JAMES BY THE GRACE OF GOD, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, defender of the faith etc. 
The preamble.  To all to whom these presents shall come greeting. Whereas we are credibly informed, as well by our right trusty and right well-beloved Cousin and counsellor Charles Earl of Nottingam Lord high Admiral of England, and Captain General of our Navy Royal, as also by our principal officers of our said Navy, how slenderly and deceitfully, aswell our own Ships and Barges, as also other Ships, Boats, Pinnaces, & like vessels of our Merchants, and other our subjects, used in continual service and traffic, are made and wrought, to the great loss, danger, and prejudice of us and our said subjects, and also of the great, needless and wasteful charge and expenses which we do from time to time bear and sustain in building and repairing of our own Ships and Pinnaces, which are and have been the chiefest and greatest defence of this our Realm, from the assaults of such enemies as have practised the overthrow of the same: We weighing the manifold dangers, losses, and hindrances, which might and were likely more and more to ensue thereof, if speedy remedy be not therefore had and provided. And intending to provide for the strengthening of these our Kingdoms and Dominions, with sufficient Shipping for defence and service thereof. And to th'intent that aswell ourself might from time to time be furnished, stored, and supplied with the fittest and ablest Shipwrights, and workmen for the building, making, and repairing of our own Ships, Pinnaces, and other vessels. As also that our Merchants, and other our subjects might also in their work and building, from time to time, be stored and supplied with skilful, able, and sufficient Shipwrights and workmen. And for the better suppressing of deceipts and abuses of divers persons, which should take upon, without sufficient skill and knowledge to make or repair any Ships, Boats, Pinnaces, or other vessels, to the great danger and hindrance, as well of ourself, as of divers other our loving subjects. We did by our Letters Patents under the great Seal of England, bearing date the two and twentieth day of April: In the year of our reign of England, France, and Ireland the third, and of Scotland the eight and thirteith; Incorporate the Company of Shipwrights, and the Persons being Shipwrights or Carpenters, using the art or mystery of building and making of Ships, within our Realm of England, and dominion of Wales, by the name of Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of England, and did grant unto them by our said Charter, or Letters Patents, divers Previledges, Liberties, and immunities, mentioned and contained in the said Letters Patents, tending to the reformation of the said Abuses and deceits. And whereas divers defects and imperfections have been: sithence by experience found to be in the said Charter aswell in the extend thereof to what persons it should extend, As also in the want of sufficient authority and means to govern and order the said Corporation and the men and members thereof, and the affairs of the same, and the Shipwrights, workmen, apprentices and servants using the said art, and for want of power and means to reform, prevent, order and correct many contempts, misdemeanours, deceits, and offences in the said art or mystery, and the matters and things thereunto appertaining, and to punish stubborn, obstinate, and disobedient persons of that profession, whereby manifold errors, deceits, & inconveniences are still practised, and continued, to the great hindrance of the Navigation of this kingdom, the often loss & hazard of men's lives and goods, and the especial prejudice of our own service and the Commonwealth. 
The reasons and ground of this Charter.  Know ye that we for reformation, amendment, and supply of the defects and imperfections aforesaid, and for redress of the said great and manifold errors, enormities, deceits, and inconveniences, at the Petition of the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, and for the great desire we have, that good and convenient laws, orders, and ordinances should be established and used in and about the Corporation and Company, and the said Art or Mystery, and for the advancement of the good estate of the Shipping and Navigation of this Kingdom, to the good service both of ourself and the Commonwealth, Have of our especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, granted, constituted, and ordained, and by these Presents for us our heirs and successors do grant, constitute and ordain. 
Who are to be of the Corporation.  That all and every person and persons being Shipwrights, Calkers, or Ship-carpenters, or in any sort using, exercising, practising, or professing the Art, trade, skill or mystery of building, making, trimming, dressing, graving, lancing, winding, drawing, stocking, or repairing of Ships, caravels, Hoys, Pinnaces, Crayers, Ketches, Lighters, Boats, Barges, Wherries, or any other vessel or vessels whatsoever used for Navigation, fishing or transportation within or about our Realm of England and dominion of Wales, or of making, trimming, or repairing of Masts, Tops, Pulleys, Pumps for ships, Oars, or any other instruments or appurtenances of wood thereunto belonging, or any other Carpentry work whatsoever belonging to, or used, occupied, or employed, in or about any Ships, Pinnaces, or other vessel or vessels above mentioned, or in any sort appertaining to shipping, sailing, rowing, stocking, launching, or Navigation, shall from henceforth forever be, and shall be taken and accounted to be one body Corporate and politic in matter, deed and name, 
The name of the Corporation.  By the name of Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey, and them by the name of Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey, we do for us our heirs and successors really, fully, and wholly erect, make, ordain, create, incorporate, constitute and declare by these presents, one body corporate & politic in matter, deed and name. And we will and by these presents: for us our heirs and successors, of our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, do grant to the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty and their successors for ever. That they by the said name of Master, Wardens and commonalty of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, shall from henceforth have perpetual succession. And that they and their successors by the said name of Master, Wardens & Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, be and shall be at all times hereafter a body Corporate and politic able, & capable, in deed & in law, to have, hold, occupy, enjoy, possess, and retain all and singular usages, customs, liberties, privileges, immunities, jurisdictions, franchises, pre-eminences, benefits, profits and commodities whatsoever to them heretofore granted or belonging, or hereafter to be granted or belonging, or incident, requisite or fit, to or for them, or for such a Corporation to have and enjoy, of what kind, nature, or quality soever they shall be, to them and their successors for ever. And that also by the same name of Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, they shall and may be able and capable in law to have, hold, purchase, receive, take, possess and enjoy aswell any manors, messages, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, services, and other hereditaments in Fee, to them and their successors for ever, As also all and singular goods, chattels, and other things whatsoever, and the same manners, messages, lands, tenements, rents, reversions, hereditaments, goods, chattels, and other the premises, and every or any part or parcel thereof, to demise, grant, let, set, assign, and dispose at their will and pleasure, and to make seal and accomplish all deeds, evidences and writings, of, for, and concerning the same and every parcel thereof in that behalf needful, necessary, or convenient to be made or had. And that they and their successors by the same name of Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid shall and may be persons able and capable in law to sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, answer and to be answered, to defend and to be defended in all, or any Court or Courts, place or places, jurisdiction, or jurisdictions whatsoever, and before any judge, judges, justices or other person or persons, officer or officers whatsoever, in all and singular actions, plaints, Pleas, suits, quarrels, causes, matters and demands of whatsoever kind, nature, quality or sort, in such manner and form, & by all those ways and means, and to such end and purposes as any other Corporation or any our liege people of this our Realm of England, being Corporations or persons able and capable in deed or law, may or can have, hold, purchase, receive, possess, enjoy, retain, give, grant, demise, alien, assign, dispose, plead and be impleaded, answer and be answered, and to defend and be defended, or do permit and execute, by any lawful ways or means whatsoever. And also that the said Master, 
To have a Common Seal.  Wardens, and commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, shall and may make or cause to be made, and may have a Common Seal for them and their successors for ever to serve for the ensealing, doing and confirming of all and singular their causes, affairs and business whatsoever. And that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty and their successors the same Seal at their will and pleasure from time to time to break, deface, alter, change and make new, as to them shall seem most meet and convenient. 
To have a Master, three Wardens, and sixteen Assistants.  And further we will, and for us, our heirs and successors, we do grant by these presents. That from henceforth for ever there be, and shall be one Master, three Wardens, sixteen Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, to be constituted and chosen, in such manner and form as hereafter in these presents is expressed and specified. And for the better execution of the premises, and also for the good rule and government of the Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid, from time to time, for ever we have assigned, ordained and constituted, And by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, name, ordain, and constitute our well-beloved subject Phinees Pett, 
Nomination of the first Master.  our servant and Master Shipwright, to be the first Master of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, willing that the said Phinees Pett be and shall continue Master of the said Art or Mystery, from the day of the date of these presents, until the morrow after the feast of Saint Bartholomew Th'apostle now next ensuing, and then from thenceforth until some other meet and sufficient man of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid, be elected, & sworn to execute the said Office of Master of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, according to the ordinances and provisions in these presents expressed and limited, if the said Phinees Pett shall so long live, unless the said Phinees Pett shall happen in the meantime for some misgovernment or other just cause to be removed, whom for such just cause, we will and ordain to be removable according to the form herein expressed. And also we have assigned, ordained, named, and constituted, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, name, ordain, and constitute our well-beloved subjects, 
Nomination of the first Wardens.  William Burrell, Nicholas Symonson, and Thomas Dymock, three other Shipwrights to be the first three Wardens of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid, Willing that they the said William Burrell, Nicholas Symonson, and Thomas Dymock shall be and continue Wardens of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, from the day of the date of these presents, till the morrow after the feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, now next ensuing the date hereof, and from the morrow after the said Feast, until three other meet and sufficient men of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid, be to the said Offices of Wardens elected and sworn to execute the same according to the ordinances, and provisions in these presents limited and expressed, if they the said William Burrell, Nicholas Symonson, and Thomas Dymock shall so long live, unless they, or any of them, respectively in the meantime shall be removed for their misgovernment, or for some other just cause; whom for such just cause, we likewise will and ordain to be removable according to the form herein expressed. And moreover for the better assistance and counsel of the said Master and Wardens in and about the execution of their several Offices, we have assigned, named, ordained and constituted, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do assign, name, ordain, and constitute our well-beloved subjects Matthew Baker, 
Nomination of the first Assistants.  William Bright, Edward Stephens, Nicholas Day, john Apslin, Peter Pett, Thomas jenkin's, john Graves, Robert Bourne, james Marsh, William Hedger, Thomas Wells, William Picks, john may, Edmund jordan, and Richard Watford to be the first and present sixteen Assistants of the said Art or Mystery, Willing that they the said Matthew Baker, William Bright, Edward Stephens, Nicholas Day, john Apslin, Peter Pett, Thomas jenkin, john Graves, Robert Bourne, james Marsh, William Hedger, Thomas Wells, William Picks, john Mare, Edmund jordan, and Richard Watford, and all other Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, shall be and continue Assistants of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid for and during their natural lives, and shall from time to time be aiding, counseling, and assisting unto the said Master and Wardens for the better government, rule and direction of the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery, and every member thereof, unless they or any of them shall be removed from the same place of Assistant or Assistants, for some misdemeanour or other just cause; whom for such cause, we likewise will and ordain to be removable according to the form herein also expressed. And for the better establishment of this our good intention and purpose, and for the perpetual, and constant continuance, direction, rule and government of the whole body of the said Art or Mystery, and every member thereof, 
The day of election of Masters & Wardens.  we will and ordain, That on the morrow next after the said feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, yearly hereafter, the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid, for the time being, or the greater part of them for that intent and purpose to be assembled at, or in their common House or Hall, shall elect, choose and nominate one person who hath formerly been Warden of the said Art or Mystery, to be Master of the said Art or Mystery for the next year then following, and shall at the same time elect, choose, and nominate out of the said Assistants, three that shall likewise be Wardens of the said Art or Mystery, which said Master and Wardens, so as aforesaid nominated, elected and chosen, shall be and continue Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery, unto the said term of one whole year than next ensuing, and further until some Master and Wardens shall be respectively elected, preferred and chosen thereunto, they and every of them, first taking a corporal oath upon the holly Evangelists before the Master and Wardens, being their last predecessors or any two of them, or before the Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, or the greatest part of them, for the due execution of their several Offices respectively, and also the oath commonly called the Oath of Supremacy: which Oaths we do by these presents give power and authority to the said Master and Wardens for the time being, or any two of them, or to the said Assistants, or the greater part of them, to minister and take of the person and persons so elected accordingly, and then every such Master, Warden and Wardens so removed, shall then instantly be chosen & elected to be assistant or assistants, and so to remain assistant or assistants in the room and place of him or them that shall be so chosen out of the said assistants to be Master, Warden and Wardens, first taking his or their corporal oath or oaths, before the then Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or any two of them, for the due execution of their said Offices and places of assistants before they take upon them the execution of the same; which Oath we do likewise give power and authority to the said Master and Wardens, or any two of them to minister and take accordingly. And further our will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors grant, ordain, and appoint, that the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or the greatest number of them, 
To be removable for misdemean or & and others chosen.  so often as any offence or misdemeanour shall happen to be committed or done by any of the said Master, Wardens or Assistants, shall and may congregate and gather themselves together in their Common Hall, and shall and may have power and authority to remove any or so many of the said Master Wardens and Assistants as they shall find to have committed any such Offences or misdemeanours from their said place or places, and elect others in his or their room, according to the form herein expressed, and that when, and as often as it shall happen, the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or any of them to die and depart out of this life, or otherwise for any reasonable or lawful cause be removed or be dismissed from his, or their, or any of their Office or Offices of Master and Wardens aforesaid, or any of them within the year wherein they or any of them shall be so elected and chosen as is aforesaid, That then, and so often it shall and may be lawful to and for the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery then for the time being, or the greater part of them, within fifteen days next after such death, dismission, or removing of such Master or Wardens, or any of them, to nominate, prefer, elect and choose any able and sufficient person or persons out of the said Assistants in the steed and place of him or them so dying, removed, or dismissed, to be and continue Master and Wardens, or Master and Warden of the Art or Mystery aforesaid, for and during the residue of the same year, and from thence until some other person or persons shall be elected and chosen unto the said Office or Offices of Master and Wardens or Warden of the said Art or Mystery according to the ordinance and provision in these presents expressed. And that this course shall from time to time be taken as often as the case shall so require. And that he or they so nominated, chosen and preferred to any of the Office or Offices aforesaid, before he or they shall enter into the execution of the said Office or Offices, shall take a corporal Oath upon the holy Evangelists, before the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery being their last predecessors, or any two of them, for the due execution of the said Office or Offices, and also the oath commonly called the Oath of Supremacy, which Oaths we do by these presents give power and authority to the said Master and Wardens for the time being, or any two of them, to minister and take accordingly. And if it happen any of the Assistants of the said Art or Mystery to die or to be removed from their, or any of their said offices of Assistants for some reasonable cause. That then, and so often it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part of them then being or remaining, within convenient time after the death or removing of any the Assistant or Assistants as aforesaid, to choose or make one or more person or persons being of the most honest, discreet, skilful and sufficient Shipwrights, or workmen of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery to be Assistant or Assistants of the said Art or Mystery. To continue in the said Office or Offices during his or their natural life or lives, except they or any of them, for some reasonable cause shall happen to be removed out of their said Office or Offices as aforesaid. First taking his or their Corporal Oath or Oaths before the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or any two of them well and truly to execute the said Office or Offices in all things concerning the same. And that so often as the case shall require; which Oath we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, give full power and authority to the said Master and Wardens, or any two of them to minister and take accordingly. And our will and pleasure is, and we do by these presents grant and ordain. That if any person or persons named or elected to be Master, Warden, or Assistant of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery as aforesaid, shall wilfully, and obstinately, without good and just cause or excuse, reject or refuse, the said Office or Place of Master, Warden, or Assistant respectively, or after he hath agreed thereto shall wilfully and obstinately, 
To be fined for refusal or neglect.  without good and just cause or excuse, reject or neglect the same or the execution and performance thereof, Then the Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, or the most part of them, shall or may impose upon every such person so refusing or neglecting the Office or Place of Master or Warden, the Fine of Ten pounds or under, and upon every person so refusing or neglecting the Office or Place of Assistant the Fine of Twenty Nobles or under, to be paid to the use of the said Corporation. To be had, taken and levied of the goods and chattels of such person or persons so refusing or neglecting, and fined as aforesaid by way of distress, or otherwise by action of Debt, Bill, plaint, or Information, wherein no essoin, protection, or wager of Law shall be admitted or allowed to the defendant. And this to be done from time to time, when, and as often as the case shall so require. And moreover our will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, grant and ordain, that there shall or may be from henceforth for ever in all and every convenient and needful place and places of our Kingdom of England and Dominions of Wales, one or more honest sufficient and skilful person or persons of the said Art or Mystery which shall be, 
To appoint Deputies in remote places.  and shall be called the deputy or deputies of the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery to be from time to time hereafter elected, nominated, and appointed by the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, or four of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the time being, to be always two, and to continue in the place or places, of deputy or deputies of the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the time being, from the time of there said election, for the space of one whole year than next ensuing, or until he be for some just cause removed, and some other of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, be elected, nominated, and sworn to the said Office or place of deputy or deputies according to the true intent and meaning of these presents. And moreover we will and ordain, that in case, and when, and as often as it shall happen any of the said place or places of deputy or deputies, by death or departure, or amotion for just cause (which amotion for just cause, we will from time to time shall and may be done) or otherwise shall happen to be or fall void. That then, and so often from time to time, within convenient time, after such avoidance, the same Office or Place, Offices or Places, shall be supplied or filled up, by nomination, election, and preferment of some other person or persons of the said Art or Mystery, according to the form before expressed, and the purport and true meaning of these presents. And we will, ordain and command, that every person that shall be from henceforth named, and chosen to be deputy or deputies, to the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, during the time, that he or they or any of them, shall continue in his or their Office or Offices, 
Their duty and office.  place or places of deputyship, do, and shall from time to time employ the uttermost of his and their endeavours, abilities, and skill, in the due execution of this our Charter and Letters Patents, and of every branch, article and thing therein contained, and of all good and wholesome laws, orders, and ordinances, which at any time hereafter shall be made and constituted by the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants in every respect, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and of these presents, and in all other causes, matters and things concerning the good and welfare of the said Art and Mystery, And that they the said deputies, for the time being, and every of them shall be from time to time accountable to the said Master, Wardens, and commonalty and their successors, for all sums of money, profits and commodities by them, or any of them to be collected or received, by reason, or in respect of his said Office or Offices, place or places of deputy or deputies, and shall further before he or they execute or undertake the same Office or Place of deputy or deputies, take a Corporal Oath before the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or any four of them, whereof the said Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, or their deputy or deputies, in that behalf of and for the true and due execution of the said Office and place, and also the oath commonly called the Oath of Supremacy, which Oaths we do by these presents give full power and authority to the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, or any four of them; whereof the said Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, or to their deputy or deputies, in that behalf to minister and take of every such deputy or deputies accordingly. Andour will and pleasure is, and we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, grant and ordain, that if any person or persons so named or elected, to be deputy or deputies to the said Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the time being as aforesaid, shall accept the same office and deputation, and then after shall wilfully and obstinately without good and just cause or excuse, refuse to attend or execute the same. So as no person so nominated be compelled against his will, to hold such place of deputation above the space of two years together. That then the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, or the more part of them shall or may impose upon every such person so refusing to exercise the said Office or Place after such acceptance thereof as aforesaid, a reasonable fine not exceeding Twenty Nobleses, To be levied and paid to the use of the said Corporation, And further we will, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, do grant unto the said Master, Wardens, 
To have a Clerk.  and Commonalty, and their successors. That they the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, and their successors shall and may have, take and entertain one honest and discreet person in manner and for me hereafter in these presents expressed to be nominated and chosen, which shall be, and be called the Clerk of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, And we have assigned, made, constituted, named and ordained. And by these presents for us our heirs and successors, do assign, make, constitute, name, and ordain our well-beloved subject and servant Richard Newman to be the present Clerk of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery. To be and continue in the said Office during the term of his natural life, unless he for some misdemeanour shall be removed, dismissed, or shall surrender the same: Which Office we will shall be used and exercised by himself or his sufficient deputy or deputies, such as the said Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or any two of them shall allow of. And that from time to time, and at all times after the death, surrender, or removal of the said Richard Newman, the said Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part of them shall or may choose, name, and make any other discreet man to be Clerk of the said Art or Mystery. And that he which shall be so chosen and made Clerk of the same Corporation, Art or Mystery after the death, removal or surrender of the said Richard Newman as is aforesaid, shall and may exercise and enjoy the said Office of Clerk of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the term of his life. The said Clerk so to be nominated after the death, or removal of the said Richard, or his surrender of his Office as aforesaid, first taking his Corporal Oath upon the holy Evangelists before the Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part of them well and truly to execute the said Office of Clerk of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, in all things appertaining to the said Office to the uttermost of his power according to his skill and knowledge, and so often, from time to time, as often as the case shall require: which Oath we do by these presents give full power and authority to the said Master, Wardens and Assistants or the greater part of them to minister and take accordingly. And further our will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, 
Power to choose inferior officers  give and grant to the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery, of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, and their successors, That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants and their successors for the time being, or the greater part of them from time to time, when, and as often as occasion shall require, or to them in that behalf shall seem convenient, likewise to name and appoint any other inferior Officers, Ministers and members as shall be needful and expedient, in to, or for the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, or the good government and affairs thereof, and the same and every or any of them from time to time, and at all times at their like will and pleasure to displace, remove, put out or discharge, and him or them or others in his or their place, room, or steed so removed expelled, displaced, or discharged to take in again, place or appoint of new, and in like manner to do and perform, when and as often as he, they, or any of them shall fortune to die or to depart this life before he or they be so removed, expelled or discharged. And also we will and grant by these presents for us, 
To take in any person to be of the company and again to displace them  our heirs and successors, to the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty and their successors. That the said Master, Wardens & Assistants and their successors for the time being, or the greater part of them shall or may from time to time and at all times hereafter at their like will and pleasure admit, receive and take whatsoever person or persons being our natural born subjects, as well within this our Realm of England as in other our dominions and places, being under our obeisance, and not otherwise, which would be, and are, or shall be willing and desirous to be of the said Corporation as a member or members thereof, and that all and every person and persons so to be admitted, received and taken in by the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or the more part of them shall from the time of his or their admission, be called and accounted a brother, and member, or freeman of the said Corporation indeed and in name. And also that the said Master, Wardens and Assistants or the greater part of them shall or may again, at their will and pleasure when, and as often as to them or the greater part of them in that behalf it shall upon good and just occasion seem most meet and expedient, remove, displace, and discharge all and every such person or persons so admitted, received and taken in as aforesaid, of and from the said corporation. And to th'intent that as well ourself, our heirs and successors, as also our Merchants and other our subjects may from time to time hereafter, be better furnished, stored and supplied with cunning, skilful and sufficient Shipwrights and workmen of that kind, for the making, building, and repairing of Ships, Pinnaces and other vessels, and for the avoiding, suppressing, or preventing as much as in us lieth of the manifold abuses and deceits, therein daily practised and committed by such persons as are altogether unskilful, having never been trained or brought up as apprentices in the said Art or Mystery, according to the laws and statutes of this our Realm of England. 
Keeping & retaining of Apprentices.  We do therefore of our more especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion for us, our heirs and successors, will and grant to the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith and to their successors for ever. That every freeman of the said company shall and may from time to time hereafter, have, take and keep one or more apprentice or apprentices, to be trained and brought up under him in the said Trade, Art or Mystery of a Shipwright, And that every such apprentice shall be by covenants bound by and to his Master that shall so entertain him as aforesaid, duly and truly to serve him as his apprentice, for and during the full space and term of seven years at the least, and to be ordered and used to all intents and purposes according to the custom of the City of London, And that the same covenant of apprenticeship to be made by writing, indented and registered or enroled at their Common hall before themselves in their said Corporation by their Clerk or his sufficient deputy or deputies for the time being, and that such enrolment shall be good and effectual in the law, 
To be bound and enroled at their Common Hall.  to all intents and purposes against us, our heirs and successors, and against all person and persons whatsoever, Any law, statute, custom or usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. Willing and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, straightly charging and commanding that no Shipwright,, Calker, or Shipcarpenter, or any other being a Freeman of the said Corporation, and using, exercising, practising, or professing the said Trade, Skill, Art or Mystery of building, making, trimming, dressing, graving, launching, drawing, stocking, or repairing of any Ships, Pinnaces or other vessel or vessels whatsoever for navigation or traffic, shall or may at any time or times hereafter receive, have, entertain, or keep any apprentice, or other servant, being not already free of the said corporation, or not having served with some other Shipwright in the same Trade to be used, exercised, trained, or brought up under him in the said trade, art, or mystery as aforesaid, except he first cause every such his servant or apprentice, to be bound unto him by Indenture, for the said term of seven years at the least, or for so many years as together with the years which he hath served in the said trade as aforesaid, shall make up the number of seven years, and do likewise cause his said Indenture of apprenticeship to be registered, or enroled before the Clerk of the said company, or his deputy for the time being as aforesaid, within one month next after the taking thereof, upon pain of our heavy displeasure, and of such fine or other punishment as by the laws and statutes of this Realm, or by the laws and ordinances already made, or hereafter to be made by the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part according to the true intent and meaning hereof, shall or may be inflicted upon him or them that shall offend therein. 
Courts and consultation.  And further our will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors of our especial grace, certain knowledge and mere motion grant to the said Master, Wardens and commonalty, and to their successors, That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, and their successors, or the greater part of them, when and as often as to them, or the greater part of them, it shall seem needful or expedient, to assemble, convocate and congregate themselves together, at or in the Common Hall or house being now at Redrith in the County of Surrey, or in any other place or places for the same convenient, and then, and there to keep Court and consultation for the said Corporation, Art, or Mystery and the affairs thereof, and the perquisites, issues and profits of the said Court or Courts so to be kept and held, to levy, take and perceive to and for the use of the said Corporation, for the better maintenance and preservation thereof, without any account to be made or rendered to us, our heirs, or successors in that behalf. And that also it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or the greater part of them being so assembled as aforesaid (whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two) then and there to treat, consult, common, determine and agree amongst themselves, or with any person or persons whatsoever of, upon, and concerning the good estate, benefit, conservation and wholesome rule, government and ordering of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, and the men, apprentices, workmen, workmanship, and all other the affairs & things to the same belonging, or thereupon in any wise depending. 
Power to make laws.  And at, in, and upon such their assemblies, meetings and conferences, to make, ordain and constitute such, and so many good, wholesome, and reasonable laws, statutes, articles, constitutions, orders, and ordinances whatsoever, as to them or the greater part of them being then and there present (whereof the Master and one of the Wardens for the time being to be always two) shall seem reasonable, necessary, meet and convenient, for, touching or concerning the premises, and for the better advancement, performance and continuance of the same, and also for the better directing how and in what order and manner the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, and all other person and persons using the said Art or Mystery within our said Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, shall demean and behave themselves, aswell in all and singular matters and things touching or concerning the said functions, ministries, and businesses touching or concerning the said Art or Mystery as aforesaid, And the same laws, orders, Articles, and constitutions so made or any of them to put in ure and execute accordingly, and at their will again to revoke, alter or change, when and as often as occasion shall thereto require. And our further will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, grant and command, that whatsoever is or shall be concluded and agreed upon at any such assembly or meeting of the said Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part of them (whereof the Master and one of the Wardens for the time being to be always two) and the same entered and registered in some public book to be kept, for that purpose the same shall be holden as laws, ordinances and statutes, amongst them to be put in ure and execution, and shall bind all persons of the said Corporation, Art or Mystery, & all Shipwrights and workmen of that profession, in any Place, Port, Haven, or Town within our said Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, aswell the subjects of the same our Realm and Dominions as strangers, & aliens, for or during the time of their being, in or upon any part of our said Realm, Coasts or Dominions, or any Creeks or Harbours of the same, to observe, obey and perform the same from time to time in all things, as the same aught to be upon the pains, penalties and punishments in the same, to be imposed, inflicted and limited. So always as the said laws, statutes, articles, orders, ordinances, pains, penalties, and punishments, and every of them be agreeable to reason and justice, and not contrary or repugnant to the laws, statutes, rights or customs of this our Realm of England, nor derogatory to the jurisdictions and pre-eminences of the Lord high-admiral of England, for the time being, or to the Court of Admiralty of England or the judges Register or Marshal of that Court for the time being or any of them. And we do further will and grant if any person or persons whatsoever shall offend against any of the said laws, 
Offenders to be fined.  statutes, ordinances so made or to be made as aforesaid, or shall violate, transgress or break any of them. That then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or the greater part of them (whereof the said Master and one of the Wardens to be two) to impose and inflict all and singular such pains, penalties, punishments, fines and amerciaments, and forfeitures, or any of them in the said laws, statutes and ordinances limited upon all and every such person or persons so offending or transgressing the same, as they in justice according to their wisdoms and discretions, and the nature, quantity and quality of the fault, shall think fit, and the same fines, penalties, amerciaments and forfeitures, or any of them in the said laws, ordinances, and statutes, or any of them, or in their orders to be grounded thereupon, to be appointed and specified of the offenders, and every of them to ask, levy, gather and receive, and for default of payment, that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty to distrain the goods and chattels of such offendor, and the same to keep till they shall be satisfied, or otherwise to bring their action for the same according to law. And our will and pleasure is, That all and singular fines, forfeitures, sum and sums of money whatsoever or hereafter to be due, and received by reason of the said decrees, orders or ordinances, shall be to the use commodity and sole benefit and behoof of the said Corporation without any account or other thing therefore to us, our heirs or successors to be yielded, paid, rendered, made or done in that behalf, without any let, trouble, molestation or interruption of any person or persons whatsoever for the same. 
Power to levy and recover duties, fines, etc. by distrease or action of Det.  And we have further of our more especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors do give and grant unto the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, and to their successors for ever. That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, by themselves or by any their sufficient deputy or deputies, Officer or Officers, or any other person or persons by them for that purpose to be authorized or appointed by writing under their common seal, from time to time, & at all times hereafter in lawful manner, to ask, levy, have, receive and take in all and every place and places within our said Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, aswell of every Master workman, shipwright, or other person or persons that shall hereafter make or build, or cause to be made or built any new ship or ships, vessel or vessels of the burden of 100 Tons, or more or less, all and singular such profits, dues, duties, fees, allowances, sum and sums of money whatsoever, after such rate, and in such manner and form as at any time or times heretofore, themselves, their predecessors, by any name or names of Corporation by, under, or by force and virtue of any former Charter or Letters Patents to them or any of them given or granted or by any other lawful and reasonable way or means have or aught to have received, had, taken or enjoyed the same by way of tonnage, quarterage, poundage or otherwise, And also all and every such fines, amerciaments, penalties sum and sums of money as shall be by force and virtue of these or Letters Patents, our any their laws, orders, ordinances, statutes or institutions already made or hereafter to be made, for the good government of the said company, assessed or imposed upon any person or persons whatsoever, as shall offend or transgress contrary to the true intent and meaning of the same, to the sole use, benefit, and behoof of the said company, without any account to be yielded, made, or given, to us our heirs or successors for the same. And if any person or persons whatsoever, of the said Art or Mystery, shall at any time or times hereafter refuse, deny, or neglect to satisfy and pay all and every such dues, duties, allowances, fines, amerciaments, penalties, sum or sums of money as shall be so imposed or assessed, or wherewith he or they shall be charged as aforesaid upon lawful demand thereof to him or them made, either by the said Master and Wardens for the time being, or any of them or any their deputy or deputies, officer or officers as aforesaid. That then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens for the time being, or any of them, by themselves or by their sufficient deputy or deputies, officer or officers so authorized as aforesaid, to enter and distrain any the goods or chattels of the person or persons so offending, denying, or withholding the same, in any place or places whatsoever, where the same goods and chattles, or any of them shall or may be found, and the same to take, bear, and carry away, and with him or them to detain and keep for and to the use of the said company, till such fines, sum, or sums of money shall be fully satisfied and paid, or otherwise that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master Wardens, and commonalty for the time being to sue for and recover the same dues, duties, allowances, fines, amerciaments, penalties, impositions, sum and sums of money, in any of our Court or Courts of record. By Action of debt, bill, plaint, information, or by any other lawful ways or means whatsoever. And these our Letters Patents or the enrolment thereof shall be a sufficient warrant in that behalf, unto the said Master Wardens, and commonalty, and to all and every their deputy and deputies, officer and officers, 
Restraint from discovery of the secrets of of the trade.  and to all and every other person and persons whatsoever for the doing thereof. And to the end that the secrets of the said Art or Mystery and the manner of our English building and new making of Ships, Pinnaces, and other vessels, should for more strength and safety of our Realms and Kingdoms be kept secret, to, and within ourselves and our said Realms and Dominions, and altogether unknown to aliens and strangers of other Nations, Our will and pleasure is, and we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, straightly charge and command that no person or persons whatsoever of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, do at any time or times hereafter, directly, or indirectly, by any ways or means whatsoever, presume, or attempt to discover, or make known to any foreigner or stranger, not being a natural borne subject of us, our heirs or successors, or not being naturalised or indenized, nor to any other person or persons not being free and sworn of and to the said corporation, nor being a servant or apprentice to the said art or mystery, the secrets of the said trade, art, or mystery, or the special manner of our English building or new making of Ships, Pinnaces, or other vessels as aforesaid, nor to take any alien or stranger borne, being not naturalised or indenized to be his or their apprentice or servant, upon pain of our high displeasure, and of such further punishment as by the laws and statutes of this Realm, or the ordinances and laws, so made, or to be made by the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants or the greater part of them as aforesaid, can or may be inflicted upon such offendor or offenders for the same. And to the end our will and pleasure herein may be the better observed and performed and the offendor punished, we do further by these presents give and grant, for us, our heirs and successors to the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, and their successors. That if at any time hereafter, any person, or persons of the said Art or Mystery, shall offend in discovering the secrets of the said Trade, Art, or Mystery to any foreigner or stranger not being a natural borne subject of us our heirs or successors, or otherwise naturalised and indenized as aforesaid, or to any other person or persons not being free and sworn of the said Corporation, or not being a servant or apprentice of or to the said Art or Mystery, or shall take any alien or stranger borne to be his or their apprentice or servant contrary to this our said command and the true intent and meaning of these presents. That then, and so often, it shall & may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or the greater part of them being assembled as aforesaid, to impose upon every such offendor a reasonable fine according to the quality of his offence at the discretion of the said Master, Wardens and Assistants or the more part of them, the same fine to be forfeited and paid by the person or persons so offending, to the sole benefit, use and behoof of the said Corporation, for the better maintenance and upholding of the same, and the relieving of the poor of the said Corporation. And our further will and pleasure is. 
Punishment of such as shall depart from their work and be mutinous.  And we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors of our more especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion, grant to the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, and their successors for ever, that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or the greater part of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, to examine and punish by fine or such other correction as the quality of the offence shall deserve, and require, every person which shall unlawfully depart or go away from his work after he hath been hired or agreed withal for wages before the time or times of his retainer or retainers be expired, or shall be found to grow mutinous stubborn, or disobedient, or any way a provoker, enticer or seducer of any other to any mutiny or disobedience, to the hurt or injury, or likelihood of hurt or injury of the said Corporation, or of the good government and order therein, or of any service whatsoever, 
Hearing of complaints.  And also to examine, hear and order all and every the complaints of or against any shipwrights or other workmen of the said Corporation, Art, or profession, or of or against any of his or their journeymen, apprentices or servants. And of our more ample grace, certain knowledge and mere motion, 
Searches & surveys.  and for the better suppressing and reformation of the deceits and abuses first above mentioned, we will and have given and granted, and by these presents for us, our heirs and successors do freely and absolutely give and grant to the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art and Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, and to their successors for ever for the time being and to every of them. That it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens or any two of them for the time being, and also to and for any two of the said Assistants or other two persons being skilful, or which hereafter shall be skilful in the said Art or Mystery being thereunto deputed and authorized by writing under the common Seal of the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, first taking his or their Corporal Oath or Oaths upon the Evangelists, before the Master and Wardens, or any two of them for the due execution of their said Offices or Places, which Oath we do by these presents authorize the said Master, and Wardens, or any two of them to minister and take accordingly at all convenient time or times, taking with them if need so require a Constable or any other his majesties Officer or Officers of the City, Town or Place to search, view and survey all manner of timber, wood, and other stuff provided, prepared, and fitted for the building, making, or repairing of any Ships, Pinnaces, or other vessels in any place or places whatsoever within our Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, or in either of them. And also to search, view, and survey all and every the works and workman ship of all and every person and persons whatsoever in making, working, building, or repairing or which hereafter shall make, work, build, or repair any manner of Ships, Pinnaces, boats, or other vessels whatsoever within our said Realm of England and Dominion of Wales or either of them, And that it shall and may be lawful to & for the said Master & Wardens, or any two of them, or their deputies so authorized as aforesaid, all and singular Ships, Pinnaces, Boats and other vessels hereafter to be built, to view, search and survey, and such of them whereof the timberwork, at the time of such search, shall not be fully finished, and which, at the time of such search, view, or survey, so to be made as aforesaid, shall be found to be insufficiently, falsely, and deceitfully, made, wrought or repaired, as they must needs be by that means dangerous to such as shall use or employ them, to arrest and stay until the same shall be reform, amended, repaired, & made fit for Navigation. And our further will and pleasure is, that if the said persons before by these presents authorized, to make such search as aforesaid, or any of them shall happen to find any sappy wood, redwood, or other insufficient wood or timber, to be put into any Ships, Pinnaces, or other vessels, or hewn, wrought, & fitted for that purpose, That then the said persons or any of them shall forthwith charge and warn the makers or owners of such Ships, Pinnaces or other vessels forthwith to take away the said sappy wood, redwood, and other insufficient wood and timber, and to supply the same with other sufficient timber and wood. And if within convenient time after such charge and warning given as is aforesaid, the said sappy wood, redwood, and other insufficient wood and timber be not taken away, and the same supplied with other good and sufficient timber and wood as is aforesaid. That then, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens, or any two of them, or any two of the said Assistants, or any such deputy or deputies as aforesaid to take and deface all such sappy wood, and redwood, and all and singular such other timber and wood, which upon any such search, and view, and after convenient admonition and warning given. to take the same away and to supply it with better and more sufficient wood and timber, they shall find to be put in or apparently intended to be put into any Ship, Pinnace, or other vessel, or hewn, cut out, or wrought for that purpose, manifestly tending to the prejudice and damage of us, our heirs and successors, or of any other our loving subjects, Merchants and Mariners, whose goods and lives are hazarded, & often lost by reason of such ill stuff (the use of all which sappy and redwood & other insufficient stuff) we do hereby for us, our heirs and successors, straightly prohibit and restrain to be used or employed in any sort in or upon any ship or other vessel. And our will and pleasure is, and we do by these presents, for us our heirs and successors, grant unto the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty and to their successors for the time being, That it shall and may be lawful to, and for, the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants for the time being, or the greater part of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, to impose and inflict such punishment upon every offendor in that behalf, either by fine or imprisonment, or both of them, as by the laws and statutes of this Realm or by any laws or ordinances, to be made by the said Corporation, as is aforesaid, shall, or may be imposed or inflicted upon them for their offence in that behalf: Or otherwise, that the said Master and Wardens or any two of them or such other person or persons, so authorized, as aforesaid, and which upon the search shall find any of the deceits and abuses aforesaid, shall complain thereof to some justice or justices of the Peace, within the place or county where such deceits and abuses shall be found. And we do by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, straightly charge and command, all, and every our justice and justices, of the Peace whatsoever, to whom any such complaint or complaints shall so be made as is aforesaid, that they and every of them, shall by all good and lawful ways and means examine and find out the truth of the said complaints, abuses and deceits. And if upon due examination thereof, they shall find that any such abuses and deceits, have been committed as aforesaid: That then they cause the party or parties, so offending, to be indicted or otherwise punished, for such his, and their abuses and deceits, either before our justices of Peace, in the county where the same abuses and deceits shall be committed and found at their Sessions of the Peace, or before the justices of Assize of the same county, or before any other lawful judge or judges, to the end that the said person, or persons so offending, may receive such condign punishment, as by the laws and statutes of this Realm can or may be inflicted upon him, or them, for his or their offence or offences, in that behalf. And our will and pleasure is, And we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, straightly charge and command the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, of the said Art or Mystery and their successors, for the time being, that once in every month at the least, such search be made as is aforesaid, And that the authority hereby in that behalf, to them given, be put in due execution, without any respect of persons, or partiality whatsoever. Provided always nevertheless, and our will & pleasure is, that neither the Master, nor Wardens, of the said Art or Mystery, for the time being, or any their Deputy or Deputies, so authorized to search as is aforesaid, shall not by colour of these Letters Patents, meddle with, or do any thing to the hindrance, stay, or prevention of any Ship, Pinnace, or other Vessel that is or shall be at the time of such their search as aforesaid, ready to go forth for any intended voyage or journey, or the Master, Owner, Mariner, sailors, or other Officers of the same. Any thing in these presents to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. 
Power to trade beyond the seas.  And further of our mere especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, we do by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, grant unto the said Master, Wardens and Commonalty, of the said Art, or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redreth aforesaid and their Successors for the time being: That it shall and may be lawful to, and for all and every person and persons, lawfully using or exercising, or which hereafter shall lawfully use, or exercise the said Art or Mystery, by themselves, their servants, or Deputies at any times hereafter, to buy and provide in any the places beyond the seas, all such timber, Planks, Masts, Deals, Sparres, wood and wooden stuff, and also all Pitch, Tar, resin, and Oil as they shall think necessary or convenient, for the building, repairing, graving, or fitting of Ships, Pinnaces, or other Vessels, and the same so bought, and provided, shall and may from time to time, for ever hereafter, bring or cause to be brought into this our Realm of England and Dominion of Wales or any part or place thereof, and the same discharge, and lay on Land, paying to us, our heirs and successors the full custom, poundage, and other duties due, or which hereafter shall be due to us, our heirs or successors; Any Law, Statute, Custom, Proclamation, or any other matter, cause or thing to the contrary notwithstanding. And whereas for the better maintenance of Navigation, and encouragement of our loving subjects, to increase shipping within this our Realm, 
Surveying of Tounage  there is and hath been of ancient time an allowance given by us, and our predecessors of five shillings sterling, for every Tun of any new builded Ship to be rated according to the burden of the said ship, so as the said ship did contain in burden one hundred Tons or upwards in Tons and tonnage, which laudable custom we being pleased to continue, and finding it also convenient aswell for the avoiding of abuses that might be offered in rating and setting down the tonnage of the said ships and otherwise, as also that the builder might have his right and due allowance of tonnage, to appoint some person or persons of knowledge and experience, for the surveying and overseeing of the true rates and tonnage in that behalf, We did by our Letters Patents under the great Seal of England, bearing date the 24. day of April, in the third year of our reign, give and grant to john Grent gentleman, for and during his natural life the Office and place of Surveyor of the tonnage and burden of all new builded Ships of the burden above mentioned or upwards, from time to time within this our Realm of England, together with the wages and fee of twelve pence by the day of lawful money of England, for the exercising of the said Office or place, together with all and singular other Fees, profits, commodities and allowances whatsoever to the same place or Office in any wise due, incident or appertaining, with a Proviso or clause therein mentioned, that the said john Grent in the rating and setting down of the tonnage & burden of the saidnew builded ships from time to time should use the advice and assistance of one of our shipwrights to be nominated and appointed by our High Admiral of England for the time being, And that all and every such bill and bills of tonnage as should be presented to us, to be signed for the said allowance of five shillings upon every Ton of the burden of the said Ships should be first allowed under the hand of the said Surveyor, and signed by the said Admiral or his deputy for the time being as hath been accustomed. And whereas by our Letters Patents, bearing date the 28. day of january, in the fourth year of our Reign we did grant, or mention to grant unto Humphrey jobson gent. for and during his natural life the Reversion of the said Office or place of Surveyor of the tonnage and burden of all new builded ships of the burden of one hundred Tons, above mentioned, or upwards from time to time, within our Realm of England next after the death, forfeiture or surrender of the said john Grent, together with the wages and fee of twelve pence a day for the exercising of the said office, place, and all, and singular other Fees, profits, commodities and allowances whatsoever to the same place or office in any wise due, incident or appertaining As in, and by the said two several Letters Pattens more at large appeareth. And whereas of late we have been much wronged, defrauded, and abused, in that sundry of the said ships for want of exact viewing, surveying, and measuring, have been overrated in their burden and tonnage, whereby we have been charged with the payment of a greater allowance, then in truth we ought to have been. Know ye therefore, that we reposing a special trust and confidence, in the faithfulness, experience, care, and honest and true circumspection of the Master, Wardens and Commonalty, of the said Art, or Mystery of Shipwrights. And to the end, that we, our heirs, and successors, may not at any time from henceforth, in like sort be defrauded, wronged, or abused, do of our special grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, give and grant to the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, and to their successors for ever, the office, function, and place of Surveyor of the tonnage and burden, of all new builded Ships of the burden of an hundred tons above mentioned or upwards from time to time, within this our Realm of England, Together with the said wages and fee of twelve pence by the day, and all other fees, profits, commodities, and allowances whatsoever, to the said office, or place in any wise due, belonging, incident or appertaining, And them the said Master, Wardens, and commonalty and their successors we do by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, nominate, ordain, make and appoint Surveyors of the tonnage and burden of all new builded Ships from time to time, within this our Realm of England, and Dominion of Wales. To have, hold, exercise, and enjoy the said office, function, and place, and also, to have, receive, and perceive, the said wages and fee of twelve pence by the day, immediately when, and from, and after such time, as the Estate and interest, Estates and interests granted or mentioned to be granted to the said john Grent, and Humphrey jobson respectively, by death, surrender, forfeiture, or other occasion, cause, or means whatsoever is, are, or shall be void, ended, or determined, and whensoever the said office or place shall first happen, or become void unto the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, and to their successors for ever. And for the better and more exact examination, judging and finding out from hence forth of the true burden and tonnage of every Ship, and vessel, that is or shallbe capable of, or intended to have or require the said allowance. We do hereby for us our heirs and successors ordain, decree, grant, limit, and appoint, and also straightly charge and command the said Master and Wardens for the time being, by themselves or their deputies, being honest, skilful, and sufficient persons, as well to go on board every such ship and vessel, and there to view and decern whether she be sufficiently and substantially built, as is fit and required in that behalf, that is to say with two Orlops at convenient distance, strong to carry ordnance aloft and allow with her forecastle and half deck close for fight. As also to cause every such Ship and vessel to be brought on ground, and by, from, and according to an exact measure taken of her length, breadth depth, & draft, in water so to rate and set down the true burden and tonnage thereof, and to certify the same by Letters testimonial, under the common scale of the said Corporation, and the hands of the said Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, as they will ever after be ready upon their oaths & aleagiance to approve the same. And our will & pleasure is, and we do by these presents for us, our heirs and successors straightly prohibit, charge and command that no person or persons whatsoever shall or may at any time or times hereafter be capable of, or presume to take, receive or demand the said allowance of five shillings a ton as aforesaid, until such due measuring, rating, & certificate be first had & made as aforesaid. Willing and requiring as well our Lord High Treasurer, and Lord High Admiral of England, & our Treasurer & Chancellor of our Exchequer: as also the said john Grent, and Humphrey jobson, and all other persons whom it may concern to take notice of our will and pleasure in this behalf. Any former grant, provision, limitation, custom, or usage, to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding. And moreover for the better maintaining, strengthening, and upholding of the said corporation, and the suppressing, and reforming, as well of the manifold errors, deceipts, and abuses, practised in the said profession, art, and mystery, as also of the disorders, and misdemeanours of divers wilful, stubborn, and disobedient persons of the said profession, Art, or Mystery, which can very hardly by any other means be redressed, restrained, or reform, and for the better continuing, settling, and establishing of good orders, 
Power to punish.  discipline, and government amongst them, for the especial good of our own service, and the general benefit of all our loving subjects, as well Merchants as others, we do of our more ample grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, for us our heirs and successors, give and grant to the said Master, Wardens, and 〈◊〉, and their successors for ever by these presents. That if any person or persons now practising, using, or professing, or which hereafter shall practise, use, or profess the said Art, or Mystery, or any thing thereunto appertaining, shall wilfully or obstinately oppose, or resist the order, rule and government of the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being, or shall refuse to obey, or to submit him, or themselves to this our Charter, or Letters Patents, and to such wholesome laws, orders, ordinances, and institutions as are or shall be made by force and virtue thereof as aforesaid, tending to the good service of us and our commonwealth, and to the good estate and preservation of the said Art or Mystery, or shall not well and honestly carry, behave, and demean him, and themselves towards the Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery, for the time being, and their deputy or deputies or other inferior officers respectively, according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, but after due and convenient warning, notice, or admonition given to him or them in that behalf shall still wilfully and obstinately persist, persevere, or continue in any wilful, stubborn, obstinate, or disobedient course, tending to the hurt and prejudice of us, our heirs and successors, or any our loving subjects, or the order rule and government aforesaid, either by insufficient, negligent, or deceitful working, or not performing of his or their duties, or by purloining, imbeazling of stuff, or by unlawful and disorderly departure from his or their work, after he or they have been hired and such like, or shall do or commit any act or acts directly or indirectly to the prejudice or hindrance of the said Corporation, or the good estate and proceedings thereof, either by wilful absenting him or themselves from the Common-Hall, and meeting upon due warning, or by denial of ordinary and just duties, or shall by mutinies, combinations, conspiracies, or any such like wicked or unlawful course, or practise, persist, or continue in the wilful breach, neglect, or contempt of this our Charter, or any thing herein contained, or any law, ordinance, or institution, made by force of these presents. That then in all and every or any of these cases before mentioned, it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master, Wardens, and assistants, or any three of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, severally to correct and punish such offendor or offenders according to the quantity and quality of his or their offence or offences, according to the laws and ordinances of the said Corporation, and according to the laws and statutes of the realm in that behalf respectively. 
Imprisonment of offenders.  And whereas the greatest number of the workmen and other persons employed in the trades aforesaid are so very poor and needy, and of mean condition as no pecuniary mulct can take hold of them, and likewise so rude and disordered as no ordinary or civil censure can move them to yield obedience to rule or government. And therefore some sharp and severe coercion and constraint must necessarily be used towards them in many cases. Therefore our will and pleasure is, and we do by these presents will and ordain: That if any person or persons now using, or which shall hereafter use or exercise, within the said realm of England, or dominion of Wales, the said Art, Trade, or Mystery of Shipwrights, or other the works or trades aforesaid shall obstinately resist and withstand the government of the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, or their lawful deputy or deputies, and shall after admonition and warning given unto them, or any of them in that behalf wilfully persist in such disobedient course either by deceitful working or by unlawful departure from, after they have been hired, or within the time or times of their retainer, or shall by combination, conspiracies, or other unlawful practices, seek to overthrow, destroy, and bring into contempt the powers, privileges, and authorities by these presents given and granted to the said Master, Wardens, and commonalty, and their successors for the universal benefit and good of our said Realm, dominion and subjects. That the●…, or in such cases, the Lord Admiral of England for the time being, upon complaint and proof thereof made to him, shall take the body or bodies of all and every such notorious offenders and keep them under arrest, until they shall conform themselves, and reform what they have done amiss as aforesaid. And for so much, as a great part of the said Art or Mystery are continually for the most part employed, and attendant upon the service and navigation of us our heirs and successors. We therefore of our especial grace, do will and grant for us our heirs and successors. That the said Master, Wardens and commonalty, or any of them, or their, or any of their successors shall not at any time or times hereafter be informed, put, placed, or impanelled in or upon any Assizes, juries, Inquests, or attaints whatsoever, 
Freedom from Size or Sessions  before any judges, justices, or Commissioners of us, our heirs or successors out of the Cities, Towns, Boroughs, Parishes or places where they or any of them do or shall happen to dwell, unless they have lands or tenements lying out of the said Cities, Towns, Boroughs, Parishes or places, by reason whereof they or any of them ought to be charged, nor shall at any time be pressed or enforced to serve us our heirs or successors as Land-soldiers, but do absolutely and freely discharge them and every of them from any such service and attendance. And we do further by these presents, for us our heirs and successors straightly charge and command all and every Sheriffs, Bailiffs, and other officers of us our heirs and successors that they & every of them do from time to time forbear to put or impanel any of the said Master, Wardens, and commonalty, or any their deputies or apprentices, in or upon any such juries, or inquests as is aforesaid, contrary to our said meaning & intent, upon pain of our displeasure, & of such pains, penalties, and imprisonments as by the laws of this our Realm can or may be inflicted or imposed upon them or any of them for their contempt, in doing contrary to our royal pleasure and commandment in that behalf. And whereas the Master, Wardens, and commonalty of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid, and their and every of their deputies and apprentices being continually for the most part charged and chargeable to be ready and provided at an hours warning upon divers services and employments as well at the Sea, for the necessity, defence, and safety of our realms and kingdoms, and for the use and employment of our Merchants for continuance and increase of trade and commerce with foreign Nations, for the benefit and profit of us and our subjects, as also to give attendance within our Kingdoms for the new building, repairing, and trimming as well of the Ships, Pinnaces, and vessels of us, our heirs & successors, as also of the Ships Pinnaces, and vessels of our Merchants and subjects. Therefore our will and pleasure is. That if it shall happen the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, or other persons, which by the true intent and meaning hereof are and aught to be discharged from such service upon juries or Inquests, shall by Sheriffs, Bailiffs or other officers, ignorantly or wilfully be put and impanelled to serve upon juries, and Inquests, contrary to our true intent and meaning, in that behalf, in certain our former Letters Patents granted, and also in these presents renewed. And that any of the said persons being absent from their houses, and places of habitation, at such times as they were, or shall be summoned or warned to appear upon any such juries or inquests, could not, nor cannot plead or allege the said former Letters Patents nor these presents, or the privileges and authorities hereby given and granted unto them, for their discharge in that behalf, whereby divers issues, fines, and amercements are many times returned against them, contrary to our true intent and meaning: We do therefore grant for us, our heirs and successors, unto the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, and their successors for ever: That if any issues, fines, and amercements shall be returned, forfeited or imposed by, or upon any of the said person or persons of the said Corporation, Trade, Art, or Mystery, for or in respect of not doing, or not performing of any of the said services or other things whereof they are hereby exempted or freed, or mentioned to be exempted or freed: That then the same person or persons, his, or their heirs, executors, administrators and assigns and every of them, and all his and their lands, tenements, goods, and chattels shall be for ever freed and discharged of and from the same issues, fines, and amerciaments, and every of them. And we do require and command the Barons of our Exchequer that in respect of the poverty of many that are to be relieved in this case, they give them all expedition and ease in the proceedings and pleading for their discharge in that behalf. 
Submission to the Charter.  And because this Corporation of Shipwrights hath been principally instituted & made for the maintenance and increase of Navigation and for the better and more substantial making, building and repairing of ships, and also for the training up & instructing of Shipwrights, Ship-carpenters, labourers, and workmen to make them more ready, able and skilful for service, All which things do very greatly concern the defence, safety, wealth and profit of ourself, our Kingdoms and subjects. Therefore we do not only straightly charge and command all and every person and persons which are or shall be of the Commonalty of this Corporation. That they do dutifully submit themselves to such good and wholesome laws, statutes and ordinances as shall be hereafter ordained and made by virtue of these Letters Patents for the government, rule, order and direction of this Corporation, and of all the members thereof, But we do also straightly require, charge and command all Masters, Wardens, and Assistants, deputies and other the principal Officers of this incorporation now being, and that hereafter shall be. That they and every of them in their several Offices and places, do carefully, diligently and circumspectly look to the due and severe execution of all such laws, statutes, and ordinances so to be made as aforesaid, that the same may be truly performed and accomplished according to the tenor and true meaning of the same, upon pain of our heavy displeasure and indignation and of such punishment and imprisonment as by our laws may be inflicted on them and every or any of them, wherein our meaning is to extend the greater punishment upon such as having offices and places of trust and charge committed unto them, shall by wilfulness, negligence, remissness, partiality, or otherwise offend themselves, or suffer others to offend in those things, whereof they ought to be the reformers and redressers, and at whose hands we expect to receive and have amendment and reformation of all offences that shall be committed by any others in that behalf. And forasmuch as the poverty of Shipwrights and persons belonging to the said Corporation is now much more increased then in former times, and not able to be relieved, supported and maintained, by the duties and revenues of the said Corporation which heretofore they have had, or were enabled to have, being so small in yearly value. 
Power to purchase.  Therefore, and to the end, the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty and their Successors, may be from henceforth the better enabled, from time to time to bear and sustain their charges and expenses drawn, and occasioned by reason of the Corporation, and to relieve and maintain the poor of the same, we have of our more especial grace, certain knowledge, and mere motion, given and granted, and by these presents, for us, our heirs, and successors, do give and grant unto the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, of the said Art, or Mystery of Ship writes of Redrith aforesaid, and to their successors, especial licence, and free and lawful faculty, power and authority, that they, & their successors for ever, shall and may, not only have, receive, and purchase to them, and their successors for ever, to their own proper use and behoof, as well of us, our heirs, and successors, as of any other person or persons whatsoever, manours, Messages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tithes, Rents, Reversions, Services, and other Hereditaments whatsoever, which are not held of us, our heirs, and successors, in chief, or by Knight's service, nor of any other by Knight's service. So always that the same Manors, Messages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tithes, Rents, Reversions, or Hereditaments, by the said Master, Wardens, and Commonalty, or their successors, so to be received, purchased, obtained, or had as aforesaid, do not exceed the clear yearly value of forty pound by the year, above all charges, deductions and reprizes. The Statute of Lands & Tenements, not to be put in Mortmain, or any other Statute, Act, or Ordinance, provision, restraint, or any other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. And further we have given and granted, And by these presents for us, our heirs and successors, we do give and grant special licence, and full & free power & authority to any and every of the subjects of us, our heirs and successors, and to all and every body and bodies Corporate and Politic, and other person and persons whatsoever, and to every of them; That they and every of them, shall and may, give, grant, bequeath, assign, or by any ways or means whatsoever, alnie, devise, or assure unto the said Master, Wardens and commonalty, and to their successors for ever, any manours, Messages, Lands, Tenements, Rectories, Tithes, Rents, Reversions, Services, and other Hereditaments whatsoever, which are not held of us, our heirs, or successors in chief, or by Knight's service, 
The kings charge.  or of any other by Knight's service, So that the same manours, Lands, Tenements, and other the premises so as aforesaid to be given, granted, assigned, or devised, do not exceed in the whole, the clear yearly value of forty pound per annum above all charges, deductions and reprizes: The Statute of Lands and Tenements, not to be put in Mortmain, or any other Act, Statute, Ordinance, Provision or restraint, or any other matter, cause or thing whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. And finally we do by these presents, for us, our heirs and successors, straightly charge and command, Aswell the Lord Admiral of England for the time being, and also the judge of our Admiralty and principal Officers of our Navy, and all Viz. Admirals, Marshals, Sergeants, and other officers of our Admiralty, As also the Lord Mayor of our City of London, and the Sheriffs, justices, Constables, and other officers, and ministers of the said City for the time being, And also the several Mayors of our Cities of Bristol and Rochester, and of our several Towns of Yarmouth, Plymouth, Dartmouth, Ipswich, Southampton, Woodbridge, Hull, and Newcastle, respectively for the time being, And all other Mayors, Sheriffs, justices of Peace, Bailiffs, Constables and other officers and ministers of us, our heirs and successors whatsoever within our said Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, That they and every of them be from time to time and at all times hereafter helping, aiding, and assisting to the said Master, Wardens and commonalty, and to their successors and to every or any of them for the time being, and to every of their deputy or deputies, Officer or Officers for the time being for ever, aswell in and for such search, view, and survey so to be made as aforesaid, As also for and in the execution of all and singular grants, ordinances, laws, constitutions and orders herein contained, or hereafter upon, or by virtue of these presents to be made allowed and approved in all things, according to the true intent and meaning of the same, upon pain of our high displeasure, and as they will answer the contrary. And these our Letters Patents or the Enrolment thereof shall be good and effectual in the Law to the said Master, Wardens and commonalty, and their successors, to all intents constructions and purposes, against us, our heirs and successors for ever. Any Act of Parliament, statute, Law, Provision, Proclamation, restraint, or other matter, cause, or thing whatsoever to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Provided always that these our Letters Patents, or any thing therein contained, shall not in any wise extend or be construed to extend or be prejudicial to our Cinque-Ports, or to the liberties or members of the same or any of them, or to any jurisdiction, power or authority of the Lord-warden of the Cinque-Ports for the time being, which he hath, or in any wise or sort he ought, or may lawfully use, exercise or claim, to or with the office of the Lord-warden of the Cinque-Ports, or of any other office or offices, belonging, incident or appertaining to the said office of Lord-warden of the Cinque-Ports. Any grant, power, privilege, matter or thing, before in these presents contained to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. Although express mention of the true yearly value or certainty of the premises or of any of them, or of any other gifts or grants by us or any of our Progenitors or Predecessors to the said Master, Wardens, & Commonalty, before these times made in these presents is not made. Or any statute, act, ordinance, provision, Proclamation or restraint before this time had made, set forth, ordained, or provided, or any other thing, matter or cause whatsoever to the contrary notwithstanding. In witness whereof we have caused these our Letters to be made Patents. Witness ourself at Westminster the sixth day of May in the 10. year of our Reign of England, France and Irland, and of Scotland the five and fortieth.  
To all Christian people to whom these presents shall come Thomas Lord Ellesmere Lord Chancellor of England, 
The Preamble.  Sir Thomas Fleming Knight Lord chief justice of England, and Sir Edward Coke knight Lord chief justice of his majesties Court of Common Pleas, Send greeting in our Lord God everlasting. Whereas in a certain Act or Statute in the Parliament holden at Westminster the five and twentieth day of january in the Nineteenth year of the Reign of the late king of famous memory Henry, after the conquest the seventh, made and ordained for the weal and profit of the subjects, it was amongst other things ordained, established and enacted, that no Master and Wardens and fellowship of Crafts or Mysteries or any of them, no rulers of guilds or fraternities should take upon them to make any Acts or ordinances, ne to execute any Acts or ordinances by them theretofore made in disinheritance or diminution of the kings Prerogative or of others, nor against the common profit of the people, but if the same Acts and ordinances were examined and approved by the Chancellor, or Treasurer of England, or chief justice of either Bench, or three of them, or else before the two justices of Assizes in their Circuit or Progress in the Shire where such Acts or ordinances be made upon pain or forfeiture of xl. li. for every time that they do the contrary. As by the said Act of Parliament doth and may appear. Know you now that Phinees Pett Master of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey, and William Bright, Nicholas Symonson and Nicholas Clay now Wardens of the said Art ot Mystery, with the whole Assent and consent of the Assistants of the same, willing and desiring the said Act of Parliament in all and every thing to be duly observed and kept, the twentieth day of july, in the year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord james by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith etc. the tenth, and of Scotland the five and fortieth, have exhibited to us a certain Petition containing divers Articles, Acts and ordinances for the better order, rule and government of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, and of the person and persons now practising and professing, or which hereafter shall practise or profess the said Art or Mystery, or any thing thereunto appertaining, dwelling, and inhabiting, or which hereafter shall dwell and inhabit within the Realm of England, or Dominion of Wales, and for the Common weal and conservation of the good estate of the said Art or Mystery of Shipwrights, And have instantly desired us, that we all and every their Acts and ordinances hereafter mentioned by them to us exhibited, would examine and approve, and them and every of them to correct and amend in due and convenient manner and form, as the said recited Act of Parliament requireth. We well perceiving and considering their said supplication to be good and acceptable according to their said desires, and by the authority of the said Act of Parliament to us given all and every their Acts and ordinance so to us exhibited have seen read & well understood, and all and every of them examined, corrected and reform, the tenor whereof hereafter followeth, viz.  

Inprimis it is ordained that upon the day of election of new Master and Wardens of the said Corporation the same Master and Wardens so to be elected, 
Election of Auditors.  shall choose four persons, whereof two to be of the Assistants, and the other two to be of the better sort of the Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery who are not Assistants who have called the Auditors of the said Company for the Accounts and reckonings of all such Officers and Accounts of the said Art or Mystery, are, or aught to be Accountable for or concerning any money, goods, plate, profits or other things belonging or appertaining to the said company of the said Art or Mystery, To continue in the said place for the space of one year after such election, and if any of them die or be removed, another or others to be chosen in his or their room or rooms. Which Accounts and reckonings by them so taken and allowed, shall be delivered to the Clerk of the said Company to be fairly entered into a book of remembrance, to be provided and kept of purpose, for which he is to have such reasonable allowance as the said Auditors or two of them shall think fit. And whosoever shall refuse the said Office of Auditor being thereunto elected, shall forfeit and pay to the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery for every time so refusing to the use of the said Corporation the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of England. 
Election of Stewards.    

2  
Item it is ordained that the said Master and Wardens upon their said Election day shall choose and appoint two sufficient persons of the said Corporation not being of the Assistants, which shall be called the Stewards, Aswell for the making and providing of the Dinner and Feast for the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, and better sort of the Company upon the said election day, As also upon their Quarter days when there shall be a meeting for the disposing of businesses and affairs concerning the said Corporation. And whosoever shall refuse or neglect the execution of the said place of Steward, being thereunto elected, shall for every time so refusring, forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation Forty shillings of lawful money of England.   

3  
Item it is ordained that every person of the said Corporation upon warning given by the Beadle or any other for that purpose appointed, 
The company to hear a sermon upon the election day.  shall yearly from henceforth upon the day of Election of new Master and Wardens Assemble themselves together at their Common Hall at Redrith aforesaid, and from thence in a decent manner, shall accompany the said new Master and Wardens too and from the parish Church to hear a Sermon, where they shall continue from the beginning to the end thereof. And every person so warned, and making default, not having a lawful and reasonable excuse, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation, for every such offence five shillings of lawful money of England.   

4  
Item it is ordained that upon the said election day, 
For providing a dinner upon the election day.  the old Master and Wardens shall make and provide a convenient dinner to the New Master and Wardens then elected, and to such of the better sort of the company as shall be warned or invited thereunto, towards the charge whereof every person so invited of the company shall pay two shillings of lawful money of England. And whosoever being lawfully warned cometh not, shall notwithstanding pay the said two shillings, which if it be denied or deferred to be paid upon demand, the party deferring shall forfaicte to the said Master and Wardens for every such denial three shillings four pence of lawful English money.   

5  
Item it is ordained that the said Master and Wardens and two of the said Assistants for the time being, 
Election of Beadles.  at the least, shall from time to time, so often as to them shall seem meet & convenient to elect and choose one or more honest person or persons to be their honest Beadle or Beadles, who shall be at all times attendant upon the said Master and Wardens, & be at their lawful commandments. As well to summon & warn all persons of the said Corporation, and to make return of their answers, as also concerning all other affairs of the said Corporation wherein there shall be cause to employ him or them.   

6  
Item it is ordained that the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery, 
For having a Chest with four locks and keys.  shall at all times hereafter have one substantial Chest with four several locks, and keys for the safe keeping of all moneys, Plate, goods, Letters patents, evidences, ordinances, accounts and writings to the said Corporation belonging, or appertaining. Which four keys shall always be and remain in the several custodies of the said Master and Wardens for the time being, who shall be all present at every opening of the said Chest. And if any by necessary occasion shall be letted that he cannot be then present, he shall appoint one of the Assistance to take his key and supply his room in his absence.   

7  
Item it is ordained that the said Master, 
Searches and surveys.  and Wardens, or any three or two of them, or any two or more of the assistants, or any their deputy or deputies shall once every month or oftener if need require, diligently view, search, and survey, as well all Ships, Pinnaces, Boats, Barges, Leighters, Wherries, and other veffels whatsoever, now built or hereafter shall be built in any place or places within the realm of England, or dominion of Wales, or either of them, and all timber, plank, and other stuff provided fit, or prepared for the building, making, trimming, or repairing of any such Ships, Pinnaces, Boats, or any other vessels, as also all and every the works and workmanship of all and every person and persons whatsoever used or employed in the said Art or Mystery, or anything thereunto appertaining. And all such Ships, Boats, Barges, Lighters Wherries, and other vessels, which upon any such search view, or survey, they shall find to be substantially wrought or framed, they shall put the mark or seal of the said Company in some convenient place, if they think fit to testify the same. And such of the said Ships or other vessels, (whereof the timberwork shall not be fully finished) as they shall find to be so insufficiently or deceitfully made, and wrought or repaired as they must needs be dangerous to such as shall use them to arrest and make stay until the same shall be amended, and made fit for Navigation. And all such insufficient wood, timber and stuff, as they shall find to be put into any Ship, boat, or vessel, or hewn, wrought, or fitted for that purpose, they shall charge the builders or owners thereof forthwith to take the same away, and to supply it with others that shall be good and sufficient, which if within convenient time after such charge or warning they shall deny, defer, or neglect to do. That then it shall be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens, or any two of them, or any two of the said Assistants, or deputies aforesaid to impose and assess upon every offendor for every such offence, to the use of the said Corporation five pound of lawful money of England, or less at their discretion.   

8  
And because many unskilful persons, 
None to be set to work unless he hath been aprentice to the trade.  and such as have not been brought up as Apprentices in the said Art, or Mystery have taken upon them to use the same, whereupon hath ensued sundry complaints of insufficient workmanship, to the prejudice and discredit of the Company, and the governors thereof. It is therefore ordained that no person or persons, practising, or professing the said Art or Mystery, or any thing thereunto appertaining, shall from hence forth retain, employ, or set to work any Shipwright Carpenter or professor in the said Art or Mystery unless he shall have served therein as an apprentice seven years at least, and whosoever shall offend therein, shall forfaicte and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, forty shillings of lawful money of England.   

9  
Item it is ordained that the said Master and Wardens shall forthwith duly examine, 
For distinction & approbation of Mr. workmen  inquire, and inform themselves, how many persons of the said profession are at this present able and fit, and of sufficient knowledge, skill, and practise to be allowed and continued as Maister-workemen in the said Art or Mystery. And them and every of them at a general Court or assembly, shall admit and cause to be registered in the book of Ordinances of the said Corporation. And that from thence forth no person of the said Corporation shall take upon him the charge or place of a Master-workman in the said profession, or any thing thereunto appertaining, or the doing or performing of any work or business, by the day or great, either in making, building, graving, trimming, or repairing of any Ship, Pinnace, Boat or other vessel, or in directing, guiding, leading, or having the charge or oversight of any business, work or workmen, in the said Art or Mystery, until he shall have served therein seven years or more as an Apprentice, and shall be approved, licensed, and admitted by the said Master Wardens and Assistants, or the greater part of them by writing, under the common seal of the said Corporation, to be a sufficient workman: And whosoever shall offend contrary to this Ordinance, shall forfaicte and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation, five pounds of lawful money of England.   

10  
Item it is ordained that no person or persons of the said Corporation, 
Admittance of yard-keepers.  shall from henceforth be admitted to take upon him or them to be a yard keeper, except he be thereunto licensed and allowed by the said Master Wardens and Assistants, or the greater part of them, whereof the Master and two of the Wardens to be always three, by warrant in writing under the common seal of the said Corporation, upon pain of forfaicting to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Coporation, five pounds of lawful money of England, for every month that he shall keep a yard contrary to this Ordinance.   

11  
Item it is ordained that no person or persons of the said Corporation, 
Taking of apprentices.  Art or Mystery, shall from hence forth keep any Apprentice at all, until he shall have been an apprentice seven years or more in the said Art or Mystery or shall be allowed to be a sufficient workman, by the said Master Wardens and assistants or the greater part of them. And that no jorneyman shall retain or keep any more than one Apprentice, at any one time until he be allowed and licenced to be a master workman. Nor any master work man shall have or take above the number of two Apprentices at any one time, until he shall be an Assistant of the said Corporation. Nor any Assistant above the number of three at any time until he shall be a Warden of the said Corporation: Nor any person being or having been a Warden above the number of four at any one time until he shall be Master of the said company, nor any person being or having been a Master above the number of five at any one time. And whosoever shall offend this ordinance, shall forfaicte and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation, five pounds of lawful money of England. Provided always that it shall be lawful to and for every person and persons hereby authorized, to retain or keep one or more apprentice or apprentices at any time within the space of two years before the expiration of the term of any such apprentice, to take another apprentice to succeed him that is growing near the end of his time as aforesaid. And that two apprentices in this case shall be accounted but as one.   

12  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Art or Mystery shall retain or keep any person in the said profession, 
Binding enrolling and presenting of Apprentices.  above three months before he bring him to the Hall or place appointed to be there bound apprentice by the Clerk of the compay or his deputy or deputies, for seven years at the least, not to expire before he be four and twenty years old, and to be there enroled before the said Master and Wardens, or two of them, or before their deputies in remote places according to the true intent and meaning of his majesties Charter, in that behalf, paying such ordinary allowances for the same, as heretofore hath been usually accustomed, that is to say two shillings six pence for presenting, six pence for enrolling, and four pence to the Beadle. And whosoever shall offend in binding his Apprentice else where, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, for every such offence forty shillings of lawful money of England, and for every week that he shall keep him unbound after the said three months ten shilling of like money.   

13  
Item it is further ordered, 
Formerly bound to be enroled at the Hall,  that for all apprentices formerly bound elsewhere their Masters shall within three months' next ensuing (upon pain of forty shillings to be employed to the use of the said Corporation) bring their Indentures to the said Clerk, or his deputies, to the end the same may be by him registered and enroled, for which they shall pay such fees and allowances as are before expressed, viz. two shillings six pence for presenting, six pence for enrolling, 
Making of Indentures.  and four pence to the Beadle.   

14  
Item it is ordained that all Indentures for apprentices of the said Corporation, shall be from henceforth made by the Clerk of the said Company for the time being, or his deputies, for which he may receive and take the usual allowance of sixteen pence a pare, upon pain of forfaicting for every pair made elsewhere to the use of the said Clerk three shillings four pence of lawful money of England. And it is further ordered, that the foresaid charge of presenting, binding and enrolling shall be paid by the friends of the apprentice, 
Setting over of Apprentices.  except the Master be otherwise contented.   

15  
Item it is ordained that no person or persons of the said Art or Mystery shall bargain, sell, give or set over his apprentice or apprentices, without the special privity, licence, and consent of the said Master and Wardens, or their deputies in remote places, to the end they may foresee that they may be set over to such as may lawfully take them and shall be able to teach them their trade, and find them all things necessary, upon pain to forfeit to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation for every such offence forty shillings of lawful money of England. And if it happen any person of the said Corporation to die and depart this life, leaving any apprentice who hath served two years or above of his term. It is ordained that it shall be lawful for the widow of the party deceased to make her best benefit of him, during her widowhood that she can. And that upon request made to any Master workman of the said Art or Mystery that he hath means to employ him, he shall set him to work for such reasonable wages as he is able to earn. But if at the time of his Master's decease he shall not have served the full time of two years, or that the widow die before the expiration of such apprenticeship, or that his Master shall give over his profession. That then it shall be lawful for the said Master and Wardens and their deputies, to assign and set over every such apprentice, to such persons as they shall think convenient. And if they refuse so to serve them, to correct and punish them according to the quality of the offence and person. 
Submission to the ordinances.    

16  
Item it is ordained that every person of the said profession shall upon reasonable warning in that behalf given repair and come to and before said Master Wardens and assistants, or four of them (whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two) or before their deputies at such time and place as shall be by them appointed, and then and there respectively shall yield their consents, and willingly subscribe their names and take their corporal oaths to be ministered by the said Master and Wardens, or their deputies, to do their best endeavour to and for the due performance and execution of his majesties Charter in all points according to the law, and of all and singular such wholesome and lawful ordinances, constitutions, and orders as by virtue thereof are and shall be made, approved, and allowed, and so yield himself, and be registered a freeman of the said Art or Mystery: At which time of such allowing and registering every Master Workman shall pay to the said Master and Wardens a fine of five shillings: every yard keeper thirteen shillings fourpences, & every jorney-man three shillings sixpences, or less according to the discretion of the said Master and Wardens, for and to the use of the said Corporation. And whosoever shall offend in any part of this ordinance, shall for every time so offending forset and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, twenty shillings of lawful money of England.   

17  
Item it is ordained, 
Appearance at the Hall upon summons.  that the said Master and Wardens or their deputy or deputies in remote place or places within the Realm of England and Dominion of Wales, or either of them by their beadle or other Officer for that purpose to be appointed at any time or times, as often as they shall think fit, summon and warn all person and persons of the said Art or Mystery, to come and appear before them either at the common Hall, or at any other convenient place or places respectively, And that every person so lawfully summoned for what cause soever it be concerning the needful affairs of the said Art or Mystery which doth not come and appear at the day, time and place accordingly, having no just cause of excuse shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation for his contempt and failing at the first time twelve pence, at the second time two shillings, at the third time four shillings, and so every time increasing double until he or they summoned do make their appearance, But if any of the Assistants of the said Art or mystery shall be summoned to appear at the Hall or other convenient place, upon a certain day and hour appointed (which hour upon every Court day shall be eight of the clock in the morning at the furthest, and shall make default not alleging a reasonable excuse shall be sent in writing to the said Master and Wardens at the place and hour appointed) he shall forfeit to the said Master & Wardens to the use of the said Corporation for every default, at the first time two shillings, at the second time four shillings, at the third time eight shillings, and so every time increasing double until he shall make his appearance, to be paid & satisfied by the said Master and Wardens before he shall be admitted to sit down or take place again amongst them. And if any person upon demand made shall refuse or defer to pay the said fine or fines imposed upon him or them as aforesaid, he shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation for every time so refusing or deferring twenty shillings of lawful money of England. 
Restraining of work on Sundays.    

18  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Corporation shall work or cause to be wrought any thing in or about the said trade upon any Sunday, upon pain to forfeit six shillings and eight pence for every offence to the said Master and Wardens, the one half thereof to be to the use of the said Corporation, and the other half to him that will inform thereof being a Shipwright or Officer belonging to the said Corporation. 
Against enticing away of apprentices    

19  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Corporation shall at any time counsel, entice, procure or persuade any servant or apprentice of the said profession to any disorder, or dishonest, unlawful action, or to leave or forsake his trade or calling, or unlawfully to depart or run away from his Master's service, either before or after he is bound, And whosoever shall offend therein, shall forfeit and pay for every such offence to the said Master and Wardens to the use aforesaid the sum of forty shillings of lawful money of England, or else to be corrected according to the quality and condition of the person.   

20  
Item it is ordained that if any apprentice of the said Art or Mystery shall at any time complain to the said Master and Wardens or to any their deputies for lack of meat drink apparel or for any unlawful correction or misuseage, Or if any Master shall complain of his apprentice for any matter of misdemeanour whatsoever. That then in every such case it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens, or any their deputies, or any two or three of them to send for the party against whom any such complaint is made, and to take such order therein as they shall think agreeable to justice and equity, which whosoever shall refuse to stand to, shall be punished by reasonable fine or otherwise according to the quantity and quality of the offence and person, And the like course and order shall be holden against disobedient servants and apprentices in correcting and punishing them when their stubbornness shall be grown to such a head or height as their Master Mistress of Dame cannot rule them. And it is further ordained that if any apprentice shall before the end of his term marry or contract himself to any woman or unlawfully depart or run away from his Master's service, he shall lose the benefit of all his time and service past, and either become new bound to his Master for seven years, or else make him such recompense as the said Master and Wardens or their deputies, or any three of them shall think fit and reasonable, who shall likewise inflict upon him such other exemplary punishment, either by fine, correction, or otherwise as by justice the nature and quality of the offence shall deserve.   

21  
Item it is ordained that every person now using, 
Contributions for maintenance of the Corporation.  practising, or professing, or which hereafter shall use, practice, or profess the said Art or Mystery, or anything thereunto belonging, shall be from time to time contributory, and shall bear and pay unto the said Master and Wardens for the time being, or their deputy, or deputies for that purpose authorised all such reasonable sum and sums of money, for taxes, tallages, and other impositions, aswell ordinary as extraordinary as shall be thought fit, and shall agree with reason and indifferency to be assessed or imposed upon him or them for the time being, as well for the necessary service of our sovereign Lord the King his heirs and successors, as also for the maintenance, support, and upholding of the said Corporation, and all other the needful affairs, causes, and things whatsoever, for and concerning the common good, wealth, and estate of the said Corporation, according to their several abilities. And every one that shall refuse to pay and discharge the same portion of money, which shall be so reasonably assessed, rated, and taxed upon him as aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation forty shillings of lawful money of England, for every time that he or they shall so refuse contrary to the true meaning of this Ordinance. 
Suppressing of conspiracies against Charters and ordinances.    

22  
Item it is ordained that every person and persons of the said Art or Mystery shall at all times hereafter be and show himself to be of good and honest behaviour, and bearing both in word and deed toward the said Master, Wardens, and Assistants, and their deputies, Officers, and Ministers for the time being and every of them, and shall be, and show himself to be tractable, conformable and obedient touching all and every their lawful constitutions, ordinances, causes and matters concerning the said Art or Mystery, And if any person shall at any time hereafter be found wilfully obstinate, stubborn or disobedient, or in any wise resisting against the said Master Wardens and Assistants or any of them or any their deputies Officers or Ministers to the let hindrance, or disturbance of the due execution of their said Offices, or shall at any time begin attempt or make any privy assembly, conventicle, counsel, or conspiracy against the said Master, Wardens and Assistants, for the time being or any of them, or in any sort tending to the violation or breach of any good ordinance or order now in force or hereafter to be made and ordained for the good government of the said Corporation, or shall at any time directly or indirectly practise or attempt any thing which may in any wise be prejudicial or hurtful to the lawful and good estate of the said corporation, or having knowledge or notice of any unlawful attempt, practice or conspiracy, shall not within convenient time discover the same to the said Master Wardens and Assistants, or their deputies or some of them, and this or any of these things being proved before the said Master and Wardens or three of them by the testimony of two honest and sufficient witnesses. It is ordained that every such offendor shall for every such offence contrary to this ordinance, forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation forty shillings of lawful money of England: And it is further ordained that no person of the said profession upon pain of forty shillings to be imposed and levied as aforesaid shall after sufficient warning given employ or set any such insolent and disobedient person to work until he hath submitted and conformed himself, according to his majesties express pleasure in that behalf declared in the said Charter. 
None of the company to revile another.    

23  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Art or Mystery shall openly or privily revile, miscall, or misuse with evil speeches of reproach any of the said company, or use any uncivil or undecent terms against any of them, upon pain to forfaicte and pay for every time so offending, to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation five shillings of lawful money of England.   

24  
Item it is ordained that every person and persons now practising or professing, 
Payment of quarterage.  or which hereafter shall practise or profess the said Art or Mystery or anything thereunto appertaining, shall truly satisfy and pay to the said Master and Wardens or their deputy or deputies for that purpose authorized towards the maintenance and upholding of the said Corporation a certain contribution in the name of Quarterage, according to the rate and proportion following, that is to say, every jorney-man not having or keeping any servant or apprentice at all shall pay four pence every quarter, that is to say sixteene-pences a year, and every jorney-man keeping or licensed to keep one servant or apprentice sixpences a quarter that is two shillings a year, every Master workman eightpences a quarter that is two shillings eightpences a year, and every Yard-keeper and Assistant twelvepences a quarter that is four shillings a year. All which several portions of money shall upon the quarter day be brought or sent to the Hall, or place appointed for the quarterly meeting, and paid to the said Master and Wardens or their deputies, without any deferring or further delay. And whosoever shall wilfully refuse, deny, or fail to make payment thereof at the time and place aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, for every such refusal, denying, or failing six shilliings eightpences of lawful money of England.   

25  
Item it is ordained for the better experience and cunning to be had in the said Art or Mystery, 
Perfecting the company in the Knowledge of the Trade  and for the better service to his Majesty and the Common wealth, that every person or persons that do or shall use practice or profess the said Art or Mystery any or thing thereunto appertaning, as the making, building, caulking, or repairing of Ships, Pinnaces, Boats or other vessels, or the making or trimming of Masts, Oars, Pumps, Tops, Pulleys, or any other Instruments of wood pertaining to shipping, shall practise and exercise themselves and their servants in every particular point and mystery of the said profession, as members of one entire body and branches of one and the self-same Art or Mystery, to the end they be not hereafter divided to the great inconvenience both of his majesties service, and Common wealth. And if any person or persons shall be hereafter found remiss, or disobedient therein, he shall be reasonably fined and punished at the discretion of the said Master and Wardens or the more part of them.   

26  
Item it is ordained that every jorney-man of the said Art or Mystery, 
Coming to, & departure from work  being hired for wages by the day, or week, shall betwixt the midst of the months of March and September come and be at their work at or before half an hour before six of the clock in the morning, and continue at work and not depart until half an hour after six at night reserving only convenient times of eating and sleeping in the summer time. And betwixt the midst of September and the midst of March, shall be and continue at their work from the spring of the day in the morning until night of the same day, except the times appointed for dinner, upon pain to lose and forfeit four pence for every hour of wilful absence, and two pence for every hour of negligent absence, to be deducted and defalked out of his wages that shall so offend to the use of the said Corporation. 
Continuance at work begun.    

27  
Item it is ordained that if any person of the said profession shall be lawfully retained into work or service by the day or great, and shall unjustly and unlawfully leave or depart from the same until such time as the same work shall be fully finished, he shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens for every such offence forty shillings of lawful money of England to the use of the said Corporation. And it is further ordained, that if any Yard-keeper or Master workman of the said Art or Mystery, after he hath retained any jorney-man into his work or service, shall without any just or reasonable cause put him away and entertain another, he shall forfeit and pay for every such offence to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation, ten shillings of lawful money of England.   

28  
Item it is ordained for the better supporting of the said Corporation, 
Tonnage of Ships & poundage upon old task work  and for the maintenance and relieving of the poor, aged, and decayed persons of the same, every person of the said Art or Mystery that shall hereafter make or build any new Ship or vessel of the burden of one hundredth Tons and upward, shall pay and contribute to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the poor aged and decayed persons of the said Corporation sixpences of lawful money of England, for every tun that every such Ship or vessel shall contain in burden. And that every person of the said company that shall hereafter make or build any new Ship, Pinnace, Boat, Barge, Lighter, or any other vessel or vessels whatsoever, from one hundredth Tons downwards to a wherry, shall pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, threepences for every Tun that any such smaller Ship or vessel shall contain in burden, and for every Wherry fourpences of lawful money of England. And lastly, that every person of the said profession, Art, or Mystery, that shall from hence forth directly or indirectly take, perform or do any old taskworke, or shall amend or repair any old Ship, Pinnace, carvel, Hoy, boat, Lighter, or other vessel by the great, or task, shall pay and contribute to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation twelvepences of lawful money of England, for every twenty shillings that all or any such old work shall amount unto. And whosoever shall refuse, withhold, or deny the payment of the said impositions or any of them or any part thereof, after demand thereof made by the said Master and Wardens or any of them or any their deputies as aforesaid, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens, to the use of the poor of the said Corporation for such refusal ot deferring, double the value of any such imposition.   

29  
Item it is ordained that for the use and purpose aforesaid, 
Poundage of persons that go to Sea  every person of the said Art or Mystery, that shall from henceforth be hired to go to sea for wages, or shares, shall pay and contribute to the said Master and Wardens two pence for every twenty shillings, that his wages or shares shall amount unto. And that whosoever shall refuse to pay the same upon demand, shall forfeit to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation double the value, and ten shillings for every week that the same shall be afterwards detained.   

30  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Art, 
No insufficient person to go to Sea.  or Mystery, shall at any time hereafter, be hired, serve, or go forth to sea as a Carpenter in any Ship or vessel, unless he shall first give notice thereof, and register his name at the common Hall, upon pain of tenneshillinges to be forfaicted to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, for every time doing the contrary. And that no servant or apprentice upon pain of five pounds to be forfaicted by his Master, to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, shall serve or go for Master-carpenter of any Sip or vessel to sea, except his sufficiency be first examined and approved by the said Master and Wardens, or their deputies, under the common seal of the said Corporation.   

31  
Item it is ordained that once in every month, or oftener if need shall require, 
Keeping of monthly & quarterly Courts  there shall be kept and holden by the Master and Wardens of the said Art or Mystery, at their common Hall or some other convenient place, one Court or assembly, for the said Art or Mystery, for the hearing of causes and complaints, and deciding and determining of all questions, debates, and controversies, concerning the affairs and business of the said Art or Mystery, or between ●he workmen or members thereof. At which Court or assembly so to be kept and holden, the said Master and Wardens shall or may call so many of the said Assistants as they shall think fit and may conveniently be there, to be aiding and assisting to them in all and every matter and thing that shall be then and there propounded or moved. And it is ordained that four times in the year, that is to say upon the feast day of Saint Michael Th'archangel, the feast day of Saint john Th' Apostle, the feast day of Th'annunciation of St. Marry the Virgin, and upon the feast day of the Nativity of Saint john Baptist, if they fall not upon a Sunday, or else the day following, there shall be holden for the said Art or Mystery four general Assemblies, or Courts, which shall be called the four quarter days of Assembly, unto which there shall be summoned the whole body of the said Corporation, or so many as may conveniently be there. At which time all the ordinances of the said Art or Mystery, if need shall so require shall be distinctly read unto them to the end they may the better learn to keep and observe the same. And likewise it is ordered that these ordinances or the Copies thereof shall be sent into the several needful places of the Realm of England and dominion of Wales, to the end the like course may be held and taken by the deputies there. And whosoever shall make default in appearance at any of the said quarter days, having no lawful or just excuse in that behalf, shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens for the time being, to the use of the said Corporation ten shillings of lawful money of England.   

32  
Item it is ordained and established that every person of the said Art or Mystery shall upon his appearance before the said Master and Wardens or any three or two of them or any their deputies, 
Restraining of work to any foreign Prince.  become bound in five hundredth Pounds of Lawful money of England to the said Master and Wardens for the time being, upon Condition to be endorsed or subscribed to this effect following, that is to say. That they nor any of them shall at any time voluntarily work beyond the seas for any foreign Prince or State or voluntarily give any direction or advice to any other person or persons to work for any such foreign Prince or state without special licence first had and obtained by warrant in writing under the hands of three of the Lords of his majesties most honourable privy Counsel his heirs or successors at the least. And likewise take his Corporal oath to such effect as is mentioned in the said condition-And whosoever shall refuse to enter into such bond and take such Corporal oath as aforesaid shall forfeit and pay to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation five pounds of lawful money of England, and from thenceforth to be disabled to be of the said Corporation or Society. For making and entering of which said bond the Clerk for the time being shall or may take twelvepences, and for entering and ministering the said oath eight pence.   

33  
Item it is ordained that yearly within twenty days at most after the new Master and wardens shall be chosen and sworn, 
Yielding up of account.  the old Master and Wardens in their common Hall or in some other convenient place shall present, exhibit, and declare unto them in the presence of four at least of the Assistants a true and just account to be exacted and allowed of by the auditors of the company of and for all his and their receipts and payments concerning the said Art or Mystery, who upon their said accounts shall be allowed all and every such reasoable costs charges & expenses as they or any of them shall have disbursed or expended for or about the necessary affairs, occasions, or businesses of the said Art or Mystery. And then and there shall not only deliver the said books of accounts unto the said Master and Wardens, but also all money, plate, and goods, together with the said keys of the said Chest, and all other things whatsoever being or remaining in his or their custody or possession or which they or any of them shall or may be duly or lawfully charged to have received to the use of the said Company, or else for such things as they cannot presently deliver, they shall within one month next following the determination of the said Account, well and truly pay, content, satisfy, and deliver the same and every part thereof unto the said new Master and Wardens for the time being, to the use and behoof of the said Company. And whosoever shall make default thereof, shall for every day after the said month is ended forfeit and pay to the said new Master and Wardens, to the use of the said Corporation forty shillings, until he or they shall have made full payment and satisfaction thereof, according to the true intent and meaning of this ordinance. And if it shall happen any of the said Master and Wardens to be slack or negligent in making or delivering in the said accounts in manner as aforesaid or be found faulty or untrusty therein, such offendor shall forfeit and pay to the said new Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation, such reasonable sums of money and fines, as shall be assessed by the said new Master and Wardens or the more part of them for the time being. The like course and order to be held by the deputies in remote places upon pain of forfeiting to the said Master and Wardens ten shillings for every day after the month is ended that he shall make default in satisfying and delivery to the said Master and Wardens or their succeeding deputy or deputies, such money, goods, and other things as they or any of them may lawfully be charged to have in their hands to the use of the said company, besides such further fines as they shall think to impose upon them for their slackness in giving up their accounts. 
Deciding of controversies.    

34  
Item it is ordained that the said Master and Wardens shall employ their true & best endeavour to order, compound, and appease all complaints and controversies between the brethren and members of the said Corporation, to the end to prevent all occasions of suit in law by one of them against another.   

35  
Item it is ordained that no person of the said Art or Mystery shall retain, 
To restrane the discovery of the Secrets of the trade.  keep, or set to work any stranger borne, or reveal or discover to any stranger or other person, not free, or serving for his freedom in the said Art or Mystery, the secrets of the same Art, or the special manner of English building upon pain of ten pounds. Nor shall discover to any person not free or a member of the said Corporation, any special points of the Charter or ordinance, or of any business or matters that at any meeting at the Hall or else where shall be propounded, debated, or concluded, to the prejudice of the said Corporation, upon pain of five pounds to be paid to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation.   

36  
Item it is ordained that no Yard keeper, 
For employment so the company at their dwelling places.  builder, or Master Workman of the said Art or Mystery inhabiting or dwelling in any Port, Haven-towne, or place within the precincts aforesaid, shall retain, employ, or set to work the people or workmen of any other port, or place, as long as he may have sufficient and able workmen of his neighbours dwelling within the same Port or place, for reasonable wages toperforme his work, upon pain to forfeit to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation for every person he shall entertain or employ, contrary to this ordinance five shillings, and ten shillings for every week that after warning given he shall employ or set him to work. And it is ordained that the Inhabitants of any port, Haven, or place within the precincts aforesaid, shall not at any time hereafter be employed, retained, or set to work, in any other place, except he be first licenced and authorized in writing by the said Master and Wardens or their deputies of that precinct or place where he seeketh or is desirous to be set to work, and except he pay and contribute towards the relief and maintenance of the poor of the said Corporation, threepences of lawful money of England, or less at the discretion of the said Master and Wardens out of every days wages that he shall be there employed, to be retained by him that setteth him to work, who shall be answerable or accountable, upon pain of twenty shillings to be imposed upon every one that contrary to this ordinance shall employ any man, or shall refuse to contribute as aforesaid to be paid to the use of the said Corporation.   

37  
Item it is ordained that no person that is or shall be only a Caulker shall retain or keep above one apprentice at any one time. 
An order for Calkers  And that no servant or apprentice of the said profession shall be set or suffered to Caulke under water in graving, until he hath or shall have served two years at least, upon pain of three shillings fourpences for every Tide, to be paid by him that shall set any such servant or Apprentice to work contrary to this ordinance, to be paid to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation.   

38  
Item it is ordained that if any of the Assistants of the said Art or Mystery shall die or depart this life. 
Burial of the Assistants  That then the residue of the Assistants, or so many as can conveniently be there (being for that purpose warned) shall in a decent manner be at the burial upon pain of five shillings for every one making default, to be paid to the said Master and Wardens to the use of the said Corporation. For which said warning, the Beadle is to be allowed five shillings for his pains by the Executors or friends of the deceased   

39  
Item it is ordained that if any person or persons of any other trade or profession whereof there is special use in the said Art or Mystery as Carvers, 
Freemen to be employed be one Foreigners.  joiners, Inborers, Smiths, Painters etc. shall be admitted into the freedom of the said Corporation, they shall be employed in their proper Art or Mystery before the foreigners, so long as it shall be no disadvantage to the common good, or to any other particular person that shall have cause to use them.   

40  
Item it is ordained that if any person or persons using, or exercising, 
Di●strayning for Fines.  or which hereafter shall use or exercise the said Art or Mystery or any thing thereunto appertaining in any place or places within the precincts aforesaid do or shall infringe, break, or not observe any Act or Ordinance in these points expressed, and do or shall deny, refuse, delay, or defer to pay any such sum or sums of money as shall happen at any time hereafter to be forfeited or due to be paid to the said Master and Wardens for any pain, penalty or forfeiture, touching any of the ordinances in these presents expressed, and do or shall deny, refuse, delay, or defer to pay any such sum or sums of money as shall happen at any time hereafter to be forfeited or due to be paid to the said Master and Wardens for any pain, penalty, or forfetture touching any of the ordinances in these presents expressed, limited and appointed. That then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens or any two of them or their deputy or deputies or any other person or persons by them in that behalf to be appointed, either by themselves or else if need be taking with them one Constable, Bailiff, or Headborough or any other of the kings officers at all, or any time or times or their will and pleasure to enter into the house or houses, Booths, Shops, Ware-howses and Yards of him so refusing, denying, delaying or deferring to pay any such pains, penalties, forfeitures, or any other sum or sums of money by him or them due or payable, and to distrain the goods of all and every such parties offending, and to carry away, retain and keep the same until the said pains, penalties, forfeitures, or any other sum or sums of money aforesaid and every part thereof shall be fully satisfied and paid, or otherwise to levy or few for, and recover the same by any lawful means: And this to do from time to time so often as need or occasion shall require.   

41  
And to th'intent that his majesties pleasure expressed in the said Charter and Letters Patents may be the better obeyed, 
Deputy Assistants in the Thames,  and all the orders, ordinances, and constitutions, in these presents contained, may without any respect of persons, connivence or partiality from time to time be duly executed and performed. It is ordained that not only in every needful place and places within the realm of England and dominion of Wales, there be from time to time election made of the most able and sufficient persons to be deputies in all remote places, that the Charter and ordinances may be there duly and truly executed. But also more especially in the river of Thames, where there is greatest employment, and greatest numbers of people of the said Art or Mystery are inhabiting and residing. It is likewise ordained that there be for ever sixteen of the most able, wise, discreet, and substantial persons and workmen who shall be called the deputy Assistants of the said Art or Mystery for the time being. Of whom yearly upon the feast of Saint Matthew the Apostle there shall be choice made of two to be their Wardens and Governors for the year following. The said deputy Assistants, taking their Corporal oath for the due execution of their places, shall respectively endeavour themselves to put in execution within the River of Thames all the laws and ordinances herein contained, and hereafter to be made for the common good, weal and profit of the said Corporation, and all the grants, powers, and authorities granted by the kings Majesty to the said Master Wardens and commonalty. They shall inquire and inform themselves from time to time of all manner of abuses, complaints and misdemeanours contrary thereunto, which if they be of ordinary importance they shall examine and decide amongst themselves, referring always matters of more serious consequence to the Master and Wardens. They shall be assisting to the Master and Wardens in their Searches, and in levying of fines and collecting of duties etc. They shall keep Court every six weeks at the Hall, where the Clerk shall attend upon them to advise with them and register their proceedings. To these Courts they may summon and warn by the Beadle any of the commonalty or common Workmen or journey men within the river, and fine them if need be. They shall continue in their places until they come to be Yard-keepers or Assistants, and be removable upon just occasion, and others chosen in their places or steeds. Lastly they shall be accountable and finable for neglect according as the deputies in remote places.   

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And for somuch as by their said Charter there is an oath to be administered to the said Master, 
Oath of the  Wardens, and Assistants, and also to jorney-men upon their admittance, and no form of the said oath set down. It is ordered and decreed that the form of the said oath shall be as followeth. That is to say  
The Oath of the Master. You shall be true to our Sovereign Lord the King's Majesty, 
Master etc.  his heirs and successors, and you shall endeavour yourself the best you can justly lawfully and indifferently to execute and cause to be executed your Office of Master so far forth in every respect as lawfully you may, And in like manner shall observe and cause to be observed all the good and lawful Orders, Ordinances and Constitutions herein contained, and hereafter to be made for the common good, weal and profit of the said Corporation, and all the grants, powers and authorities granted by the King's Majesty, to the Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey, without sparing any person, for affection, meed, dread, or promise of reward during the time you shall remain and be in the said Office of Master. And of all and every such goods, plate and sums of money, or any other thing or things that by reason of your said Office shall come to your hands or possession, you shall according to Th'ordinances herein specified, make a good, true, just and plain account, or else pay such fines as you shall be ordered to pay for your not so doing. You shall not for any malice, nor for love or affection, assess any person in a greater or lesser sum than after the quantity and quality of his offence according to your discretion and according to th' ordinances in these presents mentioned. So help you God.   

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The like Oath for the Wardens and Deputies, respectively, mutatis mutandis.  
The Oath of the Assistants, You shall swear that you shall be true to our Sovereign Lord the King's Majesty his heirs and lawful successors, and you shall endeavour yourselves so far forth as you lawfully may, to the best of your skill, aswell for and concerning the giving and using your faithful advices and counsel to the Master and Wardens of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey, for the time being, for their more better execution of their said Offices, And to give & use your faithful aid and assistance in every respect as much as in you lieth, and lawfully you may do for the due observation of all the good and lawful ordinances herein contained or hereafter to be made according to the true intent and meaning of the same, and of the powers, grants, and authorities granted by the kings Majesty to the Master, Wardens and Commonalty, without sparing or impeaching any person or persons whatsoever either for affection or malice or in respect of any reward, meed, dread, or promise of reward during the time you shallbe an Assistant touching the said Art or Mystery. So help you God.   

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The Oath of every one that is made free, You shall be true to our Sovereign Lord the King to his heirs and successors, you shall be obedient from time to time in all matters lawful to the Master and Wardens of this Art or Mystery of Shipwrights for the time being, and ready to come to their lawful summons except you have a lawful excuse. Or else you shall pay such reasonable penalties as you shall forfeit for your disobedience according to the Ordinances heretofore made by the Master, Wardens and Assistants of the said Art or Mystery. Which Ordinances and every of them to your power you shall observe and keep, and all the lawful counsels of the Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the said Art or Mystery, which at any time of assembly shall lawfully be had in Communication among them then at their common Hall, you shall keep secret & not disclose the same to any person of the same Commonalty, nor to any other, & especially to any such person whom the same matter doth concern and touch. So help you God.  
All which Ordinances and constitutions in manner and form aforesaid at the request of the said Phinees Pett Master of the said Act or Mystery of Ship writes and of the said William Bright, Nicholas Symonson, and Nicholas Clay now Wardens and Commonalty of the same by authority and virtue of the said Act of Parliament made in the said nineteenth year of King H. 7. We the said Chancellor and chief justice of either Bench aforesaid have, seen, read, examined and perused, and for good laudable and lawful Ordinances constitutions and Oaths so far as we lawfully may, we do allow and approve by these presents. In witness whereof we have hereunto subscribed our names and set to our seals the tenth day of September. In the years of the 
" 1612"  Reign of our Sovereign Lord james by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland, defender of the faith etc. the tenth, and of Scotland the fortieth.  


THO. ELLESMERE Cane.  
THO. FLEMING.  
EDW. COKE.