STOUR RIVER.
4 Anne, Cap. 15, Royal Assent 16th February, 1705.
21 George III. Cap. 75, Royal Assent 19th June, 1781.
THIS river rises on the borders of the three counties of Cambridge, Suffolk and Essex, and running in an easterly direction, passes Haverhill, Clare and Sudbury, at which place it becomes navigable; and from thence in a south-easterly direction to Bures; and thence easterly by Neyland, Higham, Laugham and Dedham to Manningtree.
An act of parliament respecting this river was passed in 1705, entitled, 'An Act for making the River Stower navigable from the town of Manningtree, in the county of Essex, to the town of Sudbury, in the county of Suffolk.' In 1781 another act was passed, entitled, 'An Act for appointing New Commissioners, for continuing to carry into Execution. the Trusts and Powers of an Act passed in the Fourth and Fifth of Queen Anne, entitled, An Act for making the River Stower navigable from the town of Manningtree, in the county of Essex, to the town of Sudbury, in the county of Suffolk, in the Room and Place of those named in the said Act, who are since dead; and for explaining and amending the said Act, and for other Purposes therein mentioned.' By this act a considerable number of new commissioners are appointed, any five of whom may carry this and the preceding act into effect.
The said commissioners have power to set out horse towing-paths alongside the said river, upon the proprietors of the navigation paying annual rents to the occupiers or owners of the adjoining lands. The land-owners or tenants are restrained by this act from seizing or taking away any horses on account of damages sustained; but may have their remedy at law. Mill-owners improperly reducing the head of water, are subject to a penalty of £20, and are liable to make good all damages which may arise from their improperly penning the waters, so as to overflow the banks of the river. In this act is a peculiar clause to prevent embezzlement or pilfering any parts of the cargo on board a vessel;
