The next year following Richard VVakeherst VVill. Bertyne Thomas Betenham Thomas Hordene VValter Colepeper and Iohn Derham had the like appointment for the Banks c. betwixt Smalhithe and a certain place called the Pendynge and likewise betwixt Farnehille and a Bank leading from Mayteham to Pendynge aforesaid in the Parishes of Tenterden and Rolveldene with power to make Statutes and Ordinances for the preservation of those places according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of Romney marsh As also to take so many Diggers and Labourers in respect of the instant necessity as should be needful for that work In 28 H. 6. VVill. Kene Esquire Iohn Bamburgh Stephan Slegge and others were in like fort constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of those Banks c. betwixt the Town of Redyng and Redehille thence to Huntebornebrigge thence to the up-land of Bregge and thence to the said Town of Redyng in the Parishes of Tenterden Apuldre and Wodechirche and to make Statutes and Ordinances c. as abovesaid In 13 E. 4. Sir Iohn Fogge Knight Sir Will. Haute Knight Roger Brent Iohn Fyneux VVill. Brent Iohn Nethirsole and Iohn Hert were in like manner appointed for those Banks c. betwixt Tenterdene and Lyde as also to make Laws and Ordinances c. as abovesaid In 14 E. 4. the King having received advertisement that the Banks Ditches c. lying on the Sea-coast and Marshes betwixt Robertsbrigge in Sussex and the Town of Romney in this County of Kent were by the raging of the Sea and violence of the Tides much broken and decayed to the great damage of those parts and being therefore desirous that some speedy remedy should be used therein did by his Letters Patents bearing date at Westminster 16º Iulii in the year abovesaid constitute Sir Iohn Fogge Sir William Haute and Sir Iohn Gilford Knights and Iohn Elryngton Iohn Brumston Henry Auger Will. Belknap and Robert Oxenbregge Esquires as also Bartholmew Bolney Roger Brent Iohn Fyneux Vincent Fynche Iohn Nethersole and Iohn Hert his Commissioners giving power to any four three or two of them whereof the said Bartholmew Roger Iohn Fyneux Vincent Fynche Iohn Nethersole and Iohn Hert to be one to take view of the said Banks c. and to enquire upon the Oaths aswell of Knights as other honest and lawful men of the before-specified Counties aswell within Liberties as without by whom the truth in the premisses might be the better known through whose default these damages had there hapned and who they were that had Lands and Tenements or common of Pasture or Fishing in those Counties or had or might have preservation and benefit any manner of way by those Banks c. or losse for want of them aswell those that were remote as those that were neer to the danger and to distrain all such according to the quantity of their Lands and Tenements or number of Acres or Carucates proportionable to what they held and so likewise for their common of pasture or fishing and together with the Bayliff of the Liberties and other places of the Counties and parts aforesaid for the repair of those Banks Ditches Gutters and Sewers and to make them or some of them new where need should require And likewise for clensing the Trenches and if cause were to stop them up so that no favour should be shew'd to any person whatsoever rich or poor or of what state degree or dignity soever who might have advantage by the said Banks or detriment for want of them And moreover to make agistments upon the Sea-Ditches for the safeguard of those parts according to the number of acres or perches and as often as it should be needful to renew them And likewise to depute certain diligent and faithfull Guardians for the preservation before mentioned and to hear the Accompt of the Collectors of moneys which were to be levyed for that occasion and for the repair of the said Banks or obstruction of those Trenches And that they the said Commissioners or any four three or two of them whereof the said Bartholmew Roger c. to be one to take distresses either by themselves or others whom they should think fit to depute for that purpose for the arrerage of what ought to have been Collected as often as need should be And also to make and ordain fit and necessary Statutes and Ordinances for the defence of the Sea-coasts and Marshes aforesaid and the adjacent parts according to the Laws and Customes of this Realm of England and of Romeney Marsh. And to hear and determine all the premisses aswell at the said King's sute as the sute of any other whasoever which should come in question before them according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of Romeney Marsh aforesaid As also to take and imploy in the said works and repairs as many Ditchers and other workmen and labourers as should be expedient for the works and repairs before mentioned upon competent salaries to be paid to them in that behalf in regard of the great urgent and instant necessity for expedition therein Futrher requiring the said Commissioners and any four three or two of them whereof the said Bartholmew Roger c. to be one to accomplish the premisses in form aforesaid and whomsoever they should find either negligent or refractory in making their proportionable repairs belonging to them to compell them thereto by distresses and amerciaments and such other wayes and means as they should deem most expedient to the end the said defects might be suddainly made good And to cause whatsoever they should ordain and determine therein to be firmly observed acting therein as to Justice appertained and according to the Law and Custome aforesaid Saving to the said King all amerciaments and other things herein to him belonging Whereupon afterwards viz. on the tenth day of April in the xviijth year of the reign of the same King the said Justices were informed that all the Lands and fresh Marshes lying within the subsequent limits viz. betwixt the Marsh called Cowelese towards the North the lands in the Ree leading from the said Marsh to the place call'd Lynkehoke neer Romeney towards the East the way leading from the said place called Lynkehoke by the inside of the Bank at Lyde and through the midst of the high street of that town to Pigwell and a place call'd the Holmestone lying without the Bank called Wikewall the Land of Promhill situate without the Banks called Simondes Wall and Kent Wall and the gulf of salt water running from the Camer unto the said Marsh called Cowelese towards the West excepting the Marshes called the Kete Denecourt mershe and Bourghser's mershe and other Marshes then lately taken in by the before-specified Iohn Elryngton and Richard Gilford Esquires with the Banks belonging to them were dayly subject to the danger of inundation by the Sea and salt water for default of repair and
high way which leadeth from the said town of Worsoppe to the Town of Dunham and from thence to the Rivers of Ouse and Eyre on both sides the Rivers of Idul North-Idull Done Wyk and Went in the Counties of Yorke Notingham and Lincolne And to make Statutes and Ordinances necessary thereto consonant to the Laws of Romeney Marsh c. As also to take up so many Labourers upon competent wages in respect of the great and urgent necessity of the work as should be requisite for that imployment So also in 17 H. 6. had Iohn Portyngton Guy Rouclyff Raphe Bapthorpe Peter Arderne Rob. Rouclyff and others for those upon the Sea-coasts and Marshes at Scardeburgh betwixt Southstele and the Hospital of S. Nicholas at Scardeburgh CAP. XXV IN this kind of improvement there was something also in Derbyshire as it seemeth and that very antiently though the particular places be not exprest for in 12 E. 2. there were two Commissions issued to certain persons of quality in this County for to view the banks Ditches and Sewers then broken and in decay in several parts thereof and to cause them to be repaired the first to Will. de Herle Richard de Wylughby Iohn Deincourt and Richard de Whatton and the second to the said Iohn Deincourt and Richard de Whatton together with William de Gretton and Roger de Breton CAP. XXVI TOuching the Banks and Sewers in this County the first mention that I find is in 11 E. 3. there being then a Presentment made in the wapentake of Bersetlawe against several persons for diverting the stream of the River of Iddle into the Hel-dyke without any penalty imposed upon them for so doing but they being summoned to appear in the Kings Bench to answer their doings therein said that the Shireeve had a VVrit to levy xl. upon them for damage the said Shireeve therefore was required by that Court to transmit the said presentment thither In 16 E. 3. the King being informed that the Rivers of Deven Smyte and Kersyk as also certain Ditches and places through which divers waters in certain parts of the vale of Belvoir within the Wapentakes of Bingham and Newerke betwixt the towns of Flintham and Orston so descending into the said River of Devene and thence into Trent did then run and had used to do were so much straightned by sand mud and plantation of trees that by reason thereof and for lack of certain trenches which would have been very necessary in those parts for the drayning and preserving the low grounds and meadows there the Lands Meadows and pastures of many people in those parts had been often overflowed by those waters and did so continue he constituted Iohn de Vaux Geffrey de Staunton and Iohn de Ker his Commissioners to view the said waters and Ditches and to cause new trenches to be digg'd in any of the said lands meadows or pastures there where need should be so that competent satisfaction were made to all such in whose grounds those trenches might happen to be cut according to the true value of the damage which would be thereby done thereto And in 25 E. 3. upon farther information that the said Rivers passing through the VVapentake of Newerk betwixt the towns of Staunton Kilvington Flanbergh Shelton Sibethorpe Syreston Eyleston Stoke Farmedone Thorpe Cotum and Houton and from those towns descending to the said River of Dyvene and thence into Trent were also in such sort obstructed as that the Lands Meadows and Pastures of divers persons were overflowed And moreover that the Bridges and Causeys at Wendlâ—sford Horscroft Bourbrig and Langbrig and divers other bridges and Causeys in those parts that there was scarce any passage at all by them in the VVinter time to the great peril of such as travailed over them the King appointed Geffrey de Staunton Thomas de Sibethorpe Iohn de Sutton Will. de Leyk and Simon de Leyk to view them and to cause new Chanels to be made where need should require making reasonable satisfaction to the owners of those lands through which they were to cut answerable to the damage which they might have thereby In 37 E. 3. Iohn Power Robert de Morton Oliver de Barton and Iohn Stirapp were assigned to view the passage of the River of Idel through the towns of West-Râ—tford Bolin Tilne Sutton Lound Matherseye Scroby Skaftâ—worth Claworth Everton and Herewell and to cause them to be clensed and scoured in regard that by their obstruction with sand weeds and the like the lands and meadows of divers persons had been overflowed and drowned The like Commission in 51 E. 3. had Raphe Lord Basset of Drayton Will. de Skypwith Roger de Kirketone and others for to view the Banks and Sewers betwixt Bykers dyke on both sides in this County and Done hevede and to cause them to be repaired where need was In 1 R. 2. Will. de Skipwith Robert de Morton Oliver de Barton Elias de Thoresby Iohn de Bekering Will. Power of Tylne and Iohn de Whetlay were constituted Commissioners for to view the course of the River Idâ—l through the towns of Elkeslay Gamelston Eton Ordeshale Est-Retford West-Retford Bolum Tylne Sutton Lound Mathersay Thorpe Scroby Scafteworth Claworth Everton Harewell and Hayton which for want of clensing had drowned the Lands of sundry persons and to cause the same to be scoured The like Commission in 18 R. 2. had Henry de Codyngton Clerk Iohn de Markham Sir Iohn de Burton and Sir VVill. Nevill Knights Robert Martell and Thomas de Sutton for certain Gutters in the vale of Belvoir and in the VVapentakes of Bingham and Newerk betwixt the towns of Langar and Bingham by the towns of Flyntham and Hokesworth and Hokesworth Thurvarton and Orston and other places descending unto the River of Dyvene and thence into Trent which Gutters were then also obstructed with sand weeds and other impediments to the great damage of the adjacent grounds by overflowing c. So also in 20 R. 2. had the said Iohn de Markham Sir Iohn Bozoun Knight and Richard Bercotes for the same Gutters and trenches which by reason of the like obstructions for lack of certain trenches that ought to have been made for the drayning of the grounds lying neer them especially overthwart Sireston meadow unto the said River of Devene with power to make new trenches where they should find it necessary and to compell every man having land capable of any benefit thereby according to the proportion thereof for to assist therein In 30 H. 6. Iohn Cardinal and Archbishop of Yorke Iohn Vicount Beaumont Sir Raphe Cromwell Knight Raphe Byngham Iohn Portyngton and others were appointed to view and repair the Banks and Sewâ—rs betwixt Bykers dyke and the River of Done on every side lying within this County and the Counties of Yorke and Lincolne and Confines of the same and
Thornburgh and others for those Banks and Sewers from Skegnes and Dodyngton-Pygot to Tyddegote In 7 E. 4. Thomas Kyme of Friskeney and others had the Port of Waynflâ—te to ferm with Market and Wind-mill as also the Court of the said Market and Haven and fishing within the same paying xxl. yearly and supporting all chardges belonging to the said Haven Mill and fishing In 49 H. 6. Iohn Bishop of Lincolne George Duke of Clarence Richard Earl of Warwick and Salisbury Sir Humfrey Bourchier Lord Cromwell Sir Gervase Clyfton and Sir Will. Skipwith Knights Robert Taylboys Esquire and others had Commission for the view and repair of all the Banks and Sewers throughout this whole Province The like Commission in 12 E. 4. had Sir Richard Hastyngs Sir Thomas Burgh and Sir Will. Skipwith Knights Robert Taylboys Robert Ratclyf and others So also the same year had Thomas Prior of Spaldyng Richard Welby Leonard Thornburgh Richard Pynchebeck Iohn Bolles Robert Dokkyng and others for those from Dodyngtone-Pygot to Tyd-gote and thence to Skegnesse By all which Commissions since 6 H. 6. power was given to the persons before-mentioned and their associates to act therein according to the Custome of Romeney Marsh as abovesaid In 4 E. 6. VVilliam Lord VVilloughby of Parham Sâ—r Edward Dymok and Sir Iohn Copeldyk Knights George S. Poll and others Commissioners of Sewers by a Decree made at Wrangle on the first day of September ordained that the Inhabitants of the Soke of Bullingbroke together with Sir VVilliam Brereton Knight the Lord of Dalby and the Kings Fermour of his fishing at Waynflete and all others drayning thereby should clense scour and dyke the Haven of Waynfleâ—e from the AE end unto the Sea in bredth xxij foot at the top and in the bottome xiij And in depth from the Chanel downwards three foot to be done before the Feast of S. Peter ad Vincula then next following And that a sufficient Gote or Clow set up at the outer end of the same Haven for stopping of the salt water out of the North part thereof should be made there at the costs of the Inhabitants of the said Soke the Lord of Dalby and the Kings Fermours of his fishing there And moreover that an old Gote anâ— Dreyner called Symond's gote extending in length from the deep of the East Fen unto the Fen bank and from that Fen bank to the Sea which was then decayed for lack of scouriug should be sufficiently clensed So likewise the Dyke and Sewer extending from the Deep of the Fen unto the Fen bank Also that there should be two Gotes made of the said Drayner and Sewer the one at the Fen bank and the other at the out end of the Sea at the costs of the Inhabitants of the said Soke and the Inhabitants of such towns and the Landlords therein who had before that time been chardged betwixt the Fen bank and the deep of the said Fen and all to be done before Martinmasse then next ensuing And farther than this wherein I have given instance I shall not descend to any more particulars till the time of Queen Elizabeth that Thomas Quadring Hamond Upton Thomas Marsyngberd and others then Commissioners of Sewers sate at Partenay on the 22th day of Iuly in 2 of her reign for the setling of all things touching the repair of the Banks and Ditches in this Provicne before whom the Jurors then presented that there was one Sea-bank new made in Skegnes to begin at a place called Ranson hyrne and to be xl falls in length from the North end of the said Ranson hyrne towards the South and so to be joyned and closed unto the old bank which said Sea-bank to be fifty foot in the skirt fourteen foot broad on the top and xij foot in height and to be made by the Land-holders in Skegnes aforesaid And they likewise at that time presented that the old Sea-bank ought then to be repaired for it's better withstanding the rage of the Sea Also that another new Sea-bank should be new made within the limits of Skegnes aforesaid from one slaver there wâ—ich goeth up the lands late belonging to Charls Duke of Suffolke unto the South end of the Gild Hall which new bank to be xx falls in length and to stretch from the said Gild-Hall to the old Bank and be made by the said Land-holders Likewise that the old Sea bank in Skegnes called the Haven bank should be repaired where defect was Also that Wainflet haven being defective for want of scouring from the Crosse at the Eyes end into the Sea that being a necessary drayn for the Soke of Bullingbroke and heretofore diked and scoured by the Inhabitants thereof and to be done before the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist next following Moreover that a place there called Guddyke which leadeth from the Eyes end to the Fen be also scoured viz. two parts thereof by the said Queen or her Fermour for the fishing there and the third by the Lord of Dalby as had been accustomed And that a new Gote or Clow be set in Waynflet haven within ten falls of Thorpe and Waynflet Sea-gote and a Bank on the South side of the said Haven from the said new Gote unto the .......... and that the Inhabitants of the seven towns in Holland should be at the chardge of setting up the said new Gote in respect of their benefit of common in the East and VVest fenns Also that the Bank to be then made between the new Gote and Thorpe be done viz. three parts thereof at the chardges of Hamond Upton Esquire one of the Commissioners above-mentioned and the fourth at the chardges of Iohn Whiting Rob. Whiting and the bank on the South side of the Haven to be don by the Soke of Bullingbroke Likewise that a new Gote be set at the Fen Dyke bank to take in fresh water by it to be done by the Inhabitants of Waynflete S. Mary And another Gote called Dayles gote and another to be set fourscore falls beneath the old Sea Gote both to be done by the Land-holders in Waynflet S. Mary aforesaid And that a new Cryke of xxx foot wide and six foot deep be made from the said new Gote unto the old Gote and beneath the said new Gote another new Cryke made from the said new Gote unto the old Cryke to be done by the Lords and Land-holders in Waynflet S. Mary and on either side the said Cryke a sufficient Sea-Bank to keep out the flouds of water And they also presented that one petty Gote should be made in Crosse gate against nine Acres of Mr Dyghtons and another in Westgate against Thomas Harrysons Acre as also a spout in Hall gate another in Somergate and another in Acregate Likewise that a spout be made in Waynflete All Saints over the gate on the North side of Burflet at the chardge of the holders of the Lands which did drayn it And that another
view and repair the Banks and Ditches throughout this whole Province of Holand In 37 E. 3. Will. de Huntingfeld Roger de Cobeldyk Matthew de Leeke and others had the like assignation for those in the VVapentake of Skirbok So also had the said William with Godefrey Fuljaumbe and others for those in the VVapentake of Kirketon And in 39 E. 3. Godefrey Fuljaumbe Simon Symeon Roger de Meres and others for those from Waynflete to Tydgote Upon a pleading in the same year the Town of Pinchebek was acquitted by the verdict of a Jury from the repair of the Marsh-bank called Ee dyke extending from Pinchebec by Escote to Donneshirne but the same Jury then found that the said Town of Pinchebek ought to repair that Bank from Donneshirne to Goderamscote And that the Abbot of Brunne and Town of Brunne ought to repair it from Goderamscote to Ectcote and that the said part thereof was then ruinous In 41 E. 3. was that memorable verdict touching the Custome of the Country that the Lords of Mannours adjoyning to the Sea should enjoy the land which is raised by silt and sand which the Tides do cast up VVhich verdict was in the behalf of the Abbot of Peterborough in respect of the Lordship of Gosberkirke whereof I have already taken notice In 43 E. 3. Iohn Duke of Lancaster Godefrey Fuljaumbe Thomas de Mapelton Parson of the Church of Frampton and others had Commission to view and repair the Banks Ditches c. throughout this whole Province of Holand and to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm The like Commission and to proceed accordingly had Raphe Lord Basset of Drayton Roger de Kirketon Richard de Waterton Rich. Poutrell and others for all those betwixt Kelfeld and Bykersdyke So also in 48 E. 3. had Sir William de Huntingfeld Sir Iohn de Rocheford with Sir Iohn Crecy Knights and others for all those throughout the whole Province Upon a pleading in 49 E. 3. the Towns of Hokyngton and Gerwick could not gainsay but that they ought to repair and clense the one half of Gerwike hee on the North side unto the Cowstalls of the Abbot of Swinesheved called Herewik therefore command was given to the Shireeve to distrain them At the same time it was likewise found that the Towns of Wiberton Frampton and Kirkton and the West of Boston ought to repair and maintain the Edâ—kes from the Schust to Deynboth As also that the Towns of Swynesheved and Wyktofte ought to scour the Sewer called Swineshed hee from Candelby hill to Biker hee And that the Town of Tofte ought not to repair the Sewer called Hil dyke but that Iohn Duke of Lancaster and the Earl of Lincolne ought to clense it in consideration whereof they receive of every man that keepeth fire in his house within the VVapentake of Skirbek ii d. upon the Feast day of S. Martin And it was then also found that the Towns of Boston and Sbirbek ought to clense a certain Sewer from Hil dyke to Wythom stream in consideration whereof they had common in the marsh of Bolingbroke And that the Town of Flete could not deny but they ought to repair the Road-way in Flete called Spittle lake and also the bank called South hee in Flete which was then too low The next year following upon the like pleading the Inhabitants of Surflete acknowledged that they ought to repair a bridge in Surflete neer the house of Thomas Dod and clense the River of Burne every fourth year from Newesende in Pinchebec marsh which ought to be repaired by the Town of Pynchebec unto Surflet and from Surflet to the Sea according to a Decree made by the Justices of Sewers for those parts And the same year it was found by the Jurors upon a pleading also that the Inhabitants of the eight Hundreds of Holand ought to clense and repair the Ditch called the Old Ee betwixt the Marsh of Holand and the Marsh of Hekington on the West side of Babberboth and Hoggeboth of West crofte And moreover that they ought to repair and clense the Ditch from Babberboth in Hekington unto the Distrithe in Swynesheved marsh on each side And from the Ditch which is supposed by the presentment to be from Hoggesbothe of Westcrofte to the water of Wythome they said that the Inhabitants of those eight Hundreds ought not to repair and clense the same because there was no such Ditch there as the same presâ—ntment mentioned In 51 E. 3. Iohn King of Castile and Leon c. Roger de Kirketon Thomas de Hungerford and others were constituted Commissiones for the view and repair of the Banks Ditches and Sewers throughout this whole Province of Holand After this I have not seen any more Commissions of this kind for this Province till 6 H. 5. that Thomas Lord de la Warre Sir Robert Hagbeche Knight Nich. Dixon Clerk Iohn Belle of Boston with some others were appointed to view them and take order for their repair with direction to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm The like Commission in 2 H. 6. had the said Thomas Lord de la Ware Robert Lord Wylughby Sir Raphe Cromwell and Sir Robert Roos Knights William Copuldyk Iohn Henege and others with the same directions as also power to take so many diggers and other labourers upon competent wagesâ— to assist therein as they should think râ—quisite in regard of the great necessity for expedition in the said work So also in 6 H. 6. had the Bishop of Lincolne Sir Thomas Roos Sir Robert Wylughby Sir Raphe Cromwell Sir Reginald West Sir Raphe Rochford and Sir Robert Roos Knights Nich. Dixon Clerk and others with authority to make Statutes and Ordinances proper for the safeguard of the Sea-coasts and Marshes according to the Laws and Customes of Romeney marsh And to determine all things therein according to the Custome of the said Romeney marsh As also to take such and so many Labourers upon great competent wages in respect of the necessity of expedition in the work as they should think fit to imploy therein In 10 H. 6. Iohn Hals Sir Henry Rocheford Knight Walt. Tailboys Esquire Richard Pynchebek Richard Benyngton and others were constituted Commissioners to view all the banks and Sewers of Crouland Spalding Weston and Multon and take order for their repair with the like power to make Laws and Ordinances as abovesaid And in 30 H. 6. Richard de Benyngton Thomas Kyme George Hetone and others had the like Commission for those banks and Sewers within the precints of the Lordship of Framptone viz. from Forsdyke unto the Rode neer Boston In 34 H. 6. there was a Session of Sewers held at Spaldyng upon the Wednesday before Palme-Sunday before Richard Benyngton and his fellow Justices where the Jurors presented that the Prior
and yet is the Inheritance of Sir Edward Rosseter of Summerbie in the said County of Lincolne Knight and heretofore dreyned by Sir John Monson Knight of the Bath and now Baronet undertaker for the dreining of that Level his Participants or some of them And be it further Enacted That the said one hundred Acres of Land be settled and vested and the said one hundred Acres are hereby settled and vested in the said Sir Edward Rosseter his Heirs and Assigns for ever but with this expresse limitation that for the future the said one hundred Acres of Land shall be liable to their respective proportions and rates hereafter to be set upon them in the payment of all Taxes and other duties necessary for the perfecting and maintaining of the said work for ever in such way method and manner and according to such Acts Orders and decrees of Sewers as shall be lawfully made to that purpose the said Sir Edward Rosseter and his Heirs also performing such other Covenants and agreements which are already mutually agreed on the said Sir Edward Rosseter also paying in consideration of the charges already expended to such participant under whose allotment the said one hundred Acres may fall such summ and summs of mony as shall be expresly set down in writing as equal under the hand and Seal of Sir Matthew Appleyard Knight and Charles Hall Esquire before the first day of August which shall be in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred sixty and two And in case the said Sir Matthew Appleyard and Charles Hall shall not agree as aforesaid that then Sir Robert Bolles of Scampton in the County in Lincolne Baronet shall have and hereby hath power fully to determine the whole before the first day of October one thousand six hundred sixty and two Provided that whereas there is a controversie arisen between the Lord Bishop of Ely and Sir John Monson and his Participants concerning some Lands lying in the Mannor called the Mannor of Thornton in the moor in the County of Lincolne in the parts of Lindsey being part of the possessions of the Bishoprick of Ely It be referred to Sir Edward Turner Knight Speaker of the house of Commons in this present Parliament to examine award adjudge and finally determine accorâ—â—â—g to equity what portion or parts within the said Mannor or Land within the said Mannor shall be allotted to the said Sir John Monson and his Participants in recompence of his or their dreyning and melioration thereof And that if such award and adjudication shall not be made before the first of May one thousand six hundred sixty and three That then the said Lord Bishop of Ely or his Assigns shall have and enjoy the full and quiet possession of the said Mannor and every part thereof untill such award and adjudication shall be made any thing in this Act to the contrary conteined notwithstanding And in case the said Sir Edward Turner shall happen to die before the said first day of May one thousand six hundred sixty and three or shall decline the said reference That then and from thenceforth all the matters and things conteined in this proviso shall be referred to the Lord Chief Iustice of the Common Pleas for the time being to hear and determine the same as aforesaid Provided alwayes and be it Enacted by the Authority aforesaid That neither the Lord Bishop of Lincolne nor the Dean and Chapter of the Cathedral Church of Lincolne aforesaid their or any of their Successors receive any prejudice or damage by this present Act but that their Lands and possessions be preserved and kept indempnified any thing herein conteined to the Contrary in any wise notwithstanding Provided also and be it Enacted That it shall not be lawfull to or for any person or persons concerned in any Covenants or agreements touching the said undertaking to bring or prosecute any Action or Actions or Sutes at Law or equity for recovery of damages or satisfaction for or by reason of any breach of any of the said Covenants by any waies or means hitherto had made or done but that all persons concerned in any of the said Covenants as to any breach of Covenant heretofore made â—e for ever discharged And be it further Enacted and ordained by the authority aforesaid That a Commission of Sewers under the great seal of England before the first day of May which shall be in the year of our Lord one thousand six hundred sixty and two shall be issued out to twelve persons whereof six to be nominated by the said Sir John Monson and his Heirs and other six to be nominated by the Inhabitants and Owners of the Lands upon the Level of Ancholme lying in Winterton and Bishop-Norton aforesaid or by the Knights that serve for the said County of Lincolne which said Commissioners or any four or more of them shall have full power and authority to inquire as well by their own view as upon the Oathes of Witnesses which they are hereby impowered to Administer and to send summons for and by all other legal wayes whether the Owners of the Lands upon the Level of Ancholme lying in the said Townes of Winterton and Bishop-Norton or either of them or within the precincts of them or either of them have or may receive and sustain any prejudice by Sir John Monsons undertaking for which they ought to have reparation and thereupon to make such satisfaction to the said Owners as shall be most agreeable to Iustice or Equity by restoring to the said Owners and persons damnified by the said undertaking their Heirs Executors and Administrators respectively all or any part of the Lands lying in Winterton and Bishop-Norton by this Act settled unto and upon the said Sir John Monson his Participants and Adventurers and his and their Heirs And be it further Enacted and ordained That the said Commissioners do make to Sir John Monson and his Heirs recompence at the same time out of the residue of the five thousand eight hundred twenty and seven Acres settled by this Act on the said Sir John Monson his Participants and Adventurers or any owners of any part of the said five thousand eight hundred twenty and seven Acres according to their several proportions having respect to the Quantities and Qualities of the Lands that shall or may be taken from the said Sir John Monson and his Heirs out of Winterton and Bishop-Norton aforesaid as in their Iudgments shall be most agreeable to justice and equity which judgment and orders of them or any of them so as there be four or more of them shall be made and published in writing under the hands and Seals of the saiâ— Commissioners or any four or more of them before the five and twentieth day of March in the said year one thousand six hundred sixty and three and that untill the said five and twentieth day of March one thousand six hundred sixty and three the Lords freeholders Owners and
common Forland as before that time had been used upon which such carriages as should be necessary for the repair maintenance or making of those Walls might without impediment be made And likewise the said Jurors being in form aforesaid sworn did severally say that the Land-holders in the said Marsh called the Becard who ought to pay and contribute to the repair and maintenance of the Banks within those limits except before excepted had not any way by which they might go ride or drive to that Marsh nor from it except over other mens Lands or upon the Banks or Forland leading thence to and from the said Marsh. And they said that according to the Custome of the Marsh-law there in all such cases before that time used the Tenants of that Land at their pleasure might go ride and drive to and fro to the said Marsh and from the said Marsh over and upon the Forland of the Banks leading to the said Marsh and from the same And as to the number of Acres or partition of the Lands and Marshes c. within those limits except before excepted or of the certainty of the Land-holders and how much land every such Tenant had or held of the said Lands and Marshes within the said limits except before excepted the said Jurors did severally present the certainty thereupon according to the form and as it was contained in the Books of Sewers within those limits except before excepted then exhibited before the said Justices And thereupon the said Iohn Fogge Iohn Scotte and others to the number of eight of the said Justices forasmuch as upon their said view and inquisitions aforesaid made and taken in form aforesaid it evidently appeared to them that the said Lands and Marshes within those limits except before excepted were lyable to the danger of drowning by default in repâ—ir and maintenance of those Banks whereupon in short time inestimable damage might accrue unless a fitting remedy in that behalf were the sooner had and that all the Lands and Marshes within those limits except before excepted might very well be preserved and defended by the repair and support of those Banks and by the making of Sewers Ditches and Gutters in those Marshes from the danger of the Sea and the flouds of fresh waters to the great commodity of all the Landholders within those precincts except before excepted and that in default of such repair and support of those Banks and every of them all the lands and Marshes those excepted as aforesaid would be in peril of the Sea and easily overwhelmed to the inestimable losse of all the Landholders there whereby all those Tenants except before excepted ought equally to contribute to the cost and chardge of such repair and maintenance for the safeguard and defence of their lands and Marshes there from this peril and inundation viz. every one of them according to the proportion of what he held as his number of Acres and Perches of land there as in the said Marsh of Romeney according to the Ordinances Statutes and Customes thereof had and to that time used in the like case there had wont and ought to be done Considering besides that the said lands and Marshes lying within those limits except before excepted were never before setled under any certain and fit Statutes or Ordinances by any Authority for their secure defence and preservation And moreover forasmuch as the said King desiring seasonably to provide for the safeguard of this his Realm and chiefly for those parts upon the Sea-coasts in his Parliament held at Westminster the sixth of October in the xijth year of his reign and by divers prorogations continued till the first day of May in the xiiijth year thereof by the assent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal sitting in the said Parliament at the Petition of the Commonalty of this his Realm then and there exhibited to him amongst other things ordained and constituted that several Commissions of Sewers should be issued out to sundry persons by the Chancelour of England for the time being throughout all the parts of this Realm where need should require according to the form of a certain Commission in a Statute made in the Parliament of Henry the sixth in Deed but not in Right King of England held at Westminster in the sixth year of his reign And that the said Commissioners should have full Power and Authority to make ordain and constitute Statutes and Ordinances and to perform all other things according to the power and effâ—ct of those Commissions as in the said Statute of the said xijth year published is more fully contained Whereupon the said King issued out his Letters Patents to the before-specified Sir Iohn Fogge and the rest of the Justices before-mentioned in form aforesaid the tenor of which Petitions and answers thereto and of the Statutes Ordinances and Customes of the said Romeney Marsh were contained in a certain Roll annexed thereunto Having also regard to the publick advantage and common profit aswell by virtue and authority of the said Statute published in the said xijth year as of the said Letters Patents as aforesaid hereupon made to the before-specified Justices in form aforesaid and other premisses that it would seem just and equal to them in this behalf and most consonant to reason to establish and ordain what should be most proper for the avoiding of the perils and damages abovesaid calling together such as the businesse concerned for the perpetual safeguard and preservation of the said lands and Marshes within those limits except before excepted by the assent aswell of all those Jurors of the Enquest aforesaid appearing before the said Justices who had lands within the limits aforesaid lyable to the said danger to be preserved in form aforesaid as also of very many Lords of Fees and other Land-holders there being on the said Friday at Lyde aforesaid in pursuance of the said King's Royal purpose for more advantage and lesse detriment the said Justices did provide make and publish certain proper and commodious Statutes and Ordinances for the King's people and especially for all the Land-holders in those grounds and Marshes within the said limits except before excepted not favouring any person therein to endure and be observed for ever as followeth First it was decreed and ordained by the said Iustices with the consent aforesaid that thenceforth and for ever there should be within the Lands and Marshes aforesaid within the limits aforesaid except before excepted two Bayliffs twenty four Iurats two Collectors and two Expenditors of the Land-holders within those limits except before excepted for the preservation safeguard and defence of the said Lands and Marshes except before excepted and of the Banks belonging thereto By the consideration of which said xxiiij Iurats ten or eight of them at least the said Lands and Marshes except before excepted ought to be governed kept defended and preserved from the peril of the Sea and inundation of the fresh maters by Banks
de Haveryng Knight Iohn de Cavendishe Iohn de Gildesburgh and others were made Commissioners for the repair of the Bâ—nks c. betwixt Berking and Eâ—t-Tilbury with direction to proceed therein according to the Laws and Customes of this Realm The next year following Sir Will. de Waâ—ton Knight Thomas Torell and Thomas Belhouse had the like Commission for the Banks at West-Thurrok So also in 43 E. 3. had Thomas de Lodelowe Hugh de Badewe Thomas Yonge Iohn Aâ—brey and Will. Naffeâ—ton for those at Est-Hamme West Hamme Berkyng The like in 44 E. 3. had Sr Hen. de Grey of Codnore Knight Sir Rob. de Marny Knight Iohn de Goldesburgh and others for those upon the water of Markediche and others upon the coast of Thames betwixt Berkyng and Est-Tyllebury aforesaid Other Commissions in the same Kings time were these viz. in 48 E. 3. to Robert Bealknap Iohn de Bampton and others for the Banks between Stratford atte Bowe and Est-Tilbury In 49 E. 3. to Sir Hugh de Badewe Knight Sir Iohn de Sutton Knight Sir Raphe de Poley Knight and others for those in Bradwell As also to the Abbot of Stratford Nich Carreu Iohn Aubrey and Roger Germeyn for those at Est-Hamme and West-Hamme with appointment to act therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm And likewise to Nich Carreu Robert Bealknap Will. Tank and others for those in the Marsh of the Abbesse of Berkyng And moreover to the said Nicholas Robert Bealknap and Robert de Teye for several other Banks in divers Marshes within this County In 50 E. 3. to the Abbot of Stratford Nich. Carreu and Will. Halden for those from the Town of Stratford atte Bowe to Berkyng So also to Sir Will. de Wanton Knight Roger Mareschall Thomas de Belhous and Roger Germayn for those at West Thurrok In 51 E. 3. to Robert Bealknap Thomas Maundevill Rob. de Teyes â— and others for the Banks in several Marshes and places of this County And in 1 R. 2. to the Abbot of Stratford Nich. Carreu Will. de Halden Iohn Auberey Iohn Bampton William Rykhill and Roger Gremyn for those from Stratford aâ—te Bowe to Berkyng In 2 R. 2. Sir Henry de Grey of Wilton Sir Albred de Vere Sir Will. Berland Sir Will. Wauton Sir Iohn Symond Sir Iohn Chaneeux Knights Geffrey Darsham Rob. Rigdon and others had the like Commission for the view and repair of the Banks in sundry Marshes through this County which were then in decay and power to choose and take so many Carpenters with other Artificers and Labourers as should be needful for that work wheresoever they might be found in this County aswell within Liberties as without excepting the Fee of the Church and excepting such as were assigned for the said King's special service and to imploy them therein imprisoning such as they should find refractory The next year following Sir Will. de Wauton Knight Iohn de Middleton Roger Marescall Roger Germayn and Iohn Stody were in like sort assigned for those upon the coast of Thames and the Garden of Farndon unto the Church of West Thurrok So also in 4 R. 2. were the Abbot of Stratford Henry Asty and Laurence Allerthorpe for those at Esthamme and West-Hamme In 8 R. 2. the Abbot of Stratford Nich. Brembre Maior of the City of London Robert Bealknap Nich. Carreu Will. Rykehill Richard Ryall and Roger Germyn were appointed as aforesaid for the view and repair of the Banks from Stratford atte Bowe to Berkyng So also were Rob. Bealknap Will. Wauton Iohn Guldesburgh and others for those in the Marshes of Barking and Dakenham and to act therein according to the Law and Custome of the Marshes before that time exercised in those parts And in 15 R. 2. Iohn Radyngton Prior of the Hospital of S. Iohns of Ierusalem in England Sir Iohn Deyncourt Knight Will. de Horbury Clerk Thomas Newenton and others had the like appointment for those betwixt Reynham and Alvytheley and to act as aforesaid But though by the great care which the Kings of this Realm had for the preserving of divers coasts from inundation that lay thus in danger of the tides and the safeguard of those as had by great iudustry been won from the overflowing of the Sea much advantage did accrue to the Common wealth yet such hath been the violence and irresistable force of that element being agitated by high and boysterous winds that notwithstanding the utmost endeavours that could be used for prevention thereof it sometimes wasted and consumed much in other places of which sundry examples might be given were it requisite but I shall only instance in one viz. of the Lands and Marshes belonging to the Abby of S. Osithes in this County whereof I find mention in a Petition exhibited unto Robert de Braybroke Bishop of London in the time of King Richard 2d. and to the Dean and Chapter of that Church by Sir Albred de Vere Knight who thereby sheweth that whereas that Monastery was situate neer the Sea coast and had in it an Abbot and twenty Canons of the Order of S. Augustine serving God there devoutly every day and that the revenues thereof were through various mishaps without their default so diminished that a great part of their sustenance was abated viz. in Southflete C Acres of their arable land by the overflowing of the Sea totally drowned As also there and at their Beckarie of Coketwyk in one Pasture wherein at sometimes a C Kine and a thousand Ew-sheep might be kept through the breach of the banks ' and inundation thereof then scarce Lxx Kine and eight hundred Ewes could be maintained And moreover that two Marshes called Wyggebergh mers and Holewyke mersh in which six hundred Muttons might be yearly kept were then through the continual tides dayly overflown that scarce four hundred could be maintained And that the Water-Mill situate in the Town of S. Osiths and belonging to that Abby which had been worth xxl. was by the Sea-tides so spoiled that it could not be repaired under an hundred pound chardge And lastly that the Marsh walls in that Town in length three miles which included a Pasture for Lxx Kine and a thousand Muttons and Ewes were so torn and broken at that time that for the preserving of the same there must be other banks made anew and those old ones quitted so that a great proportion of the said Pasturage being for that respect to be left out scarce fifty Kine and six hundred sheep could be there maintained In consideration therefore of these losses he petitioned that the Church of Elmestede might be appropriated to that religious House Very many Commissions have I afterwards also seen for the view and repair of the Banks c. in this County which I shall here only in a brief manner point at viz. in 9 H. 4. to
Will. Gascoigne Will. Thirnyng Iohn Cokayn and Robert Tirwhit for those betwixt Stratford atte Bowe and Reynham In 8 H. 5. to Richard Baynard Will. Cheyne Richard Rede and Iohn Cornewailles for those betwixt Stretford atte Bowe and Stretford Langthorn on the South part the Road between those Towns and the River of Thames By both which Commissions they were to act according to the Law and Custome of this Realm In 17 H. 6. to Iohn Bishop of Bathe and Welles Sir Raphe Crumwell Knight Iohn Fraye Nich. Dykson and others for those from Stratford atte Bowe to Horndone thence to Hokley and thence to Tollesâ—ery and Wybergh with power to make Laws and Statutes c. according to those of Romeney marsh and to do all things touching the same repairs according to the Law and Custome of that Marsh As also to imprest so many labourers c. for competent wages as should be needful for that work c. In 18 H. 6. to Sir Raphe Crumwell Knight Iohn Fray Robert Rollestone Clâ—rk and others for all those betwixt the town of Ware and the River of Thames upon the River of Leye In 26 H. 6. to Peter Arden one of the Justices of the Common Pleas and chief Baron of the Exchequer Sir Thomas Tyrell and Sir Maurice Bruyn Knights Iohn Bamburgh Iohn Lymyngton and others for those betwixt Portflete mylle to Reynham flete thence to Reynham Church thence to Wenyngton Church thence to the messuage of Thomas Bernerde and thence to Portflete mylle before mentioned In 30 H. 6. to the Abbot of S. Osithes Iohn Godmanston Esquire Iohn Grene Robert Tanfield and others for those in the Hundred of Tenderyng In 33 H. 6. to Sir Thomas Tyrell Knight Will. Notyngham Robert Heworth Will. Tyrell Esquire Mathew Hay Esquire and Will. Pert for those betwixt S. Katherines Chapel upon Bowe bridge in the Parish of West Hamme unto Est Tilbury In 34 H. 6. to Sir Thomas Tyrell Knight Will. Tyrell junior Esquire Iohn Grene Iohn Geney and others for those within the limits of Stratford atte Bowe to Horndone thence to Hokley and thence to Tollesâ—ery and Wyggeberghe In 1 E. 4. to Will. Notyngham Rob. de Heyworth Thomas Heytone Walter Wretille Esquire and Will. Pert Esquire for those from the Mill called Tempylmylle to the Chapel of S. Katherine upon Bolwebrigge thence to Horndone c. as in the last In 9 E. 4. to Sir Will. Tyrell Knight Thomas Urswyk Humfrey Sterkey and others for those Banks from Est Hamme to Horndone and thence as aforâ—said The like Commission for the Banks in those very places had Iohn Earl of Oxford Sir Will. Tyrell Knight Iohn Grene Thomas Urswyk and others in 49 H. 6. In 16 E. 4. Sir Thomas Urswyk Knight Sir Thomas Montgomerie Knight Sir Iohn Say Knight Iohn Elryngton Will. Alyngton and divers others were appointed to view and take order for the repair of all the Banks c. upon the River of Leye both above and below the Town of Ware unto it's confluence with the Thames And the next year following the said Sir Thomas Urswyk Peter Courtney Clerk Alured Corneburgh Esquire Hugh Bryce and others were in like sort appointed for those Banks from Bowe-bridge to Raynham In all which from 6 H. 6. the said Commissioners were directed to proceed according to the Law and Custome of Romeney marsh and to make Statutes and Ordinances for the regulating of all things touching those Banks Ditches Sewers c. in such sort as those are which concern that Marsh as by an Act of Parliament made in the same 6th year of King Henry the sixth they were impowred which Act continueth in force at this day Forbearing therefore to give instance in more particulars I shall cloze up this Chapter touching the Marshes of the before-specified County with what I have met with touching the levell of Havering and Dagenham at a Session of Sewers held at Romford xvi Maii 36 Eliz. before Sir Henry Gray Knight Sir Iohn Peter Knight Richard Warren Esquire and others where for the recovery of Havering marsh then overflown and drowned and preventing the like to Dagenham levell it was decreed that Dagenham Creek should be immediately inned and that whereas the said drowning had been occasioned by a breach in the wall of Will. Ayloff of Hornchurch Esquire he the said William to pay the summ of â—ive hundred pounds and the Land-holdâ—rs of Dagenham certain rates by the Acre for all their marsh grounds lying in the said levell viz. the Lands on Dagenham side against the said Creeks at CCLxvl. and the Lands in Havering levell the summ of DCCl Howbeit these Banks being not made strong enough to withstand those tempestuous storms and violent tides which hapned in the month of September An. 1621. viz. 19. Iac. Cornelius Vermuden Gentleman an expert man in the Art of banking and drayning being treated withall by the Commissioners of Sewers appointed for the view and repair of the breaches then made undertook the work and pâ—rfected it but such being the perversnesse of those as were owners of the Lands assessed by the Commissioners â—o undergo the chardge thereof that they neglected to pay their proportions thereof upon complaint therefore made to the said Commissioners he the said Cornelius in recompence of his chardges had parcell of the said Lands assigned unto him which assignation was by the Kings Letters Patents bearing date 1º Aug. 1º Caroli reciting the Act of Parliament of 13 Eliz. cap. ix viz. that where any person should be assessed by the Commissioners of Sewers to any lot and refuse or neglect to pay the same the Land to be leased or past in fee simple in recompence to the undertaker confirm'd to him the said Cornelius and his heirs CAP. XVIII HAving now done with the Marshes in Essex of which by reason of their adjacency unto the Thames I thought fit to take notice in this order as I have done I must according to my designed method return Southward and before I come to Sussex of it self observe what I have found touching that County and Kent promiscuously In King Iohn's time upon a sute betwixt the Archbishop of Canterbury Prior of Lewes Plantiffs and Rob. de Denton and others concerning certain Sea-banks in those parts Robert de Marti who was one summoned upon that businesse appeared and did put himself upon the men of the Archbishop in Mauling of the Earl Warren in Pidingho and Metinges for the repair of those banks in such sort as they ought and had wont to be A multitude of Commissions through the reigns of sundry Kings I do find upon this occasion whereof the most are in general terms for the view and repair of the Banks Ditches and Sewâ—rs in both those Counties but some do expresse particularly in what places unto all which I shall briefly point according to the
Bataille Will. Westbury â— Provost of Eton College neer Windsore Iohn Faukes Clerk Thomas Hoo Esquire and Bartholmew Bolney were assigned to view and repair the banks c. within the Precincts of Batesford Ashburnehammesmille Godyngeshaven from Pevenese bridge to Newestclewes of Waltershaven and from Newestclewes by the Sea to the point of Godyngeshaven and from the point of Godyngeshavene to Romestrete and from Romestrete to Bellamsgutte and from Bellamsgutte to Densexgote and from Densexgote to Pykeledbrigge and from Pykeledbrigge to Swynesham brigge and to act therein according to the Law and Custome of Romeney marsh Several other Commissions there were in this King's time and afterwards in all which the Commissioners were directed to proceed according to the Law and Custome of Romeney marsh viz. in 34 H. 6. to Sir Richard Fenys Knight Thomas Echyngham Richard Dalyngregge and Iohn Passele Esquires Bartholmew Bolney and Martin Oxenbrigge for the Banks betwixt Sedlescombebregge in the Parish of Sedlescombe on the VVest part to Snaylham and the place called the Pyke in the Parishes of Brede and Gestlyng on the East part on both sides the common Watercourse betwixt the said Town of Sedlyscombe and Wynchelse In 36 H. 6. to Sir Richard Fenys Knight Sir Roger Leukenore Knight Nicholas Huse Thomas Hoo Barth Bolney and others for those from Coleworthe to Fleghambrigge and thence to the Sea In 37 H. 6. to Sir Iohn Pelham Knight Thomas Echyngham Henry Hall Robert Oxenbrigge and Iohn Copeldyke Esquires Bartholmew Bolney and Martin Oxenbrigge for those betwixt a place called Fodyr and the Town of Wynchelse In 3 E. 4. to Sir Roger Leukenore Knight Will. Sydney Iohn Ernely Thomas Tawcke Humfrey Hewester and Iohn Goryng for those Banks from Coleworthe to the Sea In 5 E. 4. to Sir Thomas Echyngham Knight Barth Bolney Henry Halle Rob. Oxenbrigge and Will. Baker for those from Yham in the Parish of S. Leonards and from Yham to the Lands called Cregge and the Lands of Iohn Fynche In 6 E. 4. to Sir Roger Leukenore Knight Nich. Huse Esquire Iohn Fuyst Iohn Goryng Will. Ernele and others from the water of Coleworth to the Sea And in 14 E. 4. to Sir Iohn Fogge Sir Iohn Scotte Sir Will. Haute and Sir Iohn Gilford Knights Iohn Elryngton Iohn Bruaston Henry Auger Will. Belknap and Robert Oxenbrigge Esquires Barth Bolney and others for those betwixt Roberts brigge in this County and the Town of Romeney in Kent In 17 E. 4. upon an Inquisition taken at a place called Dencourt's marshe the Friday next after the Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist xvij E. 4. before Sir Thomas Echyngham Knight Henry Aucher Gervase Horne Robert Oxenbrigge VVill. Belknap Henry Belknap Iohn Bradford Iohn Copeldyke Iohn VVody and Thomas Oxenbrigge Commissioners to view and repair the Banks betwixt the River of Apildoure to Rye on the West part and thence to the Wall called Fresh walle on the East part and the Wall of the Monks of Christs-Church in Canterbury called Newe Walle as far as the lands belonging to the Abby of S. Augustines did reach on the South part the Jurors did then and there present upon their Oaths that it would be very necessary and profitable for the safeguard amendment and clearing of the said Marsh and prevention of drowning to that part of the Country adjoyning thereto that there were a new Bank made from the said VVall called Newe Walle by the Chanel leading from Apyldore to Rye and to the said water called Moreflete and thence to the said place called Freshe-walle as far as the lands then belonging to the Abby of S. Augustines did extend And that the said Bank should be in length from the said VVall called New Walle unto Moreflete aforesaid and thence to the said place called Fresh Wall upon the flat Marsh MCCiiijxx Rods and an half and in Crekes and Flets Lxix Rods. And they say that every Rod of the said Bank upon the plain Marsh might be made for two shillings and four pence and every Rod in the Crekes for xis. And they farther said that within the same Marsh by the making of that Bank there might be saved from the overflowing of the Tides MCCCCxij Acres of good Marsh of which number Miiijxx and two Acres were in Kent and CCGxxx Acres in this County and that all the said Acres in both Counties did lye together and contigious to the bounds of those Counties and adjacent to the said Marsh and that no one Acre could be conveniently taxed to the making of the said Bank without the other the assessment of them having been so time out of mind whereof were Tenants the Abbot of S. Augustines in Canterbury the Prior of Christs-Church in Canterbury Sir Iohn Elryngton and Sir Iohn Scott Knights Iohn Engham Thomas Ian the heirs of Iames Marshall the heirs of Robert Marshall the VVidow of Stephan Dene the heirs of Thomas Thurder and Robert Fermor Of which the Abbot of S. Augustines aforesaid was seized in the right of his Church in his demesne as of Fee in the said Marsh in Kent of CCij Acres the Prior of Christs-Church of Ciiijxx and xvi Acres Sir Iohn Elryngtone Knight of Dxxxiij Acres whereof CCLvi Acres in this County of Sussex Sir Iohn Scott Knight of Lxxiiij Acres in this County whereof VValter Roberd claimed a part but how much the Jurors knew not Iohn Engham of Lix Acres and one Rode of that part which lyeth in Kent Thomas Ian of xix Acres and an half of the like The heirs of Iames Marshall of half an Acre and a Rode The heirs of Robert Marshall of viij Acres and a Rode The VVidow of Stephan Deine of two Acres and a Rode The heirs of Thomas Thunder of xxiiij Acres and Robert Fermour of xxxvi Acres all lying in Kent And moreover the said Jurors affirmed that it was both reasonable and just that all the said Tenants should make contribution every man according to what he held in the said Marsh for the making and maintenance of those Banks And the said Commissioners by the consent of the said Jurors Bayliffs of Franchises and all others who were concerned in the making of the said Banks and repair of them ordained decreed and assessed upon every acre of land within the said Marsh a tax of nine shillings to be paid at the Feast of S. Peter ad vincula and at the Nativity of our Lord then next following by equal portions And they farther said that it would be most necessary and profitable for the preservation and good Government of the said Marsh that there should be chosen one Bayliff and one Collector and other Skawers of the principal Land-holders there who should have power in all things to be done therein according to the Law and Custome of Romeney marsh VVhereupon the said Commissioners by the assent aforesaid made choice of Sir Iohn Elryngton Knight to be Bayliff and
of Sewers wherewith I have met in our publick Records is in 32 E. 1. which was directed to Robert de Clare Gilbert de Bere and Master Gereberd who were thereby assigned to view and take order for the repair of the Banks Ditches Gutters and Sewers in Brentmershe Pederham Wringemershe and Saltmershe and to clense the Gutters Chanels in such sort as that the streams as well of the fresh water as salt might have thenceforth their right and antient course in all those places In 2 E. 2. Matthew de Furneaus and Will. de Burne were constituted Commissioners in like sort for all the Banks c. in general both upon the Sea-coasts and elswhere in this County The like Commission in 4 E 2. had Iohn Randolf Iohn the Son of Tho. de Beauchamp Will. de Burn. So also in 9 E. 2. had Iohn de Meryet Richard de Rodeneye and Iohn de Clivedone In which year likewise Iohn Randolf Will. de Harden Iohn de Westcote and Richard de Rodney were appointed to enquire of the breach of the Banks and Ditches of Iohn de Goddeleigh Dean of Wells in the lands belonging to his Deanery at Merk in this County which very antiently in the time of his Predâ—cessors had been raised for the preservation of the lands of the same Deanery Modesse Wodmore and Bydesham against the power of the fresh waters which descended by a certain Chanel in the said Town of Merk towards the Sea And also of certain Sluces of the said Dean in his said Town of Merk built for the evacuation of water in floud times which Sâ—uses were then broken down by Philip de Columbers Robert de Brente Iohn his Brother and others The like Commission was then directed to the said Iohn Randolf and the rest to enquire of the breach of the Banks câ— of Iohn Bishop of Bathe and Welles in the lands of his Bishoprick at Blakeford neer Merke before-specified Many other Commissions for the view and repair of the Sea-banks and others in this County were afterwards granted to several persons viz. in 10 E. 2. to Iohn de Beauchamp Will. de Burne and Iohn de Fosse In 18 E. 2. to Iohn Randolf Elias de Godele and the said Iohn de Fosse In 19 E. 2. to Iohn de Clyvedon Hugh de Langelond and Elias de Godele In 20 E. 2. to Iohn de Mohun and Iohn Randolf In 3 E. 3. to Iohn Inge Hugh de Langlond and Peter Coleswayn for those Banks betwixt Bristoll and Muchaney In 14 E. 3. to Richard Lovel Henry Power and Roger de la Walle for those in Brentmershe betwixt the Town of Stert and Burcle in length and Wollavyngton and Hegh brugge now called High bridge in bredth In 17 E. 3. to Richard Lovel Iohn Inge Iohn de Mere and Henry Power for those betwixt Bristoll and Dunstere and the parts adjacent So also in 22 E. 3. to Iohn Inge Iohn de Clyvedon Henry Power and Adam Bret. In 25 E. 3. to Sir Iohn de Clyvedon Sir Iohn de Seintlo Knights Iohn de Somerton and Nicholas de Ledrede for the Banks in divers parts of this County In 32 E. 3. upon a pleading occasioned by an Indictment against the Dean of Welles and Richard de Cogan and their Tenants for the not scouring the Watercourse neer Hakmede and Holimede and against the Dean alone for two Sluses called Netherpound and Southerpound and for a Floud-gate called Hakewere they were then acquitted In the same year Mathew de Clivedon Sir Iohn de Clivedon Knight Sir Walter de Paveley Knight and others were assigned to view and repair the Banks c. betwixt Bristoll and Taunton and betwixt Bruton and Severne In 34 E. 3. Sir Richard de Acton Sir Iohn de S. Lo Knights and others had the like assignation for the Banks betwixt Bristoll Martok and Taunton and betwixt Bruton and Severne In 36 E. 3. Sir Richard de Diton Knight Walter de Aldebury Sir Iohn de Seintlo Knight Mathew de Clivedon and others had the like for those at Bristoll Mertok and Taunton as also at Welyngton Dunsterre Bruton and Severne So also in 1 R. 2. had Sir Richard Acton Knight Henry Percehay Sir Iohn de la Mare Knight Sir Iohn L'orly Knight Robert Syddenham Robert Cheddre and Iohn Panet In 2 R. 2. Sir Iames de Audeley Knight Lord of Hely Sir Will. Botreaux Knight Sir Henry Percehay Knight Sir Richard Acton Knight Walter Clopton and others were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of the banks c. in Brentmershe and Wryngemershe and in other places upon the Sea-coast and water of Severne betwixt Bristoll and Dunsterre After this divers Commissions for the Banks Ditches c. in general throughout this County were issed out viz. in 5 R. 2. to Sir Maurice Wyth Sir Will. de Bonvile Sir Iohn Weyland Knights Richard de Sydenham and Iohn Manyngford And in the same year to the before-specified Sir Iames de Audeley Sir Guy de Bryan Sir Will. Cogan Sir Iohn Trivet Sir Iohn Rodeney and Sir Iohn de la Mare Knights Iohn Cary Will. Cary Iohn Domere and Iohn Barre By virtue of which Commission the said Sir Guy de Brien Sir Will. Cogan Sir Iohn Tryvet Sir Iohn Rodeneye and Sir Iohn de la Mare Knights Iohn Cary Iohn Domere and Iohn Baree met at Bridgwater on Monday next after the Feast day of S. Margaret the Virgin where the Shireeve of the County having received the said Kings Precept to that purpose caused xij honest and lawful men within his liberty to appear viz. Iohn Ivethorn Iohn Eyr c. who did upon their Oaths present that there was a certain bank called Southlake Wall lying betwixt the Path and Tutte yate trees in Weston by which divers Watercourses called Runes were obstructed by the Abbot of Glastonbury and his Tenants insomuch as the said water overflowed and drowned the Meadows and Pastures of many men to the damage of the whole Country and that the said Abbot and his Tenants ought to reform the same And they also said that there were in the River of Peret two VVeres called Tappyng Weres whereby the course of the water was straitned which ought to be amended and removed by the Abbot of Glastonbury and Bishop of Winchester And that there was a certain pleck of Osiars at Tutte yate in Weston appropriated by the said Abbot and his Tenants by which the water course was straitned and stopt to the damage of the Country and that it ought to be amended and totally removed by the said Abbot and his Tenants Whereupon the said Abbot and his Tenants constituted Iohn Panes and Iohn Fitelton their Attorneys to answer to this chardge By another Inquisition taken at that time before the said Justices upon the Oaths of Iohn Strache and others
Barston and Herthill and betwixt Use and Derwent And the next year following Iohn Moubray Thomas de Ingelby Henry de Barton and others had the like assignation for the Banks c. betwixt the Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Wâ—erfe and to act according to the Law and Custome of this Realm Several other Commissions also were directed to others for the view and repair of the same Banks and all such as were in decay in those parts viz. in the same year to Richard de Ravensere Provost of Beverly VVill. de Fyncheden and others for those upon the Rivers of Use Ayre and Done in the parts of Merskland and Osgodcrosse And to Thomas de Ingelby VVilliam de Fynchedon Will. de Galby Parson of Epworth and others for those in the parts of Balne and Mersland In 43 E. 3. to Sir Thomas de Metham Sir Roger Lascells Knights Roger de Fulthorpe and others for those upon the the coasts of Humbre Ouse Derwent Fulne Langedyke and Skelflete within the Liberty of Hoveden and VVapentake of Herthull and betwixt the Rivers of Ouse and Derwent In 44 E. 3. to Richard de Ravensâ—re Arch-Deacon of Lincolne Will. de Fyncheden Gerard de Usflet and others for those upon the Rivers of Ayre and Done in the parts of Merskland and Osgodcrosse And in the same year to Iohn de Moubray Thomas de Ingelby Henry de Bâ—rton and others for those betwixt the said Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Wherfe In 49 E. 3. to Thomas de Metham Wll. de Mirfeld Henry de Barton and others for those betwixt the Rivers of Wherf Eire and Ouse In 50 E. 3. to Roger de Fulthorpe Will. the Son of VVill. Skipwith Iohn de Brakenholme and others for those betwixt Ouse and Derwent In 51 E. 3. to Richard de Ravensere Clerk Roger de Fulthorpe Iohn Cunstable and others for those upon Use Ayre and Done in the parts of Merskland and Osgodcrosse So also to Roger de Fulthorpe Iohn de Aske VVill. the son of VVill. Skipwith and others for those betwixt Ouse Derwent Spaldyngmore and Hovedenshire To the said King Edward 3. succeeded his Grandson Richard the second who in the second year of his reign directing his Precept to Robert de Haldanby wherein he recited that his said Grandfather considering the waste and spoil whereunto the Country of Mâ—rskland in this County was subject to by the inundations of Humbre Ouse and Trent and that the chardge whereat the Inhabitants therâ—of had been for the defence thereof and still ought to be was so great through their losses by many flouds as that they were not able to withstand the approaching perils without help from others and therefore being most willing to provide for their succour did on the twenty fourth day of Iune in the 43th year of his reign grant unto them all Fines Issues Forfeitures and amerciaments then adjudged by virtue of his Commission to the said Robert and his associates or which might for the future be adjudged before them the said Commissioners then his Justices of Sewers in those parts in their several Sessions to be received and levyed by the hands of the Deputies for the Commonalty of that Country towards the support of their said chardge and expence By which Precept he commanded the said Robert that he should deliver the Extracts of the said Fines issues forfeitures and amerciaments adjudged before him and his said associates from the date of that Commission unto the death of the said King to the end that they might cause them to be levyed by those their Deputies and have them according to the tenor of the same Letters Patents In 4 R. 2. Richard de Ravenseere Clerk Iohn de Botheby Clerk Roger de Fulthorpe Iohn Constable Gerard de Usflet Thomas de Rednesse Iohn de Aske Robert de Haldanby Iohn de Sadyngton VVilliam de Swynflet and Thomas de Egmanton â— were assigned to view and repair those baâ—ks c. upon the Rivers of Use Eyre and Done in the parts of Merskland and Osgodcrosse So also in 6 R. 2. were Roger Fulthorpe Thomas de Metham Iohn de Aske Thomas de Saltmershe and Iohn de Kirkeby for those in the parts of Howedenshire In the same year the Inhabitants of Merskland before-specified and of the Isle of Axholme in Lincolnshire by their Petition to the said King wherein they shewed that whereas King Edward the second did at their humble sute constitute Iohn de Doncastre and others his Justices to clear the River of Done which is the division betwixt those Counties aswell for the passage of ships from Doncastre to the River of Trent as for drayning of the Lands adjacent which said Justices did accordingly cause the said Chanel to be digged from a place called Crulfrethill unto Demmyn in bredth xvi foot and one grain of Barly at the chardge of the said Inhabitants of those parts and thereby reduced the same water into it's antient course and that since the said clensing thereof there were certain bridges and other obstructions made therein so that the passage of ships was again hindred The said King therefore issued out his Commmission to Roger de Fulthorpe Robert de Morton Robert de Haldanby Will. de Swynflete and Robert Gaâ—ke to enquire thereof and to make such redresse therein as should be expedient in that behalf In 7 R. 2. the same Roger de Fulthorpe Stephan del Fall Iohn de Aske Thomas de Saltmersh and Iohn de Kirkeby were constituted Commissioners to view and repair the Banks c. in the parts of Howedeneshire and Wapentake of Herthill and betwixt the Rivers of Ouse and Dexwent The like Commission in 12 R. 2. had Sir Philip Darcy and Sir Will. Fitz Knights Iohn Woderove of Dransford and Thomas Maunsell for those betwixt Ayrmyn and Ferybrigg So also in 15 R. 2. had Sir Iohn le Scrope Sir Gerard de Ousflet Sir Thomas de Redenesse Iohn Woderove and others for those upon Ouse Ayre and Done in the parts of Merskland and Osgodcrosse in this County and to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm And in 17 R. 2. Sir Philip Darcy Knight Iohn Wodâ—ove William Gascoigne Thomas Maunsell and Iohn Nevill had the like for those banks c. betwixt Eyrmin and Feribrigg on the South part of Eyre and Brotherton and Neweland on the North side with direction and power to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of England and the Custome of Romeney Marsh till that time used As also to imprest so many Diggers and other Labourers as they should think fit to imploy in that work allowing them competent wages in regard of the urgent necessity for the expediting thereof In 21 R. 2. upon a sute in the Kings Bench for the clensing of a certain Sewer called Poldike betwixt Hamercon and Non Monketon
overflowed to the great damage of all the Country adjacent VVhereupon the Shireeve had command to summon the said Towns of Newsome c. who appearing accordingly answered that they could not deny but that they ought to repair and clense the said Sewer and that the same was not stopped by the making of certain Clows therein therefore they were amerc'd And the Inhabitants of Lostsome for their said Town of Lostsome also said that they could not deny but that theyâ— together with the towns of Newsome Birnd Knedillyngton Askelby and Barneby ought to clense and repair the same Sewer but they said that the current thereof was not stopped by the setting down of those Clows as it had been supposed and of this they requested that inquiry might be made by the Country VVhich being accordingly done the Jurors found that the said town of Lostsome together with the towns of Newsome Birnd Knedillyngtone Askelby Barneby had by making of those Clows obstructed the before-specified Sewer therefore the said town of Lostsome was amerc'd and it was decreed by the said Justices that those Clows should be taken away at the chardge of the Inhabitants of that place and of the rest before-mentioned And the Shireeve was required to see the same accomplishâ— and the Sewer repaired In 11 H. 4. Thomas Knight of Arkesey was attached by Iohn Fastolf who alleged that he the said Thomas ought to repair certain Banks upon the River of Done in respect of his lands in Bentley To which the said Thomas pleaded that he ought not In the same year it appears that the Abbot of Thornton was distrained for the repair of Thornton damme and Hamister damme which do râ—ach from Langdyke to the River of Ouse But the Abbot pretending errors in the judgment formerly given required that it should be revoked and so he did likewise for Blaktoft damme alias Hansardamme which extendeth it self from Fulney to the stream of Ouse which Chanel Sir Richard Hansard Knight and the town of Blaktoft ought to repair In 13 H. 4. Gerard Usflete Will. Lodyngton Richard Gascoigne Thomas Egmantone Guy Rouclyff Will. Rosselyn Rob. Haldenby and Iohn Garton were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of the Banks c. upon the Rivers of Ouse Done and Eyre in the parts of Merskland and to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of the Marsh. The like Commission in 1 H. 5. had Richard Norton Will. Lodyngton Peter de la Hay Iohn Dronsfeld Robert Barneby Will. Shirewode Thomas Saynpole and Nicholas Braytone for those banks c. from little Smitone to the River of Done and to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm So also in 6 H. 5. had William Lodyngton Richard Gascoigne Guy Rouclyf Guy Fairfax Gerard Lodyngton others for the banks upon the said Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Done betwixt Turnbrigg neer Rouclyf the antient course of the said River Done in the parts of Merskland and to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm In 9 H. 5. Robert Tirwhit Iohn Preston Iohn Aske Thomas Clarell Peter de la Hay Richard Gascoigne Guy Rouclif Guy Fayrfax Iohn Pigot Robert Rudstane Thomas Banke and Thomas Aungere were appointed to view and repair the Banks c. upon the Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Done betwixt Ouerfmouth and the antient Chanel of Done in the parts of Merskland and to proceed therein as abovesaid The like appointment in 1 H. 6. had Iohn Preston Iames Strangwayes Richard Gascoigne Guy Rouclyff Guy Fairfax Iohn Portyngton Thomas Aunger William Stansfeld and Will. Outhorpe for those banks upon the coasts of Ayre Ouse Done and Went betwixt Snayth and the antient course of the River of Done in the parts of Mersland and to proceed therein as abovesaid So also the year following had Robert Tirwhit Iohn Prestone Sir Henry Bromflet Knight Iohn Aske Peter de la Haye Iohn Ellerker Guy Rouclyf and Iohn Portyngton for those c. upon Ouse Derwent Humbre and Hull within the VVapentake betwixt Ouse and Derwent the liberty of Hovedenshire and VVapentake of Herthill and to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm In 6 H. 6. Iames Strangways Thomas Fulthorpe Guy Rouclyff Guy Fayrfax Will. Ashowe Iohn Aske and Thomas Beaulieu were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of the Banks c. upon the Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Went betwixt Snaythe and the old Chanel of Done in Merskland and to act therein as abovesaid And in the same year Sir Robert Bapthorpe and Sir Henry Bromflete Knights Iames Strangwayes Iohn Ellerker Iohn de Aske Guy Rouclyff and Iohn Portington had the like Commission for those banks c. within the liberty of Hovedene and VVapentake of Herthill as also betwixt the Rivers of Use and Derwent with power to make such Statutes and Ordinances for the safeguard and preservation of the coasts within those limits as should be necessary and fit according to the Laws and Customes of Romeney Marsh and to do all other things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of Romeney Marsh aforesaid As also to imprest so many Diggers and other Labourers upon competent wages in respect of the great and urgent necessity to expedite the work as they should think fit to imploy therein So also had Iohn Ellerker Tho. de Metham Thomas Clarell Robert Willughby Guy Roclyff Richard Wyntworth Iohn Maleverer and Iohn Portyngton for those betwixt Turnbryg and the Rivers of Done and Ouse And to make Statutes and Ordinances and to proceed c. as aforesaid And likewise Sir Will. Babyngton Sir Henry Bromflete and Sir Robert Bapthorpe Knights Thomas Metham Esquire Guy Roclyff Iohn Portyngton and Will. Moston for those within the Wapentake of Herthill and the Wapentake betwixt Ouse and Derwent and liberty of Howedon and to act therein as aforesaid So also the year following had Sir Will. Rither Knight Iames Strangways Thomas Clarell Esquires Guy Fairfax Iohn Thwaytes Robert Maleverer and Thomas Lyndeley for the Banks c. upon the Rivers of Ayre Ouse and Yore and to proceed as abovesaid And the like in 13 H. 6. had Iohn Ellerker Thomas Metham Iohn Constable Iohn Portyngton Will. Mustone and Robert Cawode for those in Mershlonde betwixt the Rivers of Owese Doone Ayer and Went and to proceed therein as abovementioned Many other Commissions there were to the like purpose and to make Laws and Ordinances according to the Laws and Customes of Romeney Marsh c. viz. in 23 H. 6. to Iohn Portyngton senior Iohn Nevill Guy Roclyff Iohn Portyngton junior Rob. Roclyff Geffrey Blakey and Peter Perc for those Banks c. in Mershlond betwixt the Rivers of Owese Doone Ayre and Went. In 27 H. 6. to Iohn Portyngtone Rob. Bapthorpe Esquires Guy
be reformed by the Townships and persons who of right ought to do the same and to be of xij in bredth and of height sufficient for boats to passe under upon pain of 3l. 6s. 8. for every bridge unfinished at Michaelmasse following And that the Waredyke beginning at Colehousestile and so extending along the River of Burne Ee to Goodrams coote should be continued from the said Coote to Done hurne and to be distant from the River C. fooâ— and in bredth xij foot and depth iiij at the cost of the Inhabitants of Pinchbeckâ— upon pain of xxd. for every rode unfinished at Michaelmasse then next following Also that the Sewer called Newedyke in Dykesen should be perfected from Eedyke bridge unto Holand Fendyke according to the Law at Sempringham as aforesaid upon pain also of iijs iiijd. for every rode unfinished at Michaelmasse then next following Likewise that the Sewer extending directly against the East to Northgraft should be dyked and banked sufficiently by the Townships of Hakenby Dunsby and Pinchebeck and the manure to be cast on the North and that from the beginning of Pinchbeck limits to the Graft And that the Sewer of Northgraft from the first fall of the waters of the Fen into the said Sewer and thence to the Sea ought to be xij foot broad and six foot deep and to be done by the Inhabitants of Pinchbeck before Michaelmasse then next ensuing upon the penalty above-specified And that the Sewer called the Beche from Wrightbold Clowe to the Sea should be dyked roded and scoured by the Townships of Pynchbeck Gosberkirk and Surflet as had been accustomed before Michaelmasse then next ensuing upon like pain Likewise that the Sewer called Marisbeek should be scoured by the Landholders there according to their several parts to be done before the said day c. Also that the banks from Colehouse stile to Goodrams coote and thence to Done hurne should be made of xij foot thicknesse and three foot height where most need required by the Land-holders of Pinchbeck and Burne according to their limits before the said day c. And lastly that the Sewer called Hawewell should be scoured to Dykebarre by the Fermours of the Hawes and Tho. Gotherd Thence to Repingale South-dyke by the Inhabitants of Dyke Morton Hakenby and Dunsby Thence to Berhomepoles by the Inhabitants of Repingale Ringstone and Kirkby-Underwood before Michaelmasse then next following After this viz. in 43 and 44 Eliz. there arose a great controversie about the erecting of two new Gotes at Skirbek and Langare for drayning the waters out of South Holand and the Fenns into Boston Haven which work Sir Edward Dimock Knight did by himself and his friends further what he could but it was opposed by the Country of Kesteven and the very exception taken thereto was that the Commissioners of Sewers could not by the power of their Commission make a Law for the erecting of those new Gotes whâ—re never any stood before Whereupon the decision of this point coming at length before the then two chief Justices viz. Popham and Anderson they delivered their opinions that the said new Gotes if they were found to be good and profitable for the safety and advantage of the Country they might be erected by the power of the Statute of xxiij of Henry the eighth Of Spalding and Pinchbeck Fens see farther in my last Chapter under the title of Kesteven and Holand CAP. XLVI FRom Lincolnshire keeping on my course Eastwards I come next into Norfolke on the West side of which Country very great advantages have been made by banking and drayning whereof the most antient are in that part of it called Marshland next adjoyning to Holand last spoken of That this was originally gained from the Sea by the Romans I have in the Chapter of this discourse endeavoured to make manifest which admitted we may well conclude that our Ancestors the Saxons considering the extraordinary fertility of the soil had a fair invitation to seat themselves therein for that they did so is evident enough from that authentique Survey taken by the Norman Conqueror which sheweth that the Towns now in being there were all extant in the days of King Edward the Confessor Nor is it improbable but that they were so likewise for divers preceding ages forasmuch as it appears that the Church of Ely was possest of Walpole long before a place of no small note by reason it gave birth to S. Goderic the Hermite of whom M. Paris maketh ample mention Tâ—iâ— Country on the East is bounded by the stream of Ouse on the West with Wisbeche River on the North with the Sea-bank and on the South with the new Po-dike as the Map sheweth and containeth no lesse than tâ—irty thousand Acres whereof part is a â—amous plain called the Smeeth which being common to all the Towns therein maintaineth at least thirty thousand sheep and yet is not of a larger extâ—nt in the widest part of it than two English miles Of this plain I may not omâ—â— a tradition which the common people thereabâ—uts have viz. that in old time the Inhabitants of the neighbouring Villages had a fierce contest with one Hickifric the then owner of it touching the bounds thereof which grew so hot that at length it came to blows and that Hickifric being a person of extraordinary stature and courage took an Axeltree from a Cart instead of a Sword and the wheâ—l for his Buckler and being so armed most â—toutly repelled those bold invaders for farther testimony of which notable exploit they to this day shew a large Grave-stone near the East end of the Chancel in Tilney Church-yard whereupon the form of a Cross is so cut as that the upper part thereof by reason of the flourishes wherewith the Carver hath adorned it sheweth to be somewhat circular which they will therefore need have â—o be the wheel and the sâ—aft the Axâ—â—râ—e It is observed that within the compasse of this Province there is neither Mole nor Rat and that such hath been the care of the Inhabitants for pervention of mischief which might happen by any breach of the publick Sea-bank that they have invironed every Town with a particular bank called the Indike or Ward-dikâ— â— which upon any such inundation doth secure it from danger As for the several Sewers and Bridges which it hath I shall reserve them to be spoke of in the lâ—st place purposing now to go on in taking notice of such improvements as have been made within the old Precinct thereof as also how it hath been preserved from the violence of the tides on the one part and fresh waters on the other with the farther enlargement of it's particular bounds By an antient Pleading it appeareth that before the year MCLxxxi 27 H. 2. there was neither any habitation nor ground that yielded profit within that part of Wigenhale from Busterdesdole unto the South side of the same Town except the Monastery
verdict unto them And that the said chief Guardians their Deputies or Attorneys shall swear to execute their Office for the common benefit and safeguard not favouring any And that the Distrainers should likewise swear to observe the direction of the said Guardians and be obedient theâ—eto And they also said and presented that in times past much peril had hapned to the said Town of Wigenhale through the negligence of the Dike Reeves appointed for the safeguard thereof in regard they had not sufficient Lands and Tenement within that liberty nor knowledge of the Laws and Customes of Marshland Whereupon for the avoiding of future peril it was ordained by the consent of the whole Commonalty that thenceforth no Guardian which should be chosen for the safeguard thereof should make any Deputy or Attorney to exeâ—ute his Office except he were a fit mâ—n free and sufficient to answer to the Commonalty in case any hurt might come to the Sea-banks through his neglect and default And they likewise ordained that no man should thenceforth take upon him to measure any Seâ—-banks without the oversight and assent of the Town Officers sworn thereto upon the penalty of xxs. And they moreover presented that whensoever the Commonalty should be summoned to meet for the safeguard of the Town that they which should then be present whether more or lesse in number might together with the chief Guardians or those which should then be there have power to make Ordinances for the safeguard before-specified and that the same Ordinances should be effectual and firm And that if any of the xij Jurats should make default by not meeting or to perambulate the Sea-banks for the safeguard of the Town that each of them should be amerc'd at xiid. so often as he did so neglect And in case the said principal Guardians their Deputies or Attorneys did make default each of them to be amerc'd at iiis. iiiid. as oft as he did so transgresse And if the said distrainers should not come with their Rolls of the Sea-banks and with the perch to measure them that they should be amerc'd at xxd. for every time of such their neglect And they said that when any Grunâ—egole should happen in the Banks of the Sea or Marshes and not through his default to whom the same belonged that it should be repaired by the Commonalty of the Town and the party whose Grundegole it was to be distrained until he made satisfaction And that in case any man should be refractory or a Foreiner so that no distresse could be made upon him for such default in his Bank and that the said Bank were in danger that then the chief Guardians to summon the Men-worke and make good the Bank for certain sum of money and when time should serve a distresse to be taken and detained untill three pence were paid for every peny so expended And that whosoever should have warning to repair the said Grundegole and came not he should forfeit xijd. And whosoever should not come upon summons to special Men-worke to pay xiiâ— and neverthelesse to perform the same on the morrow And they likewise ordained for the better safeguard of the said Town that Sessings should be made in the said Banks opposite to the Messuages and Walls twice or thrice every year in case of necessity for preservation of the Bank and that the persons agisted should be distrained from day to day for the due performance thereof And they said that they had time out of mind enjoyed a Cart way for Carriages in a certain place called the Bicches on the backside of the said Sea-bank for repairing the same Banks at all times of the year when need required And they also ordained that every Ditch being within lesse than xii foot of the backside of the Sea-bank should be filled up by those unto whom the same Bank lying opposite to it belonged and that the same should be speedily accomplished upon penalty of iid. for every foot And they farther ordained that for the better safeguard of the said Town no man should thenceforth make any Ditch or Pit upon the backside of the Sea-bank within xii foot upon penalty of iiis. iiiid. for every perch And that if any Hoggs should be found feeding or rooting upon the said Sea-banks they to be amerc'd for every foot id. and for each mandible id. And for Sheep or Cattel treading or depasturing thereon from Rousebeehe to Pulberys gole to forfeit id. for every foot as often as occasion should be And they also ordained that all the lands lying in the field of Sadylbowe abutting upon Seche water leswe betwixt Thefe gate and Farlow diche should raise the Stows equal with the land on each side and with Hurdles laid upon them six foot in bredth to prevent the water coming from the Sewer of Sechewater leswe from overflowing upon penalty for every Stow vid. And that the Causey extending from Newdiche through Lenne gate and B ..... milhirne on the West part to Puelldole was in decay and from Puell dole by Thefe gate and the lands of the Prior of Schouldam ....... to .... Diche and from a place called the ...... hee by Powdiche on the North-side unto the great River of Wigenhale by reason of the excesse of water coming out of the Field of Seche and Watlington In 14 H. 4. Iohn Ingaldesthorpe Iohn Harsyk Simon Baret Iohn Mannyng and Thomas Styward were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of the Banks Sewers c. in the Hundreds of Frebrigge and Claklose betwixt the Mill at Marham and Secchithe Bridge with direction to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm The like Commission in 16 H. 6. had William Earl of Suffolk Sir Raphe Cromwell and Sir William Bardolf Knights Will. Godered Nich. Dyxon Clerk Sir Iohn Colvyle and Sir Thomas Tudenham Knights Andrew Sperlyng Iohn Heydone and Gilb. Haltofte for all those throughout this whole County with power to make Laws and Ordinances therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and of Romeney marsh and to determine all things therein according to those Laws as also to imprest so many Diggers and Labourers upon competent wages as they should think necessary to imploy in those Works in regard of the expedition which the same required But farther touching this North east part of Norfolke than what hath been said I have not observedâ— untill the xviith year of Queen Eliz. reign that Sir Nicholas le Strange and Sir Robert Bell Kts with other Commissioners of Sewers for the Hundred of Clak clos made these following Ordinances upon the fourth of Aug. in a Session of Sewers held at Kings Lynne viz. That all the Banks against the great River extending to Narborough barrs to Canons fen shall be repaired and made in bredth at the bottom xvi foot at the top 4 foot and in height 4 foot and the Chanel of the River 24 foot in widenesse The like all along
distringendum per amerciamenta alio modo prout c. All which was by the Authority of the Common law id est the antient usage of this Kingdome as the learned Sergeant Callice well infers from the words dignitatis suae Regiae all Prerogatives being without limitation of time Now for the Statutes The first of these was in 6 H. 6. and this adds to the power of the said Commissioners for it gives them Authority to make Officers to take Accounts of their Expenditors to set Labourers on work and to rate the wages of such Labourers Then that of 8 H. 6. Cap. 3. which supplying the defect of the former grants power to the said Commissioners to ordain and execute the Statutes Ordinances and other things to be made according to the effect and purport of the said Commissions Next that of 18 H. 6. Cap. 10. which continueth the power of that Statute of 6 H. 6. for ten years longer the time first limitted therein being then expired Then that of 23 H. 6. Cap. 9. prolonging that of 18 H. 6. to xv years more Next that of 12 E. 4. Cap. 6. which not only addeth the like number xv years more thereto but enlargeth it to the Marches of Caleis Guynes and Hammes on the borders of France and Flanders Then that of 4 H. 7. Cap. 1. prolonging that of 12 E. 4. to xxv years more Likewise that of 6 H. 8. Cap. 10. ratifying the former Acts and giving power to the Lord Chancellor of England for the time being to grant out Commissions of Sewers into all parts of this Realm Next that of 23 H. 8. Cap. 5. in the Preamble whereof there are these words viz. the King nothing erthely so highly weighing as advancing of the CommoÌ„ profit wealth and Commodity of this Realm Whence saith the before-specified learned Sergeant it appeareth that the making of this Law was of all other thought to be most necessary and of greatest consequence the King preferring the same before any earthly thing and the King's care therein became his Royal person very worthily because by this Statute safety was brought to the Realm and wealth and profit to the people thereof In that Preamble 't is likewise observable First that Marshes and low grounds had formerly been by politick wisdome won and made profitable for the good of the Common-wealth Secondly that if more speedy and further remedy were not had and provided though divers provisions had been formerly made yet none of them were sufficient remedy for reformation thereof And thirdly that power is given thereby to six Commissioners of Sewers whereof three to be of the Quorum to take any man's timber c. to be used therein and to set the price thereof as also to sell any mans Lands nay the King 's also or part thereof in fee or for what other term they pleased All which being confirmed by the King 's Royal assent had thereunto are not to be repealed but by Act or Parliament and makes them therefore an absolute Court to hear and determine all things concerning Sewers After this about two years viz. 25 H. 8. Cap. 10 there was another Statute which extendeth this last Commission to the Town and Marches of Caleis and imposeth a penalty of five Marks upon every Commissioner who shall refuse to be sworn according to the Act of 23 H. 8. Then that of 3 4 E. 6. Cap. 8. which taking notice how beneficial the Statute of 23 H. 8. had been to this Realm ordained that it should continue with these additions thereto for ever viz. that all Skots Loâ—s and summs of money thenceforth to be rated and taxed upon any of the King's Lands his Heirs or Successors for any thing concerning the Articles of the said Commission of Sewers should be gathered and levied by distress or otherwise in like manner and form as should and might be done in the Lands of any other persons And that no Commission of Sewers should thenceforth have continuance for above five years after the date thereof Next that of 13 Eliz. Cap. 9. which authoriseth the Commissions of Sewers thenceforth to stand in force for the term of ten years next after their dates unless they were repealed by reason of any Commission or by supersedeas And lastly that of 3 Iac. Cap. 14. which comprehendeth the Walls Ditches Banks Gutters Sewers Gates Causeys Bridges Streams and Water-courses having their passage into the River of Thames and within two miles of the City of London as subject to the Commissions and Statutes of Sewers and to the penalties of the same To these for removing of some scruples touching the power of the Commissioners of Sewers for erecting of new Sluses and for making new Cuts and Drayns where none were before I shall add the opinion of those two Chief Justices viz. Popham and Anderson men famous in their times for their learning in both these Cases and which is observed by the before-specified Serg. Callice in his said Reading upon the Stat. of 23 H. 8. As also of Sir Henry Hobart Knight Attorney general to King Iames. In 43 44 Eliz. a great controversy did arise in the County of Lincoln about the erecting of two new Gotes at Skirbeck and Langare for drayning the waters of South Holland and the Fenns into Boston Haven which work Sir Edward Dimock Knight did by himself and his friends further what he could but it was opposed by the Country of Kefâ—even and they very exception taken thereto was that the Commissioners of Sewers could not by the power of their Commission make a Law for the erecting of these new Gotes where never any stood before Whereupon the decision of this point coming at length before the then two Justices viz. Popham and Anderson they delivered their opinions that the said new Gotes if they were found to be good and profitable for the safety and advantage of the Country they might be erected by the power of this Statute The like controversie arose in 12º Iacobi in the Counties of Cambridge Huntingdon and Northampton about the making of new Cuts and Drayns in the Isle of Ely by the power of the Commissioners of Sewers which being much opposed the businesse came in the end to be heard before the King and the Council Whereupon the said King by the advice of his Council upon mature deliberation comparing the undue proceeding of those who had disturbed his Commissioners of Sewers in those Counties with the antient Laws of this Realm as also with the constant practice of antient and later times and the opinions of the Lord chief Justice Popham delivered in writing very exactly and fully upon the said Questions touching the power and authority of the said Commissionersâ— it being objected 1. that the Commissioners had no power to raise new Banks Drayns or Sluses where there had been none before 2. that they might not lay the Tax upon Hundreds Towns or the Inhabitants thereof in general but upon
thereupon In the same year also Will. Lord Wilughby Raphe Crumwell Philip Spenser Robert Tirwhit and Robert Cumberworth were appointed to view and repair the Banks and Sewers betwixt Grymesby and Waynflete and to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of Romney marsh The like appointment the next year following had the said William Raphe and Philip with Richard Muriell and Albine de Endirby for the same Banks and Sewers and direction to proceed therin according to the Law and Custome of the Marsh. In which year I find it presented that the Sewer called the Ea ought to be repaired from the West end thereof unto the Sea by VValter Athall Fermour of the Duke of Lancaster's â—ishing and VValter Ranson Fermour of the Lord of Dalbye's fishing And that the South-west bank of Lusdyke ought to be repaired by the village of All Saints in UUaynflete As also that the Chanel of Lusdyke from Stordyke unto the Eas end ought to be repaired by the same village And that the Ea from the VVest end thereof unto Normandeepe ought to be repaired by the Fermours of the fishing belonging to the said Duke and to the Lord of Dalby In 1 H. 4. Henry Earl of Northumberland Sir Will. de Wilughby Sir Walter Pedwardyn and Sir Iohn Rochefort Kts Robert Tirwhit Will. Michel and Albine de Enderby had Commission for the view and repair of those Banks and Sewers betwixt Boston and Friskeney with power to hear and determine all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of Romeney marsh and to take so many Diggers and other Labourers upon competent wages in respect of the great and instant necessity as they should think requisite to be imployed in the said work Other Commissions of the like kind were shortly after directed to sundry persons viz. in 6 H. 4. to VVill. de VVylughby Iohn de Rocheford Rob. Elkyngton VVill. de Ludington Thomas Somercotes Thomas de Enderby Iohn Symons and Robert VVhite for those within the precincts of UUrangle to Barton upon Humbre with appointment to proceed therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and so likewise in 7 H. 4. to the same VVilliam Iohn Albine de Enderby VVill. de Ludington and others In 9 H. 4. to VVill. Lord VVylughby Sir VValter Talboys and Sir Richard Haunserde Knights Robert Tirwhit Will. de Lodyngton Will. Michel and Thomas Enderby for those betwixt Boston and Trent In 10 H. 4. to Sir Will. de Wylughby and Sir Iohn de Rocheford Knights Will. Lodyngton Thomas Wace Richard de Bradlay and Will. Boleyne for those betwixt Boston and Skegeneys and in divers towns and places within the Sokes of Bolyngbroke and Horncastre with direction to proceed therein according to the Custome of the Marsh and the Law and antient Custome of this Realm In 11 H. 4. to Robert Tirwhit Sir Iohn Rocheford Knight Robert Waterton Iohn Waterton Iohn Skipwyth Will. Lodyngton Richard Tournay Richard Bradley and Thomas Wace for those betwixt Boston and Friskeney and to act therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome antiently used in that place In 12 H. 4 to Robert Lord Wylughby Sir Thomas Wylughby Kt. Robert Tirwhit Robert Waterton and others for those betwixt Boston and UUaynflete with appointment to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm The like Commission the same year had Rob. Tirwhit Sir Richard Haunsard Knight Will. Lodyngton Nich. Tournay Thomas Claymond Henry Morley Iohn Skipwith and Robert Feriby for those Banks and Sewers from Littulburgh all along the River of Trent to Humbre and from Bishops brigges on the River of Ancolme to Humbre So also had Thomas VVace Richard Bradley and others for all the Banks and Sewers throughout this whole Province of Lindsey as also for those betwixt Boston and Friskeney before whom sitting at Bullingbrooke on Friday being the Feast day of S. Ambrose the Jurors presented upon Oath that it would be fit for the preservation of the Eastfenne that the Dam of Waynflete be shut throughout the whole year that the salt water being kept out of the wash the grasse and weeds growing therein might be totally destroyed and to be thus stopped up by the towns of the Wapentake of Bullingbroke and the Inhabitants of UUrangle Leake Leverton Benington Butterwik Freston and Tofte in such sort that the water descending from the mountainous parts of Lindsey and running into a certain Sewer called Lusdyke in Lindsey viz. in Thorpe UUainflete and Stepinge should be so kept within the bounds of a certain trench that it might not enter into the said Washe of the Est fenne but keep it course to the Haven of UUaynflete and thence to the main Sea In 13 H. 4. the King by his Attorney impleaded Will. Leveryk of Irby and Isabell his wife for making of a Ditch in a certain place in UUaynflet called Hall dale by means whereof four Sewers which passed the fresh waters from Bullingbroke and other Towns adjacent in Est fenne and UUest fenne became obstructed to the prejudice of the said Kings fishing there and the overflowing of four Acres of his said land In 1 H. 5. Robert Tirwhit Sir Richard Haunsard and Sir William Frank Knights Thomas Enderby Richard Hawe and Simon Louthe were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of the Banks Sewers and Ditches from Wytherne to the Sea and betwixt Saltfletby and Trusthorpe and to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of the marsh Divers other Commissions to the like purpose were shortly after directed to sundry other persons viz. in 6 H. 5. to the same Rob. Tirwhit Will. Lodyngton Tho. Cumberworth Roger Flore Thomas Enderby Thomas Somercotes Iohn Kyme and Iohn Langholme for all the Banks and Sewers in this Province of Lindsey In which Commission they had direction to proceed according to the Law and Custome of this Realm In 1 H. 6. to the same Robert Tirwhit Thomas Santone Robert Feryby Robert Wasselyn Henry Morlay and Thomas Belwode for those betwixt the Rivers of Trent and Ankholme wherein they were to act according to the Custome of the Marsh and the Law and Custome of the Realm In 4 H. 6. to Sir Robert Wylughby Sir Raphe Crumwell Sir William Crumwell and Sir Raphe Rochford Knights Walter Talboys Robert Tirwhyt Iohn Kyme Richard Hawe and Iohn Veere for all the Banks Ditches and Sewers throughout this coast of Lindsey In 6 H. 6. to Iohn Beaumont Sir Will. Tirwhit Knight Iohn Ellerker Robert Feryby Iohn Tourney and others for those betwixt Grymesby and Burton Stather In 9 H. 6. to Sir Robert Wylughby Sir Raphe Crumwell and Sir Raphe Rocheford Knights Iohn Ellerker Walter Talboys and others for all within this whole Province of Lindsey
with directioâ— and power to make Laws and Ordinances for the safeguard and preservation of the Sea-coasts and Marshes of the same and of the adjacent parts consonant to the Laws and Customes of Romeney marsh and to hear and determine of all things touching the same according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of the said Marsh As also to imprest so many Artificers and other Labourers for that work upon reasonable salaries as they should deem necessary to imploy therein considering the great and urgent necessity to hasten the same The like Commission in 11 H. 6. had the said Sir Robert Wylughby Sir Iohn Beaumont Sir Raphe Cromwell and Sir Thomas Cumberworth Knights Iames Strangways Iohn Ellerker and others In 12 H. 6. it was found by Inquisition that the Haven of Waynflete ought to be repaired by the Tenants of the Duke of Lancaster and the Lord of Dalby And so likewise the Ea from that bridge which is towards the Church of All Saints towards the Dam. And in 15 H. 6. I find that there was an allowance of xxijl. iiijs. ixd. for the repair of that Haven whereof the Lord of Dalby for his third part allowed vijl. viijs. iij d. and the Lord of Bullingbroke xijl. iijs. ij d. over and above Liijs. iiij d. to be paid by the Bayliff upon agreement At which time it was likewise presented that the said Haven of Waynflete from the Dam unto Lymgreynes and thence to Norman dâ—epe ought to be repaired by the Lords of Bullingbroke and Dalby In 17 H 6. at a Session of Sewers held at Louthe upon Saturday next after the Feast of the Epiphany before Richard Haghe and Iohn Langholme with their associates then in Commission for the view and repairs of the Banks Ditches and Sewers in these parts there was a presentment exhibited by the Jurors shewing that it would be most profitable and necessary for the drayning and evacuation of the superfluous water from the North Common of Wynthorpe towards the Sea that there should be made one new and competent Sewer in that common extending it self from Tonlond gate in Wynthorpe unto a certain Sewâ—r there called the Old Sewere and so descending towards the North unto the Fee of the Dutchy of Lancaster called Fivescore acres in Ingoldmels thence towards the East into a certain Sewer there called the Old Sewer where it would be commodious and expedient for the conduct of the superfluous water towards the Sea to make a new Gutter in that very place where the Chanel called the Old Gote in Ingoldmels was unto the said Old Sewer and so descending to the Fee of the Lord Wylughby and Sir Iohn Gryffith Knight called Redelandes in Skâ—gnes and thence into a certain Sewer called the Old Sewer in Skegnes to the Sea And that the said Sewer and Gutter ought to be made and afterwards repaired by all those who had lands or Tenements in the North Common of Wynthorpe and the North Common of Skegnes in respect of what they enjoyed in those places that is to say every one according to the number of his Acres there and by the Land-holders of Fivescore Acres in Ingoldmels aforesaid viz. every man according to the number of his Acres there The Shireeve therefore of this County was commanded to summon all the said Land-holders in the said places called the North Common of Wynthorpe and the North Common of Skegnes and likewise in the Fivescore Acres in Ingoldmels before-mentioned to appear before the above-mentioned Commissioners at Louthe upon the Monday before Palme Sunday then next ensuing to shew what they could say for themselvs why they ought not to make and repair those Sewers according to the form of the before-specified Presentment At which day Robert Etton then the Kings Attorney came to Louthe aforesaid but the said Shireeve not receiving his Precept soon enough could not summon those Land-holders to be there as abovesaid therefore he was required to give them warning to appear at Burwell on the Monday in Whitson week then next following which he did do accordingly but none of them came the Court therefore ordered that the before-specified Sewers and Gutter should be made repaired by all the said Land-holders at their own proper costs and chardges according to the form of the same Presentment In 22 H. 6. Sir Robert VVylughby Sir Leon Welles and Sir Raphe Cromwell Kts Robert Sheffield Iohn Langholme and others were constituted Commissioners for the view and repair of all the banks c. in these parts of Lindsey and to determine all things therein according to the Custome of the Marsh till that time used and approved and according to the Custome of this Realm In 24 H. 6. Iohn Viscount Beaumont Sir Raphe Cromwell Sir Thomas Cumberworth and Sir VVilliam Tirwhit Knights Iohn Tailboys Richard Waterman Robert Sheffield and others had the like Commission for the view and repair of all the Banks Ditches and Sewers in the Wapentakes of Yarburgh Mauley Coryngham Weâ—le Lanres Haslokhowe and Walsh croft within this Province and to make Laws and Sâ—atutes proper for the same consonant to the Laws and Customes of Romeney marsh As also to do all things therein according to the Law and Custome of this Realm and the Custome of that Marsh And to take so many Labourers upon competent wages to be imployed in the said work as should be necessary for the same considering the great necessity of expedition to be used therein Many other Commissions for the Banks and Sewers aswell throughout this whole Province as in sundry places therof were afterwards issued out to several persons of the superiour rank in these parts viz. in 29 H. 6. to Sir Robert Wylughby Sir Leon Welles and Sir Raphe Cromwell Knights Richard VVelles Esquire Iohn Taylboys Rich. Waterton and others for those Banks c. throughout this coast of Lindsey with direction and authority to proceed therein as abovesaid So likewise in 31 H. 6. to Iohn Viscount Beaumont Sir Leon Wellys and Sir Raphe Cromwell Knights Iohn Tailboys and others As also to the said Iohn and Raphe with Sir Hugh Wythom Knight Richard Bedyngton and others for those within the Precincts of Skegney Dodyngton-Pygote and Tyd-gote in this County In 34 H. 6. to the said Iohn Viscount Beaâ—mont Iohn Taylboys Richard Waterton Robert Sheffield and others for those in the Wapentakes of Yarburghe Manley Coryngham Welle Laures â—aslokhowe and Walshcrofte in these parts of Lindeseye In 35 H. 6. to the said Iohn Sir Richard Welles Lord Wylloughby Iohn Taylboys Robert Sheffield Richard Benyngtone of Boston and others for all those throughout this whole coast The like Commission in 2 E. 4. had Sir Humfrey Bourchier Lord Cromwell Sir William Skipwith Knight Thomas Burghe Thomas Blount Iohn Whichecote and divers others In 6. E 4. to Richard Pynchebek Richard Welby Iohn Pynchebek Thomas Meres Leonard