The survey of Somersham carried out for John of Fountains in 1221 tells us a lot about the working of a medieaval manor. However at the end of the survey are some interesting notes that record the livings made by those who worked on the edge of the manor. These are not peasants tilling the fields they are artisans in part and scavengers as well. Yet all have a place in the manorial society.
Next to Earith there are boats that go through the marshes of the Lord all the way as far as Welles (Wells next the Sea in Norfolk)with rushes and grasses. And it is known that the boats carry the millars rushes and he gives two shillings each year for a certain number of boats and if he needs to carry less he gives twenty pence and if much more eighty pence.
In this manor there are carts that go about the marshes of Somersham and Pidley and it is known that husbandmen (Farmers) who have carts give sixty pence per year and for a half year eight pence. And for those cottagers who have carts, they give for a year two shillings and for a half year twenty pence.
Next to Pidley there are Potters, at some times more, at some times less, who give two shillings for a certain amount to have land on which they make jars by ancient custom.
There are collectors of willow (they would coppice the willow trees to ensure a regular supply) who give an amount of six pence to be allowed to go about the woods of the abbot, sometimes there are more, sometimes less.
Besides there are those going into the woods of the abbot with carts and they give each year two shillings, sometimes more and sometimes less.
Besides the above mentioned customs, the bishop finds land to give each year for a man to breed pigs and a man to collect pigs on one day, and anyone gives for pannage two pence per pig per annum.
In the manor there are charcoal burners who give five shillings each, sometimes more sometimes less. (for a license to burn charcoal in the woods)