the_o first_o presentment_n or_o judgement_n to_o charge_v every_o man_n in_o particular_a according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n 3._o that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o commit_v to_o prison_n person_n refractory_a to_o their_o order_n and_o last_o that_o action_n of_o trespass_n false_a imprisonment_n and_o other_o process_n at_o the_o common_a law_n have_v bâ—en_o bring_v against_o some_o of_o their_o officer_n for_o execute_v their_o decree_n and_o warrant_n their_o lordship_n find_v in_o their_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o stand_v with_o law_n nor_o common_a reason_n that_o in_o case_n of_o such_o great_a consequence_n the_o law_n can_v be_v so_o void_a of_o providence_n as_o to_o restrain_v the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o make_v of_o new_a work_n to_o withstand_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n aswell_o as_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a where_o necessity_n do_v require_v it_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n or_o to_o lay_v a_o charge_n upon_o the_o town_n or_o hundred_o in_o general_a that_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o benefit_n or_o loss_n without_o attend_v a_o particular_a survey_n and_o admeasurement_n of_o acre_n when_o the_o service_n be_v to_o have_v speedy_a and_o sudden_a execution_n or_o that_o a_o commission_n that_o be_v of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n and_o of_o so_o great_a use_n to_o the_o common_a wealth_n and_o evident_a necessity_n and_o of_o so_o ancient_a jurisdiction_n both_o before_o the_o statute_n and_o since_o shall_v want_v mean_n of_o coercion_n for_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n and_o decreesâ—_n whereas_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o the_o preservation_n of_o many_o thousand_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n life_n good_n and_o land_n do_v depend_v and_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o direct_a frustrate_v and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n if_o the_o commissioner_n their_o officer_n and_o minister_n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o every_o suit_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o delinquent_n in_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o the_o common_a law_n and_o so_o to_o weary_a and_o discourage_v all_o man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n in_o that_o behalf_n for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a and_o the_o supreme_a reason_n above_o all_o viz._n the_o salvation_n of_o the_o king_n and_o people_n do_v order_n that_o the_o person_n former_o commit_v by_o that_o board_n for_o theâ—r_a contempt_n concern_v that_o cause_n shall_v stand_v commit_v until_o they_o do_v release_v or_o sufficient_o discharge_v such_o action_n suit_n and_o demand_n as_o they_o do_v bring_v at_o the_o common_a law_n against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n or_o any_o their_o officer_n etc._n etc._n the_o opinion_n of_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n b._n attorney_n general_a to_o king_n james_n touch_v the_o make_n of_o new_a drayn_n the_o case_n of_o the_o new_a drayn_n make_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o taxation_n set_v for_o the_o same_o be_v thus_o 1_o that_o the_o ground_n now_o seek_v by_o these_o new_a sewer_n to_o be_v win_v and_o drain_v be_v such_o as_o natural_o and_o ancient_o be_v dry_a ground_n and_o not_o continual_o overflow_v so_o as_o they_o be_v true_o land_n and_o not_o water_n and_o be_v still_o to_o this_o day_n dry_a half_a the_o year_n and_o sometime_o in_o good_a year_n long_o 2._o next_o that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o notorious_a and_o common_a drayn_n maintain_v at_o public_a charge_n for_o the_o convey_n away_o of_o the_o water_n in_o time_n of_o downfall_n or_o other_o overflow_v 3._o three_o that_o the_o say_v ancient_a drayn_n can_v now_o possible_o be_v they_o never_o so_o well_o maintain_v drain_v the_o country_n because_o their_o conveyance_n whilst_o they_o be_v in_o use_n be_v into_o the_o sea_n run_v out_o at_o wisbeche_n from_o whence_o the_o sea_n be_v now_o depart_v so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n now_o to_o carry_v these_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n but_o by_o lynne_n haven_n to_o which_o therefore_o these_o work_n be_v make_v to_o carry_v they_o ¶_o the_o case_n i_o say_v stand_v thus_o in_o all_o these_o part_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o law_n of_o sewer_n late_o make_v for_o these_o new_a work_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o commission_n of_o sewer_n and_o that_o a_o tax_n may_v be_v set_v aswell_o for_o the_o make_n and_o maintain_v of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o statute_n and_o commission_n as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v for_o the_o old_a if_o they_o have_v remain_v still_o in_o use_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o of_o mind_n plain_o that_o though_o it_o may_v seâ—m_v still_o within_o the_o power_n of_o the_o commission_n by_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o to_o maintain_v the_o old_a sewer_n yet_o the_o commissioner_n can_v now_o enforce_v the_o maintenance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o indeed_o sewer_n nor_o benefit_n nor_o damage_n can_v arise_v by_o they_o for_o sewer_n be_v make_v and_o maintain_v for_o the_o land_n and_o not_o the_o land_n for_o the_o sewer_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o they_o fail_v reason_n teach_v and_o necessity_n enforce_v some_o other_o remedy_n be_v find_v in_o supply_n of_o it_o and_o the_o word_n of_o the_o commission_n have_v it_o plain_o that_o give_v power_n in_o one_o clause_n to_o make_v necessary_a and_o behooveful_a law_n for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n lie_v to_o the_o premise_n which_o premise_n be_v restrain_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o sewer_n yet_o the_o land_n lie_v to_o they_o must_v be_v understand_v the_o landâ—_n about_o they_o or_o for_o which_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o serve_v so_o that_o the_o safeguard_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o land_n be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o the_o commission_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v preserve_v by_o the_o old_a sewer_n be_v by_o this_o clause_n to_o be_v preserve_v at_o largeâ—_n that_o be_v as_o best_a may_v be_v and_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v be_v find_v necessary_a and_o behooveful_a which_o word_n and_o meaning_n be_v satisfy_v in_o this_o case_n henry_n hubbert_n nor_o do_v we_o want_v example_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o such_o new_a cut_n and_o drayn_n the_o name_n of_o divers_a which_o to_o this_o day_n continue_v manifest_v the_o same_o as_o 1._o new-ditch_n alias_o lent_n hirne_v in_o wisebeche_n 2._o newdike_n in_o burial_n field_n in_o welle_v 3._o newdike_n in_o witlesey_n a_o very_a fair_a sewer_n newdraine_n there_o also_o xx_o foot_n wide_o 4._o newdrayne_n from_o croyland_n to_o spalding_n 5._o newdike_n alias_o sandy_a dyke_n there_o also_o 6._o newdike_n in_o neatmore_n in_o upwell_n 7._o new-leame_a there_o fifty_o foot_n wide_o 8._o and_o new-leame_a in_o chateriz_n and_o march_n nay_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o even_o the_o great_a river_n themselves_o have_v for_o the_o like_a respect_n be_v divert_v from_o their_o ancient_a and_o natural_a channel_n for_o 1._o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n ouse_n its_o outfall_n by_o wisbeche_n decay_v be_v not_o only_o cut_v straight_o but_o by_o a_o new_a river_n make_v from_o littleport_n chair_n to_o rebbech_n be_v let_v fall_n into_o ouse_n parva_fw-la or_o brandon_n water_n and_o thence_o by_o salter_n load_n to_o lynne_n haven_n its_o former_a course_n from_o littleport_n be_v by_o wellenhee_o to_o welle_v and_o so_o to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n 2._o the_o west-water_n a_o part_n of_o ouse_n magna_fw-la have_v its_o course_n from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o chateriz_n ferry_n and_o thence_o to_o benwick_n and_o so_o to_o march_v be_v for_o the_o crookedness_n of_o the_o way_n convey_v by_o a_o new_a passage_n call_v the_o leame_z through_o chateriz_n dodington_n and_o march_v and_o thence_o by_o elm_n leame_z to_o wisbeche_v a_o course_n of_o xuj_o mile_n and_o so_o continue_v all_o this_o way_n 3._o moreton_n nene_n the_o worthy_a bishop_n of_o ely_n in_o the_o time_n of_o k._n h._n 7._o to_o avoid_v the_o many_o and_o crooked_a passage_n in_o the_o river_n of_o nene_n between_o peterburgh_n and_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o way_n drown_v many_o thousand_o of_o acre_n out_o of_o the_o whole_a ground_n make_v a_o new_a river_n now_o call_v morton_n leame_z or_o the_o new_a leame_z xl_o foot_n wide_o and_o 4_o foot_n or_o more_o deep_a viz._n from_o stanground_n steafe_n to_o guyhirne_n be_v a_o course_n of_o twelve_o mile_n long_o at_o the_o least_o and_o continue_v the_o same_o through_o wisbecheâ—_n â—_z for_o the_o more_o speedy_a delivery_n of_o the_o water_n attempt_v to_o cut_v through_o the_o sea-dike_a to_o wisbeche_v at_o bevys-crosse_n and_o again_o at_o eastfields_n end_n nigh_o the_o horse-shoe_n in_o leverington_n which_o bank_n be_v in_o less_o than_o thirty_o year_n before_o ordain_v by_o commission_n to_o be_v maintain_v id_fw-la
the_o very_a point_n question_v as_o also_o the_o continue_a practice_n of_o ancient_a and_o latter_a time_n and_o likewise_o the_o opinion_n in_o write_v of_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n upon_o the_o question_n touch_v the_o authority_n and_o power_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n viz._n first_o whether_o the_o say_v commissioner_n have_v authority_n to_o cause_v new_a bank_n draynsâ—_n or_o sluice_n to_o be_v make_v whâ—re_v none_o have_v be_v before_o second_o whether_o they_o may_v lay_v a_o tax_n upon_o any_o hundred_o town_n or_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o in_o general_n and_o not_o impose_v it_o upon_o every_o particular_a man_n according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o his_o land_n or_o common_a three_o whether_o they_o may_v commit_v to_o prison_n such_o as_o disobey_v their_o order_n etc._n etc._n and_o four_o whether_o that_o action_n of_o false_a imprisonment_n trespass_n and_o other_o process_n at_o the_o common_a law_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o commissioner_n or_o their_o officer_n for_o execute_v their_o decree_n order_n etc._n etc._n their_o lordship_n find_v in_o their_o wisdom_n that_o it_o can_v neither_o stand_v with_o law_n nor_o common_a sense_n that_o in_o a_o case_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n the_o law_n can_v be_v void_a of_o providence_n to_o restrain_v the_o commissioner_n in_o make_v new_a work_n aswell_o to_o stop_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o water_n as_o to_o repair_v the_o old_a where_o necessity_n require_v it_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o country_n or_o to_o raise_v a_o charge_n upon_o the_o town_n or_o hundred_o in_o general_a which_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o benefit_n or_o loss_n with_o attend_v a_o particular_a admesurement_n of_o acre_n where_o the_o service_n be_v to_o be_v speedy_a etc._n etc._n or_o that_o a_o commission_n of_o so_o high_a consequence_n to_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o of_o so_o ancient_a jurisdiction_n both_o before_o the_o statute_n and_o since_o shall_v want_v mean_n of_o coercion_n for_o obedience_n to_o their_o order_n etc._n etc._n whereas_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o the_o preservation_n of_o thousand_o of_o his_o majesty_n subject_n their_o land_n good_n and_o life_n do_v depend_v and_o plain_o perceive_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o direct_a frustrate_v and_o overthrow_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o say_a commission_n if_o the_o commissioner_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v subject_a to_o every_o suit_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o delinquent_n etc._n etc._n their_o lordship_n order_v that_o the_o person_n former_o commit_v by_o that_o board_n for_o their_o contempt_n concern_v this_o cause_n shall_v stand_v commit_v until_o they_o release_v or_o discharge_v such_o their_o action_n etc._n etc._n save_v nevertheless_o any_o complaint_n or_o suit_n for_o any_o oppression_n or_o grievance_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sewer_n or_o before_o the_o say_a council_n board_n if_o they_o receive_v not_o justice_n at_o the_o say_a commissioner_n hand_n and_o that_o letter_n be_v write_v to_o the_o commissioner_n to_o proceed_v in_o their_o several_a commission_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a work_n the_o say_a lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n council_n sit_v at_o white_a hall_n the_o ixth_o of_o may_n 1617._o than_o next_o follow_v order_v 15â—â—_n 1._o that_o a_o sluse_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v at_o the_o out-fall_a of_o wisbeche_n river_n into_o the_o sea_n at_o the_o charge_n aswell_o of_o the_o high-country_n as_o the_o low_a to_o be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n 2._o that_o the_o river_n of_o wisbeche_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o nene_n and_o westwaterâ—_n â—_z be_v cleanse_v and_o make_v in_o breadth_n and_o depth_n as_o much_o as_o by_o ancient_a record_n it_o shall_v appear_v they_o have_v be_v or_o where_o that_o can_v appear_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 3._o that_o weland_n be_v also_o scour_v etc._n etc._n from_o the_o out-fall_a to_o waldram_n hall_n at_o the_o particular_a charge_n of_o the_o owner_n and_o their_o tenant_n as_o also_o the_o river_n of_o south_n ea_fw-la from_o crouland_n to_o guy_n hirne_n by_o those_o that_o of_o right_a aught_o to_o do_v it_o and_o that_o till_o that_o be_v do_v clow_n cross_a drain_v shall_v run_v 4._o and_o that_o thing_n to_o be_v far_o do_v therein_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o new_a commission_n of_o sewer_n to_o be_v procure_v at_o the_o indifferent_a charge_n of_o the_o country_n therein_o mention_v iâ—c_n after_o this_o viz._n upon_o the_o xth_o of_o september_n the_o â—ame_n year_n in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o wisebeche_n before_o francis_n lord_n russell_n and_o other_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n it_o be_v inter_fw-la alia_fw-la order_v 1_o that_o london_n load_n shall_v be_v damn_v up_o at_o welle-causey_n and_o that_o popham_n ea_fw-la be_v make_v a_o perfect_a sewer_n with_o bank_n on_o both_o side_n according_a to_o a_o former_a law_n for_o height_n breadth_n and_o strength_n and_o so_o continue_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o so_o much_o charge_n as_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o bank_n on_o both_o side_n of_o london_n load_n and_o of_o the_o load_n itself_o whereof_o they_o be_v dischardged_a by_o this_o order_n shall_v be_v employ_v upon_o the_o make_n and_o maintain_v of_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n of_o popham_n ea_fw-la the_o same_o to_o be_v rate_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o that_o the_o say_v commissioner_n shall_v also_o consider_v what_o charge_n be_v to_o be_v impose_v on_o those_o who_o by_o the_o old_a law_n be_v chargeable_a towards_o small_a load_n and_o to_o allow_v the_o same_o upon_o popham_n ea_fw-la etc._n etc._n whereupon_o sir_n henry_n hobart_n knight_n jac._n then_z lord_n chief_z justice_z of_o the_o common_a plea_n be_v then_o advise_v with_o and_o likewise_o assist_v by_o divers_a of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n deliver_v his_o opinion_n a._n touch_v this_o drain_n call_v small_a load_n as_o follow_v viz._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o old_a forsake_a sewer_n not_o know_v within_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n and_o so_o grow_v up_o that_o the_o very_a tract_n thereof_o be_v not_o in_o many_o place_n discernible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v also_o uncertain_a whether_o the_o proper_a out-fall_a thereof_o shall_v be_v towards_o the_o ouse_n as_o a_o exemplyed_a law_n of_o 39_o eliz._n appoint_v it_o or_o to_o wisbeche_v river_n as_o some_o presentment_n much_o more_o ancient_a do_v declare_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o scour_n thereof_o have_v ancient_o belong_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o land_n adjoin_v now_o pertain_v to_o sinolphus_n bell_n esquire_n and_o other_o but_o for_o the_o reason_n aforesaid_a not_o put_v in_o charge_n till_o the_o say_a law_n of_o 39_o eliz._n ordain_v it_o to_o be_v open_v and_o to_o have_v its_o fall_n by_o the_o new_a powdich_n into_o ouse_n 3._o that_o by_o a_o law_n make_v ix_o jac._n ground_a upon_o a_o view_n and_o open_a debate_n in_o session_n it_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v damn_v up_o as_o unnecessary_a 4._o that_o popham_n ea_fw-la though_o a_o new_a sewer_n be_v of_o such_o use_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o largeness_n and_o situation_n that_o it_o alone_o suffice_v as_o many_o think_v both_o to_o discharge_v the_o water_n descend_v thither_o from_o the_o high_a country_n and_o those_o also_o of_o the_o ground_n drayn_v by_o london_n load_n that_o there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o this_o small_a load_n 5._o that_o therefore_o those_o land_n adjoin_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o say_v sinolphus_n bell_n and_o other_o be_v discharge_v from_o its_o repair_n etc._n etc._n reason_n confirm_v this_o opinion_n so_o long_o as_o the_o outfall_n of_o wisbeche_n have_v its_o perfect_a be_v the_o whole_a river_n of_o ouse_n have_v there_o its_o perfect_a outfall_n from_o whence_o the_o town_n seem_v to_o have_v take_v the_o denomination_n viz._n ouse_n or_o wisebeche_n thither_o then_o come_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n by_o the_o course_n now_o callâ—d_a the_o west_n water_n to_o benwick_n where_o meet_v with_o a_o part_n of_o nene_n which_o then_o be_v very_o small_a the_o great_a passage_n be_v in_o those_o day_n by_o crouland_n south_n ea_fw-la wride_n stream_n and_o other_o course_n about_o thorney_n fall_v together_o by_o great_a cross_n or_o plantwater_n to_o the_o north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n the_o other_o part_n at_o ouse_n be_v the_o second_o branch_n fall_v down_o from_o eryth_n to_o harrymere_n and_o there_o meet_v with_o the_o river_n grant_v from_o cambridge_n pass_v so_o unite_v to_o ely_n thence_o to_o litleport_n chair_n and_o so_o by_o welney_n and_o welle_v to_o the_o say_a north_n sea_n at_o wisbeche_n where_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o former_a branch_n from_o benwick_n then_o as_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v no_o river_n between_o litleport_n chair_n and_o rebbech_n which_o be_v a_o
all_o surround_v waste_v and_o commons_o as_o also_o the_o most_o of_o the_o commoner_n for_o their_o particular_a commons_o may_v contract_v or_o bargain_n for_o part_n of_o such_o commons_o waste_v &_o several_n with_o such_o person_n or_o person_n who_o will_v undertake_v the_o drayn_n the_o country_n themselves_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o as_o the_o say_a act_n acknowledge_v and_o that_o the_o same_o their_o contract_n and_o conveyance_n thereupon_o make_v shall_v be_v good_a and_o available_a in_o law_n against_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o soil_n etc._n etc._n and_o all_o other_o the_o commoner_n therein_o but_o not_o against_o the_o say_a queen_n her_o heir_n or_o successor_n except_o such_o conveyance_n shall_v be_v certify_v into_o the_o chancery_n in_o case_n the_o say_v waste_v be_v of_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o crown_n and_o except_v the_o royal_a assent_n be_v obtain_v thereunto_o howbeit_o upon_o this_o act_n happen_v so_o near_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o that_o queen_n reign_n little_o be_v do_v but_o king_n james_n short_o after_o come_v to_o the_o crown_n be_v a_o grave_n and_o prudent_a prince_n as_o also_o of_o a_o most_o noble_a and_o public_a spirit_n and_o withal_o high_o sensible_a of_o the_o general_a advantage_n which_o thereby_o will_v redound_v to_o whole_a kingdom_n by_o his_o letter_n b._n direct_v to_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o county_n of_o norfolk_n suffolk_z cambridge_n huntendon_n northampton_n and_o lincoln_n bear_v date_n at_o westminster_n the_o xith_o of_o july_n jac._n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n encourage_v their_o proceed_n therein_o express_v his_o readiness_n to_o allow_v a_o part_n of_o his_o own_o land_n to_o be_v so_o recover_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n in_o like_a proportion_n that_o other_o of_o his_o subject_n shall_v do_v and_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o have_v appoint_v one_o henry_n totnall_n and_o john_n hunt_v respective_o to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o to_o treat_v and_o contract_v with_o as_o many_o lord_n and_o commoner_n as_o they_o may_v touch_v the_o premise_n desire_v likewise_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o be_v aid_v to_o the_o say_v henry_n totnall_n and_o i._o hunt_v therein_o the_o limit_n b._n of_o the_o commission_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n 1605._o attempt_v aâ—_n 1605._o the_o ground_n lie_v between_o and_o within_o any_o the_o limit_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n every_o way_n between_o the_o say_a isle_n and_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o between_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o same_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o norff._n suff._n cambr._n and_o huntingdon_n and_o between_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n of_o huntingdon_n &_o northampton_n shire_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n aswell_o of_o the_o washes_n in_o lincolnshire_n as_o those_o between_o the_o same_o wash_v the_o isle_n of_o ely_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n great_a porsant_a bank_n and_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o say_a river_n of_o welland_n great_a porsant_a bank_n south_n ea_fw-la bank_n and_o the_o upland_n ground_n in_o the_o county_n of_o north._n and_o linc._n and_o within_o all_o the_o ground_n between_o the_o river_n of_o welland_n and_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n or_o in_o the_o border_n and_o confine_n of_o the_o same_o the_o particular_a ibid._n limit_n from_o the_o corner_n of_o edw._n skypwith_n bank_n next_o to_o creek_n load_n by_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n and_o so_o by_o that_o bank_n to_o maid_n load_n alias_o shiplode_n and_o by_o a_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n to_o calsey-dike_a and_o so_o through_o a_o part_n of_o upwell_n to_o lakebridg_v and_o from_o thence_o by_o bishop_n dike_a to_o friday_n brigge_n and_o so_o elm_n leame_z to_o maryes_fw-mi dam_n and_o to_o tilnâ—y_v hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o hob_n house_n alias_o bensted_n hyrne_v to_o guy_n hyrne_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o clowes_n cross_n and_o so_o by_o south_n ea_z bank_n and_o through_o crouland_n to_o the_o further_a end_n thereof_o towards_o white_a house_n &_o from_o thence_o by_o a_o new_a bank_n or_o banks_n as_o intend_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n in_o com._n northt_v from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n to_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o northt_v and_o hunt_n to_o erith_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o over_o fen_n bank_n to_o over_o hive_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n to_o a_o causey_n lead_v from_o water_n beech_n to_o clay_n hive_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n unto_o upwere_n and_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o cambridge_n suff._n and_o norff._n to_o stoke_n causey_n and_o by_o it_o and_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n and_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o land_n subject_n to_o surround_v in_o the_o say_a county_n of_o norff._n to_o another_o bank_n of_o the_o say_v edm._n skipwith_n by_o stoke_n river_n and_o by_o the_o say_a bank_n of_o helgay_n causey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o utmost_a ring_n of_o the_o fen_n or_o low_a ground_n towards_o the_o upland_n of_o helgay_n and_o sotherey_n subject_n to_o surround_v unto_o sotherey_n calsey_n and_o by_o it_o to_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n at_o sotherey_n ferrey_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ouse_n to_o the_o say_a corner_n of_o the_o say_a mr_n edw._n skipwith_n bank_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o this_o great_a work_n direction_n be_v give_v to_o one_o mr._n richard_n atkins_n of_o outwelle_n a_o person_n who_o observation_n in_o these_o fenny_a ground_n be_v very_o notable_a to_o make_v search_n with_o a_o augar_n of_o xi_o foot_n long_a on_o the_o skirt_n of_o the_o new_a leame_z from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o stanground_n stafe_n to_o find_v the_o soil_n there_o of_o at_o eight_o foot_n deep_a whereupon_o he_o begin_v so_o to_o do_v on_o the_o second_o of_o april_n 1605._o and_o find_v the_o first_o place_n on_o the_o north_n side_n 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 5._o all_o moor._n 6._o at_o mile_n and_o half_a tree_n moor_n 7_o 8._o all_o moor._n 9_o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 10._o on_o the_o north_n side_n moor_n in_o knarlake_n moor_n at_o eleven_o foot_n deep_a 12._o on_o the_o south_n side_n against_o knarlake_n all_o moor._n 13._o in_o the_o leame_z moor._n 14._o on_o the_o north_n side_n all_o moor_n to_o 8._o foot_n 15._o in_o the_o leame_z moor_z 9_o foot_n deep_a 16._o by_o lord_n dike_v end_n black_a moor_n mix_v with_o earth_n 17._o in_o the_o leame_z the_o like_a 18._o on_o the_o north_n side_n the_o like_a 19_o on_o the_o south_n side_n lipny_n holt_n against_o the_o hill_n mix_v earth_n 20._o westward_o a_o furlong_n black_a moor_n mix_v 21._o the_o like_a 22._o 23._o against_o easttree_n mix_v moor._n 24._o nigh_o cotes_n moor_n on_o both_o side_n 25._o against_o cotes_n all_o moor_n above_o cotes_n on_o the_o north_n moor_n by_o basual_o hill_n 26._o at_o stonhil_n dole_n moor._n 27._o against_o calf_n croft_n south_n bassa_n gravel_n north_n moor._n 28._o between_o the_o leame_z and_o the_o lake_n against_o the_o mill_n moor._n 29._o between_o great_a hill_n and_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n moor_n mix_v 30._o between_o stone_n hill_n gravel_n and_o eastlong_a lot_n all_o clay_n aloft_o and_o gravel_n at_o 2._o foot_n 8._o inch_n 31._o more_o westward_n in_o the_o river_n gravel_n and_o silt_n at_o 4_o foot_n 32._o on_o the_o north_n side_n at_o north_n i_fw-mi gravel_n the_o like_a 33._o at_o north_n long-lott_n all_o clay_n aloft_o 34._o 35._o by_o bradley_n fen_n clay_n and_o mix_a earth_n aloft_o about_z 3_o foot_n 36._o by_o bradley_n fen_n to_o the_o leam_n end_n such_o like_a above_o but_o rank_n moor_n all_o the_o way_n under_o the_o search_n make_v from_o erith_n bridge_n to_o plawlis_n be_v at_o erith_n bridge_n within_o lx_o pole_n of_o the_o bridge_n at_o the_o first_o ham_n there_o at_o 2_o foot_n and_o 2_o foot_n and_o a_o half_a clay_n but_o after_o under_o the_o same_o at_z 8_o and_o 9_o and_o 10_o foot_n and_o upward_o be_v all_o red_a moor_n and_o so_o from_o thence_o
symond_n knight_n roger_n ashburnham_n stephan_n betenham_n and_o john_n break_v be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o beauclif_n and_o sturdesâ—ale_n and_o ibid._n will._n horn_n will._n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n and_o john_n lynet_n for_o those_o betwixt_o fairfeld_n and_o apuldre_n ☞_o by_o which_o commission_n the_o say_a william_n and_o the_o rest_n have_v authority_n give_v they_o to_o take_v so_o many_o carpenter_n with_o other_o artificer_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n upon_o competent_a wage_n for_o their_o work_n therein_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o make_v good_a the_o say_a bank_n etc._n etc._n with_o all_o expedition_n in_o 10_o r._n 2._o simon_n de_fw-fr burley_n then_o also_o constable_n of_o dovor_n castle_n etc._n etc._n robert_n bealknap_n thomas_n garwinton_n and_o john_n colepepir_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o faversham_n and_o sandwiche_n and_o in_o 12_o r._n 2._o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr cobham_n knight_n sir_n thomas_z fog_n knight_n sir_n arnold_n sauvage_n knight_n with_o other_o be_v dorso_fw-la appoint_v to_o view_v and_o repair_v those_o bank_n which_o be_v in_o the_o marsh_n of_o thanet_n as_o also_o betwixt_o reculure_n and_o a_o certain_a place_n call_v s._n mary_n clif_n and_o far_o special_o direct_v by_o their_o commission_n to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n concern_v the_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n to_o that_o time_n use_v as_o also_o to_o take_v so_o many_o ditcher_n with_o other_o workman_n and_o labourer_n as_o may_v be_v needful_a for_o the_o say_a work_n upon_o fit_v wage_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o they_o for_o the_o same_o and_o this_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o that_o work_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v john_n wadham_n will._n horn_n will._n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n and_o john_n lynet_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o fairfelde_n and_o apuldre_n and_o snargate_n then_o break_v with_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n in_o 17_o r._n 2._o the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n be_v direct_v to_o john_n colepepir_n will._n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n thomas_n brokhelle_n and_o nich._n potyn_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o city_n of_o canterbury_n and_o rochester_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o of_o romeney_n marsh._n so_o also_o ibid._n in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o like_a to_o the_o say_v john_n colepepir_n john_n septvaus_n will._n elys_n will._n tydecoumbe_n and_o richard_n bartelot_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o say_a city_n of_o canterbury_n and_o sandwiche_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o 22_o r._n 2._o stephan_n betenham_n robert_n oxebregge_n will._n berton_n and_o thomas_n ikham_n have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la appointment_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o ebbene_n in_o oxene_n and_o the_o town_n of_o brensete_n so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la will._n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n will._n bertone_n will._n bertyn_n and_o henry_n horn_n in_o 1_o h._n 4._o for_o those_o upon_o the_o sea-coast_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o smallyde_a and_o promhelle_n and_o dorso_fw-la in_o 2_o h._n 4._o will._n rykhill_n will._n de_fw-fr makenade_n stephan_n betenhamme_n john_n colepepir_n will._n bertone_n will._n elys_n thomas_n ikham_n and_o john_n martin_n of_o derteforde_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n situate_v between_o the_o town_n of_o grethe_o and_o sandwiche_n in_o all_o which_o commission_n special_a care_n be_v take_v that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh._n in_o 3_o h._n 4._o the_o king_n direct_v his_o letter_n 12._o patent_n to_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o shepeye_n wherein_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a sea-bank_n therein_o extend_v itself_o from_o a_o place_n call_v tremmodferye_n unto_o another_o place_n name_v cothelle_n which_o before_o the_o build_n of_o quenesburgh_n castle_n be_v only_o four_o foot_n in_o breadth_n and_o afterward_o by_o edward_n the_o three_o late_a king_n of_o england_n for_o the_o advantage_n of_o cart_n and_o wagon_n pass_v from_o the_o before-specified_n ferry_n to_o the_o say_a castle_n be_v make_v thirty_o foot_n broad_a have_v suffer_v so_o much_o decay_v that_o scarce_o a_o single_a person_n can_v then_o go_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n be_v not_o able_a to_o repair_v the_o same_o without_o some_o assistance_n from_o other_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o council_n grant_v unto_o they_o for_o their_o better_a help_n in_o undergo_a the_o say_v work_v these_o several_a custom_n to_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o the_o three_o next_o ensue_v year_n assess_v and_o collect_v viz._n for_o every_o horseman_n be_v a_o strange_a that_o shall_v come_v into_o or_o go_v out_o of_o the_o same_o isle_n by_o the_o say_a bank_n id._o and_o for_o every_o footman_n a_o half_a penny_n for_o every_o load_v horse_n id._o and_o every_o one_o empty_a a_o half_a penny_n in_o 10_o h._n 4._o george_n ballard_n stephan_n betenham_n rob._n oxenbregge_n vincent_n fynche_n thomas_n oxenbrigge_n will._n merchant_n john_n may_v and_o john_n lonsford_n be_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o sea-coast_n and_o in_o the_o marsh_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o romeney_n and_o promhull_n then_o ruinous_a by_o the_o rage_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 13_o h._n 4._o rob._n clifford_n thomas_n remy_n john_n martin_n thomas_n elys_n thomas_n merchant_n john_n whitehed_n and_o john_n bertone_n have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o pekesend_n and_o stonore_n near_o sandwiche_n wherein_o they_o be_v command_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh._n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o john_n darelle_n roger_n rye_n thomas_n elys_n henry_n horn_n and_o will._n merchant_n have_v the_o like_a assignation_n dorso_fw-la for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o of_o smalhede_v and_o romene_n and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o usage_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v john_n drylond_n john_n brynkle_n peter_n hall_n john_n salisbury_n john_n peacock_n and_o the_o shiriff_n of_o kent_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a sort_n to_o view_v and_o take_v care_n of_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n lie_v in_o warde_n mershe_a within_o the_o parish_n of_o s._n nicholas_n in_o tanet_n then_o break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh._n in_o 6_o h._n 6._o john_n bamburghe_o will._n cheyne_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o shepeye_n john_n may_v thomas_n betyngham_n and_o thomas_n groveherst_n have_v the_o like_a appointment_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o the_o city_n of_o rochester_n and_o whitstaple_n and_o for_o those_o in_o the_o say_a isle_n of_o shepeye_n and_o to_o make_v statute_n and_o ordinance_n besit_v the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o seacoast_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n ☜_o as_o also_o to_o do_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n touch_v the_o premise_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n aforesaid_a and_o moreover_o to_o take_v such_o and_o so_o many_o digger_n and_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o present_a necessity_n as_o shall_v be_v requisite_a for_o that_o work_n in_o 17_o h._n 6._o john_n bamburgh_n richard_n bruyn_n valentine_n baret_fw-la thomas_n burges_n and_o will._n garnet_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a manner_n to_o view_v the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o sea_n coast_n from_o feyrhede_v to_o hencle_n then_o break_v by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o wave_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o to_o take_v labourer_n upon_o competent_a salarye_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a necessity_n as_o aforesaid_a
the_o bank_n betwixt_o grenewiche_n and_o plumstede_n and_o to_o take_v order_n for_o their_o repair_n who_o commission_n bear_v date_n the_o 7_o of_o may._n and_o upon_o the_o 25_o of_o the_o same_o month_n such_o be_v the_o necessity_n incumbentâ—_n the_o king_n issue_v out_o another_o commission_n dorso_fw-la unto_o will_n stury_n simmon_n atte_fw-mi lee_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr byshell_n require_v they_o to_o take_v in_o and_o impress_v such_o and_o so_o many_o labourer_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o ☜_o for_o competent_a wage_n as_o they_o shall_v have_v need_n of_o for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n ditch_n and_o sewer_n between_o grenewiche_n and_o plumstede_n aforesaid_a provide_v that_o such_o labourer_n be_v not_o then_o employ_v in_o his_o the_o say_a king_n own_o work_n nor_o retain_v in_o the_o service_n of_o other_o in_o the_o next_o year_n ensue_v otto_n de_fw-fr grandisone_n will._n de_fw-fr waure_n richard_n de_fw-fr stone_n and_o john_n de_fw-fr rous_n be_v appoint_v to_o dorso_o view_v the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n adjoin_v to_o the_o marsh_n of_o stone_n then_o ruinous_a through_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o neglect_v of_o the_o land-holders_n therein_o in_o 31_o e._n 3._o will._n de_fw-fr notton_n richard_n de_fw-fr birton_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelawe_n thomas_n moryz_n and_o simon_n de_fw-fr keggeworth_n have_v the_o like_a appointment_n dorso_fw-la concern_v those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n lie_v betwixt_o grenewiche_n and_o dertford_n so_o also_o in_o 34_o e._n 3._o have_v john_n the_o son_n of_o sir_n john_n cobham_n knight_n john_n the_o son_n of_o sir_n ralph_n cobham_n knight_n and_o dorso_o other_o for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o a_o certain_a breach_n of_o a_o bank_n near_o stone_n whereby_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o marsh_n of_o stone_n and_o the_o adjacent_a part_n be_v overflow_v and_o drown_v by_o the_o tide_n in_o 36_o e._n 3._o thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n will._n de_fw-fr holdone_n and_o some_o other_o have_v commission_n dorso_fw-la in_o like_a sort_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o betwixt_o grenewyche_n and_o plumstede_n and_o in_o 40_o e._n 3._o john_n de_fw-fr cobham_n of_o kent_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n thomas_n morice_n john_n dyngeleye_a and_o other_o for_o dorsâ—_n those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o dertford_n and_o ear_v wherein_o they_o be_v require_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o marsh-law_n in_o dorso_o 42_o e._n 3._o simon_n de_fw-fr kegworth_n richard_n de_fw-fr norwiz_n robert_n de_fw-fr ear_v and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n betwixt_o wolwiche_n and_o ear_v and_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o in_o the_o same_o year_n the_o before-specified_n john_n de_fw-fr cobham_n of_o kent_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelowe_n and_o roger_n godchestre_n for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o derteford_n and_o ear_v so_o likewise_o the_o next_o ensue_a year_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o same_o john_n and_o thomas_n with_o will._n de_fw-fr halden_n and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o derteford_n and_o stone_n and_o command_v to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o marish_a law_n in_o 47_o e._n 3._o the_o abbot_n of_o lesnes_n sir_n thomas_n de_fw-fr lodelawe_n knight_n simon_n de_fw-fr kegworth_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr horn_n have_v commission_n dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o plumstede_n marsh_n and_o the_o marsh_n of_o lesnes_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v john_n de_fw-fr whitwell_n john_n chertseye_n and_o john_n wroth_a junior_a have_v the_o like_a commission_n to_o take_v view_n and_o see_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o divers_a other_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o several_a place_n border_v on_o the_o before-specified_n river_n of_o thames_n and_o in_o dorso_fw-la the_o same_o year_n will._n de_fw-fr haldene_n roger_n dig_v thomas_n the_o shardelowe_n and_o nich._n hear_a for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o derteford_n and_o stone_n so_o likewise_o have_v ibid._n will._n halden_n adam_n de_fw-fr bury_n nicholas_n hear_a and_o thomas_n shardelowe_n for_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o hecham_n and_o dertford_n in_o 1_o r._n 2._o the_o say_v will._n halden_n nich._n hear_a will._n horn_n and_o john_n tender_a be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o betwixt_o dertford_n and_o grenewiche_n wherein_o they_o have_v direction_n to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o marsh_n law_n and_o the_o next_o ensue_a year_n robert_n bealknap_n will._n halden_n nich._n hear_a and_o henry_n vannere_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o comb_n and_o west-grenewiche_a in_o 3_o r._n 2._o robert_n bealknap_n nich._n hear_a thomas_n illeston_n and_o robert_n loxle_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o those_o betwixt_o grenewiche_n and_o london_n bridge_n so_o dorso_fw-la likewise_o in_o 6_o r._n 2._o john_n cobham_n robert_n bealknap_n john_n philippot_n john_n fremyngham_n henry_n vannere_fw-la will._n brenchesle_n thomas_n shardelowe_n and_o peter_n hereford_n for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o dertford_n and_o stone_n and_o to_o hear_v and_o determine_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o marsh_n law_n and_o in_o 8_o r._n 2._o sir_n will._n waleworth_n knight_n rob._n walbelton_n roger_n ashburnham_n john_n oliver_n and_o will._n brynchesle_n have_v dâ—rso_fw-la the_o like_a assignation_n for_o those_o betwixt_o greenwich_n and_o london_n bridge_n so_o also_o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n john_n fallesey_n knight_n roger_n asâ—burnham_n will._n staunden_n citizen_n of_o london_n thomas_n de_fw-fr skelton_n will._n brynchesle_n and_o john_n oliver_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 16_o r._n 2._o sir_n john_n de_fw-fr cobham_n knight_n will._n rikhill_n will._n makenade_n will._n skreene_n john_n colepepir_n walt._n roose_n and_o will._n atte_v woo_v have_v dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n ditch_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o plumstede_n and_o northflete_a with_o direction_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romeneye_n marsh_n and_o the_o next_o year_n follow_v will_n rikhill_n sir_n james_n de_fw-fr peckham_n knight_n will._n makenade_n and_o john_n fox_n of_o east-grenewiche_a have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o those_o betwixt_o depford_n and_o charleton_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o dorso_o 20_o r._n 2._o will._n makenade_n richard_n mariell_n thomas_n frisby_n john_n lufwyk_n thomas_n arthington_n richard_n cliderhowe_v will._n hesille_n and_o john_n newport_n the_o like_a for_o those_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o marsh_n of_o dertford_n and_o stone_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o marsh_n law_n in_o 22_o r._n 2._o will._n makenade_n robert_n oxenbrigge_n will._n frye_n will._n skreen_n john_n preston_n thomas_n lexham_n and_o john_n hall_n be_v assign_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v order_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o all_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o wollewyche_n and_o suthwerke_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o marsh_n and_o to_o impress_v so_o many_o labourer_n therein_o upon_o competent_a wage_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o then_o great_a and_o urgent_a necessity_n as_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o work_n in_o 1_o h._n 4._o will._n rikhill_n richard_n muriel_n thomas_n erdyngton_n will._n cressewyk_n john_n martin_n will._n hesell_n john_n mayhewe_n and_o solomon_n â—fresthorpe_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o take_v course_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o est-grenewyche_a comb_n charleton_n and_o wollewyche_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o marish_a law_n and_o dorso_fw-la in_o the_o same_o year_n john_n colepepir_n will._n makenade_n stephan_n batenham_n john_n martin_n and_o john_n newport_n for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o derteford_n and_o stone_n and_o to_o act_v as_o aforesaid_a in_o dorso_fw-la 3_o h._n 4._o john_n colepepir_n will._n hesyll_o thomas_n lodelowe_n john_n urban_n john_n crepyn_n john_n martin_n and_o thomas_n appelton_n for_o those_o in_o derteforde_n marsh_n and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o england_n in_o 5_o h._n 4._o will._n brenchesle_n nich._n carreu_n will._n makenade_n will._n askham_n robert_n oxenbrigge_n and_o thomas_n remy_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o london_n bridge_n and_o grenewyche_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 7_o h._n 4._o wil._n hankford_n thomas_n tildeslegh_n nich._n carreu_n walter_n hoke_n will._n
the_o haver_a knight_n john_n de_fw-fr cavendishe_v john_n de_fw-fr gildesburgh_n and_o other_o be_v make_v dorso_fw-la commissioner_n for_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o bâ—nks_n etc._n etc._n betwixt_o berk_v and_o eâ—t-tilbury_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v ☜_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr waâ—ton_n knight_n thomas_n torell_n and_o thomas_n belhouse_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a commission_n for_o the_o bank_n at_o west-thurrok_a so_o also_o in_o 43_o e._n 3._o have_v dorso_fw-la thomas_n the_o lodelowe_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v thomas_n yonge_n john_n aâ—brey_n and_o will._n naffeâ—ton_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a west_n hamme_n &_o berk_n the_o like_a dorso_o in_o 44_o e._n 3._o have_v sr_n hen._n the_o grey_a of_o codnore_n knight_n sir_n rob._n de_fw-fr marny_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr goldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o upon_o the_o water_n of_o markediche_n and_o other_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n betwixt_o berk_n and_o est-tyllebury_a aforesaid_a other_o commission_n in_o the_o same_o king_n time_n be_v these_o viz._n dorso_fw-la in_o 48_o e._n 3._o to_o robert_n bealknap_n john_n de_fw-fr bampton_n and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n between_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n and_o est-tilbury_n in_o 49_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n hugh_n de_fw-fr badewe_v knight_n sir_n john_n de_fw-fr sutton_n knight_n sir_n ralph_n de_fw-fr poley_n knight_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o bradwell_n as_o also_o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich_n carreu_n john_n aubrey_n and_o roger_n germeyn_n for_o those_o at_o est-hamme_a and_o west-hamme_a with_o appointment_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o likewise_o to_o doâ—sâ—_n nich_n carreu_n robert_n bealknap_n will._n tank_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o the_o abbess_n of_o berk_n and_o moreover_o to_o dorso_o the_o say_v nicholas_n robert_n bealknap_n and_o robert_n de_fw-fr teye_n for_o several_a other_o bank_n in_o divers_a marsh_n within_o this_o county_n in_o 50_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n and_o will._n halden_n for_o those_o from_o the_o town_n of_o stratford_n atte_n bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o to_o sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wanton_n knight_n roger_n mareschall_n thomas_n de_fw-fr belhous_n and_o roger_n germayn_n for_o those_o at_o west_n thurrok_n in_o 51_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_o robert_n bealknap_n thomas_n maundevill_n rob._n de_fw-fr teyesâ—_n â—_z and_o other_o for_o the_o bank_n in_o several_a marsh_n and_o place_n of_o this_o county_n and_o in_o 1_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n carreu_n will._n de_fw-fr halden_n john_n auberey_n john_n bampton_n william_n rykhill_n and_o roger_n gremyn_n for_o those_o from_o stratford_n aâ—te_v bow_n to_o berk_n in_o 2_o r._n 2._o sir_n henry_n de_fw-fr grey_n of_o wilton_n sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n sir_n will._n berland_n sir_n will._n wauton_n sir_n john_n symond_n sir_n john_n chaneeux_n knight_n geffrey_n darsham_n rob._n rigdon_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n in_o sundry_a marsh_n through_o this_o county_n which_o be_v then_o in_o decay_n and_o power_n to_o choose_v and_o take_v so_o many_o carpenter_n with_o other_o artificer_n and_o labourer_n as_o shall_v be_v needful_a for_o that_o work_n wheresoever_o they_o may_v be_v find_v in_o this_o county_n aswell_o within_o liberty_n as_o without_o except_v the_o fee_n of_o the_o church_n and_o except_v such_o as_o be_v assign_v for_o the_o say_v king_n special_a service_n and_o to_o employ_v they_o therein_o imprison_v such_o as_o they_o shall_v find_v refractory_a the_o next_o year_n follow_v sir_n will._n de_fw-fr wauton_n knight_n john_n de_fw-fr middleton_n roger_n marescall_n roger_n germayn_n and_o john_n stody_n be_v dorso_fw-la in_o like_a sort_n assign_v for_o those_o upon_o the_o coast_n of_o thames_n and_o the_o garden_n of_o farndon_n unto_o the_o church_n of_o west_n thurrok_n so_o also_o in_o dorso_fw-la 4_o r._n 2._o be_v the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n henry_n asty_a and_o laurence_n allerthorpe_n for_o those_o at_o esthamme_n and_o west-hamme_a in_o 8_o r._n 2._o the_o abbot_n of_o stratford_n nich._n brembre_n maior_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n robert_n bealknap_n nich._n carreu_n will._n rykehill_n richard_n ryall_n and_o roger_n germyn_n be_v dorso_fw-la appoint_v as_o aforesaid_a for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n from_o stratford_n atte_a bow_n to_o berk_n so_o also_o be_v dorso_fw-la rob._n bealknap_n will._n wauton_n john_n guldesburgh_n and_o other_o for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o bark_v and_o dakenham_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n before_o that_o time_n exercise_v in_o those_o part_n and_o in_o 15_o r._n 2._o john_n radyngton_n prior_n of_o the_o hospital_n of_o s._n johns_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o england_n sir_n john_n deyncourt_n knight_n will._n de_fw-fr horbury_n clerk_n thomas_n newenton_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o reynham_n and_o alvytheley_n and_o to_o act_v as_o aforesaid_a but_o though_o by_o the_o great_a care_n which_o the_o king_n of_o this_o realm_n have_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o divers_a coast_n from_o inundation_n that_o lie_v thus_o in_o danger_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o the_o safeguard_n of_o those_o as_o have_v by_o great_a iudustry_n be_v win_v from_o the_o overflow_n of_o the_o sea_n much_o advantage_n do_v accrue_v to_o the_o common_a wealth_n yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o violence_n and_o irresistible_a force_n of_o that_o element_n be_v agitate_a by_o high_a and_o boisterous_a wind_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o prevention_n thereof_o it_o sometime_o waste_v and_o consume_v much_o in_o other_o place_n of_o which_o sundry_a example_n may_v be_v give_v be_v it_o requisite_a but_o i_o shall_v only_o instance_n in_o one_o viz._n of_o the_o land_n and_o marsh_n belong_v to_o the_o abbey_n of_o s._n osithes_n in_o this_o county_n whereof_o i_o find_v cottâ—nianâ—_n mention_n in_o a_o petition_n exhibit_v unto_o robert_n de_fw-fr braybroke_n bishop_n of_o london_n in_o the_o time_n of_o king_n richard_n 2d._o and_o to_o the_o dean_n and_o chapter_n of_o that_o church_n by_o sir_n albred_n de_fw-fr vere_n knight_n who_o thereby_o show_v that_o whereas_o that_o monastery_n be_v situate_a near_o the_o sea_n coast_n and_o have_v in_o it_o a_o abbot_n and_o twenty_o canon_n of_o the_o order_n of_o s._n augustine_n serve_v god_n there_o devout_o every_o day_n and_o that_o the_o revenue_n thereof_o be_v through_o various_a mishap_n without_o their_o default_n so_o diminish_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sustenance_n be_v abate_v viz._n in_o southflete_a c_o acres_n of_o their_o arable_a land_n by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n total_o drown_v as_o also_o there_o and_o at_o their_o beckarie_n of_o coketwyk_n in_o one_o pasture_n wherein_o at_o sometime_o a_o c_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o ew-sheep_n may_v be_v keep_v through_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o bank_n '_o and_o inundation_n thereof_o then_o scarce_o lxx_o cow_n and_o eight_o hundred_o ewe_n can_v be_v maintain_v and_o moreover_o that_o two_o marsh_n call_v wyggebergh_n mer_n and_o holewyke_v mersh_fw-mi in_o which_o six_o hundred_o mutton_n may_v be_v yearly_o keep_v be_v then_o through_o the_o continual_a tide_n daily_o overflow_v that_o scarce_o four_o hundred_o can_v be_v maintain_v and_o that_o the_o water-mill_n situate_v in_o the_o town_n of_o s._n osiths_n and_o belong_v to_o that_o abbey_n which_o have_v be_v worth_a xxl._n be_v by_o the_o sea-tide_n so_o spoil_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v repair_v under_o a_o hundred_o pound_n charge_n and_o last_o that_o the_o marsh_n wall_n in_o that_o town_n in_o length_n three_o mile_n which_o include_v a_o pasture_n for_o lxx_o cow_n and_o a_o thousand_o mutton_n and_o ewe_n be_v so_o tear_v and_o break_v at_o that_o time_n that_o for_o the_o preserve_n of_o the_o same_o there_o must_v be_v other_o bank_n make_v anew_o and_o those_o old_a one_o quit_v so_o that_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o the_o say_a pasturage_n be_v for_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v leave_v out_o scarce_o fifty_o cow_n and_o six_o hundred_o sheep_n can_v be_v there_o maintain_v in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o these_o loss_n he_o petition_v that_o the_o church_n of_o elmestede_n may_v be_v appropriate_v to_o that_o religious_a house_n very_o many_o commission_n have_v i_o afterward_o also_o see_v for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n which_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o in_o a_o brief_a manner_n point_n at_o viz._n in_o 9_o h._n 4._o to_o
whereof_o the_o say_a marsh_n lie_v situate_a and_o dionyse_o then_o abbot_n of_o robertsbrigge_n and_o the_o covent_n of_o that_o monastery_n for_o the_o title_n of_o that_o whole_a marish_a and_o that_o upon_o a_o amicable_a agreement_n then_o make_v betwixt_o they_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n do_v quit_v all_o their_o title_n thereto_o unto_o the_o before-specified_n prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christ-church_n but_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n out_o of_o a_o pious_a regard_n to_o the_o want_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n do_v by_o their_o special_a favour_n then_o grant_v they_o and_o their_o successor_n one_o hundred_o acre_n of_o those_o seven_o hundred_o viz._n one_o hundred_o lie_v next_o to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n near_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o adam_n de_fw-fr cherringe_n which_o at_o that_o time_n they_o have_v enclose_v about_o the_o newewodrove_n and_o that_o this_o agreement_n be_v by_o the_o beforementioned_a earl_n then_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v as_o the_o instrument_n testify_v the_o same_o then_o exhibit_v do_v full_o manifest_a so_o that_o the_o say_a abbot_n &_o covent_n ought_v not_o to_o challenge_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o that_o marish_a other_o than_o in_o those_o c_o acre_n so_o give_v to_o they_o as_o aforesaid_a in_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o all_o the_o premise_n and_o circumstance_n thereof_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o evidence_n produce_v on_o each_o part_n as_o also_o to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o bound_n and_o limit_n of_o the_o say_a town_n of_o snergate_n and_o apuldre_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n whereof_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a and_o continual_a inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n can_v not_o or_o be_v ever_o likely_a to_o be_v well_o discover_v all_o party_n therefore_o more_o desire_v peace_n than_o strife_n and_o contention_n do_v unanimous_o agree_v that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n shall_v release_v unto_o the_o abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o robertsbrigge_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o their_o title_n to_o that_o parcel_n of_o land_n call_v the_o newewoderove_n and_o in_o xxviij_o acre_n of_o land_n then_o new_o enclose_v in_o the_o bâ—ecarde_n towards_o apuldre_n and_o in_o the_o say_v cclxxi_o acre_n and_o a_o half_a of_o land_n then_o to_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o becarde_n adjoin_v to_o the_o say_a parcel_n of_o land_n call_v the_o newewoderove_n lie_v in_o length_n under_o the_o bank_n divide_v the_o say_a land_n of_o the_o newewoderove_n and_o the_o say_a marsh_n so_o to_o be_v enclose_v in_o the_o becard_n so_o that_o the_o say_a prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n nor_o their_o successor_n shall_v have_v power_n to_o claim_v any_o right_n therein_o after_o that_o time_n and_o in_o like_a sort_n the_o say_a abbot_n and_o covent_n of_o robertsbrigge_n do_v release_v unto_o the_o say_v thomas_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n and_o to_o the_o prior_n and_o covent_n of_o christs-church_n and_o their_o successor_n all_o their_o right_n and_o title_n to_o the_o residue_n of_o that_o marish_a lie_v next_o to_o the_o church_n of_o fayrefelde_n towards_o the_o east_n and_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sea_n pass_v from_o rye_n to_o apuldre_n towards_o the_o west_n and_o the_o bound_n divide_v the_o county_n of_o kent_n and_o sussex_n towards_o the_o south_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v challenge_v no_o title_n therein_o from_o thenceforth_o which_o agreement_n be_v so_o make_v by_o the_o say_a instrument_n under_o their_o public_a seal_n and_o bear_v date_n at_o canterbury_n on_o the_o xxth_o day_n of_o march_n in_o the_o year_n beforementioned_a in_o 2_o h._n 4._o thomas_n erpyngham_n than_o constable_n of_o dovor_n castle_n will._n brenchesle_n robert_n oxenbrigge_n will._n merchant_n and_o other_o have_v dorso_fw-la commission_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o those_o bank_n and_o sewer_n lie_v betwixt_o farlegh_n in_o sussex_n and_o apuldre_n in_o kent_n with_o power_n to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v will._n rikhill_n will_n makenade_n stephan_n betenham_n will._n bertyn_n henry_n horn_n and_o john_n proud_a have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a for_o those_o in_o the_o marsh_n of_o lyde_n promhull_n middele_n and_o old_a romney_n with_o direction_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n in_o 2_o h._n 5._o sir_n john_n pelham_n knight_n richard_n norton_n thomas_n colepepir_n william_n cheyne_n and_o other_o have_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n betwixt_o the_o port_n and_o town_n of_o rye_n and_o bodyham_n bridge_n and_o to_o act_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n in_o 5_o h._n 5._o robert_n oxenbrigge_n william_n marchaund_v john_n halle_n junior_a william_n cheyne_n and_o adam_n iwode_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n for_o those_o betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o rye_n in_o sussex_n and_o ebbeneye_n in_o kent_n and_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o marsh_n and_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n of_o england_n so_o also_o in_o 7_o h._n 6._o have_v dorso_fw-la sir_n roger_n fenys_n knight_n henry_n hoorne_v robert_n oxenbrigge_n thomas_n auger_n richard_n wakeherst_n and_o other_o for_o those_o betwixt_o bodyhain_n bridge_n in_o sussex_n and_o smalhyde_v in_o kent_n with_o direction_n to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o romney_n marsh_n as_o also_o to_o take_v up_o so_o many_o labourer_n upon_o competent_a wage_n as_o shall_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o say_a work_n cap._n xix_o i_o now_o come_v to_o sussex_n alone_o sussex_n where_o the_o first_o commission_n dorso_fw-la of_o sewer_n that_o our_o record_n do_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v in_o 17_o e._n 1._o be_v direct_v to_o roger_n de_fw-fr leukenore_n and_o lucas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gare._n the_o next_o year_n follow_v upon_o complaint_n dorso_fw-la make_v by_o the_o abbot_n of_o bataille_n and_o bekeham_n as_o also_o by_o the_o prior_n of_o okeburne_n lewes_n and_o hastings_n together_o with_o baldwin_n de_fw-fr aldham_n and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v land_n about_o pevenesel_a marsh_n that_o whereas_o the_o king_n have_v assign_v the_o beforementioned_a roger_n de_fw-fr leuknore_n and_o lucas_n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr gare_fw-la to_o take_v view_n of_o the_o bank_n and_o sea-diches_a near_o the_o say_a marsh_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o safeguard_n and_o defence_n of_o all_o person_n aswell_o rich_a as_o poor_a as_o have_v land_n thereabouts_o the_o say_v lucas_n together_o with_o the_o prior_n of_o michelham_n will._n de_fw-fr donne_fw-fr etc._n etc._n not_o prosecute_n the_o say_v king_n appointment_n and_o order_n do_v begin_v to_o raise_v a_o certain_a bank_n overthwart_o the_o haven_n of_o pevenesel_n as_o also_o a_o sluse_n intend_v to_o finish_v they_o so_o that_o the_o fresh_a water_n can_v not_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o say_a marsh_n to_o the_o sea_n by_o the_o same_o haven_n to_o the_o great_a peril_n of_o all_o person_n there_o dwell_v and_o apparent_a drown_n of_o their_o land_n by_o the_o frequent_a overflow_a of_o the_o say_v fresh_a water_n for_o remedy_n thereof_o the_o king_n therefore_o by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n date_v at_o westminster_n 15_o julii_fw-la in_o the_o 18_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n constitute_v john_n de_fw-fr lascy_n and_o will._n de_fw-fr echingham_n his_o justice_n to_o make_v enquiry_n by_o the_o oath_n of_o honest_a and_o faithful_a man_n touch_v the_o same_o and_o then_o to_o do_v therein_o according_a to_o their_o discretion_n in_o 23_o e._n 1._o will._n de_fw-fr stoke_n be_v associate_v dorso_fw-la to_o the_o beforementioned_a roger_n and_o lucas_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o county_n in_o 31_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v 2._o that_o the_o bank_n and_o ditch_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o marsh_n of_o wynchelse_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o his_o land_n there_o and_o preservation_n of_o the_o adjacent_a part_n be_v then_o so_o break_v by_o the_o overflow_a of_o the_o sea_n that_o the_o say_v land_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v drown_v and_o lose_v and_o that_o his_o tenant_n of_o those_o land_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o certain_a ancient_a composition_n make_v betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o tenant_n of_o other_o land_n in_o that_o marsh_n which_o be_v that_o the_o say_v king_n land_n shall_v be_v defend_v in_o such_o reparation_n by_o the_o other_o landholders_n there_o refuse_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o those_o bank_n and_o ditch_n and_o be_v
they_o please_v for_o their_o redemption_n whereupon_o the_o say_v participant_n not_o know_v otherwise_o what_o to_o do_v complain_v several_a time_n to_o michael_n monkton_n a_o justice_n of_o peace_n in_o those_o part_n who_o not_o only_o refuse_v to_o grant_v any_o warrant_n or_o pursue_v any_o legal_a course_n for_o their_o preservation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n give_v â—nâ—ouragement_n to_o the_o riotor_n and_o upon_o a_o indictment_n exhibit_v against_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o session_n for_o these_o outrage_n which_o be_v find_v by_o the_o jury_n some_o of_o the_o justice_n there_o sit_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o fine_a the_o delinqnent_n at_o 4_o or_o 5_o mark_n a_o piece_n the_o say_v monckton_n move_v open_o that_o their_o fine_n may_v be_v but_o six_o penny_n a_o piece_n and_o insist_v so_o earnest_o thereon_o that_o the_o fine_a impose_v on_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o twelve_o penny_n a_o man_n howbeit_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o february_n 1650._o upon_o a_o full_a hear_n in_o the_o exchequer_n a_o decree_n be_v make_v for_o establish_v the_o possession_n with_o the_o participant_n which_o be_v publish_v on_o the_o place_n in_o presence_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o say_a inhabitant_n they_o have_v get_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o say_a lilburne_n wild-man_n and_o noddle_n declare_v that_o they_o will_v not_o give_v any_o obedience_n thereto_o nor_o to_o any_o order_n of_o the_o exchequer_n or_o parliament_n and_o say_v that_o they_o can_v make_v as_o good_a a_o parliament_n themselves_o some_o express_v that_o it_o be_v a_o parliament_n of_o clout_n and_o that_o if_o they_o send_v any_o force_n they_o will_v raise_v man_n to_o resist_v they_o and_o thereupon_o proceed_v to_o the_o deface_v of_o the_o church_n at_o santoft_n and_o within_o ten_o day_n time_n do_v total_o demolish_v the_o town_n itself_o with_o other_o house_n thereabouts_o to_o the_o number_n of_o fourscore_o and_o two_o habitation_n beside_o barn_n stable_n and_o outhouse_n as_o also_o a_o windmill_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o corn_n and_o rape_n then_o grow_v on_o the_o say_v 3400_o acre_n the_o damage_n of_o all_o which_o amount_v to_o fourscore_o thousand_o pound_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o sundry_a witness_n all_o which_o waste_n and_o spoil_v be_v do_v the_o say_a lilburne_n wildman_n monckton_n and_o noddle_n confederate_v together_o make_v a_o agreement_n with_o several_a of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o epworth_n that_o in_o consiration_n of_o 2000_o acre_n of_o the_o say_a land_n so_o waste_v to_o be_v give_v to_o lilburne_n and_o wildman_n and_o 200_o acre_n to_o noddell_n they_o the_o the_o say_v libburne_a wildman_n and_o noddle_n shall_v defend_v they_o from_o all_o those_o riot_n past_a and_o maintain_v they_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n in_o possession_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o 7400_o acre_n before_o lay_v waste_n and_o keep_v they_o dry_a and_o in_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o agreement_n seal_v deed_n according_o which_o be_v do_v the_o say_a lilburne_n and_o noddle_n with_o some_o other_o come_v to_o santoft_n church_n on_o the_o sunday_n and_o force_v the_o french_a congregation_n from_o thence_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o come_v thither_o except_o they_o be_v strong_a than_o they_o and_o after_o this_o the_o say_a lilburne_n and_o noddle_n go_v to_o another_o lordship_n call_v crowle_n where_o they_o agree_v with_o some_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o to_o get_v their_o commons_o again_o as_o epworth_n have_v do_v advise_v they_o to_o impound_v the_o tenant_n cattle_n and_o that_o if_o any_o replevin_n be_v bring_v they_o shall_v impound_v they_o again_o and_o break_v down_o their_o fence_n and_o eat_v up_o their_o crop_n and_o so_o tire_v they_o till_o they_o have_v attorn_v tenant_n to_o they_o all_o which_o they_o do_v according_o the_o tenant_n therefore_o be_v thus_o terrify_v and_o see_v their_o condition_n no_o better_o than_o their_o neighbour_n take_v lease_n from_o jasper_n margrave_n and_o george_n stovin_n two_o of_o lilburnes_n confederates_n who_o give_v bond_n of_o save_v they_o harmless_a by_o which_o practice_n and_o the_o former_a force_n the_o petitioner_n become_v out_v of_o their_o possession_n in_o both_o these_o manor_n and_o at_o the_o make_n of_o those_o leasâ—s_n noddle_n declare_v open_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o divers_a person_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v xxs._o with_o any_o man_n that_o assoon_o as_o lilburne_n come_v to_o london_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a parliament_n and_o that_o lilburne_n shall_v be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o call_v that_o parliament_n to_o account_v farther_o add_v that_o they_o have_v now_o finish_v this_o of_o lincolnshire_n mean_v get_v the_o land_n from_o the_o petitioner_n they_o will_v go_v into_o yorshire_n id_fw-la est_fw-la the_o rest_n of_o the_o level_n and_o do_v the_o like_a there_o and_o then_o they_o will_v give_v the_o attorney_n general_n work_n enough_o to_o do_v and_o noddel_n say_v at_o another_o time_n that_o now_o they_o have_v draw_v their_o case_n they_o will_v print_v it_o and_o nail_v it_o at_o the_o parliament_n door_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v they_o justice_n they_o will_v come_v up_o and_o make_v a_o outcry_n pull_v they_o out_o by_o the_o ear_n and_o have_v thus_o possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o proportion_n above_o mention_v they_o dimise_v several_a part_n thereof_o to_o sundry_a person_n lilburne_n himself_o repair_v the_o house_n which_o have_v be_v build_v for_o the_o minister_n and_o almost_o pull_v down_o by_o the_o rioter_n put_v his_o servant_n to_o reside_v and_o keep_v possession_n in_o it_o and_o employ_v the_o church_n for_o a_o stable_n and_o barn_n a_o narrative_n of_o all_o which_o barbarous_a outrage_n and_o high_a insolence_n of_o the_o before-specified_n lilburne_n wildman_n and_o noddle_n with_o their_o confederate_n be_v draw_v up_o in_o write_v by_o a_o committee_n of_o the_o say_a parliament_n to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o house_n but_o that_o parliament_n be_v dissolve_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o army_n april_n 10_o 1653._o which_o be_v before_o this_o report_n can_v be_v make_v by_o that_o committee_n the_o council_n of_o state_n which_o be_v set_v up_o about_o ten_o day_n follow_v do_v send_v for_o it_o and_o make_v reference_n thereof_o to_o a_o select_a committee_n of_o the_o same_o council_n who_o also_o far_a examine_v the_o business_n and_o find_v what_o have_v be_v so_o depose_v and_o report_v to_o be_v true_a signify_v as_o much_o to_o the_o say_a council_n of_o state_n whereupon_o they_o do_v order_n that_o the_o force_n of_o the_o army_n quarter_a in_o the_o level_n of_o hatfield_n chase_n or_o within_o the_o county_n of_o york_n lincoln_n and_o nottingham_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o any_o other_o that_o then_o be_v or_o may_v be_v in_o those_o part_n shall_v be_v aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o officer_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o say_a participant_n for_o settle_v and_o establish_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o 7400_o acre_n of_o those_o late_o improve_v land_n within_o the_o manor_n of_o epworth_n in_o the_o say_a report_n mention_v with_o the_o say_a participant_n and_o also_o for_o execute_v the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o say_a court_n of_o exchequer_n or_o any_o court_n of_o justice_n touch_v their_o possession_n therein_o and_o likewise_o for_o prevent_v such_o riot_n and_o outrage_n for_o the_o future_a and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o great_a damage_n suffer_v by_o the_o say_a participant_n and_o their_o tenant_n they_o far_o order_v that_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o great_a seal_n for_o the_o time_n be_v shall_v award_v a_o special_a commission_n of_o oyer_n and_o terminer_n to_o the_o judge_n of_o assize_n for_o the_o say_v respective_a county_n to_o try_v the_o ryotor_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o law_n and_o justice_n and_o to_o inquire_v of_o the_o damage_n suffer_v as_o aforesaid_a by_o the_o say_a participant_n and_o their_o tenant_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v just_a reparation_n for_o the_o same_o which_o order_n bear_v date_n at_o white_a hall_n the_o 31_o of_o august_n 1653._o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o &_o the_o former_a order_n and_o letter_n of_o the_o parliament_n &_o council_n the_o say_a inhabitant_n still_o continue_v in_o their_o riotous_a &_o rebellious_a posture_n not_o give_v any_o obedience_n thereto_o nor_o to_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o the_o court_n of_o exchequer_n nor_o precept_n of_o the_o court_n of_o sewer_n stand_v in_o defiance_n and_o opposition_n to_o all_o authority_n upon_o another_o petition_n therefore_o present_v by_o the_o say_a participant_n and_o their_o tenant_n together_o with_o a_o remonstrance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n unto_o the_o lord_n protector_n and_o his_o council_n a_o order_n of_o reference_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o xuth_o
s._n guthlake_n be_v awake_a in_o the_o night_n time_n betwixt_o his_o hour_n of_o prayer_n as_o he_o be_v accustom_v of_o a_o sudden_a he_o discern_v all_o his_o cell_n to_o be_v full_a of_o black_a troop_n of_o unclean_a spirit_n which_o creep_v in_o under_o the_o door_n as_o also_o at_o chink_n and_o hole_n and_o come_v both_o oâ—t_n of_o the_o sky_n and_o from_o the_o earth_n fill_v the_o air_n as_o it_o be_v with_o dark_a cloud_n in_o their_o look_n they_o be_v cruel_a and_o of_o form_n terrible_a have_v great_a head_n long_a neck_n lean_a face_n pale_a countenance_n ill-favoured_a beard_n rough_a ear_n wrinkle_a forehead_n fierce_a eye_n stink_a mouth_n tooth_n like_o horse_n spit_v fire_n out_o of_o their_o throat_n crooked_a jaw_n broad_a lip_n loud_a voice_n burn_a hair_n great_a cheek_n high_a breast_n rugged_a thigh_n bunch_a knee_n bend_a leg_n swell_v ankle_n preposterous_a foot_n open_a mouth_n and_o hoarse_a cry_n who_o with_o such_o mighty_a shriek_n be_v hear_v to_o roar_v that_o they_o fill_v almost_o the_o whole_a distance_n from_o heaven_n with_o their_o bellow_a noise_n and_o by_o and_o by_o rush_v into_o the_o house_n first_o bind_v the_o holy_a maâ—_n than_o draw_v he_o out_o of_o his_o cell_n and_o cast_v he_o over_o head_n and_o ear_n into_o the_o dirty_a fen_n and_o have_v so_o do_v carry_v he_o through_o the_o most_o rough_a and_o troublesome_a part_n thereof_o draw_v he_o among_o bramble_n and_o brier_n for_o the_o tear_n of_o his_o limb_n cap._n thirty-nine_o from_o crouland_n i_o come_v to_o ely_n a_o island_n situate_a in_o the_o main_a body_n of_o this_o fen_n concern_v which_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o sundry_a memorable_a passage_n that_o do_v notable_o set_v forth_o the_o vastness_n and_o depth_n of_o the_o water_n which_o do_v environ_v it_o many_o year_n since_o whereof_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n as_o they_o happen_v in_o order_n of_o time_n that_o this_o island_n be_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o a_o place_n of_o voluntary_a retirement_n by_o those_o who_o out_o of_o great_a piety_n forsake_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o transitory_a world_n betake_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o devout_a prayer_n frequent_a watch_n and_o strict_a abstinence_n i_o need_v not_o go_v about_o to_o manifest_v in_o particular_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n evidence_v unto_o we_o from_o all_o antiquity_n that_o such_o person_n do_v sever_v themselves_o in_o the_o like_a kind_n from_o the_o world_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v with_o the_o less_o disturbance_n apply_v themselves_o to_o those_o religious_a and_o holy_a duty_n s._n hierom_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o rusticus_n tell_v we_o praecipui_fw-la inventores_fw-la &_o cultores_fw-la monachatus_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la in_o veteri_fw-la teâ—â—amento_fw-la qui_fw-la aedificabant_fw-la casulas_fw-la propè_fw-la fluenta_fw-la jordanis_n &_o turbis_fw-la &_o urbibus_fw-la derelictis_fw-la polenta_fw-la &_o herbis_fw-la agrestibus_fw-la victitabant_fw-la that_o the_o principal_a beginner_n and_o lover_n of_o a_o monastique_a life_n be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n who_o leave_v the_o town_n and_o conversation_n with_o people_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v feed_v upon_o coarse_a bread_n and_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n and_o build_v themselves_o cottage_n near_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o river_n of_o jordan_n and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o special_a reason_n why_o these_o pious_a votary_n first_o seâ—led_v in_o this_o island_n as_o a_o place_n of_o so_o great_a retirement_n and_o solitude_n yet_o be_v there_o another_o viz._n the_o conveniency_n of_o fish_n that_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o food_n for_o after_o the_o rule_n of_o s._n benedict_n become_v to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n which_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o flesh_n to_o any_o of_o those_o monk_n it_o have_v so_o high_a a_o esteem_n that_o not_o only_o all_o the_o monastery_n then_o in_o be_v in_o this_o realm_n do_v with_o great_a reverence_n entertain_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v erect_v for_o divers_a age_n afterward_o be_v of_o no_o other_o order_n as_o to_o the_o erection_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v a_o brief_a touch_n with_o the_o occasion_n in_o regard_v it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a veneration_n whilst_o it_o stand_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sanctity_n of_o s._n audrey_n the_o first_o foundress_n thereof_o to_o who_o shrine_n not_o a_o few_o resort_v for_o the_o many_o miracle_n there_o wrought_v as_o be_v then_o not_o only_o with_o much_o confidence_n affirm_v but_o undoubted_o believe_v â—_o etheldreda_n vulgar_o call_v audrey_n daughter_n to_o anna_n king_n of_o the_o east-angle_n be_v through_o the_o persuasion_n of_o her_o father_n marry_v to_o tombert_n a_o prince_n of_o the_o southern_a gyrvii_n or_o fen-man_n have_v this_o isle_n of_o ely_n give_v she_o in_o dower_n by_o her_o say_a husband_n unto_o which_o after_o his_o death_n she_o retire_v a_o pure_a virgin_n notwithstanding_o she_o be_v his_o wife_n almost_o three_o year_n and_o affect_v the_o place_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o access_n to_o it_o as_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o wilderness_n sever_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n she_o there_o settle_a herself_o take_v to_o her_o company_n certain_a person_n with_o who_o she_o have_v contract_v friendship_n for_o religion_n sake_n but_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o about_o five_o year_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o such_o her_o retirement_n egfrid_n k._n of_o northumberland_n be_v high_o inflame_v with_o her_o beauty_n through_o the_o power_n of_o her_o friendsâ—_n obtain_v she_o for_o his_o wife_n howbeit_o after_o she_o have_v be_v wed_v about_o xij_o year_n she_o resolve_v no_o long_o to_o deâ—er_v the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o she_o have_v set_v her_o heart_n upon_o and_o without_o any_o free_a leave_n of_o her_o say_a husband_n as_o a_o queen_n and_o a_o virgin_n she_o repair_v to_o the_o monastery_n in_o coldingham_n in_o scotland_n where_o ebba_n her_o husband_n aunt_n be_v then_o abbess_n and_o there_o be_v veil_v a_o nun_n by_o bishop_n wilfrid_n where_o for_o the_o space_n of_o one_o whole_a year_n she_o learn_v that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v pleasant_a and_o his_o burden_n easy_a but_o then_o k._n egfrid_n desire_v to_o have_v she_o again_o as_o his_o wife_n endeavour_v to_o take_v she_o out_o of_o the_o say_v religious_a house_n and_o to_o that_o end_n forthwith_o go_v thither_o whereof_o the_o abbess_n have_v notice_n present_o advise_v she_o to_o hasten_v thence_o and_o to_o make_v no_o stay_n till_o she_o come_v to_o her_o own_o habitation_n at_o ely_n whereupon_o she_o depart_v much_o lament_v and_o sorrow_v and_o accompany_v with_o two_o holy_a virgin_n vice_n selbeâ—na_n and_o selbera_n ascend_v a_o great_a hill_n near_o colburthesheve_v at_o which_o time_n it_o please_v god_n to_o send_v such_o a_o rain_n that_o king_n egfrid_n who_o pursue_v she_o can_v not_o have_v access_n thereto_o in_o any_o place_n for_o the_o water_n where_o they_o continue_v without_o either_o meat_n or_o drink_n in_o prayer_n for_o the_o spâ—ce_n of_o seven_o day_n till_o the_o king_n without_o hope_n of_o get_v to_o she_o return_v with_o much_o amazement_n and_o go_v to_o york_n after_o which_o he_o can_v never_o endure_v s._n wilfride_n but_o long_o harbour_v revenge_n towards_o he_o do_v at_o length_n deprive_v he_o of_o his_o bishopric_n but_o these_o nun_n still_o continue_v on_o the_o top_n of_o that_o rock_n where_o almost_o faint_v for_o lack_v of_o water_n ebba_n the_o venerable_a abbess_n abovementioned_a advise_v audrey_n that_o she_o shall_v pray_v devout_o unto_o god_n that_o he_o who_o supply_v his_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n from_o the_o rock_n will_v vouchsafe_v water_n unto_o they_o in_o this_o their_o great_a necessity_n whereupon_o she_o pour_v out_o her_o prayer_n unto_o god_n with_o much_o fervency_n there_o immediate_o gush_v out_o a_o clear_a spring_n which_o not_o only_o satisfy_v their_o thirst_n at_o that_o time_n but_o ever_o since_o have_v be_v of_o such_o virtue_n that_o infirm_a people_n drink_v of_o it_o have_v thereby_o receive_v health_n to_o which_o miracle_n my_o author_n add_v one_o more_o viz._n that_o the_o footstep_n of_o this_o holy_a virgin_n be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v on_o the_o side_n of_o this_o hill_n both_o as_o she_o ascend_v and_o descend_v from_o it_o in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o if_o she_o have_v tread_v upon_o soft_a wax_n after_o this_o saint_z audrey_z for_o so_o my_o author_n now_o call_v she_o take_v with_o her_o the_o two_o maid_n beforementioned_a go_v thence_o and_o pass_v the_o river_n humbre_fw-mi land_v at_o wintringham_n in_o lincolnshire_n about_o ten_o furlong_n from_o which_o town_n they_o come_v to_o
aug._n in_o the_o say_v xlith_o year_n and_o he_o to_o be_v chardged_a with_o the_o bank_n compass_v the_o say_a fen_n with_o the_o dike_n scour_a and_o rode_a of_o both_o the_o say_a river_n etc._n etc._n with_o bridge_n staker_n drayn_n and_o other_o thing_n by_o the_o say_a law_n impose_v and_o that_o he_o the_o say_v thomas_n in_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v have_v a_o full_a three_o part_n of_o all_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o be_v lay_v out_o by_o mete_n and_o bound_n by_o certain_a man_n thereunto_o appoint_v under_o such_o condition_n etc._n etc._n for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o other_o two_o part_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o the_o say_v thomas_n by_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a law_n have_v take_v upon_o he_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o say_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o therein_o spend_v his_o whole_a estate_n to_o the_o value_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o pound_n and_o more_o and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o certain_a question_n wilful_o stir_v &c._n &c._n between_o the_o county_n of_o kesteven_n and_o holland_n about_o the_o mete_n and_o bound_n of_o the_o say_a country_n lie_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n whereby_o not_o only_o the_o say_v thomas_n can_v not_o have_v his_o say_v three_o part_v allot_v and_o set_v out_o unto_o he_o according_a to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n set_v down_o in_o the_o say_a law_n etc._n etc._n and_o whereas_o for_o the_o decide_n those_o controversy_n there_o be_v the_o 8_o of_o april_n in_o xliiij_o eliz._n a_o solemn_a meeting_n of_o many_o knight_n and_o gentleman_n stranger_n to_o both_o the_o say_a country_n who_o do_v â—ot_n only_o set_v down_o and_o determine_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o say_a bound_n but_o do_v also_o set_v out_o and_o assign_v the_o say_v three_o part_n belong_v to_o the_o say_v thomas_n lovel_n as_o by_o the_o law_n etc._n etc._n make_v at_o spald_v aforesaid_a the_o day_n and_o year_n aforesaid_a by_o sir_n henry_n north_n knight_n sir_n john_n bolles_n knight_n valentine_n browne_n henry_n warner_n robert_n bevill_n robert_n wingfeld_n anthony_n ireby_n rob._n cotton_n richard_n cox_n robert_n jetherell_n and_o john_n s._n george_n appear_v according_a to_o which_o division_n the_o same_o be_v by_o man_n skilful_a in_o survey_v divide_a and_o set_v out_o since_o which_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a conference_n and_o agreement_n for_o two_o several_a drove-way_n through_o the_o say_v three_o part_n which_o be_v last_o set_v down_o by_o way_n of_o law_n of_o sewer_n 17_o of_o march_n 45_o eliz._n by_o tho._n lord_n burlegh_n edw._n heron_n etc._n etc._n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n with_o allowance_n to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n of_o as_o much_o ground_n out_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o the_o say_a drove-way_n contain_v which_o together_o with_o the_o rest_n make_v up_o a_o full_a three_o part_n be_v by_o mete_n and_o bound_n assign_v to_o the_o say_v tho._n lovel_n and_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o enclose_v but_o can_v not_o perfect_v the_o same_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o unseasonablenesse_n of_o the_o time_n and_o riotous_a let_n and_o disturbance_n of_o lewd_a people_n cast_v down_o his_o bank_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v therefore_o enact_v ibid._n that_o the_o say_v thomas_n his_o heir_n and_o assign_v shall_v for_o ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o three_o part_n so_o set_v out_o etc._n etc._n upon_o condition_n that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o full_o perfect_v the_o say_v drayn_v within_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n from_o the_o 20_o of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v &c._n &c._n and_o after_o that_o maintain_v and_o keep_v they_o etc._n etc._n firm_a and_o depasturable_a in_o summer_n and_o winter_n except_o three_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o to_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n call_v spald_v and_o depe_v fen_n and_o gogsland_n for_o lake_n and_o sikes_n and_o xl_o acre_n in_o borne_n and_o thurlby_n fen_n and_o except_v the_o drayn_n and_o sewer_n then_o in_o the_o say_a fen_n but_o shall_v suffer_v the_o say_v two_o part_n to_o be_v drown_v &c._n &c._n by_o the_o space_n of_o a_o year_n together_o after_o the_o expiration_n of_o the_o say_v three_o year_n and_o the_o same_o certify_v by_o twelve_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n whereof_o six_o of_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o six_o of_o kesteven_n in_o the_o high_a court_n of_o chancery_n and_o there_o record_v that_o then_o in_o case_n the_o say_a ground_n within_o one_o year_n follow_v be_v not_o recover_v etc._n etc._n than_o the_o lord_n and_o proprietarìe_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n to_o re-enter_v and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n enter_v upon_o their_o common_a in_o the_o say_v three_o part_n according_a to_o their_o former_a right_n how_o far_o mr._n lovel_n proceed_v in_o this_o adventure_n i_o know_v not_o but_o his_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v as_o it_o seem_v i_o find_v that_o the_o commissioner_n for_o the_o general_a drayn_n of_o the_o great_a level_n whereof_o i_o shall_v speak_v at_o large_a by_o and_o by_o sit_v at_o wisebeche_n on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o may_n 14_o caroli_n for_o the_o impose_v of_o several_a tax_n upon_o the_o particular_a fen_n and_o marsh_n throughout_o that_o vast_a tract_n in_o order_n to_o that_o work_n assess_v lindsey_n xxx_n a_o acre_n upon_o depe_a fen_n before-specified_n and_o afterward_o scil_n in_o july_n follow_v sit_v at_o huntendon_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v the_o xxiiijth_o of_o that_o month_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n certify_v that_o they_o have_v hear_v all_o that_o can_v be_v allege_v by_o the_o learned_a council_n of_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o the_o adventurer_n touch_v that_o fen_n aswell_o for_o maâ—ter_n of_o law_n as_o fact_n and_o equity_n and_o upon_o full_a debate_n and_o advise_v consideration_n thereof_o be_v unanimous_o of_o opinion_n that_o the_o tax_v impose_v by_o the_o commissioner_n at_o wisebeche_n beforementioned_a be_v upon_o just_a ground_n and_o â—o_o resolve_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o same_o be_v not_o pay_v they_o may_v therefore_o lawful_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o further_o and_o perfect_a drayn_n thereof_o and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n which_o will_v be_v very_o great_a notwithstanding_o what_o have_v be_v before_o that_o time_n disburse_v by_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o adventurer_n and_o they_o far_o certify_v that_o before_o they_o will_v enter_v into_o the_o make_n of_o any_o such_o decree_n they_o humble_o desire_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n whether_o they_o shall_v proceed_v therein_o or_o not_o and_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v whether_o his_o majesty_n will_v become_v the_o undertaker_n of_o the_o work_n himself_o and_o so_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o the_o say_a adventurer_n to_o do_v in_o respect_n of_o their_o great_a disbursment_n therein_o whereof_o they_o have_v or_o can_v receive_v little_a fruit_n as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n then_o stand_v which_o they_o whole_o do_v submit_v to_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n and_o pleasure_n desire_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v speedy_o signify_v unto_o they_o to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v proceed_v according_o and_o humble_o offer_v this_o advice_n to_o their_o lordship_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o adventurer_n or_o any_o other_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o say_a drayn_v under_o his_o majesty_n â—o_o perform_v it_o by_o any_o way_n or_o design_n other_o than_o such_o as_o his_o majesty_n or_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v approve_v and_o direct_v by_o new_a act_n of_o sewer_n in_o that_o behalf_n as_o the_o best_a and_o most_o convenient_a for_o the_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o their_o fen_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o the_o fen_n and_o part_n of_o the_o great_a level_n thereunto_o adjoin_v in_o regard_n otherwise_o the_o drayn_n of_o these_o may_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o general_a work_n and_o they_o moreover_o desire_v that_o care_n may_v be_v take_v that_o no_o more_o time_n be_v lose_v in_o the_o prosecution_n thereof_o but_o that_o the_o same_o may_v proceed_v that_o instant_a summer_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o king_n upon_o consideration_n thereof_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v in_o answer_n to_o which_o proposal_n i_o find_v his_o majesty_n pleasure_n signify_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n by_o the_o lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n from_o theobalds_n in_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n which_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o they_o may_v proceed_v to_o make_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o far_o and_o more_o perfect_a drayn_n of_o
the_o say_v depe_v fen_n and_o thereby_o to_o adjudge_v and_o order_n aswell_o from_o his_o majesty_n be_v lord_n of_o the_o soil_n as_o from_o the_o adventurer_n and_o other_o interest_v therein_o such_o proportion_n of_o land_n as_o may_v sufficient_o bear_v the_o charge_n of_o the_o work_n and_o that_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v that_o great_a work_n of_o the_o whole_a level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n it_o be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o own_o service_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o may_v have_v just_a regard_n to_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o same_o with_o most_o public_a and_o general_a advantage_n to_o the_o whole_a fen_n he_o be_v far_o please_v to_o declare_v himself_o the_o sole_a adventurer_n aswell_o of_o this_o particular_a fen_n call_v depe_v fen_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a great_a level_n and_o that_o he_o will_v afterward_o in_o order_v the_o same_o have_v a_o just_a respect_n unto_o such_o person_n of_o honour_n and_o other_o as_o have_v any_o former_a interest_n or_o engagement_n therein_o to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n i_o find_v by_o a_o law_n of_o sewer_n pettibag_n make_v at_o st._n ives_n the_o xuth_o of_o october_n 17_o caroli_n that_o the_o commissioner_n therein_o recite_v that_o whereas_o the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n have_v a_o three_o part_n of_o this_o depe_a fen_n as_o also_o of_o spalding_n and_o pinchbek_n fen_n and_o of_o gogsland_n belong_v to_o crouland_n by_o contract_n make_v with_o captain_n thomas_n lovel_n for_o drayn_v of_o the_o say_a fen_n which_o be_v not_o perform_v the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o remain_v drown_v they_o then_o decree_v that_o the_o say_v fen_n shall_v be_v survey_v by_o the_o appointment_n of_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n jac._n and_o sir_n anthony_n thomas_n undertaker_n and_o six_o commissioner_n of_o holland_n and_o kesteven_n and_o a_o moiety_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o sir_n anthony_n and_o their_o heir_n in_o recompense_n of_o their_o charge_n for_o drayn_v thereof_o and_o two_o three_o of_o all_o the_o ground_n surround_v lie_v in_o spalding_n and_o weston_n call_v bellesmore_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o sir_n francis_n jones_n knight_n and_o two_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v turpitt_v lie_v in_o weston_n aforesaid_a and_o a_o four_o part_n of_o the_o ground_n call_v east_n fen_n lie_v in_o moulton_n and_o in_o quaplode_n and_o holbeche_n the_o one_o half_a after_o which_o divers_a gentleman_n who_o name_n be_v express_v in_o the_o map_n here_o exhibit_v become_v adventurer_n for_o the_o exsiccation_n thereof_o and_o in_o order_n thereto_o cause_v the_o river_n of_o welland_n from_o waldram_n hall_n to_o spalding_n and_o thence_o to_o the_o out-fall_a to_o be_v make_v wide_a and_o deep_o the_o drain_v call_v the_o staker_n drain_v about_o xx_o foot_n in_o breadth_n for_o to_o ease_v the_o river_n of_o glen_n together_o with_o hill_n drayne_n and_o uernat_n drayne_n they_o likewise_o make_v new_a and_o perfect_v exeter_n drayne_n from_o cubbet_n tunnel_n almost_o to_o the_o sea_n near_o spalding_n they_o also_o erect_v a_o great_a fluce_n and_o make_v all_o the_o partition_n dike_v in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o map_n show_v by_o which_o work_v the_o water_n be_v so_o well_o take_v off_o that_o in_o summer_n this_o whole_a fen_n yield_v great_a store_n of_o grass_n and_o hay_n and_o have_v be_v make_v winter_n ground_n in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o that_o the_o country_n people_n take_v advantage_n of_o the_o confusion_n throughout_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n which_o ensue_v soon_o after_o the_o convention_n of_o the_o late_a long_a parliament_n as_o be_v very_o well_o know_v possess_v themselves_o thereof_o so_o that_o the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n be_v neglect_v by_o the_o adventurer_n it_o become_v again_o overflow_v and_o so_o remain_v at_o this_o time_n cap._n xliv_o how_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o province_n be_v at_o first_o gain_v from_o the_o sea_n i_o have_v already_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o this_o my_o discourse_n brief_o manifest_v that_o therefore_o which_o now_o remain_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o reference_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v touch_v the_o far_a improvement_n thereof_o by_o drayn_v and_o bank_v and_o the_o support_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n before_o wherein_o i_o purpose_v to_o begin_v with_o crouland_n make_v famous_a of_o old_a by_o s._n guthlake_n a_o holy_a hermit_n who_o near_o a_o thousand_o year_n since_o for_o devotions_n sake_n betake_v himself_o hither_o as_o to_o a_o place_n of_o the_o great_a solitude_n how_o terrible_a and_o hideous_a the_o part_n hereabout_o then_o be_v consider_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o fen_n i_o need_v not_o to_o make_v far_a relation_n have_v elsewhere_o jac._n so_o full_o discourse_v of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o therefore_o brief_o point_v at_o what_o be_v most_o memorable_a touch_v the_o same_o in_o order_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n after_o the_o death_n of_o this_o pious_a man_n s._n guthlake_n ethelbald_n then_o king_n of_o mercia_n who_o confessor_n b._n he_o have_v be_v discern_v how_o renown_v he_o grow_v for_o sundry_a miracle_n seek_v out_o his_o sepulture_n and_o have_v send_v for_o a_o monk_n of_o evesham_n call_v kenulph_n who_o be_v then_o eminent_a for_o his_o holy_a life_n as_o also_o consult_v with_o he_o for_o the_o gather_n of_o a_o covent_n do_v in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dccxvi_o begin_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o goodly_a monastery_n in_o this_o place_n which_o he_o endow_v with_o the_o whole_a isle_n of_o crouland_n bound_v a._n with_o these_o water_n viz._n schepishee_n towards_o the_o east_n nene_n towards_o the_o west_n south_n i_o on_o the_o south_n and_o asendik_n to_o the_o north_n where_o the_o common_a sewer_n than_o be_v betwixt_o spalding_n and_o the_o say_a isle_n which_o tract_n of_o ground_n contain_v four_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o three_o in_o breadth_n and_o whereunto_o belong_v those_o large_a adjacent_a fen_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n lie_v on_o each_o side_n the_o river_n of_o weland_n that_o towards_o the_o north_n call_v goggislond_n extend_v two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o asaph_n where_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o isle_n be_v and_o one_o mile_n in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o river_n of_o weland_n on_o the_o south_n side_n thereof_o unto_o apenholt_n on_o the_o north_n to_o the_o bank_n of_o the_o water_n the_o other_o part_n of_o that_o fen_n lie_v southwards_o of_o the_o say_a stream_n of_o weland_n contain_v also_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n from_o crouland_n bridge_n to_o southlake_n near_o the_o channel_n opposite_a to_o aspath_n have_v two_o mile_n also_o in_o breadth_n viz._n from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o weland_n to_o fynsâ—tt_n on_o the_o verge_n of_o the_o river_n nene_n which_o be_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o same_o fen._n and_o because_o 20._o the_o ground_n whereon_o the_o king_n design_v to_o erect_v this_o abbey_n be_v so_o moist_a and_o fenny_a that_o it_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o bear_v a_o build_n of_o stone_n he_o bring_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o mighty_a pile_n make_v of_o oak_n and_o alder_n which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v drive_v deep_a into_o the_o ground_n as_o also_o a_o great_a proportion_n of_o firm_a and_o hard_a earth_n dig_v nine_o mile_n thence_o and_o upon_o those_o he_o raise_v that_o structure_n that_o oratory_n which_o s._n guthlake_n have_v there_o be_v only_o of_o timber_n and_o now_o though_o i_o have_v already_o point_v at_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o isle_n from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o before-specified_n charter_n of_o king_n ethelbald_n nevertheless_o because_o i_o find_v it_o afterward_o more_o exact_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o confirmation_n of_o other_o king_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o place_n therein_o express_v may_v give_v a_o clear_a light_n unto_o what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v of_o thâ—se_a fenny_a part_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o two_o other_o description_n of_o the_o say_a boundary_n that_o first_o whereof_o be_v by_o bertulph_n king_n of_o mercia_n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccli_o viz._n aâ—_n from_o aswicktost_a hirne_n to_o tedwarthar_n the_o water_n of_o schâ—pishâ—e_n have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o west_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n of_o cappelade_v on_o the_o east_n and_o from_o tedwarthar_n to_o namans_n land_n hirne_n the_o water_n of_o the_o south_n i_fw-mi bound_v it_o have_v the_o same_o isle_n on_o the_o north_n thereof_o and_o the_o wood_n of_o ancarig_n id_fw-la est_fw-la thorney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o from_o namans_n land_n hirne_n to_o crouland_n bridge_n the_o river_n of_o nene_n be_v the_o limit_n thereof_o have_v the_o say_a isle_n on_o the_o east_n part_n and_o the_o fen_n call_v alderlound_n on_o the_o west_n and_o from_o
the_o archangel_n to_o answer_v unto_o the_o particular_n contain_v in_o the_o say_a presentment_n who_o come_v according_o and_o say_v that_o he_o himself_o and_o some_o of_o his_o predecessor_n with_o their_o tenant_n and_o fermour_n in_o the_o town_n and_o place_n adjacent_a to_o those_o bank_n have_v for_o their_o own_o commodity_n and_o benefit_n often_o repair_v divers_a part_n of_o they_o but_o not_o at_o all_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o country_n and_o thereupon_o do_v put_v himself_o upon_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o jury_n which_o be_v summon_v to_o appear_v come_v and_o say_v upon_o their_o oath_n that_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o predecessor_n as_o also_o their_o servant_n tenant_n and_o fermour_n of_o their_o land_n and_o tenement_n lie_v in_o the_o place_n adjoin_v to_o those_o bank_n have_v very_o often_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o damage_n to_o themselves_o repair_v those_o bank_n for_o their_o own_o private_a advantage_n as_o he_o the_o say_a abbot_n have_v plead_v and_o not_o otherwise_o and_o that_o neither_o the_o say_a abbot_n nor_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n have_v ever_o repair_v they_o for_o the_o safeguard_n of_o the_o country_n or_o keep_v in_o the_o water_n within_o the_o say_a bank_n for_o the_o benefit_n and_o commodity_n of_o the_o king_n liege_n people_n wherefore_o the_o say_a abbot_n be_v dischardged_a from_o that_o presentment_n but_o after_o this_o viz._n in_o h._n 6._o time_n there_o be_v a_o inquisition_n cedulâ_fw-la take_v at_o staunford_n in_o this_o county_n before_o sir_n john_n beauchamp_n knight_n then_z steward_z of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o john_n duke_n of_o norfolk_n marshal_z of_o england_n and_o the_o marshal_n of_o the_o court_n of_o marshalsiâ—_n in_o the_o say_v king_n household_n where_o it_o be_v find_v by_o the_o juror_n that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a clough_n call_v shiphey_n lie_v at_o dousdale_n in_o the_o parish_n of_o crouland_n then_o break_v by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o land_n and_o tenement_n of_o divers_a person_n thereabouts_o be_v overflow_v to_o their_o great_a damage_n and_o hindrance_n and_o that_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n ought_v to_o repair_v the_o same_o as_o he_o and_o his_o predecessor_n have_v former_o use_v to_o do_v which_o clough_n have_v be_v break_v and_o out_o of_o repair_n from_o the_o feast_n of_o easter_n in_o the_o xxxvi_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n henry_n the_o vi_o and_o do_v so_o remain_v at_o the_o take_n of_o this_o inquisition_n upon_o which_o presentment_n so_o make_v by_o the_o say_a juror_n as_o aforesaid_a the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n by_o his_o attorney_n appear_v at_o depe_v upon_o thursday_n next_o after_o the_o feast_n of_o all_o saint_n in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o king_n edward_n 4_o before_o the_o steward_n and_o marshal_n of_o the_o king_n household_n and_o plead_v not_o guilty_a as_o to_o the_o say_a charge_n but_o because_o he_o will_v not_o contest_v therein_o with_o the_o king_n he_o submit_v himself_o and_o desire_v that_o he_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o his_o fine_n and_o be_v according_o which_o the_o court_n assess_v at_o vis._o viij_o d._n in_o 3_o h._n 5._o there_o be_v a_o award_n 7._o make_v betwixt_o the_o abbot_n of_o crouland_n and_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o spald_v and_o pinchebec_n by_o john_n woodhouse_n chancellor_n of_o the_o duchy_n of_o lancaster_n john_n leventhorp_n receiver_n and_o will._n babington_n one_o of_o the_o council_n of_o the_o say_a duchy_n with_o the_o assistance_n of_o richard_n norton_n chief_a justice_n of_o the_o common_a plea_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o then_o justice_n of_o that_o court_n who_o do_v decree_n to_o the_o say_a abbot_n and_o his_o successor_n all_o the_o soil_n of_o goggisland_n together_o with_o the_o whole_a fish_n and_o fowl_v therein_o and_o that_o the_o say_v inhabitant_n of_o spalding_n and_o pinchebec_n shall_v be_v exclude_v from_o take_v any_o other_o profit_v therein_o except_v common_a of_o pasture_n cap._n xlv_o have_v now_o do_v with_o what_o concern_v that_o sometime_o famous_a monastery_n of_o crouland_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o the_o remainder_n of_o this_o province_n but_o before_o i_o descend_v to_o speak_v in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o support_n and_o maintenance_n of_o those_o ancient_a bank_n so_o long_o before_o make_v for_o the_o gain_v thereof_o from_o the_o sea_n and_o its_o defence_n against_o the_o fresh_a water_n as_o also_o such_o work_n of_o drayn_v or_o otherwise_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_a improve_n of_o all_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o same_o i_o think_v it_o not_o impertinent_a to_o take_v notice_n that_o these_o follow_a marsh_n and_o fen_n be_v observe_v to_o have_v long_o since_o be_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o it_o viz._n in_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n dcccxxxij_o in_o b._n langtoft_n to_o the_o extent_n of_o two_o mile_n in_o length_n and_o as_o much_o in_o breadth_n in_o ibid._n baston_n xuj_o furlong_n in_o length_n and_o eight_o in_o breadth_n in_o a._n holbeche_n and_o capelade_v in_o the_o year_n dcccli_o five_o thousand_o acre_n and_o in_o the_o norman_a conqueror_n time_n in_o b._n algarekirk_n ten_o ox_n gang_v then_o waste_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o sea_n inundation_n next_o to_o observe_v that_o king_n henry_n the_o first_o do_v xlii_o afforest_n a_o great_a part_n thereof_o aswell_o as_o of_o kesteven_n already_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o king_n john_n do_v in_o the_o five_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n deafforest_n 30._o all_o those_o land_n that_o belong_v to_o surflet_n gosbercherche_fw-fr quadaver_a and_o dunnington_n as_o to_o the_o sea-bank_n in_o this_o province_n i_o find_v no_o mention_n of_o they_o till_o king_n henry_n the_o three_o time_n but_o than_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o say_a king_n direct_v his_o precept_n 15._o to_o the_o shireeve_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o that_o hold_v any_o land_n liable_a to_o the_o repair_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v repair_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o use_v to_o be_v which_o tenant_n be_v afterward_o to_o have_v allowance_n thereof_o from_o their_o landlord_n and_o about_o four_o year_n afterward_o viz._n in_o 44._o h._n 3._o the_o say_a king_n by_o his_o letter_n dorso_fw-la patent_n to_o henry_n de_fw-fr bath_n of_o who_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v signal_n mention_v in_o my_o discourse_n of_o romeney_n marsh_n recite_v that_o whereas_o through_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o sea_n into_o these_o part_n of_o holland_n inestimable_a loss_n have_v happen_v and_o more_o be_v imminent_a as_o he_o have_v credible_a information_n and_o that_o by_o reason_n thereof_o he_o have_v send_v his_o precept_n to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n to_o distrain_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v any_o land_n and_o tenement_n in_o these_o part_n which_o ought_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o ditch_n bridge_n and_o bank_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o fen_n therein_o in_o order_n to_o the_o repair_n and_o maintenance_n of_o they_o according_a to_o the_o quantity_n of_o their_o say_a land_n nevertheless_o for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o great_a care_n of_o that_o work_n he_o appoint_v dorso_fw-la the_o before-specified_n henry_n together_o with_o the_o say_a shireeve_n to_o provide_v forthwith_o for_o those_o repair_n and_o to_o make_v distress_n for_o the_o same_o in_o such_o sort_n as_o he_o shall_v think_v most_o fit_a and_o conduce_v to_o the_o benefit_n and_o security_n of_o those_o part_n in_o 47_o h._n 3._o there_o be_v a_o presentment_n 8._o by_o a_o jury_n exhibit_v to_o martin_n de_fw-fr litlebury_n and_o his_o fellow_n justice_n itinerant_a at_o lincoln_n on_o the_o morrow_n after_o the_o clause_n of_o easter_n show_v that_o ancient_o in_o the_o time_n of_o old_a will._n de_fw-fr rumare_fw-la earl_n oâ—_n linâ—colne_n chester_n it_o happen_v that_o two_o man_n carry_v a_o corpse_n from_o stikeney_n to_o cibecey_n to_o be_v bury_v in_o the_o churchyard_n there_o drown_v it_o on_o north_n dyke_n causey_n which_o be_v tell_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n a._n he_o acquaint_v the_o abbot_n of_o revesby_n therewith_o and_o advertise_v he_o that_o he_o and_o his_o covent_n aught_o at_o their_o own_o proper_a charge_n to_o repair_v and_o maintain_v the_o say_a causey_n in_o consideration_n of_o two_o piece_n of_o ground_n which_o he_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v give_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o ever_o whereof_o one_o be_v call_v heyholme_n and_o the_o other_o west_n few_o contain_v about_o sixscore_o acre_n and_o worth_a by_o the_o year_n vil._o and_o the_o juror_n far_o say_v that_o the_o before-specified_n abbot_n and_o covent_n which_o then_o be_v do_v receive_v that_o land_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o same_o causey_n for_o ever_o and_o that_o they_o do_v according_o repair_v it_o for_o a_o long_a time_n until_o that_o
suffer_v to_o run_v as_o also_o a_o bridge_n present_o lay_v over_o mâ—rtij_fw-la but_o on_o the_o xuth_o of_o march_n next_o ensue_v there_o happen_v so_o great_a a_o storm_n that_o it_o break_v the_o bank_n of_o this_o new_a river_n and_o drown_v neatmore_n with_o the_o several_n adjoin_v so_o that_o on_o the_o xxi_o martij_fw-la of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o march_n they_o be_v constrain_v to_o stop_v the_o river_n at_o upwell_n town_n end_n again_o not_o long_o after_o this_o there_o be_v a_o petition_n b._n exhibit_v to_o the_o king_n by_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a fen-town_n without_o the_o i_o will_v of_o ely_n in_o the_o county_n of_o suff._n and_o cambridg_n humble_o desire_v that_o whereas_o a_o most_o laudable_a work_n of_o drayn_v the_o fen_n etc._n etc._n be_v then_o recommend_v to_o the_o high_a court_n of_o parliament_n and_o that_o divers_a town_n lie_v on_o the_o skirt_n of_o those_o fen_n will_v have_v no_o benefit_n thereby_o in_o regard_n their_o land_n be_v very_o seldom_o surround_v they_o therefore_o may_v be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o intend_a act_n of_o parliament_n whereby_o a_o proportion_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n ground_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o the_o undertaker_n in_o the_o drayn_n for_o the_o support_v of_o their_o charge_n therein_o whereupon_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n a._n date_v at_o white-hall_n upon_o the_o xxxi_o of_o august_n in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o say_v k._n james_n his_o reign_n 1606._o recite_v what_o have_v be_v signify_v former_o by_o they_o as_o to_o the_o fecibleness_n of_o the_o before-specified_n drayn_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n chief_a justice_n popham_n be_v present_a at_o the_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n and_o give_v notice_n to_o the_o country_n that_o his_o majesty_n pleasure_n be_v so_o far_o to_o further_o the_o same_o as_o to_z man_n of_o understanding_n may_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o the_o general_a good_a of_o his_o people_n as_o also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n then_o make_v for_o the_o say_v drayn_v and_o moreover_o that_o at_o another_o session_n hold_v at_o wysbeche_n order_n be_v take_v for_o the_o draw_v of_o a_o law_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o parliament_n for_o confirmation_n thereof_o but_o that_o some_o person_n not_o well_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o cause_n complain_v to_o his_o majesty_n of_o great_a loss_n and_o hindrance_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o sustain_v in_o case_n the_o say_a act_n shall_v proceed_v and_o therefore_o desire_v the_o say_v commissioner_n to_o examine_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o complaint_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o fen_n with_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o last_o year_n profit_n and_o that_o present_a year_n in_o answer_v whereunto_o the_o say_v commissioner_n make_v this_o return_n bâ—_n to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v meet_v at_o cambridge_n on_o the_o 22._o of_o october_n 1606._o for_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o petition_n former_o mention_v and_o that_o they_o find_v few_o reason_n to_o fortify_v it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v or_o may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o the_o intend_a bill_n all_o person_n with_o who_o they_o have_v treat_v have_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o want_n of_o drayn_v be_v a_o inestimable_a hurt_n to_o those_o fenny_a country_n and_o that_o whereas_o a_o objection_n have_v be_v make_v of_o much_o prejudice_n that_o may_v redound_v to_o the_o poor_a by_o such_o drayn_n they_o have_v information_n by_o person_n of_o good_a credit_n that_o in_o several_a place_n of_o recover_a ground_n within_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n etc._n etc._n such_o as_o before_o that_o time_n have_v live_v upon_o alm_n have_v no_o help_n but_o by_o fish_v and_o fowl_v and_o such_o poor_a mean_n out_o of_o the_o common_a fen_n while_o they_o lay_v drown_v be_v since_o come_v to_o good_a and_o supportable_a estate_n the_o chief_a content_n a._n of_o the_o bill_n handle_v in_o parliament_n anno_fw-la 4._o regis_fw-la jacobi_n touch_v this_o general_a drayn_n the_o limitation_n of_o time_n allow_v to_o sir_n john_n popam_n knight_n lord_n chief_z justice_z and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o adventurer_n for_o accomplish_v the_o work_n be_v to_o be_v ten_o year_n after_o the_o end_n of_o that_o session_n of_o parliament_n the_o particular_a cutts_n and_o drayn_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o undertaker_n be_v as_o follow_v 1._o a_o new_a river_n with_o a_o bank_n and_o indike_a from_o the_o upland_n near_o peykirke_n between_o weland_n and_o burrow_n bank_n unto_o or_o near_o heddike_n corner_n and_o thence_o to_o crouland_n water_n head_n and_o there_o to_o place_v a_o sluse_n and_o so_o to_o great_a porsand_n bank_n with_o a_o dam_n over_o the_o river_n to_o the_o say_a bank_n to_o keep_v in_o weland_n from_o overflow_a 2._o to_o amend_v the_o leame_z from_o peterborough_n to_o guyhirne_n and_o to_o cut_v a_o new_a river_n and_o bank_n on_o either_o side_n of_o the_o say_v leame_z with_o indikes_n for_o preserve_v of_o the_o bank_n the_o north_n bank_n to_o begin_v from_o burrow_n little_a fen_n bank_n where_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 3._o to_o enlarge_v the_o river_n from_o guy_n hirne_n to_o wisebeche_n and_o so_o to_o the_o four_o goat_n 4._o to_o make_v a_o sufficient_a passage_n for_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n from_o erith_n to_o salter_n load_n either_o by_o enlarge_n its_o channel_n or_o embank_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o make_v two_o new_a river_n to_o begin_v about_o erith_n brigg_n and_o so_o to_o go_v by_o sprall_n be_v to_o maid_n load_n and_o so_o through_o denver_n fen_n into_o ouse_n about_o denver_n hithe_o with_o sufficient_a bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n and_o sluice_n at_o the_o upper_a end_n of_o the_o new_a river_n and_o west_n water_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o the_o navigation_n in_o old_a ouse_n and_o grant_n may_v not_o be_v impair_v 5._o to_o imbank_v in_o all_o needful_a place_n grant_v mildenhall_n brandon_n and_o stoke_n river_n viz._n grant_v from_o a_o corner_n below_o clayhithe_n ferrey_n mildenhall_n and_o brandon_n rivers_n from_o their_o entrance_n into_o the_o fen_n or_o from_o some_o other_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o stoke_n river_n from_o stoke_n causey_n unto_o the_o place_n where_o they_o fall_v into_o ouse_n and_o to_o enlarge_v they_o where_o need_n be_v with_o bank_n and_o indikes_n etc._n etc._n as_o six_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v fit_a 6._o and_o to_o make_v new_a river_n bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n where_o need_n be_v &c._n &c._n yield_v to_o the_o owner_n of_o the_o land_n such_o recompense_n as_o any_o six_o of_o the_o say_a commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a as_o also_o bridges_n passage_n sluice_n and_o land_n eas._n 7._o that_o they_o may_v take_v in_o water_n to_o maintain_v fish_v so_o as_o the_o same_o be_v keep_v within_o bank_n and_o be_v not_o hurtful_a to_o the_o adjoin_a fen_n 8._o to_o make_v ferrye_n and_o ferrey_n house_n where_o need_n be_v 9_o that_o for_o this_o performance_n the_o undertaker_n etc._n etc._n to_o have_v in_o severalty_n 112000._o acre_n statute_n measure_n by_o the_o small_a hundred_o by_o assignation_n of_o the_o commissioner_n 10._o that_o where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a waste_n to_o answer_v the_o undertaker_n and_o leave_v sufficient_a for_o the_o commoner_n the_o land_n owner_n not_o to_o be_v impeach_v in_o their_o several_n 11._o that_o the_o commissioner_n do_v respect_v both_o quantity_n and_o quality_n in_o their_o opportion_v 12._o that_o such_o opportion_v be_v make_v before_o michaellmass_n a._n 1007._o if_o they_o may_v 13._o that_o of_o waltersey_n the_o undertaker_n to_o have_v 2._o full_a part_n of_o 3._o to_o be_v set_v out_o as_o aforesaid_a 14._o that_o the_o undertaker_n shall_v have_v the_o soil_n water_n and_o fish_v of_o all_o the_o new_a river_n so_o to_o be_v make_v with_o the_o bank_n indikes_n etc._n etc._n 15._o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o take_v their_o profit_n as_o they_o finish_v their_o drayning_n 16._o that_o if_o any_o of_o the_o ground_n shall_v be_v again_o overflowen_v recompense_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o party_n damnify_v out_o of_o the_o 112000._o acre_n to_o be_v assess_v by_o any_o six_o justice_n of_o the_o peace_n whereof_o 2._o of_o the_o quorum_fw-la where_o such_o surround_v shall_v happen_v 17._o that_o all_o ground_n adjoin_v to_o these_o fen_n which_o be_v better_v by_o the_o drayn_n shall_v contribute_v towards_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o undertaker_n as_o any_o six_o or_o more_o of_o the_o commissioner_n shall_v think_v meet_a 18._o that_o all_o manor_n waste_v and_o common_a shall_v have_v mete_n and_o boundary_n set_v to_o they_o by_o the_o say_a commissioner_n where_o the_o bound_n be_v
xxvi_o of_o september_n pâ—_n in_o a_o session_n â—_o hold_v at_o king_n linne_n in_o the_o county_n of_o norfolk_n there_o be_v another_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v call_v low_a fen_n and_o uualsingham_n fen_n law_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v viz._n whereas_o there_o be_v about_o 1300_o acre_n of_o low_a ground_n lie_v together_o in_o the_o several_a parish_n of_o upwell_n and_o outwell_n in_o the_o county_n aforesaid_a between_o popham_n river_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o bank_n call_v bardyke_n and_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o north_n and_o outwell_n crest_n towards_o the_o east_n which_o be_v preserve_v from_o overflow_a by_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o by_o the_o bank_n on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o popham_n river_n aforesaid_a which_o low_a ground_n may_v be_v drayn_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o repair_n of_o the_o say_a crest_n and_o of_o the_o north_n bank_n of_o popham_n river_n will_v be_v a_o defence_n to_o the_o new_a ☜_o powdich_n and_o a_o great_a preservation_n to_o the_o country_n of_o marshland_n and_o whereas_o the_o drain_v from_o plawfield_n in_o upwell_n to_o hodghyrne_n and_o there_o fall_v into_o rightforth_n load_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o sluse_n near_o stow_n bridge_n into_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n be_v very_o defective_a etc._n etc._n which_o be_v repair_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o drain_v all_o those_o low_a ground_n we_o do_v ordain_v and_o decree_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o shall_v be_v lawful_a â—or_a the_o landholders_n and_o commoner_n of_o and_o in_o the_o say_v low_a ground_n etc._n etc._n to_o drain_v they_o through_o the_o say_a sewer_n and_o we_o do_v far_o ordain_v that_o the_o say_a sewer_n from_o the_o say_a sluse_n to_o a_o place_n call_v west_n head_n shall_v be_v dike_v etc._n etc._n ten_o foot_n broad_a in_o the_o bottom_n at_o the_o least_o and_o in_o depth_n proportionable_a etc._n etc._n and_o from_o thence_o to_o uuelle_fw-fr river_n x_o foot_n broad_a and_o 5_o foot_n deep_a and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o menure_n to_o be_v cast_v on_o the_o south_n side_n of_o the_o say_v lode_n from_o uu_a head_n to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hodge_n hirne_n for_o the_o make_n of_o a_o sufficient_a crest_n to_o hold_v the_o water_n within_o the_o brink_n thereof_o and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v place_v in_o the_o north_n end_n of_o churchfield_n dike_v in_o outwell_n a_o sluse_n of_o brick_n with_o a_o tunnel_n of_o two_o foot_n broad_a and_o three_o foot_n high_a with_o a_o door_n to_o be_v pull_v up_o &_o shut_v etc._n etc._n and_o from_o the_o say_a sluse_n a_o drayn_n or_o sewer_n to_o be_v make_v under_o churchfield_n dike_v on_o the_o east_n part_v thereof_o to_o the_o north_n end_n of_o champney-corner_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o drayn_n in_o a_o ancient_a dike_n between_o outwell_n common_a on_o the_o north_n etc._n etc._n to_o north_n delft_n 1611._o upon_o a._n tuesday_n be_v the_o 8_o of_o october_n follow_v in_o the_o night_n tide_n the_o dam_n make_v by_o mr._n hunt_v for_o coldham_n a_o little_a below_o stow_n bridge_n break_v up_o and_o on_o wednesday_n be_v inward_o take_v with_o a_o little_a light_n moor_n break_v again_o so_o likewise_o on_o thursday_n be_v take_v with_o earth_n between_o plank_n set_v end-wise_a it_o break_v again_o and_o continue_v run_v till_o sunday_n oct._n 13._o at_o which_o place_n there_o assemble_v that_o day_n sir_n ralph_n hare_n and_o six_o other_o commissioner_n who_o lay_v the_o command_n of_o the_o work_n and_o order_n of_o it_o upon_o mr._n richard_n hunt_n he_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o country_n take_v it_o in_o hand_n and_o make_v it_o firm_a before_o the_o return_n of_o the_o next_o tide_n but_o as_o we_o see_v by_o how_o little_a be_v do_v in_o this_o and_o most_o of_o the_o precedent_a year_n that_o the_o general_a drayn_n go_v but_o slow_o on_o notwithstanding_o the_o king_n himself_o as_o also_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n and_o those_o gentleman_n who_o be_v constitute_v commissioner_n for_o that_o purpose_n have_v so_o earnest_o endeavour_v the_o speed_a thereof_o so_o be_v there_o now_o such_o a_o stop_n for_o the_o space_n of_o five_o year_n at_o the_o least_o that_o there_o nothing_o appear_v of_o consequence_n to_o have_v be_v far_o prosecute_v therein_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o opposition_n which_o divers_a perverse_a spirit_v people_n make_v thereto_o by_o bring_v of_o turbulent_a suit_n in_o law_n aswell_o against_o the_o say_a commissioner_n as_o those_o who_o they_o employ_v therein_o and_o make_v of_o libellous_a song_n to_o disparage_v the_o work_n of_o which_o kind_n i_o have_v here_o think_v fit_a to_o insert_v one_o call_v the_o powte_v complaint_n come_v brethren_n of_o the_o water_n and_o let_v we_o all_o assemble_v to_o treat_v upon_o this_o matter_n which_o make_v we_o quake_v and_o tremble_v for_o we_o shall_v rue_v it_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o fen_n be_v undertake_v and_o where_o we_o feed_v in_o fen_n and_o reed_n they_o will_v feed_v both_o beef_n and_o bacon_n they_o will_v sow_v both_o bean_n and_o oat_n where_o never_o man_n yet_o think_v it_o where_o man_n do_v row_v in_o boat_n ere_o undertaker_n buy_v it_o but_o ceres_n thou_o behold_v we_o let_v wild_a oat_n be_v their_o venture_n oh_o let_v the_o frog_n and_o miry_a bog_n destroy_v where_o they_o do_v enter_v behold_v the_o great_a design_n which_o they_o do_v now_o determine_v will_v make_v our_o body_n pine_v a_o prey_n to_o crow_n and_o vermin_n for_o they_o do_v mean_v all_o fen_n to_o drain_v and_o water_n overmaster_v all_o will_v be_v dry_a and_o we_o must_v die_v because_o essex-calve_n want_v pasture_n away_o with_o boat_n and_o rodder_n farewell_n both_o boötes_n and_o skatche_n no_o need_n of_o one_o nor_o tother_o man_n now_o make_v better_a match_n stiltmaker_n all_o and_o tanner_n shall_v complain_v of_o this_o disaster_n for_o they_o will_v make_v each_o muddy_a lake_n for_o essex_n calf_n a_o pasture_n the_o feather_a fowl_n have_v wing_n to_o fly_v to_o other_o nation_n but_o we_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o help_v our_o transportation_n we_o must_v give_v place_n oh_o grievous_a case_n to_o horn_a beast_n and_o cattle_n except_o that_o we_o can_v all_o agree_v to_o drive_v they_o out_o by_o battle_n wherefore_o let_v we_o entreat_v our_o ancient_a water_n nurse_n to_o show_v their_o power_n so_o great_a as_o to_o help_v to_o drain_v their_o purse_n and_o send_v we_o good_a old_a captain_n flood_n to_o lead_v we_o out_o to_o battle_n then_o twopenny_a jack_n with_o skake_n on_o his_o back_n will_v drive_v out_o all_o the_o cattle_n this_o noble_a captain_n yet_o be_v never_o know_v to_o fail_v we_o but_o do_v the_o conquest_n get_v of_o all_o that_o do_v assail_v we_o his_o furious_a rage_n none_o can_v assuage_v but_o to_o the_o world_n great_a wonder_n he_o bear_v down_o bank_n and_o break_v their_o rank_n and_o whirly-gigg_n asunder_o god_n aeolus_n we_o do_v thou_o pray_v that_o thou_o will_v not_o be_v want_v thou_o never_o say_v we_o nay_o now_o listen_v to_o our_o cant_v do_v thou_o deride_v their_o hope_n and_o pride_n that_o purpose_n our_o confusion_n and_o send_v a_o blast_n that_o they_o in_o haste_n may_v work_v no_o good_a conclusion_n great_a neptune_n god_n of_o sea_n this_o work_n must_v needs_o provoke_v thou_o they_o mean_v thou_o to_o disease_n and_o with_o fen-water_n choke_v thou_o but_o with_o thy_o mace_n do_v thou_o deface_v and_o quite_o confound_v this_o matter_n and_o send_v thy_o sand_n to_o make_v dry_a land_n when_o they_o shall_v want_v fresh_a water_n and_o eke_o we_o pray_v thou_o moon_n that_o thou_o will_v be_v propitious_a to_o see_v that_o nought_o be_v do_v to_o prosper_v the_o malicious_a though_o summer_n heat_n have_v wrought_v a_o feat_n whereby_o themselves_o they_o flatter_v yet_o be_v so_o good_a as_o send_v a_o flood_n lest_o essex_n calf_n want_v water_n upon_o great_a complaint_n therefore_o of_o these_o their_o do_n make_v to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n i_o find_v this_o order_n 1616._o make_v by_o they_o bearing_z date_n at_o white_a hall_n upon_o the_o 8_o of_o november_n in_o the_o xiiijth_o year_n of_o the_o say_v king_n reign_n viz._n that_o whereas_o sundry_a vexatious_a suit_n have_v be_v bring_v against_o his_o majesty_n commissioner_n of_o sewer_n and_o their_o officer_n by_o divers_a obstinate_a person_n for_o execute_v the_o order_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o say_a commission_n to_o the_o great_a hazard_n of_o the_o inundation_n of_o many_o large_a level_n in_o the_o county_n of_o northt_v hunt_n cambr._n and_o linc._n that_o the_o say_a lord_n well_o weigh_v these_o undue_a proceed_n and_o the_o ancient_a law_n of_o this_o realm_n evidence_v from_o divers_a notable_a record_n in_o
dike_v and_o upon_o report_n make_v to_o the_o say_a lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o the_o before-specified_n sir_n clement_n edmunds_n it_o be_v order_v 1618._o by_o their_o lordship_n that_o the_o earl_n of_o arundel_n the_o bishop_n of_o winchester_n the_o lord_n carew_n mr._n treasurer_n and_o mr._n comptroller_n of_o his_o majesty_n household_n mr._n chancellor_n of_o the_o exchequer_n the_o mr._n of_o the_o roll_n and_o sir_n edw._n coke_n or_o any_o 4._o of_o they_o shall_v take_v consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o business_n etc._n etc._n and_o prepare_v some_o opinion_n to_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o board_n of_o what_o present_a course_n may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v take_v therein_o in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o order_n the_o say_a earl_n of_o arundel_n make_v a_o journey_n into_o these_o part_n where_o have_v treaty_n with_o sir_n william_n ayloff_n knight_n and_o baronet_n anthony_n thomas_n esquire_n and_o other_o they_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n anthony_n and_o the_o rest_n as_o undertaker_n in_o this_o great_a adventure_n do_v in_o consideration_n of_o the_o pain_n and_o cost_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o bestow_v therein_o make_v these_o â—ollowing_a proposal_n b._n viz._n 1._o to_o have_v all_o the_o king_n land_n drown_v with_o fresh_a or_o salt_a water_n which_o shall_v be_v so_o recover_v at_o the_o free_a rent_n of_o iiijd_n the_o acre_n over_o and_o above_o all_o rent_n or_o revenue_n then_o in_o be_v or_o come_v to_o his_o majesty_n 2._o to_o have_v all_o the_o prince_n his_o land_n upon_o the_o like_a condition_n 3._o to_o have_v of_o all_o subject_n land_n so_o drown_v all_o the_o year_n two_o three_o to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n to_o hold_v in_o severalty_n for_o ever_o 4._o and_o of_o all_o such_o land_n of_o subject_n which_o lie_v drown_v half_o the_o year_n to_o have_v the_o one_o half_a to_o they_o the_o say_v undertaker_n and_o their_o heir_n of_o which_o proposal_n the_o king_n like_v well_o he_o do_v by_o his_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n bear_v date_n the_o 4._o of_o september_n in_o the_o xvij_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n signify_v unto_o they_o that_o the_o say_a sir_n william_n and_o anthony_n with_o other_o have_v undertake_v to_o drain_v all_o the_o fen_n in_o the_o county_n of_o cambr._n and_o isle_n of_o ely_n norff._n suff._n linc._n northt_v and_o hunt_n with_o the_o good_a like_n of_o his_o say_a majesty_n and_o his_o acceptance_n of_o their_o proposition_n and_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o design_n to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v be_v aid_v to_o they_o in_o expedit_v such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v and_o to_o further_o they_o therein_o with_o their_o authority_n in_o all_o lawful_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n by_o their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o sewer_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n do_v purpose_n to_o begin_v their_o work_n at_o the_o sea_n by_o open_v the_o outfall_n of_o nene_n and_o weland_n and_o to_o make_v the_o same_o navigable_a to_o spalding_n and_o wisbeche_n which_o will_v take_v away_o all_o fear_n of_o turn_v the_o water_n upon_o any_o neighbour_n country_n and_o draw_v the_o same_o into_o their_o true_a and_o natural_a channel_n and_o that_o whatever_o commission_n or_o assistance_n they_o shall_v desire_v to_o further_a this_o work_n order_n shall_v be_v take_v for_o the_o same_o desire_v they_o to_o observe_v the_o king_n direction_n therein_o whereupon_o within_o three_o day_n after_o the_o say_a commissioner_n meet_v 1619._o at_o peterborough_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n then_o and_o there_o hold_v forthwith_o order_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o the_o instruction_n by_o they_o receive_v from_o the_o king_n majesty_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o his_o council_n the_o undertaker_n before-specified_n shall_v have_v the_o free_a consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v with_o their_o enterprise_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v think_v meet_a and_o likewise_o their_o furtherance_n in_o such_o contract_n as_o they_o shall_v make_v with_o the_o lord_n owner_n and_o commoner_n interest_v in_o the_o say_a fen_n and_o moreover_o that_o further_a time_n and_o long_a day_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o they_o for_o perfect_v their_o work_n in_o the_o river_n of_o ouse_n nene_n and_o weland_n and_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o they_o viz._n until_o the_o first_o day_n of_o august_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o no_o advantage_n take_v of_o the_o penalty_n in_o the_o law_n former_o make_v for_o effect_v the_o business_n before_o that_o time_n and_o in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o ely_n the_o 20_o and_o 23_o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o september_n 1619._o have_v receive_v these_o follow_a proposition_n from_o the_o undertaker_n viz._n 1._o that_o their_o intent_n be_v so_o to_o drain_v the_o say_a fen_n and_o ground_n as_o that_o by_o their_o say_a work_n no_o person_n shall_v receive_v any_o hurt_n 2._o that_o they_o will_v from_o time_n to_o time_n maintain_v and_o scour_v the_o same_o so_o drayn_v 3._o that_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v any_o recompense_n but_o where_o through_o their_o industry_n a_o increase_n of_o benefit_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o that_o after_o their_o work_n shall_v be_v perfect_v 4._o that_o if_o question_n shall_v arise_v whether_o any_o benefit_n be_v receive_v in_o any_o particular_a by_o their_o industry_n it_o shall_v be_v decide_v by_o a_o sufficient_a and_o able_a jury_n to_o be_v name_v by_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o county_n and_o such_o juror_n so_o nominate_v and_o no_o other_o to_o be_v reture_v by_o the_o sheriff_n 5._o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o isle_n of_o ely_n by_o a_o jury_n of_o that_o isle_n 6._o and_o that_o they_o will_v give_v such_o recompense_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v receive_v hurt_v or_o damage_n by_o any_o of_o their_o say_a work_n as_o the_o commissioner_n or_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o shall_v think_v fit_a 7._o that_o at_o their_o own_o charge_n they_o will_v make_v provision_n that_o water_n shall_v be_v convey_v to_o stay_v at_o those_o town_n where_o water_n have_v before_o come_v and_o stay_v for_o navigation_n and_o transportation_n and_o the_o township_n afterward_o to_o maintain_v it_o 8._o and_o that_o they_o will_v better_v and_o not_o hurt_v or_o impair_v the_o navigation_n in_o the_o river_n of_o grant_n and_o ouse_n and_o do_v therefore_o order_n and_o decree_n that_o the_o say_v undertaker_n shall_v have_v their_o free_a consent_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o that_o court_n to_o proceed_v etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o will_v assist_v they_o etc._n etc._n in_o their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o the_o purpose_n of_o the_o say_a undertaker_n to_o alter_v or_o change_v the_o state_n of_o any_o commons_o but_o only_o to_o have_v such_o competent_a part_n thereof_o to_o be_v set_v out_o in_o severalty_n to_o they_o and_o their_o heir_n as_o shall_v content_v they_o for_o their_o work_n of_o drayn_v the_o same_o and_o the_o residue_n of_o every_o common_a to_o remain_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o than_o it_o do_v and_o at_o a_o session_n 1619._o of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o s._n ives_n on_o the_o morrow_n follow_v they_o decree_v that_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o order_n make_v at_o peterborough_n 8_o sept._n and_o that_o present_a order_n shall_v be_v publish_v at_o every_o town_n village_n etc._n etc._n which_o the_o premise_n shall_v concern_v in_o all_o the_o say_v several_a county_n etc._n etc._n before_o the_o with_o of_o oct._n next_o then_o come_v to_o the_o end_n that_o all_o owner_n commoner_n etc._n etc._n interest_v in_o any_o surround_v ground_n within_o the_o place_n aforesaid_a may_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o say_a undertaker_n etc._n etc._n for_o conclude_v their_o contract_n etc._n etc._n on_o the_o 4_o of_o october_n ensue_v the_o say_a undertaker_n send_v their_o letter_n 1619._o to_o the_o commissioner_n for_o norfolk_n sit_v at_o a_o session_n at_o ilsington_n excuse_v their_o not_o wait_v on_o they_o soon_o and_o enclose_v the_o copy_n of_o those_o letter_n of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n to_o they_o desire_z that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v communicate_v to_o their_o neighbour_n together_o with_o their_o proposal_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o prepare_v for_o contract_v with_o they_o as_o also_o that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o meeting_n with_o the_o say_a commissioner_n of_o norff._n at_o cambridge_n on_o wednesday_n the_o xiijth_o of_o october_n than_o next_o ensue_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o they_o will_v cause_v
opinion_n all_o conclude_a it_o fesible_a but_o differ_v much_o in_o the_o way_n to_o accomplish_v the_o same_o to_o give_v instance_n of_o the_o various_a conceit_n of_o such_o who_o his_o say_a majesty_n employ_v to_o inform_v he_o therein_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a howbeit_o of_o those_o that_o 1642._o exhibit_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n cornelius_n vermuden_n a_o person_n of_o great_a experience_n in_o drayn_v than_o most_o other_o be_v be_v not_o the_o least_o considerable_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v publish_v in_o print_n i_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n thereto_o but_o such_o speed_n there_o be_v make_v in_o the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o great_a and_o noble_a adventure_n that_o at_o a_o general_a session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o huntendon_n on_o the_o xviijth_o 1638._o day_n of_o july_n than_o next_o ensue_v the_o say_a king_n himself_o be_v declare_v the_o undertaker_n and_o to_o have_v not_o only_o those_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n which_o have_v be_v former_o set_v out_o for_o the_o say_a earl_n but_o also_o fifty_o seven_o thousand_o acre_n more_o from_o the_o country_n his_o design_n be_v as_o by_o the_o decree_n then_o make_v at_o huntendon_n appear_v to_o make_v the_o say_a fen_n as_o well_o winter-ground_n as_o summer-ground_n as_o have_v before_o be_v express_v viz._n out_o of_o depe_v pinchbeck_n spalding_n south_n fen_n and_o croyland_n fen_n alias_o gogsland_n fen_n twelve_o thousand_o acre_n and_o out_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o land_n out_o of_o which_o the_o ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n have_v be_v former_o assign_v to_o and_o for_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n first_o the_o number_n of_o twelve_o thousand_o acre_n parcel_n of_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o which_o twelve_o thousand_o be_v then_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o his_o say_a majesty_n his_o fermour_n or_o under-tenant_n and_o the_o quantity_n of_o one_o hundred_o and_o forty_o thousand_o acre_n more_o whereof_o eighty_o three_o thousand_o residue_n of_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o to_o be_v take_v in_o part_n and_o fifty_o seven_o thousand_o in_o full_a of_o the_o say_v hundred_o and_o forty_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v indifferent_o take_v and_o set_v out_o of_o the_o residue_n of_o the_o say_a fen_n where_o or_o out_o of_o which_o the_o say_v ninety_o five_o thousand_o acre_n be_v so_o decree_v or_o assign_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n viz._n out_o of_o such_o of_o the_o say_a fen_n as_o do_v lie_n on_o the_o north-west_n side_n of_o the_o say_v new_a river_n call_v bedford_n river_n 29_o thousand_o acre_n in_o part_n of_o the_o say_v 57_o thousand_o acre_n and_o out_o of_o those_o on_o the_o southeast_n side_n of_o the_o say_v new_a river_n 28_o thousand_o acre_n in_o full_a for_o the_o say_v 57_o thousand_o acre_n and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o say_v common_a and_o several_a low_a ground_n lie_v in_o holland_n com._n linc._n within_o the_o river_n weland_n porson_n bank_n the_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n the_o shire_n drayne_n and_o the_o several_a high_a marsh_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o town_n or_o parish_n of_o tide_n s._n mary_n sutton_n lutton_n gedney_n flete_n holbeche_n quaplode_n moulton_n weston_n and_o spalding_n 19_o thousand_o eight_o hundred_o 33_o acre_n and_o for_o drayn_v the_o common_a and_o several_a fen-ground_n lie_v between_o the_o south_n ea_fw-la bank_n wisbeche_v river_n the_o old_a sea-bank_n and_o the_o shire_n drayne_n in_o wisbeche_n leverington_n newton_n s._n giles_n tide_n s._n mary_n and_o porson_n drive_v the_o quantity_n of_o 4000_o acre_n and_o for_o drayn_v the_o common_a fen-ground_n of_o the_o town_n of_o marshland_n call_v marshland_n fen_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 4000_o acre_n the_o quantity_n of_o two_o three_o part_n divide_v into_o three_o and_o for_o drayn_v the_o marsh_n land_n lie_v open_a to_o the_o sea_n in_o or_o near_a walton_n walsoken_n and_o walpole_n in_o come_v norff._n between_o the_o old_a sea_n bank_n of_o marshland_n and_o the_o old_a course_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 3000_o acre_n and_o of_o the_o marsh_n land_n and_o marsh_n ground_n lie_v in_o or_o near_a wisbeche_n leverington_n neuton_n and_o tid_n s._n giles_n in_o come_v cantab._n and_o the_o course_n of_o wisbeche_n river_n and_o the_o shire_n drayne_v there_o together_o with_o one_o piece_n thereof_o late_o imbank_v next_o the_o say_a shire_n drayne_n contain_v by_o estimation_n 1000_o acre_n and_o of_o the_o marsh_n &c._n &c._n lie_v in_o or_o near_o tid_v s._n mary_n sutton_n in_o holland_n lutton_n gedney_n flete_n holbeche_n quaplode_n moulton_n and_o weston_n in_o come_v linc._n between_o the_o marsh-ground_n there_o former_o imbank_v and_o the_o sea_n extend_v along_o the_o sea_n coast_n there_o contain_v by_o estimation_n 5000_o acre_n the_o quantity_n of_o two_o full_a three_o part_n and_o for_o drayn_v of_o stretham_n mere_a and_o the_o meer-ground_n thereof_o contain_v by_o estimation_n 300_o acre_n the_o one_o half_a thereof_o or_o of_o so_o much_o thereof_o as_o shall_v be_v drayn_v and_o for_o the_o drayn_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o meers_n meer-ground_n lake_n and_o pool_n the_o quantity_n of_o 3_o four_o part_n of_o they_o or_o so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o shall_v be_v drayn_v divide_v equal_o into_o four_o part_n and_o that_o though_o the_o say_a earl_n of_o bedford_n have_v not_o perform_v his_o undertake_n he_o shall_v in_o recompense_n of_o his_o great_a charge_n in_o those_o river_n cut_n and_o drayn_n by_o he_o and_o his_o participant_n make_v have_v 40_o thousand_o acre_n to_o be_v assign_v he_o out_o of_o the_o beforementioned_a 83_o thousand_o acre_n residue_n of_o the_o say_a proportion_n of_o 95_o thousand_o acre_n assign_v to_o the_o say_a earl_n as_o aforesaid_a about_o three_o day_n follow_v for_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o xxith_o 1638._o of_o the_o same_o month_n of_o july_n the_o say_a commissioner_n still_o fit_v at_o huntendon_n dispatch_v away_o letter_n lindsey_n of_o that_o date_n to_o the_o lord_n of_o the_o council_n concern_v their_o transaction_n then_o in_o hand_n the_o tenor_n whereof_o be_v as_o follow_v touch_v the_o great_a level_n we_o have_v receive_v many_o and_o several_a complaint_n from_o divers_a township_n therein_o that_o their_o land_n be_v take_v from_o they_o and_o they_o have_v receive_v no_o benefit_n by_o the_o drayn_n upon_o hear_v whereof_o and_o of_o the_o proof_n by_o they_o make_v and_o declaration_n of_o divers_a commissioner_n in_o court_n we_o find_v many_o of_o they_o true_a and_o according_a to_o his_o majesty_n instruction_n to_o some_o of_o we_o his_o commissioner_n we_o have_v make_v a_o order_n to_o permit_v they_o to_o take_v the_o profit_n of_o their_o land_n and_o common_a of_o pasture_n until_o the_o drayn_n be_v adjudge_v so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o pull_v down_o or_o deface_v any_o mound_n fence_n or_o drayn_v without_o due_a proof_n make_v and_o a_o special_a order_n of_o the_o court_n in_o that_o behalf_n wherein_o the_o country_n have_v receive_v and_o express_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n we_o have_v also_o two_o several_a day_n hear_v mr._n holborn_n and_o mr._n st._n john_n be_v of_o council_n with_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n in_o the_o great_a level_n and_o they_o have_v take_v divers_a exception_n and_o argue_v at_o large_a against_o the_o law_n of_o tax_n and_o proceed_n upon_o this_o commission_n and_o their_o main_a objection_n tend_v to_o destroy_v not_o only_o these_o tax_n decree_n and_o proceed_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o admit_v will_v plain_o overthrow_v all_o the_o presentment_n tax_n decree_n and_o proceed_n for_o the_o earl_n of_o bedford_n and_o his_o participant_n we_o be_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n the_o force_n and_o weight_n of_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v and_o shall_v therein_o give_v a_o just_a and_o speedy_a resolution_n and_o with_o all_o care_n and_o diligence_n proceed_v to_o the_o further_a execution_n of_o this_o commission_n and_o settle_v of_o this_o great_a work_n i_o have_v not_o see_v any_o direct_a answer_n make_v by_o the_o say_a lord_n unto_o this_o letter_n but_o on_o the_o xxiijth_o of_o the_o same_o month_n there_o be_v a_o letter_n date_v at_o theobalds_n the_o court_n be_v then_o there_o from_o william_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o send_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n of_o they_o to_o he_o date_v the_o xxith_o the_o tenor_n whereof_o for_o so_o much_o as_o relate_v to_o this_o great_a level_n i_o have_v here_o likewise_o insert_v and_o because_o his_o majesty_n intend_v to_o see_v this_o great_a work_n of_o the_o level_n prosecute_v according_a to_o his_o first_o princely_a design_n be_v for_o the_o country_n good_a and_o his_o
swinsh_v upon_o the_o xi_o of_o august_n than_o last_o pass_v upon_o full_a debate_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o former_a decree_n and_o consideration_n of_o a_o true_a and_o perfect_a schedule_n of_o all_o the_o fen_n &c._n &c._n comprise_v in_o a_o decree_n of_o tax_n bear_v date_n at_o boston_n upon_o the_o second_o of_o march_n in_o the_o eight_o year_n of_o the_o say_a king_n charles_n from_o kyme_n ea_fw-la southward_o aswell_o within_o the_o part_n of_o kesteven_n as_o holland_n to_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n be_v part_n of_o the_o say_v level_n mention_v in_o that_o decree_n make_v at_o sleford_n etc._n etc._n it_o do_v at_o that_o time_n appear_v to_o the_o say_a commissioner_n and_o then_o to_o those_o present_a commissioner_n at_o boston_n that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o level_n amount_v to_o thirty_o six_o thousand_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o and_o recital_n be_v likewise_o make_v that_o whereas_o at_o the_o say_a session_n of_o swinesh_v it_o be_v propose_v that_o the_o several_n within_o the_o say_v level_n lie_v from_o kyme_n ea_fw-la to_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n may_v not_o contribute_v any_o part_n of_o land_n to_o the_o make_v up_o of_o the_o say_a quantity_n of_o fourteen_o thousand_o acre_n but_o that_o the_o whole_a proportion_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o fen_n and_o commons_o and_o in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o bourne_n upon_o the_o xith_o câ—r_n of_o august_n the_o next_o year_n follow_v there_o be_v a_o special_a assignation_n in_o what_o particular_a place_n in_o each_o of_o the_o fen_n before-specified_n the_o quantity_n so_o decree_v as_o aforesaid_a shall_v be_v set_v out_o and_o a_o certain_a mistake_n concern_v poynton_n fen_n rectify_v which_o say_v several_a decree_n viz._n that_o at_o sleford_n 2_o junii_fw-la 11_o caroli_n that_o at_o boston_n 29_o martii_fw-la 12_o car._n and_o this_o at_o bourne_n 11_o aug._n 13_o car._n be_v afterward_o in_o a_o session_n ibid._n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o sleford_n 25_o sept._n 14_o car._n ratify_v and_o confirm_v car._n and_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n hold_v likewise_o at_o sleford_n upon_o the_o xiiijth_o car._n of_o march_n than_o next_o ensue_v the_o commissioner_n receive_v information_n by_o the_o say_a earl_n that_o he_o have_v then_o effectual_o drayn_v all_o the_o land_n between_o the_o river_n of_o glen_n and_o kyme_n ea_fw-la contain_v more_o than_o thirty_o five_o thousand_o acre_n and_o take_v view_n of_o they_o with_o all_o the_o sluice_n bank_n sewer_n etc._n etc._n therein_o do_v so_o adjudge_v thereof_o and_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o say_a undertake_v and_o last_o in_o another_o session_n ibid._n hold_v at_o sleford_n also_o upon_o the_o 14_o of_o june_n next_o follow_v recite_v and_o confirm_v all_o the_o former_a decree_n and_o that_o whereas_o but_o three_o thousand_o acre_n be_v â—â—r_n by_o the_o say_a law_n of_o sleford_n make_v 2_o junii_fw-la 11_o caroli_n decree_v for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o work_n within_o the_o say_v whole_a level_n and_o that_o the_o say_a earl_n have_v nevertheless_o at_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o commissioner_n condescend_v to_o tie_v the_o say_v fourteen_o thâ—usand_o acre_n for_o the_o perpetual_a maintenance_n of_o the_o say_a work_n make_v between_o the_o river_n of_o glene_n and_o kyme_n ea_fw-la over_z and_o above_o the_o rent_n of_o iiijd_n the_o acre_n thereupon_o reserve_v to_o be_v pay_v out_o of_o the_o say_v fourteen_o thousand_o acre_n in_o case_n the_o say_v iiijd._o the_o acre_n shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a they_o decree_v and_o ratify_v the_o same_o according_o after_o which_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n have_v be_v at_o no_o less_o than_o forty_o five_o thousand_o pound_n charge_v therein_o do_v enclose_v build_v inhabit_v plant_v plough_n sow_n and_o reap_v two_o year_n without_o disturbance_n but_o the_o three_o year_n divers_a clamorous_a petition_n be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o parliament_n then_o sit_v by_o the_o country_n people_n whereupon_o after_o examination_n of_o witness_n order_n be_v grant_v from_o both_o house_n to_o quiet_a the_o possession_n of_o the_o say_a earl_n and_o his_o participant_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o crop_n then_o upon_o the_o land_n nevertheless_o the_o petitioner_n in_o contempt_n of_o all_o enter_v and_o destroy_v the_o drain_v and_o building_n as_o also_o the_o crop_n then_o ready_a to_o be_v reap_v to_o a_o very_a great_a value_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o hold_v the_o possession_n to_o the_o great_a decay_n and_o ruin_n of_o those_o costly_a work_n and_o exceed_a discommodity_n to_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o country_n chap._n lvi_o the_o east_n and_o west_n fen_n northwards_o of_o this_o fenny_a part_n of_o the_o country_n call_v lindsey_n level_v be_v divers_a other_o marsh_n lie_v towards_o waynflete_a the_o great_a whereof_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o east_n and_o west_n fen_n upon_o a_o writ_n of_o ad_fw-la quod_fw-la dampnum_fw-la in_o 41_o eliz._n concern_v the_o drayn_n of_o these_o fen_n it_o appear_v desuncti_fw-la that_o the_o east_n fen_n lie_v betwixt_o the_o part_n of_o holland_n and_o lindsey_n be_v find_v to_o contain_v five_o thousand_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o and_o that_o the_o one_o half_a thereof_o be_v the_o skirt_n hill_n and_o out-rings_a may_v convenient_o be_v drayn_v but_o the_o other_o half_a consist_v of_o deep_n for_o the_o most_o part_n can_v not_o be_v recover_v and_o moreover_o that_o the_o commons_o and_o several_n pertain_v to_o the_o town_n confine_v on_o the_o say_a fen_n do_v then_o amount_v to_o the_o number_n of_o three_o thousand_o and_o four_o hundred_o acre_n or_o thereabouts_o all_o which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n surround_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n towards_o the_o drayn_n of_o those_o fen_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o say_v câ—roli_n but_o in_o 6_o caroli_n 15_o maii_n there_o be_v a_o decree_n petti-baâ—_a make_v in_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n by_o robert_n earl_n of_o lindsey_n lord_n great_a chamberlain_n of_o england_n edward_z earl_n of_o dorset_z lord_n chamberlain_z to_o the_o queen_n john_n shorey_n mayor_n of_o boston_n sir_n robert_n killigrew_n vice-chamberlain_n to_o the_o queen_n sir_n robert_z bell_n sir_n john_n browne_n knight_n robert_n calais_n sergeant_n at_o law_n and_o other_o which_o decree_n make_v this_o follow_a recital_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o law_n of_o sewer_n make_v at_o boston_n 7_o &_o 9_o apr._n than_o last_o pass_v by_o the_o say_a sir_n robert_n bell_n and_o other_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o ground_n hereafter_o name_v be_v overflow_v with_o fresh_a water_n viz._n dockdike_n hurne_n from_o armitage_n causey_n and_o howbriggs_n east_n to_o the_o river_n of_o witham_n west_n and_o from_o the_o say_a river_n of_o wytham_n south_n to_o hawthorne_n north_n from_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hundell_n house_n ground_n and_o so_o along_o by_o raydyke_n to_o the_o north_n side_n of_o moorhouse_n ground_n from_o thence_o by_o marcham_n revesby_n east_n kirkby_n and_o hagnaby_n to_o hagnaby_n gate_n from_o thence_o along_o by_o bar_n load_n bank_n and_o the_o west_n end_n of_o stickney_n several_n to_o stickney_n graunge_a from_o thence_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o westhouse_n ground_n along_o to_o blacksyke_n from_o thence_o on_o the_o north_n side_n of_o medlam_n to_o gamock_n stake_n from_o thence_o direct_o to_o the_o east_n end_n of_o hundel_n house_n ground_n from_o stickney_n graunge_a southwards_o on_o the_o west_n side_n of_o the_o several_n of_o stickney_n and_o nordyke_n gate_n east_n to_o nordyke_n stream_n south_n and_o the_o west_n fen_n west_n wherein_o be_v include_v westhouse_n ground_n the_o low_a ground_n belong_v to_o stickney_n grange_n and_o thornedales_n from_o norlands_n lane_n along_o between_o sibsey_n several_n aâ—d_v the_o new_a drayn_n to_o hale_n causey_n from_o thence_o along_o to_o the_o shottell_n and_o that_o all_o these_o ground_n as_o also_o the_o ground_n mention_v in_o a_o verdict_n heretofore_o give_v up_o at_o a_o session_n of_o sewer_n hold_v at_o boston_n aforesaid_a 16_o jan._n an._n 1629._o viz._n the_o east_n fen_n extend_v in_o length_n from_o the_o several_n of_o wainflet_n on_o the_o east_n to_o the_o several_n of_o stickney_n on_o the_o west_n and_o in_o breadth_n from_o the_o several_n of_o waynflet_n friskeney_n wrangle_n leake_n and_o stickney_n on_o the_o south_n and_o the_o several_n of_o stichford_n keales_n toynton_n halton_n stâ—ping_v and_o thorpe_n on_o the_o north_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n surround_v ground_n and_o likewise_o that_o certain_a several_n and_o commons_o of_o divers_a lord_n and_o owner_n belong_v to_o waynflet_n and_o friskeney_n lie_v between_o a_o bank_n call_v fendyke_n bank_n on_o the_o east_n and_o east_n fen_n on_o the_o west_n and_o abut_a
of_o april_n 1656._o to_o the_o lord_n fienes_n then_o one_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o the_o great_a seal_n the_o lord_n lambert_n major_a general_n desborough_n the_o lord_n lisle_n and_o the_o lord_n strickland_n for_o so_o they_o be_v then_o call_v or_o any_o three_o of_o they_o to_o consider_v of_o the_o say_a petition_n and_o report_v their_o opinion_n therein_o to_o the_o council_n the_o say_v lord_n therefore_o request_v major_a general_n whalley_n to_o call_v both_o party_n before_o he_o and_o to_o examine_v the_o whole_a matter_n set_v forth_o in_o the_o before-specified_n petition_n and_o make_v report_n thereof_o unto_o the_o say_a committee_n which_o he_o do_v according_o manifest_v from_o sufficient_a testimony_n the_o guilt_n of_o those_o ryotor_n in_o all_o the_o outrage_n before_o express_v whereupon_o the_o council_n of_o state_n by_o their_o letter_n date_v at_o whitehall_n 21_o augusti_fw-la 1656._o and_o direct_v to_o the_o say_v major_a general_n whalley_n recommend_v the_o redress_n thereof_o to_o his_o care_n and_o to_o that_o end_n desire_v he_o to_o improve_v his_o endeavour_n upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o prevent_v any_o far_a riot_n and_o misdemeanour_n in_o those_o place_n and_o in_o order_n thereto_o to_o punish_v such_o their_o scandalous_a disobedience_n according_a to_o his_o instruction_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v the_o say_a inhabitant_n to_o keep_v by_o they_o any_o arm_n or_o other_o instrument_n for_o their_o future_a act_n of_o the_o like_a and_o moreover_o to_o appoint_v some_o of_o his_o regiment_n to_o be_v effectual_o aid_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o shireeve_v of_o the_o respective_a county_n within_o his_o association_n or_o the_o deputy_n and_o collector_n of_o the_o court_n of_o sewer_n for_o the_o put_n in_o execution_n from_o time_n to_o time_n the_o decree_n process_n and_o order_n of_o any_o the_o court_n at_o westminster_n or_o of_o the_o commissioner_n of_o sewer_n to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o improver_n just_a right_n may_v be_v restore_v according_a to_o law_n and_o the_o say_a stranger_n have_v the_o peaceable_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o place_n design_v for_o the_o public_a meeting_n to_o that_o purpose_n cap._n xxviii_o from_o axholme_n i_o come_v next_o to_o those_o marsh_n upon_o the_o river_n of_o ankolme_n lie_v in_o the_o northwest_o part_n of_o this_o county_n concern_v which_o the_o first_o mention_n that_o i_o have_v see_v in_o record_n be_v in_o 16_o e._n 1._o the_o king_n then_o direct_v his_o write_v 47._o of_o ad_fw-la quod_fw-la dampnum_fw-la to_o the_o shireeve_n of_o this_o county_n to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v hurtful_a to_o he_o or_o any_o other_o if_o the_o course_n of_o that_o water_n then_o obstruct_v from_o a_o place_n call_v bishop_n brigge_n to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi be_v open_v so_o that_o the_o current_n of_o the_o same_o may_v be_v reduce_v into_o its_o due_a and_o ancient_a channel_n whereupon_o a_o jury_n be_v impanel_v according_o and_o swear_v do_v say_v 47._o upon_o their_o oath_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o say_a king_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o but_o rather_o for_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o the_o whole_a county_n of_o lincoln_n if_o the_o course_n of_o that_o river_n obstruct_v in_o part_n in_o divers_a place_n from_o bishop_n brigge_n to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi be_v open_a and_o they_o far_o say_v that_o by_o this_o mean_n not_o only_o the_o meadow_n and_o pasture_n will_v be_v drayn_v but_o that_o ship_n and_o boat_n lade_v with_o corn_n and_o other_o thing_n may_v then_o more_o commodious_o pass_v with_o corn_n and_o other_o thing_n from_o the_o say_a river_n humbre_fw-mi into_o the_o part_n of_o lindsey_n than_o they_o at_o that_o time_n can_v do_v and_o as_o they_o have_v do_v former_o whereupon_o about_o two_o year_n follow_v the_o king_n do_v constitute_v dorso_fw-la gilbert_n de_fw-fr thorntone_n john_n dive_v and_o ralph_n paynell_n his_o commissioner_n to_o cause_v that_o channel_n to_o be_v so_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v the_o like_a commission_n dorso_fw-la have_v the_o say_a gilbert_n and_o ralph_n in_o 23_o e._n 1._o and_o in_o 6_o e._n 2._o the_o king_n be_v inform_v dorso_fw-la that_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ancolme_n from_o bishop_n brigge_n to_o the_o bridge_n at_o feryby_n which_o ought_v and_o have_v wont_a to_o be_v forty_o foot_n broad_a be_v then_o grow_v so_o narrow_a for_o fault_n of_o cleanse_v and_o scour_v that_o in_o some_o place_n it_o extend_v not_o to_o three_o foot_n in_o breadth_n so_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o adjacent_a land_n be_v thereby_o frequent_o overflow_v and_o drown_v and_o that_o man_n and_o cattle_n pass_v over_o glaunford_n brigg_n in_o the_o time_n of_o such_o flood_n be_v seldom_o out_o of_o danger_n he_o assign_v dorso_fw-la the_o say_a ralph_n paynell_n and_o henry_n bajocis_n to_o inquire_v the_o truth_n thereof_o and_o to_o cause_n redress_v therein_o to_o be_v make_v divers_a other_o commission_n also_o do_v i_o find_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n viz._n in_o 3._o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n de_fw-fr heselarton_n peter_n de_fw-fr ludington_n simon_n de_fw-fr grimesby_n and_o richard_n de_fw-fr navilton_n for_o the_o cleanse_n thereof_o from_o glaunford_n brigge_n before-specified_n to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_a and_o likewise_o for_o the_o scour_n of_o certain_a sewer_n betwixt_o elsham_n and_o feriby_n for_o default_n whereof_o the_o land_n thereabouts_o be_v overflow_v in_o 19_o e_z 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la richard_n byroun_n will._n disny_n will._n de_fw-fr hardesbull_n will._n darcy_n john_n de_fw-fr arch_n and_o roger_n de_fw-fr nevil_n for_o the_o cleanse_n of_o those_o sewer_n betwixt_o bishop_n brigge_n and_o feryby_n brigg_n in_o 23_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n de_fw-fr hothum_n of_o bondeby_n junior_a richard_n paynell_n will._n de_fw-fr skipwith_n john_n de_fw-fr arch_n ralph_n de_fw-fr redford_n and_o john_n cokand_fw-mi for_o scour_v the_o say_a channel_n from_o glaunford_n brigge_v to_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi to_o the_o breadth_n of_o xl_o foot_n as_o it_o ought_v and_o wont_a to_o be_v as_o also_o of_o the_o sewer_n betwixt_o elsham_n and_o feriby_n and_o to_o make_v enquiry_n concern_v certain_a new_a sewer_n make_v from_o the_o say_a town_n of_o elsham_n to_o feryby_n by_o some_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o part_n by_o their_o own_o authority_n which_o have_v occasion_v much_o overflow_n of_o the_o water_n thereabouts_o in_o 36_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la ralph_n paynell_n william_n bray_n will._n wascelyn_n and_o ralph_n de_fw-fr redford_n for_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o 39_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la will._n drax_n william_n wascelyn_n and_o will._n darcy_n for_o cleanse_v thereof_o betwixt_o bishop_n brigge_n and_o humbre_v so_o likewise_o in_o 40_o e._n 3._o to_o dorso_fw-la john_n de_fw-fr boy_n thomas_n de_fw-fr fulnetby_n ralph_n de_fw-fr redford_n william_n wascelyn_n and_o other_o and_o in_o 15_o r._n 2._o to_o dorso_fw-la sir_n philip_n le_fw-fr despenser_n sir_n philip_n darcy_n and_o sir_n henry_n retford_n knight_n john_n poucher_n will._n crosby_n gerard_n sothill_n rob._n tirwhit_o and_o will._n de_fw-fr garton_n for_o the_o view_n and_o repair_v of_o the_o bank_n betwixt_o the_o town_n of_o west-rasyn_a and_o the_o river_n of_o humbre_fw-mi then_o break_v in_o divers_a place_n through_o the_o force_n of_o the_o tide_n and_o flood_n of_o fresh_a water_n descend_v down_o the_o channel_n of_o ancolme_n upon_o a_o plead_n linc._n in_o 4_o h._n 4._o it_o be_v find_v that_o the_o presentment_n make_v in_o the_o shireeve_v turn_v at_o castre_n against_o the_o abbot_n of_o roche_n that_o he_o ought_v to_o repair_v and_o cleanse_v the_o channel_n of_o ankholme_n be_v insufficient_a in_o regard_v it_o do_v not_o specify_v that_o the_o say_a water_n do_v overflow_v the_o bank_n thereof_o to_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o neighbour_a village_n neither_o special_o nor_o general_o and_o also_o because_o that_o the_o say_a shireeve_n do_v amerce_v the_o same_o abbot_n in_o xll._o which_o amerciament_n ought_v to_o be_v affere_v by_o four_o or_o two_o of_o the_o juror_n in_o 6_o h._n 5._o rob._n tirwhit_o will._n ludington_n richard_n haunsard_n thomas_n handley_n walt._n talboys_n john_n talboys_n thomas_n enderby_n richard_n haw_o john_n veer_v and_o rob._n feryby_n be_v appoint_v dorso_fw-la to_o view_v and_o repair_v the_o bank_n and_o sewer_n upon_o the_o say_a river_n of_o ankholme_n from_o bishop_n brigge_n to_o the_o water_n of_o humbre_fw-mi and_o the_o interjacent_a place_n and_o to_o proceed_v therein_o according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o this_o realm_n and_o in_o 22_o e._n 4._o will._n tirwhit_o esquire_n robert_n shefeld_n thomas_n moigne_n john_n moigne_n thomas_n hanserd_n esquire_n and_o john_n barde_n have_v dorso_fw-la the_o like_a appointment_n and_o to_o make_v fit_a