HISTORY OF DECOYS. 157 



Meare. Besides this, there were several lesser pools called Hachemere 

 and Bordenweare (in which was an Eelery), Lichelake, and Cockswere. 

 The latter was rented in 15 16 by John Gyblat, at twenty shillings a year. 

 There was also another pool called Jameswere rented at 13s. 4d. in the 

 time of Henry VII., but which was in the hands of the Abbot in the 

 time of Henry VIII. In these pools swans were kept, and they were 

 frequented by Herons, Geese, Ducks and other wildfowl."* 



In the survey of the temporalities of the Abbey of Glastonbury after 

 its dissolution (1553) the mere is noticed as follows : — 



' There ys apperteynyng vnto the sayde manor one fysshing called the 

 Mere, which ys in circuite fyve miles and one myle and a halfe brode." 



" Also there ys a gaine of Swannes apperteynyng vnto the same water 

 whiche were allwayes belonging vnto the sayde atteynted monasterye of 

 Glastonburye, and vewed upon the survey to nombre of xl couple. Also 

 there were vewed at this present survey certeyne heronsewes, which have 

 alwayes used to brede there to the numbre of iiij." 



Meare Decoy is now the property of Mr. Austin of The Abbey, 

 Glastonbury, who worked it for some years, but not successfully, owing 

 to its proximity to game coverts and the consequent disturbance from 

 shooting. It is now disused. 



At Co7npton Dundon, 5 miles S. of Glastonbury, is an old Decoy 

 pool which has been long disused, but can still be traced. It is situated 

 i^ miles north of Somerton, near the River Gary, and close to the 

 boundary of Somerton parish. It is on the estate of the Earl of Ilchester, 

 in whose possession the land has been for 200 years. 



The churchwarden of Somerton informs me that it must have 

 been at one time of considerable importance, as it appears from an old 

 deed in his possession, with a copy of which he has kindly favoured me, 

 that in 1 769 it was let to John Witch for seven years, at a yearly rental of 

 £2,0, with some strict covenants as to its being kept in repair, and the usual 

 number of Decoy ducks, about three score couple, were to be maintained. 

 It was also provided that the Earl of Ilchester, the owner, was to be " at 

 all times during the said term accommodated with such fowl as he shall 

 require for his own consumption at the price of one shilling a couple for 



* John Ue Glaston, Hist., ii. p. 316. 



