Volume Eight - Pre-Victorian to the present day - more aspects - To dredge the River Ely - 1860's

The Original Specification and Tender Document

1. The object of the work to be performed under this Specification is to divert the River Ely from its present Channel. at low water, to the Eastward thereof.

2. The situation and extent of the Excavation are shown on the accompanying Plan and Sheet of Sections, (which unfortunately do not appear to have survived) marked respectively No. 1 and No. 2, and the Contractor is to find all labour, Tools, implements, machinery, and all other matters necessary for the full and satisfactory completion of the same - and for the diversion of the River as aforesaid -

3. The quantity of the Excavation, as calculated from the Plan and Sections, is 21,680 Cube Yards, but the Company does not guarantee the correctness of that quantity -

4. The material to be excavated may be taken out by Horse Runs or otherwise, at the option of the Contractor, and deposited on the inside of the Breakwater, in such situation, and in such manner, between the points marked A. B. on the Plan as the Company's Engineers shall direct -