Grant of a watercourse and covenant…

(1 deed). In Latin. Repaired, with some loss of text. Endors: c 1590: an indenture for the maintenance of a water-course to the water mill of Bodiam and discharging the abbot for scouring the ditch etc. Description: John [Crane], abbot of Battle with Edward Dalngeregge knight and wife Elizabeth The abbot and convent grant the watercourse and ditch to ED with power to enter [their lands] to repair whenever necessary ED grants that although by ancient custom the abbot and convent are bound to maintain the ditches against the demesne lands of Bodiam manor, they shall be exempt as far as concerns the ditches in which the leat runs The abbot and convent grant in return that whenever the bay or walls (wallas) require repair, ED may place timber, earth and other necessaries on the wall which he constructed on the lands of the abbot and convent and not elsewhere. ED covenants to maintain a drainage system (corrivale: see OED 'corrivate') called Wallgripp which he has built on the lands of the abbot and convent for the better draining of the lands adjoining the wall carry along the walls and cut and dig in them to make repairs, reserving to themselves the way which they have by the gift of William de Bodyham deceased which extends from Salehurst by hedges to their land [recte from the common way between Salehurst and Bodiam over William's land through the gate of William Borde his man called Bordesgate to their meadows - see Battle cartulary HEH BA Vol 29 f.109, ESRO (XA3/19)], so that there should be a bridge at the expense of the abbot and convent at the place where they are accustomed to have entry and exit, and that the bridge should be moved away after any work has been done so that it should cause no injury to ED in the watercourse or wall If any damage occurs to the meadows by defect of maintenance of the ditches, walls or drainage system, the damages are to be assessed by four men of law and paid to the abbot and convent within fifteen days with provision for double damages if no payment made within six months and triple damages thereafter. ED and wife bound in £10 Given at Battle