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HISTORY OF MARINE ARCHITECTURE.

HARL. MSS. 442. p. 213.

Anno 36 Henrici Octavi 1 544.

A PROCLAMATION ordained by the Kings Highness, by the Advice ofhis most honourable Counsell, the 20th. Day of December , in the36th. Year of his Reign, whereby his Majesty licensed all hisSubjects to esquipp as many Ships, and other Vessels, to the Sea,against his Enemies, Scotts and Frenchmen, as they shall thinkgood, with certain Priviledges granted for the same.

The Kings Most Royal Majesty being crediably informed that divers andmany of his most loving, faithful, and obedient subjects, inhabiting upon the sea-coasts, using trafique by sea, and divers others, be very desirous to prepare andesquipp sundry ships and vessels, at their own costs and charges, to the sea, forthe annoyance of his Majesties enemies, the Frenchmen and the Scotts, so asthey might obtain his most gratious Licence in that behalf, hath of his clemency,tender love and zeal, which he beareth to his subjects, by the advice of his mosthonourable counsell, resolved and determined as hereafter followeth. First,his Majesty is pleased, and by the authority hereof giveth full power and licenceto all and singular his subjects, of all sorts, degrees, and conditions, that theyand every of them may at their liberties, without incurring any loss, danger,forfeiture, or penalty, and without putting in any bonds or recognizance beforethe councell, or in the court of the admiralty, and without suing forth of anyother licence, vidimus, or other writing, from any counsell, court, or place,within this realm, or any other his Majesties realms and dominions, prepare and fesquipp to the seas such and so many ships and vessels, furnished for the war,to be used and employed against his Graces said enemies, the Scotts andFrenchmen, as they shall be able to think convenient for their advantage, andthe annoyance of his Majesties said enemies: and his Majesty is further-pleased, and by these presents granteth to every of his said subjects, that theyand every of them shall enjoy to his and their own proper use, profit, and commo-dity, all and singular such ships, vessels, munition, merchandizes, wares, victuals,,and goods, of what nature and quality soever it be, which they shall take of any©f his Majesties said enemies,, without making accompt in any court or place of