The history of imbanking and drayning of divers fenns and marshes, both in forein parts and in this kingdom, and of the improvements thereby extracted from records, manuscripts, and other authentick testimonies / by William Dugdale.

CHAP. XLV.

HAving no more to say of Marshland, I shall next take notice of the remain∣der of this Country, ly∣ing Eastwards from the River Ouse; and then of those parts of Suffolk, wherein any im∣provement hath been made by Banking and Drayning.

In 55 H. 3. complaint a 1.1 being made, that about seven hundred acres of Marish and other Lands, belonging to William Bardolf, and the Prior of Wyrmyngey, lying in Wyrmyngey and Tokenhull, were then overflowed more than former∣ly; partly by inundations from the Sea, and River of Secchehithe; and partly by the making of Pools and otherwise; so that the said Prior had received very much damage thereby. And that there was a certain Causey lying in the proper soil of the said William, overthwart the said Mannours (which Causey was the Kings High-way to Lenne) through the midst whereof a certain stream of wa∣ter passed behind a Mill; And that the said William, and his Ancestors, having permitted the people of the Country, for their common benefit to raise the same Causey in the Winter season; the said stream of water, which had wont to have it's course through the midst of it, as a∣foresaid, was thereby so stopt, that it o∣verflowed all the lowgrounds therabouts: the King therefore, being desirous that there should be some remedy had there∣in, granted a Commission b 1.2 to Iohn de Cokefeld, to enquire the truth thereof; and how and in what manner those Ma∣rish grounds might be drayned, with the least damage to the Country.

In 5 E. 1. upon the like complaint c 1.3, that the course of the River at Wirme∣gay, had been so obstructed by the fre∣quent inundations of the Sea, that two thousand Acres of Land, Meadow, and Pasture, lying in the Marshes of Midle∣ton and Wirmegeye, were drowned; the King assigned d 1.4 Raphe de Wyrham and Will. de Midleton, to enquire thereof; and how they might be so drained as afore∣said. And in 22 E. 1. Peter de Campania, and Adam de Shropham were constitu∣ted e 1.5 Commissioners for the view and re∣pair of the Banks, Ditches, and Sewers of Middelton, Rungetone, and Se∣chithe, then ruinous and in decay, by reason of the Tides and flouds of fresh water.

Other general Commissions, of the like nature, were afterwards issued out; both in this King's time, and K. Edward the second's, viz. in 35 E. 1. to f 1.6 William de Carleton, Will. Houward, Giles de Mounpinson, and Iohn le Bretun.

In 1. E. 2. to g 1.7 the same Will. Howard, Iohn le Bretun, and Thomas de Ingolde∣thorp. In 2 E. 2. to h 1.8 Henry de Staunton, Iohn le Bretoun, Richard de Walsingham, and Thomas de Ingoldesthorpe.

In 6 E. 2. to i 1.9 Iohn de Thorpe, Richard de Walsyngham, and Thomas de Snyterton, for the view of all the Banks, Ditches, Sewers &c. in the Hundreds of Frethe∣brigge and Clackelose.

In 10 E. 2 to k 1.10 Iohn de Milford, Robert, de Maddingle, William de Corton, and Simon de B ....... for those in the same Hundreds.

In 15 E. 2. upon a Session l 1.11 of Sew∣ers held at Tirington, by Sir Thomas de Ingaldesthorpe, Iohn Fytton, Iohn de Ho∣toft, and Will. Bataile, the Jurors presen∣ted upon Oath, that the Causey of Wat∣lington, called East wrodiche, exten∣ding from Burfenne to Polberdiche; and another Causey in the same Town, called Polberdiche, reaching from East wrodiche to the Eebrynke of Wigen∣hale, ought to be raised in every low place, so as it might be made equal with the highest; and to be six foot in bredth, throughout, at the top. And likewise, that the Eebrinke, at the River of Wi∣genhale,

ought to be raised in every place, from Pulberdiche to Gerys dam, so as it might be full two foot higher than the highest Water-mark, which was in the thirteenth year of the said King Edward the second's reign: and to be ten foot broad at the top. And that the Causey of Watlington, called Gerys dam, be raised to the same Levell as it then was in the highest place; and to be xvi foot in bredth at the top.

And they said, that the Sewer in the Cornfen of Watlington, lying be∣twixt the Lands of William Chaplein, and Iohn Saunfoly, on the North part; exten∣ding it self from the Meadow gate to the Broad beche, ought to be scoured; and a Bridge of three foot in bredth, and as much in height, made over the same, in the way of Broad beche; so that the water might run under the same, without the South side of the Beche, in∣to the Hending, Westward, untill it should come to Will. fitz Thomas; & there divert the water through the midst of the narrow Beche to Skindeslediche; & then to run in that Ditch unto the Kings High way; & there a Gutter to be made 3 foot broad, & 3 foot high, through the midst of the Kings high way, and so to run in the Ditch, betwixt the land of Roger Hestings and Maud Skindwell, till it come to the Eebrynke; in which place there ought to be a Gutter made, three foot in bredth, and as much in height, through the midst of the said Eebrynke; through which the water might passe to UUi∣genhale. And that the said Sewer be clensed throughout, so that it might con∣tain eight foot in bredth.

And they said, that the Gutter called Iuresgole and Goseygole, with the Gut∣ter running through the midst of the Kings High way, opposite to the other, ought to be enlarged, each of them to the bredth of one foot, and as much in height. And that the Sewer, extending it self from the Kings High way to the before-speci∣fied Gutters, called Iuresgole and Go∣seygole, ought to be scoured and en∣larged, to the bredth of six foot. And, for the repair and enlarging of those Causeys and Sewers, that land should be purchased in some places•• every acre, so imployed, to be estimated at 5 Marks.

And they said, that all the before-mentioned Causeys, toge••her with the Eebrynke and Sewers aforesaid; with the Bridges and Gutters, ought to be made, repaired, inlarged, and clensed, as often as need required, at the chardge of those which held Lands or Tene∣ments in the said Cornfen of Waling∣ton, betwixt the same Causeys or els∣where, each man to be assessed accor∣ding to the proportion of what he held; and according to the benefit and safe∣guard which he had thereby. And that there were in the field of Cornfen, be∣twixt those Causeys, four hundred and fourscore Acres, and one rode of land.

And they said moreover, that the Sew∣er in the Cornfen of Watlington, ex∣tending from Eastwrodiche unto Mea∣dow gate, betwixt the arable lands, mea∣dows, & Sewers on the West part of Mea∣dow gate, from Watlington Hall mea∣dow, Southwards, unto the Dam: and the Sewer from the Lake at the Thwarl∣bek, towards the South, betwixt the Flegester and the Common; and West∣wards toward the Meadow gate, on the East side of the Meadow gate, North∣wards to the Meadow gates end. And the Sewer on the East part of the Beche, from Polberesdich, Southwards, to the Gutter passing through the midst of Thurlanegate, betwixt the Beche and the Hedlondole. And the Sewer from the Calkecotecroft, Southwards, be∣twixt the Reyndole and Thurlongpy∣thils and Forkescroft, to the Cheker. And the Sewer from the Thurlongpigh∣tels, Southwards, betwixt Thurlongate, and the Lake to the Dam. And the Sewer from the Gutter, passing through the midst of Thurlongate, Westwards, to Wigenhale crofts, betwixt the Dam and Dich furlong. And the Sewer from the Dam to Wigenhale crofts, and the Dich furlong, & the Beche, Northwards, to Skindelesdiche. And the Sewer on the East part of the Kings High way, from the Dam, Northwards, unto Pol∣berdich, ought to be clensed as often as need should require (so that the water coming into those Sewers, might passe without any impediment) at the chardges of those persons which have lands abut∣ting upon them. And that every Sewer should be six foot in bredth.

And they said, that the Causey in Newland and Watlington, on the South part of Gerys Dam, ought to be raised from the land of Robert atte Dam,

Eastward••, unto the meadow of Peter fitz Iohn. And that the Causey frō Gerys dam to Geylode drove, lying at the East had lands in the Newland, ought to be raised in every low place as much as where it was then highest; and to be six foot in bredth at the top. And that the said Cau∣seys ought to be made at the chardges of those, which have lands in Newlond quilot, according to each mans propor∣tion, and the Commodity and defence which they have by them. And they said, that the Gutter in Newlond, through the midst of Ee brynke, betwixt the lands of Will. Lucas, and of Maude the Daughter of Iohn Geylode. And the o∣ther Gutter, lying betwixt the land of Will. de Clenchwarton, and the land of Thomas the Son of Rich. atte Greene, ought to be enlarged, as aforesaid. And ano∣ther Gutter, lying betwixt the land of Thomas Bennyng ought to be enlarged: As also another Gutter, lying betwixt the Messuage of Will. Seaman, and the Messuage of Clarice the Widow of Hen∣ry. And likewise another Gutter, lying betwixt the land of Iohn Leff, and Peter Heward: And another, lying betwixt the land of Will. fitz Thomas, called Wadys, and the land belonging to the heirs of Thomas Bond: And another, lying be∣twixt the land, between the Briggecroft and the Messuage late Peter Mountfords.

Also, that the E••brynke at the River of Wygenhale, from Geyrys dam to Geylode drove, ought to be rai••ed two foot above the high Water-Mark, as it was in the xiiij ^th year of the reign of K. Edw. the second: and to be ten foot in bredth at the top. And the said Ee brynke to be made & maintained at the charge of the landholders in Newlond & Watlington. And that all the Ee brynks in Watlyngton be made and repaired, before the days assigned by the Dich∣greves, upon penalty of Bylaw, which is for every perch xii ^d. And that all the Banks in the said Town, for defence a∣gainst the fresh waters, be likewise made according to the days assigned by the Dichgreves, upon the like penalty of By∣law, which is for every perch vi ^d.

And they said, that all the Sewers and Gutters in the Cornfen and Newland, ought to be made before the days so like∣wise assigned by the Dichgreves, accor∣ding to the Ordinance made before the Justices, upon penalty of the Bylaw, viz. for default of every perch iij ^d.

Also, that the Custome of Marsh∣land is, that they who ought to make or repair their Banks, shall be warned to do the same by a certain day; and that if they fail therein, then that the Bylaw shall be levyed upon them.

And they moreover ordained•• that all such as had Stowes lying in their Sewers any year, or after the Feast of All Saints, should pay to the Dichgreves for every such transgression vi ^d. And, that all the Tenants and Commoners in Watling∣ton should meet twice in the year, and hold the Customes of Marshland. And that there should be chosen from year to year certain Bayliffs, which are called Dichegreves, who may have power, on the Kings behalf, to distrain the offen∣ders, both within and without their houses, by all their Goods and Catals found in the said Town. And that when∣soever those Dichgreves should find any Hoggs rooting upon the Ee bryuk, it should be lawfull for them to impound them, and to keep them so impounded till they shall receive three pence for every Hog. And that when any man is reasonably required to repair and main∣tain his said Banks, Ditches &c. and shall neglect so to do, so that his Goods and Catals are thereupon taken by the said Dichgreves, or their Deputies; the said Dichgreves shall receive for their pains in so distraining them, i ^d. for each distress.

By another Inquisition ⁿ taken about that time, before Sir Robert de Scales, Sir Iohn de Fytton and others, it appears; that the Jurors presented upon Oath, that the Inhabitants of Watlington and Runcton holme suffred great losses in the Common of Pasture belonging to those Towns, for want of Gutters and Sewers there. And they said, that the Sewer, which extendeth it self from Mo∣nyescroft in South old Ee, Westwards, to the Hirne croft; and from the East end of Hirne croft into the Ditch, which is betwixt the Field, called the Sight; & from Geylode drove directly to the Ee∣brynke of Wigenhale, ought to be amen∣ded & made deeper, so that the water run∣ning therin might pass without any impe∣diment: and to be in bredth eight foot, for the whole length thereof. And that a Gutter should be made through the midst of Heibrynke, in bredth three foot,

and as much in height; through the midst whereof, the water may run in Wigenhale Ee.

And they said, that the same Gutter and Sewer at Geylode drove, ought to be made, maintained, repaired, and clensed, as often as need should require, at the charges of those which had Com∣mon of Pasture, or that had Common betwixt Gerys dam and Flemyngs hithe, each man according to the pro∣portion of what he held; and as they had benefit and preservation by the said Sewer. And that the said Commoners should every year meet at the Old Ee, on the morrow after Trinity Sunday; and keep the Customes of Marshland. And for the performance of the premisses, there were chosen four Guardians by the said Jurors.

In 7 E. 3. Iohn Claver, Robert de Welle, Thomas de Birston, and Simon Costyn were constituted n 1.12 Commissioners for the view and repair of the Banks, Ditches, Sewers &c. in the Towns of Midleton, Sechithe, Rungetone, Westwynche, Watlyngtone, Wirmegey, Shuld∣ham and Pentney, in this part of Nor∣folk.

Upon a Presentment in 37 E. 3. there was a Precept o 1.13 directed to the Shireeve and Iohn Berney, to enquire how the Ri∣ver of Smal Ee, came to be obstru∣cted; and who ought to scour it; as also what Towns had damage thereby.

By a pleading p 1.14 in 41 E. 3, Sir Hamond de Felton Knight, then Lord of the Man∣nour of Dansey, could not deny, but that he ought to clense the several waters running from Gaywood to the Sea, called Danseye hee, which was then ob∣structed: and that he ought likewise to make and repair a Bridge there, then ru∣inous: the Shireeve thereof had com∣mand to distrain him and his Tenants, both to clense the said Chanel, and repair that Bridge.

In 44 E. 3. the Mayor, Aldermen, and Constables of Lenne were commanded q 1.15 to view the Ditches compassing that Town; which, by reason of its situation upon an arm of the Sea, were through the ebbing and flowing of the Tides, fil∣led up with mud and other filth, to the great damage of that Town: and to take course for the speedy remedy thereof.

In 4 H. 4. Iohn Hevenyngham, Iohn White, Raphe Ramsey, Will. Snetesham, Iohn Clere, and Robert Marcham had Commis∣sion r 1.16 to view the Banks, Ditches, and Sewers &c. betwixt the Town of great Iernemuth and the City of Norwich, on the one part; and the said Towns of great Iernemuth, and Bekles, on the other; which were then in decay: with special direction to perform all things therein according to the Law and Cu∣stome of this Realm, and those parts of this County.

By an Indenture s 1.17 tripartite, made in the Church of S. German, at Wigenhale, on the Feast day of S. Mark the Evange∣list, in 11 H. 4. it appeareth; that the Ab∣bot of Dereham, Prior of Shuldham, Prior of Pentney; Robert Kervill and Iohn Elwin, Tenants of the Lands, lying on the East side of the River of UUi∣genhale aforesaid; and the xij Jurors then in the Sembec, there; did, for themselves and their successors, with the consent and assent of all the Land-hol∣ders on the said East part of UUigen∣hale, and of the Hamlet of Sadylbow•• grant unto the Prior and Covent of UUestacre, and to the Prioresse and Covent of Blackvergh, and their suc∣cessors; as also to Will. Campneys and Margerie his wife, their heirs and assigns; that they the said Prior, Prioresse, Wil∣liam and Margery, of their own proper costs, might make a certain VVater-course, or Sewer, sufficient for all the Lands and Tenements of the said Prior and Prioresse, and their successors; and of the said William and Margerie, and their heirs and assigns, lying in the Erles march; viz. betwixt the Erles dich on the North part, and Bond's dam on the South side of Grenedich; so that by the same Sewer, the before-specified lands might drayn, from time to time, when∣soever the said Prior, and Prioresse, Wil∣liam and Margery, their heirs and assigns should think fit. And that they should have, enjoy, and maintain the said Sewer so made, for ever, from a certain place called the Erlesmarsh; and so through the midst of Sadilbow pitts, to the bredth of eight foot; and thence to a cer∣tain Gutter, called Feresgote. With power to make a sufficient Bridge over

the same for Carts, at the South East Corner of Geffrey Siward: and another also for Carts, neer the gate of the heirs of Iohn Drew, and a third likewise for Carts; together with a Clow, having two bars with Keys, at the West end of Brod will Ea; whereof one Key to be kept by the Dyk Reeves, for the time be∣ing, to remain on the said East part of Wigenhale; and the other by the said Prior and Prioress and their Successors, and the said Will. and Margaret and their heirs and assigns, for ever; to the intent, that if an excess of water should fortune to come on the side of Erlesfeld, then the said Dike Reeves might shut the same Clow, untill the said Sewer might, in reasonable time, convey it away; so that the Lands in Wigenhale and Sa∣dilbo might not be overflowed there∣with. And in like manner, if such an ex∣cess of water should come from Wigen∣hale and Sadilbo; that then the said Prior and Prioress, and their successors; and the said Will. and Margerie, and their heirs and assigns, for prevention of the inundation of their Lands, might shut the same Clow, untill the said water should be carried away. And that otherwise than for the evacuation of such excess of water, coming from Erlesmarsh, or from that part of Wigenhale and Sa∣dilbow, neither of the said parties to shut the same Clow.

And the said Prior and Prioress for themselves and their successors; and the said Will. and Margerie, for them and their Heirs, did Covenant to keep suf∣ficiently and maintain, the said Sewer, Bridges, and Clow, at their own proper costs and chardges. And the said Land-holders in Wigenhale and Sadilbow Covenanted likewise to permit them the said Prior and Prioress, and their succes∣sors; and the said Will. and Margerie, and their Heirs, to have a sufficient Sewer for the draining of their Lands in Erles∣marsh aforesaid. In consideration where∣of, they the said Prior and Prioress, for themselves and their successors; and the said William and Margery, for themselves their Heirs and Assigns, did grant to the said Landholders of Wygenhale and Sadilbow, an yearly rent of viii ^s. to be received yearly out of the Lands be∣forespecified.

After this about two years, (scil. on Thursday next after the Invention of the Holy Cross) there was a Perambulation t 1.18 made on the East part of the River of Wigenhale, by xij. Jurors; who said upon their Oaths and ordained, that for safeguard of the said Town, the New∣land dich ought to be eight foot in bredth at the ••op. And that all the Sea-banks opposite to the messuage Walls, and elswhere, from the said Newland dich to Rouse beche, ought to be xij. foot broad at the top. And that the Rouse beche, Briggebeche, Yerne∣mouth dole, Dukesbeche, Gromes∣diche, and Cannesbeche, ought to be xij. foot in bredth at the top.

And they said, that all the Sea-banks, opposite to the messuage Wall of Se∣chegole, unto Pulbergole, ought to be six foot in bredth at the top, and within the Wall four foot, but elswhere xij. foot. And that all the said Sea-banks ought to be raised above the highest tides, two foot, and perfected before the Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist, upon penalty of the Bylaw; viz. for every perch not repaired vi ^d. And that they be well turfed before the Feast of All Saints, upon penalty of Biscot: and at the utmost that they be sufficiently repaired before the Feast of the Nativity of our Lord, upon penalty of Triscot.

And they likewise ordained, for the better safeguard of the said Town, that all the said Sea-banks should be strength∣ned with Stakes and Piles, or with Tim∣ber; viz. of schoring, where need requi∣red, before the Feast of All Saints, upon penalty of vi ^s. viii ^d. for every perch not repaired. And that all the Sewers should be clensed and scoured, where need was, before the Feast of the Nati∣vity of S. Iohn Baptist, upon penalty of Bylaw; viz. for every perch not repaired ij ^d. without damage to the Land sowed. And that where the Sewers lay upon the sowed Land, that they should be clensed before the Feast of S. Michael the Arch Angel, upon the like penalty: And that all the warp should be thrown into the Common wayes, to fill up haggs and lakes, where need was, upon a great pe∣nalty, where it should ly neer the Com∣mon rode.

And they furth••r ordained, that all Dunghills, lying in Common, to the nusance of any, should be amerc'd, viz.

for each Dunghill ii ^•. there was therefore warning given for their removall, before the Feast of S. Michael the Arch-angel, upon penalty of iiii ^•. for every Dung∣hill.

And they said, that there was a cer∣tain Lake, in the Kings High way, betwixt the Messuage of Iohn Hastings Chaplain, and the Plot lately belonging unto Edm. Blower; command was therefore given to fill the said Lake with earth, on each side, before the Feast of S. Iohn Baptist, upon penalty of vi ^s. viii ^•. As also that all Trenches, Lakes, and Haggs in the fai•• publick ways, within the before-spe∣cified limits, should be filled up with earth, lying neer thereto, before the said Feast of the Nativity of S. Iohn Baptist, up∣on penalty of vi ^•.

And they likewise ordained, that all those old Cu••tomes, of Bylaws, and o∣th••r, touching the safeguard of that Town, antiently used and approved by the Kings Justices, should be firmly kept: And to quicken the observance of them, that the said By-laws, Biscot, and Trisco••, should be levyed according to antient Custome, by the oversight and advice of the Jurors of the Purale. And that the principal Guardians, called Dike-Reeves, as often as they should think fit, should make inquisition of the trespasses touch∣ing the common obstruction in the Sew∣ers and Stows, and the like; and amerce those whom they find faulty, according to the measure of the offence. Which Dike Reeves to have the one half, and the Commonalty the residue, for those com∣mon nusances, to be imployed in men∣warke and grundegole. And the persons taking the said distresses to have i ^d. cal∣led Wopeny, for every one so taken: as also twelve pence in every xx ^s, of Tal∣lages and Amerciaments by them Col∣lected. And that the chief Guardians of the Town, should, for the future, from year to year, upon the Feast of S. Marke the Evangelist, give up their accompt at a publick meeting, of all Tallages, Bylaws, Biscot, and Triscot, in what sort soever le∣vyed; and be answerable for the same unto the Commonalty, according to an∣tient usage: and the same day to deliver up their verdict unto them.

And, that the said chief Guardians, their Deputies, or Attorneys, shall swear to execute their Office, for the common be∣nefit and safeguard, not favouring any. And that the Distrainers should like∣wise swear to observe the direction of the said Guardians, and be obedient the••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, appoin∣ted for the safeguard thereof; in regard they had not sufficient Lands and Tene∣ment within that liberty, nor knowledge of the Laws and Customes of Marsh∣land. Whereupon, for the avoiding of future peril, it was ordained, by the con∣sent of the whole Commonalty, that, thenceforth, no Guardian, which should be chosen for the safeguard thereof, should make any Deputy or Attorney to exe••ute his Office, except he were a fit m••n, free, and sufficient to answer to the Commonalty, in case any hurt might come to the Sea-banks through his neg∣lect and default. And they likewise or∣dained, that no man should thenceforth take upon him to measure any Se••-banks, without the oversight and assent of the Town Officers, sworn thereto, upon the penalty of xx ^s.

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 num∣ber, might, together with the chief Guardians, or those which should then be there, have power to make Ordinan∣ces 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 xii ^d. so often as he did so neglect. And in case the said principal Guardians, their Deputies or Attorneys, did make de∣fault, each of them to be amerc'd at iii ^s. iiii ^d. 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 xx ^d. for eve∣ry time of such their neglect.

And they said, that when any Grun••e∣gole 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 Common∣alty 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 Forein∣er, so that no distresse could be made up∣on 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 who∣soever should have warning to repair the said Grundegole and came not, he should forfeit xij ^d. And whosoever should not come upon summons to special Men-worke, to pay xii ^•. 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 ne∣cessity, for preservation of the Bank; and that the persons agisted should be distrai∣ned, from day to day, for the due perfor∣mance 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 accom∣plished, upon penalty of ii ^d. 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 iii ^s. iiii ^d. 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 i ^d. and for each mandible i ^d. And for Sheep or Cattel treading or depasturing thereon, from Rousebeehe to Pulberys gole, to forfeit i ^d. for every foot, as often as oc∣casion should be.

And they also ordained, that all the lands, lying in the field of Sadylbowe, abutting upon Seche water leswe, be∣twixt 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 vi ^d.

And, that the Causey extending from Newdiche through Lenne gate and B..... milhirne, on the West part to Puelldole, was in decay; and from Pu∣ell 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 Wat∣lington.

In 14 H. 4. Iohn Ingaldesthorpe, Iohn Harsyk, Simon Baret, Iohn Mannyng, and Thomas Styward were constituted u 1.19 Com∣missioners 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 accor∣ding to the Law and Custome of this Realm, The like Commission w 1.20 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 deter∣mine all things therein according to those Laws: as also to imprest so many Dig∣gers and Labourers, upon competent wa∣ges, as they should think necessary to imploy in those Works, in re∣gard of the expedition which the same required.

But farther, touching this North east part of Norfolke, than what hath been said, I have not observed•• untill the xvii ^th year of Queen Eliz. reign, that Sir Ni∣cholas le Strange, and Sir Robert Bell K^ts. with other Commissioners of Sewers for the Hundred of Clak clos, made x 1.21 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, down to Pentney Mill.

That Pentney Mills be pulled down, whereby the drowning of the common ground of Marham and Shouldham may be prevented; which by reason of the keeping up the water, for those Mills, are overflown.

That the back Dike from Narborough barrs, to Cardike, be kept in bredth 8 foot, and in depth 5.

That all the Banks of the River from Blackborough bridge to Prioursturne, be made in height and bredth as afore∣said. So likewise then to Cotehill, and thence to Sechee bridge.

That the Drayn called Wronglode, extending from Wode dyke to Tile kill, be in bredth 8 foot, and in depth 4.

So also the Sewer called Wode dike, lying in Marham; and likewise Carre dike.

That the common Sewer called Bush fen, extending from the said Car dike to the great River, be made xx foot in bredth, and five foot in depth.

That a Dam be made on the West side of Bush fen Ea, in Dunstall dike, so that the waters coming from Car dike may run into Bush fen Ea.

That a Drain in Marham, extending from Crosse yard to Padocks hill, be made in bredth five foot, and depth three.

That the old River in Marham, be made 12 foot broad, and four foot deep, from the place where Marham Mill stood, to Beares head: Thence to Mar∣plot dike, of the same bredth and depth; Thence to Dunstall dike; and thence to String dike in like sort.

That Dunstall dike shall Drayn through the Mill Causey, by a sluce there to be made of two foot square, into a Dike lying on the North side of a Hop∣yard, called Hopyard dike: Which Dike, extending from the said Causey to Stringdike, to be 8 foot wide also, and 5 foot deep.

That the Drayn in Marham, exten∣ding from Swans nest to Bradwell lode, be made eight foot wide, and four foot deep.

That Bradwell lode, extending from the Abby yards end unto the old Ea, and so to the Crosse willow, be made of the like bredth and depth.

That the Drayn from Dowhouse-Close, to Crowdw••ll gappe, be kept in bredth x foot, and in depth 4. So like∣wise Fryday lode, extending into the said Old Ea.

That the Common Drayn called the Old Ea, extending from Haddon Mill to Black dyke, be made and kept 8 foot in bredth, and 4 in depth. So likewise from Haleroft barrs to Wirmgey bridge.

That the said Common Drayn, or Old Ea, from Wirmgay bridg to the Abby stile, to be kept in bredth xii foot, and depth 5. And from the said Abby stile to Cotehill, and so to the great River, xvi foot in bredth; and in depth as a∣foresaid.

That the River of Wisse, extending from Whittington to Stokebridge, be clensed, and made in bredth xl foot.

That Stokebridge containing three Arches of the widenesse of 40 foot, be repaired by the Countrey neer adjoyn∣ing.

That the said River of Wisse, from Stokebridge to Sandell were; thence to Haveringay were, Bishops were, Izelham were, Cote were, New were, Forwere, Helgay bridge, Hide were, Shellewere, and West lode, be clensed and made in bredth xl foot as aforesaid; and thence to the great Ouse in bredth 30 foot.

And that two Jetties or Peers of stone, xviii foot distant each from other, be set upon the said River, within 200 foot of the said River of Ouse.

That the Landlake (which taketh its beginning out of the River of Wisse, at Weere dike, a mile distant from Stoke bridge) whose natural fall to the Sea is through Snore fen, through Helgay Causey, in a Pipe of Timber or Stone; and thence &c. to Gunnels lode, be there divided into two branches; the one directly Westward, to the River of Ouse••

and the other Northwards, through Denver South fenn; in each whereof (neer the said River Ouse) to be placed a substantial Gole.

That the Banks on the South side of Wisse, from common Fengate, in Hel∣gay, be made 8 foot in bredth, and 4 foot in height.

That the Banks on the East side of Ouse, from West lodes end to South lode, be made and kept 8 foot broad, and 4 foot high; and from thence to Mod∣ney cote, ten foot broad in the bottom, 5 at the top, and 5 foot in height.

That the Drayn in Helgay fenn, called the Wisse, be kept in bredth 12 foot, and depth 4. unto Miles end corner; and from thence to the River of Ouse 10 foot broad, and 5 foot deep. And at the end thereof a Gole 2 foot square, and 16 foot long.

That a sufficient Drayn be made at the Causey between Helgay and Mod∣ney.

That the Drayn between Fordham∣more and Portmore, in Helgay, be made in bredth 12 foot, and depth 5. And a Gool at the end thereof of the like di∣mension as aforesaid.

That the Drayn betwixt Thack fen and Helgay-more be 10 foot in bredth, and 4 in depth, with the like Gole as aforesaid.

That Turff fen lake in Helgay be kept 12 foot broad, and 6 foot deep, with a Gole where it enters into Ouse.

That the Common Dayn called Creek•• lode; extending from Creek mere in Little port, to the 4 Lodes; and thence to Pulwear lake, be kept in bredth 20 foot, and depth 6 foot; and so likewise to a place called the Willow; and th••nce to the River of Ouse, 16 foot in bredth, and 6 ••oot deep, with a Gool at the end thereof, of 4 foot in bredth, and 5 in depth.

That Rebech River, in Helgay, ex∣tending from Redmercote, unto the great River of Ouse in Sotherey, be made in bredth 40 foot, untill it come within three furlongs of Ouse, and then 30; to be done by the Townships of Feltwell, Hockold, Wilton, Brandon-ferry, Santon and Dounham; and all others having any grounds drayning through and by the said River.

That the Common Drayn in Sothe∣rey, called Stake lode, be in bredth 12 foot, and depth 4. till it come to Crosse water; and thence to the River of Ouse 14 foot in bredth.

That Sotherey Causey be made 18 foot wide at the bottom, 14 foot at the top, and 3 foot in height.

That the Banks of Ouse North of So∣therey Ferry to Modney dike, be 8 foot in bredth at the bottom, 5 foot at the top, and 3 foot in height.

That the Land drain in Sotherey, ex∣tending from Sotherey barr to the Hall yard, be kept in bredth 8 foot, and in depth 3. and so till it come to Stake lode.

That Pollver drain in Wirmgay, be∣ginning at Campions hills, & extending to Sechey Causey, and thence to Kings bridge, be 10 foot in bredth, and 4 in depth.

That the Drayn in Watlington and Totnell, extending from The••fes bridg unto Hobs dike, be kept in br••dth 6 foot, and depth 3. And Hobs dike, 9 foot wide, and 4 foot deep.

That East wroe dich Bank, in Wat∣lington, otherwise called Savers banke, which defendeth the fresh waters of Pol∣ver drain and Seche River from over∣flowing &c. to be heightned in every low place.

That Polver drain, from Kings bridg to the Gole head, be made in bredth 16 foot, and in depth 8.

That Geris dam•• in Watlington, be kept in bredth 12 foot, and in depth 6. and the menure cast out of it to be laid upon the Causey on the North part therof, for the raising of the same Causey.

That the Were Bank lately made by the Inhabitants of Walington, exten∣ding from the great River at Bells drove to Moynes crost, leaving in the midst of the Old Ea a Wast to be made of iime and stone 3 foot square, and a sufficient Drayn from the same to Geris dam, be sufficiently maintained.

That the Townships of Runcton holme and Watlington do make a Drain from the Pipe lying between Bells drove and Flemings hive, to the great Lake, of 8 foot wide, and 4 foot deep.

That those which ought to amend the Drains,* 1.22 neglecting for 14 dayes, the Dike Reeve to perform the work, taking for for every peny laid out 3 ^d.

Tha•• the Causey, called Fleming

hive, lying in Runcton holme, be made in bredth 16 foot, and in height 5 on the North side.

That Thorpe land gole, be maintain∣ed 9 foot in bredth, and in depth 4.

That Stow goole (alias Hirne gole) be made in bredth 8 foot, and in depth 4.

That the Sea-banks from Stow bridge, to the division between Stow and Dounham, be in bredth on the top 8 foot, and in height one foot higher than the highest Water-mark.

That the Drayn in Wimbotesham, extending from Midl••tons house to the Parsonage, be 3 foot broad, and 2 foot deep; thence to Inghams Corner, 5 foot broad, and 3 foot deep; and thence to Wimbotesham gole, in bredth 8 foot, and depth 5.

That the Drayn in Downham, on the East side the River of Ouse, extending from Bydewells to the great River, be made from Bydwell to Goodcrosse, in bredth 3 foot, and depth 2. From thence to the Goole dich, in bredth 8 foot, and depth 4, and from thence to the great River, in bredth 10 foot, and depth 5.

That the Drayn in Dounham by Yer∣ning ditchs, extending to Tullymore in Denver, be made in bredth 8 foot, and depth 5, and the Gool belonging thereto to be repaired.

That the Banks on the East side of Ouse, from Dounham goole to Denver hithe, be 6 foot broad at the top, and one foot higher than the highest Water-mark.

That all the Banks of the said River, from Denver hithe to West lode; and thence to Gunnels lode, be on the top 5 foot broad, and one foot higher than the highest Water-mark.

So likewise on the North side of West lode, alias Wyssey River, extending from Gunnels lode to Shippen lode.

And from Shippen lode to Helgay bridge, to be 12 foot at the bottom, 6 foot at the top, and in height equal with Hel∣gay Causey.

And in the seventh year of King Iames, the Sea having made a very great breach betwixt the Towns of great Yarnmouth and Happisborow, in this County of Norfolk, and overflowed and drowned much hard grounds, besides the greatest part of the Marshes and low grounds within divers Towns and Parishes, not only of this County, but also of Suffolk; there was a special Act * 1.23 of Parliament then made, for the issuing out of Com∣missions, under the great Seal of Eng∣land, for the Survey and view thereof; and using such other means for the speedy recovering of them, as by the said Act are particularly directed.

Notes

• a 1.1

  Pat. 55 H. 3. m. 12. in dorso.
• b 1.2

  Pat. 55 H. 3. m. 12. in dorso.
• c 1.3

  Pat. 5 E. 1. m. 12.
• d 1.4

  Pat. 5 E. 1. m. 12.
• e 1.5

  Pat. 22 E. 1. m. 28. in dorso.
• f 1.6

  Pat. 35 E. 1. m. 9. E•• m. 42. in dorso.
• g 1.7

  Pa. 1. E••. p. 2. m. 23. in dorso.
• h 1.8

  Pat. 2. E. 1. p. 1. m. 22. in c••dul••
• i 1.9

  Par. 6 E. 2. p. 1. m. 2. in dorso.
• k 1.10

  Pat. 10 E. 1. p. 2. m. 10. in dorso.
• l 1.11

  Plac. co∣ram Rege term. M••ch. 15 E. 2. Rot. 22. No••ff.
• n 1.12

  Pat. 7. E. 3. p. 1. m. 11. in dorso.
• o 1.13

  Plac. ••o∣ram R••g•• term. M••ch. 37 E. 3. Rot. 21. No••ff.
• p 1.14

  Pl••c. coram Rege term. Mich. 41 E. 3. Rot. 18. N••r••.
• q 1.15

  Pat. 44 E. 3. p. 1. m. 34.
• r 1.16

  Pat. 4 H 4. p. 2. m. 31. in dorso.
• s 1.17

  E•• au•••• g••. in Eccl. S. Ge••mani de Wigenhale.
• t 1.18

  Ex v••t. Rot. perg••m. pe∣••è•• Henr. K••r∣v••ll de Wi∣genhale, Ar••••.
• u 1.19

  Pat. 14 H. 4. p. unica m. 28. in do••so.
• w 1.20

  Pat. 16 H. 6. m. 5. in dorso.
• x 1.21

  Ex cod. MS•• pe••è O. S. Iohn f. 153. b.
• * 1.22

  ☜
• * 1.23

  Cap. 20.