| Description | Lease 16 Jun 1644 1. Sir Thomas Cotton, Conington, Hunts, Bart. 2. Wm. Manistye, Whitlesey, Cambs. Recites 1. by persuasion of 2. having already disbursed £200 in hassocking, ditching, and draining a certain fen ground in Conington called Manistye's Fen and has agreed with 2. to allow one year's rent due at Michaelmas 1644, being £50 and the Ladyday and Michaelmas rents following being £40 towards the building of houses, barns, stables, engines, and other necessary works, and 2. has agreed to lease the said grounds for the next 7 years. Now 1. to 2. for rent and buildings to be erected by 2. Manistye's Fen as now divided into several closes (200 acres). Except the fishing and willows reserved to 1. For 7 years from Michaelmas 1643, at £40 p.a. from Michaelmas 1645. 2. to remove that part of the house lately built by 1's apptment. and to cause the same to be set in the close next Parton's grave on the demised premises and shall cause the same to be finished and to erect therein 2 stacks of chimneys, the one stack of 3 chimneys and the other of 2, at his own cost before Midsummer 1645, being allowed bricks for the same by 1. 2. to procure an engine for keeping the grounds dry, to be built in the grounds by next Christmas and to be left there at the end of demise. 2. to build there a barn of 3 bays length and 20 ft. in breadth and a stable of 24 ft. length and 16 ft. breadth before Michaelmas 1645. 2. to maintain house and buildings; to do ditching. 2. not to bring in any tenant without the consent of 1. 1. to renew the lease for a further 7 years if 2. desires and has kept the covenants. 2. to hold free of tythes, poor-rate, weekly money to prisons, repairs of the church, the King's Carryage, purveyance and provision money. Enclosed: Quitclaim 29 Apr. 1657 1. Robert Manestye, Whitlesey, Isle of Ely, Cambs, gent, administrator to the will of Judeth Manestye my mother and Elizabeth Manestye, same town and co., widow. 2. Sir Thomas Cotton, Connington, Hunts., bart. 1. to 2. For ending the differences between 1. and 2. and for money from 2. to 1. All interests and claims in one fen containing 210 acres, called Manistyes Fen in Conington, Hunts., now in possession of 2. 2. to enjoy premises against 1. and against William Manesty decd., late bro. and husband of 1. or their heirs. |