436 MR. T. SOUTHWRLL ON SOME ANCIENT CUSTOMS WITH 
for the regulation of the fresh-water fisheries, show the importance 
which was attached to the subject in those early times ; and as 
might be expected in a county so abundantly supplied with inland 
waters, and so thickly studded with religious houses, the inmates of 
which looked to their stew-ponds as the main source of food supply 
at certain seasons, the gifts of Providence thus lavishly bestowed 
upon them were highly valued, and carefully guarded. Many were 
the disputes arising out of infringements of rights of fishery, some 
of which assumed a rather lawless character, — as for instance, 
when in 1413 Clement Paston trespassed on the ponds belonging 
to the Abbot of St. Bennets, and took from thence two hundred 
roach, two hundred perch, and three hundred eels, which were 
together valued at the high price of one hundred shillings, 
and other similar instances might be quoted. Perhaps mere 
secular fish would not have been quite so costly as the 
Lord Abbot’s; but wo shall have to refer to the high-handed 
actions of the powerful family of the Pastons on another occasion. 
Commencing with the City of Norwich, whose jurisdiction on 
the river Yare is of very ancient date, we find, by a charter dated 
4th of Edward IV. (1461), that the corporation possesses 
extensive powers which are jealously guarded even to the present 
day. “ We have granted,” says the charter, “ to the same citizens, 
and their successors for us and our heirs, that the same mayor and 
sheriffs at all future times for ever, have search in the river of 
Wensum [now called the Yare below Trowse Eye] by all the 
length of the same river, that is to say, from a certain place on 
the north part of the City of Norwich, called the Sheep Wash, 
unto the cross called Hardele Cross, near Bredyng, to survey, and 
search all the nets, wears, and other engines for taking fish being 
found in the same water, and to take, carry away, retain, and at 
their pleasure burn all and singular the things, which, as well by 
examination as by inquisition shall happen to be found, placed, or 
erected there against the form of any statutes passed, or to be 
passed, or to the destruction of young fish called Ery, in punish- 
ment of those who shall have so placed, erected, or henceforth 
presume to place or erect such nets, wears, or engines there, and to 
sentence, and amerce, or put to fine, all and singular, those so 
placing the same nets, wears, or engines there, according to the 
laws, ordinances, and ^customs of the city aforesaid, passed and to 
