BorBE7/1/54

Counterpart lease for 11 years: (1) Corporation of the Town of Bedford (2) Thomas Walker of Bedford, brewer. Lease by (1) to (2) for 11 years from Michaelmas next of all that piece of ground or purpresture near adjoining the place where the May Pole stood on the north side of the Great Bridge in the parish of St Paul, Bedford: South - the bridge wall; North - the High Street; East - house late of Mr Henry Morton's, in occupation of Mr Francis Mason being the sign of the White Swan; West - the Common Highway. With free liberty for (2) to hold, enjoy and continue a pump thereupon now erected and set up or any other pump or pumps set up there during term of lease. Reserving to (1) the use of such pumps for the pumping of water in cases of fires, flood or other extraordinary accidents. Annual rent: 6s. 8d. Witnesses: Mary Meakin. Seal: one paper applied. Signature: Thomas Walker

27 September 1760

From: 1760 To: 1760

Containing in length from South to North eight and a half feet, and in breadth from East to West eleven feet. Late in occupation of Clement Halsey, brewer. Further payment of ha[?]s. monthly in the name of a pain in case (2) shall make use of any wheels to his water carriages besides lug wheels. (2) to maintain and repair the bridge wall adjoining the said pump, and the drain, as it is now returned to the river through the said wall, to be kept clean.

item

Walker, Thomas,
Morton, Henry,
Mason, Francis,
Meakin, Mary

brewer, May Day, Bedford Bridge, Bedford High Street, Bedford Swan Hotel, pumps