Navigation and the seventeenth-century draining of the Fens

Draining the Fens in the seventeenth century led to serious conflicts with navigation, conflicts which have not been properly understood in some important literature. Contrary to common belief, Vermuyden's scheme did incorporate navigation locks at Denver and elsewhere. Trade at King's Lynn and over the inland waterways did expand during the second half of the century. These facts lead to a re-assessment of the drainage/navigation interests, focussing on specific issues such as the funding arrangements for drainage and the damage to embankments by horses hauling vessels. Hence arise further questions about the understanding and motives underlying the public positions adopted by stakeholders.