MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.




WATER AT SHAFTESBURY.


Motcomb, half a mile north from Shaftesbury, is noted for containing the
wells from which the inhabitants of Shaftesbury are supplied with water.
Great numbers of the inhabitants get their living by carrying water, for
which they have three halfpence or twopence the horse load. On this account
there is a particular custom yearly observed, according to ancient
agreement, dated 1662, between the Lord of the Manor of Gillingham, and the
Mayor and Burgesses of Shaftesbury. The Mayor is obliged, the Monday before
Holy Thursday, to dress up a prize bezon, or bizant, somewhat like a May
garland in form, with gold and peacocks' feathers, and carry to Enmori
Green, half a mile below the town in Motcomb, as an acknowledgment for the
water, together with a raw calf's head, a pair of gloves, a gallon of beer
or ale, and two penny loaves of white wheaten bread, which the steward
receives and carries away for his own use. The ceremony being over, the
bizant is restored to the Mayor, and brought back by one of his officers
with great solemnity. This bizant is generally so richly adorned with plate
and jewels, borrowed from the neighbouring gentry, as to be worth not less
than £1,500.

C. D.

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