Lot 553
Telford, Thomas. Three manuscript documents concerning a dispute over water levels at Woodchester Mills, Gloucester, comprising a map titled 'Plan of Grigshott and Premises belonging situated in the Parishes of Rodborough and Woodchester in the County of Glocester the property of Sir S. Wathen, Knt.', folded, torn along central fold, a copy of the nisi prius, dated March 31st 1824, between Wathen and Haigh, 4pp. folded, and the award, dated 24th September, signed by Thomas Telford, 3pp., folded, torn (3)
Disputes over water levels between mills were not infrequent. Gloucester Assizes found in favour of Joseph Wathen and Obediah Paul Wathen of Woodchester Mills and against Joseph Haigh of Rooksmoor Mills, awarding £500 damages and 40 shillings costs, but subject to the arbitration of William Montague (a local iron founder) and Thomas Telford. Montague and Telford confirmed the judgement in favour of the plaintiffs, but reduced the damages from £500 to £5. Furthermore, they directed that Haigh should construct a substantial weir at the 'north east angle of the Mill Pond' and a clear passage of water through or under the mill.
