Transcript

of

Beating the Bounds of the Erme

In

First Report of the Committee on Peculiar Tenures of Land. Trans. Devon Assoc., 1880, Vol XII, pp. 155-157.

by

Edward Windeatt

Prepared by Michael Steer

Ermington was probably founded soon after 700. It appeared in the Domesday Book as a royal manor. Near the boundary of the parish there is a place, named Penquit, which has probably been continuously inhabited since Celtic times. Penquit was recorded in 1238 and is Celtic for "end of the wood". From the early 13th century a mansion at nearby Strashleigh was the seat of the Strashleigh family, until it died out in 1583. Nearby Strode was inhabited by the Strode family from 1238, probably earlier. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers. 

The following very interesting account of the revival of an old custom of a Devonshire manor court appeared in the Western Morning News of September 9th, 1878:

"On Friday, an ancient and somewhat interesting and exciting custom was observed ; viz., a perambulation of the bounds of the river Erme, from its head to the mouth, including what is known as Erme Plains, a piece of moorland belonging to the lord of the manor of Ermington.

"This is done for the purpose of asserting and maintaining the right of free fishery throughout the river, and of pasture on the moor.

"The first record of the perambulation is in the year 1603. It was customary for a very long period to make the perambulation every seven years, but the last time it was made was in July, 1859, rather more than nineteen years ago.

"The late owner (Mr. Splatt), during the thirteen years of his ownership, did not care to keep up the custom. In March of last year Mr. Mildmay came into possession of the property, and, judging from the cheerfulness depicted on the faces of all those who took part in it, the tenantry will hail with delight a return to the old custom. Fortunately the day was all that could be desired, and a very large number were seen in the morning, some walking, but nearly all riding, making their way towards the moor. The first thing was to get to the head of the river, about eleven miles above Ivybridge. There could not have been less than three hundred persons started, but few, comparatively, went to the extreme point. Arrived at this point, the net was cast into the river and drawn, and the following proclamation read:

"Manor of Ermington. - All persons whom it may concern take notice, that a perambulation of Erme Plains - on which the tenants of this manor have a right of common pasture - will this day be made, by order, and on behalf of the lord of the said manor, according to the bounds and limits following; viz., beginning at a small heap of stones near Left Lake Head, at the end of the ridge of stones which proceeds north-west from the middle borough of three boroughs, thence by several bound stones and a ridge of stones to outer Whitborough, passing a little to the south-west of the cross called Peter's Cross, and so on to Abbot's Way, otherwise Jobber's Path, and from thence to Red Lake Head, and by the same lake to the river Erme, thence by the said river to the foot of the Left Lake, and thence by the same lake to its head, and so back to the small heap of stones first above mentioned. Take notice further that, by the same authority, it is also intended to view the said river Erme from its head to the sea, and to fish therein and do other acts in order to assert and maintain the right of fishery, and other rights belonging to the said manor of Ermington. And be it known that the lord of this manor asserts as belonging to in respect thereof a right of free fishery in and throughout the said river, and that it is intended on this occasion to use a net and other means for taking fish therein for his use, in order to maintain such right. And that he also asserts the like right to all wreck and goods found, either jetsam, flotsam, or ligan, within the said river, and from the mouth thereof seawards as far as an umber or tar barrel can be seen.'

"This proclamation was read at several points on the river; the last at Mothecombe, where it empties itself into the sea. After the net had been drawn several times, and the party had lunched on the moor, they proceeded to Ivybridge, where their arrival was looked forward to with great interest. Just after three o'clock the net was drawn directly under the 'Ivy' bridge, and the right of landing the fish on the west side of the river was, in a good-humoured way, denied by a representative of Lord Blachford. Here the inhabitants were treated with a little fun (except for those who were the victims, although they seemed to enjoy it) in the shape of pulling two or three into the river, and giving them a thorough bath. This was repeated about fifty or sixty yards down the river, to the great amusement of the onlookers.

"The party then proceeded to Keaton, where Mr. W. Pearce denied them the right of passing through his ground by locking the gates, thus compelling them to force an entrance in order to get to the river. Seven individuals, however, climbed the gate, Mr. Pearce protesting, and the net was again drawn. Thence the party, consisting principally of Mr. Mildmay's tenants, rode and drove direct to Mothecombe, through the magnificent grounds of the Flete Estate. Here the Modbury band joined the procession, and on arriving at Mothecombe beach were very cordially received by Mr. and Mrs. Mildmay.

"A very picturesque scene here presented itself. Flags were flying, the band played some good selections of music, hundreds were on horseback, and a large number of the inhabitants had collected to witness the proceedings. A net was cast, fish caught, two or three persons enjoyed themselves by giving each other a bath, this time a salt-water one, and after three cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Mildmay and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Bulteel, they dispersed."         Edward Windeatt.