MOTCOMB, (Dorset) in the liberty of Gillingham, where are some wells in a manor bel. to the late Edward Nicholas, Esq; from which Shaftsbury used formerly to be supplied with water on the backs of horses, &c. for which, as an acknowledgment, the mayor and burgesses used, on the M. before Holy-Th. to dress up a prize-besom, as they call it, not unlike a May garland, with peacocks feathers, and plate borrowed of the neighbouring gentry, and carry it to a green in this p. half a m. below the hill, and present it to the Ld. of the manor, together with a raw calf's head and a pair of gloves, which was received by the steward, distributing at the same time 12 penny loaves among the people, and 3 dozen of beer. After the ceremony was over, the prize besum was restored to the mayor, and carried back to the T. by one of the officers, with great solemnity.