b 



VOL. xvii. (3) WATER SUPPLY OF GLOUCESTER 355 



From this and the earUer evidence cited, it is probable 

 that water had been obtained from Matson for the use of the 

 Abbey for many years, and an agreement, dated October 28, 

 1357, makes it clear there had been some dispute as to the 

 right of user, for the agreement was made between the Abbot 

 and the Guardian and Convent of the Friars Minor as to the 

 right to the water coming from 



" a spring at Breresclyft in the field of Mattcsdone . . . and as to 

 the right of the Friars to lead the said water by subterranean pipes to 

 their house at Gloucester." 



The agreement records that Edward the Black Prince, who 

 came to Gloucester to settle thi dispute, decided that the 

 wants of the Friars required a larger supply of water, and 

 obtained a grant from the Abbot and Convent to the 



" Friars for ever the right of leading the water through a leaden pipe into 

 a pool or reservoir of water running from the said spring newly construc- 

 ted below the said spring, near the pipe of the said Abbot and Convent, 

 lying in a line with their pipe, or two pipes equal in size to the pipe of 

 the Friars."' 



Under this agreement the Friars renounced all former rights, 

 wishing to enjoy their privilege from the new grant now 

 obtained. 



Though relating to what may be termed private supply, 

 these early records are of interest as showing that Matson 

 and the neighbouring Hill were the primary source for obtain- 

 ing water, and this agreement of 1357 is of further importance, 

 as the right therein granted to the Grey Friars was ultimately 

 to benefit the whole City. On August 10, 1438, an agreement 

 was entered into 



" Between Brother John Godewyn, Guardian of the Friars Minor of 

 Gloucester, and the Convent of the same place, on the one part, and 

 John Streynesham and Richard Dalby, Bailiffs of Gloucester, and the 

 Community of the same town, on the other part, whereby the Friars, 

 on account of their affection towards the Community of Gloucester . . . 

 grant to the said Bailiffs and Community three-quarters of their water 

 running in a leaden pipe in the ground from the hill called ' Mattesknoll ' 

 to the garden of the said Convent within the walls of the said town : to 

 have and to hold to the said Community from a certain place in the 

 garden aforesaid where the water is divided into four parts to the high 

 cross . . . and at other places where they will . . . by a leaden 

 pipe in the ground to be put in at the cost of the said Community ; 

 reserving to the said Guardian and Convent their fourth part of the 

 water aforesaid. "" 



I "Calendar," pp. 352-353- 2 "Calendar," pp. 391-392- 



