The history or narrative of the great level of the fenns, called Bedford level with a large map of the said level, as drained, surveyed, & described by Sir Jonas Moore Knight, His late Majesties Surveyor-General of his ordnance.

THE HISTORY OR NARRATIVE OF THE Great Level of the Fenns, CALLED BEDFORD LEVEL.

THis Great Level contains about How this Level was ſuppoſed to be many Hundred years ſince, and how came to be Fenns. 300000 Acres of Fenny Ground, lying within the Counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridge and the Iſle of Ely, Huntingdon, Northampton and Lincolne, as Survey'd and Deſcribed by Sir Jonas Moore; And in all probability, as appears by Hiſtorians and the relations following, was once firm dry Land, and not annoyed with any extraordinary Inundation from the Sea, or Stagnation of the freſh water. For there have been abundance of Timber Trees found of ſeveral kinds, but moſt Oak, and few ſevered from the roots, which ſtood below the Moore. When it is well known, that in Moore ground and water, Timber Trees will not thrive or grow. In making ſome of the Great Rivers, divers of the Trees were taken up, Six, Eight, Ten foot deep and upwards. And there alſo hath been found Stone and Bricks and other materials for Building, which ſhews that this Moore or Fenn hath covered over the face of the Land, and chang'd it from what it formerly had been. In ſetting down a Sluce there was found Sixteen foot deep a Smith's Forge, and all Tools thereunto belonging, and ſeveral Horſe-ſhooes. This Level is bounded on all Parts (except by the Sea) with High Lands in form of an Horſe-ſhooe, which maketh it much like a Bay, and in former times muſt have been a pleaſant Countrey. The Hiſtory of William of Malmsbury, (vouched by Mr. Camden) who lived about 1200 Years ſince, ſaith, That in his time, Thorney Abbey within this Level, now belonging to the Earl of Bedford, was repreſented a very Paradiſe, for that, in pleaſure and delight, it reſembleth Heaven it ſelf; [In the very Marſhes bearing Trees, that for their ſtraight tallneſs, and the ſame without knots, ſtrive to touch the Stars. APlain there was as even as the Sea, which with green graſs allureth the Eye: ſo Smooth and Level, that if any walk along the Fields, they ſhall find nothing to ſtumble at. There is not the leaſt parcel of Ground that lyes waſt and void there; here you ſhall find the Earth riſing ſomewhere for Apple-Trees; there ſhall you have a Field ſet with Vines, which either creep upon the ground, or mount on high upon Poles to ſupport them, &c.] For in thoſe dayes Vineyards were very frequent in England. The like may be ſaid of the Abbey of Crowland, and of the Great Lordſhip of Whittleſea. Now by what means it came to paſs to be ſo drowned, It is believed, that the Ocean at firſt did break into it, with ſuch violence, as that the Buildings and Woods, then ſtanding throughout the ſame, became turned up by the roots; and ſo great a proportion of Silt brought in, as not only for divers miles next towards the Sea, did cover the ground to an extraordinary depth, but to the remoteſt Parts, even to the Verge of the High-Lands, as by One further Diſcovery or Inſtance of late Years was ſeen, at the Skirt of Connington in Huntingdonſhire, where upon making a Pool by Sir Robert Cotton Baronet, he found there a Skeliton of a large Sea Fiſh (near Twenty foot long as then conjectured) lying in perfect Silt, above Six foot below the Superficies of the ground, and as much above the preſent Level of the Fenns. But when and how that violent Breach and Inundation of the Sea was firſt made into this Countrey, is not poſitively known. Therefore it muſt be conjectured from the moſt rational probabilities, which is, That it was by ſome great Earthquake. That ſuch dreadful Accidents have occaſioned the like, We have unqueſtionable Teſtimony.

Lib. 7. xv. Anno Christi CCCLXVIII. Coſs. Valentiniano & Valente, (ſaith the Tripartite Hiſtory) terrae motus factus, multas diruit Civitates, ſed etiam Mare terminos proprios mutavit; et in quibuſdam locis in tantum ibi fluxit, ut loca quae pridem ambulari doterant, remigarentur; ab aliis vero locis tantum receſſit, ut arida tellus inveniretur. In the time of the Conſulſhip of Valentinian and Valens, there was an Earthquake, which not only overthrew divers Cities, but altered the very Bounds of the Sea; which ſo flowed in ſome Parts, that men might Sail in thoſe places, where before they did walk; and forſook other, that they became dry Land. The like relation of the ſame Earthquake, but ſomewhat more largely, doth Amianus Lib. 26. Marcell. make. And to the like purpoſe alſo is that of Ovid's,

Ovid Meta. lib. xv. Vidi ego quod fuerat quondam Solidiſſima Tellus,

Eſſe fretum; vidi factas ex aequore terras;

Et procul à Pelago Conchae jacuêre Marinae;

Et Vetus inventa eſt in montibus Anchora Summis.

Quodque fuit Campus, vallem decurſus aquarum

Fecit, et eluvie Mons eſt deductus in aequor;

Aeque paludoſa ſiccis humus aret Arenis.

Thus Tranſlated into Engliſh by G. Sandys.

Where once were ſolid Lands, Seas have I ſeen,

And ſolid Land where once deep Seas have been;

Shells far from Sea like Quarries in the Ground,

And Anchors have in Mountain Tops been found.

Torrents have made a Valley of a Plain, High Hills by deluges born to the Main. Deep ſtanding Lakes ſuckt dry by thirſty Sand,

And on late Thirſty Earth now Lakes do ſtand.

Who would imagine that the City of Gant in Flanders had been an Haven Town; yet that ſo it was about DCCC. years ſince, appeareth in the Life of Charles the Great, Written by the Learned Hiſt. Fran. 2. f. 48. Du Cheſne. Neither do we want Examples here in ſome part of England of this kind; Ratesborough, otherwiſe called Richborough in Kent, (ſometime a Colony of the Romans) was, or ever the River of Sture did turn his bottom or old Canale within the Iſle of Thanett, (as Lel. Col. Vol. 3. p. 138. Leland affirmeth) and by likelihood the main Sea came to the very foot of the Caſtle; but now it is off from it a Mile, by reaſon of the Woſe that hath there ſwollen it up. So alſo Ib. f. 141. Lymme-hill or Lymme, was ſometime a Haven and good for Ships that might come to the foot of the Hill. And Rumney (four Miles diſtant from Lymme-hill) one of the Cinque-Ports, hath been a meetly good Haven, Inſomuch (ſaith the ſame Ibid. p. 142. Leland, who lived in King Henry the Eighth's time) as within remembrance of Men, Ships have come up hard to the Town, and caſt Anchor in one of the Church-yards; but is now two Miles from the Town, which is ſo ſore decayed thereby, that where there were three great Pariſhes and Churches ſometime, there is now ſcant one well maintained.

And concerning Eye in Suffolk, It is not a little obſervable what he likewiſe Lel. Col. Vol. 3. p. 24. expreſſeth, viz. That it ſhould ſeem anciently to have been in a manner totally encompaſſed with Waters; Eye in our Engliſh ſignifying an Iſland: but now (ſaith he) there is no ſuch ſtore tho it be a moiſt place eſpecially in the Winter Seaſon; which manifeſtly ſheweth, that it was heretofore a ſtanding Fenn. Adding, That in old time, Barges came up thither from the Haven of Chromar or ſome Creek near unto it, there having been found by the Monks of Eye, in Scowring of their Ditches, large Rudders, done over with Pitch; as alſo Barge Nails, with other Naval Inſtruments, tho then no Veſſels came nearer to it, than Burſtan, which is 12 Miles diſtant.

And as ſome places have got from the Sea, ſo ſome other have loſt, as may ſeem Ib. p. 104. by Skegneſſe in Lincolnſhire, which was heretofore a great Haven Town (as the before ſpecified Author relateth) and Walled, having a Caſtle; but the Old Town is clean conſumed and eaten up of the Sea. Not unapplicable hereunto is therefore that of the Poet.

Haud procul hinc Stagnum, Tellus habitabilis Ovid. Met. lib. 8. olim,

Nunc celebres mergis, fuliciſ que paluſtribus undae.

Hard by a Lake once habitable ground,

Where Coots and fiſhing Cormorants abound.

The Principal Rivers or Drains formerly paſſing through this Level were Eight, viz. Gleane, Welland, Neane, Ouze, Grant, Mildenhall, Brandon, and Stoake. The ſaid Rivers had three ſeveral Outfalls from the Fenns into the Sea, viz. Welland, Wisbich, and Salters Load by Lynn.

This Level is Broad and of a great Extent, and lyeth very flat, with little or no deſcent of its own, and was full of Haſſacks, Sedge, Reed, and Weeds that the Waters could not go but ſlowly from the Lands, but came in ſwift from the Up-land Countreys, where the Rivers have great Falls. Alſo there were large Sands on the Sea ſide, thrown up by the Tides, which ſtop and choak the Outfall Rivers Mouth. At bottoming of Wisbich River in the year 1635. Eight foot lower than the then Bottom, was found another Bottom, which was ſet with Stones and old Boats overwhelmed with the Silt that had lain many Ages. And ſo at digging of a Foundation for the Great Saſſe at Salters Load, was found mixt Earth and Silt that had been caſt up, and the natural Bottom Earth was above 10 foot deeper.

This Level being of ſo vaſt an Extent and great depth of freſh Water lying therein, That the Moore is encreaſed by ſuch ſtanding of the Waters in ſome places from 10 to 20 foot deep: So that inſtead of the benefit which this Level might receive from their Overflowings, in caſe they had enjoyed its free and natural Paſſage, and good Outfalls, it hath been made for the moſt part for divers Ages an unhealthful Stagnation of putrid and muddy Waters; The Earth ſpungy, unfaſt and boggy, ſuch as are the inconveniencies of Drown'd Lands, and yielding no conſiderable Profit to the Inhabitants that bordered upon it.

The Inhabitants and Parts adjoyning When application was firſt made for Draining. finding this to be their ſad Conditions, having no Communication one with the other but by Boats; and ſometimes in Winter, when the Ice was ſtrong enough to hinder the paſſage thereof (and yet not able to bear a Man) the Inhabitants in the Fenn Towns could hardly get help of Food for Soul or Body, being ſo debarred of coming each to others aſſiſtance; therefore they did in ſeveral Kings Reigns repreſent this their ſad Attempts made for Draining being fruitleſs till undertaken by Francis and VVilliam Earls of Bedford. Condition, and had divers Commiſſions of Sewers granted for the Cleaning and opening the Outfalls of the Waters to the Sea. But all was fruitleſs for want of a general Draining, whereby new Rivers and Drains imbanked might be made to carry off the Waters through ſo ſlat a Countrey.

At laſt they made it their Suit and Lynn Law, 12 Jan. 6 Car. 1. Petition to Francis Earl of Bedford, that he would undertake the Work of Draining, which the ſaid Earl conſented then unto. And by Agreement was to have 95000 Acres to be ſet out in ſeveral Parts of the Level, together with the Ways, Paſſages, Banks, Forelands, New Rivers, Cutts, Drains, (and Fiſhings of the ſame) to be made by him or his Aſſigns; of which 12000 Acres thereof was to the King or his Aſſigns for his Royal Aſſent.

The ſaid Earl having ſo taken this St. Ives Law, 13 Car. 1. Draining upon him, Land was ſet out accordingly; And thereupon the ſaid Earl admits divers Perſons Adventurers and Participants with him; They caſt 80000 Acres thereof into 20 Lotts or Shares, conſiſting of 4000 Acres to a Lott (as equal of Value as could then be well judged) and proceed therein to the ſpending of about 100000 l. But Complaints being ſtill made that it was not Drained. Huntingdon & Wisbich, 14 Car. Thereupon His Majeſty King Charles the Firſt, undertook the better Draining thereof, but was to have an Addition of 57000 Acres more, and went on with the perfecting the ſame, till the late unhappy Wars and Differences came, and then all lay waſt, and ſo continued ſeveral years, till William now Earl of Bedford and his Participants, in the year 1649. did again undertake the ſaid Works for his former Proportion of 95000 Acres, and proceeded ſo far therein as to perfect the ſame in manner as in the Map deſcribed, at their further Charge of about 300000 l. to the undoing of many, being a much greater Sum than the 95000 Acres are worth. But for the better encouraging the ſaid Earl and his Participants in ſo His Majeſty K. Charles the Second's Recommendation to the Parliament, and their Paſſing an Act. great a Work, His late Majeſty did recommend the Settlement and future Performance thereof unto the Parliament; who Anno decimo quinto Caroli Secundi Regis, made an Act for the Preſervation thereof, Entituled, An Act for Setling the Draining of the Great Level of the Fenns, called Bedford Level.

And by the ſaid Act the Bounds thereof 15 Car. 2. of are ſettled as followeth.

Eaſtward from the Bridge and Cawſey Bounds of the Level. of Stoake unto Brandon Bridge upon the Up-lands of Northwold, Methwold; Feltwell, Hockwold and Wilton, i • the County of Norfolk, and from Brandon Bridge unto the End of Worlington Load upon Mildenhall River, upon the Uplands of Brandon, the Low Grounds of Wainsford excluding the ſame. The Up-lands of Lakingheath, the Low grounds of Earſewell excluding the ſame. And the Up-lands of Mildenhall in the County of Suffolk Southward from Worlington Load unto Burwell Block upon the Up-lands of Freckingham, Iſleham, Fordham, Soham and Wickin in the County of Cambridge, and excluding the Low grounds of Burwell, Lanward, and other places lying Eaſtward from Burwell Block aforeſaid; and from thence unto the Mill near Angleſey Abbey upon the Uplands of Burwell, Reach, Swaffham Prior, Swaffham Bulbeck and Botſham in the County of Cambridge. And from thence unto the Ferrey-place at Clay-hith upon the Up-lands called Quy-hall, the Low ground called Low-fenn, and the Uplands of Hormingſey and Clay-hith in the ſaid County, excluding the Low grounds called Low-fenn & Offenn, & from the ſaid Ferrey-place unto Overload upon the Up-lands of Waterbeach, Cottenham, Rampton, Wivelingham and Over in the ſaid County of Cambridge, and upon the Low grounds of Swacey in the ſaid County, excluding the ſame Weſtward from Erith unto the Damme lately made upon the River Neane near Standground upon the Up-lands of Somerſham and the Soake thereof, Warbois, Wiſtow, Berrey, Ramſey, Ʋpwood, Raveley, Woodwalton, Sawtrey, Connington, Glatton and Holme, Caldecott, Denton, Stilton, Yaxley, Faſſett and Standground in the County of Huntingdon, excluding the Low grounds lying on the North ſide about the River Ouze about Erith; and from the ſaid Damme unto Peterborough Bridge upon the ſaid River of Neane, and thence unto the Ferrey-place near Waldramhall upon the Up-lands of Peterborough, and the Soake thereof, in the County of Northampton, and Northward from the ſaid Ferrey-place near Waldram-hall unto Crowland Bridge upon the River of Welland; and from thence to Dowſedale upon the Bank of Great Porſand, and from thence to Guyhurne upon the South Ea Banke, and from thence unto Tilneyhurne upon the Bank of the Fenn ground called Walderſea, and from thence unto Elme Leame at Granger's Houſe upon the Bank of the Fenn ground called Coldham, and from thence unto the River Neane near Thurlings in Ʋpwell upon the Bank of Needham called Biſhops Dyke, and from thence unto Well-Creeke, at the North-weſt Corner of Waſſingham Fenn, upon the Bank of the Grounds in Ʋpwell and Outwell, called Playfield and Churchfield, excluding the aforeſaid Fenns and Grounds called Walderſea, Coldham, Needham, Playfield and Churchfield. And from thence unto Salters Load upon the New Podike Bank, and from thence unto the Mouth of the River Wiſſey, upon the River Ouze Note, Tho the Bounds of the Level are ſo ſet, yet their Works of Draining may and do extend further. and from thence unto Helgey Bridge upon the River Wiſſey, and from thence unto the Up-lands at the end of the Bank of the Grounds late of Edmund Skipwith Esq deceaſed, upon the ſaid Bank, and from thence unto Stoake Bridge upon the Up lands of Roxham, Deerham, Weereham, Wretton and Stoake on the ſaid County of Norfolk; except the imbanked Grounds, late of Edmund Skipwith Esq lying on the North ſide of the River Ouze.

And conſtituted a Corporation by the 15 Car. 2. Corporation for governing the Level conſti • uted, and their Powers. Nam • of The Governors, Bailiffs, and Commonalty of the Company of Conſervators of the Great Level of the Fenns. Which Corporation conſiſts of One Governor, Six Bailiffs, Twenty Conſervators and Commonalty. And are to uſe a Common Seal, and aſſemble and meet together, when, where, and as often as they pleaſe; and appoint a Regiſter, Receiver, one or more Serjeants at Mace, and other Officers, and remove them at their Pleaſures. And veſteth in the ſaid Corporation all the aforeſaid 83000 Acres, part of the ſaid 95000 Acres, with the Ways, Paſſages, New Rivers, Cutts, Drains, Banks, and Forelands made by Francis and William Earls of Bedford, and their Participants, according to ſuch Parts & Proportions as they held or enjoy'd at the time of Paſſing the aforeſaid Act, 15 Car. 2. to be held of the Mannor of Eaſt Greenwich, by fealty only in free and Common Soccage, and not otherwiſe. The remainder 12000 Acres, 10000 Acres thereof veſted in His late Majeſty King Charles the Second, who aſſign'd the ſame to His now Majeſty, the 2000 Acres in the Earl of Portland.

The Governor, Bailiffs and Conſervators, or any five or more o • them, whereof the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, or any of them to be two, maketh a Quorum, to act in all Caſes as Commiſſioners of Sewers, and may lay Taxes only on the 95000 Acres, for Support, Maintenance, and Preſervation of the ſaid Level, and Levy the ſame with Penalties for Non-Payment, not exceeding the third part of the Tax. And all other things do in order to the Support, Maintenance, and Preſervation of the ſaid Great Level, and Works made, and to be made within or without the ſaid Level, for carrying the Waters of the Level to its Outfall, as they in their Judgments think beſt. And no other Commiſſioners of Sewers are to intermeddle in the ſaid Level, or the Works thereunto belonging, out of the ſaid Level.

All Conveyances of the 95000 Acres are to be entred with the Regiſter, and no Leaſes, Grant or Conveyance of, or Charge out of, or upon the ſaid 95000 Acres, or any part thereof (except Leaſes for Seven years or under) in Poſſeſſion ſhall be of force, but from the time it ſhall be entred with the ſaid Regiſter as aforeſaid, the Entrey whereof being endorſed by the ſaid Regiſter upon ſuch Leaſe, Grant, Conveyance or Charge, ſhall be as good and effectual in the Law, as if the Original Book of Entreys were produced at any Trial at Law, or otherwiſe.

The Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators by the ſaid Act, were to meet on 15 Car. 2. Wedneſday and Thurſday in Whitſun-week at the Shire-houſe at Ely to lay Taxes on the ſaid 95000 Acres. And for all ſuch Taxes & Penalties in Arrear four Months, they had Power then to Sell ſo much of the 95000 Acres, as would raiſe the Tax and Penalty then in Arrear. And the Perſon to whom the Governor, Bailiffs and Conſervators ſhould make Sale unto, 20 Car. 2. ſhould be a lawful Purchaſer thereof (theſe days and times for laying Taxes are ſince altered by an Act made 20 Car. 2. as • hereafter is declared). By the ſaid Act 15 Car. 2. The Corporation have Power from time to time to Erect and make any New Works within or without the ſaid Great Level for conveying the Waters of the ſaid Level by convenient Outfalls to the Sea, they giving recompence and Satisfaction for what they ſhall ſo Cut and take out of ſeveral Grounds. If any Perſon ſhall Cut, throw down, or deſtroy any of the ſaid Works for Draining, made, or to be made as aforeſaid; The Parties offending ſhall anſwer treble Damages to the ſaid Corporation, and Coſts of Suit to be recovered in any Action of Treſpaſs to be brought by the ſaid Corporation in any of His Majeſtie's Courts of Record. And if ſuch cutting, throwing down or deſtroying ſhall be maliciouſly done, the ſame ſhall be puniſhed, as for Cutting the Podike in Marſhland, which is Felony.

The ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, Conſervators and Commonalty upon Wedneſday in Whitſun-week yearly (at a Publick Meeting to be then held by the ſaid Corporation, or the greater Number then preſent (whereof the ſaid Governor or one of the Bailiffs is to be one) are to Elect the Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators reſpectively, for the year enſuing. Provided, That none be capable to be or continue Governor or Bailiff, that hath not 400 Acres or more of the ſaid 95000 Acres; nor to be a Conſervator, that hath not 200 Acres or more of the ſaid 95000 Acres; nor any of the Commonalty to have a Voice in Elections that hath not 100 Acres or more of the ſaid 95000 Acres. The ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators, or any of them may be removed by the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators, and Commonalty, or the greater number of them preſent at their Publick Meetings, whereof the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, or any of them to be two, and new choſen in the place of him or them ſo dead or removed. And the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators, are (before they take upon them to act) to take an Oath, Well and truly to execute Office; and likewiſe to take the Oath, 23 Hen. 8. Chap. 5. which by Law is to be taken by Commiſſioners of Sewers. And the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs, Conſervators, and Commonalty are the Corporation for taking of the Accompts; And all other Matters may do, other than the acting as Commiſſioners of Sewers. And if any Suit be Commenced againſt the ſaid Corporation, or any Perſon for any Matter or thing done in Purſuance of this Act, Then he or they ſhall or may Plead the general Iſſue, and give the ſpecial Matter in Evidence upon any Tryal to be had touching the ſame; which ſhall be as good and effectual in Law, as if the ſame had been ſpecially Pleaded: And the Jury upon the Tryal to give a Verdict accordingly.

By the ſaid Act 'tis declared, That if any Breaches happen in any of the Banks, Sluces, &c. or other Works of Draining in or out of the ſaid Level, for the carrying the Waters of the ſaid Level to the Outfalls at Sea, That the ſame are to be repaired by the ſaid Corporation in convenient time, but no other charge to be laid on the ſaid Corporation; nor to give any Recompence for any Loſs or Damage, which hath or ſhall happen by reaſon of their making ſuch neceſſary and ſufficient Works for defending the ſaid Level from being overflown, and for leading the Waters of the Level in their Chanals.

The 80000 Acres, part of the 95000 Acres, which were at the firſt undertaking caſt into Lotts; Every Adventurer then had his Share in that Diviſion of good and bad Land, and all Land taxed alike per Acre; But afterwards being divided into divers Hands, as People become Purchaſers of good or bad, the bad Land alone would not bear the burthen of the Tax, for that there being much difference in the Soil of the ſaid Lands, and ſome part much more ſubject to Overflowing than others, and not capable to be ſo well Drained. Therefore by Act 20 Car. 2. The Power given to the Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators for their laying of Taxes and Selling Land for Non-Payment was altered from Whitſun-week unto Wedneſday, Thurſday, and Friday after the firſt Sunday in April in every year, and at no other time (the time of the year being found then moſt convenient). And by the ſaid Act for the Reaſons aforeſaid the 95000 Acres were for future to be rated by way of a Gradual Acre Tax of Eleven Degrees or Rates, as are particularly hereafter mentioned in the Lotts. Except the 12000 Acres which are rated at 1 s. 3 d. per Acre, when the 83000 Acres are taxed at 6110 l. 7 s. 1 d. ½. and ſo in Proportion. And the Serjeant at Mace of the Great Level, by Precept under the Seal of the Corporation in the Nature of a Writ of Habere facias Poſſeſſionem at Common Law, is to deliver Poſſeſſion unto ſuch Purchaſer as ſhall Purchaſe for Non-Payment of Taxes, any part of the ſaid 95000 Acres.

Several other Powers and Authorities are granted to the ſaid Corporation by the aforeſaid Acts of Parliament, as by the ſaid Acts may appear.

There is of the 83000 Acres part of the 95000 Acres of Adventure Land 80000 Acres divided into 20 Lotts or Shares, 4000 Acres in each Lott. The Remainder 3000 Acres lyeth Overplus. The 20 Lotts, and how rated, now to the Draining Taxes are as followeth.

Firſt Lott. Sorts rated. Acres. r. p. 5 HAddenham Common A. 100 0 00 70• 6 Botſham High Fenn 140 0 00 70 7 6 Sutton Meadlands next Middlemore 131 0 00 3 Weſtmore No Bedford River A. 400 0 00 3 Coveney Severals A. 073 0 00 4 Helgey Common by Capt. Skipwith's Bank. 318 0 00 2 Townemoores, Arkinſtall, Ʋnley Several, Eaſtmore or Little Shell, and Thompſon's Fenn in Lakingheath, and the two Sedge Fenns, and Coplow Fenn in Mildenhall A. 200 0 00 4 Whelpmoore, Lowellmoore and Spaindelfe A. 478 0 00 4 Stuntney Common. 032 0 00 4 Stuntney Farm. 022 0 00 4 Stuntney ſmall Severals. 012 0 00 3 Part of Thorney. 100 0 00 4 One Several in Woodwalton. 015 0 00 3 Grunty Fenn A. 100 0 00 3 Beezlings Fenn in Doddington. 344 0 00 3 Creek Fenn in Doddington A. next March. 200 0 00 4 Stoney Fenn and Block Fenn Common A. 500 0 00 5 Somerſham Common A. 300 0 00 4 Great Bradnymoore a Several in Doddington. 162 2 00 4 Severals of Doddington. 032 2 00 2 Hale Fenn Common, and Sedge Fenn a Several by Welney next Welney A. 200 0 00 5 Severals of Well and Welney. 040 0 00 3 Weſtmoore No. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore So. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00

Second Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 5 Haddenham Common B. 100 0 00 5 Sutton in North Fenn. 272 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North B. 400 0 00 3 Coveney Severals B. 073 0 00 1 Methwold Common, and Feltwell North Fenn A. 400 0 00 1 Townemoores in Lakingheath, &c. B. 200 0 00 4 Whelpmoore, &c. B. 461 0 00 4 Ladus Fenn A. next unto Creek Fenn. 115 0 00 1 Botſham, Quy & Ditton part inter-Common A. next Botſham Load. 100 0 00 4 Langwood Fenn in Chartreſſe A. 300 0 00 3 Creek Fenn in Doddington B. 260 0 00 4 Stoney and Block Fenn Common B. 400 0 00 4 Severals in March. 068 0 00 4 Somerſham Common B. 300 0 00 2 Ʋpwood Fenn, lying next towards Ramſey. 451 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, the 20th peece from Welney. 050 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Third Lott. Sorts: Acres. r. p. 2 Iſleham Common, A. 250 0 00 3 Middleditch Fenn in Wivelingham. 077 1 00 11 Great Shelfould in Wivelingham. 012 3 00 11 Sutton the remainder of North Fenn, And the Middle next towards Chartres Fenns, and 6 0 26 in West Fenn adjoyning. 032 0 00 4 Weſtmore North. 200 0 00 3 Weſtmore South, A. 200 0 00 2 Ramſey Severals A. 073 0 00 5 Methwold Common, &c. B. 400 0 00 1 Townmoores, &c. C. 200 0 00 1 Brandon Commons. 350 0 00 3 North Cloud a Common of Lakingheath. 058 0 00 4 Severals of Lakingheath, A. 052 0 00 3 Ladus Fenn, B. 115 0 00 3 Grunty Fenn, B. 100 0 00 3 Langwood Fenn, B. 300 0 00 4 Whitemoore in Doddington, A. the Parcel of 300 Acres diked out. 300 0 00 4 Stoney and Block Fenn Common, C. 400 0 00 4 Euſymoore, Well Pingle and Farmers Fenn, A. 500 0 00 3 Connington Severals A. in the greater Fenn. 200 0 00 4 Well and Welney Severals. 079 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North N. the Thirteenth, &c. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South S. &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Fourth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 5 Haddenham Common C. 100 0 00 7 Barway Middle and Fordy in Soham. 231 0 00 5 Honey Fenn in Chartres. 040 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South B. 400 0 00 5 Ramſey Severals B. 074 0 00 1 Methwold Common, &c. C. 400 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. D. 200 0 00 4 Whelpmoore, &c. C. 461 0 00 3 Sir Miles Sandy's imbanked ground B. 115 0 00 3 Grunty Fenn C. 126 0 00 4 Wenny Fenn in Chartres. 300 0 00 4 Whitmoore in Doddington B. next unto the 300 Acres diked out 400 0 00 3 Euſymoore, &c. C. 548 0 00 4 Somerſham C. 300 0 00 2 Feltwell Severals D. 080 0 00 2 Caldecott Severals. 056 0 00 3 Mr. Tirrill's ground by Prieſts Houſes 24. and 3. 027 0 00 4 Severals of Doddington. 042 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North E. the Fifth, &c. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South K. &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Fifth Lott. Sorts Acres. r. p. 5 Haddenham Common D. 078 0 00 5 Stretham Common. 172 2 00 5 Sutton South of Bedford River next unto the Fenns of Haddenham and Wentworth. 120 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South C. 400 0 00 5 Berrey Mowe Fenn. 045 0 00 7 Ramſey Severals D. 008 0 00 5 Wickham Common 10 Acres, and Several A. 4 Acres. 014 0 00 5 Chartres Severals. 005 0 00 3 Deereham Commons. 200 0 00 3 Lakingheath Townemoores, &c. E. 200 0 00 5 Whelpmoore, &c. D. 661 0 00 3 Knights Fenn in Hockwold and Redmoore grounds A. 111 0 00 6 Throcken-holt by Clows Croſs A. next Clows Croſs. 005 0 00 4 Grunty Fenn, D. 100 0 00 3 Norwold Common, A. next unto Stoake Bridge. 200 0 00 3 Weſt Fenn and Weſt Fenn Cloſe, A. 483 0 00 5 Whitmoore, C. next unto Wisbich Fenns. 300 0 00 4 Somerſham Commons, D. 300 0 00 4 Middlemoore in Ramſey, A. 400 0 00 3 Connington Severals, B. 081 0 00 5 Severals of Well and Welney. 016 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, R. the fourth piece from Welney. 050 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Sixth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. Iſleham, B. 250 0 00 11 Clattocks or Longbridge in Wivelingham. 053 0 00 11 Babyſhurne in Wivelingham. 013 3 00 11 Ʋpmeare Farm in Wicken. 005 0 00 5 Lammas Ground in Wicken, near Ʋpmeare Farm. 023 1 00 6 Sutton in Meadlands, next to the Grounds mentioned in the firſt Lott. 025 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, D. 400 0 00 4 Mepall Severals, A. 073 0 00 1 Methwold, &c. D. 400 0 00 2 Townemoores, &c. F. 200 0 00 2 VVhelpmoore, &c. E. 461 0 00 4 Ladus Fenn, C. 115 0 00 2 VVeereham, VVretton, and Stoake Common next towards Stoake. 336 0 00 4 Gurfe and Gore in Chartres, A. next Chartres. 200 0 00 3 Dicamoore next VVeſtwater. 156 0 00 3 Horſemoore in Doddington, A. 200 0 00 3 Euſymoore, &c. B. 500 0 00 2 Hale Fenn and Sedge Fenn by Welney, B. 200 0 00 5 Severals of VVell and VVelney. 289 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, C. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, H. &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Seventh Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 2 Iſleham Common, C. 230 0 00 3 VVilburton Common and Several. 124 0 00 9 Rampton Commons. 016 0 00 8 VVeſtmoore South, E. 400 0 00 2 Mepall Severals, B. 075 0 00 4 Methwold, &c. E. 400 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. G. 200 0 00 2 Feltwell South Fenn and Mowe Fenn A. 161 0 00 2 Mildenhall burnt Fenn, Ely great Shell and Shippey A. 300 0 00 3 Sir Miles Sandy's imbanked ground C. next Crouchmoore 115 0 00 3 Sir Henry Willoughby's Several in Southerey Weſt of the River Ouze. 076 0 00 4 Curfe and Gore in Chartres B. next Doddington. 200 0 00 4 Dicamoore in Doddington A. 200 0 00 3 Horſemoore B. 200 0 00 2 Hale Fenn and Sedge Fenn by Welney C. next unto the remaining part of Sedge Fenn. 195 0 00 2 Euſymoore, &c. D. 500 0 00 3 Middlemoore in Ramſey B. 400 0 00 3 Sir Oliver Cromwell's Severals in Ramſey A. 108 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North K. &c. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South O. &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Eighth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 3 Swafham High Fenn A. 200 0 00 8 Haddenham Severals. 138 0 00 11 Sutton South of Bedford River. 032 0 00 5 Byall Fenn A. 400 0 00 4 Mepall Common. 053 0 00 4 Severals of Mepall C. 022 0 00 4 Helgey and Southerey Commons A. 300 0 00 3 Lakingheath, &c. H. 200 0 00 1 Mildenhall, &c. B. 300 0 00 2 Feltwell South Fenn and Mowe Fenn B. 161 0 00 3 Knights Fenn and Redmoore grounds B. 115 0 00 2 Botſham, Horningsey, &c. B. 100 0 00 2 Norwold Common by Stoake North of Wiſſey. 029 0 00 1 Langwood Fenn in Chartres. 320 0 00 7 Weſt Fenn and Weſt Fenn Cloſe B. 525 0 00 4 Middlemore C. 400 0 00 3 Poolings in Hockwold. 100 0 00 3 Sir John Watt's grounds in Londiners Fenn. 352 1 00 1 010 0 00 4 Severals of Doddington. 042 3 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. O. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, C. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Ninth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 7 Denver Fenn South of Bedford River. 124 0 00 6 Mr. VVendye's Ground in Chartres.. 234 0 00 4 VViddon Severals in Mepall. 008 0 00 11 Bream Farm by Ely. 004 0 00 2 VVeſtmoore South, F. 200 0 00 4 Byall Fenn, B. 200 0 00 3 Coveney Severals C. 075 0 00 3 Helgey and Southerey Commons, B. 300 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. C. 300 0 00 3 Townemoores, &c. I. 200 0 00 1 A Several in Lakingheath by Croſſewater. 008 0 00 3 Hockwold and VVilton Common, A. 253 0 00 2 Ladus Fenn, D. 115 0 00 4 Read's Fenn in Helgey. 360 0 00 3 Swafham Sedge Fenn 180 Acres, part of high Fenn 5 Acres, part of Croyle 4 Acres. 189 0 00 1 Weſt Fenn and Weſt Fenn▪ Cloſe C. 500 0 00 3 VVarbois Fenn, VViſtow Fenn, Ramſey, Eaſtmoore and Pulver Fenn, and Turfe Fenn in Doddington, A. 500 0 00 2 Denton Common. 156 0 00 4 Knobballs in VVelney South of Bedford River. 019 0 00 2 Common-peice of VVelney. 134 0 00 2 Loveokes, a ſeveral adjoyning to Common-peice. 021 0 00 3 VVeſtmoore North, T. &c. 050 0 00 2 VVeſtmoore South, T. &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Tenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 8 Denver Fenn North of Bedford River. 256 0 00 9 Several of Denver by the Grounds of VVell. 004 0 00 8 Sir Henry Willoughby's Several in Southerey Eaſt of Ouze. 076 0 00 5 Lammas Grounds in Wicken, next unto High Fenn. 021 0 00 7 Mr. Barrow's imbanked Ground in Wicken. 007 0 00 2 Stacks in Wivelingham. 007 0 00 2 Croyle in Swafham A. next the Hard Lands. 200 0 00 2 Burwell Common A. 247 0 00 2 Sir Edward Peyton's Sedgey Several in Wicken. 014 0 00 6 Rowey in Somerſham. 011 0 00 3 Helgey and Southerey Common C. 300 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. K. 200 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. D. 300 0 00 3 Hockwold and Wilton Common B. 222 0 00 1 Littleport Severals A: 041 0 00 4 Mr. Gibbon's ground, called Warners, A. next Redmoore. 115 0 00 3 Botſham, Horningsey, &c. C. 100 0 00 1 Norwold Common B. 200 0 00 3 Normoore in Chartres A. next to Honey. 400 0 00 4 Warbois, &c. B. 500 0 00 3 Horſemoore, &c. D. 287 0 00 3 Sir Robert Bell's ground in Londiners Fenn. 136 2 00 4 Sir Lewis Treſham's grounds in Londiners Fenn. 093 1 00 4 Mr. Fincham's ground in Londiners Fenn. 011 3 00 4 The Ground in Londiners Fenn, late Mr. Fincham's. 013 1 00 4 Part of Sedge Fenn in Welney North of Bedford River, Eaſtward. 001 0 00 2 Part of Knobballs in Welney North of Bedford River. 009 0 00 3 Three Severals in Well, lying between Popham's Eau and Newdike. 065 0 00 5 Severals in Doddington. 062 1 00 3 Weſtmoore North, H. &c. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Eleventh Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 5 Neatmoore in Ʋpwell A. 250 0 00 5 Middlemore in Sutton. 037 0 00 5 Corkeiſt's and Mr. Jetherell's Hamlet in Sutton. 006 0 00 5 Weſt Fenn near unto Sutton Meadlands A. 076 0 00 4 Byall Fenn C. 400 0 00 4 Mepall Severals of Mr. Cartev's by Turfe Fenn. 018 0 00 3 Coveney Severals D. 056 0 00 2 Methwold, &c. F. 488 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. L. 200 0 00 3 Norney Farm. 079 0 00 4 Littleport Severals B. 203 0 00 3 Roxham Common. 094 0 00 5 Sutton in Holland, A. next unto the Wride. 115 0 00 4 Pymoore near Wichford. 152 0 00 4 Normoore in Chartres, B. 400 0 00 4 The Middle in Doddington. 200 0 00 3 Warbois, &c. C. 500 0 00 3 Raveley Fenn in Ramſey. 229 0 00 4 Sir William Cockaines ground in Londiners Fenn. 171 0 00 2 Part of Sedge Fenn in Welney, lying next of Bedford River. 010 0 00 1 Feltwell Severals, A. 216 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. A. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. S. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Twelfth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Waterbeach, Joyſt Fenn, Lammas Ground adjoyning unto Joyſt Fen, and the Several Grounds of Sir Edward Peyton and Mr. Dalton, A. 250 0 00 5 Sutton Grounds, South of Bedford River, lying nexts to the Grounds of Sutton of the firſt Lott. 109 2 00 5 Part of Sutton Weſt Fenn, B. 010 2 00 2 Croyle in Swafham, B. 200 0 00 6 One Several in Woodwalton. 036 0 00 1 The remainder of Sawtrey Fenn from the King's part. 006 2 00 5 Severals of Chartres, A. 230 0 00 3 Helgey and Southerey Common, D. 300 0 00 2 Townemoores, &c. M. 200 0 00 1 Whelpmoore, &c. F. 562 0 00 4 Ladus Fenn, E. 115 0 00 4 Downeham in the Iſle Common and Severals. 390 0 00 1 Elme Common and Severals. 250 0 00 3 Weſt Fenn and Weſt Fenn Cloſe, D. 500 0 00 3 Stoney and Block Fenn Common, D. 400 0 00 3 Somerſham Common E. 333 0 00 4 Langbeach, a Several in Ʋpwell. 007 2 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. F. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. M. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Thirteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Neatmoore by Ʋpwell, B. 250 0 00 7 Wicken High Fenn, A. next towards Wicken. 120 0 00 3 Hale Fenn near Coveney. 180 0 00 1 Burwell Common B. 293 0 00 2 Sir Robert Heath's Several grounds in Soham. 420 0 00 3 Lakingheath Severals B. 094 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. M. 200 0 00 1 South Cloud a Common of Lakingheath. 047 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. E. 300 0 00 3 Sir Miles Sandy's imbanked ground A. next Pr. houſes. 070 0 00 3 Mr. Hawkyns Crouchmoore next Hale Fenn. 045 0 00 2 Weereham, Wretton, and Stoake Comon B. next towards Deereham. 200 0 00 3 Stilton Common. 160 0 00 2 Weſt Fenn and West Fenn Cloſe E. 500 0 00 4 Warbois, &c. D. 500 0 00 3 Ʋpwood Fenn adjoyning to Whittleſea way. 405 0 00 3 Sir Oliver Cromwell's Severals B. 069 0 00 2 Severals of Welney. 020 0 00 4 Severals of March and Doddington. 026 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. C. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. E. 040 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Fourteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 2 Iſleham Common D. 200 0 00 3 Over Common. 171 0 00 11 Wicken Sedge Fenn. 300 0 00 2 Mr. Barrow's Sedgey Several. 021 0 00 2 Fordham Common. 027 0 00 2 Wickham Severals B. 056 0 00 5 Crollode in Somerſham. 070 0 00 5 Helgey and Southerey Common E. 282 0 00 3 Mildenhall, &c. F. 325 0 00 2 Whelpmoore, &c. G. 454 0 00 3 Sutton in Holland B. 115 0 00 2 Horningsey High Fenn. 100 0 00 4 Burroughmoore in March. 500 0 00 2 Mr. Dr. Samm's Horſemoore imbanked. 225 0 00 4 Stoney Fenn Several A. 300 0 00 3 Warbois, &c. E. 500 0 00 3 Ramſey Common by Delfe dike. 108 0 00 4 Feltwell Severals B. 146 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. S. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. D. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Fifteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Swafham High Fenn, B. 200 0 00 10 Hempſtall in Wivelingham. 053 0 00 5 Sutton Weſt Fenn, C. 117 0 00 4 Wisbich Common, B. 313 0 00 2 Burwell Common, C. 160 0 00 2 Great Metlam, Little Metlam, and the Hale in Soham, A. 500 0 00 1 Townemoores, &c. O. 200 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. G. 300 0 00 3 Thorney Farm by Stuntney. 047 0 00 4 Quaney Farm. 012 0 00 4 Richard Ward's Several in Littleport by Prall's Weare. 003 0 00 4 Several of Welney-Chappel in Littleport. 001 0 00 4 Sutton in Holland, G. 095 0 00 5 Mr. Gibbon's ground in Southerey lying by Prieſt's Houſes. 020 0 00 5 Shevens in Well next to the Town of Ʋpwell. 100 0 00 4 White Fenn in Swafham next Botſham High Fenn. 200 0 00 1 Normoore in Chartres, D. 410 0 00 4 Stoney Fenn Severals, B. 300 0 00 4 Warbois, &c. F. 500 0 00 4 Methwold Several. 357 0 00 2 Several of Mr. Strange in Londiners Fenn. 012 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. L. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. N. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Sixteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Waterbeach; &c. B. 250 0 00 2 Byall Fenn; South of Bedford River next to Oxwillowe Load. 100 0 00 5 Sutton Weſt Fenn, D. 020 0 00 1 Wisbich Common, lying between Moreton's Leame & 25 foot Drain. 424 2 00 6 The remainder of Holme Fenn from the Earl of Portland's Part. 049 0 00 3 Helgey and Southerey Commons, F. 300 0 00 1 Lakingheath Townmoors, &c. P. 295 0 00 1 Mildenhall, &c. I. 300 0 00 3 Feltwell South Fenn & Mowe Fenn, C. 166 0 00 2 Sutton in Holland, D. 115 0 00 5 Maney Common and Several. 250 0 00 4 Normoore in Chartres C. 400 0 00 4 Great Bynnimoore and Grayes Fenn in Doddington, lying next unto Grayes Fenn. 294 0 00 2 Stoney Fenn Several, C. 425 0 00 4 Warbois, &c. G. 500 0 00 3 Severals of Doddington. 011 2 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. R. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. I. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Seventeenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Waterbeach, &c. C. 201 3 00 2 Byall Fenn, &c. 100 0 00 4 Fidwell Fenn in Stretham. 060 0 00 11 Little Shelfould in Wivelingham. 007 1 00 11 By Erith Sluce. 002 0 00 4 Wisbich Common, A. 473 0 00 2 Great Metlam, &c. B. 500 0 00 2 Feltwell South Fenn and Mowe Fenn. 269 0 00 1 Hockwold and Wilton Common, C. 293 0 00 4 Ladus Fenn, F. 105 0 00 2 Mr. Pratt's Several in Hockwold. 010 0 00 4 Shevens next towards Welney. 100 0 00 1 White Fenn next towards the Hard Lands. 211 0 00 2 Wich Fenn & Stow Fenn in March. 200 0 00 3 Dicamoore, B. 200 0 00 3 Stoney Fenn Severals, D. 300 0 00 3 Warbois, &c. H. 500 0 00 4 Mr. Peyton's Severals by Hobb's Dike in March. 133 0 20 4 Peter Williams adjoyning Severals. 034 2 10 3 White's Fenn a Several by Benwick. 119 1 00 4 Browne's Fenn by Benwick a Several by Dr. Samms. 050 0 20 5 Severals of Well and Welney. 030 3 30 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. U. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. B. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Eighteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 4 Neatmoore, C. 250 0 00 5 Wicken High Fenn. 030 0 00 6 Langmoore and Botſgangs in Stretham. 017 2 00 5 Sutton Weſt Fenn E. 073 2 00 4 Wisbich Common, C. 473 0 00 2 Soham Commons in Great Metlam, &c. C. 569 0 00 6 Two Severals of Soham. 009 0 00 2 Hocwold and Wilton Common. 182 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. H. 300 0 00 3 Mr. Gibbons ground called Warners, B. 075 0 00 3 Throcken holt, B. 040 0 00 6 Aſhwellmoore by Coveney, the South-weſt part. 271 0 00 2 Rough Weſtmoore in Chartres A. next Chartres. 300 0 00 4 Horſemoore, C. 200 0 00 3 Warbois, &c. I. 500 0 00 3 Middlemoore, D. 300 0 00 3 Great Bynnimoore and Grays Fenn next toward the River Neane. 200 0 00 2 Marmond a Several in Ʋpwell. 027 1 00 6 The Several Ground in Well by News Cote. 017 3 00 5 The Severals of Doddington. 065 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. P. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. F. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Nineteenth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 7 Waterbeach Fenn by Garden Tree. 112 0 00 9 Cottenham Common. 240 0 00 6 Sutton in the Meadlands next towards Weſt Fenn. 018 0 00 4 Wisbich Common. D. 473 0 00 2 Mildenhall, &c. K. 300 0 00 3 Whelpmoore, &c. H. 760 0 00 2 Mr. Towers Crouchmoore in Littleport. 070 0 00 3 Part of Mr. Hawkyns Crouchmoore adjoyning. 010 0 00 3 Throcken holt, C. 035 0 00 6 Aſhwellmoore next unto Downeham Weſt Fenn. 152 0 00 3 Rough Weſtmoore in Chartres, B. next Beezling's Fenn. 296 0 00 4 Dicamoore, C. 200 0 00 3 Warbois, &c. K. 550 0 00 3 Middlemoore in Ramſey, E. 375 0 00 4 Feltwell Severals, C. 309 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. I. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. Q. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

Twentieth Lott. Sorts. Acres. r. p. 3 Thorney Knarr Fenn. 3900 0 00 3 Weſtmoore North, &c. 050 0 00 2 Weſtmoore South, &c. L. 050 0 00 — 4000 0 00 —

The Three Thouſand Acres Overplus. 2 Woodwalton Common. 937 0 00 3 Higney Grounds. 100 0 00 6 Part of Holme Fennl 963 0 00 4 Part of Byall Fenn, &c. 1000 0 00 — 3000 0 00

Note, That when a Tax of 5000 l. is raiſed on the 95000 Acres (which is called a ſingle Tax, then the firſt ſort Land is taxed 4 d. per Acre; and ſo on to Eleven Groats.

The Diviſion of the LEVEL into Three Levels.

THis Great Level the Works thereof have divided the ſame ſo as it lyeth in Three Levels; and are now called by the Names of

The North Middle and South Level.

The North Level lyeth between the North Level. River Welland, and the 〈…〉 of Moreton's Leame, and bears in Proportion of the Draining Taxes of the whole 95000 Acres, about a Sixth part of the Tax.

The Banks, Rivers, and Drains maintained by the ſaid Corporation in this part of the Level, are, viz.

The Bank againſt Welland River from Peakirk to the Barrs at the Weſt end of Crowland and the Weare Dike to the ſame.

Weareington new Drain, with its Banks and Weare Dike.

The Drain called the Stoor-nook Drain from Stoor nook to the Adventurers Lands in Borrow Great Fenn, and from thence by the Outring Dike of of the ſaid Adventurers Lands to the Eaſt Corner thereof, and from thence by Pepper Lake to New South Ea, and from from thence by the New South Ea, to Clows Croſs, and from thence by the Shier Drain to the Sea.

The Wride Stream.

The Eighteen foot Drain through Murrow Common to Clows Croſs.

The Old South Ea from Guyhurne Corner to Clows Croſs.

Thorney Dike from Catswater by Willow-Hall, as far as the Saſſe in the North Bank of Moreton's Leame.

The North Bank of Moreton's Leame and Weare Dikes.

The Middle Level lyeth between the Middle Level. 〈…〉 Moreton's Leame, and the North Bank of Bedford River, and bears in proportion of the Draining Taxes about a Twenty fifth part.

The Banks, Rivers, or Drains in this part of the Level now maintained by the Corporation, are,

The South Bank of Moreton's Leame and Weare Dikes.

Standground Saſſe.

The Old courſe of the River Neane from Standground Saſſe to Well Creek Saſſe, with the Saſſes at Floods Ferrey near Whittleſea Dike's end, and the Saſſe at the lower end of Well Creek.

Whittleſea Dike.

Bevill's Leame from Whittleſea Meer to the Saſſe near Baldwin Gloſſom's Houſe, at the lower end of Walderſea Receptacle.

Moore's Drain from Bevill's Leame to the Old Neane below March.

The Delfe Dike from Whittleſea to the Old Neane.

New Dike from Connington Brook at the upper Corner of _____ to Hooke Load.

And Hooke Load to the Old Neane by Burbridge Stream into the Old Neane.

Monke's Load.

The Drain from Raveley's Nook to Burbridge Stream, between Woodwalton Common, and Ramſey and Raveley Common.

The Forty foot Drain from the Weſt Outring Dike of the Adventurers Lands, taken out of Doddington, Warbois, Ramſey, &c. to Welche's Damm.

The Weſt water from the Forty foot through Benwick.

The Drain leading from Chartres Ferrey to Slade Gate, and ſo to the Forty foot Drain.

The Twenty foot Drain from Erith Common to Well Creek, with the Bank thereof, and Sluces therein.

That part of the Weſt water from Somerſham Town by Holwoods and Middlemore, and ſo to the Counter waſh between the Twenty foot Bank, and the North Bank of Bedford River, with the Sluces and Tunnels therein.

Hammond's Ea from the Adventurers Lands in Somerſham High Fenn to the Twenty foot Drain aforeſaid.

Old Bedford River, with the Bank thereof, from Erith to the Old Ouze, with the Sluces thereunto belonging.

The Sixteen ſoot Drain, from the Thirty foot Drain to Popham's Ea.

Darcy Load from the Sixteen foot Drain to Maid Load, and ſo to the Twenty foot Drain.

Popham's Ea, with the Brick Sluce therein.

London's Load, with a Drain through Londiners Fenn to the Twenty foot Drain, called Fortrey's Drain.

The Drain called the Tongs from Nordel Sluce through Downeham Common to the Sluce at the end thereof near Stow Town's end, with the Sluces and Tunnels to the ſame belonging.

The South Level is from the North South Level. Bank of Old Bedford River to Stoake, Feltwell, Mildenhall, and that part of the Up land Countrey there adjoyning, and bears in Proportion of the Draining Taxes about a Seventeenth part.

The Banks, Rivers, and Drains in this Level maintained by the ſaid Corporation are as followeth, viz.

South Bank of the River Ouze, from the Hard Lands of Swacey, &c. to the Hermitage and the Saſſe or Sluce there.

The River called New Bedford River, from the Hermitage to Salters Load, with the Banks, Forelands, Weare Dikes, and Sluces thereof.

The Drain that leads from Ewel-Fenn to Audrey Cauſey, and from thence into the Old Ouze at Audrey Bridge.

Grunty Fenn Drain, from Grunty Fenn to the Old Ouze at Littleport Chair, with its Banks.

Part of Old Welney River.

Littleport Drain.

Maid Load and Modney Drain, with the Sluces to the ſame.

The Drain that carries away Hoggington Brook, with the Banks to be raiſed.

The River of Grant, from Clay-hith to Harrimeere, with the Banks, Forelands, Weare Dikes, and Sluces thereof.

The Banks of the Old Ouze, from Harrimeere to Chitterings.

The New long Drain, from Wicken High Fenn to the Tunnels under Soham new River, and ſo to the Tunnel under Mildenhall River; from thence to the Tunnel under Brandon River, and ſo to the Tunnel under Wiſſey or Stoake River; and from thence through Downeham's Ea to the Sluces at the lower end thereof, near Stow Bridge.

The Eaſt Banks of Ouze, from Harrimeere to the Brick Sluce at Prick-willo, with the Weare Dike thereof.

The New Bank on the Weſt ſide of the River Ouze, from Harrimeere to Ely High Bridge.

The Drain from the Eaſt end of the Adventurers Lands, taken out of Soham Common, to the Weare Dike of Mildenhall River.

Mildenhall River, with the Banks, Forelands, and Weare Dikes thereof.

The Eaſt Banks of the River Ouze, from Mildenhall River to the Sluce at the lower end of Mildenhall Drain, near Littleport Chair.

Mildenhall Drain from the laſt mentioned Sluce to Mildenhall Common.

The River of Ouze, with the Banks, Forelands, Weare Dikes, Sluces and Tunnels, thereof, from Littleport Chair to Denver Damm, Excepting the Sluces, Tunnels and Waterworks heretofore made and maintained by Edmund Skipwith Esq deceaſed, and others particular Owners of Lands within or near the ſaid Great Level, for his or their own private Uſe or Benefit.

Lakingheath Drain, from Wainsford Brook to the Tunnel under Lakingheath New Load, and ſo to the Tunnels under Brandon River.

Brandon River, with the Banks, Forelands, and Weare Dikes thereto belonging.

Feltwell Drain to its Outfall into the River of Ouze, at Palmer's Houſe.

Sam's Cutt from Feltwell to the River Ouze.

Stoake River, with the Banks, Forelands, Weare Dikes, and Sluces.

A Tunnel under Methwold Load for the Draining of Norwold Fenns.

Roxham Drain, with the Banks thereof.

Theſe Works and Drains, and ſuch others as the Corporation ſhall think fit, are from time to time preſerved and maintained at the Coſts and Charges of the ſaid Corporation and their Succeſſors, Owners of the ſaid Ninety five Thouſand Acres mentioned in the aforeſaid Act, 15 Car. 2. and not by the Owners of any the Lands within the ſaid Great Level, other than of the ſaid Ninety five Thouſand Acres; Except in Caſes where particular Contracts have been made by the ſaid Corporation.

And the ſaid Corporation, as Commiſſioners By-Laws made by the Corporation. of Sewers, for the better Draining and Preſervation of the Country, Purſuant to the Act of Parliament, hath made ſeveral Orders and By-Laws, which all Perſons concerned therein are bound to take Notice of.

The Chief thereof are theſe:

That all and every other the Drains, Diviſion Dikes, and Fence Dikes between Counties, Lords of Mannors, Pariſhes, Townſhips, and particular Owners, and the Fence Dikes of every Pariſh, Hamlet, or Townſhip, between their Fences and their Corn Fields, and between their Feed-fenns and Mowe-fenns, and between the Severals and Commons, ſhall be kept and maintained with all Neceſſary Reparations from time to time, at the proper Coſts and Charges of the Owners, Occupiers or Perſons intereſted in the Fenns and Grounds next adjoyning thereunto; or that have heretofore, or of right ought to do the ſame, at their Ancient or Preſent Dimenſions, or ſo as the Court of Sewers ſhall from time to time direct and appoint for the better Conveyance of the Waters of the ſaid Level into the Great Rivers, or to their Outfall at Sea.

That no Perſon or Perſons ſhall at any time hereafter upon, any Pretence, or by any ways or means whatſoever, make any Encroachment upon or ſtraiten the preſent Dimenſions of any River, Waſh, Drain or Sewers, within or without the ſaid Great Level; Nor ſhall Cut, Burn, Caſt down, Break up, or do any hurt or damage to any River, Bank, Waſh or Foreland, within the ſaid Great Level, or without the ſaid Great Level, made by the ſaid Earl and Participants, or the ſaid Governor, Bailiffs and Conſervators; nor ſhall Cut, Damme, Burn, Caſt down, Break open, or do any hurt or damage unto any Sluce, Saſſe, Lock, Tunnel, Bridge, Gate or Rail made within or without the ſaid Great Level, for, or conducing to the Draining of the ſaid Great Level, or the Preſervation thereof, otherwiſe than by Order or Decree of the Commiſſioners of Sewers for the time being, appointed by the ſaid Act; Nor ſhall make, or cauſe to be made, any Damms, Stops, Weares, or other Letts, Impediments or Nuſeances, in, or without any of the Rivers, Drains, Outring Dikes, Sewers, Waſhes, Forelands, or other Work made within or without the ſaid Great Level, for the Draining of the ſaid Great Level, or Preſervation thereof; Nor ſhall encroach upon, ſtraiten or do any hurt or damage to any Drove way within the ſaid Great Level, ſet out upon Occaſion of the Draining of the ſame.

And that no Perſon or Perſons ſhall at any time hereafter make, or cauſe to be made, any Waterings or Place for Watering of Cattle within Ten foot of any the ſaid Rivers, Publick Drains, or any Outring or Diviſion Dike, or Lott, Diviſion Dike, within the ſaid Level, to the ſtopping, Annoyance or Prejudice of them or any of them, or of any part of them or any of them; the which are declared to be Nuſeances.

And that no Perſon or Perſons whatſoever, ſhall at any time hereafter put, or cauſe any Swine to be put or kept, into, or upon any of the Banks or Forelands of any of the Rivers or Sewers within or without the ſaid Great Level made as aforeſaid, or uſed as conducing to the Preſervation of the ſame, under ſuch Penalties as the ſaid Commiſſioners of Sewers ſhall think fit to Charge on ſuch Offenders.

Moſt of the Commons in the Map deſcribed, The great Advantage that the Draining is to the reſpective Places within the Level. out of which the 95000 Acres were taken, are (by the Countrey) in Purſuance of the Act 15 Car. 2. lately divided and enjoyed as Severals to particular Owners and Commoners of each reſpective Towns to which thoſe Commons belonged. And others finding that ſuch Diviſion and Cutting of the Commons, proved a great waſt of Ground, and the Fences hard to be kept, and great diminution of Stock, and decay of Houſes; many Selling their Lands from the ſame, to the increaſing of the Poor. Therefore they would not divide, but have by Agreement decreed in Chancery the ſame by way of a Stint to feed the ſame, every Houſe alike; ſo that in ſome Towns there is above 2000 Milch Cows, beſides a great running Stock fed thereon, viz. Cottenham, Chartreſſe, March, Wimblington, Maney, and other Towns to their great Improvement and Enriching. Though ſome few People that had formerly nothing to live on, but what they got by Fiſhing and Fowling; and ſome diſcontented Perſons, that would neither do themſelves good, or ſuffer others, are apt to clamour againſt this Noble Work of Draining, and the Undertakers thereof. But if they would but ſeriouſly Conſider the ſmall benefit formerly made, and the great Advantage now; The Profit given the Undertakers, was not conſiderable to the Charge and Hazard, which they have been at and ſtill muſt be for the yearly maintaining the Level, (to the Ruine of ſeveral of the firſt Original Ʋndertakers) the Undertakers can be blamed for nothing ſave Indiſcretion to hazard their Eſtates ſo much for the good of the Publick.

There was a Complaint in 1653. Complaint in 1653. againſt the Draining. made by ſome Perſons againſt this Ʋndertaking, alledging that it was as much worth before the Draining in Reed and Sedge as ſince; Whereupon there was then an Eſtimate given in of what was that year made, when but about 28000 Acres of the aforeſaid Fenn Grounds, was Drained and made Uſe of, being ſown with Coleſeed, Wheat, Barley, Oats, and Flax; which is now here offered to Conſideration.

Every Acre for Haſſocking burning the Haſſocks, Plowing Burning the Soord, and ſowing with Coleſeed, coſt 1 l. which came into the hands of ſuch as would work, whether Poor or Rich. l. s. d. 28000 00 00 Every Acre of Seed, Wheat, Barley or Oats that were ſown, being near 10000 Acres, coſt in Seed 8 s. per Acre, which came to the hands of the Countrey. 04000 00 00 The ſmall Diviſion Dikes ſince the Adjudication came clear to the poor Labourers. 03000 00 00 Exppended for Timber, Carpenters, Bricklayers, and other Labourers in Building Houſes above. 10000 00 00 The Reaping, Threſhing and Carriage of Coleſeed to be fit for the Boats, to poor Labourers at 3 l. per Laſt. 25000 00 00 The Reaping, Threſhing, and Carriage of Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley, and Flax, to Labourers. 05000 00 00 The Carriage of far above 5000 Laſt of Coleſeed, and above 1000 of Wheat and other Commodities to the Watermen of Lynn and Wisbich. 02700 00 00 The Tranſportation by Water of Materials for Houſes to Watermen, and other Works. 00300 00 00 The Chambering of 3000 Laſt at the leaſt in Lynn and thereabouts at 4 d. the Laſt per Week for 13 Weeks. 00650 00 00 At Lynn to Meeters and Porters at 12 d. per Laſt. 00150 00 00 100 Laſt of Seed, Wheat, and other Grain to London, and other Parts by Shipping. 10000 00 00 There was alſo in order for the next year expended to Work men and Labourers in Haſſocking, Plaining, Burning, Sowing, and of Cropps. 30000 00 00 The State in Cuſtom, Exciſe, and Impoſt for Coleſeed, Oyl, and otherwiſe. 05000 00 00

By which (beſides the great Charge of Draining this year) it appears there is expended, To the Labourers, Workmen, and others. 95000 00 00 In Lynn, Chambers, Porters, and Workmen. 03600 00 00 The Shipping. 10000 00 00 The State. 05000 00 00 — — — Theſe are the Advantages which have accrued to the State, the Countrey, and the Poor this year, by a ſmall Quantity of about 28000 Acres, beſides the intrinſical Commodities themſelves produced by this charge to the Kingdom, not here ſet down. 113600 00 00

And if above 100000 l. Advantage ariſeth by ſo ſmall a Quantity under ſo many Diſcouragements, a good Common-wealth's man will eaſily Judge what Annual Profit and Benefit redounds to this Nation by the Improvement of the whole.

The Governor, Bailiffs, and Conſervators for the preſent year 1684. are as followeth, The Governor. The Right Honorable William Earl of Bedford, Baron of Thornhaugh, and Knight of the moſt Noble Order of the Garter. The Six Bailiffs. The Right Honorable Arthur Earl of Angleſey. The Right Honorable Richard Lord Gorges, Baron of Dundalke in the Kingdom of Ireland. The Right Honorable Sir Thomas Chicheley Knight, Chancellor of the Dutchy, and one of His Majeſtie's moſt Honorable Privy Council. Sir Lionel Walden Knight. Rob. Hamſon Serjeant at Law. Roger Jenyns, Esq The twenty Conſervators. Sir Thomas Willis Baronet. Sir Henry North Baronet. Sir John Hewett Baronet. Sir Nicholas Pedley Knight. Sir John Chicheley Knight. Sir Thomas Fitch Knight. Doctor William Denton. Silius Titus Esq Ralph Widdrington Esq Richard Marryott Esq George Nicholas Esq Thomas Wright Esq Samuel Fortrey Esq Lionel Walden Esq Edward Woodward Esq John Fincham Esq John Jenyns Esq Chriſtopher Cratford Gent. William Bagnall Gent. Robert Mingay Gent. The Chief Officers of the Corporation are, The Right Honorable Richard L. Gorges, Surveyor General, and Superintendant of all other the Officers, He iſſueth out his Warrants by Order of the Corporation, for all Moneys by them expended, And from time to time receives an Accompt from the reſpective Officers how the Affairs of the Corporation are carried on; and reports the ſame to the Corporation at their Publick Meetings. Richard Marryott Esq Auditor of the Accompts. Richard Bland Gent. Regiſter. Robert Mingay Gent. Receiver. William Bourne Gent. Serjeant at Mace. Mark le Pla Surveyor of the North Level. Surveyors of the Middle Level. Samuel Fortrey Esq and the ſaid William Bourne, Ralph Pierſon Gentleman Surveyor of the South Level.

The Officers take all Oaths, Well and truly to Execute their reſpective Offices.

And the Surveyors of the reſpective Levels take alſo this Oath following, Viz.

YOU ſhall Swear that you ſhall well and truly ſerve this Corporation in the Office of Surveyor of _____ Level under your Charge, and ſhall make all your Contracts in the moſt Husbandly manner, and at the Cheapeſt Rates you can for this ſaid Corporation; and ſhall not Certifie any Flooring Work, Bank Work, or Rodd Work to be done, but what is or ſhall be ſuperviſed and taken up in your Preſence, and according to the real Truth of the Work done and Value thereof to the beſt of your Knowledge and Vnderſtanding, and that you ſhall faithfully and truly Execute and Perform all other Matters and things relating to your Office, Truſt, and Imployment, for the Benefit and Advantage of the ſaid Corporation, according to the beſt of your Skill, Knowledge and Vnderſtanding. So help you God.

FINIS.