HISTORY OF DECOYS. | |
| Besides this, there were several lesser pools called Hachemere and Bordenweare (in which was an Eelery), Lichelake, and Cockswere. The latter was rented in 1516 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 Compton Dundon, 5 miles S. of Glastonbury, is an old Decoy pool which has been long disused, but can still be traced. It is situated 1½ miles north of Somerton, near the River Cary, 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 1769 it was let to John Witch for seven years, at a yearly rental of £ 30, 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 small (Teal and Wigeon), and one shilling and fourpence a couple for large fowl (Wild-Duck), or the usual price paid, whenever the same shall be sent for." | |
* John De Glaston, Hist., ii. P. 316 | |
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