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
the_o epiphany_n under_o the_o penalty_n of_o ccl._o and_o the_o before-specified_n juror_n far_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a gutter_n make_v in_o the_o town_n of_o multon_n call_v bollisgote_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o town_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o acre_n which_o each_o man_n hold_v therefore_o summons_n be_v give_v they_o to_o perform_v the_o same_o according_o in_o form_n aforesaid_a before_o whitsuntide_n follow_v upon_o pain_n of_o a_o hundred_o pound_n but_o upon_o thursday_n which_o be_v the_o eve_n of_o s._n barnabas_n the_o apostle_n at_o the_o request_n of_o some_o of_o the_o country_n the_o commissioner_n above_o name_v come_v to_o view_v the_o before-specified_n chanel_n and_o to_o inquire_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n what_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o decree_n where_o be_v meet_v the_o juror_n present_v that_o the_o sewer_n which_o lead_v to_o that_o streightning_n down_o to_o the_o sea_n lie_v betwixt_o both_o the_o county_n abovementioned_a aught_o to_o be_v enlarge_v to_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n viz._n on_o each_o side_n ten_o foot_n and_o because_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n that_o the_o before-specified_n decree_n for_o that_o straightning_n of_o the_o channel_n abovementioned_a can_v not_o be_v do_v within_o that_o time_n prefix_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a abundance_n of_o water_n it_o be_v respite_v till_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n peter_n ad_fw-la vincula_fw-la common_o call_v lammas_n and_o so_o likewise_o be_v the_o make_n of_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o that_o each_o town_n adjoin_v to_o the_o same_o sewer_n shall_v make_v it_o so_o far_o as_o their_o land_n do_v extend_v and_o thereupon_o come_v adam_n de_fw-fr tydd_n and_o other_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o tydd_n and_o consent_v to_o make_v and_o repair_v the_o ditch_n of_o sutton_n marsh_n betwixt_o schoft_n and_o gedeney_n according_a to_o their_o number_n of_o acre_n provide_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v chardged_a for_o their_o land_n lie_v in_o tide_n marsh_n before_o the_o say_a marsh_n be_v defend_v by_o those_o sewer_n and_o straightning_n that_o gutter_n of_o schoft_n in_o 23_o e._n 1._o upon_o a_o inquisition_n u._n take_v at_o gosberchirche_n within_o this_o province_n of_o holland_n on_o friday_n in_o whitsun_n week_n before_o adam_n de_fw-fr crokedayk_n and_o william_n inge_n it_o be_v find_v that_o all_o the_o landholders_n within_o donyngton_n in_o this_o province_n aught_o according_a to_o the_o proportion_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o causey_n of_o holland_n with_o little_a bridge_n and_o likewise_o ditch_n on_o each_o side_n thereof_o from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o donyngton_n to_o the_o new_a ditch_n and_o that_o the_o prior_n of_o s._n saviour_n ought_v to_o repair_n and_o maintain_v the_o same_o in_o manner_n as_o aforesaid_a from_o the_o say_a ditch_n to_o the_o town_n of_o s._n saviour_n in_o regard_n that_o the_o say_a prior_n have_v land_n in_o that_o town_n worth_a xxl._n a_o year_n for_o the_o repair_n thereof_o and_o it_o be_v then_o present_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n that_o there_o be_v very_o many_o defect_n at_o that_o time_n in_o the_o same_o causey_n for_o default_n of_o its_o repair_n by_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o inhabitant_n of_o donington_n and_o most_o of_o all_o for_o want_v of_o bridge_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v away_o on_o each_o side_n of_o that_o new_a ditch_n and_o they_o also_o present_v that_o the_o sewer_n of_o scathegarst_o swyneman_n dam_n and_o swain_n load_n aught_o and_o have_v use_v to_o be_v xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o so_o deep_a as_o that_o the_o water_n may_v have_v a_o free_a passage_n and_o repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o donyngton_n unto_o the_o river_n to_o byker_n which_o run_v to_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o be_v open_v from_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n until_o the_o feast_n of_o s._n martin_n and_o so_o likewise_o from_o the_o say_a feast_n of_o s._n martin_n to_o the_o first_o day_n of_o march_n except_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v such_o a_o abundance_n of_o water_n at_o that_o time_n tâ—at_v the_o sewer_n can_v not_o suffice_v but_o that_o this_o province_n of_o holland_n will_v be_v drown_v and_o in_o such_o case_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o stop_v the_o saiâ—_n sâ—wers_n open_v they_o again_o at_o the_o câ—asiâ—g_n of_o those_o inundation_n and_o they_o say_v that_o for_o default_n of_o repair_n of_o those_o sewer_n there_o be_v thâ—n_o great_a damage_n in_o the_o common_a marsh_n adjoin_v and_o that_o then_o through_o the_o surplusage_n of_o water_n those_o sewer_n wâ—re_v stop_v and_o not_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n aâ—d_v they_o also_o say_v that_o the_o beforementioned_n channel_n of_o byker_n ought_v to_o bâ—_n repair_v by_o the_o say_a town_n of_o bâ—ker_n as_o often_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v and_o tâ—at_v it_o be_v not_o then_o so_o deep_a as_o it_o have_v use_v to_o be_v for_o carry_v away_o the_o water_n of_o â—â—e_z say_v sewâ—rs_n and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o quadring_n i_o have_v a_o gutter_n and_o that_o the_o same_o sewer_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o before-specified_n wideness_n and_o depth_n and_o to_o be_v repair_v by_o the_o town_n of_o quadring_n and_o that_o it_o be_v stop_v up_o by_o the_o same_o town_n three_o year_n past_a and_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o risgate_n have_v gutter_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o rysgate_n and_o that_o it_o be_v obstruct_v by_o ranulph_n de_fw-fr rye_n towards_o the_o marsh_n but_o four_o day_n since_o and_o likewise_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o the_o say_a breadth_n and_o depth_n and_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o sluse_n betwixt_o the_o marsh_n and_o it_o of_o sixteen_o foot_n wide_a and_o also_o to_o be_v oâ—en_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o sewer_n of_o scalegarst_o unless_o there_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o inundation_n as_o aforesaid_a but_o that_o cease_v then_o to_o be_v open_v and_o that_o the_o course_n of_o that_o sewer_n which_o towards_o the_o sea_n be_v call_v new_a i_fw-mi gate_n have_v wont_n ancient_o to_o run_v directly_z through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o marsh_n in_o gosvercherche_fw-fr belong_v to_o the_o abbot_n of_o pâ—terborough_n until_o thirty_o six_o year_n before_o that_o by_o the_o flow_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fresh_a water_n it_o become_v obstructedâ—_n &_o thereupon_o by_o force_n make_v itself_o another_o current_n which_o it_o then_o hold_v and_o they_o likewise_o say_v that_o aswell_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n as_o the_o fresh_a begin_v about_o three_o year_n then_o past_a to_o goul_a the_o ancient_a channel_n and_o that_o the_o beforementioned_a abbot_n discern_v the_o same_o repair_v it_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o his_o own_o land_n and_o the_o say_a juror_n be_v ask_v whether_o that_o the_o channel_n which_o the_o water_n have_v at_o that_o time_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o delivery_n and_o evacuation_n thereof_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v but_o they_o say_v that_o the_o ancient_a course_n thereof_o will_v be_v more_o proper_a and_o beneficial_a than_o the_o current_n which_o it_o then_o have_v because_o it_o may_v be_v repair_v with_o the_o less_o charge_n run_v in_o a_o straight_a line_n than_o by_o a_o circuit_n and_o crooked_o and_o soon_o discharge_v itself_o but_o whether_o it_o go_v in_o the_o old_a or_o the_o new_a channel_n they_o affirm_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v by_o the_o town_n of_o gosbercherche_fw-fr and_o be_v inquire_v of_o the_o damage_n which_o the_o abbot_n may_v sustain_v in_o case_n the_o same_o water_n shall_v be_v reduce_v into_o its_o ancient_a channel_n they_o say_v that_o he_o will_v lose_v fourscore_o acre_n of_o marsh_n in_o regard_n he_o can_v have_v no_o way_n to_o it_o by_o reason_n thereof_o and_o they_o say_v moreover_o that_o the_o sewer_n of_o de_fw-fr la_fw-fr beche_n ought_v to_o be_v three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o as_o much_o in_o depth_n at_o the_o head_n thereof_o towards_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o low_o towards_o the_o sea_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o wheresoever_o it_o be_v to_o be_v narrow_a to_o continue_v the_o same_o depth_n as_o abovesaid_a and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o run_v all_o the_o year_n long_o but_o be_v obstruct_v in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o three_o father_n to_o the_o king_n that_o then_o be_v by_o henry_n the_o bath_n at_o that_o time_n a_o justice_n itinerant_n which_o obstruction_n be_v continue_v till_o that_o time_n by_o the_o town_n of_o gosberchirche_n pinchebec_n and_o surflet_n and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o maintain_v from_o the_o
from_o the_o place_n call_v west_n head_n unto_o welle_v town_n so_o far_o as_o it_o have_v be_v of_o late_a accustom_a viz_o in_o height_n six_o foot_n above_o bardolf_n fenne_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o foundation_n thirty_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n on_o the_o high_a part_n thereof_o xv_o foot_n 2._o that_o no_o man_n take_v or_o dyke_n any_o menure_n within_o viij_o foot_n of_o the_o south_n part_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a and_o on_o the_o north_n part_n of_o the_o same_o no_o menure_n to_o be_v take_v within_o c._n foot_n from_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o same_o pow_o diche_a 3._o that_o the_o same_o powdiche_n be_v make_v by_o every_o particular_a township_n whole_a and_o common_a by_o acre_n silver_n and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o the_o same_o to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o township_n by_o whitsunday_n then_o next_o come_n or_o midsummer_n at_o the_o far_a in_o pain_n of_o every_o township_n xll._o to_o be_v levy_v to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o say_a king_n and_o queen_n majesty_n and_o that_o every_o particular_a town_n do_v sufficient_o clay_n their_o particular_a charge_n on_o the_o forepart_n thereof_o in_o thickness_n with_o clay_n one_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a and_o on_o the_o top_n thereof_o one_o foot_n 4._o and_o for_o the_o better_a preservation_n of_o the_o same_o powdiche_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n ordain_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v re-edify_v upon_o the_o say_v powdiche_n three_o house_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o at_o north_n hook_n gate_n another_o between_o walpole_n and_o tirington_n gate_n upon_o the_o bank_n and_o powdiche_n and_o the_o three_o at_o welle_v gate_n the_o charge_n to_o be_v levy_v upon_o the_o whole_a township_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n by_o acre_n silver_n 5._o that_o if_o any_o man_n be_v then_o indict_v or_o thereafter_o shall_v be_v indict_v vex_v or_o molest_v for_o any_o cause_n touch_v the_o defence_n maintenance_n or_o preservation_n of_o the_o same_o country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n then_o they_o and_o every_o of_o they_o to_o be_v defend_v and_o save_v harmless_a by_o the_o say_a country_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhale_n all_o so_o far_o as_o the_o law_n will_v serve_v and_o permit_v 6._o that_o the_o break_a dyke_n be_v sufficient_o make_v maintain_v and_o repair_v from_o time_n to_o time_n as_o it_o have_v be_v in_o time_n past_a that_o year_n and_o other_o year_n thenceforth_o by_o the_o say_a country_n of_o marshland_n 7._o that_o a_o view_n be_v make_v at_o emneth_n by_o the_o chief_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n where_o there_o may_v be_v new_o make_v and_o re-edify_v within_o the_o level_n and_o rind_n thereof_o a_o new_a dyke_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o water_n if_o break_a dyke_n be_v break_v which_o view_n to_o be_v at_o sandy_a rood_n upon_o the_o friday_n follow_v by_o eight_o of_o the_o clock_n and_o on_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o april_n it_o be_v far_o conclude_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o say_v chief_a inhabitant_n and_o town_n of_o wigenhale_n that_o the_o say_v dyke_n call_v break_v dyke_n shall_v be_v make_v maintain_v and_o keep_v from_o time_n to_o time_n by_o and_o at_o the_o cost_n charge_n and_o expense_n of_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n as_o afore-time_o have_v be_v accustom_v and_o that_o a_o new_a dyke_n be_v make_v from_o mill_n dam_n unto_o peter_n sanderson_n house_n and_o so_o by_o the_o high_a way_n direct_o about_o unto_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v suffield_n gate_n in_o such_o height_n thickness_n and_o breadth_n as_o thomas_n guybon_n john_n reppe_n william_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n karvill_n esquire_n richard_n baker_n alias_o lad_n richard_n nichols_n henry_n hunston_n and_o thomas_n hewar_n gentleman_n or_o the_o more_o part_n of_o they_o with_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o workman_n shall_v think_v meet_a and_o convenient_a after_o this_o eliz._n viz._n in_o 8_o eliz._n there_o be_v other_o ordinance_n b._n make_v touch_v the_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n in_o these_o part_n the_o substance_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n 1_o that_o rightforth_n load_n from_o westhead_n or_o north_n hook_n westward_o be_v but_o 8_o foot_n wide_a aught_o to_o make_v xij_o foot_n in_o breadth_n by_o edmund_n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o so_o every_o person_n &c._n &c._n to_o make_v his_o or_o their_o part_n of_o the_o same_o wideness_n from_o the_o say_v edm._n beaupre_n westward_n and_o so_o to_o stowbridge_n 2_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o the_o great_a river_n from_o stowbridge_n unto_o common_a load_n be_v make_v in_o the_o upper_a part_n 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n between_o the_o house_n hedge_n and_o wall_n of_o the_o west_n part_n of_o ouse_n 3_o that_o common_a load_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o stowbridge_n house_n be_v make_v of_o the_o wideness_n of_o xij_o foot_n and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a with_o such_o a_o sluse_n as_o rightforth_n load_n have_v at_o sâ—owbridge_n to_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n wimbotesham_n and_o stow-bardolf_n for_o that_o it_o be_v their_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n 4_o that_o upon_o the_o stop_n of_o newlode_n lie_v between_o common_a load_n and_o downhambridg_v the_o say_a load_n call_v common_a load_n or_o downham_n load_n be_v make_v 5_o that_o the_o goal_n betwixt_o dounham_n bridge_n and_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xij_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a and_o to_o extend_v into_o the_o fen_n from_o the_o say_a sluice_n a_o mile_n and_o more_o and_o scour_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o dounham_n 6_o that_o the_o brink_n on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o common_a load_n to_o dounham_n brigg_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n on_o the_o top_n and_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o stow-bardolf_n uuymbotesham_n and_o downham_n 7_o that_o edm._n beaupre_n esquire_n and_o other_o the_o land-holders_n in_o great_a powdichfield_n and_o whart_z meadow_n have_v a_o sluse_n at_o uuelle_n clouse_n at_o the_o north_n head_n of_o whartmedow_n and_o so_o to_o drain_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o marshland_n fen_n 8_o that_o the_o brink_n of_o ouse_n from_o dounham_n bridge_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v xij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o 8_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n as_o also_o one_o foot_n high_o than_o the_o high_a water_n mark_n 9_o that_o the_o new_a powdiche_n from_o salter_n load_n to_o north_n delft_n be_v make_v xviij_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n xij_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o â—ive_a foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o from_o north_n delft_n to_o mullicourtâ—_n â—_z of_o the_o same_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n and_o bottom_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n all_o which_o to_o be_v do_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o hundred_o acre_n within_o stow_n bardolf_n call_v the_o lord_n h_v and_o the_o land-holders_n of_o the_o decay_a tenement_n sometime_o bexwell_n at_o north_n delft_n 10._o and_o that_o from_o the_o east_n corner_n of_o mullycourt_n unto_o mullycourt_n drive_v it_o be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o top_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n and_o six_o foot_n in_o height_n as_o abovesaid_a which_o say_v powdiche_n from_o mullycourt_a drove_n end_n tend_v westward_n unto_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o thence_o northwest_o unto_o boxstedstile_n which_o be_v the_o far_a bind_v of_o outwell_n towards_o emneth_n and_o be_v the_o division_n betwixt_o the_o half_a hundred_o of_o clakclose_v and_o the_o hundred_o of_o freebridge_n the_o which_o bank_n or_o causey_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v and_o keep_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o town_n of_o outwell_n for_o their_o land_n lie_v in_o mullycourt_n field_n sondy_n field_n and_o powdich_n field_n 11._o that_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v call_v welle_v i_fw-mi come_v from_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o outwell_n church_n and_o run_v eastward_o till_o it_o come_v opposite_a to_o saltham_n lake_n thence_o south_n east_n unto_o north_n delf_n thence_o eastward_o to_o salter_n load_n to_o be_v make_v xxvij_o foot_n wide_a in_o the_o bottom_n and_o xl_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n from_o the_o say_a bridge_n at_o outwell_n church_n to_o mullycourt_n drove_n end_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o outwell_n and_o from_o thence_o of_o the_o same_o wideness_n by_o the_o dean_n of_o ely_n to_o saltham_n lake_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o salter_n load_n of_o the_o like_a breadth_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o town_n of_o uuigenhall_n 12_o that_o at_o the_o end_n of_o
down_o to_o pentney_n mill._n that_o pentney_n mill_n be_v pull_v down_o whereby_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o common_a ground_n of_o marham_n and_o shouldham_n may_v be_v prevent_v which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o keep_n up_o the_o water_n for_o those_o mill_n be_v overflow_v that_o the_o back_n dike_n from_o narborough_n bar_n to_o cardike_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 5._o that_o all_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o river_n from_o blackborough_n bridge_n to_o prioursturne_v be_v make_v in_o height_n and_o breadth_n as_o aforesaid_a so_o likewise_o then_o to_o cotehill_n and_o thence_o to_o sechee_n bridge_n that_o the_o drayn_n call_v wronglode_v extend_v from_o woo_v dyke_n to_o tile_n kill_v be_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o also_o the_o sewer_n call_v woo_v dike_a lie_v in_o marham_n and_o likewise_o car_n dike_a that_o the_o common_a sewer_n call_v bush_n fen_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a car_n dike_a to_o the_o great_a river_n be_v make_v xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o five_o foot_n in_o depth_n that_o a_o dam_n be_v make_v on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o bush_n fen_n ea_fw-la in_o dunstall_n dike_a so_o that_o the_o water_n come_v from_o car_n dike_o may_v run_v into_o bush_n fen_n ea._n that_o a_o drain_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o cross_a yard_n to_o padocks_n hill_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n five_o foot_n and_o depth_n three_o that_o the_o old_a river_n in_o marham_n be_v make_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a from_o the_o place_n where_o marham_n mill_n stand_v to_o bear_n head_n thence_o to_o marplot_n dike_a of_o the_o same_o breadth_n and_o depth_n thence_o to_o dunstall_n dike_a and_o thence_o to_o string_n dike_v in_o like_a sort_n that_o dunstall_n dike_o shall_v drayn_n through_o the_o mill_n causey_n by_o a_o sluice_n there_o to_o be_v make_v of_o two_o foot_n square_a into_o a_o dike_n lie_v on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o a_o hop-yard_n call_v hopyard_n dike_a which_o dike_n extend_v from_o the_o say_a causey_n to_o stringdike_n to_o be_v 8_o foot_n wide_o also_o and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a that_o the_o drayn_n in_o marham_n extend_v from_o swan_n nest_n to_o bradwell_n load_n be_v make_v eight_o foot_n wide_a and_o four_o foot_n deep_a that_o bradwell_n load_n extend_v from_o the_o abbey_n yard_n end_n unto_o the_o old_a ea_fw-la and_o so_o to_o the_o cross_a willow_n be_v make_v of_o the_o like_a breadth_n and_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n from_o dowhouse-close_a to_o crowdwâ—ll_a gap_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4._o so_o likewise_o friday_n load_n extend_v into_o the_o say_a old_a ea._n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n call_v the_o old_a ea_fw-la extend_v from_o haddon_n mill_n to_o black_a dyke_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n so_o likewise_o from_o haleroft_n bar_n to_o wirmgey_a bridge_n that_o the_o say_v common_a drayn_n or_o old_a ea_fw-la from_o wirmgay_n bridge_n to_o the_o abbey_n stile_n to_o be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o from_o the_o say_a abbey_n stile_n to_o cotehill_n and_o so_o to_o the_o great_a river_n xuj_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o in_o depth_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n extend_v from_o whittington_n to_o stokebridge_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n that_o stokebridge_n contain_v three_o arch_n of_o the_o wideness_n of_o 40_o foot_n be_v repair_v by_o the_o country_n near_o adjoin_v that_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wisse_n from_o stokebridge_n to_o sandell_n be_v thence_o to_o haveringay_n be_v bishop_n be_v izelham_n be_v coat_n be_v new_o be_v forwere_v helgay_n bridge_n hide_n be_v shellewere_v and_o west_n load_n be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n xl_o foot_n as_o aforesaid_a and_o thence_o to_o the_o great_a ouse_n in_o breadth_n 30_o foot_n and_o that_o two_o jetty_n or_o peer_n of_o stone_n xviii_o foot_n distant_a each_o from_o other_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o say_a river_n within_o 200_o foot_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n that_o the_o landlake_n which_o take_v its_o beginning_n out_o of_o the_o river_n of_o wisse_n at_o be_v dike_a a_o mile_n distant_a from_o stoke_n bridge_n who_o natural_a fall_n to_o the_o sea_n be_v through_o snore_n fen_n through_o helgay_n causey_n in_o a_o pipe_n of_o timber_n or_o stone_n and_o thence_o &c._n &c._n to_o gunnels_n load_n be_v there_o divide_v into_o two_o branch_n the_o one_o direct_o westward_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ousel_n â—_z and_o the_o other_o northwards_o through_o denver_n south_n fenn_n in_o each_o whereof_o near_o the_o say_a river_n ouse_n to_o be_v place_v a_o substantial_a goal_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o wisse_n from_o common_a fengate_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o ouse_n from_o west_n load_n end_n to_o south_n load_n be_v make_v and_o keep_v 8_o foot_n broad_a and_o 4_o foot_n high_a and_o from_o thence_o to_o modney_n cote_n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n 5_o at_o the_o top_n and_o 5_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o helgay_n fenn_n call_v the_o wisse_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o unto_o miles_n end_n corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 10_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o at_o the_o end_n thereof_o a_o goal_n 2_o foot_n square_a and_o 16_o foot_n long_o that_o a_o sufficient_a drayn_n be_v make_v at_o the_o causey_n between_o helgay_n and_o modney_n that_o the_o drayn_n between_o fordhammore_n and_o portmore_n in_o helgay_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 5._o and_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o the_o like_a dimension_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o the_o drayn_n betwixt_o thack_n fen_n and_o helgay-more_a be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n with_o the_o like_a goal_n as_o aforesaid_a that_o turf_n fen_n lake_n in_o helgay_n be_v keep_v 12_o foot_n broad_a and_o 6_o foot_n deep_a with_o a_o goal_n where_o it_o enter_v into_o ouse_n that_o the_o common_a dayn_n call_v creekâ—_n load_n extend_v from_o creek_n mere_a in_o little_a port_n to_o the_o 4_o load_v and_o thence_o to_o pulwear_v lake_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 20_o foot_n and_o depth_n 6_o foot_n and_o so_o likewise_o to_o a_o place_n call_v the_o willow_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 16_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 6_o â—oot_v deep_a with_o a_o gool_n at_o the_o end_n thereof_o of_o 4_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 5_o in_o depth_n that_o rebech_n river_n in_o helgay_n extend_v from_o redmercote_n unto_o the_o great_a river_n of_o ouse_n in_o sotherey_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 40_o foot_n until_o it_o come_v within_o three_o furlong_n of_o ouse_n and_o then_o 30_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o township_n of_o feltwell_n hockold_n wilton_n brandon-ferry_n santon_n and_o dounham_n and_o all_o other_o have_v any_o ground_n drayn_v through_o and_o by_o the_o say_a river_n that_o the_o common_a drayn_n in_o sotherey_n call_v stake_n load_n be_v in_o breadth_n 12_o foot_n and_o depth_n 4._o till_o it_o come_v to_o cross_a water_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n 14_o foot_n in_o breadth_n that_o sotherey_n causey_n be_v make_v 18_o foot_n wide_a at_o the_o bottom_n 14_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n north_n of_o sotherey_n ferry_n to_o modney_n dike_v be_v 8_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n 5_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n and_o 3_o foot_n in_o height_n that_o the_o land_n drain_v in_o sotherey_n extend_v from_o sotherey_n bar_n to_o the_o hall_n yard_n be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 3._o and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v to_o stake_n load_n that_o pollver_n drain_v in_o wirmgay_n begin_v at_o campion_n hill_n &_o extend_v to_o sechey_n causey_n and_o thence_o to_o king_n bridge_n be_v 10_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o 4_o in_o depth_n that_o the_o drayn_n in_o watlington_n and_o totnell_n extend_v from_o theâ—fes_n bridge_n unto_o hobbs_n dike_v be_v keep_v in_o breadth_n 6_o foot_n and_o depth_n 3_o and_o hobbs_n dike_v 9_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o foot_n deep_a that_o east_n wroe_fw-mi do_fw-mi bank_n in_o watlington_n otherwise_o call_v savour_v bank_n which_o defend_v the_o fresh_a water_n of_o polver_n drain_v and_o seche_v river_n from_o overflow_a &c._n &c._n to_o be_v heighten_v in_o every_o low_a place_n that_o polver_n drain_v from_o king_n bridge_n to_o the_o goal_n head_n be_v make_v in_o breadth_n 16_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 8._o that_o geris_n damâ—_n â—_z in_o
foot_n deep_a 83._o and_o that_o at_o the_o say_v shepe_v board_n be_v make_v a_o bridge_n with_o a_o close_o shut_v or_o else_o a_o dam_n and_o the_o say_a place_n to_o be_v stop_v at_o all_o time_n at_o the_o discretion_n of_o all_o the_o headborows_a and_o dikereeve_v of_o the_o say_a town_n 84._o that_o the_o landholders_n in_o i_fw-mi dike_a field_n from_o black_a lane_n unto_o moss_n lane_n abut_a upon_o i_fw-mi dike_fw-mi make_v one_o petty_a drayn_n as_o oft_o as_o need_v shall_v require_v at_o the_o north_n head_n of_o the_o same_o land_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4_o foot_n so_o that_o the_o water_n of_o the_o say_a field_n may_v have_v his_o course_n to_o the_o common_a sewer_n 85._o and_o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o same_o field_n from_o blacklane_n unto_o barrow_n green_a at_o the_o north_n head_n of_o the_o same_o field_n aught_o to_o make_v one_o petty_a drayn_n in_o breadth_n 8_o foot_n and_o in_o depth_n 4_o that_o the_o water_n may_v pass_v into_o the_o common_a sewer_n 86._o that_o one_o sewer_n be_v make_v at_o the_o east_n side_n of_o cross_a gate_n begin_v at_o thack_n ....._o a_o little_a from_o chaucheon_n bridge_n and_o so_o lead_v through_o a_o pipe_n at_o black_a lane_n unto_o black_a ...._o and_o so_o to_o garreds_n lane_n end_n and_o so_o through_o seagate_n green_a unto_o helgay_n goat_n 8_o foot_n wide_a and_o 4_o footâ—_n deep_a by_o all_o the_o landholders_n thereto_o adjoin_v 87._o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o hurnefield_n make_v one_o crest_n ....._o in_o broadgate_n at_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o common_a sewer_n â—_z from_o shepper_v gate_n bridge_n unto_o hubberd_n corner_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o 88_o that_o all_o the_o land_n in_o cockley_n field_n ought_v to_o make_v one_o crest_n in_o bottel_n lane_n from_o bottle_n lane_n brigg_n unto_o i_fw-mi dike_fw-mi in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o in_o breadth_n 8._o 89._o that_o all_o the_o landholders_n in_o fendyke_n field_n make_v one_o crest_n in_o blacklane_n to_o begin_v at_o tubbesbrigge_n unto_o bottlebrigge_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o landholders_n in_o cockley_n field_n to_o make_v one_o crest_n in_o ey_fw-mi gate_n from_o bottle_n brigg_n unto_o i_fw-mi dyke_n in_o height_n four_o foot_n and_o breadth_n ....._o 90._o and_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o landholders_n of_o carrow_z field_n to_o make_v one_o crest_n there_o 100_o that_o the_o whole_a township_n of_o tide_n do_v make_v one_o shut_v or_o dam_n in_o brasselode_n dam_n in_o the_o sewer_n and_o one_o other_o dam_n at_o dike_n landam_n and_o another_o ....._o head_n acre_n under_o the_o sea_n dyke_n with_o shut_v to_o stop_v out_o the_o salt_n water_n and_o also_o a_o shut_v at_o hornelanes_n end_n another_o at_o foster_n dam_n another_o at_o thursley_n bridge_n another_o at_o tub_n brigge_v another_o at_o ......_o bridge_n in_o kyrklane_n all_o which_o to_o be_v stop_v by_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o headborow_n and_o dikereeve_v when_o need_n shall_v require_v 101._o that_o the_o landholders_n of_o tide_n ought_v to_o keep_v two_o wardikes_n viz._n tide_n eedike_n and_o thr_v begin_v at_o averey_n tree_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o new_a fendike_a alias_o shoyfendike_n in_o height_n 4_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 6._o 102._o and_o another_o wardyke_n call_v black_a dyke_n and_o skepper_v gate_n to_o be_v make_v by_o all_o the_o land_n between_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o say_v dike_n and_o the_o sea-bank_n and_o by_o all_o the_o commoner_n of_o the_o say_a town_n which_o dike_n begin_v at_o averey_n tree_n and_o so_o lead_v to_o tide_n bridge_n to_o be_v make_v in_o height_n 8_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 12._o the_o presentment_n of_o elm_n and_o coldham_n be_v want_v upwell_n and_o outwell_n 103._o that_o henry_n cowper_n shall_v make_v his_o bank_n in_o upwell_n aforesaid_a from_o lakebrigg_n unto_o dod_n stile_n otherwise_o call_v sewell_n clout_n as_o the_o abbot_n of_o bury_n have_v do_v before_o his_o time_n which_o bank_n to_o be_v in_o height_n 6_o foot_n and_o breadth_n 8._o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v two_o good_a lawful_a gate_n between_o the_o say_v lakebrigge_n and_o dod_n style_v for_o passage_n of_o people_n 104._o that_o all_o person_n have_v land_n in_o budbech_n field_n in_o upwell_n aught_o to_o make_v their_o part_n of_o green_n dike_v from_o dod_n stile_n and_o so_o to_o the_o stony_a cross_n at_o sumpter_n door_n every_o man_n his_o part_n 8_o foot_n broad_a on_o the_o top_n 105._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v the_o chair_n in_o upwell_n more_o begin_v at_o the_o great_a river_n of_o welle_v and_o descend_v unto_o coxecote_n tree_n thence_o to_o darsey_n load_n and_o so_o to_o welney_n river_n be_v scour_v in_o breadth_n xuj_o foot_n and_o depth_n 6_o foot_n by_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n for_o his_o part_n edm._n beaupre_n esquire_n for_o his_o part_n and_o all_o other_o that_o have_v be_v charge_v heretofore_o 106._o that_o friday_n lake_n and_o magglake_n in_o outwell_n and_o upwell_n be_v cleanse_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o both_o the_o say_a town_n in_o breadth_n ......._o foot_n and_o depth_n 4_o foot_n 107._o that_o bishop_n dike_n which_o begin_v at_o sewell_n clout_n in_o upwell_n and_o thence_o extend_v to_o langbeche_v which_o lie_v in_o elm_n ought_v to_o be_v make_v good_a by_o all_o the_o land_n of_o upwell_n 108._o that_o a_o pair_n of_o barrs_n be_v keep_v at_o sewell_n clote_z 109._o that_o every_o be_v and_o door_n in_o the_o great_a river_n be_v xxiiii_o foot_n wide_a or_o more_o and_o all_o other_o river_n and_o drain_v in_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n xviii_o foot_n in_o breadth_n or_o more_o 110._o that_o budbech_n sewer_n begin_v at_o broad_a common_a and_o come_v to_o pie_n drive_v and_o thence_o go_v to_o a_o pipe_n at_o the_o house_n of_o simeon_n fyncham_n be_v decay_v and_o grow_v up_o be_v cleanse_v in_o breadth_n x_o foot_n and_o depth_n 3_o foot_n by_o all_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o say_a field_n 111._o that_o the_o sewer_n call_v newdike_n lie_v in_o burial_n field_n in_o outwell_n beginning_n at_o the_o east_n end_n of_o a_o wood_n sometime_o hilbrond'_v and_o descend_v unto_o the_o chapel-bridg_n and_o thence_o to_o a_o pipe_n at_o the_o stone_n cross_n at_o the_o door_n of_o ric._n sumpter_n be_v cleanse_v and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sluice_n set_v at_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o house_n of_o john_n chamber_n and_o than_o that_o the_o bank_n at_o mildam_n be_v cut_v the_o water_n may_v pass_v to_o the_o river_n call_v the_o salt_n ee._n 112._o that_o in_o the_o water_a place_n in_o elm_n marsh_n be_v make_v a_o pipe_n of_o stone_n with_o a_o sluice_n that_o may_v stop_v the_o water_n when_o it_o be_v high_a in_o the_o river_n of_o elm_n so_o that_o it_o descend_v not_o backward_o 113._o that_o a_o pair_n of_o barrs_n be_v set_v up_o at_o dod_n stile_n alias_o seywell_n clout_n 114._o that_o a_o dike_n call_v brokendike_n lie_v in_o elm_n ....._o upon_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o salt_n i_fw-mi be_v make_v in_o height_n ......_o foot_n and_o breadth_n twelve_o foot_n by_o the_o whole_a country_n of_o marshland_n 115._o all_o wear_v and_o stamp_v within_o the_o hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o 116._o that_o if_o any_o person_n be_v negligent_a in_o make_v or_o repair_v their_o bank_n or_o in_o scour_v their_o drayn_n within_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n according_a to_o such_o order_n as_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a for_o the_o dikereeve_v of_o every_o town_n to_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v make_v and_o be_v so_o make_v to_o distrain_v any_o land_n of_o every_o such_o person_n so_o neglect_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o stramable_a then_o to_o distrain_v upon_o any_o other_o his_o land_n lie_v within_o the_o say_v hundred_o of_o wisbeche_n or_o elsewhere_o within_o the_o realm_n of_o england_n ☞_o and_o to_o sell_v the_o distress_n pay_v to_o the_o owner_n the_o overplus_n when_o the_o charge_n and_o expense_n be_v deduct_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o this_o realm_n 117._o that_o new_a agistment_n book_n be_v make_v by_o the_o headborow_n with_o the_o dikereeves_a of_o every_o township_n 118._o that_o all_o pain_n forfeit_v the_o moiety_n of_o they_o to_o redound_v to_o the_o bishop_n of_o ely_n and_o his_o successor_n and_o the_o residue_n to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o bank_n barrs_n crest_n etc._n etc._n 119._o that_o the_o bank_n begin_v at_o the_o horse-shoe_n and_o so_o lead_v direct_o to_o the_o town_n of_o wisbeche_n which_o be_v the_o defence_n for_o the_o east_n field_n be_v repair_v by_o thomas_n orrell_n esquire_n from_o the_o say_a horseshoe_n to_o leverington_n wardyke_n and_o to_o be_v
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
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
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
next_o year_n follow_v upon_o the_o 7_o day_n of_o june_n in_o a_o session_n 1609._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n these_o follow_a law_n be_v make_v viz._n 1._o that_o the_o defect_n in_o popham_n load_n shall_v be_v amend_v 2._o that_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o ground_n in_o welle_v by_o which_o the_o say_a lode_n must_v pass_v there_o be_v on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o same_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n make_v extend_v from_o the_o causey_n of_o upweâ—l_n to_o welle_v river_n at_o north_n delft_n and_o the_o say_a crest_n or_o bank_n to_o be_v six_o foot_n from_o the_o plain_a ground_n and_o in_o breadth_n at_o the_o top_n six_o foot_n and_o in_o thickness_n at_o the_o bottom_n xviii_o foot_n and_o that_o the_o say_a river_n be_v scour_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n more_o in_o depth_n than_o it_o than_o be_v with_o indikes_n of_o x_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o four_o in_o depth_n and_o two_o convenient_a pipe_n or_o sluice_n at_o its_o fall_n at_o north_n delft_n into_o welle_v river_n 3._o that_o a_o bridge_n of_o stone_n be_v make_v at_o the_o head_n of_o the_o say_a river_n by_o the_o causey_n aforesaid_a over_o the_o say_v lode_n of_o x_o foot_n broad_a with_o sluice_n in_o the_o three_o arch_n thereof_o 4._o that_o four_o pair_n of_o barrs_n be_v set_v up_o to_o keep_v cattle_n from_o come_v on_o the_o say_a bank_n 5._o and_o that_o welle_v river_n from_o mullycourt_n to_o salter_n load_n be_v make_v above_o 50_o foot_n wide_o jac._n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o law_n the_o river_n call_v popham_n load_n be_v again_o take_v a._n in_o hand_n upon_o the_o first_o of_o august_n ensue_v and_o cast_v two_o foot_n deep_o â—aâ—_n soon_o after_o this_o viz._n on_o the_o xxiii_o of_o the_o same_o month_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n pettibâ—g_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o commissioner_n take_v into_o their_o consideration_n that_o whereas_o part_v of_o the_o main_a river_n divide_v the_o county_n of_o huntendon_n from_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n call_v the_o west_n water_n have_v use_v to_o fall_v by_o and_o through_o sutton_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o sundry_a load_v to_o cannol_n load_n and_o so_o into_o welney_n water_n near_o littleport_n all_o which_o load_v by_o sundry_a annoyance_n and_o negligence_n be_v become_v almost_o altogether_o unprofitable_a to_o the_o country_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o great_a damage_n of_o all_o the_o town_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o sundry_a town_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntendon_n they_o order_v and_o decree_v that_o all_o the_o say_v load_v shall_v be_v cleanse_v and_o also_o that_o one_o ancient_a bank_n on_o the_o east_n side_n of_o the_o west_n water_n extend_v from_o erith_n to_o sutton_n load_n end_n and_o so_o to_o mydelmore_n stamp_n shall_v be_v raise_v four_o foot_n from_o the_o level_n of_o the_o ground_n thereabouts_o and_o make_v ten_o foot_n in_o breadth_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o 3_o foot_n at_o the_o top_n by_o the_o owner_n &_o c._n â—f_n the_o say_a ground_n and_o one_o other_o bank_n lie_v by_o the_o say_v westwater_n upon_o mydilmore_n and_o another_o at_o the_o south_n thereof_o in_o south_n medland_n extend_v itself_o from_o new_a ditch_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o height_n and_o breadth_n aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n abovesaid_a and_o that_o another_o bank_n lie_v partly_o by_o the_o say_v westwater_n extend_v from_o the_o â—outh_n end_n of_o abbot_n holload_n house_n bank_n to_o holload_v gate_n at_o the_o mile_n end_n and_o so_o by_o the_o westwater_n in_o north_n medland_n unto_o sutton_n load_n end_v aforesaid_a thence_o to_o mydilmore_n stamp_n thence_o by_o shakpole_n load_n so_o to_o manny_n mandolegate_n to_o hunlode_v gate_n to_o be_v repair_v as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o sutton_n &_o mepall_v abovemention_v about_o that_o time_n twelvemonth_n there_o be_v another_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wysebeche_n viz._n sexto_fw-la julii_fw-la 8_o jacobi_fw-la where_o james_n haw_o gentleman_n 1610._o edmund_n gawsell_n gent._n and_o other_o present_v arm._n as_o follow_v inprimis_fw-la we_o find_v not_o by_o any_o record_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o river_n of_o well_o from_o north_n delf_n pingle_v unto_o salter_n load_n have_v at_o any_o time_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n be_v ditch_v but_o we_o find_v that_o it_o have_v be_v twice_o enlarge_v by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v viz._n in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o k._n henry_n the_o 1._o and_o at_o the_o erect_n of_o new_a powdich_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o likewise_o find_v that_o in_o 18_o eliz._n there_o be_v 24_o foot_n of_o ground_n lie_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o river_n next_o salter_n load_n grant_v to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n &_o the_o town_n of_o wiggenhall_n whereof_o twelve_o foot_n be_v dig_v next_o to_o the_o river_n for_o the_o erect_n of_o a_o bank_n to_o amend_v the_o pow_n do_v in_o time_n of_o necessity_n in_o full_a satisfaction_n whereof_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o marshland_n and_o wiggenhall_n with_o the_o landholders_n aforesaid_a do_v grant_v to_o widen_v the_o river_n there_o twelve_o foot_n which_o grant_n be_v then_o decree_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n for_o perpetuity_n etc._n etc._n we_o likewise_o say_v that_o popham_n i_fw-mi do_v and_o be_v likely_a to_o bring_v much_o more_o water_n to_o the_o river_n of_o welle_v from_o north_n delf_n to_o salter_n load_n than_o have_v usual_o pass_v that_o way_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o verdict_n ensue_v then_o and_o at_o that_o place_n these_o order_n make_v by_o sir_n john_n peyton_n sir_n miles_n sand_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n viz._n that_o the_o ixth_o of_o august_n next_o follow_v a_o view_n shall_v be_v take_v by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o the_o river_n between_o north_n delf_n and_o salter_n load_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o view_n a_o law_n make_v for_o the_o widen_v dike_v and_o make_v it_o of_o such_o wideness_n and_o depth_n as_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n the_o town_n of_o wigenhall_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o odd_a acre_n in_o stowe_n and_o the_o landholders_n of_o north_n delf_n pingle_v and_o that_o the_o say_v landholders_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v thereupon_o free_a from_o any_o charge_n towards_o popham_n ee._n upon_o this_o view_n it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v that_o the_o river_n from_o north_n delf_n to_o matthew_n bales_n and_o xl_o pole_n lowerâ—_n shall_v be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n wide_a which_o be_v do_v according_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v 1611._o at_o stow_n brynke_v in_o come_v noff._n upon_o the_o xx_o of_o may_n it_o be_v thus_o order_v by_o the_o commissioner_n that_o the_o undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o drain_v all_o the_o ground_n mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o 4_o jac._n former_o mention_v through_o the_o pipe_n call_v coldham_n goat_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o bank_n of_o elm_n leame_z and_o so_o through_o a_o piece_n of_o ground_n lie_v between_o the_o say_v leame_z and_o a_o bank_n lead_v from_o friday_n bridge_n to_o bishop_n dike_v and_o so_o till_o it_o come_v over_o against_o a_o dike_n between_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o needham_n thence_o betwixt_o the_o land_n in_o oldfield_n and_o say_v field_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o needham_n bank_n and_o thornedike_n on_o the_o other_o side_n and_o so_o to_o old_a load_n call_v chapell_n load_n thence_o through_o greendike_n thence_o to_o the_o bridge_n near_o bâ—aupre_n hall_n thence_o to_o stonhamslile_n and_o so_o to_o boy_n fen_n gate_n thence_o unto_o bedingfield_n barrs_n and_o so_o to_o hook_n gate_n and_o thence_o to_o staple_n be_v at_o the_o bank_n of_o ouse_n this_o be_v call_v coldham_n and_o waltersey_n law_n in_o pursuance_n jac._n whereof_o the_o diker_n set_v upon_o the_o work_n upon_o the_o wednesday_n than_o next_o follow_v and_o upon_o the_o second_o of_o august_n the_o maâ—ons_n begin_v ibid._n the_o pipe_n under_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n which_o be_v finish_v upon_o the_o tuesday_n after_o michaelmass_n day_n after_o which_o within_o a_o few_o day_n viz_o on_o friday_n ensue_v the_o mason_n begin_v ibid._n the_o sluse_n at_o stow_n for_o coldham_n and_o upon_o saturday_n be_v the_o xxith_o of_o september_n the_o commissioner_n take_v ibid._n view_v jac._n for_o mr._n bell_n in_o stowe_n and_o uuelle_n for_o the_o low_a ground_n between_o popham_n load_n and_o the_o new_a powdike_n all_o thing_n therefore_o speed_v on_o so_o well_o upoâ—_n thursday_n follow_v it_o be_v the_o
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o