1783-1803
Gloucestershire Archives D1180/1/2
Minutes from 14 October 1783 to 10 October 1803
of the Committee of Proprietors of the Stroudwater Navigation
General Half Yearly Meeting at Swan Inn, Stroud. Tonnage £734 7s 9d to be used to pay off debts.
Messrs Grazebrook allowed to pay tonnage of 2 barges for another 6 months, £50. An additional 1s per ton for copper, brass and tin. Account to be produced to Committee.
No advertising of fishery. Tickets at 10s each to angle for a year.
Letter to Messrs Lane and Jepson and their reply. Account not yet delivered. Committee's surprise at their not taking notice of it and desire that they will immediately send it to Committee.
2s per ton for tonnage and wharfage of all copper, brass and tin in future imported in Wallbridge except brought in by Messrs Grazebrook's barges.
Richard Owen Cambridge has complained of damages caused by canal. Committee to settle with him.
Agreement with Company of Proprietors of Thames & Severn Canal for land marked out for canal through wharf at Wallbridge confirmed.
Public roads on towing paths of Stroud canal (except where roads are turned along path in lieu of road cut off by canal) to be absolutely stopped and gates locked one day in every year. Public notice in Gloucester Journal.
Considerable loss to coal company by laying on stock of coals to prevent price being enhanced and thus encourage sale to increase tonnage on canal. 2s per ton on 200 tons allowance, out of tonnage for ensuing half year.
Mr Jepson stated that expenses incurred on Mr Mossoley's (Mosley's) business were 1 guinea. Clerk to apply to Mr Jennings for same.
Messrs Bigland, Baylis, Allaway, Grazebrook and Clerk to take view of Mr Cambridge's damages.
Stopping of road on towing path postponed.
Mr Jenning's expenses to be deducted from interest due next Lady Day.
Messrs Baylis and Grazebrook had met Mr Organ on Mr Cambridge's land and, on condition that the flood gates at Whitminster Mill are drawn at all flood times by the tenant occupying the mill, fixed with Mr Organ on behalf of Mr Cambridge, that the rien ditch, called Thatcher's Ditch, may run into canal for one year by way of trial, Company making a catch pool to receive the mud. Occupier of land to clear same every year. If any impediment happens to canal in consequence, same to be stopped and allowed to run into canal no more. Proprietor of land may at own expense stop weir at Spencehill and make covered weir through lower side of Kemmet's Orchard into Severn, weir having valve on lid to prevent Severn water flowing into canal.
Advertisement of General Meeting for 9 January in Gloucester Journal to have postscript that gates on towing path will be locked on 1st January to prevent all persons from travelling on path except for navigation on canal and that rents are due before that day.
In consequence of Mr Baylis's report that an application was to be made to Parliament for an Act to give power to make a canal from the Severn near Gloucester to join the Stroudwater Canal the opinion of meeting was that such a scheme was premature. Committee to use every effort to oppose the scheme until fully satisfied of necessity for it, and of the Stroudwater Canal being inadequate to the business. Agents to be employed to spend £1000 or more to maintain Company's interests.
In dry seasons supply of coal difficult to be procured from Northern Collieries. Messrs Hollings and Grazebrook of opinion that a communication by water from Severn to collieries in Forest of Dean is very practicable and easily effected. Would afford ample supply and considerably reduce price of coals coming up Stroud Canal. Mr Grazebrook to take survey and make estimate of expense of making canal. 20 guineas for survey to be repaid by Proprietors when Act is obtained for executing work.
Towing paths of canal stopped by Geo Lodge, William Beard, Thomas Lewis and James Barn. Thursday 1 January Wallbridge to Dudbridge, Friday 2 January Dudbridge to Ryeford, Saturday 3 January Ryeford to Mr Eycott's Mill, Monday 5 January Mr Eycott's Mill to Bristol Road, Tuesday 6 January Bristol Road to Framilode.
Tenants in arrears for rent - payment within one month or seizure made.
Deed of conveyance from Corporation of Gloucester and Geo Augustus Selwyn Esquire lodged in hands of Messrs Lane & Jepson till payment of money.
Messrs Wathen, Colborne and Dallaway to settle with Mr Knight on inspecting his land.
Tenants have not paid (9 January). Siezure to be made first time any stock found on premises after Lady Day next.
Payment to city of Gloucester and Geo Augustus Selwyn Esq. for land. Deed of conveyance with treasurer.
Mr Wathen and Messrs Colborne and Dallaway came to no agreement with Mr Knight respecting his land. Clerk to consult Messrs Lane and Jepson.
Mr Knight to be given notice to quit land as best method of settlement.
Commissioners of the Road given notice that water running down road from Cainscross must not be allowed to run over lock wall into lock but be turned into canal below bridge.
Culvert to be made to take water from weir at Chippenham Platt, to prevent road being injured.
General Half Yearly Meeting.
Messrs Grazebrook & Co barges have not carried much more than the sum paid for tonnage. They have declined to continue the business. Mr Grazebrook to build a vessel of different construction. As an encouragement, his vessels from Bristol and Gloucester to be allowed to pass tonnage and wharfage free till next half yearly meeting.
Tonnage since 1 October 1783, £941 15s 4d, to be used to pay debts.
Every absent Proprietor who does not attend General Meetings in future, in person or by proxy, shall forfeit and pay 5 shillings, to be deducted out of next dividend on their shares. Money to be applied to General Stock of Company. This resolution to be considered as a Bye Law under power of Act of Parliament and receive seal of Company. Notice to be sent to every Proprietor.
Mr Whitworth taking survey for a canal from Gloucester to join some part of Stroud Canal. Select Committee of Sir George Paul, Mr Battersby, Mr Joseph Harford, Mr Hollinger, Mr Winchcombe, Mr Wathen, Mr Bigland, Mr Thomas E Bull, Mr Grazebrook or any five of them to guard rights of Proprietors of Stroudwater Navigation from any infringement attempted by undertaking of such canal. Expenses not to exceed two thousand pounds. Another person to be chosen in place of any of aforesaid gentlemen who becomes a Proprietor of Thames & Severn Canal and is therefore disqualified from acting in the business.
Committee for year to be Sir George Paul, Joseph Wathen, John Hollings, James Dallaway, Nathaniel Winchcombe, Fream Arundell, Thomas Baylis, William Battersby, Richard Bigland, Thomas White, John Allaway, Nathaniel Jones, Benjamin Grazebrook.
Inconveniences in importation of salt as dealer does not have conveyances to take whole barge loading at one time. Part of salt cargo permitted to be taken out, paying usual tonnage, provided the tonnage amounts to 20s or upwards, and the rest allowed to return down the canal.
2s 3d per ton for tonnage of all Tenby coals imported to Wallbridge and in proportion for less distance. Bounty no longer continued, except for stock now lying on wharf.
Survey made and estimate of expense of canal from Severn to collieries in Forest. Distance 3½ miles, rise about 90 feet, expense £14,000.
Clerk has paid Mr Stock whole of Mr Ellis James's damages agreeable to inquisition made by Jury.
Edward Keen's timber to be seized for £15 for rent due at Lady Day. Application for longer time, sale of timber postponed to Wednesday 9 June.
Mr Turner given notice to turn water which runs down road from Cainscross.
Mr Mosley, now of age, applied for payment for his land at Dudbridge.
Mud on canal at Framilode between lock and stop gate to be cleared.
3d per ton for all weights under two ton and 6d per ton for any greater weight for cranage at Wallbridge. Thames & Severn Canal to pay monthly, others immediately.
Plan and estimate for a lock house at the Double Lock to be prepared.
Company's barge to be greaved.
Messrs Lane and Jepson brought an ejectment against Mr Knight for possession of Little Harry's Acre. Company not to pay any part of suit.
When any land is sold or exchanged by Company, a clause to be inserted to prevent proprietor calling on Company to fence off towing path through same.
In conveyance of Little Harry's Acre a Right of Road is to be preserved for Mr Turner, Mr Stephens, Mr Hogg and their successors.
Mr Keene paid whole of his rent to Lady Day last.
Mud on canal below the stop gate at Framilode cleared.
Plan of house at Double Lock approved. Estimate of expense by Wm Franklin and another by John Davis. John Davis to complete it for £65.
Wm Beard, lock keeper, has given warning to leave his place. Wages to be advanced to 12 shillings per week provided he hires himself to Company for one year.
Clerk distrained Mrs King's cattle for 7 years rent due last Lady Day but on John and William Fryer gave joint note for payment of money next Michaelmas the matter was settled.
Mr Palling to be paid money due him via a Company Bond payable after 3 months.
Mr Samuel King to pay 20 shillings per acre per annum for rent of Company's land. Notice to quit said land at Lady Day next.
Wm Beard to continue as carpenter and lock keeper for one year. Wages 12 shillings per week.
Brewhouse at Framilode to have new roof covered with pan tiles.
Addition to be made to house on wharf at Wallbridge inhabited by John King. Cellar and counting house to be taken out of the warehouse.
Clerk to apply to Mr Chance for leave to land wool coming up canal for Mr White on land adjoining lock at Dudbridge with leave to bring waggons or carts to take away same.
Clerk to inform Mr Sam King that if he will not attend and settle for rent of land in his possession Messrs Lane and Jepson will proceed against him.
Mrs Ann Clutterbuck widow claimed share no.110, Miss Mary Clutterbuck share no.119, will of Edmund Clutterbuck.
Mary and Elizabeth Pinfold claimed shares nos.121,122, will of Nathaniel Perks.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since 13 April, £703 16s 1d, to be used to pay debts.
Mr Ben Grazebrook's barges to pass and repass canal till next half yearly meeting for £25 tonnage and wharfage.
Thanks to Mr Joseph Grazebrook for invention of method of weighing vessels which pass on canal. Committee to examine utility and expense to Proprietors.
Committee empowered to sell and dispose of lands belonging to the Proprietors: piece of meadow on north east side of canal at Wallbridge purchased of Mr Webb; triangle piece at Ryeford; bit at Easton purchased of late Mr Phillips; meadow late Baxter's, two bits purchased of the Lady's of Frampton Manor; and all other pieces between that and Kemmet's Orchard at Framilode.
Mr Samuel King produced account for settling of damages; allowed for all except damages of meadow called Thatcher’s. Mr John Smith of Painswick to examine it and fix rent.
Clerk to write to Mr Jepson desiring him to attend meeting at Gloucester on 29 November.
Coals imported to Wallbridge to be landed free of wharfage till further orders.
As soon as Thames & Severn Canal is opened to Brimscombe, bounty of 3d per ton on coals landed at Wallbridge to be discontinued.
Messrs Lane and Jepson to inform the Rev Mr Yate of our opportunity to give him equal quantity of adjoining land in exchange for land taken from Fretherne Glebe.
Ground on wharf at Wallbridge from quoin of brewhouse to quoin of stable let to Mr B Grazebrook. 10 shillings per annum. Area may be fenced off from wharf.
Mr John Smith has fixed Mr Samuel King's damages £7 a year for 3 years. Rent of Company's land 10s per acre per annum for first 3 years and 20s per acre afterwards.
Mr Jepson to pay Rev Mr Yate for his glebe land taken into canal at same price as adjoining land bought for, and pay interest.
Proposals from Edward Elton, chairman Gloucester Canal Committee, for tolls on intended canal. Rejected by Committee but when Canal Navigation from Thames to Severn is completed, Stroudwater Navigation ready to agree to reasonable proposals.
Letter to be sent to landowners re dangerous consequences of scheme. Meeting at George Inn at Stroud on 6 January. Messrs Wathen, Hollings, Colborne and Winchcombe to confer with Corporation of Gloucester on intended canal.
Snow too deep for Clerk to measure damages (Mr Samuel King).
Thames & Severn canal now open to Brimscombe. Owners of barges passing on canal to pay several rates of tonnage agreeable to act of Parliament. Proper person to examine quantity to be landed on wharfs between Stroud and Barr at Brimscombe. Promise to fairly weigh. and stack in not more than 2 ton stacks, coals where he intends to land them. Penalty if account given false.
Mr John Davis to be paid for building lock house.
General Meeting. 3s 6d per ton for tonnage and wharfage of all coals, goods, wares and merchandise brought up Stroudwater canal to Wallbridge and not go into Thames & Severn canal. All bounties given at Wallbridge to cease.
Samuel Harris, master of a barge, owner John James, defrauded of tonnage of £6 10s of copper slaggs delivered at Bristol Road. Penalty of £13. £8 returned to owner, not privy to such cheat.
Rev John Pettat, vicar of Stonehouse, complained of water flowing from canal into graves in churchyard. Mr White complained of water lying on land in orchard adjoining churchyard. Drain to empty into the culvert.
Samuel C Peach and William Gainsford Peach claimed six shares, will of Nathaniel Peach.
Petition from Mr Chambers in favour of bill for making a canal from Abingdon to join Thames & Severn at or near Lechlade. Clerk to request copy of bill before petition is signed by committee.
Clerk to procure stone from Quarrhouse Quarry to repair wing walls of locks and bridges.
Mr Chambers desires clause to be inserted in Bill for making Abingdon Canal
that materials may pass free along Stroud Canal and for seal of Company to be affixed to their petition.
Mr Thomas White of Paganhill refuses to complete sale of land at Stonehouse Cross but will leave price to arbitration.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage since October 1784, £652 14s 7½d, to be used to pay debts.
Mr Ben Grazebrook's barges on canal to pay tonnage of £25 till next half yearly meeting.
Piece of meadowland on N E side of canal at Wallbridge, as noted 12 October 1794, to be reserved but other pieces advertised and sold.
Request from Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company to have seals of Stroudwater Company affixed to their petition. Committee to enquire into petition and Bills.
Mr Chamber's clause considered injurious to Stroudwater Company. Committee to write to Mr White, House of Commons, to know if such a clause can be inserted without consent. Two of Proprietors to attend Parliament to try to prevent it.
Canal at wharf at Dudbridge to be widened.
Proposal by some of the Proprietors of Stroudwater Navigation to purchase stock of coals to prevent future loss for Navigation. Company to insure return for 5 per cent.
Wall and gates to fence wharf at Wallbridge.
Committee for year: Sir George Paul Bart., Joseph Wathen, John Hollings, James Dallaway, Nathaniel Winchcombe, Fream Arundell, Thomas Baylis, William Battersby, Richard Bigland, Thomas White, John Allaway, Nathaniel Jones, Benjamin Grazebrook.
Rev Mr Yate authorised Mr Jepson to settle for his land.
Mr White, instead of accepting Committee's proposal, proposes to leave settlement to Rev Mr Pettat, Mr Dimock and Mr Cole or any two of them.
Letter to inform Mr Chambers of resolution respecting Abingdon petition. Apprehension that Company would be agreeing to any clause inserted tending to prejudice its interest.
Mr White attended meeting and consented to sell land at Stonehouse Cross for £40.
A drain to be made in Mr White's orchard called Lady Orchard at Stonehouse to drain leakages from the canal.
Advertisement in Gloucester Journal for auction of pieces of land to be disposed of to be held on 24 May at the Golden Cross at Cainscross.
No clause to be inserted in Bill for making the Abingdon canal that may affect Company's interest. Seal of Company to be affixed to petition in favour of Abingdon Canal. Mr Thomas White to deliver same to Mr Chambers.
Sudden death of Mr Thomas White prevented delivery to Mr Chambers.
Survey of Mr Reddal's orchard. No damage.
Corner piece of land at Ryeford to be sold to Mr John Hollings for £60.
Piece of meadow, late Baxters, and land late Mr Phillips, both in parish of Easton, to Mr Ben Grazebrook for 120 guineas. Produce from land to be conveyed free of tonnage.
John King abused trust. To be immediately dismissed from Company's service and given notice to quit the house at Michaelmas.
Richard Camm to have the care of the locks at Dudbridge in place of John King.
John King to take house occupied by Richard Camm in a week’s time. Until Michaelmas his rent is to be paid and he is to be 2s per week for quitting the house at Wallbridge early.
Clerk to procure proposals from Wm Franklin and some other person for enclosing wharf at Wallbridge with mortar wall 7 feet high, 2 feet thick at bottom and 18 inches at top, coped with good weather stone and strong quoins at the gates and ends of walls.
Mr Smith given notice to remove lime kiln and building on wharf at Wallbridge.
Clerk to apply to Mr Pettat for warrant against Samuel Hodges for taking fish in canal.
No person taking out a ticket for angling in canal to take more than one friend at one time, and that person not an inhabitant of neighbourhood.
Conveyance of Mr White’s land at Stonehouse Cross executed.
Proposals from Wm Franklin and John Gubbins for building wall at Wallbridge. Mr Franklin's accepted.
Edward Keane to make pair of gates (with good hart of oak) for the wharf.
Samuel Hodges fined £5, mitigated to 5 shillings, for fishing in canal.
Clerk to find expense of a wood grate to prevent fish going up ditch at Stonehouse.
Expense of wood gate £7.
Mr Grazebrook to purchase large tow boat at Bristol for breaking ice on canal.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £691 16s 10d + £105 5s. Balance £793 1s 10d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 for tonnage for his barges between Bristol and Gloucester.
Mr B Grazebrook could not purchase boat for breaking ice on canal. Ordered to purchase a new boat, 25 feet long, doubly cased with timber in her bow.
Mistress Hannah Beal claimed shares nos.150,159,162,163, will of Samuel Whitmore.
Thomas Crozier Arundell, son, claimed shares nos.47,48,49, will of Mr Fred Arundell.
Mr Samuel Smith to level mountain in meadow rented by James Croome and to remove surplus spoil from wharf at Wallbridge.
Mr Gardiner not allowing rent for surplus land occupied by Mr Knight and the taxes thereof, nor an interest on balance owing to company, nothing could be agreed.
Mr Knight agreed costs of Chancery suit should go to arbitration. Payment to Company for surplus land and rent for same.
Bank in meadow at Wallbridge now levelling.
Thomas Pierce, William Osborne and Thomas Cooper claimed shares nos.31,32,33,34,35,192, wills of Nathaniel Peach and Samuel Peach.
William Capel, John Hawker and Richard White claimed shares nos.62,63,64,65,66,67,196, will of Thomas White.
Clerk to fix company seal to conveyance of land at Ryeford to Mr John Hollings, also that for the sale of the meadow late Baxters and corner piece late Mr Phillips's to Mr B Grazebrook.
Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Company requesting aid in opposing intended Worcester canal.
William Franklin to repair stone and brick work of locks on Navigation.
Death of Mr Knight. Mr Lane to ask his successors to fulfil obligation of bond.
Cross and fence to be made from canal to foot of bank to divide Mr Halliday's land from Mrs Phelps.
Mr Edward Hill requested a fence on the slope leading to his bridge. Clerk to get estimate from John Davis and Jonathan Lawrence for doing it with oak in strong rough manner, three rails on one quarter and a single rail on other three.
Bill for £10 7s for damages from Mr John Fryer. Overcharge. 5 guineas offered on his giving a receipt.
Mary Bull claimed shares nos.130,131,190, will of John Bull.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £1124 4s 6d + £232 1s 10d. Balance £1356 6s 4d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Byelaw order of 1784, placing a fine of 5s on absent Proprietors, rescinded.
Committee for next year: Sir George Paul Bart., Joseph Wathen, John Hollings, James Dallaway, Joseph Cripps,Nathaniel Winchcombe, Fream Arundell, John Colborne, William Battersby, Thomas Crozier Arundell, Joseph Harford, Richard Bigland, John Allaway, Benjamin Grazebrook.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 tonnage for barges to and from Gloucester and Bristol till next half yearly meeting.
Lands belonging to Company not useful for wharfs to be sold.
Mr Lane says that bonds of award executed by Mr Knight not binding to his successors.
Proposals from Richard Cook for mounding road over Mr Hill's bridge at 1s 6d per yard. Mr Hill to be offered 12 guineas for fencing it in a good substantial manner.
Mr Fryer refused 5 guineas for his damages.
Mr Thomas Cooper, an executor of late Samuel Peach, agreed to account of land taken into Navigation and to sum of £40 paid by Company in compensation in lieu of a bridge adjoining Bristol Road bridge. Whole account £414 11s.
Mr Edward Hill accepted offer of 12 guineas for mounding road leading to bridge.
Alicia Rainsford and Martha Pettat claimed shares nos.9,10,142,143, William Knight having died intestate.
Mr Thomas Barnard deprived, by works of Thames & Severn Canal, of fulfilling his contract for making bricks on meadow at Wallbridge. Discharged from all penalties on payment of £5.
Tythe of 3s per acre per annum to be paid to Rev Mr Davies for Kemmet’s Orchard from time that Mr Pashley has had premises as consideration for taking care of lock.
Lock house to be built at Dudbridge on plan of that built at Double Lock. Estimates from Edward Keene, John Davis and Richard Cook.
Clerk to make Mr Hawker an offer to buy all the withy beds at 8 guineas per annum, not exceeding 8 years, crops to be brought up canal at expense of Company, or sale will annually to him at market price.
Land at Dudbridge purchased from late John Mossley, now let to Mr Jennings at £1 11s 6d per annum, to be sold to Mr Benjamin Grazebrook for £50.
All persons found fishing in fish ponds belonging to Company near Saul Bridge to be prosecuted.
John Davis to build a lock house at Dudbridge for £86 13s.
Nathaniel Jones claimed share no.86, Nathaniel Jones having died intestate.
Messrs Lane and Whitcombe to give short sketch of state of dispute with late Mr Knight and to know proceeding necessary to speedy and final end.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £625 13s 8½d, part of which has been used to pay debts. Balance £216 15s 10½d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Double Lock built by Mr Keck not completed to original contract, now in ruinous condition. Mr Keck to fulfil his agreement.
1s 6d per ton for stone and copper flags coming up canal to Stroud.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 tonnage for barges to and from Gloucester and Bristol till next half yearly meeting.
Sarah Freebury, Elizabeth Willis, Ann Arundell and Jane Arundell claimed shares nos.149,150,151, will of Samuel Arundell, clothier.
Ann Wathen claimed shares nos.17,18,19,20,21, will of Joseph Wathen.
Clerk to report state of Double Lock to Messrs Lane and Whitcombe and ask their opinion whether late trial with Mr Keck has affected his original contract.
Letter from Stourport Coal Committee respecting their landing coals on Company's wharfs. Credit will be given on tonnage and wharfage providing it is paid before stacks are broken.
Mr James Farmer claimed- share no.76, will of Richard Farmer.
Land on north side of canals at Wallbridge to be sold to Clerk, Joseph Grazebrook for £100, provided he and Mr Webb secure a road to said land without going on wharf.
Mr Thomas Barnard settled his account.
John Shire to be lock keeper at Dudbridge at 10s a week and to work at any employ in Navigation. In his absence, wife to take care of lock when vessels are passing. 1s per week of pay to remain in Company's hands until it amounts to 40s; to be repaid if he leaves Company's service on giving up house without trouble.
Old building at Ryeford, lately a store let to Mr Ben Grazebrook as a warehouse at 10s per annum.
Letter to be sent to inform Mr Keck that Double Lock is defective and he should put it in a proper state.
John Shire and labourers to be employed as quarry men.
Clerk Joseph Grazebrook settled with Mr Webb for a road to land contracted and paid for.
No answer from Mr Keck.
Clerk to examine lock house built by John Davis and pay balance to him if completed agreeable to his contract.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £1014 3s 10d. Balance after payment of debts £333 13s 8½d.
Trustees to be appointed to receive money from John Mosley, deceased.
All debts that can be settled to be discharged.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 tonnage for barges to and from Gloucester and Bristol till next half yearly meeting.
No answer received from Mr Keck. Company solicitors to enforce completion of contract.
Committee for next year: Sir George Paul, Nathaniel Winchcombe, Joseph Cripps, James Dallaway, Richard bigland, John Colborne, John Hollings William Battersby, Joseph Harford, Thomas C Arundell, Henry Burgh, Benjamin Grazebrook.
Pleasure barge and gravell boat to be repaired immediately.
Solicitor to attend meeting at Fleece to settle matter between Company and successors of late Mr Knight.
Mr Richard Pettat to pay £45 1s 11d for purchase of remaining part of Little Harry's Acre. Equal quantity deducted on lieu of land taken from Great Harry's Acre for use of Navigation. Difference between successors of Mr Knight and company now settled.
Exchange of small strip of land on side of foot path from Stone Lock to Dudbridge with Mr Chance for land to make fence straight and Foot Road to be turned up into Turnpike Road at wing wall of bridge.
Payment of small balance due for land taken on canal and towing path from Haywards Field to successors of late Daniel Smith.
Swivel bridge at Framilode to be repaired.
Joshua Powell Hooper, Thomas Easton, Samuel Edwards, Peter Clissold and Mary Clissold, claimed shares nos.186,187, will of John Clissold.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £601 16s 1½d. Balance £698 6s 9d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 tonnage for barges to and from Gloucester and Bristol till next half yearly meeting.
Edward Harford Esq appointed member of Committee in place of James Dallaway deceased.
Large quantities of coal, property of Proprietors of Thames & Severn Canal, passed through Stroudwater Canal toll free to be used in making Thames & Severn Canal, have been and are about to be sold, not having paid usual tonnage. Enquiry to ensure tonnage due is paid.
Thanks of meeting to John Webb Esq, member for City of Gloucester, for his attention to rights and interests of Company.
Clerk to write to Committee of Thames & Severn Canal that Committee are of the opinioin that no coals having passed for works on Thames & Severn Canal should be sold. Also that, as owners of barges having passed Thames & Severn Canal do not leave cheques with our Clerk, that he can be permitted to compare copies they hold with their books every six months.
Clerk to apply to Messrs Lane and Whitcombe respecting Mr Keck's business.
Clerk Joseph Grazebrook's resignation at next General Meeting accepted. In future two clerks to be appointed, one to keep Company's books, attend meetings, obey orders of Committee, attend and receive tonnage of all vessels at Dudbridge and upwards, pay money to Treasurer every week and give business his constant attendance. The second clerk to attend and receive tonnage of all vessels below Dudbridge and account to first clerk every week. First clerk to give security of £200, second clerk £100. Mr Samuel Baylis becomes first clerk, salary £45 per annum, Mr Edward Hains second clerk at salary of £40 per annum.
Mrs Ewin's claim for 2 guineas for damage to trees, etc, destroyed on Mr Ruddall's land in which she had a life interest. Payment ordered.
All pass tickets to be left with John Pashley at Framilode before he allows vessels to pass the lock. Tickets to be filed and brought to every meeting regularly.
Clerk of works of Thames & Severn Canal to give Clerk of Stroudwater Canal Company account of all coals sold by him or any other agent, paying him tonnage for them. Any practical regulations to detect frauds against the interest of either company ought to be mutually adopted. Clerk to examine and combine cheques of tonnage with their books previous to General meetings.
Messrs Lane and Whitcombe have again written to Mr Keck but have not yet received a reply.
Owner Pugh's vessels broke some of rails of swivel bridge at Ryeford. Order that he repair same or be prosecuted.
Agreement to let all the withy beds at Whitminster to Seth Cox for 2 years at 5 guineas per annum. Company to bring them up to Wallbridge twice.
John Pashley to receive cheques from owners leaving canal. Also to keep lock full during spring tides to prevent mud coming in to canal. Additional payment of 1s per week.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £835 11s 9½d. Balance after paying wages, etc, £620 9s 2½d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Mr Ben Grazebrook to pay £25 tonnage for his barges on canal for half a year.
Mr Colborne resigned as Treasurer. Unanimous thanks given him. Messrs Hollings & Co appointed Treasurers.
Unanimous thanks of meeting to Clerk Mr Joseph on his resignation of the post. The appointments of Mr Baylis and Mr Haine as Clerks was confirmed.
Committee for next year: Sir George Paul, Nathaniel Winchcombe, Joseph Cripps, Edward harford, Richard Bigland, John Allaway, John Colborne, John Hollings, William Battersby, Joseph Harford, Henry Burgh, Benjamin Grazebrook, Thomas C Arundell. Grazebrook.
Mr Thomas Baylis and Mr Sam Clissold bondsmen for Clerks.
Unsatisfactory answer from Mr Keck.
James Barns one of lock keepers being dead, Samuel Beard to succeed him at 8s 6d per week. His brother Wm Beard deposited 40 shillings as security for his leaving the house on quitting Company's service.
Thomas Lewis's wages reduced to 8s 6d per week.
Owner Pugh had paid for the repair of the bridge damaged by his vessel.
John Daniels paid 1 guinea for draining done on Mr Stephen's land.
Low places in Pool Field Bank to be raised.
Letter to Mr Keck recorded in minutes. In response to his query “Is it expected that I shall keep the lock in repair for ever” they stated that the Company expect him to keep the lock in repair till he has built it according to his model and agreement. Double Lock in very ruinous state. Necessary that business be concluded as soon as possible.
Mr Nichollas to be paid 2 guineas for damages done to his land by leakages from the Navigation.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £533 3s 10½d. Balance after wages, etc, £254 14s 4d.
Committee to proceed against Mr Keck till he has fulfilled his agreement with the Company.
Mr B Grazebrook to pay £25 for his barges on canal for half year.
Not enough money in hand to pay dividend. Instead Committee to purchase coals to build up stock. To be disposed at the lowest terms they can be afforded.
Two clerks to exchange departments for next half year.
Immediate answer required from Mr Keck. Situation of the lock rendering it necessary that business should not be delayed.
Clerk Edward Hains to purchase best Staffordshire and Shropshire coal and employ a proper person to retail coals.
Mr Keck attended meeting. Two surveyors to be appointed, one by Committee, one by Mr Keck to survey the Double Lock. Questions to be asked whether principal cause of failure was owing to badness of bricks, badness of execution of work, or what cause.
Clerk to request Mr Clowes to survey Double Lock on day to be fixed.
Survey of Double Lock to be reported to General Meeting tomorrow.
Hester Ingham claimed shares nos.59,60, John Butt having died intestate.
Mr Samuel King's complaint of damages caused by water from canal to be settled by arbitrator. Mr Winchcombe to apply to Mr Phillimore to desire him to attend when Committee goes down canal.
Mr Priddey to receive 5 guineas for surveys during junction of Thames & Severn Canal.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £865 19s 9d. Balance after wages, etc, £853 15s 2½d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Considerable benefit to Company and country from last balance paid on coals. Sum not exceeding £500 for coals.
Mr Benjamin Grazebrook to pay £25 for half year tonnage and wharfage.
Mr Keck's parts of lock belonging to him to be put in good repair at his expense under direction of Mr Clowes.
Committee for next year: Sir George Paul, Edward Harford, John Allaway,Nathaniel Winchcombe, Richard Bigland, John Colborne, John Hollings, William Battersby, Joseph Harford, Henry Burgh, Benjamin Grazebrook, Joseph Cripps, Joseph Grazebrook.
A charitable society at Stroud given permission to import £20 worth of coal tonnage free for the benefit of the poor.
Thomas Evans Bull and Rev John Bull of Bristol claimed shares nos.1,128,129, will of Francis Bull.
On the Company's barge. Mr Phillomore had come to no agreement with Mr King respecting Mr Cambridge's land.
Clerk to procure everything necessary for the repair of the Double Lock.
Mr Clowes to be informed that all was ready for the repair of the Double Lock.
From late heavy rains great quantity of sand in canal at Ebley. Catch pools to be made immediately.
Each lock keeper to pay 20s per annum for houses.
Clerks to go through works of Thames & Severn Canal to answer questions. What coals are standing on different wharfs of Thames & Severn Canal? What coal is sold on Thames & Severn Canal since last General Meeting? What lime and bricks burnt this year? How far navigable? What remains of works to be completed? How long before it is finished?
James Arundell and Ann Wood claimed shares nos.47,48,49,50,51, Thomas Crozier Arundell having died intestate.
Repair of Double Lock completed. Mr Clowes to inspect and Mr Keck to be applied to for payment.
Clerk produced account of quantity of coals on wharfs of Thames & Severn Canal. Mr Chambers paid £216 9s 3d for tonnage.
General Half Yearly Meeting. Tonnage £867 6s 9½d. Balance after wages, etc, £707 7s 6½d. Dividend of £3 15s declared.
Committee are to survey Mr King's meadows (Thatcher’s) and determine satisfaction to be made.
Sum not exceeding £500 to be laid out in coals, to be landed at Dudbridge. Part of money to be laid out in purchasing Kingswood coal.
Mr Benjamin Grazebrook to pay £25 for tonnage and wharfage for next half year.
Boats carrying coal and merchandize for the Association of the Thames & Severn Navigation Committee to pass with the usual checks and that tonnage be collected at least one month before next General Half Yearly Meeting.
Mr Barnard Hole appointed clerk to sell coals at Dudbridge Wharf for Company at prices to be set by our Clerk. Payment of 3d per ton. Security of £50.
Table of prices of coals to be put up at Dudbridge Wharf.
Ann Wathen claimed shares nos.82,83, will of William Wathen. After her decease shares to go to her nephews Rev William Ellis and Samuel Ellis.
Mary Cambridge claimed shares nos.144,145, will of John Cambridge.
Piece next to Easton Workhouse called the Island for £1 10s, and piece at West Field limekiln for 10s, to be let to Thomas Banks.
Mr Clowes to be paid his bill, and Mr Keck sent account of cost of repairs requesting payment.
