1626 Agreement between Charles I and Cornelius Vermuyden to Drain the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase
The full agreement may be read here
After the James I, commission of 1622, Vermuyden obviously investigated the feasibility of draining the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase and declared himself prepared to undertake the drainage. However, in 1625, James I died and Charles I succeeded to the throne.
On 24th May 1626, the second year of Charles’ reign, an agreement was made between Charles I and Cornelius Vermuyden to drain the Isle of Axholme and Hatfield Chase.
Key Terms:
Vermuyden’s Obligations:
- Drain the flooded lands around Hatfield Chase and the Isle of Axholme to make them suitable for farming
- Begin work within three months of the King settling disputes with other claimants
- Complete the work as quickly as the weather permits
- Maintain the drained land permanently
The King’s Compensation:
- Vermuyden receives one-third of all reclaimed land (equal in value to the other two parts)
- Vermuyden also to receive the Manor of East Greenwich
- The land to be held in free socage from the King
- Up to 3,000 acres may be excluded as water receptacles for flood management
Additional Provisions:
- Vermuyden has full rights to cut drainage channels, build banks, sluices, and highways as needed
- Free access to materials and existing waterworks on the land
- Compensation paid to landowners whose property is used during construction
- Materials imported from abroad are exempt from customs duties
- A corporation will be established to maintain the drainage works after completion
- Within three years of completion, commissioners will assess annual maintenance costs, and Vermuyden must convey sufficient land to fund perpetual upkeep
The agreement essentially privatises land reclamation, with Vermuyden funding the massive engineering project in exchange for a substantial land grant.
