SIR FRANCIS DRAKE AND THE PLYMOUTH CORPORATION. 539 
of the development of the "Drake myth," the following emphatic 
statement : 
" Every inhabitant we presume of that flourishing borough 
[Plymouth] is fully sensible that to him [Sir Francis Drake] they 
are solely indebted for that stream of excellent water with which 
the town is supplied. This never failing stream was conducted by 
him tniough almost insuperable obstacles ; and after a progress of 
30 miles was discharged in a reservoir or conduit in Old Town 
Plymouth, and which venerable building is yet to be seen." * 
There is not a single accurate assertion in this quotation, honestly 
intended as it was for matter of sober fact. Even the most per- 
sistent adherent of the Drake claims will not now give Sir Francis 
the sole credit of the leat ; will not believe that he overcame 
" almost insuperable obstacles ;" will not insist against the evidence 
of his own senses that the length of the leat is 30 miles ; and will 
decline to accept the idea that Drake conducted the water into a 
reservoir erected nearly eighty years after his death. Nevertheless 
this is a fair sample of what until recently has passed for veracious 
history. 
It will be convenient for reference if I give a brief chronological 
table of the leading incidents in the leat history : • 
1559-60. First survey for water supply, by Forsland. 
1576-77. Survey of the "Kiver" made by "certayne men." 
1583- 84. Drake becomes tenant of Surpool mills; rent £40. 
1584- 85. Proposed line of Leat viewed by Justices. 
1585. Water Act passed; cost to Corporation, .£39 17s. 2d. 
1589-90. Ground surveyed and Leat planned by Robert Lampen. 
1590. Drake contracts with the Corporation to bring in the 
"River of Mewe" for £200, and £100 to compensate 
the landowners. 
Sir E. Anderson and Baron Stroud, judges of assize, 
visit Plymouth to assess the compensation. Assessment 
adjourned. 
1591. Drake's contract completed ; water brought in April 24th; 
rejoicings ; workmen and others rewarded by the Cor- 
poration. Corporate expenditure on Leat, beyond the 
£300 paid to Drake, £148 14s. 4d. 
Six mills erected by Drake ; four finished by Michaelmas. 
1591-92. Drake's rent at Surpool mills reduced to £30. 
1502. Judges confirm award of compensation assessed by 
Harris, Wise, Crymes, Coplestone, and Strode. Amount, 
£60 4s. 4d. 
* C. S. Gilbert, Hist. Corn, vol. ii. pp. 521-2. 
