by colour of a pretended Act of Parliament of the nine and twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred fourty and nine procéeded in the compleating and finishing the said Works And the Commissioners appointed by that pretended Act did adjudg the same Dreyned but the same cannot be preserved without a perpetual constant care great charge and Orderly Government which being represented to the Kings most Excellent Majesty that now is He hath béen gratiously pleased to declare more then an ordinary willingness to promote and countenance a Work of so Publick Concernment and many ways advantagious to this his Kingdom To the end therefore that a work of this Nature may receive a Publick Support and Encouragement Be it Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty with the Advice and Assent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in this Parliament Assembled and by the Authority of the same That the said William Earl of Bedford son and heir of the said Francis Earl of Bedford The Earl of Bedford and Adventurers made a Corporation for the Fens and the Adventurers and Participants of the said Earl Francis and Earl William or either of them their Heirs and Assigns in such manner as is herein contained shall be a Body Politick and Corporate in Déed and Name and have Succession for ever by the Name of the Governor Bailiffs and Commonalty of the Company of Conservators of the Great Level of the Fens which Corporation shall consist of one Governor six Bayliffs twenty Conservators and Commonalty and shall have and use a Common Seal to be appointed by themselves and assemble and meet together when where and as oft as they please and appoint a Register Receiver one or more Sergeants at Mace and other Officers and allow them Salaries and remove them and make new at their pleasure And the said William Earl of Bedford is to be the first Governor The Earl of Bedford Governour The Bayliffs Richard Lord Gorges Sir Richard Onslow Knight Sir William Terringham Knight of the Bath Samuel Sandys Thomas Chichely and Samuel Fortrey Esquires the six first Bailiffs Sir Gilbert Gerhard junior Knight William Denton William Crane Edmond Berry-Godfrey Arthur Evelin Samuel Smith Roger Jenings Robert Castle Robert Hampson Joseph Ayloffe Esquires Thomas Lord Culpepper Sir John Hewett Baronet Arthur Onslow Robert Phillips Anthony St. John Esquires Sir Oliver St. John Sir Charles Harbord Knights Francis Hoblyn Samuel Sandys junior Conservators and Robert Terringham Esquires the first Conservators And the said Governor Bayliffs and Conservators to continue until Wednesday in Whitsun-week in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and four and from thenceforth until new Elections by the said Corporation or the major part which shall be then present And shall be capable to sue and be sued and without License of Mortmain to purchase Mannors Lands Tenements and Hereditaments Their power and authority not excéeding two hundred pounds per annum and Goods and Chattels and to dispose thereof in the name and to the use of the said Corporation and the said Governor Bayliffs and Conservators or any five or more of them whereof the said Governor or Bailiffs or any of them to be two shall and may lay Taxes from time to time upon all the said Ninety five thousand Acres only for support maintenance and preservation of the said Great Level and levy the same with penalties for non-payment not exceeding a third part of the Tax and all other things do in order to the support maintenance and preservation of the said Great Level and Works made and to be made And whereas by the said Law of Sewers twelve thousand Acres parcel of the said ninety five thousand Acres was designed and intended to his said late Majesty and were set forth and allotted by bounds in severalty and his said late Majesty was in possession thereof and granted assigned allotted and set out by bounds two thousand Acres parcel of the said twelve thousand Acres by Letters Patents unto Jerome Earl of Portland his Heirs and Assigns Earl of Portlands 2000 Acres of which said two thousand Acres the said Earl of Portland hath sold away about One thousand five hundred Acres in several parcels to several persons their Heirs and Assigns for valuable considerations and the residue thereof being about five hundred Acres hath granted and conveyed unto his Brother Benjamin Weston Esquire and his Heirs upon several Trusts agreed upon betwéen the said Earl of Portland and Benjamin Weston by writing for that purpose Be it therefore Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the said two thousand Acres or such other Lands of equal value as shall be set forth in Exchange of the same in case the aforementioned two thousand Acres or any part thereof shall hereafter be adjudged to have béen unduly set out shall be and hereby are vested setled and established in the said several and respective persons to whom the said Earl of Portland hath so conveyed or mentioned to convey the same their Heirs and Assigns respectively to each person his Heirs and Assigns his and their several and respective Share and Shares that was so respectively to each of them conveyed or mentioned to be conveyed by the said Earl of Portland to be held and enjoyed by them and each of them his Heirs and Assigns his and their own Share and Part only in severalty according to the intent of the said Conveyances thereof to them respectively made by the said Earl of Portland upon the same Trusts nevertheless for and concerning the said five hundred Acres granted or mentioned to be granted to the said Benjamin Weston which the said Earl of Portland and Benjamin Weston had declared and agréed upon betwéen them as aforesaid Which said two thousand Acres shall be holden of the Kings Majesty his Heirs and Successors of the Mannor of East Greenwich by Fealty only in Frée and Common Soccage and not otherwise and subject nevertheless with the the residue of the Ninety five thousand Acres in equal proportion to all Taxes and Charges necessary and conducing to the preservation of the said Great Level from Drowning The 83000. Acres setled and vested in the Governor c. And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the Eighty three thousand Acres remainder of the said Ninety five thousand Acres with the said Ways Passages new Rivers Cutts Dreyns Banks and Forelands over and above the said ten thousand Acres residue of the said twelve thousand Acres which were allotted in severalty and of which his said late Majesty was in possession as aforesaid are hereby vested and setled in the said Governour Bailiffs and Commonalty of the Company of Conservators of the said Great Level of the Fens and their Successors In trust nevertheless for the said William Earl of Bedford and the Adventures and Participants of the said Earl Francis and Earl William or either of them
hold the same Lands Shares Lots parts and proportions as fully and effectually as if the said Governour Bayliffs and Conservators had executed respective Estates thereof subject nevertheless to such Decrée as the said Iudicature or Commissioners before nominated and appointed shall make touching or concerning the Premises and also subject to the payment of all Taxes to be laid and imposed by vertue of this Act and no other And whereas there are several sums of money amounting to Four thousand pounds or thereabouts in arrear for Taxes laid and imposed since the Nine and twentieth day of September 4000 l. in arrear for Taxes upon whom to be laid in the yeare of our Lord One thousand six hundred fifty and eight upon several parts of the said Ninety five thousand acres subjected by this Act to the Iudicature aforesaid and for Penalties incurred for non-payment of the same by vertue or colour of some Act or authority or pretended Act or authority Be it therefore Enacted by the authority aforesaid That the said Commissioners or Iudicatory or any two of them aforesaid shall have Power and authority and are hereby required in such adjudication as they shall make touching the Lands subjected to their Iudicature as aforesaid to Direct Order and Decrée upon what Persons or Lands the said Sums of Money so in Arrear for Taxes and Penalties as aforesaid shall be charged and the said Taxes and Penalties shall be accordingly levyed upon such Persons or Lands and in such manner and by such ways and means as shall be Directed Ordered and Decréed by the Iudicature aforesaid or any two of them And as if such Direction Order and Decree had béen particularly hereby Enacted Complaints by particular persons and Parishes And whereas particular persons and Parishes do conceive and alledge That the Dreining of one place hath Drowned and made worse the Lands in other places And whereas divers persons likewise do alledge and complain That the said Ninety five thousand acres in many places are not indifferently set out or allotted according to the Law made at Lyn in the Sixth year of the late King Charles nor according to Agréement made with the Countrey But in many places greater quantities have béen taken from the Owners Commoners and Townships then ought to have béen And that some Lands have béen taken as belonging to one Parish and County which in truth did belong to another And in many places the allotments have béen taken very inconvenient for the Townships which ought not to have béen by the said Agréement And whereas the Dreining aforesaid and future maintenance of the said Great Level ought to be without prejudice to Navigation And because all Complaints which have béen made and all prejudices which have béen or shall be done to particular Persons Parishes and Places cannot by this Act be sufficiently provided for and remedied Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That Sir John Tracy Knight Commissioners hearing the said Complaints and Differences Sir Charles Mordant Sir Nicholas L' Strange Baronets Sir William Hovel Knight Edward Pepis Humphrey Beddingfield Nicholas Stileman Esquires for the County of Norfolk Sir Nicholas Bacon Knight of the Bath Sir Lyonel Tolimach Baronet Sir John Duncombe Knight Sir Edmond Pooley Knight Sir George Reve Knight and Baronet Sir George Weneve Knight Thomas Waldegrave Esquire for the County of Suffolk Sir Dudley North Sir Thomas Wendy Knights of the Bath Levinus Bennet Esq Robert King John Pepis Doctors of the Law Thomas Crouch Francis North Esquires for the County of Cambridge Sir Thomas Sclater Baronet L' Strange Colthrop John Millecent Thomas Hall John Sotheby Esquires John Bing Esquire and William Wren Esquire for the Isle of Ely Sir Francis Compton Knight Robert Appreece Sutton Ashfield Esquires Anthony South Doctor of the Law Robert Payne Richard Nayler _____ Ferrers of Gedding Esquires for the County of Huntington Sir William Dudley Knight and Baronet Maurice Tresham Francis Kirkham Lewis Palmer Christopher Thursby Francis Lane George Tresham Esquires for the County of Northampton Sir Charles Hussey Sir John Newton Baronets Sir Thomas Meeres Sir Anthony Irby Knights Sir Anthony Oldfield Baronet Richard Brownlow Daniel Rhodes Esquires for the County of Lincoln shall be and are hereby made and constituted the present Commissioners for the purpose herein mentioned And for the supplying the number of the Commissioners of the said respective Counties in case of death or other avoidance or incapacity Be it also Enacted That within Thrée moneths after such death or Notice of such avoidance or incapacity of the remaining Commissioners of each respective County of which such Commissioners who died or became incapable were or the major part of them shall from time to time nominate and appoint by Déed under their Hands and Seals to be enrolled in Chancery some other person or persons residing within the said County of which the said Commissioners who died or became incapable The Power and Authority of the said Commissioners were to be Commissioners in the place and stead of him or them so dying or becoming incapable which said Commissioners hereby constituted or hereafter to be constituted in manner aforesaid or any seven or more of them be are and shall be hereby Authorized and Impowred from time to time to hear and determine such Complaints Controversies Differences and Grievances as are in this Act expressed relating to or concerning or occasioned by the Dreining and Maintaining the said Great Level of any Parish or Township or of any person or persons as well within or without the said Level in such manner as is herein after expressed And that the said Commissioners hereby constituted or hereafter to be constituted in manner aforesaid or any seven or more of them shall from time to time have power and authority and are hereby required at or before the Eight and twentieth day of September which shall be in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and six to give or make satisfaction out of the said Ninety five thousand Acres to such Parish or Township Person or Persons whose Lands or Interest therein either within or without the said Level shall after the First day of May One thousand six hundred sixty and thrée be made worse in quality or condition by the aforesaid Dreining or Works then they were before the Vndertaking the Dreining of the said Level in the Sixth year of the Reign of our late King Charles of blessed memory and proportionable to the Losses the owners of or persons interessed in such Lands shall hereafter receive by reason of their Lands being made worse in Quality or Condition by any such Works and Dreining as aforesaid and shall also have power at any time within Four years from the Four and twentieth day of June in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and thrée to alter change and restore such parts and parcels of the said Ninety five thousand Acres as
be lawful for the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them from time to time and at all times to Assess Taxes or Sums of Money upon the said Ninety five thousand Acres for the raising money for Draining the same again in such proportion as they or any seven or more of them shall think fit together with a penalty for not paying the said Taxes the said penalty not excéeding a third part of such Tax How lands may be sold for non-payment of Taxes or penalties And for default of payment of the said Taxes or Sums of money and penalties Be it Enacted That the Lot and Share of such Participant or Adventurer of and within the said Ninety five thousand Acres as shall be in arrear for the said Tax sum of money or penalty and unpaid by the space of two moneths next after the day appointed for payment by the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them or so much thereof as they shall think fit shall be Sequestred by the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them for or towards the payment of such Tax sum of money or penalty so in arrear restoring the overplus of the money for which such Lot or Share or any part thereof shall be Sequestred if any be Which Sequestration shall be made in writing under the hands and seals of the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them Provided always and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That in case the said Governor Bayliffs and Corporation constituted by this Act shall neglect or refuse to pay such Tax or Taxes and penalties sum or sums of money as shall from time to time hereafter be taxed and imposed by the said Commissioners before named or to be named by vertue of this Act or any seven or more of them pursuant to the Powers given them by this Act whereupon the Goods and Chattels of any person or persons his or their Tenant or Tenants of and in the said Ninety five thousand acres or any part thereof shall be distrained or sold or his or their Lands Sequestred for the payment thereof or that such person or persons his or their Tenant or Tenants shall thereupon pay the said Tax and Taxes and penalties so assessed and imposed as aforesaid That then the said Governour Bayliffs and Corporation immediately from and after notice to him or them given thereof shall Assess and Tax the whole Ninety five thousand Acres for the satisfaction and payment of the Tax Taxes and penalties sum and sums of money and all damages that such person or persons his or their Tenant or Tenants hath or have paid born or sustained as aforesaid And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That if the said Governour Bayliffs and Corporation shall not within six moneths next after demand made by such person or persons his and their Heirs Executors and Administrators whose own or Tenant or Tenants Goods and Chattels shall be distrained or sold or Lands sequestred as aforesaid pay and satisfie unto him or them such sum and sums of money and damages as he or they and his and their respective Tenant or Tenants have respectively paid born and sustained That then and from thenceforth such person and persons his and their Heirs and Assigns shall and may bring his and their Action or Actions of Debt in any of the Kings Majesties Courts at Westminster against the said Governour Bayliffs and Corporation for the recovery thereof and by vertue of this Act shall recover the same and be allowed Costs of Suit expended therein And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the Commissioners so constituted or to be hereafter constituted as aforesaid or any seven or more of them for the better execution of the Powers hereby given shall may inform themselves by examining Witnesses upon Oath which hereby they or any seven or more of them shall have power to administer due execution of all every or any the Powers or Authorities hereby given them for the doing Iustice therein accordingly The Commissioners to take an Oath Provided always That the said Commiâ—â—ioners and every of them before he or they take upon him or them the execution of any the Powers or Authorities hereby given them other then the administring the Oath following to one another which they shall have authority by this present Act to administer to one another shall take the Oath following viz. I A. B. shall and will without favour or affection hatred or malice truly and impartially according to the best of my skill and knowledg execute and perform all and every the Powers and Authorities established by this Act of Parliament Which Oath any one of the said Commissioners are hereby authorized to administer And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That all Iudgments Orders Decrées Determinations Alterations Changes Restaurations and other Acts done by the said Commissioners hereby constituted or hereafter to be constituted as aforesaid or of any seven or more of them respectively pursuant to the Powers and Authorities by this Act given shall be final And that the first time and place of their Méeting shall be at or before the Two and twentieth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and thrée at Ely And that afterwards the usual places where the said Commissioners shall sit to Hear Order The Places where the Commissioners shall sit and Determine the Matters to them referred by this Act shall from the 29th of September to the 26th day of March in every year be at the Town of Huntington and from the 25th day of March till the 30th day of September in every year be at Ely unless the said Commissioners hereby constituted or hereafter to be constituted as aforesaid or any seven or more of them shall appoint some other place or places being a Market Town or Towns And the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them shall by Warrant under their hands and seals declare the places and times of their after-méeting which Warrant shall be published in the open Market of such respective places where they last sate betwéen the hours of Twelve Two upon some Market day one moneth at the least before the said time or times of méeting To the end all persons concerned may have sufficient time and notice to make their appearance before them upon any cause of complaint or other occasion And shall have power and authority by Warrant under the hands and seals of any seven or more of them to summon Parties and Witnesses to appear before them Provided That none of the said Commissioners hereby constituted or hereafter to be constituted as aforesaid shall Vote or give his Iudgment or Determination in any matter or thing which concerns the Division and Bounds of the County of or for which he is appointed Commissioner Provided also That no person who
for Prize-goods cap. 6. fol. 256. 7 An Act for continuance of a former Act for Regulating the Press cap. 7. fol. 258. 8 An Act to prevent Arrests of Judgment and Superseding Executions cap. 8. fol. 258. 9 An Act to impower the Chancellour of the Dutchy to grant Commissions for taking Affidavits within the Dutchy-Liberty cap. 9. fol. 259. 10 An Act for continuance of a former Act for Repairing the High-wayes within the County of Hertford cap. 10. fol. 259. 11 An Act for Draining of the Fenn called Deeping-Fenn and other Fenns therein mentioned cap. 11. fol. 261. 12 An Act for making the River Avon Navigable from Christ-Church to the City of New-Sarum cap. 12. fol. 270. Private Acts. AN Act to enable Sir Edward Hungerford Knight of the Bath to sell certain Lands in the County of Devon An Act for the enabling of Trustees to sell part of the estate of Samuel Sandys the elder Esquire and of his son Samuel Sandys for payment of debts An Act for confirming a Deed of Settlement between the Earl of Thanet and his younger Brothers An Act to enable the Bishop of Winchester to convey One hundred Acres of Land lying in the great disparked Park of Bishops-Waltham in the Parish of Bishops-Waltham in the County of Southampton upon the Rector of the said Parish-Church of Bishops-Waltham and his Successors in lieu of all Tythes and Payments for Tythes due to the said Rector and his Successors for Waltham-Parks An Act to enable the Lord Henry Powlet George Withers and John Mompesson to sell the Mannor of Abbots-Anne in the County of Southampton An Act to enable Henry Lord Loughborough to make the River and Sewer Navigable from or near Bristow Causey in the County of Surrey into the River of Thames An Act to enable Trustees for the Lord Strangford to sell Lands for payment of Debts An Act for restoring of Sir Charles Stanley in blood An Act for the setling of several Mannors Lands and Tenements of Sir Jacob Astley lying in the Counties of Norfolk and Warwick An Act for setling the Estate of Sir Robert Carr Baronet An Act for making the River of Medway Navigable in the Counties of Kent and Sussex An Act for making divers Rivers Navigable or otherwise passable for Boats Barges and other Vessels An Act for setling of Differences between the Towns of Great and Little Yarmouth touching the lading and unlading of Herrings and other Merchandises and Commodities An Act for the Naturalizing of Dederic alias Richard Comes and others An Act for confirming of an Act intituled An Act to enable Joseph Micklethwaite an Infant and his Trustees to sell Land for payment of his Fathers debts An Act for the inabling of Thomas Juckes of Treliddan in the County of Mountgomery Esquire to sell Lands for the payment of his Debts and raising of younger childrens portions An Act to enable Francis Lee Esquire to sell Lands for payment of Debts and to make provision for his children Anno Decimo septimo Caroli Secundi Regis Angliae c. 1 AN Act for granting the sum of Twelve hundred and fifty thousand pounds to the Kings Majesty for His present further Supply cap. 1. fol. 273. 2 An Act for Restraining Non-Conformists from Inhabiting in Corporations cap. 2. fol. 278. 3 An Act for Uniting Churches in Cities and Towns Corporate cap. 3. fol. 279. 4 An Act for Continuance of a former Act for Regulating the Press cap. 4. fol. 280. 5 An Act for attainting Thomas Dolman Joseph Bampfeild and Thomas Scott of High-Treason if they render not themselves by a day cap. 5. fol. 281. 6 An Act for taking away of Damage Cleere cap. 6. fol. 281. 7 An Act for a more speedy and effectual proceeding upon Distresses and Avowries for Rents cap. 7. fol. 282. 8 An Act for avoiding Unnecessary Suits and Delays cap. 8. fol. 283. 9 An Act for granting One moneths Assessment to His Majesty cap. 9. fol. 283. A Private Act. An Act for the Naturalization of Lewis Blanquefort and others Anno decimo octavo Caroli Secundi Regis Angliae c. 1 AN Act for Raising Moneys by a Poll and otherwise towards the Maintenance of the present War cap. 1. fol. 286. 2 An Act against Importing Cattel from Ireland and other parts beyond the Seas and Fish taken by Forreigners cap. 2. fol. 298. 3 An Act to continue a former Act for preventing of Theft and Rapine upon the Northern Borders of England cap. 3. fol. 299. 4 An Act for Burying in Woollen only cap. 4. fol. 299. 5 An Act for encouraging of Coynage ca. 5. fol. 300. Private Acts. AN Act for enlarging the time given by a former Act for Redemption of Mortgages made by the Earl of Cleveland An Act for Naturalizing of Isabella of Nassau Wife of the Right Honourable the Lord Arlington one of His Majesties Principal Secretaries of State An Act for Supply of part of the Joynture of the Lady Elizabeth Neell An Act for Setling the Estate of John Bodvell Esquire deceased An additional Act for Enabling the Sale of Lands to pay the Lord Strangford's Debts Anno decimo nono Caroli Secundi Regis Angliae c. 1 AN Act Explanatory of the Act for Raising Moneys by a Poll and otherwise towards the Maintenance of this present War cap. 1. fol. 302. 2 An Act for Erecting a Judicature for Determination of Differences touching Houses Burned or Demolished by reason of the late Fire which happened in LONDON cap. 2. fol. 303. 3 An Act for Rebuilding the City of LONDON cap. 3. fol. 304. 4 An Act for Relief of poor Prisoners and setting of them on work cap. 4. fol. 315. 5 An Act extending a former Act concerning Replevins and Avouries to the Principality of Wales and the County Palatines cap. 5. fol. 316. 6 An Act for Redress of Inconveniencies by want of Proof of the Deceases of Persons beyond the Seas or absenting themselves upon whose Lives Estates do depend cap. 6. fol. 316. 7 An Act to prevent the Disturbances of Seamen and others and to preserve the Stores belonging to His Majesties Navy Royal cap. 7. fol. 316. 8 An Act for granting the sum of Twelve hundred fifty six thousand three hundred forty seven pounds thirteen shillings to the Kings Majesty towards the Maintenance of the present War Private Acts. AN Act for Naturalizing of Hesther le Lov the Daughter and Co-heir of Gideon le Lou Lord of Coliumbers in Normandy the now Wife of the Right Honourable Denzill Lord Hollis of Ifield An Act for Confirming Explaining and Enlarging an Act Entituled An Act to Enable John Lord Abergaveny Son and Heir of Henry late Lord Abergaveny to Sell certain Lands for Payment of his Debts and Preferment of his Brother and Sisters An Act for the Illegitimation of the Children of the Lady Anne Roos An Act for Sale of a Messuage in Chiswick for Payment of the Debts of Edward Russel Esquire An Act for Confirmation of a Settlement of the Estate of
and are hereby from henceforth Discharged And also the Kings Majesty is contented That it be further Enacted by Authority of this present Parliament and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That this His said Frée Pardon Indempnity and Oblivion shall be as good and effectual in the Law to every of his said Subjects Bodies Corporate and others before rehearsed in for and against all things which be not hereafter in this present Act Excepted and Foreprized as the same Pardon Indempnity and Oblivion should have béen if all Offices Contempt Forfeitures Causes Matters Suits Quarrels Iudgments Executions Penalties and all other things not hereafter in this present Act Excepted and Foreprized had béen particularly singularly especially and plainly named rehearsed and specified and also pardoned by proper and express Words and Names in their Kinds Natures and Qualities by Words and Terms thereunto requisite to have béen put in and expressed in this present Act of Frée Pardon Indempnity and Oblivion And that his said Subjects nor any of them nor the Heirs Executors or Administrators of any of them nor the said Bodies Corporate and others before named and rehearsed nor any of them be nor shall be Sued Vexed or Inquieted by or on the behalf of the Kings Majesty his Heirs or Successors in their Bodies Goods Chattels Lands or Tenements for any manner of Matter Cause Contempt Misdemeanor Forfeiture Trespass Offence or any other thing Suffered Done or committed before the said twenty fourth day of June One thousand six hundred sixty against His late Majesty King Charles or His Majesty that now is His Crown Dignity Prerogative Laws or Statutes but onely for such Matters Causes and Offences as be Excepted and Foreprized by this present Act out of the same any Statute or Statutes Laws Customs or Vsages heretofore had made or used to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding And that all and every the Kings said Subjects and all and singular Bodies Corporate and others before rehearsed may by him or themselves or by his or their Deputy or Deputies or by his or their Attorney or Attorneys according to the Laws of this Realm plead and minister this present Act of Frée Pardon for his or their Discharge of or for any thing that is by vertue of this present Act Pardoned Discharged Given or Granted without any Fée or other thing paying to any person or persons for wriiing or entry of the Iudgements or other cause concerning such Plea Writing or Entry but onely sixtéen pence to be paid to the Officer or Clerk that shall enter such Plea Matter or Iudgement for the Parties Discharge in that behalf any Law Statute Vsage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding And furthermore the Kings Majesty is contented and pleased that it be Enacted This Pardon c. to be expounded in all Courts most beneficial for the Subject and be it Enacted by the authority aforesaid That this His said Frée Pardon Indemntty and Oblivion by the general Words Clauses and Sentences before rehearsed shall be reputed déemed adjudged expounded allowed and taken in all manner of Courts of his Highness and elsewhere beneficial and available to all and singular the said Subjects Bodies Corporate and others before rehearsed and to every of them in all things not in this present Act excepted or foreprized without any ambiguity question or other delay whatsoever it shall be to be made pleaded objected or alleadged by the King our Soveraign Lord His Heirs or Successors or by His or any of their general Attorney or Attorneys or by any person or persons for his Highness or any of His Heirs or Successors And furthermore be it Enacted by the King our Soveraign Lord The Penalty of any Officer c. that shall go about to disquiet or trouble any person pardoned by this Act. and the authority aforesaid That if any Officer or Clerk of any of His Highness Courts commonly called the Chancery Kings-Bench and Common-pleas or of his Exchequer or any other Officer or Clerk of any other of His Highness Courts within this Realm at any time of the passing of this present Act make out or write out any manner of Writs Process Summons or other Precepts whereby any of the said Subjects or of the said Bodies Corporate or others before rehearsed or any of them shall be in any wise arrested attached distrained summoned or otherwise vexed inquieted or grieved in his or their Bodies Lands Tenements Goods or Chattels or in any of them for or because of any manner of thing pardoned or discharged by vertue of this Act of Frée Pardon Or if any Sheriff or Escheator or any of their Deputy or Deputies or any Bayliff or other Officer whatsoever by colour of his or their Office or otherwise after the passing of this present Act do levy receive take or withhold of or from any person or persons any thing pardoned or discharged by this Act That then every such person so offending and thereof lawfully convicted or condemned by any sufficient testimony witness or proof shall yield and pay for recompence thereof to the party so grieved or offended thereby his or their treble damages besides all costs of the Suit and shall also forfeit and lose to the Kings Majesty for every such default ten pounds And nevertheless all and singular such Writs Process and Precepts so to be made for or upon any manner of thing pardoned or discharged by this present Act of Frée Pardon Indemnity and Oblivion shall be utterly void and of none effect Except and alwayes foreprized out of this Frée and General Pardon Exceptions out of his Pardon All Murder not comprised in the first clause of this Pardon excepted Pyracy excepted Buggery Rapes and wilful taking away any Maid excepted all Murders done or committed by any person or persons other then such which are pardoned and discharged in the first clause of pardon above mentioned And also excepted and alwayes foreprized out of this General and Frée Pardon all and every the offences of Piracy and Robbery upon the Seas not done in relation to the Diffrences and Wars aforesaid and every procuring or abetting of any such Offendors and the comforting and receiving of them or any of them or any goods taken by way of such Piracy or Robbery upon the Seas as aforesaid And also excepted the detestable and abominable Vice of Buggery committed with Mankind or Beast And also excepted all Rapes and carnal Ravishments of Woman And also excepted all Ravishments and wilful taking away or marrying of any Maid Widow or Damsel against her will or without the assent or agréement of her Parents or such as then had her in custody and also all Offences of aiding comforting procuring and abetting of any such Ravishment wilful taking or Marrying had committed or done And also excepted all Offences made Felony by a certain Act made and ordained Entiuled Double Marriages excepted Witchcraft excepted Accompts of certain Treasurers and Receivers
Record at Westminster And no Lease Grant or Conveyance of or charge out of or upon the said Ninety five thousand Acres or any part thereof except Leases for seven years or under in possession shall be of force but from the time it shall be entred with the said Register as aforesaid the Entry whereof being endorsed by the said Register upon such Lease Grant Conveyance or Charge shall be as good and effectual in the Law as if the Original Book of Entries were produced at any Tryal at Law or otherwise And be it further Enacted That the said Governour Bayliffs and Commonalty shall Execute Estates according to the aforesaid Trust under their Common Seal the Taxes and Penalties then in Arrear being first paid which for non-payment are by vertue of this Act to be levied by Sale of the Lands And be it further Enacted Levying of taxes and penalties That for the Levying such Taxes and Penalties as are now in Arrear or at any time since the Thirtieth day of September in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred fifty and eight other then such as are hereby otherwise directed to be Levied or which shall be set and imposed upon the said Ninety five thousand Acres by vertue of this Act and shall be in Arrear upon the respective parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres the said Governour Bayliffs and Conservators of the said Corporation and their Successors for the time being or any five or more of them whereof the said Governour and Bayliffs for the time being and their Successors or any of them to be two for levying such Taxes and Penalties which now are or shall be so in arrear upon the respective parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres shall on Wednesday and Thursday in Whitsun-wéek or either of them every year at the Shire-House in Ely aforesaid in the said Isle of Ely have power only to sell so much of such parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres upon which any Tax shall be in Arrear or penalties in such proportion as the said Governour Bailiffs and Conservators of the said Corporation or their Successors or any five or more of them whereof the said Governour and Bailiffs or any of them to be two shall judg to be sufficient to raise such Taxes and penalties by any writing under the Seal of the said Corporation and the person or persons to whom such Sales shall be made shall be a lawful Purchaser and Assignée of so much as shall be sold to all intents and purposes whatsoever Provided That by any colour of any sale for non-payment of Taxes Proviso for tenants at will or by leases any Tenant or Tenants at will or by Lease Indented upon improved Rent of any part of the said Ninety five thousand Acres shall not be removed from his or their possession until he or they shall have taken his or their Crop from off the Premisses so sold paying reasonable Rent proportionable to the time that such possession shall from and after such Sales be continued And such Tenant or Tenants as shall hold any part of the said Ninety five Thousand Acres by Lease as aforesaid shall and may if he or they shall think meet continue out their respective terms paying their Rent to such Purchaser in proportion to the quantity of Acres so purchased Any thing herein contained to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding Provided That the said Corporation nor their Successors shall not sell any part or proportion of the said Ninety five thousand Acres for any Tax or Penalty in arrear which Tax or Penalties shall not be in arrear by the space of four moneths next before the Sale nor any more Lands then only for the raising of such Taxes and Penalties Publick notice to be given of lands charged with arrears of taxes or penalties Provided also That the said Corporation shall give publick notice from time to time of the parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres for which any Tax or Penalties is or shall be in arrear by affixing openly at the Shire-House or Market-place in Ely aforesaid a Schedule in Parchment under the Seal of the said Corporation containing such parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres for which any Tax or Penalty is or shall be in arrear with the name and names of the respective Owner or Owners entred upon the Tax-Roll with the said Corporation of the said parts and proportions of the said Ninety five thousand Acres so in arrear And be it further Enacted That the said Corporation shall and may from time to time erect any new works within the said great Level New works may be made or without the said great Level for conveying the Waters of the said great Level by convenient Out-falls to the Sea so always that if they cut any several grounds they give full recompence and satisfaction for the same in such manner as shall be hereafter in this Act provided The penalty for throwing down any works And if any person or persons shall cut throw down or destroy any of the said Works made or to be made as aforesaid the parties offending shall answer treble damages to the said Corporation and Costs of Suit to be recovered in an Action of Trespass to be brought by the said Corporation in any of his Majesties Courts of Record And if such cutting throwing down or destroying shall be maliciously done the same shall be punished as for the cutting the Podyke in Marsh-Land The oath to be taken by the Governor Bailiffs and Conservators And be it further Enacted That the said William Earl of Bedford nominated to be Governour and every other from time to time into that Office chosen shall before he take upon him or them the exercise of that Office take an Oath That he will well and truly execute that Office in all things the which Oath shall and may be administred by the said Bailiffs or any one of them And the said Bailiffs Conservators Register Receiver or other Officer nominated as aforesaid and every other from time to time into any of the respective Offices to be chosen shall before he or they take upon him or them the exercise of the said respective Offices take the like Oath for the true executing their respective Offices the which Oath shall be administred by the said Governour Bayliffs and Conservators or any two or more of them without any Commission or further warrant The Governor Bailiffs and Conservators to be elected yearly And for the continuance of the said Corporation in Succession for ever Be it further Enacted That the said Governour Bayliffs Conservators and Commonalty upon Wednesday in Whitsun wéek yearly shall at a publick meeting to be holden for the said Corporation by the greater number then present whereof the said Governour or one of the Bailiffs to be one elect a new Governour
hath any Part Share or Interest in Possession or Reversion of or in any Mannors or Lands within the said Level shall be a Commissioner And in case of Descent Gift Devise or Purchase of any such Part Share or Interest to or by any of the said Commissioners It is hereby Declared and Enacted That immediately after such Descent Gift Devise or Purchase to or by any such Commissioner The said Descent Gift Devise or Purchase shall be an avoidance of his being a Commissioner and shall make him be incapable of being again nominated or appointed a Commissioner whilst his Interest doth remain Provided also and the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them shall from time to time and at all times have power and authority to give and make satisfaction out of the Ninety five thousand Acres to such person or persons whose Lands or Interest therein by any New Works hereafter to be made by the said Corporation without the said Level for conveying of the Waters of the said Level by convenient Outfals to the Sea shall be made worse in quality condition or value then they were before the said Vndertaking in the said Sixth year of the said late King Charles proportionable to the loss and damage the Parties shall receive thereby Owners of Wastes and Commons may improve And to the end that the Owners of the Commons and Wastes in the said Level and other Towns Parishes and places unto which the Works aforesaid or any of them do extend may improve the same by making Divisions and Inclosures Be it Provided and Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That it shall and may be lawful for any person or persons Body Politique or Corporate whatsoever their Heirs and Successors that are or shall be Lords of Mannors or have or shall have right of Common in the said Wastes to Improve Set out Inclose Divide and Sever such Proportion or Proportions as to them shall or may severally or respectively belong or appertain or be adjudged and allotted out of the said Commons and Wastes within the said Level or within any Town Parish or place into which the Works aforesaid or any of them do extend And to hold such proportion in severalty at all times of the year and all Differences that shall arise concerning the Boundaries of the Wastes Rights of Common Approvements Allotments Divisions and Inclosures shall from time to time and at all times be Determined Adjudged and finally ended by the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them upon their View or Examination of Witnesses upon Oath which they are hereby Authorized to Administer or upon both and hearing of the Parties concerned by their Adjudication under their Hands and Seals in Writing which Determination and Iudgment being Certified into the Petty-bag there to be Filed and kept on Record shall be final and conclusive unto all parties And the Allotments Divisions and Proportions so Adjudged or Decréed to be held by the said respective persons to whom they are so Set out shall be held by him or them and his and their Heirs Executors and Assigns respectively according to his or their Tenure or Tenures Estate Title or Interest they had in the Mannors Tenements and Lands for which they Claimed the said Proportions of Common as abovesaid paying such Fines and Rents and doing such Services in proportion for the same as by Custom or otherways they are to pay or do and do for the Mannors Tenements and Lands for which they Claim the same proportion having such respect to the yearly values of the one and the other as shall if néed so require be limited by seven or more of the Commissioners Provided also and be it Enacted That it shall and may be lawful to and for such person and persons as were heretofore Owners of the One hundred seventy five Acres in Sutton North and South Meadland in the said Isle of Ely Sutton Meadland set out by the said Law of St. Ives as a Recompence for Dreining the whole North and South Meadlands containing about One thousand Acres their Heirs or Assigns to sue and implead before the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them the Owners and Occupiers of the said North and South Meadlands or elsewhere within the said Great Level to draw them into Contribution for their several and respective Proportions of the said North and South Meadlands towards the said One hundred seventy five Acres And the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them shall thereupon Adjudge and Decrée unto the said Owners of the said One hundred seventy five Acres or such of them as they shall think fit and to their Heirs and Assigns such recompence and satisfaction either in ready Money yearly Rent or Land out of the residue of the said North and South Meadlands as to the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them shall séem méet to be held and enjoyed by the said Owners of the said One hundred seventy five Acres their Heirs and Assigns Provided always and be it Enacted That it shall and may be lawful to and for Sir John Watts Knight and others who derive any interest under the Dreyners of that Fenn called Londoners Fenn his and their Heirs and Assigns to sue and implead all and every person and persons their Executors and Administrators that have taken and received the rents and profits of his or their share and proportion of Londoners Fenn Londoners Fenn remaining from the share and proportion allotted and set out by the said Law of St. Ives since the said Level was adjudged Dreined and to sue for and recover the same in any of his Majesties Courts at Westminster and also that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Sir John Watts and the Participants aforesaid his and their Heirs and Assigns heretofore Owners of the several proportions in Londoners Fenn set out by St. Ives Law for the Adventurers recompence for Dreyning the low Grounds in Upwell Upwell Outwell Welney Outwell and Welney to pursue and prosecute before the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them their claim and sue for relief against the owners or occupiers of the Fenny and low surrounded Grounds lying in Upwell Outwell and Welney aforesaid whose Grounds did not all contribute or not in equal proportion to the said Ninety five thousand Acres to draw them into Contribution in ease of the said Sir John Watts and the Participants aforesaid and thereupon the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them are hereby impowred to adjudge and decrée unto the said Sir John Watts and the Participants aforesaid his and their Heirs and Assigns such proportion out of the said Grounds which have not equally contributed as aforesaid as to the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them shall séem méet Provided always and be it Enacted that it shall and may be lawful for the Kings
Majesty and the Quéen◠Majesty their Heirs Successors and Assigns to continue in the possession usage disposal of the Bank called Dousedale Bank being on the south side of His Majesties Demean Lands Dousedale Bank called Port sand belonging to their Mannor of Crowland being part therof and to have such ancient Passages and Currents as of right have béen used and accustomed for the avoidance of water through the same into the River South Eae as if this Act had never béen made Provided always and be it Enacted by the authority aforesaid How and for what time Archbishops Bishops c. may make leases That it shall and may be lawful to and for every Archbishop Bishop Dean and Chapter and all Colledges and Halls in either Vniversity and all Bodies Politique and Corporate who are or shall be Lords of Mannors or have or shall have right of Soil or Common in the Wastes within this said Level or within such other Towns Parishes and Places into which the Works of the Dreyning aforesaid do or shall extend and who are by this Act impowred to improve set out inclose divide and sever such proportion or proportions as to them shall or may respectively belong or appertain out of the said Commons and Wastes within the said Level to demise by Indenture all and every the said such proportion or proportions as to them shall or may respectively belong or appertain out of the said Commons or Wastes within the said Level which have not by express Words and under any particular Rent béen at any time formerly demised for any Term or Number of Years not excéeding One and twenty Years so as upon every such Demise or Lease be reserved the fourth part of the true Yearly value to be ascertained by the Commissioners aforesaid or any seven of them due and payable Yearly during the said Term to him or them and his and their Successors Provided always and be it Declared by and with the consent of all Parties concerned That neither this Act nor any thing therein contained shall extend or be construed to extend to alter the possession of Thomas Chicheley Esquire of or from Six hundred seventy one acres parcel of the Lot now claimed to belong to the said Trustées of Henry late Earl of Arundel and Surrey and Two hundred thirty one acres Parcel of the Lot now cliamed to belong to the said Sir William Terringham or from any part thereof by him the said Thomas Chicheley now enjoyed under Purchasers by Sales for non-payment of Taxes upon the dispute betwéen the old and new Adventurers But that the said Corporation shall execute Conveyances of the said respective proportion unto the said Thomas Chicheley his Heirs and Assigns Any thing herein contained to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding Provided always and be it Enacted That all such Right or Rights as any Lord or Lords of any Mannor or Mannors Liberties Hundred or half hundred have heretofore had within their respective Mannor or Mannors Liberties Hundred or half hundred within or without the said Level to Waifes Strayes Felons Goods Priviledges of Arrests Escheats and all other Royalties not prejudicial to the Dreining be hereby saved to them their Heirs Successors and Assigns severally and respectively Any thing in this Act to the contrary thereof notwithstanding Provided always That this Act or any thing therein contained shall not be interpreted to infringe or any way to weaken an Act made the Fourth year of the Reign of King James 4 Jac. cap. 13. Entituled An Act for the Dreining of certain Fenns and Low Grounds within the Isle of Ely subject to hurt by Surrounding containing about Six thousand acres compassed about with certain Banks commonly called and named The Ring of Waltersea and Coldham but the said Act shall stand in full force and vertue Any thing in this present Act to the contrary notwithstanding Provided also That whereas divers Lands in and near adjoyning unto the said Great Level have béen cut through for the better conveying of the Waters from the same and for upholding or repairing the Banks and Workes there without making satisfaction to the respective Owners of the said Lands for the damage they have sustained by such cutting Be it further Enacted That the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them upon complaint to them made of such damage sustained as aforesaid without recompence for the same shall be and are hereby impowered to award and Decrée such recompence and satisfaction to the party and parties grieved according to their respective damages sustained by such cutting as to the said Commissioners for the time being or any seven or more of them shall be adjudged reasonable the said recompence and satisfaction to be made and given by the said Corporation within six moneths next after such Award or Decrée made and in default thereof the said Commissioners or any seven or more of them shall and may and are hereby impowered to Rate and Tax the said 95. thousand Acres and to Distrain thereupon for the payment of such Rate or Tax and the Distress taken thereupon to sell or dispose as they shall think fit rendring the overplus if any be to the Owners for the payment and satisfaction of such moneys and damages as shall be so Awarded Any thing in this Act to the contrary thereof notwithstanding Provided nevertheless That in case the Iudicature hereby established The Barons of the Exchequer impowred to hear and determine differences between parties shall not within Twelve moneths from the First day of August next hear and determine all the matters by this Act to them referred concerning the said 95000. acres all and every such person and persons whose Complaints shall be then undetermined may make their applications to the Barons of His Majesties Court of Exchequer who are hereby established a Court of Iudicature and sufficiently authorized to hear and determine all such controversies and differences betwéen the said parties in as large and ample manner to all intents and purposes as the Iudicature hereby established might have done and such Iudgment Order or Decrée of the said Court of Exchequer shall be in all things observed and be effectual as if the said Barons had béen made the only Iudicature by this Act. Lessees of the King Provided always and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the Lessées of the Kings Majesty his Heirs and Successors of the said Ten thousand Acres or of any part thereof and the Assigns of such Lessées and every or any of them shall be capable to be elected and chosen into the Office or Place Offices or Places of Governor Bayliffs and Conservators aforesaid and to vote in such elections and choice and in all other matters as fully to all intents and purposes as any other Members of the Corporation Owners of any part of the said Ninety five thousand acres may be elected and chosen vote in
such election and choice or in any other matter so as such Lessées and their Assignées respectively have and be Lessées or Owners of double the quantity or number of Acres parcel of the said Ten thousand Acres as by vertue of this Act is required to qualifie any person to be elected and chosen into the Office or Place of Governor Bayliff or Conservator respectively and to vote in such elections and choice or in any other matter touching the said Level and so as such Leases or Assignments they claim by be entred with the Register Any thing before in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding Provided always and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That this Act shall not extend to Impeach or make void any Obligation given to David Offley Gentleman conditioned for his quiet enjoyment of a certain parcel of Land purchased by him in the said Level but that the said David Offley may sue and prosecute his several Action or Actions upon the said Obligation as if he had béen evicted or removed from his Estate therein by due course of Law How Breaches shall be made good And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That if any Breaches happen in any of the Banks Sasses Sluces Tunnels or other Works within the said Great Level or in any the Works made without the said Great Level for carrying the waters of the said Great Level to their Out-fall at Sea by reason of some inevitable accidents the same shall be repaired and made good in convenient time by and at the Charges of the said Corporation and their Successors but no other Charge shall be laid upon the said Corporation or their Successors for or in respect of such Breaches nor for or in respect of any Breaches that have happened heretofore in any of the said Banks Sasses Sluces or other Works nor shall the said Corporation be inforced to give to any other person any recompence for any loss or damage which hath or shall happen by reason of their making necessary and sufficient Banks for the defending of the said Level from being overflown and for the leading of the waters of the said Level in their Channels as now they run unto their Out-fall at Sea Proviso for persons that have exchanged their Lands Provided nevertheless and be it Enacted That where any Participant under Francis Earl of Bedford or the Heirs or Assigns of any such Participant hath exchanged his or their Share or Lot of the said Ninety five thousand Acres or any part thereof for any other Lands parcel of the said Ninety five thousand acres which were claimed and held under such pretended Sales for non-payment of Taxes since One thousand six hundred forty and nine It shall and may be lawful to and for such Participant and Participants and his and their Heirs and Assigns to enter again upon the same Lands so given in exchange and to have and retain the same in his and their possession Any thing in this Act to the contrary notwithstanding Subject nevertheless in all things to such Iudgment and Determination as the Iudicature hereby construed shall make concerning the same Provided always That no ascertatining or dividing of the said Dreyned or new improved Lands by the said Commissioners as aforesaid shall conclude the Kings Majesty his Heirs Successors or Assigns or any other person or persons as to the bounds of Parishes to any other intent or purpose then subjecting the same to Taxes and Contributions and Episcopal Iurisdictions and not as to the Right of Tythes or any other purpose whatsoever nor shall be or be used in evidence concerning the same Commons and Wasts in Bedford Level inclosed Provided also and be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That if any person or persons having right of Common in any of the Mannors Wastes Commons or Lands within the said Great Level of the Fenns called Bedford Level or any other person or persons whatsoever at any time after such Division or Inclosure made or set out as aforesaid shall break throw down disturb obstruct or by any means hinder or lay open the said Improvements and Inclosures at in or after the making thereof or the Hedges Ditches or Fences of the same or any part thereof shall destroy and shall be thereof convicted by two credible Witnesses upon Oath before two Iustices of the Peace of the County where such Disturbance or Destruction shall be made Every such person or persons so convicted as aforesaid shall forfeit for every such offence the sum of twenty pounds to be levied by Distress vpon the Goods and Chattels of every such offender or offenders by Warrant under the hands and seals of the said Iustices of the Peace before whom such conviction shall be made the one moyety to the Informer and the other moyety to such person or persons against whom the said Offence is or shall be committed or for want of such sufficient distress the Offender shall be committed to the House of Correction or Common Goal for thrée Moneths without Bail or Mainprise at the said Iustices Discretion Provided always and it is hereby Enacted and Declared by the Authority aforesaid That from and after the first day of August which shall be in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and eight no Tax or Taxes excéeding Two shillings the Acre in any one year shall be assessed After the year 1668. Taxes shall not exceed 2 s. in the pound laid or levied upon the said Ten thousand Acres by this Act vested in the Kings Majesty his Heirs Successors and Assigns or upon any part thereof or upon the Two thousand Acres hereby vested in the Assigns of the said Earl of Portland but in case the Taxes to be assessed upon the said Eighty thrée thousand Acres hereby vested in the said Corporation shall not amount unto so much in proportion as Two shillings an Acre according to the proportion for each acre Then a proportionable abatement shall be made out of the said Two shillings per Acre which shall be charged yearly by an equal Rate upon every acre of the said Ten thousand acres and the said Two thousand acres according to the Rate imposed upon every acre of the said Eighty thrée thousand acres whether the same shall be assessed by an Acre-Tax or a Pound-Rate or by any other way Any thing herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding And it is further Declared That the Assessing Laying and Levying of Taxes upon the said Ten thousand acres or upon the said Two thousand acres or any part thereof after the said First day of August which shall be in the said year of our Lord One thousand six hundred sixty and eight by the way of an Acre-taxe shall not extend nor be interpreted or construed to extend to compel or conclude the said Corporation to Assess Lay or Levy any Tax or Taxes upon the said Eighty thrée thousand acres hereby vested in the said
Merchant and of the Staple VVHereas the Security by Statute-Merchant and of the Staple is now become of little use and benefit by the fraud of the Conusors thereof in sundry Cases who to prevent the payment of their Debts secretly assign small parts of their Lands to several and unknown persons And it having been used that if the Creditor take Execution on such Statute yet if the Lands of any one or more person or persons to whom such alienation was made and liable to such Execution be omitted out of such extent The same execution hath been avoided by Audita Quaerela Executions avoided by Audita Quaerela and the party extending lost his Costs and was delayed of his iust Debt and so again upon any new extent toties quoties And if any one Acre or Parcel of Land happened to descend to an Infant the whole execution was deferred till full age of such Infant And if afterwards other part of the Lands or Tenements liable to such Debt descended to another Infant then also a farther delay happened during that Infancy also Be it therefore Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty by and with the Advice and Consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled For what causes extents upon Iudgments or Statutes shall not be avoided or delayd and by the Authority of the same That when any Iudgment Statute or Recognizance shall be extended the same shall not be avoided or delayed by occasion that any part of the Lands or Tenements extendible are or shall be omitted out of such extent saving alwayes to the Party and Parties whose Lands shall be extended his and their Heirs Executors and Assigns his and their remedy for contribution against such person and persons whose Lands are or shall be omitted out of such extent from time to time Proviso for Heirs within age Provided always that this Act or any thing therein contained shall not be construed to give any Extent or Contribution against any Heir within the age of one and twenty years during such Minority of such Heir for or in respect of any Lands to such Heir descended farther or otherwise then might have béen before the making of this Act. To what statutes and extents only this Act shall extend The continuance of this Act. Provided that this Act extend only to such Statutes as are or shall be for payment of Moneys And to such extent as shall be within twenty years after the Statute Recognizance or Iudgment had and obtained Provided that this Act shall continue for the space of thrée years and from thence to the end of the next Session of Parliament and no longer CAP. VI. Part of an Act of Parliament Entituled An Act directing the prosecution of such as are accomptable for Prize-goods repealed 14 Car. 2. cap. 14. Directions for recovery of Prize-goods not accompted â—or WHereas by an Act made in this present Parliament entituled An Act directing the prosecution of such as are accomptable for Prize-goods It is amongst other things Enacted That all and every Admirals Vice-Admirals Captains of Ships Officers and Mariners that did surprise or receive to or for the publique use or by pretence thereof any Ships Plate Iewels Bullion Money Silver Gold Arms Ammunition Waxes Merchandizes or any manner of Goods whatsoever seized or taken for Prize betwixt the thirtieth of January One thousand six hundred fourty two and the nine and twentieth day of May One thousand six hundred sixty And that had not at the making of the said Act truly Accompted for and paid in the same or the just Provenues thereof should be chargeable to His Majesty for the said premisses and convened and sued for in His Majesties Court of Admiralty and called to accompt or otherwise by such Suit and in such manner as should be most available to His Majesty And in case of defect of Iurisdiction in the said Court of Admiralty then upon Certificate thereof from the said Court of Admiralty made into His Majesties Court of Exchequer spéedy procéedings were to be had in the said Court of Exchequer for the recovering and levying of the Prizes Goods matters and things as by the said Act relation being thereunto had more plainly fully and at large appears Whereupon divers Captains and Officers of His Majesties Fleets and several others the Commanders Officers and Mariners imployed in the Sea-service have been sued or may possibly be sued concerning the several Prizes and Prize-goods by them heretofore seized and taken at Sea or in Ports since the Moneth of January One thousand six hundred forty two and before the twenty ninth of May One thousand six hundred sixty contrary to the grace and favour extended towards them not onely in and by His Majesties most gracious Act of Frée and general Pardon Indempnity and Oblivion but also by a Proclamation since made by His Majesty bearing Date the Fourteenth day of July One thousand six hundred sixty two in the Fourteenth year of His Majesties Reign Declaring His Majesties grace and favour towards all Commanders and Seamen in relation to Prizes and Prize-goods seised and taken since the moneth of January One thousand six hundred forty two untill the nine and twentieth of May One thousand six hundred sixty His Majesty thereupon willing that His Grace and Favour towards all Admirals Vice-Admirals Commanders Sea-men and Mariners should take its full effect And being fully satisfied of their dutiful affections unto His Majesties Royal Person and Government and for their future incouragement to persevere loyally in His Majesties Service is most graciously pleased that it may be Enacted And be it Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majesty by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in this present Parliament assembled 14 Car. 2. cap. 4. Repealed as to all Admirals Officers Mariners and Souldiers at Sea and by the Authority of the same That the said Act entituled An Act for directing the prosecution of such as are accomptable for Prize-Goods and all and every Branches Clauses Powers and Articles and every matter and thing therein contained for so much onely and as for and concerning all and every Admirals Vice-Admirals Captains of Ships Officers of Ships or Vessels Seamen and Mariners and every of them shall be and is hereby from henceforth repealed annulled and made void and of no effect to all intents and purposes whatsoever And that all and singular Process and proceedings whatsoever which before this time have been now are or may be at any time hereafter had sued forth and prosecuted in any of His Majesties Courts at Westminster or in the High Court of Admiralty of England or elsewhere within any His Majesties Dominions against any Admirals Vice-Admirals Captains of Ships Officers of Ships or Vessels Seamen and Mariners or any of them by force and vertue of the said Act or any Article or Clause therein contained be forthwith
immediately to stop the same Pinchbeck Spalding Blewgate sluce And it is further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the Inhabitants of Pinchbeck and Spalding shall for ever hereafter have the use of a certain Gote or Sluce called Blewgate and the Dreyn leading thereto so as the said Trustees their heirs or assigns shall not be put to any charge for the repairing or maintaining of the same The dreyn from Boston-bank to Winsoever And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the Loads or Dreyn under the Dozens from Baston-bank to Winsoever be Ditched two hundred foot more inward into the said Fens then now it is and the earth laid on that side the bank next the Town of Pinchbeck And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That for and in consideration of all the moneys already expended in and about the Dreyning of the said Fens and in consideration of the doing and performing of the Works aforesaid hereafter to be done and of all and every of them about the Recovering The proportion estates upon the trustees â—ndertakers Inning and Dreyning of the said Fens and every of them that they the said Trustées their heirs and assigns or the survivor of them shall from henceforth have hold peaceably occupy and enjoy to them their heirs and assigns in Fee-simple for ever the said third part of the said Fens and Marshes formerly assigned to the said Thomas Lovel his heirs and assigns as also three thousand five hundred Acres added and allotted by a Decrée of Sewers made at Spalding in the said Fens and one thousand Acres out of that part of the said Fens formerly taken in for the Quéens improvement and five hundred Acres more to be taken proportionably out of the residue of the said Fens in Kestiven and Holland next adjoyning to the said three thousand five hundred Acres which three thousand five hundred Acres and one thousand Acres and five thousand Acres last mentioned are to be demeasured by Statute-measure by two Artists and set out by them at the charge of the said Trustees their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them one to be chosen by the Commissioners of Sewers of Kestiven and Holland and one other by the said Vndertakers but upon the Trusts hereafter mentioned That is to say as touching and concerning eight thousand thirty six Acres thereof mentioned in a Schedule annexed to an Indenture of Fifteen parts dated the second of August 1650. made betwéen Elizabeth Countess Dowager of Exeter and others therein named and two thousand Acres more to be indifferently set out within six moneths after the passing of this Act amounting in the whole to ten thousand thirty six Acres in Trust That the said Trustées their heirs and assigns or the survivor of them shall grant and convey the same to such person or persons or for such Estates in Fee-simple or otherwise in such manner as the said Thomas Earl of Berks the said Lord Andover Lord Bruce and John Lord Berkley of Stratton shall appoint And as for touching and concerning the residue of the said Fens by this Act allotted for recompence for the said Dreyning moreover and above the said eight thousand thirty six Acres and two thousand Acres in Trust for the said Earl of Berkshire and the Lady Elizabeth his Wife the said Lord Andover the said Earl of Elgin Countess of Stamford and Lord Grey and such other person and persons to whom the Remainder upon their Estates are limited according to their several and respective Interests and Estates as aforesaid made or derived from by or under the said William late Earl of Exeter and Elizabeth late Countess of Exeter or either of them their or either of their heirs or assigns And in case the said Commissioners shall not nominate a Surveyor within thrée moneths after nomination by the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them and both to be sworn by the said Commissioners and notice thereof to be given to the said Commissioners That then the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them shall procéed as aforesaid by their own Artist The trustees shall fence and inclose the third part c. Provided also And be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That the said Trustées their heirs and assigns and the survivor of them shall at all times hereafter sufficiently fence and inclose the said third part and all other the Lands by this Act to them granted on all parts against the Lords and Commoners of and in the residue of the said Fens And if any of their Cattel shall enter or break into the said third part and other Lands so granted or any part thereof in default of the Inclosure thereof It shall not be lawful for the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them to Distrain or Impound the same or to maintain any Action for any such Entry Depasturing or other Trespass happening in such default And if any such Action be brought it shall be lawful for the Defendant or Defendants therein to plead the General Issue and to give this Act in Evidence And that the two Drove-ways in the said Fens called the North-drove and South-drove leading from the parts of Kestiven into the parts of Holland be continued open and common through the said third part and Lands to them granted for the use and benefit of the Lords and Commoners for a Drift-way for them and the said Vndertakers And also that the Banks or Dreyns by vertue of this Act to be continued or made shall not stop or hinder the Land-waters falling from the parts of Kestiven into the said Fen but shall and may receive and carry the same away Provided always That this Act or any Clause Article Sentence or Penalty therein contained mentioned or expressed shall not extend to charge the persons of the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them or any the Estate or Estates real or personal of them the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them other then their Estate and Estates of and in the said Fens Provided also and upon condition That if the said Trustées their heirs or assigns or the survivor of them shall neglect the Inning and Dreyning of the said Fens and every or any of them The penalty upon neglect to dreyn the said fens within seven years and so after to keep maintain them and shall not fully and perfectly finish the Dreyning of the same before the end and expiration of the said seven years as aforesaid according to the intent and purport of this Act or shall not after the Inning or Dreyning thereof kéep and maintain the said Fens and every of them after the end and term of the said seven years dry firm and depasturable ground for Cattel at all times in the year except such Lakes Dreyns Sewers Portions and Quantities of the said Fens as are before
adjudg necessary for the carrying on and effecting the said work and to limit and appoint such certain dayes and places for the respective payments thereof to their Treasurer or Treasurers for the time being as they the said Vndertakers their heirs executors administrators or assigns or any three or more of them under their hands and seals shall appoint so as every of the said Vndertakers who shall at any time or times hereafter assess rate tax and charge the said sums of money be really then owner of two hundred and fifty Acres of Land or more within the said Fen. How the â—â—me may be levied And be it further Enacted upon default made by any person or persons so assessed rated taxed and charged as aforesaid in his or their respective payments to be limited and appointed as aforesaid by the space of three moneths after the time limited for payment thereof That it shall and may be lawful to and for any three or more of the said Adventurers their heirs executors administrators or assigns to bargain sell convey and assure all or so much of the said Defaulter or Defaulters Lands respectively within the said Fen for raising the sum or sums of money so assessed rated or charged as aforesaid to any other person or persons their heirs and assigns for such estate or estates as the said defaulter or defaulters had in him or them respectively at the time of the said default or defaults made as aforesaid as to them or any three or more of them the said Adventurers their heirs executors administrators or assigns shall seem meet subject nevertheless to the conditions and forfeitures in this Act contained and exprest And all and every Conveyance thereof is and shall be adjudged good and available in Law and equity against all and every such Defaulter and Defaulters respectively and against his or their respective heirs executors administrators and assigns so as the same be inrolled in the High Court of Chancery within six moneths after the making thereof How owners and commoners may improve and inclose their shares And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That it shall and may be lawful for any person or persons Bodies Politick or Corporate their heirs and successors Owner or Owners of the Soil of the said Fens or Wastes or who may or ought to have Common in any of the same to improve set out inclose divide and sever such quantity or quantities of the said Fens or Wastes other then such of the same as by the tenure of this Act are appointed or allotted to the said Vndertakers as aforesaid as shall be proportionable to his or their respective Interest or to his or their Lands and Tenements whereunto or in respect whereof the said Common or Waste may or ought to be had or enjoyed and such quantity or quantities to have and to hold in severalty by and according to such Tenures Estate Right Title and Interest as such person or persons have or shall have in such Manors Lands and Tenements subject nevertheless to all the Powers and Liberties given by this Act to the said Trustees their heirs and assigns and the survivor of them for Dreyning the said Fens as if the said Lands had remained common and uninclosed leaving and allowing convenient passages and ways in and to the said Vndertakers ground in the said Fen. Who may determine of boundaries improvements and inclosures And it is further Enacted That the Boundaries of the said Wastes so to be inclosed Approvements and Inclosures shall from time to time and at all times upon request of any person or persons concerned be determined and adjudged and finally ended by the persons hereafter named that is to say Thomas Lord Beaumont of Cole-Orton Sir George Villiers of Bruxby Baronet Sir VVilliam Hartopp of Rotherby Knight VVilliam Hartopp of Little-Dalby Esquire Sir Henry Hudson of Melton-Mowbray Baronet Sir Edward Smith of Edmundthorpe Knight Richard Lister of Thorpe Esquire John Hacket of Ketleby Esquire William Gilbert of Melton-Mowbray Esquire all of the County of Leicester Baptist Lord Viscount Campden Sir Edward Heath of Cottesmore Knight of the Bath William Palmes of Ashwel Esquire Abel Barker of Hambleton Esquire Samuel Browne of Stockins Esquire Robert Mackeworth of Empingham Esquire Philip Sherard Esquire Alexander Noel of Whitwel Esquire Christopher Browne of Towlthorpe Esquire Edward Falkener of Uppingham Esquire Sir Thomas Mackeworth of Normanton Baronet Henry Noel Esquire of Exton Andrew Noel Esquire of Whitwel Charles Halford Esquire of Weston Thomas Pilkington Esquire of Belton Beaumont Bodenham Esquire of Ryhall and Henry Mackeworth Esq of Normanton all of the County of Rutland Mildmay Earl of Westmerland Obrian Lord Cockaine William Stafford Esquire of Blatherwicke Lewis Palmer Esq of Corlton Edward Palmer Esq of Stoake Walter Kirkham of Finshead Esq Christ Thursby Esq Humphrey Orme Esq Sir Henry Yelverton Baronet Tho. Dove of Upton Esq VVilliam Mountague Esq Francis Quarles Esquire George Quarles junior of Ufford Esq Francis Kirkham Esq of Finshead John Lynn Esq of Southwick all of the County of Northampton Robert Lord Willoughby of Erisby eldest Son to Mountague Earl of Lindsey Lord Great Chamberlain of England Sir Thomas Meres Knight Sir John Newton Baronet Sir Anthony Irby Knight Peregrine Bartue Esq Anthony Thorold of Marston Esq William Blythe of Straston Esq Philip Dallow of Bitchfield Esq Thomas Harrington of Boothby Esq Charles Bawdes of Somerby Esq Sir Edward Barkham Baronet all of the County of Lincolne or by any seven or more of them Which said persons or any seven or more of them are hereby constituted and appointed Commissioners for that purpose upon their view or examination of witnesses upon Oath which Oath they are hereby authorised to administer or both or other good and sufficient proof by matter of Record Writings or Evidences and hearing the parties concerned if they be present and desire it which determination and Iudgment being certified in writing under the hands and seals of the said Iudicature or any seven or more of them into the Petty-bag there to be filed and kept on Record shall be final and conclusive unto all parties Provided always That in case any person or persons Bodies Politick or Corporate Appeals in cases of adjudication shall find him or themselves agrieved with such Iudgment and determination of the said Iudicature and shall thereof within six Moneths next after the same appeal to any thirtéen or more other persons of the said Iudicature Then such determination as the said thirtéen more shall make being certified by writing under the hands and seals of the said thirtéen or more into the Petty-bag aforesaid there to be filed and kept on Record as aforesaid shall be final and conclusive to all parties the said former Iudgment or Determination notwithstanding And the Inclosures and Proportions so adjudged or decréed as aforesaid to such person or persons Bodies Politick and Corporate shall be held by him or them and his
and imposed by vertue of this Act for preservation of the said Great Level from drowning And whereas the persons now in possession of the said last mentioned Shares Lots Parts and Proportions of the said Ninety five thousand acres whereof pretended Estates and Conveyances were taken contracted for or accepted of as aforesaid do pretend that they or those under whom they do respectively claim and derive their right title or pretensions to the said Shares Lots Parts and Proportions respectively have laid out and disbursed for Taxes for and towards the maintenance preservation and repair of the works of the said Great Level heretofore Erected by the Earl Francis and his Participants and for and towards their erection of new and necessary works for the better and more effectual Dreyning of the said Great Level and for building upon the said Shares Lots Parts and Proportions more moneys then the cléer rents issues and profits of the said Shares Lots Parts and Proportions have amounted to since the said respective pretended Estates and Conveyances were first taken contracted for accepted as aforesaid Be it therefore Enacted by the Authority aforesaid And it is hereby Enacted That the Chief Iustice of the Court of Kings Bench the Chief Iustice of the Court of Common-Pleas The Chief Iustice of the Kings bench and others made a Iudicature to hear and determine differences the Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer and the Iustices of the said Court of Common-Pleas for the time being or any two or more of them are hereby constituted appointed and erected a Iudicature or Commissioners to Hear Order Iudge Decrée and Determine upon Bills and Answers to be Exhibited or otherwise as they shall think fit betwéen the said persons who are now in the Possession of the said respective Shares Lots Parts and Proportions and the respective Heirs and Assigns of the said persons now in possession as aforesaid And the said Sir Richard Onslow and other the said Assignées and Trustées of the said Henry late Earl of Arundel and Surrey deceased Arthur Earl of Anglesey Thomas Lord Culpepper the said Samuel Sandys the elder or his Trustées Sir William Terringham Robert Phillips Robert Scawen and the said other persons Participants of the said Earl Francis and their respective Heirs and Assigns who are now out of the possession of the said Shares Lots Parts and Proportions respectively and to whom respective Estates are by vertue of this Act to be executed of the same as aforesaid And the said Iudicature or Commissioners or any two or more of them are hereby authorized out of the said Shares Lots Parts and Proportions to Order Adjudge Decrée and Determine to either of the said Parties respectively such recompence and allowance as they the said Iudicature or Commissioners or any two or more of them shall see cause And for the better enabling the said Iudicature or Commissioners to procéed to the hearing ordering adjudging decréeing and determining and for putting in due and spéedy execution such Order Iudgement Decrée and Determination as they or any two or more of them shall make betwéen the said parties It is hereby further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That they the said Iudicature or Commissioners or any two or more of them shall have such and the like power and authority as the High Court of Chancery hath in cases before the said Court depending and for putting in execution the Decrées of the said Court. The power and authority of the said Iudicature And to the end that the said Iudicature may be the better enabled to Iudge of the Rights and Pretensions of either party Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That in every Decrée or Determination which they shall make by vertue and in pursuance of this Act they shall have regard to the sum and sums of money actually disbursed and expended by either party in the Works of Dreyning the said Great Level Directions for their decrees and proceedings and in the preservation and reparation of the same and also to the respective Times of such Disbursements and expence defalking thereout such sum and sums of money as have béen received by either party their Tenants or Assigns for the Rents Issues and Profits of the same and abating out of the Interest of the Money disbursed by either party so much as the Interest of the Money received by such party for the Rents Issues and Profits of the same doth amount unto And to the intent that the persons who by the true intent and meaning of this Act are to be put into possession of any part of the said Eighty thrée thousand acres may not by undue delayes or by any other means or pretensions be kept out of the possession of the same Be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That at any time or times after the expiration of Six moneths after the Passing of this Act it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Samuel Sandys the elder and his Trustées for him Sir Richard Onslow and others the Assignées and Trustées of Henry late Earl of Arundel and Surrey deceased Arthur Earl of Anglesey Thomas Lord Culpepper Sir William Terringham Robert Phillips and Robert Scawen their and every of their respective Heires and Assigns and to and for the Participants of the said Earl Francis Parties to the said Indenture of Fourtéen parts their and every of their respective heirs and assigns whose Lands Shares Lots Parts and Proportions of and in the said Ninety five thousand acres were sold or pretended to be sold for non-payment of Taxes by vertue of the said pretended Act of the Nine and twentieth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand six hundred forty and nine to bring their respective Action or Actions of Trespass or Trespass and Ejectment in His Majesties Court of Kings Bench or Court of Common-Pleas at Westminster against any person or persons whatsoever possessing withholding or occupying the same although the said Governour Bayliffs and Conservators or so many and such of them as are thereunto authorized by this present Act have not or shall not execute estates pursuant to this present Act to such person or persons hereby enabled to bring such Action or Actions and such person or persons shall recover such Lands Shares Lots Parts and Proportions of the said Ninety five thousand acres as they respectivly shall make and derive title and claim unto as Participants of the said Francis Earl of Bedford parties to the said Indenture of Fourtéen parts or as the respective Heirs or Assigns of the said respective Participants parties to the said Indenture of Fourtéen parts as if the said Governour Bayliffs and Conservators had duely executed respective Estates of such respective Lands Shares Lots parts and Proportions of the said Ninety five thousand acres according to the true intent and meaning of this Act And such person or persons his and their respective Heirs and Assigns shall have and