A Politic Platt for the honour of the Prince, the great profit of the public state, relief of the poor, preservation of the rich, reformation of Rogues and Idle persons, and the wealth of thousands that knows not how to live. Written for an New Year's gift to England, and the inhabitants thereof: by Robert Hitchcok late of Caverffeelde in the County of Buckyngham Gentleman. Imprinted at London, by John Kyngston. 1. januarie. 1580. THE EPISTLE TO ENGLAND. FOR me O noble and renowned England to write to thee, that hath bred and brought for the so many famous, honourable, wise, and learned men, who be not only most expert, in all politic government, but also most happily furnished each way, with all manner of knowledge, cunning and wisdom, thoroughly seen in all the noble sciences & arts liberal. Both thou and they may think (and think it truly) over much boldness, and mere arrogancy in me, that neither am furnished of good letters, knowledge, histories, or other mean, to make a plausable way of that, or for that I wish should have good success at thy hands, or good opinion at theirs. Much more I am afraid lest thou hold it outrage and presumption, for me to dedicate unto thee, and trouble thee, with the patronage & defence of this my device: a frutlesse thing as some may dame it, before it be thoroughly considered of them. But sithence I am void of presumption, all manner of ways (God be my record) & am one of thine own brood fostered up with the fat of thy loins, and take not upon me to discourse of vanities, but of the setting out of part of thy floving goodness, that hath so embalmed this thy Region with secret richesses, though a world of eyes be poring in my face, I trust in thine own cause, and for thine own sake, and goodness of the matter itself, and for such reasons and arguments, as I have set down, to find a great number of willing hearts, and well disposed minds (that with open mouth will confess the invention sound and good, and the mean to bring it to pass both easy and profitable) to further their native soil, and the benefit thereof, with this my simple action I take in hand, in displeiing part of thy richesses. And therefore the grave and wise men of this land, of their good grace and favour, I trust undoubtedly will accept and take in good part, this my good will and long travel, and shroud & defend me and my Book, under the wings of their wisdom, as under a sure Anchor hold, against the rash opinions of those, that rather wilfully then wisely, will imagine no politic provision can come, from the Sconce of a Soldier, that hath trailed the Pike. But as God raiseth instruments to set out his glory diverse ways, and by diverse degrees. So let it not be grievous to thee O England, nor to the better sort of men, that one of thine own (though not so finely as others) do set abroad part of thy richesses, wealth, and glory to enrich thy own peculiar people with all, and hath opened the golden stream, of thy secret store house, to the Inhabitants of the same. But likewise open thou, by thy Divine providence the hearts of the wise, grave, and rich of this land that they will affect it, embrace it, put their helping hands to it, and willingly further it, by all possible means they can, for the common profit of the inhabitants. In as much as by God's means, so great a benefit, is offered with small care, little toil, and no cost, to make all this land blessed, the people thereof happy, strong, and invincible. If I should particularly discourse the several commodities that flow from it, in particularity, and the number of all sorts of people, within this land, that shall be maintained thereby, I should but weary you with a long tale, and keep you from the matter, I desire you should know. Therefore commending the goodness thereof to your wisdom, and me to your favourable exposition I end. Yours humbly in all that I may at commandment during life, for the honour of prince and country. Robert Hichcocke. ¶ Frances Hitchcocke to the Readers of this his brother's book. AS they of all most praise deserve, That first with pen did show: To us the sacred word of God, Whereby his will we know. So many thanks are dew to those, That beats their restless brain: To profit all both old and young, That in this land remain. Amongst the rest that well deserve, Account the Author one: Who by his toil hath here offered, To all excepting none. A banquet great that savoureth sweet, To such as hungry be: Withouten cost, for aye to last, To people of each degree. Shake now the Tree and taste the fruit, Of this his New Year's gift: Till purse be full and strings do brake, With gold and groats of thrift. Prepare thee then a grateful heart, And sound the trump of fame: In recompense of his good will, That Hitchcocke hath to name. Thus loath to keep thee fro thy meat, Wherewith I wish thee fed: I stay my pen and so far well, The Table now is spread. Vale. To the friendly Reader. FOR asmuch as the Almighty God hath blessed and enriched this noble kingdom, with the sweet dew of his heavily goodness, and stored therein many rich hidden and pleasant treasures for our benefits, to reveal unto us when his good pleasure is. I think therefore, every man is rather borne to profit his native soil and common weal, in revealing the same secrets, and hidden treasure to his country, (if they be showed him) then to seek after his own private gain, and glory thereby. So I have taken upon me good gentle Reader, to unfold some of the same hidden treasures to my Country, which I suppose is manifested unto me: Albeit there be a great number, that can more sweetly and with pleasanter words and sugared style (than I) set out the matter to thee (if they knew it) in far better Method and order. Yet the zeal and duty I bear to my country, being partly fed with hope of thy good paciece (gentle reader) & partly emboldened with the fore warning that Eccle. ca II. giveth, which is, That no man shallbe condemned before his tale be told, and inquitision thereof made: whereby righteous judgement may thereof follow, Lest he (as Solomon saith) Procure to himself folly and shame, in giving sentence of a matter before he hear it. These things I say haus moved me, to put forth my simple mind in writing to my Country, and praying thee of thy good courtesy to peruse it, and thoroughly way the depths thereof, in the balance of thy grave judgement. And if thou find the pith and carnel of my labour, fruitful to thee and thy Country (as I doubt nothing thereof but thou shalt) then may it be, that it hath pleased God to power out his knowledge as well upon a Soldier, as upon a great Clerk, for now and then wisdom may be shrouded under an unclean Cloak. And I doubt not also, but the same reasons and duty that bound me this many years, to travel in this action, to my great cost and charge, to find out the way and perfection thereof, shall also bind thee, and move thee effectually, to favour it, to further it in the Parliament house, and to defend my imperfection, against a sort of Momus foot, and Zoilus band, that can rather find fault with the man, then with the matter, be it never so well, or any way put to their helping hands to amend the same (if it be not orderly.) My care hath been to please my Country▪ and the honest and grave sort thereof: which if this my travel shall do & content, I have cause to thank almighty God for it, and think my time well spent For in this little book (gentle Reader) thou shalt find (if the same be executed according to law) it importeth much matter, bringeth great plenty and much wealth, and benefit, to all the inhabitants of this Realm. It provideth for the poor, in honest and decent manner, bringing them to a good and a Godly vocation of life: with many other special benefits, to this Kingdom and common wealth, which for tediousness sake, lest I weary thee, I refer thee to the book itself, where thou mayest at large see them, with thy eye, judge them by thy good discretion, wisdom, and favour, and further them by thy good help and assistance at convenient tyme. So far thee heartily well. Robert Hitchcocke. Hitchcockes' New Year's gift to England. THE GREAT CARE that the Queen's Maestie, and her noble progenitors have taken, to banish and root out of their Dominions, that loathsome monster Idleness (the mother and breeder of Uacaboundes) is most apparent by their wholesome laws and provisions, made from time to time: Beginning at the worthy reign of King Edward the third, King Richard the second, and so descending to her majesties most prudent and virtuous government, wherein aswell public provisions hath been to help the commonweal, as some sharp and severe punishment provided, if common policy would not serve. Yet nevertheless all these Laws so circumspectly made, could not, nor cannot banish that pestilent Canker out of this commonweal, by any degree, but that the same increaseth daily more & more, to the great hurt and impoverishing of this Realm. For remedy whereof, almighty GOD by the most commodious situation of this Island (and his blessings both of the Land thereof, and of the Sea, wherewith it is environed) hath provided a most convenient mean, both for labour for the Idle: and for food, benefit, and riches for the Inhabitants. Whereby: the lusty Uacabounds and Idle persons, (the roots, buds, and seeds of idleness) shall at all hands and in all places be set on work, and labour willingly, and thereby prove good subjects, and profitable members of this Commonweal. This realm and the inhabitants Read the preamble of the statute Henry 8. Anno 33. cap 2. bordering aswell upon the sea, as upon the land throughout the same, in short time to be marvelously enriched. Nine thousand Mariners more than now presently there is, to serve her majesties ships at all times if need be. The Coins of gold and silver, that issues plentifully out of this Realm, to stay and abide within this land. For restraint whereof both her highness, and her noble progenitors, have made diverse laws & statutes, but yet never could do the same. A ready mean to cause foreign wares to be brought hither. Her majesties Customs and Subsidies greatly augmented: Her Navigation greatly increased. The Towns bordering upon the Sea coasts now in ruin, and void of English inhabitants, to be peopled and inhabited by her majesties own peculer Subjects: to the great strength of this Realm, and terror of the enemy. Besides the help that shallbe ministered to two hundredth twenty and five decayed towns in England and Wales: with a stock of two hundeth pound to every decayed town, to set the poor on work. And to eight principal Port towns with in this land, appointed for sundry causes appertaining to this plot eight thousand pound, which is to every principal port Town one thousand pound, to be a stock for ever. Besides four hundredth Fishing Ships to continue for ever. And two good Ships of war, furnished warlike, to defend the Fishing Ships. All which things (God willing) may be performed within three years, without cost or charges to any man, as by this plat shall appear. And also an infinite number of people, as well rich as poor set to work, by diverse means and degrees, which things will relieve many a poor man: and save many a tall fellow from the Gallows. For performance whereof, first there must be made four hundredth fishing Ships: after the manner of flemish Busses, of the burden of three score and ten Tun the Ship, or more: but none under, which will cost two hundredth pound the Ship, with the furniture: if it be ready furnished to the Sea, in all things necessary. Every Ship requireth one skilful Master to govern it, twelve Mariners or fishermen, and xii. of the strong lusty Beggars, or poor men: taken up through this Land. Which in the whole amounteth to the number of ten thousand persons, at the first manning of the Ships. So that with a little experience, this Realm hath clearly increased nine thousand Mariners, more than was in this Land before. These Ships so made, furnished and manned, must be appointed to such Roads and Haven towns, as border upon the Sea coasts: compassing this Realm round about: Beginning an London, and so orderly proceeding, according to the Table hereunto annexed. And being thus placed (having with them to the Seas, for their victuals, sufficient Bread, Bear, Butter, and Cheese, with Barrels empty, Cask, and Salt, with order also not to return until they be fully laden) shall go yearly a fishing: and kill herrings upon the coasts of England and Ireland, presently and always as they kill them, to gill them, salt, pickle, and barrill them after the flemish manner, with salt upon salt, which is the best kind of Salt. And shall fish for herrings yearly, during the time of Hearing Fishing: which is fourteen or fifteen weeks. In which time (by God's grace) every Ship will kill (at the least) fifty last of the best sort of herrings, amounting in the whole to twenty thousand last. Every last being sold, but for ten pound, (which is xvi. s. viii. d. the Barrel:) draweth to two hundredth thousand pounds yearly for the best herrings only. Perhaps they may load their Ships yearly twice with herrings: and then the some is doubled, in that time of Herring Fishing. And to the end the herrings shall be wholesome for the subject, Stranger, or for whom so ever shall buy them, and that the good usage thereof may get credit, where they shall happen to be uttered. They shall account in making of their herrings upon the Sea, so as sixteen Barrels made there, make but twelve Barrels (at their home coming, to their several Ports) when they shallbe new sorted, severed, couched, and truly and justly packed, by such honest and substantial men, as shallbe sworn, and purposely chosen for that intent, and they to have two pence of every Barrel, according to the Statute for that purpose provided. dividing the full herrings in to two several sorts, marking the beggest and best herrings with this several mark B. The second, with the second mark, M. Also the shotten herrings with this proper mark S. to the end no man may be abused. Every Barrel containing two and thirty Gallons, according to the statute made Anno 22. Edward 4. Chapter 2. which twelve Barrels makes a last. Out of which said number of twenty thousand last of herrings: nine or ten thousand last, will be a sufficient rate or portion to satisfy this whole Realm. The residue being ten or eleven thousand last, drawing to one hundred thousand pound: being ordered as a foresaid, will be of as great estimation in France, as the flemish herrings be. And will be sold and uttered in diverse parts of that Region: As in Normandy, in Nantes, in Bordeaux, and in Rochel. And the further South, that the Countries do lie: the better utterance for Fish. For these herrings: return will be made, of all such necessaries, as we want in this Realm, viz: Wine and Woades (for which is always paid ready gold) Salt, Canvas, Uitere, Doulas, and divers other things. The Custom also for the Queen's Majesty, being paid upon every last of that shall be transported, and sold beyond the Sea: cometh to five thousand pound, after the rate of Pondage, for this number of herrings only. The other part of this great blessing of God, may aptly be taken and applied, viz: These four hundredth Busses or fishing Ships, may take cod and Lyng, and newland Fish. The advantage and profit whereof, this Realm and Subjects of late years, for the most part have lost: and suffered strangers, the flemings and other Nations to take, who seeing our careless dealing, have not only taken this beneficial Fishing from us: but very warily doth sell the same commodity unto us. And thereby carrieth out of this land both Gold and Silver, and a marvelous quantity of double double Beer, and other things: satisfying us, with these Fishes: which through our own sloth we lose, which being taken by ourselves (as a special blessing of God appointed unto us) and so sold to them and others it must needs follow, that we should save a great mass of gold, within this land. And for that fish they now utter unto us: we should receive of them the commodities of the Low Countries. viz: holland cloth, Rape oil, Hops, Madder, all sorts of wire, and diverse other Merchandise: Or else their ready Gold and Money, whereby: this realm and subjects should be mightily enriched. This great benefit, is no less to be valued, for the profit of this Realm and subjects: then the benefit of the herrings. For every Ship, being but of the burden of lxx. tun, if God bless it with safe return, from Newfoundland, will bring home to his Port (in August,) twenty thousand of the best and middle sort of wet fish (at the least) called blanckfishe, and ten thousand dry fish, which being sold upon the Ships return, as it may be at Newhaven in France but for forty shillings the hundredth of wet fish, which is not four pence the fish. And xxshillynges the hundredth of dry fish, which is not two pence the fish, amounteth to five hundredth pound at the least. Likewise any other of the ships, but of the like burden, going a fishing to the ward house, to Island, to the North seas of England and scotland, or to Ireland, cometh home (at the same time) laden with fifteen thousand Cod, and ten thousand Lyng, which being sold but for forty shillings the hundredth one with an other, amounteth to five C. pound. And besides that every ship will bring home to his Port four or five tun of oil, made of fish livers, worth to be sold for xii. pound the tun. The way how this plot shallbe brought to pass and performed, without cost or charges to any man: is by borrowing of four score thousand pound for three years, which forty men in a Shire will, and may easily accomplish, if every man lend but fifty pound, upon good assurance, after the rate of ten pound yearly upon every hundredth pound lent, which sums shall be repaid again within three years at two payments. In what sort this money shallbe levied is set down in the first table following. The second table doth declare, to whom and to what principal port towns the money shall be delivered, how it shall be used, who shall give assurance for the same, and therewith provide the foresaid ships. The third table doth show, to what haven towns these fishing Ships shallbe placed, and how the money shallbe levied, to make payment of the money borrowed, and to answer all charges. And in the fourth table is set down, how many decayed towns in every Shire, shall have a continual stock of two hundredth pound a piece, to set the poor on work for ever. Also how every man shall be pleased, and liberally considered, that shall be appointed to the execution of this plot. And how the payments of the money borrowed, with the interest money for the time of forberance, shallbe made and paid at two payments. ORDERS. IN primis, every one of these eight principal Port towns: London, Yarmouth, Hull, New castle, Chester, Bristol, Exeter, and Southampton, must have two honest and substantial men of credit, to be chief and principal officers of every these said Ports: who shall as Treasurers and purveyors, jointly deal togethers, in all causes to this plot appertaining. First in receiving all sums of money, that be appointed to every the said Ports: laying it up safely with their towns treasure. And there with to provide fifty Fishing ships, with all things needful for them, ready to the Seas: with such careful consideration, as the money were their own. And that every ship be both strong and good, and not under the burden of three score and ten tun. And then for to appoint them to the Roads and Haven towns, in the third Table of this plot specified: that is to say, five ships to every Fishing town. Taking order also that every of these ships, may have one skilful master to govern it, twelve Mariners, coast men or Fishermen, and twelve poor men taken up, to serve in every of them. And to take bonds of every town, whereunto the said five ships shallbe delivered, for the paiement of one hundredth and fifty pound, out of every Ship yearly, during three years. This being done, the said five ships shall be given to the Fishing town for ever: with Previso, that if any Ship or ships of the whole number miscarry, or be lost by any kind of chance or degree: then all the rest, viz: Every ship of the number remaining shall pay ten shillings, (towards the new making of every ship so wanting) to the chief officers, where the ship is lacking: with which money they shall provide again one other new ship, furnished with all things, as aforesaid. Which law shall be kept unuiolately amongst them for ever: upon pain every ship: (that shallbe found in fault at any time) to forfeit for every offence five pound: And the same to be levied, and received by the order of statute Law, but the whole benefit to the same town or towns, where the ship or ships be wanting. And the same sixteen chief Officers shall have allowed them for their fees yearly, during the said three years xvi. hundredth pounds that is to every officer one hundredth pound yearly. Also in the end of the third year, there shall be given in recompense to every of the said eight principal Port towns one thousand pound, to be a stock, to remain to the same towns for ever, as hereafter shallbe declared. These Busses or fishing Ships, thus placed in four score fishing towns (as five ships to every fishing town) shall be set forth to the Seas, by the Governors of every several Fishing Town, to take fish: as the times and seasons of the year doth serve. first in March having victuals for five months, with hokes, lines, and salt (provided by the said Governors and their assistances) they shallbe set out to fish for Lodd and Lyng, where the said Governors by the consent of the Town liketh best: or else to Newfoundland, for newland fish. And by the grace of God, in August at the furthest, they shall come home, to their several Ports: Laden with fish, and Trane oil, made of fish Livers. Which fish, shall forthwith be divided into three equal parts. The first part to the master, and fishermen for their pains. The second part, to them that were at the charges of victuals, Salt lines, and hooks. The third part, to be laid up under safe keeping: until time serve best to sell the same: or to be vented, where most profit may be made. Then again with all speed, presently after the fish is divided, every Ship being victaled for six weeks, with Nets, lask, and Salt, they must be set out to fish for Herrings: tarrying upon the Seas, until they be fully laden. Then they return again to their several Ports (if God bless them with good luck, and safe return) laden with fifty last of the best herrings. Every Ship (if wind and weather serve) may return twice laden with herrings: in that time of Herring fishing. And always (as the ships with herrings do come to their several Ports) the said Governors shall cause the said herrings to be divided into four equal parts. The first part, to the Master and the Mariners for their pains. The second part, to them that provides the Salt and Uictualles. The third part, to them that finds the Cask and Nets. And the fourth part, to be laid up under safe keeping: until it may be vented. Out of the which portion of herrings, and of the other fish aforefaid, shallbe paid the first day of April yearly (next after the first year, that the Ships of this plot beginneth to fish) one hundredth and fifty pound, for every Ship yearly, during three years, by the Governors of every fishing town, that so shall have regard of their returns, and use of the goods, where the Ships be placed. Which payment shall be paid to the chief officers of that principal Port, that did place the said five Ships to the same Town. And then after the three years be expired: the third part of great fish, and the fourth part of herrings shallbe, and remain for ever, to every Fishing town, where the fishing ships be at the day of the last payment. Out of which, the five ships shall yearly be repaired and maintained, by every fishing town: for the profit of the same Town, and the benefit of the Common weal. When Herring fishing is past, then with all convenient speed, the governors aforesaid,) shall appoint some of their Ships) to take fish upon the coasts of England, scotland or Ireland. And send other some into France, or else where with cod, Lyng, herrings, and New land fish there to utter them, making return with such commodities as will be best uttered here, or else with Salt and money. By which return it will be time to make ready for the Fishing in March as before. Thus the whole year is spent in Fishing. There must be an Auditor for receiving all accounts, that shall appertain, and depend upon the execution of this Plat: Such as it shall please the Parliament house to nominate and appoint. Who shall receive of the sixteen chief officers aforesaid, eight hundredth pound yearly, during three years, viz: of the chief officers of every principal port (upon his quittance) one hundredth pound for his Fee. Which said Auditor must ride from every principal port to other, to see, and to provide that all and every of the five decayed counes, within every Shire in England: and also twenty decayed towns in Wales, have the stock of two hundredth pounds truly paid to every one of them, according to this Plat, and that it be used accordingly, viz: that the Governor of every the decayed towns, with the said stock of two hundredth pound, shall diligently and carefully provide yearly, such commodities to set the poor on work, as the nature of the country doth yield for most profit. And that the poor people that laboureth, be paid weekly their wages: converting the benefit of their travel in to the increase of the same stock. And that the said Auditor take knowledge how many there be at work in every place, by that means: and with what commodities, the said poor people are set to work in every Shire. And for that there shall be no partiality in naming of the decayed towns. The two parliament Knights, with two justices of Peace in every their Shire, to name and appoint the ancient decayed towns in every Shire, for to have the said stock of two hundredth pound, according to the fourth table of this Plat. And being subscribed under their hands, to deliver it to the said Auditor in the first year, that the Fishing ships aforesaid, be set to the Sea to Fish. There must also be a controller, joined in Commission with the chief officers of every principal port town: for the providing of all things needful at the best hand. Who must ride to every Port and Fishing town, and to all other places, where these Ships be either made, bought, or placed, to see that all things may be justly performed: according to the true meaning of this Platt, and to be done with all expedition. Who may by this order, and without grief to this plot, receive for his Fee eight hundredth pound yearly during three years. viz: of the chief officers of every principal Port town, one hundredth pound upon his quittance: for his pains and charges, and for the charges of his servants and ministers that must be, and remain in many several Ports and places, to see the dew execution of this plot in all points. Which said controller, the author wisheth should be such a man, as would bend his wits for the Commonweal, and that he were as ripe in this matter, and could so well execute the same as himself. For than he should be able to declare in all places what is to be done, and what should be done at every extremity to avoid any danger. The officers of every the said eight principal port towns, shall appoint one honest virtuous discrete and learned man, to preach God's word, which Preachers shall travail continually (as the Apostles did) from place to place, preaching all these fishing towns, and dekayed towns, appointed to every several port. And every Preacher shall receive for his maintenance one hundredth pound yearly during three years: of the chief officers of that same principal port town, where unto he is appointed. And also that order may be had from the Queen's Majesty, that two of her grace's Ships of war, such as yearly be appointed to waft the Merchants may contineve upon her majesties Seas, from the first of March, until the last of November yearly for two years: for the defence of these fishing Ships. And towards the charges of the same two Ships of war. The chief Officers appointed for Yarmouth and Bristol, shall pay yearly during two years, four thousand pound. Which Ships if they can not be had, Then the said Audytour and controller, shall with that monic provide two other Ships of war for the same cause. Also the said auditor and controller who rides all the whole circuit of this land, for the performance of this plat: shall make declaration once a year, to the Right Honourable Lords, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasarour, the Lord admiral of England, and Lord privy Seal of the whole state, cause and procedings of this Plat. To the end their lordships may use their honourable considerations for and in redress of things needful, Provided always that if the chief Officers, of any of the said eight principal port towns, do find just cause that there is some insufficiency, either in any of the fishing Towns, where the five Ships are placed: or else in the Governors of the same Town, such negligence that this fishing can not prove profitable, or that it is not used according to the effect and true meaning of this plot. Then upon just proof, or information made to the Lords aforesaid, the same officers of that principal port, by consent of the controller and Audytoure, with order from the said Lords, may remove the same ships, from any such fishing Town, and appoint them elsewhere within their several charge, where they may be both better placed, and for the common weal more profitable. The same sixteen chief Officers, of the said eight principal port Tounes, for the time being after their first years receipt (which amounteth to three score thousand pound) shall at May day next following, deduct out of the same receipt, four thousand pound for fees and wages dew and to be paid to themselves, to the Audytour, to the controller, and to the eight Preachers, as before is appointed for that first year. Likewise out of the same receipt, they shall pay forty and five thousand pound to the Governors of two hundredth and five and twenty dekaied towns, viz: to every dekaied Town two hundredth pound, to be a stock for ever, to set the poor people on work, as it is appointed in the fourth table of this plot. Also the Officers of Yarmouth (out of the said receipt) shall pay to two Ships of war four thousand pound, for their wages the first year. All payments paid for the first year. There remaineth of the said receipt seven thousand pound, whereof, the officers of Bristol, hath in their hands four thousand pound (as by their payments appeareth) which is for to pay the second years wages, to the two Ships of war, for defending the Fishermen the second year. The other three thousand pound is in the hands of the officers of Yarmouth aforesaid (as by their payments likewise appeareth) which shallbe by them bestowed, upon making of two Ships of war, of the burden of eight score tun the Ship: after the best and strongest manner in warlike sort, and to furnish them with store of all needful things to the Sea, as appertaineth to ships of war. And also with ordnance, powder, shot, armour, Weapons, and all other provision necessary. These several sums of monnie, amounteth to three score thousand pound, which is the first years receipt. The second years receipt of threescore thousand pound, being received by the said sixteen chief Officers, of the foresaid eight principal Ports. They shall deduct out of the same four thousand pound for fees and wages, to content and pay themselves, the auditor, the controller, and the eight Preachers for the second year in like manner as aforesaid. Also they shall pay to the lender's of the money, the one half of the money borrowed, which is forty thousand pound and the interest money of the whole some borrowed for two years. Which is sixteen thousand pound, which payments amountes to three score thousand pound. And that is the just receipt and payment of and for the second year. The third years receipt of three score thousand pound being received in like manner, by the foresaid chief Officers, of the said eight principal Ports. They shall deduct out of the same four thousand pound for fees and wages, to be paid as aforesaid unto themselves, the Auditor, the controller, and the eight Preachers for the same third year. And likewise four thousand pound for wages to two ships of war for the same third year, as by the Officers of every principal Port town five hundredth pound. Then they shall pay to the lender's of the money, the other half of the money borrowed, which is forty thousand pound, and the interest money for that third and last year, which is four thousand pound. All which payments amountes to fifty two thousand pound. This fishing plat thus being performed, all payments paid, and every man that hath taken pains in the execution of the same, very well pleased and contented. There doth remain eight thousand pound in the hands of the chief Officers, of the said principal Ports, viz: one thousand pound with the chief Officers of every principal port, as appeareth by their recepts and payments, which shallbe allowed unto the same eight principal port towns amongst them, viz: to every principal port Town one thousand pound, to be a stock to remain for ever, for the profit and benefit of the same Town. And yearly to be used for profit, to such Fisher towns, and fishermen, as upon good assurance will use any part thereof in the trade or craft of fishing. And when this is done and brought to pass, I will declare a device appertaining to this plat, that shall (if it please God) be worth ten thousand pound yearly for ever, without cost or charges to any man: neither offending or encroaching upon any parson with the same device. Which is to maintain the foresaid Ships of war warlike yearly for ever, with wages, victuals, Soldiers, and Marrynours, and all other kind of charges. And also to maintain all the aforesaid officers and Preachers their yearly fees for ever. Unto either of the same two ships of war, there must be appointed one skilful and valiant master, the masters mate, four quarter masters, a Purser, a master Gunner, and one hundredth and twenty Soldiers and Marrynours. The Master to have for wages, four shillings the day, every other Officer two shillings the day, and every Soldier or Marrynour twelve pence the day for wages. The order for their diet of victuals all the whole year, and what money is to be allowed for the yearly reprations of the said two Ships of war, and how all this shallbe maintained for ever: I have set down in writing. And after this Plat with the great benefits growing universal to this Realm shallbe thoroughly considered, drawn into perfect form and put in execution, by authority of Parliament (which is the power of the whole commonalty of England) I will deliver the same where it shall be thought meet. The times and places of the yearly fishing for Cod and Lyng. FIrst for Cod upon the Coast of Lancashire: beginning at Ester, and continueth until midsummer. For Hakes in the deeps, betwixt Wales and Ireland, from whitsuntide until saint james tide. For Cod and Lyng about Padsiowe, within the lands end of Severne, is good fishing from Christmas until midlent. There is an excellent good fishing for Cod about Ireland, where doth come yearly to fish three or four hundredth sail of Ships and Barks out of Biskey, Galiza, and Portugal, about the south-west parts: near to Mackertymors' country, and doth continue April, May, june, and julie. Also for Cod and Lyng, on the West and Northwest of Ireland, beginning at Christmas and continueth until March. And there is one other excellent good fishing upon the North of Ireland. Also for Newelande fish upon the banks of Newfoundlande. The ships goeth forth from England and Ireland in March, and comes home laden in August. There is an excellent good fishing (for them that will go further) for cod and Lyng, in the Rivers of Backlasse, continuing April, May, june, and julie. Also for Cod and Lyng, upon the north coasts of England, and upon the coasts of scotland, and the north Isles of scotland, continuing from Ester until midsummer. The like for Cod, upon the East coasts of Freselande, Norway and Shotlande, from Easter until midsummer. To fish for Cod and Lyng in Island, the Ships commonly must go forth in March, and returns laden in August. The like manner and time is used for Cod and Lyng from England to the ward house, where is excellent good fishing, April, May, and june. The times and places of the yearly fishing for herrings. THe herrings shoots out of the deeps, on both sides of scotland and England, and beginneth upon the Scots coast at midsummer, and be not Marchaundable (but yet vendable) because they be so fat: by reason whereof they will grow reastie if they be kept. And therefore they be presently sold. The second and best fishing beginneth at Bartholmewtyde at Skarbrough, and so proceedeth along the coast, until they come to Thames mouth, continuing very good until Hollentyde. All which time they be very good and Marchaundable, and will abide the salting very well. The third fishing is from Thames mouth through the narrow Seas: yet not certain, for after that time, they shoot suddenly through the same Seas (upon any extreme weather) on both sides of Ireland. Which fishing doth continue until the feast of saint andrew. Also upon the coast of Ireland, is very good fishing from Michaelmas until Christmas. For there is great plenty of Herrings. Also upon the Northwest Seas of England, over against Carlell in Cumberlande, about Wirkington is good fishing for herrings, from Bartholomew-tide until foretene days after Michaelmas. Also from Holentyde till Christmas upon the coast of Norway (that serves all the east countries) called the mal sand, where all strangers do fish: paying their custom (a Youghendale upon every last) to the King of Denmark. But some times the Frosts be so great there, that the herrings will not take salt. There is an other exercise to breed profit, called the hunting of the Whaile, which continueth all the Summer. The Whaile is upon the coasts of Rush towards Muskovy, and saint Nicholasse. The killing of the Whaile is both pleasant and profitable, and without great charges: yielding great plenty of Oil, the tun whereof is worth ten pound. One of the Ships may bring home to his port fifty Tun, the which is worth five hundredth pound. Objections and answers of the Author. ¶ First what moves you to think that there will be found forty men in every Shire of England, that will lend fifty pound a man, for three years in this covetous time, when every man is for himself. THis Realm of England and Wales is very populos, and the most part be the poorer sort of people, who daily doth hearken when the world should amend with them. They are indifferent in what sort, so that their state were relieved. And so perhaps apt to assist Rebellion, or to join with whom soever dare invade this noble Island, if any such attempt should be made. Then are they meet Guides to bring the Soldiers or men of war, to the rich men's wealth For they can point with their finger, there it is, yonder it is, here it is, and he hath it, and she hath it that will do us much good. And so procure martyrdom with murder, to many wealthy parsons for their wealth. Therefore the wise and wealthy men of this land, had need by great discretion to devise some speedy help herein, that his poorerer sort of people, may be set to some good Arts, Science, Occupations, Crafts and labours, by which means they might be able to relieve themselves of their great need and want. And being brought to such vocation of life, having some good trade to live upon, there is no doubt, but they will prove good and profitable subjects, and be careful to see this common wealth flourish, and will spend their lives and blood to defend the same, and their little wealth, their liberties, their wives and children. For having nothing they are desperate, but having some little goods, they will die before they lose it. Wherefore if this matter be looked into with eyes of judgement, there is no doubt of borrowing the money upon the assurance and interest. For I do know in some Shires four men that will gladly lend so much money as the whole Shire is appointed to lend. In holland and Sealande, the rich men makes so sure account of their fishing, that they appoint their children Portions to be increased by that use. ¶ I pray you show me by what occasion or means, this huge number of Beggars and Vacaboundes do breed here in England. And why you appoint twelve of them to every Ship, I think they may carry the Ship away, & become Pirates. IF you consider the poverty that is, and doth remain in the Shire towns, and Market towns, within this Realm of England and Wales, which towns being inhabited with great store of poor householders, who by their poverty are driven to bring up their youth idly, and if they live until they come to man's state, then are they passed all remedy to be brought to work. Therefore at such time as their Parents fails them: they begin to shift, and acquaint themselves with some one like brought up, that hath made his shift, with dicing, cozening, picking or cutting of purses, or else if he be of courage▪ plain robbing by the way side, which they count an honest shift for the time, and so come they daily to the Gallows. Hereby grows the great and huge number of Beggars and Uacaboundes, which by no reasonable means or laws could yet be brought to work, being thus idly brought up. Which perilous state and imminent danger, that they now stand in: I thought it good to avoid, by placing twelve of these poor people into every fishing Ship, according to this plot. Who when they shall find and perceive that their diet for all the whole year is provided, and that two vyoges every year will yield to every man for his pains, xx. pound clear, and for ever to continue: By which honest trade they shallbe able to live in estimation amongst men, whereas before they were hated, whipped, almost starved, poor and naked, imprisoned and in danger daily to be marked with a burning Iron for a Rogue, and to be hanged for a Uacabounde. When they shall find these dangers to be avoided by their travail, and thereby an increase of wealth to ensue: they will be glad to continue this good and profitable vocation of life, and shun the other. Besides that it is well known, that six Mariners or Seafaring men, is able to rule and govern twelve land men, that be not acquainted with the Sea, And therefore not to be doubted that this kind of people will prove Pirates, they be so base minded. For the heart mind and value of a man is such, and his spirit so great, that he will travail all the kingdoms of Princes to seek entertainment, rather than he will show his face, to beg or crave relief of thousands of people, that be unworthy to unbuckle his shoes. And in his great want, will take with force and courage from them that hath to serve his necessity, thinking it more happy to die speedily, then to live defamed and miserablely. Of which sort of people at▪ the breaking up of wars, there is a great number of worthy and valiant Soldiers, that hath served in the Wars with invincible minds, who through want of living either depart as aforesaid, or else if they tarry in England, hanging is the end of the most part of them. ¶ How may so many Ships be provided for want of Timber, Masts, Cables, Pitch and Iron? And where shall Masters and Mariners be had, with other needful things, as Salt, Nets & Cask? TO that I must put you in mind of holland, Sellande, and Freeselande, that of late years, hath flourished with Ships Mariners and Fisher men, and thereby proved of marvelous wealth, no Country more. And all the Timber they used for their Ships came from the dominions of other Princes. Their Cables, Masts, Pitch, and Terre came from the countries under the King of Denmark. The Sails for their Ships, the thread for their Nets, came from Normandy and Britain: Their Salt came from France, Portugal and Spain. And their Iron came from the countries of other Princes: We need not doubt of these things, for there are Ships presently to be bought (for the sums of money appointed for every Ship) both here in this Realm, and in holland, France, and in other places. And if there were not, I could name the places within this Realm, where is plenty of Timber: If you do remember the great and wonderful woods of Timber Trees that is in Ireland, you will shake of that doubt. And for Iron there is great plenty made within this land: I may call to witness the inhabytaunts of the forest of Deane, the county of Sussex with other places. And for all other needful things, the Havens, Ports, and Realm of England, lieth nearer to those countries where plenty is, than the flemings doth. And for Masters, there is plenty of coast men, which will gladly serve that place that be sufficient men. And for Mariners, there is great store of poor Fisher men all along the coast of England and Wales, that will willingly serve in these fishing ships and use the craft of fishing, their gain will be so great. And for Salt there is great plenty made at the Witches in cheshire, and in divers other places: Besides many Salt houses standing upon the coast of England that makes Salt, by sething of salt Sea water. And besides the great store of salt, that willbe brought yearly into England, by the Merchants and others to make salt upon salt. Also for Cask, there is great store of Oak, ash, and Beech, growing in many places of England, so that there can be no want of Cask, if there be use to use it, nor yet of any other thing aforesaid, if good consideration be had. This Platte (being put in execution) will breed such store of Mariners, that when so ever the noble Navy of England shallbe set to the Seas, for the safeguard of this land, there shallbe no want of Mariners to serve in the same, where as now they be both scant and hard to be found. Look back into holland, where practise is used, and see what store is there. ¶ You appoint ten thousand last of herrings to be sold in France. How can that be? so long as the flemings, the French men and other Nations do fish, who hath all ready won the credit of their Fish. They shall sell when we can not. Then where shall the fish taken by us be uttered? THere is no doubt but there willbe ten thousand last of herrings to spare, this Realm being served, if these four hundredth fishing ships with these fishermen be appointed to the Seas, for they will take their place to fish within the Queen's majesties Seas: And so shall serve both England and France, plentifully and also better cheap than the flemings are able to do. And the Herrynges Cod and Newlandefishe being used in such sort, as the flemings doth, will be of as great estimation as there's be, and may yearly be sold and uttered in France as at Deep, that serves and victuals all Pickardie, at Newhaven that serves all base Normandy, and at the Town of Rone, that serves all the high countries of France, for thither cometh yearly three hundredth Lighters (called Gabers) with Wines: of ten hundredth tun or twelve a Gaber, and there best return is Fish and Salt. And for the other parts of France, at Rochel and Bordeaux: Also the Merchants that travails into Spain, Portugal, Italy, Barbary and Africa, carrying Fish, the further South and Southweste, that the fish well used is carried, the dearer it is, and greatly desired. Wherefore let all men fish that will, of what cowtrey so ever, for there is fish plenty in these Northern Seas for them all, if there were a thousand sail of fishing Ships more than there is. And the English nation shall and may weary them out, for their travail and labour (where they shall fish) is not far, their Ports Harbours and Roads be at hand, their ships cost the Fisher men nothing: Therefore the English men shall better be able to sell good cheap than any other Nation, by means whereof they shall sell when others can not. And so the flemings being put from uttering their Herrings in France, shallbe driven to leave their great Ships, and to fish in smaller Uesselles near the shore, to serve their own turns, as hitherto they have caused us to do, for fear of them: and every tempest triumphing at our folly, for not taking this great benefit and blessing of God powered into our laps. ¶ How do you know that nine or ten thousand last of herrings will serve all England? And when wars shall happen between France and England, where shall we sell the rest of our herrings and other fish: The flemings being provided for by their own people. BY estimation five thousand last of herrings doth serve London, out of which portion, all the Shires about London are served. And by the like estimation, five thousand last more will serve all England. And if wars should happen between France and England, than the italians, Spaniards, flemings, and other Nations, doth bring into England all sorts of French commodities, as Wines, Woades, Lockromes and Canvas of all sorts. These Merchants will daily look for profit and in time of wars, nothing doth pass with less danger, sooner is vented and made ready money, than these herrings, Cod, Lyng, and Newlandfish. So there is no doubt of utterance for fish, either in wars or in peace: Let experience of other Countries serve for this wholly. And I think it good to let you understand how herrings were sold in France Anno. 1577. The best Flemmishe Herrynges were sold for four and twenty pound ten shillings the last, Yarmouth Herrings (who of late doth use and order their herrings as the Flemings doth) were sold for twenty pound twelve shillings the last. Irish Herrings for eighteen pound the last: Coast Herrings and Scottish herrings for a leaven pound the last. These defferences be in herrings▪ which being used as is set down in this plot, will be in all places (with in a little time) equal in goodness with the Flemmishe Herrings. ¶ In what order doth the flemings, the Frenchmen, and others fish for herrings, Cod, and Newlandefishe. FIrst behold this Sea Plat or proportiture here set down, showing how the same Strangers do fish in their great Ships upon the English coast: And how our English men (for fear of them and every tempest as aforesaid) do fish in small Uesselles near the shore. THe flemings sets out of Flanders holland and Sealande yearly (at Bartholomew-tide) four or five hundredth Busses, to fish for herrings upon the East coast of England, where before they fish, they ask leave at Scarbrough (as ever more they have done) with which honour (and no profit) this Realm and Subjects hath hitherto been vainly fed. And amongst them this is the order, one man provides the Ship, an other victuals and Salt, the third Cask, the fourth Nets. And when the ships comes home divides the Fish. There goeth out of France commonly five hundredth sail of ships yearly in March to Newefoundlande, to fish for newland fish, and comes home again in August, Amongst many of them, this is the order, ten or twelve Mariners doth confer with a Money man, who furnisheth them with money to buy Ships, Uictualls, Salt, Lines and Hooks, to be paid his money at the ships return, either in fish or in money, with five and thirty pound upon the hundredth pound in money lent. Likewise here in England, in the West country the like order is used, the fishermen confers with the money man, who furnisheth them with money to provide victuals, salt, & all other needful things to be paid twenty five pound at the ships return, upon the hundredth pound in money lent. And some of the same money men doth borrow money upon ten pound in the hundredth pound, and puts it forth in this order to the Fishermen. And for to be assured of the money ventured, they will have it assured, giving six pound for the assuring of every hundredth pound to him that abides the venture of the Ships return, as thus. A ship of Excester is gone to the Ward house, to fish for cod and Lyng; the venture of the Ship, Salt, and Uictualls is three hundredth pound, for eighteen pound all is assured. So that if the ship never return, yet the money man gaineth declaro, forty and eight ponnd and his principal again. So by these reasons, there seemeth great good to be done by fishing, when other men being at such charges do prove rich by using this trade. Shall not the English nation that thus shall fish (the greatest charges cut of) be more able to sell good cheap, than any others may? and so weary them out as aforesaid. ¶ You say that much gold goeth forth of this land for wines and other French commodities: I pray you to what value in the year, doth the wines of France brought into England amount unto? And what several sorts of English wares be sold in France to buy the same. I do esteem to come into England every year, ten thousand Tun of Gascoine and Rochel Wines, which at twenty Crowns the Tun, amounteth in English payment to threescore thousand pound. The fleet that goeth from London to Bordeaux, carrieth commonly victuals, Ballast, and some Cloth, for the money is always made over by exchange, out of London out of Flaunders and out of Spain. And the ships that goeth from other places of this Realm, as from Bristol, Wales, Westchester, Newcastle, Hull, and elsewhere to the Uintage, carrieth (contrary to the law) Leather, calfskins, Butter, and Tallow, with ready gold, as they may provide it all the whole year before. At Rone in France which is the chiefest vent, be sold our English wares, as Welsh and Manchester Cottons, Northern Carseiss, Whites, Lead, and Tin: Which money is commonly employed in Normandy and Britain, in all sorts of canvasses with other small wares, & in Lockromes, Uiterie, and Dowlasse, Pouldavis, Olyraunce and Myndernex: part for ready money, part for commodity. And Woades is commonly laden at Bordeaux, and uttered there to our Nation, and others, for money and Cloth, or else not. These sorts of wares bought in France, besides the Wines, amounts (by estimation) to six times so much as all the English wares be sold for in France every year. And for a truth, this trade of fishing is the best (and of lightest cost that can be found) to countervail the values of the French commodities. Experience doth show the same, by the flemings: Who with their green fish, barreled Cod and herrings, carrieth out of England for the same yearly, both gold and silver and other commodities: and at the least ten thousand tun of double double Bear, and hath also all kind of French commodities, continually both in time of wars and peace, by their trade only of fishing. Thus the great sums of gold, that is carried yearly out of this land to the vintage (as appeareth by this Plat following) will stay: And the Wines nevertheless, and other french waires of all sorts, willbe had and obtained for herrings and fish. ¶ When you put your fishing Platte into the Parliament house, what did you conseave by the speech of such Burgesses, as you conferred with of the same? IN the eighteen year of the Queen's majesties reign, five or six days before the Parliament house broke up, I had the Burgesses (almost) of all the stately port towns of England and Wales, at a Dinner with me at Westminster, amongst whom the substance of my Platte was red, and of every man well liked, so that some were desirous to have a Lopie of the same, and said, that they would of their own cost and charges set so many Ships to the Sea: as was to their towns appointed, without the assistance of any other. Of the like mind were the Burgesses of Rye, and some said it were good to levy a subsidy of two shillings land, and sixteen pence goods, for the making of these fishing Ships. Of which mind the speaker master Bell was, saying a Parliament hath been called for a less cause, other some said, it were good to give a subsidy for this purpose, to ship these kind of people in this sort, for if they should never return, and so avoided: the land were happy, for it is but riddance of a number of idle and evil disposed people. But these men that so doth think, willbe of an other mind with in two years next after this plot take effect, as when they shall see by this occasion only: such a number of Larpenters and Shipwrightes set on work, such a number of Cowpers employed, such numbers of people making lines, Ropes and Cables, dressors of Hemp, spinners of thread, and makers of Nets, so many Salt houses set up to make salt, and salt upon salt: And what a number of Mariners is made of poor men, and what a number of poor people is set on work in those Shires all along upon the Sea coast in England and Wales: in spletting of fish, washing of fish, packing of fish, salting of fish, caring and recaring of fish, and serving all the countries in England with fish. And to serve all those occupations aforesaid, there must depend an infinite number of servants, boys, and day labourers for the use of things needful: And with all to remember how that about England and Wales, there is established in four score Haven towns five fishing Ships to every town, to continue for ever: which will breed plenty of fish in every (Market, and that will make flesh good cheap) And that by the only help of God and these fishermen, there shallbe established within England and Wales, to two hundredth five and twenty decayed towns, a stock of two hundredth pound to every decayed town, which shall continue for ever to set the poor people on work: And to conclude I do carry that mind, that with in few years, there will be of these fishing towns of such wealth, that they will cast Ditches about their Towns, and wall the same defensive against the Enemy, to guard them & their wealth in more safety. What English man is he think you, that will not rejoice to see these things come to pass: And for my part I perceive nothing but good success is like to come of this plot. To further the same I gave a Copy hereof to my Lord of Leicester, six years paste, one other copy to the Queen's Majesty, four years paste. Also to sundry of her majesties privy Council certain copies. And in the end of the last Parliament, holden in the said eighteen year of her majesties Reign: I gave twelve Copies to Councillors of the law, and other men of great credit, hoping that God would stir up some good man to set out this work, which the Author (being a Soldier, trained up in the wars and not in scholles, with great charges, and travail of mind for his country sake) hath devised and laid as a foundation, for them that hath judgement to build upon. Amongst whom, Master Leonerd Digges, (a proper Gentleman and a wise) had one Copy, who (being a Burgess of the house) took occasion there upon, to desire licence to speak his mind, concerning this Plat, saying he spoke for the common wealth of all England, and for no private cause: He (by report) did so worthily frame his speech, for the common weal of his country: that he hath gained thereby, both fame and great good liking of all the hearers, and so concluded, desiring that this device might be red, which for want of time, was deferred until their next assembly in Parliament. FINIS. THE FIRST TABLE THE SECOND TABLE. THE THIRD TABLE. THE FOURTH TABLE. The order of borrowing lxxx. thousand pound for three years, not charging above xl. persons in any one Shire, to lend fifty li. a man, of the lords bishops, Knights, Gentlemen, merchants, and other rich men, Spiritual and temporal, in these Shires following: accounting London for a shire, all South-Wales for a shire, and all North wales for a shire. And for that it is, for the common weal, the two Parliament Knights, and two justices of the peace of every Shire, to name the parties in every their Shires, that shall lend the many: and appoint one sufficient man of good credit, in every shire, to collect the same money, and then to deliver it, to the chief officers of every the eight principal Port towns in the next Table. The chief officers of every of these eight principal Port towns hereunder written, shall give the seal of every Port town, for the assurance of every several son borrowed, to be repaid again within iif, years at two paintentes. And with the saeid money to them delivered: shall provide I. fishing ships ready furnished to the sea: according to the true meaning hereof. And deliver them to the haven towns in the next table, as they be there appointed, taking bonds of every the same haven towns, or fishing towns within their charge, for the payment of Cl. l. for every ship yearly during three years: with which payment this plot shall be performed, and every man well pleased, that shall take pains in the execution of the same plot. These ships must be placed within the roads and fishing towns▪ all a lòg the sea coasts, beginning at London, and compassing this land by sea, according to this table. The governors of every fishing town, must provide one skilful master, xii. fisher men, or Mariners, and xii. poor men to serve in every ship, with all needful things: and then set them to the sea to take fish, for the profit of their town, and the common weal. At whose returns the governors afore said shall see that the fish of every ship be used, as is declared in the orders of this Platt. Out of which they shall pay for every ship yearly, during three years, Cl. li. to the chief officers of that principal port town, that placed the said ships, to these their Roads following. The chief officers of the said eight principal Port towns, at May day next after their first years receit, shall yearly pay and discharge all fees and wages, with other payments in the orders more are large mentioned, both of the money borrowed, with the interest money, and for making of two Ships of war with their wages, as also to the said eight Port towns viii. M. l. to be a stock for ever. And to the end the poor people in all places may speedily be relieved, they shall (out of the first years receipt) pay to the governors of v. decayed towns in every shire following one M. li. to be a stock of CC. li, to every town for ever, to set the poor on work, Some xlv. M. li. for CCxxv. decayed towns, according to this Table, The money to be levied. The principal Ports. roads. Ships. payments. payments by the chief officers. in London. Middlesex. Hartforshire. Cambridgeshire. Huntyngtonshire. x. iii. which said sum under assurance must be delivered unto the chief officers. of London, whose seal, as above written, must be given up the said chief officers for the repaiement of the said some to them delivered, which some is, li. iii wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing Ships of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at London. 5 Stepney parish. 5 Grenewiche. 5 Wolwiche. 5 Anthe 5 Grauesende. 5 Quinborough 5 Rochester 5 Lee. 5 Malden. 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, during three years, Cl. li. to the chief officers of London, some. M. C. seven. v. l. of London, for fees five C. li. and to the decayed towns in Middlesex one M, li. in Essex, one M. li. in Suffolk, a M. li. in Hartforshire, one M. li. in Cambridgeshire a M. l. in Huntingtonshire a M. l. in Norffeolk a M. l. M. C. seven. v. l. in Essex. Suffolk. Norfolk Bedfordshire. Buckinghamshire. li x. iii. which said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the chief officers. of Yarmouthe, whose seal as above written, must be given by the chief officers, for the repayment of the money to them delivered, which some is li. x. iii. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing Ships of lxx. tun the ship and place them at Colchester 5 Harwiche 5 Ipswiche. 5 Dunidge 5 Yarmoth. 5 Orforde. 5 Alborough. 5 Blackney 5 Dasyngham. 5 Burnam. 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, C l. li. to the chief officers of Yarmouth, some. M. C. vij.u. l. Yarmouthe, for fees v. C. pound, and for wages to two ships of war, for the first year iiij. M. l. and for the making and furnishing of ij. ships of war to the sea warlike iii. M. li. M. C. Seven. v. l. in Yorkshire. Ritchmondshire. Lincolnshire. Rutlandshire. Lecestershire. li. x. iii. which said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the chief officers. of Hull, whose Seal as above written, must be given by the chief officers, for the repayment of the money them delivered, which sum is li. x. iii. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at Welles 5 Lynne 5 Saltflete. 5 Wansflete 5 Boston. 5 Grimsby. 5 Barton 5 Hull. 5 Beverley. 5 York. 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, Cl. li. to the Chief Officers of Hull, some. M. C. vij.u. l. of Hull, for fees v. C. li. and to the decayed towns in Yorkshire a M. l. in Ritchmondshire a M. l. in Lincolnshire a M, li, in Rutland shire a M. li, in Lecestershire a M, li, in Northampton shire a M, li, and in Warwickshire one thousand pound. M. C. Seven. v. l. in Northumberlande. Cumberlande. Westmerlande. Bishopric. Darbishire. Nottynghamshire. Warwickshire. Northamptonshire. li. x. m. which said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the chief officers. of Newcastle, whose Seal, as above written, must be given by the ché officers, for the repayment of the money to them delivered, which form is, li. x. m. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at Bridlyngton 5 Whitbye 5 Scarborough Flamborough 5 Hartlepoole 5 Durham cum Sheelds. 5 Newcastle. 5 Tynmouth 5 Holy Island 5 Sarwicke 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, Cl. li. to the Chief Officers of Newcastle. M. C. seven. v. l. of Newcastle, for fees v, C, L, to the decayed towns in Northumberlande v. M. l. in Cumberlande a M.l. in Westmoreland a M.l. in Bishopric a M.l. Nottingamshire a M.l. Darbishire a M.li and in Lancashire a M, li. M. C.vij.u.l. in Lancashire. Cheshire. Staffordshire. Shropshire. Worcestershire. The six Shires in North Wales. li. x m. which said sum under assurance, must be deliveered unto the chief officers. of Westchester, whose Seal as above written, must be given by the chief officers for the repayment of the money to them delivered, which some is li. x.m. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at Carlell 5 Warkyngton. 5 I'll of man.. 5 Lyrpoole. 5 Westchester 5 Bewmarres 5 Bangor 5 Holly Head 5 Carnarvan 5 Punthelle 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, Cl. li. to the Chief Officers of Westchester. M. C. seven. u.l. of Westchester,, for fees v. C.l. to the decayed towns in cheshire, a M.li in North-wales ij. M.li and in South-Wales ij. M.l. in Monmouthe shire a M.li and in Herefordshire a M, li. M. C.vij.u.l. in Somersetshire. Herefordshire. Glocestershire. Monmouthshire. The six Shires in South Wales. li. x. iii. which said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the ché officers. Bristol, whose Seal as above written, must be given by the chief officers, for the repayment of the money to them delivered, which sum is li. x.m. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at Gloucester. 5 Bristol. 5 Newporte. 4 Bridgewater. 5 Chipstowe. 5 Cardiff. 5 Penbroke. 5 Hartford 5 Carmarden 5 Padstowe 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, Cl. li. to the Chief officers of Bristol. M. C. viii. u.l. of Bristol, for Fees v. C.l. and to the decayed Towns in Somersetshire a M.l. in Shropshire, a M. li. in Staffordshire M. li. And for the wages of two ships of war for the second years service iiii. thousand pound. M.C. seven. u.l. in Cornwall. Devonshire. Dorcetershire. Wiltshire. Oxfordshire. xi. x.m. which said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the cheé officers. of Excester, whose Seal, as above written, must be given by the chief officers, for the repaiement of the money to them delivered, which sum is li. x.m. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at Foye. 5 Truro 5 Melbroke 5 Saltashe. 5 Perin. 5 Sawkom. 5 Excester. 5 Plimmouthe. 5 Dartemouth. 5 Pool. 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years, Cl. li. to the Chief Officers of Excester. M: C. seven. u.l. of Excester, for fees v. C. li. and to the decayed towns in Cornwall a M.li in Devonshire a M.l. in Wiltshire a M.l. in Oxfordshire a M.l. in Glocestershire a M.l. in Worcestershire a M.li and in Docestershire a M.li M. C. seven. u.l. in Hampshire. Barckeshire. Surrie. Sussex. Kent. li. x.m. shiche said sum under assurance, must be delivered unto the chief officers. of Southampton, whose Seal, as above written, must be given by the chief officers, for the repayment of the money to them delivered, which some is li. x.m. wherewith the said chief officers must provide l. Fishing ships, of lxx. tun the ship, and place them at line. 5 Waimouthe. 5 Newport. 5 Southampton 5 Portesmouthe 5 Checester 5 Rye. 5 Dover 5 Feuersam 5 Sandwiche 5 Every Town to pay for every ship yearly, duering three years Cl. li. to the chief Officers of southhampton. M.C. seven. u.l. of Southampton, for fees v. C.li to the decayed towns in Hampshire a M.li in Sussex a M.l. in Kent a M.l. in Surrie a M.li in Berkshire a M.li in Buckinghamshire, a M.l. and in Bedfordshire a M.li some. M. C.vij.u.l. some paid by the chief officers the first year lx. M.li With the second years recipt, the chief officers of the said eight principll Port towns whale discharge and pay all fees and wages, as be forsaid-for the second year, which is iiij. M.li And also shall make payment of the one half of the money borrowed, which is xl. M.l. And for the interest money of the whole some borrowed for two years xvi. M.li some of the payments the second year lx. M.l. And the said chief officers with the third years receipt, in like manner aforesaid, shall discharge & pay all fees and wages of the third year, which is iiij M.l. & the wages of the ij. ships of war for the same year, which is also iiij. M.l. And like wise they shall pay the other half of the money borrowed, which is xl. M.l. and iiij. M.li for the interest money for that third year. And also one M. ll. to every one of the eight principal port Tounes, to be a stock for ever. All which in the orders more at large doth appear. Shires xliiiij. some collected lsss. M.li Ports viii. Ships to be made iiij. c. Roads lxxx. some yearly lx. M.li some of the third years payments lx. M. l.