of_o waldersey_n and_o coldham_n that_o francis_n tindall_n esquire_n henry_n far_o and_o john_n cooper_n gentâ—_n have_v undertake_v to_o endeavour_v the_o drayn_n &c._n &c._n shall_v have_v power_n for_o the_o space_n of_o 7_o year_n ensue_v the_o end_n of_o that_o present_a session_n of_o parliament_n jacâ—_n to_o effect_v the_o same_o the_o land_n so_o intend_v to_o be_v drayn_v lie_v within_o the_o bank_n beginning_n at_o kekys_n mill_n and_o thence_o extend_v by_o tower_n house_n and_o hobbes_n house_n to_o tylney_n hirne_n so_o by_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n and_o elm_n leame_z to_o friday_n bridge_n and_o thence_o by_o redmore_n dike_a begdale_n and_o goldike_n to_o kekys_n mill_n again_o and_o that_o for_o the_o do_v thereof_o they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o make_v new_a or_o repair_v as_o need_n be_v all_o drain_v load_v banks_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a not_o be_v in_o marshland_n within_o the_o old_a pow_n dike_v give_v such_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o owner_n as_o by_o any_o six_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o three_o inhabit_v within_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o thrâ—e_v within_o the_o county_n of_o norff._n shall_v be_v set_v down_o which_o undertaker_n &c._n &c._n have_v accomplish_v the_o say_v drayn_v to_o have_v two_o part_n in_o three_o of_o the_o land_n so_o drayn_v to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n to_o be_v set_v out_o by_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n at_o the_o least_o whereof_o four_o inhabit_v within_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o two_o part_n to_o be_v hold_v of_o the_o chief_a lord_n of_o the_o fee_n etc._n etc._n in_o free_a and_o common_a soâ—age_n and_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o payment_n of_o any_o tithe_n for_o 7_o year_n after_o the_o time_n limit_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v but_o if_o the_o say_a ground_n so_o undertake_v etc._n etc._n shall_v in_o deâ—ault_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n be_v overflow_v and_o so_o continue_v by_o the_o space_n of_o two_o month_n betwixt_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n mich._n the_o archangel_n and_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n or_o the_o space_n of_o one_o month_n betwixt_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o annunciation_n of_o our_o lady_n and_o s._n michael_n the_o owner_n by_o the_o view_n etc._n etc._n of_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o re-enter_v and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o same_o thing_n most_o observable_a extract_v by_o i_o w._n d._n out_o of_o the_o verdict_n 1608._o of_o the_o jurat_n for_o the_o hundred_o of_o clakclose_v and_o freebridge_n in_o marshland_n at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n 26_o julii_fw-la an._n 1608._o 6_o jacobi_fw-la 1_o that_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o salter_n load_n to_o north_n delf_n and_o so_o upward_o be_v then_o in_o great_a decay_n in_o depth_n and_o breadth_n for_o want_v of_o cleanse_v etc._n etc._n 2._o so_o likewise_o the_o sewer_n call_v small_a load_n in_o upwell_n be_v stop_v etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v london_n load_n lie_v in_o upwell_n ordain_v for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o fen_n call_v nâ—atmore_n be_v aâ—â—o_o in_o some_o decay_n 4._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v maid_n load_n begin_v at_o welney_n water_n extend_v to_o shiplode_v and_o so_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v impose_v upon_o the_o undertaker_n to_o scour_v etc._n etc._n 5._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v new_a do_fw-mi in_o littleport_n take_v its_o head_n from_o welney_n water_n and_o extend_v to_o crekelode_n in_o sothrey_n and_o helgay_n be_v then_o in_o decay_n etc._n etc._n 6._o that_o the_o sluse_n at_o crekelode_n end_n next_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v utter_o decay_v to_o be_v new_o make_v with_o a_o door_n six_o foot_n broad_a and_o 8_o foot_n deep_a 7._o ☜_o that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a sewer_n in_o upwell_n then_o late_o begin_v by_o the_o late_a lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n ea._n which_o take_v its_o head_n out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o march_n near_o a_o place_n in_o upwell_n call_v newdich_n end_n and_o extend_v in_o self_n through_o the_o common_a of_o upwell_n etc._n etc._n to_o wadyngstow_v and_o so_o through_o neatmore_n fall_v into_o welle_v river_n at_o north_n delft_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v a_o perfect_a drayn_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n especial_o the_o whole_a hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n and_o the_o town_n of_o upwell_n march_n dodington_n wimlington_n benwick_n chateriz_n whitlesey_n litleport_n and_o other_o adjoin_a place_n even_o to_o the_o high_a land_n 8._o that_o the_o common_a sewer_n in_o sothery_a call_v stake_n load_n be_v then_o in_o great_a decay_n 9_o that_o the_o river_n of_o wysse_o from_o helgay_n brigge_v to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v then_o defective_a in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o to_o be_v amend_v the_o
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o
place_n by_o priest_n house_n where_o ouse_n parva_fw-la or_o brandon_n water_n fall_v in_o but_o divers_a load_v lake_n and_o dikes_n at_o s._n edmund_n load_n gnat_n load_n and_o docky_a load_n which_o take_v their_o natural_a fall_n into_o a_o great_a mere_a by_o welle_v call_v the_o wide_a and_o from_o the_o wide_a by_o divers_a tract_n as_o webwinch_n lake_n aldy_n load_n old_a small_a load_n cheselbeche_n waxbeche_o load_n small_a load_n and_o so_o into_o the_o river_n at_o upwell_n and_o thence_o with_o the_o same_o branch_n from_o litleport_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n but_o wisbeche_v outfall_n decay_v and_o the_o passage_n of_o nene_n by_o crouland_n likewise_o faâ—ling_v through_o the_o decay_n of_o of_o spalding_n river_n and_o other_o hindrance_n the_o westwater_n or_o first_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o nene_n unite_v wax_v weak_a in_o the_o passage_n and_o so_o fall_v down_o by_o march_n to_o welle_v and_o not_o find_v passage_n by_o welle_v at_o shrew_n nest_n point_n the_o most_o part_n thereof_o turn_v back_o again_o to_o litleport_n by_o the_o old_a forsake_v second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n and_o hold_v that_o course_n to_o this_o day_n this_o second_o branch_n of_o ouse_n with_o grant_v unite_v lie_v hereby_o debar_v of_o passage_n by_o wisbeche_n mean_n be_v make_v to_o let_v it_o fall_v from_o litleport-chair_n to_o rebbech_n by_o a_o load_n which_o at_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v call_v hemmings_n ea_fw-la and_o so_o in_o ouse_n parva'_v channel_n pass_v to_o salter_n load_n and_o thence_o to_o lynne_n who_o channel_n not_o long_o before_o that_o time_n be_v not_o above_o six_o pole_n wide_a be_v then_o by_o due_a presentment_n say_v at_o that_o time_n to_o be_v both_o infficient_a for_o the_o haven_n and_o vessel_n thither_o resort_v by_o the_o inlet_n of_o the_o salt_n water_n and_o large_a enough_o to_o pass_v away_o the_o fresh_a as_o by_o the_o proceed_n of_o a_o fair_a commission_n thereof_o in_o an._n 1378._o may_v appear_v 2._o then_o begin_v the_o water_n from_o above_o welle_v and_o all_o thereabouts_o to_o seek_v their_o passage_n by_o that_o tract_n to_o lynne_n uuisbeche_o channel_n and_o so_o as_o low_o as_o the_o cross_a key_n which_o be_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o welle_v and_o wisbeche_v and_o so_o downward_o towards_o tirington_n utter_o thereby_o decay_v as_o to_o this_o day_n may_v yet_o be_v see_v but_o the_o people_n of_o marshland_n find_v themselves_o overcharge_v by_o these_o water_n upon_o complaint_n make_v to_o king_n edward_n the_o first_o obtain_v a_o commission_n an._n 21_o edw._n 1._o to_o have_v the_o water_n of_o welle_v which_o ancient_o have_v their_o outfall_n by_o wisbeche_n to_o be_v bring_v and_o carry_v in_o debitum_fw-la &_o antiquum_fw-la cursum_fw-la etc._n etc._n then_o be_v there_o three_o stopsmade_a viz._n the_o first_o at_o fendike_n about_o upwell_n town_n end_n near_o where_o popham_n load_n sluse_n now_o stand_v 2_o at_o small_a load_n bridge_n and_o 3_o at_o outwell_n bridge_n and_o order_n take_v for_o open_v of_o the_o rivet_n from_o welle_v to_o elm_n floudgate_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o both_o county_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o isle_n and_o of_o marshland_n indifferent_o to_o show_v that_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n have_v its_o outfall_n at_o wisbeche_n beside_o what_o be_v before_o express_v 1._o the_o sea-bank_n from_o welle_v to_o wisbeche_v 2._o wisbeche_o castle_n found_v super_fw-la flumen_fw-la illud_fw-la famosum_fw-la quod_fw-la welford_n streme_a appelatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr petroburg_n 3._o situm_fw-la est_fw-la praedictum_fw-la castrum_n quod_fw-la à _fw-la pluribus_fw-la paludibus_fw-la &_o rivulis_fw-la &_o fontibus_fw-la principium_fw-la habet_fw-la &_o per_fw-la longos_fw-la meatus_fw-la in_o mare_fw-la magnum_fw-la juxta_fw-la wilbeche_n derivare_fw-la liquidè_fw-la comprobatur_fw-la regist._n de_fw-fr thorney_n parâ—e_v 3a._o p._n 34._o 4._o the_o people_n of_o k._n john_n perish_v in_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v that_o there_o be_v sometime_o no_o river_n between_o litleport_n chair_n and_o rebbech_n 1._o a_o record_n vouch_v by_o mr._n hexham_n surveyor_n to_o philip_n earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o tract_n of_o the_o river_n be_v of_o a_o clean_a contrary_a nature_n viz._n more_o straight_o than_o any_o of_o the_o ouse_n in_o all_o the_o fen_n from_o ely_n to_o wisbeche_v 2._o the_o impose_v of_o the_o name_n of_o heming_n load_n in_o the_o description_n of_o rack_n fen_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o record_n viz._n à _fw-fr le_fw-fr chair_n per_fw-la heming_n load_n usque_fw-la gnat_n load_n end_n that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o nor_o of_o old_a do_v fall_v down_o from_o welle_v upon_o marshland_n eastward_o nor_o into_o welle_v fen_n in_o norff._n 1._o see_v the_o commission_n de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 21_o e._n 1._o 2._o see_v the_o leet_n roll_v de_fw-fr anno_fw-la 29_o e._n 1._o pro_fw-la wadingstow_n fracto_fw-la in_fw-la hiis_fw-la verbis_fw-la reginaldus_n the_o burgo_n fregit_fw-la obstupationem_fw-la de_fw-la wadingstow_n factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la &_o reversit_fw-la aquam_fw-la extra_fw-la rectum_fw-la cursum_fw-la suum_fw-la ad_fw-la magnum_fw-la dampnum_fw-la &_o nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la patriae_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iiis._o see_v there_o some_o other_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o in_o the_o next_o leet_n how_o their_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o the_o offender_n command_v to_o be_v attach_v 3._o see_v in_o the_o roll_n of_o upwell_n leet_n 12_o e._n 2._o in_o fine_a divers_a amerce_v for_o break_v or_o hurt_v the_o bank_n of_o the_o fenn_n call_v the_o fendike_n between_o welle_v and_o wellenhe_n and_o many_o presentment_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o wellenhe_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v nor_o cut_v nor_o the_o water_n turn_v into_o the_o fen_n near_o marshland_n 4._o see_v the_o stop_n of_o the_o water_n of_o welle_v from_o fall_v upon_o marshland_n upon_o rhe_n complaint_n of_o marshland_n man_n make_v to_o the_o king_n by_o who_o commission_n they_o be_v stop_v at_o outwell_n brigge_n at_o small_a load_n brigg_n and_o at_o fendike_n lake_n in_o upwell_n and_o at_o a_o place_n near_o the_o sluse_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n on_o popham_n load_n head_n sometime_o call_v uuadingstow_v 5._o and_o upon_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o dam_n at_o small_a load_n bridge_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o complaint_n of_o marshland-man_n see_v a_o commission_n send_v down_o in_o 25_o e._n 1._o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o malefactor_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o express_o for_o break_v small_a load_n dam_n and_o a_o writ_n of_o attendance_n direct_v to_o the_o sheriff_n to_o that_o purpose_n 6._o and_o that_o small_a load_n dam_n be_v according_a to_o this_o commission_n make_v and_o fortify_v again_o appear_v plain_o by_o divers_a presentment_n and_o punishment_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o leet_n roll_v of_o upwell_n aftâ—r_v those_o day_n only_o one_o of_o 12_o e._n 2._o shall_v suffice_v viz._n et_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la walterus_n jollyff_fw-mi consuetus_fw-la est_fw-la trahere_fw-la batellam_fw-la svam_fw-la ultra_fw-la estupationem_fw-la factam_fw-la per_fw-la breve_fw-la domini_fw-la regis_fw-la apud_fw-la le_fw-fr little_a load_n per_fw-la quod_fw-la dicta_fw-la obstupatio_fw-la deterioratur_fw-la ideo_fw-la in_o misericordia_fw-la iis._o see_v there_o 4_o or_o 5_o more_o amerce_v for_o the_o like_a and_o that_o there_o be_v bank_n from_o upwell_n to_o welleney_n aboard_o the_o great_a river_n keep_v that_o the_o water_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norfolk_n side_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o very_a many_o presentment_n almost_o in_o every_o king_n time_n since_o edward_n 1._o to_o k._n james_n viz._n in_o 1_o 2_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o e._n 1._o 2_o e._n 2.12_o 15_o 16_o 18_o e._n 2.3_o 4_o e._n 3._o &c_n &c_n 2_o r._n 2._o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o more_o old_a record_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o isle_n shall_v not_o fall_v into_o the_o fen_n on_o norff._n side_n an._n 24_o e._n 1._o juratores_fw-la dicunt_fw-la quod_fw-la adam_n noach_n cidit_fw-la communem_fw-la dravam_fw-la per_fw-la medium_n juxta_fw-la hold_n wellen_v he_o per_fw-la quod_fw-la cursus_fw-la magnae_fw-la ripariae_fw-la &_o hold_v uuellen_n he_o transversus_fw-la est_fw-la ex_fw-la recto_fw-la cursu_fw-la versus_fw-la mariscum_fw-la ad_fw-la grave_n nocumentum_fw-la totius_fw-la communitatis_fw-la ideo_fw-la dictus_fw-la adam_n in_fw-la misericordia_fw-la xiid._o and_o in_o the_o leet_n follow_v his_o pledge_n be_v amerce_v and_o pain_v to_o have_v it_o amend_v and_o he_o himself_o distrain_v to_o answer_v to_o it_o so_o that_o where_o it_o be_v here_o say_v and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n also_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o great_a river_n of_o wellenhee_n be_v turn_v out_o of_o his_o right_a course_n by_o cut_v the_o fendikes_n or_o drove_n in_o this_o presentment_n and_o some_o other_o it_o
the_o above-specified_n presentment_n the_o say_a obstruction_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o thence_o unto_o hovedene_n and_o divers_a other_o place_n and_o they_o say_v that_o the_o same_o henry_n and_o other_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n do_v cast_v earth_n and_o sand_n there_o for_o the_o amendment_n of_o that_o way_n without_o that_o that_o there_o be_v any_o ancient_a watercourse_n descend_v as_o abovesaid_a into_o temple_n damn_n as_o it_o be_v present_v and_o desire_v that_o the_o country_n may_v inquire_v thereof_o and_o the_o say_a juror_n also_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o common_a or_o ancient_a watercourse_n descend_v from_o thornton_n damn_n aforesaid_a unto_o temple_n damn_n as_o have_v be_v allege_v wherefore_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n and_o henry_n be_v dischardged_a and_o the_o same_o juror_n likewise_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v new_a derwent_n from_o the_o end_n of_o hovedene_n town_n viz._n from_o the_o way_n from_o hale_n to_o dykysmin_n be_v obstruct_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o hovedene_n knedelyngtone_n askylby_n kylpyn_n neusome_a brend_n spaldyngtone_n kayvill_n and_o thorpe_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o say_a town_n etc._n etc._n whereof_o they_o of_o hovedene_n knedelyngtone_n kylpyn_n kayvill_n and_o thorpe_n appear_v several_o say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o watercourse_n in_o manner_n and_o form_n aforesaid_a therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o say_a town_n of_o askylby_n neusome_a brend_n and_o spaldyngtone_n several_o answer_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o repair_v that_o watercourse_n as_o it_o have_v be_v present_v and_o do_v therefore_o request_n that_o the_o country_n may_v inquire_v thereof_o whereupon_o the_o juror_n be_v call_v say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n town_n of_o askylby_n newsome_n brend_n &_o spaldingtone_n ought_v not_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v then_o dischardged_a and_o they_o moreover_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v ruddeflete_a descend_v from_o wallyngfen_n to_o ruddeflete_a and_o so_o by_o the_o milne_n damn_n of_o brounflete_a to_o humbre_v be_v obstruct_v and_o that_o william_n than_o master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o york_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v hodflete_a descend_v from_o wallyngfen_n to_o humbre_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o say_a master_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a master_n etc._n etc._n who_o appear_v can_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v &c._n &c._n and_o the_o say_a shireeve_n be_v command_v to_o distrain_v he_o and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v frisdyke_n which_o be_v total_o obstruct_v so_o that_o the_o adjacent_a ground_n be_v thereby_o drown_v and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o sir_n stephan_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o masham_n knight_n lord_n of_o the_o manor_n of_o faxflete_a .........................._o and_o as_o touch_v the_o plaae_n call_v whitenge_v to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi they_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n master_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n leonard_n in_o york_n aught_o to_o repair_v the_o same_o whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v he_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n who_o according_o appear_v by_o his_o attorney_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v not_o gainsay_v but_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v the_o say_a watercourse_n from_o that_o place_n call_v whitenge_n unto_o oxm_a dyke_n as_o it_o have_v be_v present_v therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o shireeve_n command_v to_o distrain_v he_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o say_a master_n also_o by_o his_o attorney_n answer_v that_o he_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o he_o once_o do_v together_o with_o the_o say_v stephan_n repair_v the_o same_o watercourse_n from_o that_o place_n call_v whitenge_n unto_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o say_a master_n the_o one_o half_a thereof_o and_o the_o say_a sir_n stephan_n the_o other_o half_o therefore_o he_o be_v amerce_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o last_o present_v that_o a_o certain_a watercourse_n call_v daneldyke_n through_o which_o the_o water_n of_o neusome_a park_n do_v pass_v to_o aldergo_v near_o lostsome_a be_v stop_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o newsome_n and_o by_o the_o landholders_n in_o neusome_a border_v upon_o the_o say_a watercourse_n whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o inhabitant_n and_o land-holders_n abovesaid_a who_o appear_v according_o say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o lostsome_a askylby_n and_o barnby_n near_o hovedene_n aught_o to_o repair_v that_o watercourse_n therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v in_o the_o same_o first_o year_n of_o king_n h._n 4._o sir_n john_n le_fw-fr scrope_n knight_n sir_n gerard_n the_o ouseflete_a knight_n thomas_n egmantone_n robert_n de_fw-fr haldenby_n richard_n de_fw-fr norton_n will._n de_fw-fr lodyngtone_n and_o nich._n rosselyn_n be_v assign_v dorso_o to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n etc._n etc._n upon_o ouse_n air_n and_o do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o osgodcrosse_n in_o this_o county_n and_o to_o proceed_v there_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 3_o h._n 4._o be_v dorso_fw-la edmund_n duke_n of_o york_n sir_n gerard_n sothill_n knight_n robert_n tirwhyte_n john_n rome_n clerk_n john_n gaytesford_n thomas_n brunham_n will._n ludyngton_n edm._n fitz_n william_n thomas_n sheffield_n and_o thomas_n egmanton_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o isle_n of_o axholme_n in_o lincolnshire_n and_o betwixt_o the_o water_n of_o bykersdyke_n on_o each_o side_n in_o the_o county_n of_o nottingham_n and_o the_o river_n of_o done_n on_o each_o side_n as_o well_o in_o this_o county_n as_o in_o lincolnshire_n and_o the_o confine_n of_o they_o from_o the_o town_n of_o doncastre_n to_o the_o river_n of_o trent_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o in_o 8_o h._n 4._o henry_n le_fw-fr scrope_n of_o maâ—ham_n william_n gascoigne_n alexander_n metham_n thomas_n bromeflete_a richard_n tirwhyt_n alexander_n lounde_n hugh_n arderne_a and_o wil._n roâ—â—elyn_n have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la assignation_n for_o those_o bank_n upon_o the_o coast_n of_o humbre_a and_o ouse_n from_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n to_o hesyll_v and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o likewise_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o commission_n the_o say_a henry_n le_fw-fr scrope_n with_o his_o associate_n meet_v ebon_n at_o hovedene_n upon_o saturday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n laurence_n in_o the_o year_n abovesaid_a before_o who_o the_o juror_n of_o divers_a wapentake_n of_o this_o county_n on_o the_o coast_n of_o humbre_a and_o ouse_n from_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n to_o hesill_n do_v present_a that_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v time_n out_o of_o mind_n a_o certain_a common_a sewer_n call_v aldedergo_v which_o do_v reach_v in_o length_n direct_o from_o the_o town_n of_o hovedene_n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n and_o town_n of_o knedellyngtone_n askilby_n and_o barneâ—y_n in_o hovedenshire_n on_o the_o south_n part_n and_o the_o land_n of_o the_o tenant_n in_o hoveden_n bernhill_n the_o town_n of_o newsome_n and_o lostsome_a in_o spaldyngmore_n on_o the_o north_n part_n to_o the_o river_n of_o derwent_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o so_o by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o derwent_n unto_o the_o ouse_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v twelve_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o six_o in_o depth_n which_o say_v sewer_n the_o town_n of_o neusome_a lostsome_a birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askilby_n and_o barneby_n of_o right_a aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o maintain_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n lie_v in_o those_o â—owns_n and_o that_o the_o say_a sewer_n be_v not_o then_o repair_v through_o the_o default_n of_o the_o tenant_n of_o nâ—wsome_n lostsome_n birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askylby_n and_o barnâ—by_n aforesaid_a and_o they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n sewer_n betwixt_o barneby_n mersh_fw-mi on_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o land_n of_o thomas_n haukesworth_n in_o lostsome_a on_o the_o north_n part_n aâ—_n the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n towards_o the_o west_n near_o the_o say_a river_n of_o derwent_n have_v bâ—en_o new_o obstruct_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o newsome_n lostsome_n birnd_v knedyllyngtone_n askylby_n and_o barneby_n insomuch_o as_o the_o land_n on_o each_o side_n the_o same_o sewer_n be_v
overflow_v to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o country_n adjacent_a whereupon_o the_o shireeve_n have_v command_v to_o summon_v the_o say_a town_n of_o newsome_n etc._n etc._n who_o appear_v according_o answer_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o say_a sewer_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v not_o stop_v by_o the_o make_n of_o certain_a clow_n therein_o therefore_o they_o be_v amerce_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o lostsome_a for_o their_o say_a town_n of_o lostsome_a also_o say_v that_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o theyâ—_n together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o newsome_n birnd_v knedillyngton_n askelby_n and_o barneby_n aught_o to_o cleanse_v and_o repair_v the_o same_o sewer_n but_o they_o say_v that_o the_o current_n thereof_o be_v not_o stop_v by_o the_o set_n down_o of_o those_o clow_n as_o it_o have_v be_v suppose_v and_o of_o this_o they_o request_v that_o inquiry_n may_v be_v make_v by_o the_o country_n which_o be_v according_o do_v the_o juror_n find_v that_o the_o say_a town_n of_o lostsome_a together_o with_o the_o town_n of_o newsome_n birnd_v knedillyngtone_n askelby_n &_o barneby_n have_v by_o make_v of_o those_o clow_n obstruct_v the_o before-specified_n sewer_n therefore_o the_o say_a town_n of_o lostsome_a be_v amerce_v and_o it_o be_v decree_v by_o the_o say_a justice_n that_o those_o clow_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o place_n and_o of_o the_o rest_n beforementioned_a and_o the_o shireeve_n be_v require_v to_o see_v the_o same_o accomplishâ—_n and_o the_o sewer_n repair_v in_o 11_o h._n 4._o thomas_n knight_n of_o arkesey_n be_v attach_v ebor._n by_o john_n fastolf_n who_o allege_v that_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n ought_v to_o repair_v certain_a bank_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o done_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o land_n in_o bentley_n to_o which_o the_o say_a thomas_n plead_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o in_o the_o same_o year_n it_o appear_v 21._o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o thornton_n be_v distrain_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o thornton_n damn_n and_o hamister_n damn_n which_o do_v râ—ach_v from_o langdyke_n to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n but_o the_o abbot_n pretend_v error_n in_o the_o judgement_n former_o give_v require_v 23._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v revoke_v and_o so_o he_o do_v likewise_o for_o blaktoft_n damn_n alias_o hansardamme_n which_o extend_v itself_o from_o fulney_n to_o the_o stream_n of_o ouse_n which_o channel_n sir_n richard_n hansard_n knight_n and_o the_o town_n of_o blaktoft_n ought_v to_o repair_v in_o 13_o h._n 4._o gerard_n usflete_a will._n lodyngton_n richard_n gascoigne_n thomas_n egmantone_n guy_n rouclyff_fw-mi will._n rosselyn_n rob._n haldenby_n and_o john_n garton_n be_v dorso_fw-la constitute_v commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n do_v and_o eyre_n in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh._n the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o 1_o h._n 5._o have_v richard_n norton_n will._n lodyngton_n peter_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr hay_o john_n dronsfeld_n robert_n barneby_n will._n shirewode_n thomas_n saynpole_n and_o nicholas_n braytone_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n from_o little_a smitone_n to_o the_o river_n of_o done_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n so_o also_o in_o 6_o h._n 5._o have_v dorso_fw-la william_n lodyngton_n richard_n gascoigne_n guy_n rouclyf_n guy_n fairfax_n gerard_n lodyngton_n &_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n upon_o the_o say_a river_n of_o air_n ouse_n and_o do_v betwixt_o turnbrigg_n near_o rouclyf_n &_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o say_a river_n do_v in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 9_o h._n 5._o robert_n tirwhit_o john_n preston_n john_n ask_v thomas_n clarell_n peter_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr hay_o richard_n gascoigne_n guy_n rouclif_n guy_n fayrfax_n john_n pigot_n robert_n rudstane_n thomas_n bank_n and_o thomas_n aungere_fw-la be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o river_n of_o air_n ouse_n and_o do_v betwixt_o ouerfmouth_n and_o the_o ancient_a channel_n of_o done_n in_o the_o part_n of_o merskland_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a the_o like_a appointment_n dorso_fw-la in_o 1_o h._n 6._o have_v john_n preston_n james_n strangwayes_o richard_n gascoigne_n guy_n rouclyff_fw-mi guy_n fairfax_n john_n portyngton_n thomas_n aunger_n william_n stansfeld_n and_o will._n outhorpe_n for_o those_o bank_n upon_o the_o coast_n of_o air_n ouse_n do_v and_o go_v betwixt_o snayth_n and_o the_o ancient_a course_n of_o the_o river_n of_o done_n in_o the_o part_n of_o mersland_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a so_o also_o the_o year_n follow_v dorso_fw-la have_v robert_n tirwhit_o john_n prestone_n sir_n henry_n bromflet_n knight_n john_n ask_v peter_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr haye_n john_n ellerker_n guy_n rouclyf_n and_o john_n portyngton_n for_o those_o etc._n etc._n upon_o ouse_n derwent_n humbre_fw-mi and_o hull_n within_o the_o wapentake_n betwixt_o ouse_n and_o derwent_n the_o liberty_n of_o hovedenshire_n and_o wapentake_n of_o herthill_n and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 6_o h._n 6._o james_n strangways_o thomas_n fulthorpe_n guy_n rouclyff_fw-mi guy_n fayrfax_n will._n ashowe_n john_n ask_v and_o thomas_n beaulieu_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o river_n of_o air_n ouse_n and_o go_v betwixt_o snaythe_n and_o the_o old_a channel_n of_o do_v in_o merskland_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o as_o abovesaid_a and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n sir_n robert_n bapthorpe_n and_o sir_n henry_n bromflete_a knight_n james_n strangwayes_o john_n ellerker_n john_n de_fw-fr ask_v guy_n rouclyff_fw-mi and_o john_n portington_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n within_o the_o liberty_n of_o hovedene_n and_o wapentake_n of_o herthill_n as_o also_o betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o use_n and_o derwent_n with_o power_n to_o make_v such_o statute_n and_o ordinance_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o coast_n within_o those_o limit_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a and_o fit_a according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o do_v all_o other_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a as_o also_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o digger_n and_o other_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n to_o expedite_v the_o work_n as_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o employ_v therein_o so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la john_n ellerker_n tho._n de_fw-fr metham_n thomas_n clarell_n robert_n willughby_n guy_n roclyff_fw-mi richard_n wyntworth_n john_n malevere_a and_o john_n portyngton_n for_o those_o betwixt_o turnbryg_n and_o the_o river_n of_o do_v and_o ouse_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n and_o to_o proceed_v etc._n etc._n as_o aforesaid_a and_o likewise_o ibid._n sir_n will._n babyngton_n sir_n henry_n bromflete_a and_o sir_n robert_n bapthorpe_n knight_n thomas_n metham_n esquire_n guy_n roclyff_fw-mi john_n portyngton_n and_o will._n moston_n for_o those_o within_o the_o wapentake_n of_o herthill_n and_o the_o wapentake_n betwixt_o ouse_n and_o derwent_n and_o liberty_n of_o howedon_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o as_o aforesaid_a so_o also_o the_o year_n follow_v have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n will._n rither_o knight_n james_n strangways_o thomas_n clarell_n esquire_n guy_n fairfax_n john_n thwayte_v robert_n malevere_a and_o thomas_n lyndeley_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n upon_o the_o river_n of_o air_n ouse_n and_o yore_o and_o to_o proceed_v as_o abovesaid_a and_o the_o like_a in_o 13_o h._n 6._o have_v dorso_o john_n ellerker_n thomas_n metham_n john_n constable_n john_n portyngton_n will._n mustone_n and_o robert_n cawode_n for_o those_o in_o mershlonde_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o owese_n doone_n ayer_n and_o go_v and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o abovemention_v many_o other_o commission_n there_o be_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n and_o to_o make_v law_n and_o ordinance_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n etc._n etc._n viz._n in_o 23_o h._n 6._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n portyngton_n senior_a john_n nevil_n guy_n roclyff_fw-mi john_n portyngton_n junior_a rob._n roclyff_fw-mi geffrey_n blakey_n and_o peter_n perc_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o mershlond_n betwixt_o the_o river_n of_o owese_n doone_n air_n and_o went._n in_o 27_o h._n 6._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n portyngtone_n rob._n bapthorpe_n esquire_n guy_n