1774-1783
Gloucestershire Archives D1180/1/1
Minutes from 29 December 1774 to 9 October 1783
Read a letter from Mr Baxter informing us that he doth agree to accept half the price of the oak tree - our clerk is to inform Messrs Lane and Jepson that the high price at which we purchased the land of Mr Baxter’s will not admit of any extra charge for the tree.
Stays to be put to the swivel bridges to prevent their being opened too wide.
The racks of all locks to be greased immediately.
Mr Rudge’s grounds adjoining the Double Lock to be cleared immediately and the mound adjoining the lock made good.
The wharf at Bristol Road be contracted to the large Elm Tree near the canal.
The Brick Yard on Mrs Ball’s land be cleared of the rubbish and levelled.
Joseph Grazebrook be appointed superintendent of the works to prevent frauds and impositions in the tonnage, etc. To survey all the works from Framilode to Wallbridge at least three times every week- salary £21 a quarter.
A wharf not exceeding ½ an acre be staked out at Wallbridge and the same let to Joseph Grazebrook for one year at the rate of £20 per acre.
All other persons that do not take wharfs, pay 2d per ton for all the coals and timber at Wallbridge and that the same be collected with the tonnage.
Whe owner of every vessel on entering the locks at Framilode must deliver an account in writing signed by himself of the quantity of coals he has on board and where he intends landing the same. Such account to be signed by the person who attends the said lock and sent to our clerk.
A Company house is to be built at Wallbridge.
Benjamin Grazebrook met with Mr Hill and made him an offer of 5 guineas for fencing the road over his bridge, which he refused. The surplus posts and rails at Bristol Road to be immediately brought and put up to fence the road over the bridge.
A quick mound is to be planted around Bristol Road wharf, and wherever else necessary.
No coals be landed at the head of the canal on that side next to the warehouse.
Agreed that a letter be written to Mr Keck desiring him to take immediate action at Ryeford Double Lock to prevent future consequences.
Clerk to write to solicitors to know the expenses of the late trial with Mr Phillips.
Mr Keck has received our letter and will take down that part of the Double Lock, which is giving way and rebuild it when season permits.
Expenses in Mr Phillips trial were £61 19s 6d. Mr Phillips to pay £51 10s costs.
The weir on the island at Easton is falling down; a well weir is to be erected in its place.
Mr Purnell to remove his timber off Kemmett’s Orchard, which is to be fenced with posts and rails.
Hedge adjoining the road at Easton to be cut.
The house and warehouse at Wallbridge be let for one year from Lady Day for £10.
The table of Rules at Bristol Road is to be moved to the house at Wallbridge.
Mr Hillhouse’s bill of £102 5s for the pleasure barge having been objected to by the last General Meeting it will be considered at the next General Meeting on 13 April.
Stile to be put on towing path at Ewin’s house, and the towpath be mounded with withy setts and hurdles from there to Mr Reddall’s little orchard.
A barge stopped at Thomas Pearce’s property for non-payment of tonnage for coals brought up the canal is to stay in the canal until the tonnage is paid.
The brick yard at Stonehouse to be sown with proper seed.
A open ditch to be dug at the foot of the bank on the upper side of the canal through Mr Cook’s land to drain it.
Materials needed to build a foot bridge on Mr Chance’s land to be taken to the spot.
John Gleave to be discharged next Saturday.
The wharf at Wallbridge where bricks were made is to be levelled.
Edward Keene to make foot bridge on Mr Chances land, including walls and backing, for 10 guineas, the company to find all materials.
General Meeting
Money from tonnage, £1,085 11s 7d, to be used to pay outstanding debts. The first £400 to be paid off with interest.
Mr John Beswick make good leakages and damages by puddling properly.
Thomas Pearse to settle his tonnage account immediately or he will be proceeded against.
New committee elected: Anthony Keck no longer a member.
2d per ton wharfage be taken for all coals, goods and mechandise, which shall be landed on any wharf belonging to the Company over and above the tonnage rates.
Wharf on north side of canal from crane to the lower end of the quay be let to Joseph Grazebrook for one year for the tonnage of coal landed there.
Mr Hillhouse’s revised bill for the Pleasure barge amounting to £94 13s 0d is to be discharged on his putting the barge in thorough repair.
Mr Anthony Keck is to be told that the Double Lock has become ruinous and is obstructing the Navigation and is dangerous to the passage of vessels. It must be repaired immediately. If he refuses then he will be sued.
Mr Holliday Phillips and Daniel Ballard to be sued if they do not pay outstanding debts by 1 May.
Wharf at Wallbridge and lower side of wharf at Dudbridge to be enclosed with posts and rails.
Rents to be collected from all persons occupying land belonging to the company.
Agreed with Thomas Lewis to be lock keeper from Double Lock to Wallbridge at 10s 6d per week.
Richard Evans to be informed that if he ever is found catching fish in the canal that he will be immediately discharged.
3d shall be paid for every wagon, and 2d for every cart, which shall be loaded or unloaded with the crane at Wallbridge. John King to collect charge.
Edward Tombs to be asked to repair the gravel boat.
Reported that some Aberthawe Pebbles have been ordered for the next Spring tide.
Agreed that Mr Holliday Phillips is to be paid £55 6s 3d in full for interest to this day and all and every damage he sustained by the Navigation.
Mr Pashley applied for his accounts.
No more clay or gravel to be taken from Dudbridge Wharf.
Bricks at Wallbridge taken to locks needing them.
Daniel Ballard arrested by Messrs Jepson and Lane but has now paid the debt of £66 13s together with costs.
The old mill pond at Whitminster is to be deepened at the same time as the Navigation is stopped to repair Ryeford Double Lock.
Mr Pashley delivered his accounts.
Enquiry to be made into the possibility of building a wall at Wallbridge with the Ragg Stone lying at the wharf.
The house for the Company Barge be pitched over to keep out the rain.
Ditch to be built at foot of bank in Mr Halliday’s land to drain it.
Proposal from William Franklin for building a wall to mound the wharf at Wallbridge with Ragg stone lying on the premises at 6d per perch.
Thomas Hughes authorised to replace stiles with small gate and rails on towpath between Wallbridge to Mr Eycott’s mill at his own expense.
The clerk is to procure carts to haul earth from the Turnpike Road near Ryeford to widen the road leading over the canal to King’s Stanley.
Tenement adjoining the carpenter’s shop at Framilode to be let to Margaret James for 2 guineas per annum, she to put the tenement in repair.
Copies of letters exchanged with Anthony Keck to be preserved. Messrs Lane and Jepson to be asked to examine contract and letters to determine the lawful methods of obliging Mr Keck to fulfil the contract if they do not hear further by next Tuesday.
General Meeting
Messrs Lane and Jepson be engaged to commence an action against Mr Anthony Keck for non-performance in building the Double Lock.
Agreed that Mr Keck do immediately proceed to repair the said lock and for which purpose that Mr Keck be paid the balance remaining in our hands on that account amounting to the sum of £157 19s 9d. An agreement is now drawn by Messrs Lane and Stock and executed by us and Mr Keck to prevent the said reparation from quashing or in anywise destroying part of the original agreement until the same can be brought to an issue at the next Lent assizes.
Action to be commenced against Thomas Pride for fishing in the canal.
Bricks at Dudbridge sold to Mr Clutterbuck for £5.
Bricks to be procured from Frampton to repair Blunder Lock, and some more Aberthaw pebbles.
The backing of several locks is to be raised so as to prevent the water from lodging on the walls of the locks.
Towpaths under the bridges to be backed up and made level.
Some of the stone dug out of the canal is to be burnt for lime to be used only in the back walls of the locks and to make sure that it is not used for any other purpose.
Balance of Benjamin Pashley’s account to be paid.
If the treasurer is unable to supply the clerk with £150 for expenses he is to apply to the Bank for a loan.
Mr Hillhouses’s bill for the pleasure barge to be discharged.
Nathaniel Winchcombe given permission to make a recess for a small pleasure boat on the back side of the company’s boat house.
£150 has been borrowed from Bank.
Clerk to write to treasurer to know if he can advance £500 on the security of Messrs Wathen, Arundell, Jones, Allaway and Grazebrook.
Treasurer to advance £500 on security.
Mr Keck to be asked for a plan of the Double Lock for Mr Franklin to copy.
Messrs Land & Jepson to be instructed to write to William King at Wheatenhurst to inform him that action will be taken if he does not make immediate satisfaction for the stone he has taken.
Mr Keck has written recommending that no vessels pass the Double Lock for at least one month. Reply sent to Mr Keck to be filed.
The tail of the lock next Wallbridge is to be sheeted.
George Lodge asked to take on care of the locks.
George Lodge to superintend the lock keepers, and keep a journal of their work. Wages to be 12s a week.
Clerk to ask Mr Clutterbuck on whose authority he has made a road from his land to the wharf.
Mr Clutterbuck states that road built to carry away ashes was only temporary and will be stopped up.
No vessels are to be permitted to pass any of the locks on the Navigation on a Sunday except the Framilode lock. Nor on any weekday before sunrise nor after sunset and not exceeding half an hour after sunset on any emergency. If barge men take no notice their barges will be immediately detained.
Agreed with Ben Pashley to take care of Framilode and Whitminster Locks, to attend the passing of every vessel through the locks and to be culpable for any damage that may be done by the vessels passing up in his absence. Wages£10 per annum to be paid quarterly and the manor House and orchard where he now lives to commence from this time.
General Meeting
Money received from the tonnage since 13 April is £324 5s 9½d to be used to repay debts.
Anthony Keck sent bill of £132 17s 8 1/2 d for the repair of the failure of the Double Lock, which bill is entirely rejected and the Company is to abide by the decision of the 7 July last.
3s 6d per ton is to be taken for all coals imported to Wallbridge, and so in proportion for any less distance, over and above the 2d per ton wharfage for all coals which may be landed on any of the Company’s wharf.
For the encouragement of bringing coals to the head of the canal, it is resolved that a bounty of 3d per ton be paid by our clerk for all coals landed on the wharf at Wallbridge and that a further bounty of 1s per ton be paid for all coals, which shall be carried more than ten mules distant.
1s 6d per ton tonnage is to be taken for all copper which shall be imported to Wallbridge.
Any barge passing a lock on Sunday, before sunrise or after sunset to be liable to pay a forfiet of £5.
The bounty on coals carried more than 10 miles extends only to coals carried from Wallbridge and Dudbridge wharfs.
The barge of Thomas Pearce detained for non-payment of tonnage is to be sold on 16 November.
Mr Hill made application for a gate between Burry Field and his Rack hill in the road into the lower part of the said field.
Mr Franklin to supply some stone for coping the walls of the swivel bridge in Mr Chances land.
Clerk had to borrow another £100 from bank. It is to be paid back with the first tonnage money received.
Stone coping for foot swivel bridge is to be laid on loose until the season is proper for setting and finishing.
A piece of arable land at Ryeford exclusive of the wharf let to John Pickston for three years. He was obliged to plant a ‘quick mound’ on the side next to the Turnpike Road. The Company to pay John Pickston £1 10s on completion of term provided hedge is well preserved.
Mr Elliott must pay £5 a year for the land and bridge on the southwest side of the canal or the bridge will be taken down.
Mr Merrett to be employed to make a large plan of the canal describing the several pieces of land purchased by the Company adjoining the canal. To be done in a rough manner and on parchment.
Mr Remmington to be informed that if he molest or interrupt our men in passing through Barn Orchard we will fence out the road through the orchard.
Benjamin Grazebrook to be allowed interest for the £200 due to him for surveying from this time at a rate of 5% per annum until said money is paid.
Benjamin Grazebrook to agree with some person for planting withy sets in such bits of land belonging to the Company that are suitable.
Mr Merrett has started the canal plan but because of bad weather has not finished it.
Benjamin Grazebrook agreed with William Hutchins for planting withies at 2s 6d per hundred. The said William Hutchins to find the sets, prepare the ground and plant the same at that price.
George Lodge to be allowed £3 per annum towards his house rent during the time that he continues in the Company service.
Mary Colborne of Bownham, widow and sister of James Winchcombe late of the same place, made out her claim to 5 shares nos. 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 as being his legatee executrix.
The clerk is to procure a person to repair the boats belonging to the Company as soon as possible.
A weir is to be made in a convenient place for taking the superfluous water from the Stonehouse level.
Mr Merrett still not finished the plan
Boats are being repaired.
Agreed to let the ‘bottoming‘ of the old pond at Whitminster to John Pickston for 3d per yard, he to find the barrows, planks and every utensil for doing the same.
The clerk procure a drag net for fishing the canal.
The weir for removing water from the Stonehouse level to be made on the upper side of Ryeford Bridge.
The stays of the swivel bridges are to be repaired.
The road leading from the Turnpike to Nasstend be repaired as soon as the weir is made for diverting the water to a different course.
Samuel Manning to value some of the work done by Edward Keene.
AGM
Money received from tonnage since 26 October 1780, £1151 16s 1d, to be applied towards payment of debts.
Committee now William Knight, Thomas White, James Dallaway, Richard Bigland, John Hollings, John Allaway, Joseph Wathen, William Bettersby, Thomas Baylis, Nathaniel Jones, Benjamin Grazebrook, Fream Arundell.
Committee to agree on rent for piece of land at Dudbridge for a timber wharf for Jonothan Lawrence or some other person.
Committee can make William Wakefield an allowance in the rent of the house and warehouse at Wallbridge as it appears he took it at too high a rent.
William Franklin be paid £26 4s 0d over the sum in his contract for building the lock and bridge at Dudbridge as the lock is higher and thicker than his contract. Also, he should be paid £9 9s for surveying and making plans and sections of the Double lock and for his attendance during the late trial at Gloucester.
1s 6d per ton be taken for all iron, tin, brass and lead that is imported to Wallbridge, and in proportion for any less distance.
In consequence of the late trial at Gloucester with Mr Anthony Keck, it has appeared that the said lock is not built agreeable to the plan and module. William Franklin and Edward Keene are to make a survey and prepare an estimate of taking down the said lock and rebuilding according to the said plan and module. Also that they do prepare another estimate for building the lock in a proper firm and substantial manner.
A survey is to be made and a level taken for a canal from Dudbridge to Cricklade. The Company to pay for the expense as long as it did not exceed £50.
A bounty of 1s per ton be paid by our clerk for all the coals taken from Wallbridge Wharf to Springs Mill and Stonebridge in the parish of Painswick and also for all coals taken beyond either of the said places.
Mr Chambers has applied to the Company to rent the Island at Easton.
Mr Manning has valued Mr Keene’s work. Mr Keene agreed to the sum.
Ben Pashley to be asked contract to repair the timber work of Nassfield Lock.
A letter to be written by the clerk to Sir Edward Littleton informing him of the practicality of a Junction with the Thames.
Our clerk to make Mr Keck an offer of the bit of land at Ryeford at the sum of 30 guineas including the stow (contents).
Mr Bough to begin to repair Nassfield Lock immediately.
William Wakefield to pay £5 per annum for the house and warehouse at Wallbridge for last year and the current year up to Lady Day.
Mr Merrett has finished the plan of the canal.
Mr Wakefield is to throw up the garden before his house.
Francis Hawes made a claim for share 171, the property of his late sister.
The second set of subscribers to the loan are to be paid off with interest.
Clerk has produced a rent book of the lands belonging to the Company.
Three subscribers have been paid off, but Mr Gabb will let his remain longer.
Ben Pashley to put all the lock gates in perfect repair and pitch the gates of the long pounds before the water is turned into the canal.
Mr Saunders had been spotted fishing in the canal and was ordered to desist.
An open drain is to be made at the foot of the bank in Pool Field to drain off excess water.
All obstructions in the canal are to be cleared before the water was turned in.
The Island at Chippenham Platt is to be let to Mr Bigland for seven years for rent of 10s per annum.
A trunk is to be immediately made with Elm Planks, the apperture about 2 feet by 1 foot and fixed under the bottom of the canal just above the bridge at Mr Sam King’s in order to convey the water of the rien ditch under the Navigation.
Survey has been made and levels taken from Wallbridge to Lechlade and as the plan appears practicable it is agreed that a meeting be called for the purpose of considering the canal and that the meeting to be held on 17 September is to be advertised in London, Bristol, Bath, Oxford and Gloucester papers.
Nathaniel Davies made application to buy the timber work of the old crane in Easton Meadows, exclusive of the wheels.
Samuel King to be allowed 30s to make a substantial fence from the bridge at Whitminster Lock to the rein ditch to fence the meadow.
An advertisement be put in Gloucester Journal informing the public that the canal is now open for the passage of barges.
Samuel King may have stone lying on his land for 1s per cubic yard.
Thomas Lewis to be allowed 40s per annum for his house rent during his time as lock keeper.
AGM
Money received for tonnage from the 12 April, £668 18s 3d, to be used to pay off debts.
Nothing has been done regarding the survey of the Double Lock. A report is to be made at the next General Meeting.
Clay lying on the North side of the canal at Wallbridge to be sold to Thomas Bernard for making bricks. Clay to be removed and ground levelled by Lady Day 1784.
The survey of the link between the Severn and Thames by way of the Stroud Canal cost £29 19s 7d. A further £21 is to be made available to make a more accurate survey.
A bounty of 1s per ton be paid for all coals taken from Wallbridge and carried any distance beyond the turnpike in Woofuldeane Bottom.
Mr Edward Keene to rent land on the north side of the canal at Dudbridge for 3 years at £6 per annum exclusive of landing coals.
Future general meeting to be held on the second Tuesday in April and October.
Unless old crane can be sold for 10 guineas it is to be brought to Wallbridge.
Mr Cambridge asked for a drain to be created in the lower part of the meadow called Thatchers to take off excess water from the canal.
John King to rent the house and warehouse at Wallbridge if the Company builds him a shed to house his brewery. William Franklin asked to do the building.
Old crane has been brought up to Wallbridge.
Mr Franklin agreed to build the brewhouse 10ft wide at the end of the warehouse at Wallbridge for 10 guineas - the Company to supply, timber, tile, stone, brick and mortar.
A flood gate is to be put across the old river near the feeder at Lodgemore in order to take off the water from the mill at certain flood times.
Towing path wall under the bridge at Westfield lock has fallen down. Mr Franklin employed to repair the same.
Mr Franklin to survey the Double Lock and report on the state of it.
Mr Franklin reported on the state of Double Lock.
James Barns to be lock keeper at Bristol Road at 8s per week, 1s a week is to be retained (until 40s) and paid to him when he is discharged and quits the house without any trouble. The same method to be adopted for the other lock keeper, Richard Evans.
Mr Hill requested a better fence from his bridge to the Rack hill gate. Company will not pay for improvement.
Ben Pashley ordered to provide a person to attend to the locks in his district during his illness.
All yearly tenants to pay the taxes for the lands they occupy.
AGM
Tonnage since 11 October, £1120 16s 7½d, to be used to pay debts
William Franklin reassured the meeting that after his survey of the Double Lock, it is not falling in but does need repointing. Mr Keck ordered to repoint .
A bounty of 1s per ton is to be paid for all Tenby coals sold from Wallbridge and Dudbridge wharfs to any places whatsoever.
A bounty be paid of 2s 5d per ton is to be paid for all coals taken from Wallbridge and Dudbridge wharfs to Lechlade upon the hauliers producing a ticket from the person receiving the said coals at Lechlade.
1s a ton is to be taken for all iron, tin, brass, copper, lead and cheese imported to Wallbridge, and in proportion to any less distance.
For furthering trade from Gloucester coming up the canal, the vessel belonging to Benjamin Grazebrook and Co. trading to that place may pass and re-pass on the canal till the next General meeting in consideration of their paying 5 guineas for the tonnage and wharfage during that time.
Anyone passing through the locks and dropping the cloughs, without gradually lowering them, will be liable to a fine not exceeding £5 for each offence.
The Company should procure a piece of land at Stonehouse for a wharf.
Committee authorised to let the wharf at Bristol Road to Mr Bigland.
Drawn a bill on the treasurer for £1120 16s 7½d for the use of the Navigation.
Upper part of Kemmett’s Orchard is wasting away by the force of the tides. Ben Pashley to find oak timber to pile the same.
Samuel Webb claims that the gate from his land into the wharf was agreed as part of the surrender of the land.
The water is to be prevented from running from the rien ditch into the canal below Whitminster Lock by making proper stanks.
Ben Pashley to pile the bank at Ebley. Piling at Emmett’s Orchard to be deffered.
Water was stanked from running into the canal out of the rien ditch below Whitminster Lock but the stanks were cut through by some person unknown.
Benjamin Grazebrook reported that Mr Cambridge made an application to have the riens open to the canal and that he will be answerable for any inconvenience. The clerk was ordered to write to Mr Cambridge informing him there was a considerable quantity of mud already collected in consequence of the water from the rien ditches so unless he was prepared to regularly clear the mud, it was necessary to make good the stanks to turn the water through the trunk lately put in place.
William Franklin to be employed to do the repairs of the bridge and stonework of the bridges and weirs.
Lock at Westfield to be measured to ascertain whether the walls are coming in.
Repairs to brick and stone work cannot be completed while the canal is kept full of water for the passage of vessels.
The flood gates near Lodgemore to be set about immediately.
The posts and rails at Dudbridge not executed in a proper substantial manner.
Walls at Westfield lock are not coming in.
Crane at Wallbridge to be altered to carry greater weights.
Ben Pashley wages of 4s per week will be taken off him at Michaelmas next, and that the house and garden only was allowed him for the care of the two lower locks.
Some rough oak posts and a single beech rail to be set up to secure the quick in the meadow at Wallbridge.
Proper stanks are to be immediately made to prevent the riens from running into the canal.
The late rainy weather prevented the flood gates from being put in.
AGM
Tonnage from 9 April, £762 9s 7d, to be used to pay debts.
Benjamin Grazebrook and Company agreed for the tonnage and wharfage of all goods, wares and merchandise imported and exported in their two barges called the Stroud Galley and the Nancy for the sum of £50.
Letter was written to all Proprietors to present a scheme to pay off debts and to pay a dividend from the profits ensuing from the tonnage.
Special meeting
While 18 Proprietors agreed to an advance upon the shares to pay off debts, near 40 absent proprietors did not signify their wishes so no resolution could be made.
Stanks were made secure at Whitminster
Stonework of the flood gates at Lodgemore completed.
Messrs White and Grazebrook marked out a bit of land at the double lock for a house and garden.
A bridle way is to be secured through Mr Remington’s orchard, up little Harry’s Orchard and along the towing path to provide access to land to be sold off near Double Lock to James Hogg.
Agreed with Benjamin Grazebrook to cover the boat house with lead for 30 guineas.
Mr White is willing to sell the company a piece of land at Stonehouse Cross.
AGM
Meeting about the canal from Wallbridge to Lechlade in pursuance of the the public notice in the Gloucester Journal and circular letters to the Proprietors.
The Committee are authorised to send deputies to London or elsewhere to agree measures to be approved by the Proprietors of the intended canal and of the Stroudwater.
Green Glass should bear as much tonnage as coals and all valuable goods to pay more than others.
As the subscribers paper is differently worded from the prices proposed for the Stroud canal we are apprehensive that the new Proprietors mean to take the rates mentioned in the subscription and oblige the Stroud to take less. We think it highly reasonable we should have the same rates per mile they mean to take.
If the Stroud Proprietors join with measures proposed with the coals above Wallbridge they expect it shall not take place until both ends of the canal are finished to the tunnel and a railed way made over Sapperton Hill.
It appears that if their proposal of 2s 3d per ton on coals to be laid on them above Wallbridge after our 1s received is agreed to, it will still be prejudicial to the Stroud canal for the following reasons viz:
If delivered at Bowbridge, which is by the canal from Wallbridge half a mile; Bowbridge is so contiguous to the upper part of the town of Stroud and less ascent than from Wallbridge, coals will be fetched from thence into Stroud which is now served from Wallbridge and Brimscombe lies nearly the same although one mile further on than Bowbridge.
For these reasons the Stroud Proprietors wish to serve so far and will very readily agree to the Proposal of the new Proprietors from Brimscombe to Sapperton.
That a clause should be inserted in the Bill that neither Companies should become traders or merchants in coals or any other commodities in their corporate capacity, but individually as they please.
They should be informed that the Stroud now receives 2s 3d upon all coals at Cirencester or any distance short of Leachlade, be the distance ever so near to that place.
It is proposed to join hand in hand in framing a bill to act in unison and good fellowship.
The Committee shall have liberty to appoint deputies to attend the business in London when required, and if any material differences arise a Special General meeting be called.
To propose in the act that vessels that pass the canals shall be obliged to have gauges fixed, and that all vessels coming into the Stroud Canal intended for the upper canal shall not be suffered to unload except by permission of the Stroud Proprietors.
No coals or other goods carried from Brimscombe to the Tunnel on any pretence whatever shall be suffered to return down again to take advantage of the low tonnage.
The following Gentlemen are requested to attend during the passing of the new Bill in Parliament - Messrs Wathen, Hollings, Winchcombe, and Colborne.’
The clerk reported that Mr Organ on Mr Cambridge’s behalf has asked surrounding landowners to join with him in cleansing the mud from the canal if the rien ditch is opened. But they chose not to join in the expense of cleansing it.
Benjamin Pashley (lock keeper) died yesterday. Another lock keeper is to be found.
The Petition for the Bill for making the intended Junction has been presented and Parliament gave leave to bring in a Bill. Messrs Hollings and Colborne to set out to London to help form those clauses of the Bill that will affect the Stroudwater Canal, They are to employ Counsel when necessary during the progress of the business.
The public road on the towing path is to be stopped for a short time to preserve the right of the Company.
No proper person being found to take over as lock keeper at Framilode, John Pashley is to take care of the locks for the time being.
A Petition in favour of the new Bill sent from London requesting that it might be signed by the inhabitants of Stroud and it’s environs. Also, that the Proprietors of the Stroud canal send a petition with the Seal affixed.
Reverend John Pettat has applied to have the water drained from Stonehouse Churchyard. The Company would try ot procure leave to cut a drain across the adjoining land to drain the Churchyard.
AGM
Tonnage since 8 October, £1182 7s 9d, to be used to pay debts.
The committee were unable to acquire land at Stonehouse for a wharf, as Mr White was not empowered to sell until his title was confirmed. When confirmed he would be able to sell any amount to the Company.
The committee to agree with Benjamin Grazebrook and Co. for the tonnage of their vessels for the ensuing half year at a price not less than £50.
The Committee to advertise the fishery in the respective pounds between Wallbridge and Framilode to be let.
Committee agreed with Benjamin Grazebrook and Co for the tonnage and wharfage of all goods, wares and merchandise, which shall be carried in the Bristol and Gloucester barges for 6 months for £50.
A grass weir be made to take off flood water at Chippenham Platt.
Brick and stonework repairs now in hand.
The catch pool in little Harry’s Acre on the upper side of the canal to be cleared of mud to prevent it running into the canal.
Mud to be cleared out the canal near Lodgemore on Friday next and a person appointed to watch the fish during the time the water is out.
Our clerk to issue tickets at 10s each to fish in the canal for one year from the date thereof. Any Proprietor and son is allowed to fish without a ticket.
The towing path in the level below Bristol Road be raised to stop water flowing from the meadows into the canal and the earth for raising the path be taken from the bank at Whitminster Mill Pond.
The corner of the Crib on the lower side of the lock at Framilode to be repaired.
The Catch Pool leading from Stonehouse Cross into the canal be cleared of the mud and enquire of the owner if he should want the soil so dredged.
A cargo of Aberthaw pebbles to be procured for lime.
Leaks in the bank between the canal and the old river at Ebley be repaired.
Ticket for angling for Mr Hopkins of Ebley for three years in recompense for the temporary damages sustained in his orchard.
Complaint made of Mr Halliday stopping the road leading to the swivel bridge on his land. As the Commissioners have fixed the road we are ready to make him satisfaction for it.
Thomas Apperley of Cainscross convicted of taking fish from the canal. Fined 20s. 10s 6d of the fine is to be paid to the informant.
George White’s bill of £26 11s for attending the House of Commons for the Thames & Severn Bill approved. Mr Morgan to be paid £20 for the same.
A foot bridge is be made over the lower gates at Nassfield Lock to prevent people being disappointed when the upper gates are shut.
In settling an account with Messrs Daniel and William Chance a piece of land measuring one rood and thirteen perches adjoining a piece of meadowland called ‘The Moon’ valued at £23 3s 9d was acquired by the Company.
Inspection on board the Company Barge.
Mr Jennings made application on behalf of John Mossley to stop proceeding against him for fishing in the canal. He will make such concessions as the committee think proper.
The leakage from the canal into Ryeford Mill is to be stopped.
John Mossley having agreed to pay half a guinea plus our costs the clerk is to write to our solictors to stop the proceedings.
Mr Organ attended the meeting on behalf of Richard Owen Cambridge and reported a leak from the canal at Whitminster which has damaged a meadow and Mr Cambridge expected the damage to be settled and likewise to have the rien ditch opened into the canal. The committee to decide what should be done.
