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THE BECCLES WATER LEET IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY by PAUL GURBUTT with Dr John Ridgard and Latin Palaeography classes at Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich INTRODUCTION Over many centuries, the manor of Beccles, held a number of courts. In addition to a court baron and court leet, “there is also a court leet, commonly called the Water Leet, to be kept at times as the Lord appoints in and upon the River Waveney” (Rix 1 ). The control of the river Waveney and the fishing was obviously important for Beccles, because in the Domesday Book, 60,000 herrings were payable to the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds. In the 12th Century the Chapel of St Peter’s (see figure 2) was in existence near the Old Market for the fishing community. Services were still being held there in the 1470s (Gould, 1990). 1

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THE BECCLES WATER LEET IN THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY

by PAUL GURBUTT

with

Dr John Ridgard and Latin Palaeography classes at Suffolk Records Office, Ipswich

INTRODUCTION

Over many centuries, the manor of Beccles, held a number of courts. In addition to a court baron and court leet, “there is also a court leet, commonly called the Water Leet, to be kept at times as the Lord appoints in and upon the River Waveney” (Rix1). The control of the river Waveney and the fishing was obviously important for Beccles, because in the Domesday Book, 60,000 herrings were payable to the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds. In the 12th Century the Chapel of St Peter’s (see figure 2) was in existence near the Old Market for the fishing community. Ser-vices were still being held there in the 1470s (Gould, 1990).

Ulph (1958) refers to the water leet using information from seventeenth century records in the Rix Collection (Rix2). He indicates that this water leet covered the area on the river Waveney from “Rose Hall3 fleet” by the southwest boundary of the town to St Olaves Bridge and in late years was extended to Ellingham Mills. It is uncertain what the extent of the area covered by the water leet in the Fifteenth century, but Figure 1 indicates the location of some of the names mention in the court rolls. The court was held on a date close to the feast of St Martin on 11 No-vember and in the Fifteenth century the day of the week was the Monday following the feast day.

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COURT REGULATIONSThere are several records from the seventeenth century and later showing the statutes of the court and recording the levels of fines for infringing the regulations. An examination of the court rolls in the Rix collection for the Fifteenth century, presented here, shows that these regulations go back much further. These cover fishing, including the control of type of nets used and their permitted locations, river pollution, including fines for dumping objects into the river, and naviga-tion, for example, keeping overhanging branches cut. There seems to be a large number of amercements in the Fifteenth century for activities associated with the tanning industry, linen production and lime burning. The activities along the river mentioned in the documents were still

Figure 1: Chart of the area covered by the Water Leet with some places named in the court rolls indicated (including Beccles, Wheataker, Estingham (Ellingham), St Olaves, Flixton, Oldton

(Oulton), Soterley (Sotirle), St Michael (Ilketshall), Ellowe (Ellough))

extant in the nineteenth century (White, 1855) where there are 2 lime burners, James Crisp and Nathaniel Pells on Puddingmore and 2 ‘fellmongers’ Edward Buck (and bone merchant) and John King Garrod (tanner) on Northgate.

THE FIFTEENTH CENTURY RECORDSIn the Rix collection, four court rolls referring to the water leet have been found. These cover courts held at the following times:

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1. Monday 12 November 14082. Monday, 18 November 1476 3. Monday, 17 November 1477 4. Monday, 14 November 1479 5. Monday, 16 November 1480

These are all in Latin, except for the latter part of 1476 water leet roll, which records the byelaws of the court in English.

The 1408 roll recorded a “court with water leet” and the first part of the proceedings deal with normal manor court business. The 1477, 1479 and 1480 rolls also contain records of a court held for the manor(s) of Soka Lupelle and Pyswell Castle, which became part of Beccles Manor (Lindley, pers comm).

Figure 2: Places named in the court rolls in and around Beccles

The translation is given of what is recorded, but as the scribe was writing the same phrase re-peatedly, this is frequently abbreviated. The English section in the 1476 is simply transcribed,

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with spellings left as found. The amercements imposed are shown in brackets after the person to whom they apply.

Butcher (2008) provides a description of many of the fishing terms found in the court rolls and these are reproduced in the notes.

1. COURT WITH WATER LEET HELD ON 12 NOVEMBER 1408

Becclys4 Court with Water Leet held there on the day Monday next after the feast of St Martin Bishop in the year of the reign of Henry the fourth after the conquest tenth5

Here there are the proceedings of the ordinary leet court

Water Lete

Capital Pledges Robert Firchere Adam Knobbyng Thomas Bek Jurors

Robert Faukoner Richard Nobys

And they present that John Stel (6d) made default of leet this year, therefore [he is] at mercy

Item they present that William Lokard (18d) did similarly this year therefore at mercy

Item they present that Roger Haxene (18d) did similarly this year therefore at mercy

Item they present that Thomas Koc (3d) did similarly this year therefore at mercy

Item they present that William dyl Yate (3d) did similarly therefore at mercy

Item they present that Henry Wyld (6d) did similarly therefore at mercy

Item they present that John Nurlond of West Yarmouth (12d) burnt a certain net of Adam Knobbyng in the common river to the nuisance

Item they present that the same John Nurland (12d) tore to pieces certain other nets of the same Adam in the common river to the nuisance

Item they present that John servant and Master John Rede (12d) placed muck in the common river to the corruption of the water therefore at mercy

Item they present that Bartholemew Wysman (12d) took to himself from the common river one net holding in length 42 feet of 1 man and in width 3 feet of 1 man to the nuisance there of navigation. And it is decided to make him mend it etc under penalty

Item they present that John servant and Master John Rede (6d) unjustly took a certain net out of the common river from Robert Pound

Item they present that Robert Faukiner (6d) put his timber in the river to the nuisance therefore at mercy and it is decided etc.

Item they present that Richard Nobys (6d) did similarly there to the nuisance therefore at mercy. And it is decided etc.

Item they present that John Chapman (12d) cut down reeds of the lord to the path ridge next to the river bank in the private holdings of the lord therefore at mercy

Item they present that Adam Knobbyng (6d) put dung in the common river to the nuisance therefore at mercy

Item they present that John Grey (6d) made default of leet therefore at mercy

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2. WATER LEET HELD ON MONDAY, 18 NOVEMBER 1476

Becclys Water Leet held there on the day of Monday next after the feast of St Martin Bishop in the winter in the Year of the reign of King Edward the fourth sixteenth6

Capital pledges William Ludlowe Thomas Fuller John Spore jurors

William Laverans Alan Wylke Roger Button

John Gyrston John Oldryng John Adred

Robert Walpolle John Baset senior William Bulcok

Thomas Bruester

The jurors present that Batholemew Thakster of Whetacre (20d) unjustly took nets and fish from diverse men by day and night therefore at mercy and he is decided that not to repeat etc on penalty of half a mark

And that Thomas Fydde (40d) placed one net called a setnet7 to the prejudice of his neighbours against the custom from which he forfeits the penalty of 40d placed on him for the said reason they put in the last water leet etc

And that Thomas Wyrlingham (3d) still has his permanent poles in the common river to the prejudice of his neighbours against the custom etc therefore at mercy. And it is decided to remove them before the Birth of the Lord (Christmas) next coming etc under penalty of 12d

And that John Geryng glover (1d) did similarly at Beccles Bridge therefore at mercy and it is decided to remove before next on penalty of 6d

And that John Doget of Whetacre (8d) continued to have the pens called the Berthes to persist in one same place against the custom and ordinances etc therefore at mercy and he is ordered not to repeat etc on penalty of half a mark etc it is decided at another time the penalty forfeit

And that Thomas Morker (2d) still has branches of trees overhanging the common river next to his meadow called pyesmeadwe therefore at mercy And it is decided to correct the same before next on penalty 12d penalty 10s

And that John Fode junior (3d) took small little fishes in the river against custom therefore at mercy

And that John Goodwyn (3d) threw a dead piglet into the river below the town to the corruption of the water therefore at mercy

And that Alice Manwode (2d) threw strewings (leaves) of her orchard into the river therefore at mercy

And that John Baker Greser (2d) put ashes of his oven into the river therefore at mercy

And that William Bulcok (3d) unjustly took one pike from the nets of John Basset therefore at mercy

Election And they elected William Ludlowe, William Laverauns and John Adred to the office of inspector of water and nets this coming year and they are sworn in

Suit of leet And that the tenants of the manor of Rye, the tenants of the manor of Barsham, the tenants of the manor of Frostenden, the tenants of the manor of Ellough and

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the tenants of the manor of Oulton alone by their bailiffs collected and paid the payment in lieu of frankpledge to the leet from ancient custom and practice as appears in the rental therefore it is decided that they should enjoy their liberties following custom etc this year coming etc

Default And that the tenants of the manor of Elyses in Ilketsale, the tenants of the manor of Wadehalle, the tenants of the manor of Shadyngfeld and the tenants of the manor of Soterley have made default of the suit of the leet therefore it is considered that should lose their liberties this year etc.

The Charge of the Water Lete8

Of all thos that owyn sute to this lete

If any man hath discovered your counselle

Item if any man hath wytholdyn sute service custimie or dute

Item if any hath usurped inbrekyng the Fraunchyse and the liberty of the water other wyse than it hath byn usyd and acustomed of old time ye xalle do us to wete by whom it is do that he may be corected therefore

Item if any may hath fysshid wyth on lawfulle tewe otherwyse than ys constituccional that is to say wyth seynyng9 trammayles10 bownettes11 elepes12 not accordyng to the asise and ordenauns mad ther up on

Item it any man hath flattyd13 plattyd14 and jobbyng15 tredynd16 hones17 in the common Rever agens the customes

Item if any man hath fyssehd in the tyme or rode to that intent to distroy the fysshe etc

Item of all tho that distroy the yong syle18 in the Rever in any tyme of the yer etc.

Item if any man robbe others nettys elepes other be day or nyte do us to wete etc

Item if any man hath dranched any lyter or bot in the Ryver to noysauns or set poles there stondyng other wyse than the custome is etc

Item of all men blod drauthe affrayes essautes and ryottes don upon the water wyth in the jurisdicion of this water by whome it is and ther names.

Item if any man hath caste any careyne or mukkke in the Rever for to corupte the water.

Item if any man hath caste any ded fisshe in to the Ryver other be day or be nyte in coruptyng the water etc.

3. WATER LEET HELD ON MONDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 1477

Becclys Water Leet held there on the day Monday next after the feast of St Martin in the winter in Year of the reign of King Edward the fourth seventeenth19

Capital Pledges John Basset Thomas Oldryng John Morly John Adams Jurors

Robert Walpoole William Goddys Robert Cotwan

William Bulkok John Burny John Adred

John Oldryng John Gerard William Adam

Who say on their oath that John Baker Greser (6d) put strewings of his garden in the common river to the nuisance etc therefore at mercy

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And that William Churche (12d) threw cleanings of les hurdes20 called Dydayeng from his private dyke into the river to the nuisance etc therefore at mercy

And that Adam Aslak Bocher (8d) threw the entrails of beasts into the common river to the nuisance therefore at mercy

And that Robert Catson (6d) threw manure, Robert Fraunceys (6d) clearings of his orchard, Robert Braunche (6d) carpenter of Bungey threw manure of his stables into the river therefore at mercy

And that John Whetelle (6d) and Thomas Wyrlyngham (6d) took and pulled out nets of Thomas Fuller in the place called the hurd unjustly and there placed a private net therefore at mercy

And that Robert Petit (12d) did similarly there therefore at mercy

And that William Ludlowe (2s) put a net called a groundnet21 in 2 diverse places during one year against the custom etc therefore at mercy

And that Roger Roberdes (11d) did similarly below the town of Becclis and also placed his nets in the place assigned for William Bulkok and also drew filth from the hurd of John Frost into the river against the custom etc and to the nuisance etc therefore at mercy

And that Thomas Breuster (6d) used 3 lepys22 illegally in the river to the nuisance etc therefore at mercy

And that William Oldryng (3d) unjustly took the nets and fish of diverse men by day and by night at the mercy

And that Robert Dunde (2d) broke the nets of William Bulkok in the place assigned to William etc therefore at mercy

And that John Kelfrey (2d) still has his poles remaining in the river to the danger of the neighbours against the custom etc

And that Thomas Breuster (6d) and Thomas Fede (6d) did similarly therefore at mercy

And that John Geryng Glover did similarly therefore forfeit penalty (6d) over each injunction in the last court

And that Thomas Byrlyngham (3d) put hemp in retting23 in the river to the nuisance therefore at mercy

And that Thomas Fede (12d) put 1 groundenet near Oulton Mouthe to the danger of William Stanle etc

And that Thomas Fuller (2s 6d) still has branches of trees overhanging the river at the place assigned to him to the nuisance of his neighbours etc therefore at mercy. And it is decided that he should cut them off before Easter under penalty of 10s

And that John Manthorp (70d) took 2 settys24 with one groundnet against the custom etc therefore at mercy

And that Robert Hawe Tower (54d) threw <his> his skins in the river to the nuisance therefore at mercy

And that William Laverans (12d) still has 1 gurgit25 flowing out from the riverbank into his pond against custom

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And that the same William (40d) held illegal lepes against custom etc therefore at mercy He injunction in the last court etc. therefore forfeit penalty to him etc And it is decided lest from now etc under penalty of 13s 4d

And that William Ludlowe (12d) did similarly therefore at mercy.

And that the same William Ludlowe (6d) and William Laverans (6d) inspectors of the water for the year preceding did not perform their office well therefore at mercy

And that Henry Sadler (6d) washed skins of oxen and put his hemp in retting in the river etc penalty 40d not from now he does thus

And that Bartholemew Thaxter of Wheteacre unjustly took nets and fish from diverse men against the precept of his injunction in the last court etc, therefore he forfeits the penalty (½ marc) taken etc and it is decided that from now etc under penalty of 13s 4d

By Laws (Ordinances) It is ordered by common assent as much as by the capital pledges as by all inhabitants near the water that any fisherman henceforth will not place more that 6 nets called Tramayles in the water and that every net of theirs should be from the other a distance of 20 fathoms and this under penalty of 20s at each defect to the lord forfeited.

And that any man having a meadow near the river from Calveshern to New pynfeld is not allowed in future any scrub there to grow but they cut it off and their meadow shall be kept open and they will sustain in future times by space of dry land from the river 12 feet under penalty 10s for every defect to the lord forfeit.

And that no one from now should use any Lepes in fishing in any water etc under penalty of 20s to the lord forfeit for every defect.

Election The elected William Goddys and William Bulkok Robert Walpool and Robert Cotwan to the office of inspector of the water for this year coming

4. WATER LEET HELD ON MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 1479

Becclys Water Leet held there on the day of Monday next after the feast of St martin Bishop in the winter of the year of the reign of King Edward the fourth after the conquest ninteeenth26.

Capital pledges William Ludlowe John Adred John Burny

John Gerard John Qualle John Fede

William Goddys Thomas Fuller Thomas Fede

Robert Walpoole John Marly Robert Cotwan

John Wyrmysdale

The Jurors present that Robert Bonde (11d) held illegally Leaps and cut one hove27

near Cavwysherne and encroached on the River near Wyndelle and took out one hove from Wyndelle near Becclis etc, therefore at mercy.

And that John Adred (1d) did similarly therefore at mercy.

And that John Burny (3d) and Ed[ward/mund] Rypyng (3d) broke the nets of William Goddys near the common Stathe therefore at mercy.

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And that Richard Goddys (1d), William Goddys(1d), John Qualle (1d) and John Adred (1d) placed 1 pole near Olton Mouthe therefore they are at mercy

And that William Whyte (2d) still has 1 pole standing in the River near Stokflete therefore at mercy

And that Robert Walpulle (3d) held illegally bownettes therefore at mercy

And that Robert Fraunceys (3d) threw strewings from his garden in the River, therefore at mercy

And that Robert Howys (2d) did similarly therefore at mercy

And that John Oldryng (1d) threw le ded roach into the River therefore at mercy

And that John Adams (1d) and William Adams (1d) still have 2 poles standing near the common Stathe therefore at mercy

And that John Basset junior (6d) placed 1 trammel near le parsonstathe at the wrong time therefore at mercy

And that Henry Skinner (6d) put all (his) skins in the River therefore at mercy

And that John Goodwyn (2d) took the burrocks26 of Robert Bonde therefore at mercy

And that John Gylberd mason (1d) threw muck into the River therefore at mercy

And that Richard Burny (2d) and Richard Botsweyn (6d) drew nets of various men therefore at mercy

And that William Waterman (6d) John Clerke (3d) and William Cotwan (3d) drew trammels of John Basset without permission therefore they are at mercy

And that John Basset senior (6d) broke the customs by the capital pledges made as in the preceding (court) therefore at mercy

And that Ed[war/mun]d Rypyng (3d) owes suite of leet and made default therefore at mercy

And that John Adams (3d) placed 1 pole at Olton Mouthe therefore at mercy

Elections And they elected William Goddys, John Wyrmsdale, John Fede and John Burny to the office of water inspectors for the year coming

Bye-law It is ordered that by common assent as much as by the capital pledges as by the inhabitants that unless any fishermen having 2 leaps and not seased before the inspectors of the water saw under penalty of 20s.

Bye-law It is ordained etc that no fisherman wash down boats from Becllis Bridge to Jeralds flete under penaly of 40d

Suite (of leet) And that the tenants of the manor of Rye, the tenants of the manor of Barsham, the tenants of the manor of Ellough, the tenants of the manor of Olton the tenants of the manor of Elises in Ilketsale, the tenants of the manor of Wade Halle, the tenants of the manor of Shadyngfeld, the tenants of the manor of Sotyrle all and singular provided and paid dues of the leet from ancient custom used as appears by rental therefore it is considered that they should enjoy their liberties according to custom, etc in the coming year

Default on suite of Leet And that the tenants of the manor of Frostenden made default of

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suite of court therefore it is considered that they should forfeit their liberties for this coming year.

5. WATER LEET HELD ON MONDAY, 16 NOVEMBER 1480

Becclis Water Leet held there on the day Monday next after the feast of St Martin in winter of the year in the reign of king Edward the fourth after the conquest twentieth29.

Capital pledges William Ludlowe John Basset Robert Walpolle

Ed[war/mun]d Rypyng John Marle Roger Boton Jurors

William Goddys Robert Nestlyn John Gerard

William Bulcok John Adred Thomas Oldryng

The jurors present that John Burny (1d) still has 1 pole near Stokflete therefore at mercy

And that John Manthorpe (3d) still has 2 poles near Yermouthes Flete therefore at mercy

And that the same John (3d) and Robert (1d) Walpole did similarly near Wadburnes byte to the grave annoyance and against the customs of the water etc therefore at mercy

And that Alice Aftan (2d) placed hemp in the common river etc, therefore at mercy

And that William Adams (3d) still has one pole near Bakerstathe therefore at mercy, and it is decided to take down etc before the next court etc penalty 12d

And that Robert Cotwan (8d) put nets called bownettes on the hordys30 of Robert Bonnde without permission therefore at mercy

And that the same Robert Cotwan (4d) made insults on Robert Boton etc therefore at mercy

And that William Oldryng (3d) cut one hone near Calvesherne therefore at mercy.

And that Thomas Wylde (3d) put les bownettes on le hordys of John Gerard, etc

And that Henry Curnod (3d) put all (his) skins in the common River therefore at mercy

And that Walter Smynt (3d) threw muck into the common river therefore at mercy

And that John Umfrey (3d) sank 1 boat near the stathe of John Wode therefore at mercy

And that Robert Bonnde (3d) encroached on the common river near Wyndelle therefore at mercy and it is decided that to be removed before the next leet under penalty of 12d

And that John Wyrmysdale (3d) is one inspector of the water of the preceding year and has not performed his office well therefore at mercy

And that Robert Roberdes (3d) held nets illegally and occupied the batyhis31 of several men without permission therefore at mercy

Suite of court And that the land of the tenants of the manor of Barsham, tenants of the manor

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of Rye, tenants of the manor of Ellough , tenants of the manor of Olton, tenants of the manor of Strattons in Iketsale now of Thomas Duke squire, tenants of the manor of Wadehalle, tenants of the manor of Shadyngfeld now of Peter Codon, tenants of the green in Edmund's town, tenants of the manor of Sotirle, tenants of the manor of Frostenden singly and together procured + paid suite of leet by ancient custome used by rental therefore it is considered that they should enjoy their liberties following custom for this coming year, etc

Default of suite of Leet And that tenants of the manor of Flyxton in Lodynland formerly of John Loweney and now of Gilbert Debenham squire, tenants of the manor of Somerleton and, tenants of the manor of of Resham now of John Garneys owe suite of leet and have made default therefore it is custom that their ancient liberties are annulled for this year coming

Election And they elected William Goddys, John Adred and Thomas Oldryng to the office of inspectors of the water for this year coming, etc.

REFERENCESButcher, D. 2008. Rigged for river and sea. North Atlantic Fisheries History Association, Mar-itime Historical Studies Centre, University of Hull. pp219.

Gould, W. (Ed.), 1990. A Survey of Suffolk Parish History, East Suffolk, Volume 1, SRO

Lindley, D., 2013. Personal communication, papers lodged at SROL

Rix, The Rix Collection, Suffolk Records Office, Lowestoft, Suffolk, division IV (i), p85

Ulph, E, C., (1958) A Suffolk Manorial Water Leet. Suffolk Review, 149-151.

White, W (1855), Pages 652-653 in History, gazetteer and directory of Suffolk, Printed for the author by Robert Leader, Independent Office, Sheffield. 824pp.

NOTES

1. Rix, division IV (i), p852. Division IV (iii). Most seventeenth century and later water leet references are in this volume.3. Rose Hall – also know as Roos Hall to the south west of Beccles4. Becclys appears to be a common spelling of Beccles in the Fifteenth century, in the rolls of the

Rix collection.5. St Martin’s day fell on a Sunday in 1408, so this date is Monday, 12 November 1408.6. St Martin’s day fell on a Monday in 1476, so the Monday next after the feast of St Martin will be

Monday, 18 November 14767. All descriptions of fishing terms are taken from Butcher, 2008.

A setnet is 1. a pyramidal net fixed to a square wooden frame, which is hung below the surface of the sea (with the help of moorings and floats) and fished in the principle of tidal flow. 2. A wall of netting fixed to the seabed, with slack in it, which floated up to the surface at high tide and dropped down on the ebb, trapping any fish that came within the area. It was used to catch dem-ersal species, especially flatfish. See also Bagnet.

8. The charge of the water leet is written in English and not Latin9. Seynyng – To use a Seine net – a length of netting which was pulled along by both ends, thereby

forming a bag in the water. Such a device could be weighted down to drag along the bottom or floated up to work nearer the surface.

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10. Trammayles – Trammel net – a type of set net in which an inner, small meshed net is placed be-tween two walls of larger mesh. Demersal species such as cod and haddock, swim through the larger mesh from one side or the other and push the small-mesh barrier through the other, larger set of meshes and thereby form a bag in which they become trapped. Trammels were also used in rivers to catch shoaling species such as roach and bream.

11. Bownettes - Bow(er)net – 1. A cylindrical, tapering net, with its mouth kept open by an arched rod (usually hazel), which was set on the beds of rivers to catch bottom dwelling species, especially tench. 2. A wicker cylinder wit a narrow funnel-shaped entrance, which was baited and placed on the sebed to catch lobsters and crabs.

12. Elepe – possibly a variation on lepe or leap. Leap - a basket in which fish were either handled or caught. It was shallow in construction and, in the latter capacity, could be used as a scoop to take immature freshwater species from near the surface.

13. Flat – Fishing for flatfish (especially flounders) in rivers and estuaries.14. Plat – unknown – could it be fishing for plaice (platessa)15. Jobbing – Spear fishing, in rivers and lakes (the word is a variant on jabbing). The term some-

times specifically referred to the use of an eel-glaive (a long handled spear, with an iron head of 5 to 7 serrated prongs).

16. tredynd - unknown17. hones – unknown or could be hoves, equally unknown18. Syle – young herrings. The word is Scandinavian in origin, deriving from the Old Norse sild.19. Monday, 17 November 147720. hurdes – possibly the hards – a firm area of estuarine beach, which was sufficient to bear the

weight of craft drawn up out of the water. Maintenance work on both small and large vessels was often carried out on “hards”.

21. Groundnet – a set net – A wall of netting fixed to the seabed, with slack in it, which floated up to the surface at high tide and dropped down on the ebb, trapping fish that came wiothin its area. It was used to catch demeral species, especially flatfish.

22. Lepys or lepes or leaps – see Elepe (9) above)23. Retting - the laying of Hemp, Flax, Timber, &c. when green, in a Pond or running Water, to sea-

son and dispose for future use.24. Settys – Eel sett – 1. A set net to catch eels. 2. A wicker pot or trap used to catch eels.25. Gurgit – Gurgite – Guort – A fish trap or weir, which was set along the shore or placed in estuar-

ine areas. It was usually constructed of wattles and stakes, though sometimes stones and ma-sonry were also used.

26. Monday, 14 November 147927. Hove or hone - From OED – possible meanings of hove are a plant (like viola or violet) or lees,

dregs, sediment. Possible meanings of hone are rock or a stone (as in whet stone) or a swelling or tumour.

28. Burrock 1. A fish trap made of osiers. 2. A small weir, or dam, which was constructed in a river for the purpose of setting wicker fish pots in close proximity. This would be done downstream of the structure so as to take advantage of the increased current and the feed it generated.

29. Monday, 16 November 148030. Hordys – is this the hard where boats are pulled up out of the river.?31. Batyhis - unknown

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