Thu 28 Dec 1775
Evidence from Millmen relating to the Stroudwater Navigation Bill
1175
Novr ye 14th Examined Wm Beard, who was Millman at the Oyle Mill, who Speakes clearly of the Sunday's Water running away, and of there being Waste Water every Day and of Mr Naishes Mill hs says the same.
Decbr ye 21st Examined Jno Beard, who works at Froombridge Mill three years & a half, and at Framiload Mill one year there are Seven Heads at Froombridge Mill, They Drive (sometimes on Sunday) two Heads for Scowering the Wear. These two Heads will take all the water in short water time, But if they were not to go there would be a great deal of waste water every Sunday.
That when they do not go there are waste boards Pulled up. There are three Heads at Framiload Mill, two only generly worked. They cannot Pen the Sunday's Water.
Decbr 28th Examined Mr Wm King, who says the Navigation will not Injure Witminster Mill, that they have a Wear to carry off the waste water, in general they Draw up their Flood Gates of a Sunday..
Decbr 28th Examined THos Lawrance, Millman at Witminster Mill he has been Eight Years Millman there, they consistenly Draw up the flash Boards on a Sunday. He lived at Easton Mill above Six Years, tehy Draw up the Sundays water, and there is a wear. Than Mr Stephen's Land being Cutt by Mr Kemmett was a great Service to the Mills in preventing frequent Floods which Stopt the Mills.
