Anno quinto reginæ Elizabethe. At the parliament holden at Wesmynster the .xii. of Ianuary, in the fyfth yere of the raigne of our soueraigne lady, Elizabeth by the grace of god, of England, Fraunce, and Irelande, quene, defendour of the the fayth. [et]c. To the hygh pleasure of almyghtye God, and the weale publique of this realme, were enacted as foloweth

¶ An Acte touching certaine politique consti∣tutions, made for the maintenaunce of the Nauye. The .v. Chapter. (Book 5)

FOr the better maintenaunce and encrease of the Nauye of this Realme of England: Be it enacted by the Quenes most excellent Maiestie, with the as∣sent of the Lordes spirituall and temporall, and the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, and by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that from the first daye of

Aprill, Anno Domini .M.D.lxiiii. and so from thense fourth, it shalbe lawfull to all and euery of the subiectes of our soueraigne Lady the Quene, her heires and successours, at his & their will and pleasure to carry and transporte out of this Realme, in the Shippes or other vessels of any the subiectes aforesaid, all and euery kyndes of hearring and other Sea fishe, to be taken vpon the Seas by any of the sub∣iectes aforesayd (and acte of Parlyament or lawe to the contrary not∣withstanding) and that all and euery person and persons, which shal by vertue of this acte transporte or carry any hearringes, or other Sea fishe, from or oute of any porte or harborough of this Realme, to any place out of the dominions of the Quenes Maiestie, her heires or successours, shalbe free from payment of any custome, subsedie or pondage monye for the same fyshe so carryed or transported, duringe the space of .iiii. whole yeres, beginning at the said first day of Aprill, M.D.lxiiii. and so further, during her Maiesties pleasure.

And be it further enacted, by the auctoritye aforesaid, that from the first daye of Maye next commynge, it shall not be lawfull to any person or persons in any port, Citie, towne, market, or other place within this Realme, to set price, make any restraynte, or take, or de∣maunde tolle or taxe of any Sea fishe to be brought into this Realme or any part hereof, being taken by any of the subiects aforesaid, in the Shippes or other vessels of the same subiectes, vppon payne to euery person offendyng contrary to the meanyng hereof, to forfeite the value of the fyshe so restrayned, prysed, tolled, or taxed: Any libertie, custome, graunte, pryuiledge or other matter whatsoeuer to the contrary in any wyse, notwithstandynge.

Prouided alwayes, that this present acte, nor any thinge therein conteyned, shalbe preiudiciall or hurtfull to the Maior and Burgesses of the Kynges towne vpon Hull, or their successors Maiors and Bur∣gesses of the same towne, or to any other officer, or minister of the same towne at any tyme hereafter: but that they and euery of them maye receyue, haue, and take all and euery suche tolle, customes, and summes of money of all and euery suche persone and persons, as is ly∣mitted, appointed and set fourth by them to be taken, in an acte of Parlyament made in the .xxxiii. yere of the reigne of our late Soue∣raigne lord Kyng Henry the eyght. And that neither the saide Maior and Burgesses of Kyngston vpon Hull, nor any inhabitaunte there, or any of them, shal take any aduauntage of that article of this Estatute, for the cariage of any hearrynges or salted fishe to anye the parties beyond the Sea: Any thing in this present acte mentioned, conteined, specified, or declared in any wyse to the contrary, notwithstanding.

Be it also enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that no purueyour or other persone whatsoeuer, shall from the said first day of Maye, by

vertue of any commission, or otherwise, take any hearring or Sea fishe from any of the subiectes afore mentioned, that shall take the same in the Shippes or other vessels of the saide subiects, as it is abouesaid, otherwise then by agrement of the owners or sellers of the same fishe, vpon payne for euery purueyour and other person whatsoeuer offen∣ding contrary to the tenour of this acte, to forfeite the double value of the hearringes or fishe so to be taken. And it shalbe lawful for any per∣son, being owner or seller of any suche Sea fishe so taken, as is afore∣said, to withstand any person that will (by any colour of purueying or otherwise) demaunde any suche fyshe, or the tolle of any suche fishe without the good will of the owner or seller as aforesaid.

Prouided, that the fyshe called Composition fishe, heretofore graunted to the Quenes Maiestie by the subiectes of this Realme, trauelyng into Iseland, shalbe taken by her Maiesties officers and purueyours, in suche sorte as the same hath ben lawfully vsed to be taken before the making of this acte: and sauing to the Quenes Ma∣iestie, her heires and successours, and to all other persons, suche fyshes as be knowen and vsed to be called Regal fishes, wherunto her Ma∣iestie, or the saide other persons, haue, or shall haue right or interest, for suche recompence as heretofore hath ben accustomed.

And be it further enacted, by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that from the said first daye of Aprill, which shalbe in the yere of our Lord God, M.D.lxiiii. it shal not be lawfull to any person or persons, to bye of any straūger borne out of the Quenes Maiesties obeysaunce, or out of any straungers bottome, any hearringe, beinge not sufficiently salted packed and Casked, vpon paine to euery person and persons so bying, to forfeyte the hearringes so by hym or them to be bought, or the va∣lue thereof. Prouided alwayes, that this braunche of this acte shal not extende to any hearringes to be bought, which by reason of ship∣wrack shalbe brought into this Realme, but that it shalbe lawfull to al and euery person and persons, to bye all such hearringes so brought in by Shipwrack as aforesaide, as he or they lawfully might haue done before the makyng of this acte: Any thing in this acte conteyned to the contrary in any wise, notwithstanding.

Be it also further enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that from the feaste of saint Iohn Baptiste nexte ensuinge, it shall not be lawe∣full to any person or persons, to cause to be loden and caried in any bottom or bottoms wherof any straunger or straungers borne, then be owners, ship maisters, or parte owners, any kynde of fishe, victual, wares, or thinges, of what kynde or nature so euer the same shalbe, from one Porte or creke of this Realme, to an other porte or creke of the same Realme, vpon payne to euery one that shal offende, contrary to the true meanynge of this braunche of this present Acte, to forfeyt

all the goods so laden or carryed, or the value therof. And that from hencefourth al Englishe hoyes & plates may crosse the Seas, as farre as Cane in Normandy, and Estward as farre as Norwey: the statute made in the firste yere of the Quenes Maiesties reigne, to the con∣trary hereof notwithstanding.

And forasmuch as there is much deceiptful packing, vsed in Codde and Lynges, brought in Barrelles or other caske into this Realme: Be it therefore enacted, by the aucthoritie aforesaide, that from and after the first daye of Aprill, in the yere of our Lorde God. M.D.lxiiii. it shall not be lawfull to any person or persons, to bringe into this Realme, any Codde or Lynges in barelles, or other caskes, but louse in bulke, and by tale to be solde within this Realme, vpon paine for euery one that shall offende contrary to the tenour hereof, to for∣faite all the Codde & Lynges, so to be brought in, or the value therof.

And be it further enacted, that from the feast of S. Michaell thar∣chaungell next following, no person of persones whatsoeuer, shal bring into this Realme of Englande, or anye parte of the same, anye wyne commynge out of any of the dominions or countries belonging to the Crowne of Fraunce, or any woade called Tholosse woade in anye o∣ther vessel or vesselles, but onlye in suche vessell and vesselles, wherof some Subiect or Subiectes of the Quenes Maiestye, her heires or Successours, shalbe then onely owner, or part owner, vpon payne to forfayt al wynes and woade, brought contrary to the meanyng here∣of, accordinge to the meaninge of an Estatute, made in the time of the reigne of King Henry the seuenth, concerninge wine of the Duchie of Gascoyn and Guyon (Except that there may be brought into Wales, or any porte within the Countye of Monmouth, Rochell wines.)

Be it also enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that from henceforth it shalbe lawful to all & euery owner & owners of shippes or vesselles, and to euery houshoulder vsinge & exercisynge the trade of the Seas, by fyshinge, or otherwise, and to euery Gonner or Gonners, common∣lye called Canoners, and to euery Shipwright, to take and kepe one or more apprentice, or apprentices, to be brought vp in the said trade or trades, euery of the same apprentice, or apprentices, to be to them bounde for tenne yeres or vnder. And euery apprentice so taken, being aboue vii. yeares of age, shall be by the same couenauntes bounde, or∣dered, and vsed to all ententes, accordinge to the custome of the Citye of London, so that the same couenaunt or bonde of Apprentishippe be made by writinge, indented and enrolled in the towne where the same apprentice shalbe then inhabited, if it be a towne corpo∣rate: and yf the towne be not encorporate, then to be enrolled in the next towne encorporate to the habitacion of euery suche Apprentice. And that the officers of euerye suche towne corporate, shall take for

euery suche enrolement, not aboue .xii.d. Anye lawe, statute, or other matter, whatsoeuer to the contrarye, notwithstandinge.

And be it further enacted, that so muche of the Statute, made in the .v. and .vi. yeares of the late Kinge Edwarde the .vi. intytuled An act against Regrators, forestallers, and Ingrocers: And so much of all other Estatutes againste all Regratours, forestallers, and In∣grocers, as doth and maye concerne the byinge of Sea fishe vnsalted, or mudde fyshe, or anye wine, oyle or salte, to be taken and brought in anye Englishe subiectes Shippes, Crayers, or other vessell, vnto anye porte, creeke, or place of this Realme: shall from hence∣forth, to all ententes, constructions and purposes, be vtterlye re∣pelled and voyde, for so muche of the saide oyles, wine, Sea fyshe, mudde fyshe and salte, as any Byer or Byers, vppon the Sea by waye of forstallynge or regratinge, shall or doe bringe and discharge in anye porte or hauen within this Realme. And for encrease of pro∣uision of fishe by the more vsuall and common eatinge therof: Be it further enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaide, that from the feaste of Saint Michael The Archaungel in the yeare of our Lorde God. M.D. three score and foure, euerye Wednesdaye in euerye weke throughe the whole yeare, which heretofore hath not by the lawes or customes of this Realme bene-vsed and obserued as a fyshe daye, and whiche shall not happen to falle in Christmas weke, or Easter weke, shalbe hereafter obserued and kept as the Saterdayes in euery weke be, or ought to be, and that no maner of person shall eate anye fleshe on the same daye, otherwyse then oughte to be vppon the common Saterday.

And be it further enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaid, for the bene∣fytte & commodities of this Realme, to grow aswel in maintenaunce of the Nauie, as in sparing & encrease of fleshe, victual of this Realme: that from & after the feast of Pentecoste next comminge, it shal not be lawful to any person or persons within this Realme to eate any flesh, vpon any dayes now vsuallye obserued as fyshe dayes, or vppon any wednesday now newly limitted to be obserued as fysh day, vpō paine that euery person offendyng herein shal forfait .iii.li. for euery time he or they shall offende, or elles suffer three monethes close imprisonment without bayle or maynprise. And euerye persone or persones wythin whose house any suche offence shalbe done, and beinge priuy, or know∣inge therof, and not effectuallye punishinge or disclosinge the same, to some publyque officer, hauinge aucthoritie to punyshe the same, for euery suche offence, to forfeyt fortie shillinges. All whiche forfeytures for not abstaynynge from meates, shalbe deuyded into three equall partes: That is, one part to the vse of the Quenes Maiestye, her heires or successours, the other parte to the informer, the thyrde, to

the common vse of the parishe, where the offence is or shalbe commit∣ted, and to be leuyed by the Churche wardens, after any conuiction in that behalfe.

Prouided alwayes, and be it enacted, that this acte, nor any thing herein conteyned, concernyng eating of fleshe, shall in any wise extende to any person or persons, that shall hereafter haue any special license, vpon causes to be conteyned in the saide lycense, and to be graunted accordynge to the lawes of this Realme in suche cases pro∣uided. Al and euery which said license and lycenses shalbe voide to all ententes, vnlesse the same conteyne the conditions hereafter mentio∣ned: That is to say, euery license made to any person or persons, being of the degree of a Lord of Parlyament, or of their wyues, shalbe vpon condition, that euery suche person so to be lycensed, shall paye to the poore mens boxe within the parishe where they shal dwell or remaine, in the feaste of the Purification of the blessed virgin Mary, or within vi. dayes after the same feaste .xxvi.s. viii.d. The same to be payde within one moneth next after the same feaste, vpon payne of forfeiture of euery suche license. And euery lycence to any person of the degree of a Knight, or a Knightes wife, shalbe vpon condition, that euery suche person so lycensed, shall paye yerely .xiii.s. iiii.d. to the vse aforesaide, and in fourme afore mentioned. And euery license to any person or per∣sons, being vnder the degrees abouesaid, shalbe vpon condition, that euery suche person so licensed shall paye yerely .vi.s.viii.d. to the sayd vse, and in fourme afore mentioned.

Prouided alwayes, that no lycense shall extende to the eating of any Byefe, at any tyme of the yere, nor to the eating of any Veale in any yere, from the feaste of Saint Michaell the Archangell, vntyl the first daye of Maye.

Prouided also, that all persons whiche by reason of notorious sycknes, shalbe enforsed for recouerye of health to eate fleshe, for the tyme of their sicknes, shalbe sufficiently lycensed by the Byshoppe of the diocesse, or by the Parson, Vycar, or Curat, of the parishe where suche person shalbe sicke, or of one the nexte parishe adioyninge, if the saide Parson, Vicar, or Curat of his or their owne parishe be wilful, or if there be no Curate within the same parishe. Which lycense shalbe made in writinge, signed with the hande of the Byshoppe of the dio∣ces, or of the Parson, Vycar, or Curate, and not endure longer then the time of the sicknes. And that if the sicknes shal continue aboue the space of .viii. dayes, after suche lycense graunted: then the license shalbe registred in the Churche booke, with the knowledge of one of the Churche wardens, and the partie licensed shall gyue to the Cu∣rate .iiii.d. for the entrye therof: And that license to endure no longer,

but onlye for the tyme of his, her, or their sicknes. And if any license by any Parson, Vicar or Curate, be graunted to any person or per∣sons, other then suche as euydentlye appeare to haue nede thereof by reason of their sicknes: not onlye euery suche lycense shalbe voyde, but also euerye suche Parson, Curate, or Vycare shall forfait for euerye suche lycense otherwyse graunted, fyue markes.

Prouided also, and be it enacted, that all lycenses heretofore graunted to any subiecte of this Realme, by any of the late Kynges, or by the late Quene Mary, or by the Quenes Maiestie now beinge, or by any Archebyshoppe of this Realme, hauinge aucthoritie so to do, shalbe of as good force in lawe for the wednesday, nowe ly∣mitted, and other accustomed fyshe dayes, as they were before the makynge of this Acte for the saide other accustomed fyshe dayes, so as the parties lycensed do hereafter obserue all suche conditions as be lymitted in this estatute, to suche as hereafter shall obteyne any lycenses. And suche persons also as heretofore were or ought to be lycensed, by reason of age or other impediment, or cause, by order of the Ecclesiastical lawes, shal enioye the same priuilege and accustomed lycenses, any thinge in this Acte to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding.

And be it enacted by the aucthoritie of this present Parliament, that no forfeiture of Shippe, Crayer, or other vessel, or of any apparel of the same, nor any other penaltie or forfeyture, shalbe extended or growe against any owner or owners of any Shippe, Crayer, or other vessell for the transportinge or carrying of any Wheate or other Corne, or thinges prohibited by the estatute made in the Parliament holden the firste and seconde yeres of Kynge Phillippe and Quene Mary, vnlesse the same owner or owners shalbe wittinge, knowinge, ay∣dyng, or consentynge to the prohibited transporting or carryinge: the saide Estatute, or any thinge therein mentioned to the contrarye hereof in any wise notwitstandyng.

And be it further enacted by the aucthoritie of this present Par∣liament, that all and euery person and persons, whiche be, or shal∣be, by the lawes and estatutes of this Realme, or otherwise, auctho∣rysed to sell wynes by retaile, in the seuerall Counties and places where they be, or shalbe so aucthorised: shall and maye from hence∣fourth sell the saide wynes, by pynte, quarte, pottell, gallon, or otherwyse, at suche price or pryces, and in suche fourme, as shalbe ly∣mitted by the Quenes Maiesties proclamation in that Countie or place, made with the assente of suche lordes and other persons, as by the statute made in the .xxviii. yere of the reigne of Kynge Henry the eyght, were aucthorised to set price vppon wynes in grosse,

without any payne or forfeyture for the same: Any lawe, vsage, or estatute heretofore made or had to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstandinge.

And be it further enacted, by the aucthoritie of this present Par∣lyament, that from and after the feaste of saint Michael the Archan∣gell next comming, it shalbe lawfull to all and euery person and per∣sons, beinge subiectes of the Quenes Maiestie, her heires or succes∣sours, only out of such portes, or crekes, as by the Quenes Maiesties proclamation hereafter shalbe published and appointed, and not els where, to lode, carrie or transporte any Wheate, Rye, Barley, Malte, Pease or Beanes, into any partes beyonde the Seas, to sell as a mar∣chaundise, in shippes, Crayers, or other vessels, whereof any Englishe borne subiect then shalbe the only owners, so that the price of the sayde Cornes or graynes so caryed or transported, exceade not the prices hereafter followinge, at the tymes, hauens, and places where and when the same Corne or grayne shalbe shipped or laden: Vide. the quarter of Wheate at .x.s. the quarter of Rye, Pease or Beanes, at .viii.s. the quarter of Barley or malte at .vi.s.viii. d. of curraunte money of England: Any lawe, vsage, or estatute heretofore made to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstandyng.

And where doubte hath heretofore ben, whether the statute in the xviii. yere of the reigne of Kyng Henry the .vi. heretofore made against Souldiours reteyned, which departe from their Captaines without lycense, did or ought to extended vnto Mariners & gonners seruing on the Seas, takynge wages of the kinge or Quene of this Realme: Be it expressed, ordeined, enacted, and declared, by aucthoritie of this present Parlyament, that the said estatute made in the saide .xxiii. yere of the reigne of Kynge Henry the .vi. in all paynes, forfeytures and other thinges, did, doth, and hereafter shall extende, aswell to all and euery Mariner and gonner, hauinge taken or shall hereafter take prest or wages to serue the Quenes Maiestie, her heires, or succes∣sours, to all intentes and purposes, as the same did or doth vnto any souldyer: Any diuersities of opinion, doubte, matter, or thing to the contrary hereof in any wyse notwithstandyng.

And where an estatute concernynge sowyng of Flaxe and Hempe, was made and prouided in the Parlyament holden the .xxiiii. yere of the reigne of our late soueraigne Lorde Kynge Henry the eyght, to be vniuersall through euery Countie of this Realme, for the better prouision of nettes, for helpe and furtheraunce of fishinge, and for eschewinge of Idelnes:

Be it ordeined & enacted by aucthoritie of this present Parliament, that in euery suche Countie of this Realme, or parte of such Countie, where, by the Quenes Maiesties proclamation it shall hereafter be

published, the saide estatute to be commodious or profitable for the common wealth: The said estatute, and euery clause, article and proui∣sion therein conteyned, be and shalbe reuyued, and stande in full force and strength to be executed and perfourmed, from the feaste of saint Michaell the Archangell nexte comminge, in all thinges other then in the proportion of a Roade or fourth parte of an acre, & in the paine of .iii.s.iiii.d. by the said estatute limitted. In place whereof, be it or∣deyned and enacted by the aucthoritie aforesaid, that in euery case and degree, where by the saide former estatute, one Roade or fourth parte of an Acre is lymitted to be sowne with lynseade, otherwise flaxe seade, or hempe seade, from the saide feaste of Saint Michaell the Archangel nexte comming: In steade and lewe of the saide Roade or iiii. parte of an Acre, one whole Acre, or lesse, as by proclamation in fourme aforesaide shalbe limitted, shalbe sowen with lynseade, other∣wise flaxe seade, or Hempe seade, vpon payne of forfeyture of fyue poundes, for euery suche defaulte or offence.

And further be it ordeyned, and enacted by the aucthoritie afore∣saide, that all and euery suche of the offences before mentioned, as hereafter shalbe done on the mayne Sea or costes of the Sea, beinge no parte of the bodye of any Countie of this Realme, & without the precincte, iurisdiction and liberties of the Sinque portes, and out of any hauen or peere: shalbe tryed and determined before the Lorde Ad∣mirall of England, or his Lieuetenaunt, deputie, or deputies, & other Iustices of Oyer and terminer, according to the fourme of the saide estatute of Anno .xxviii. Henrici .viii. for causes of pyracie. And if the same shalbe done on the mayne Sea, or costes of the Sea, within the iurisdiction or libertie of the Synque ports, & out of any hauen or porte: then the same to be tried and determined before the sayde Lord warden of then sayd Syncque portes, or his Lieuetenaunt, or Iudge, or before Iustices of Oyer and terminer, according to the true fourme of the sayde estatute of Anno .xxxviii. Henry .viii. for causes of pyracie. And for all and singuler suche other of the offences before mentioned, as shalbe done in the lande, or within any hauen or peere: all Iustices of the peace in their Sessions, and Maiors, Sheriffes and Bailifes, and other head officers in Cities and townes corporate, in their Sessions, or other Courtes within the limittes of their com∣missions or aucthorities shal haue full power and aucthoritie to in∣quire of the offenders of this acte, aswel by the othes of .xii. men, as otherwise by information, and therevpon to heare and determine the same. And if any person or persons shalbe presented before the saide Iudges, Iustices, or officers within the lymittes of their auctorities, or anye information gyuen to them of any offender of this acte: that then they shal haue ful power and aucthoritie vpon any suche present∣ment,

or Information to make proces againste the offenders of this acte, lyke as is commonly vsed vpon enditementes of Trespasse. And yf any be presented, and afterwarde be conuicted by confession, or otherwise, that then euery suche person shall suffer no lesse forfeiture or punishement then herein is before lymitted: All whiche forfey∣tures to be leuied, in maner and fourme following. That is to saye, suche forfeytures concernyng eatyng of fleshe, as are before lymitted to certeine vses, to be to the same vses in that behalfe before expressed, and all such forfeytures, as accordinge to the tenour of this acte shalbe determinable before the saide Iudges, Iustices, or other officers of the Admiralties aforesaide, or before Commissioners of Oyer and ter∣miner in that behalfe, shalbe to the vse of the Lord Admirall of Eng∣land, or Lord warden of the Syncque ports, where such offence shalbe presented, or where as the Iurisdiction of the cause shal apperteyne. And all such forfeitures, as accordyng to the tenour of this acte, shal∣be determinable before Maiors, Sheriffes, Bayliffes, or other head officers of Cities or townes corporate, shalbe to the common vse of the Corporation of the saide Citie or towne corporate, where suche of∣fences shalbe presented, or wheras the Iurisdiction of the cause shall apperteyne. And all suche forfeytours, as accordynge to the tenour of this acte, shalbe determinable before the Iustices of the peace, shalbe to the vse of the Quenes Maiestie, her heires and successours. And if any person shalbe conuict by confession, or otherwise vpō any Informa∣tion, made by any person or persons against any offender or offenders of this acte, in any cause (saue for the eatinge of fleshe, firste before spe∣ciallie lymitted) that then euery such person so conuict vpon any Infor∣mation, shal lose suche forfeiture as is before lymitted, the one halfe thereof to be to suche as so shall make the Information, and the other halfe to those whiche vpon presentement, without speciall Infor∣mation, are before lymitted to haue the whole forfeiture. And that for the leuyinge of euery forfeiture growing by this estatute, aswel the saide Lorde Admirall of England, Lorde warden of the Syncque portes, theyr Lieuetenaunts; and Iudges, as the sayde Iustices, Maiors, Sheriffes, Bayliffes and other head officers within the ly∣mittes of their Commissions or aucthorities, haue and shall haue full power and aucthoritie to make such proces, as they shal thinke good by their discressions.

Prouided alwayes, that none Information at the su••e of an persone concernynge this acte, shalbe of any effect to put anye per∣son to aunswere or losse of forfeiture, excepte the sayde Information be commenced within halfe a yere nexte after the offence done con∣trary to this acte, nor that any Information or presentment for the Quenes Maiestie, her heires or successours, or for the Admirall,

warden of the Sinque portes, Maiors or other officers aforesaide, be of any effecte, to put any person to any aunswere or losse of any for∣feiture by vertue of this acte, excepte the saide Information or present∣ment be within one yere nexte after the offence done and committed contrary to this acte.

Prouided and be it likewise enacted, that it shalbe lawfull to any person, or persons, to haue at his or their table vpō euery wednes∣daye, beinge ordered by this estatute to be obserued as a fishe daye, one onely vsual competent dishe of fleshe, of one kind and no mo, so that he, she, or they haue also serued to the same table and mease at the same meale, their ful competent vsuall dishes of Sea fishe, of sundry kyndes, eyther freshe or salt, and that without fraude or couyn, and so shall also order, that the same fishe be mete and seasonable, and that it shalbe eaten or spent in like maner, as vpon Fridayes or Sa∣terdayes in like cases are vsed.

And that also such persons as haue, or hereafter shall haue, vpon good and iust considerations, any lawfull license to eate fleshe vpon any fishe day (except suche persons, as for sicknes shall for the tyme be licensed by the Bishop of the dioces, or by their Curates, or shalbe licensed by reason of age, or other impediment allowed heretofore by the Ecclesiasticall lawes of this Realme) shalbe bounde by force of this statute, to haue for euery one dishe of fleshe serued to be eaten at their table, one vsuall dishe of Sea fishe, freshe or salte, to be likewyse serued at the same table, and to be eaten or spent without fraude or couin, as the lyke kinde is, or shalbe vsually eaten or spent on Sa∣terdayes.

And that these two articles and clauses next aboue, shalbe taken and interpreted from tyme to tyme, in the fauoure of expence of Sea fishe, and that the offendour or offendours herein, shalbe punished in lyke maner, as is ordered by this estatute, for punishment of suche as shall eate fleshe vpon Fridayes, Saterdayes, or other fishe dayes.

And because no maner of person shall misiudge of the intent of this estatute, limittinge orders to eate fishe, and to forbeare eatinge of fleshe, but that the same is purposely intended and ment politikely for the increase of Fishermen, & Mariners, and repairing of port townes and nauigation, and not for any superstition to be mainteyned in the choyse of meates: Be it enacted, that who soeuer shall by prea∣chinge; teachinge, writinge, or open speache notifie, that any eating of fishe, or forbearinge of fleshe mentioned in this statute, is of any necessitie for the sauinge of the soule of man, or that it is the seruice of God, otherwise then as other politike lawes are and be: that then suche person shalbe punished, as spreaders of false newes are or ought to be.

Be it enacted in the fauour of Fyshermen & Mariners, haunting the sea as Fyshermen or Mariners, that none of them shall hereaf∣ter at any tyme be compelled agaynst his or theyr wyll, to serue as any souldiour vppon the lande, or vpon the sea, otherwyse then as a Mariner, except it shalbe to serue vnder any Captayne of some shyp or vessell for landyng, to do some speciall exploit, whiche Ma∣riners haue vsed to do, or vnder any other person hauing aucthori∣tie to withstande any inuasion of enemies, or to subdue any rebel∣lion within the Realme, and also except all such persons as by te∣nure, lawefull custome, or couenaunt, be or shalbe otherwyse bounde to serue.

Prouided alwayes, and be it enacted by aucthoritie aforesayde, that this Acte or any thyng therin conteyned, shall not extende to take away or diminishe any libertie, priuiledge, fraunches, forfai∣ture or amerciament, fines, issues, wreckes of the Sea, or any other lawfull inheritaunce or free holde, from any person or persons, bodyes politique or corporate, theyr heyres or successours, for or touchyng any lawfull libertie, aucthoritie, or iurisdiction admi∣rall, or for conseruation of any water, that they or any of them nowe haue lawfullye, or hereafter shall haue: Any thyng in the same to the contrary, notwithstandyng.

Prouided alwayes and be it further enacted by the aucthoritie aforesayde, that no Fysherman vsyng or hauntyng the sea, shalbe taken by the Quenes Maiesties Commission to serue her hyghnes as a Mariner on the Sea: but that the sayde Commission be first brought by her hyghnes taker or takers, to two Iustices of peace, next adioynyng and inhabytyng to the sayde Sea costes, Townes, or other places, where the sayd Mariners are so to be taken, to the intent the sayde Iustices may chose out, and cause to be returned such sufficient number of able men, as in the saide Cōmission shal∣be conteyned, to serue her Maiestie as is aforesayde.

Sauyng alwayes to the Sinque Portes, and also to the towne of great Yarmouth, all such lawfull liberties as they iustly haue before the makyng of this Acte, touchyng the free fayer kepte at Yarmouth, other then in bying of straungers, and takyng of toll, as the same be before prohibited.

Prouided alwayes, that any thyng in this Acte conteyned, shall not be hurtfull or preiudiciall to any aucthoritie, style, prehemi∣nence, dignitie, or iurisdiction, belongyng to the office of the Lord warden of the Sinque Portes.

Prouided alwayes, that it shall and may be lawfull to and for any person or persons beyng straungers borne, to bryng yerely in any Shyp, Bottome, or Vessell, wherof any stranger or strangers

borne, is or shalbe owner or owners, into the Hauens, Portes, and Townes of the Isle of man, or into any of them, any of the wynes made in any of the dominions or countreys belongynge to the Crowne of Fraunce, and in the same Portes and Townes, or any of them, to discharge the said wynes so to be brought, so that there be not brought and discharged by the same straungers, in any such straungers shyppes, bottomes, or vesselles, in any one yere, in, or, at the sayde Hauens, Portes, and Townes, or any of them, aboue one hundred Tonnes at the most: This Acte or any thyng therin con∣teyned to the contrary therof, notwithstandyng.

Prouided also, that it shall and may be lawfull to and for any person or persons beyng straungers borne, to bryng yerely in any shippe, vessel, or bottome, wherof any straunger or straūgers borne is or shalbe owner or owners, into the Hauen, Porte, and Towne of Chepestowe, in the Countie of Monmouth, any wynes made in any of the sayde dominions or countreys belongyng to the sayde Crowne of Fraunce, ouer and besydes all Rochell wynes hereto∣fore in this Acte allowed to be brought, and in the same Port and Towne to discharge the sayde wynes, so that there be not brought and discharged by the same straungers, in any suche straungers shyppes, bottomes, or vesselles in any one yere, in, or at the sayde Hauen, Port, and Towne, aboue one hundred Tonnes at the most: This Acte or any thing therin conteyned to the contrary, notwith∣standyng.

Prouided also, that it shall and may be lawefull to and for any person or persons beyng straungers borne, to bryng yerely in any shyppe, vessell, or bottome, whereof any straunger or straungers borne, is or shalbe owner or owners, into the Hauens, Portes, and Townes of Cardife, Caneruon, Beawmarrys, and other Hauens, Portes, and Townes in Southwales and Northwales, or any of them, and into the Hauen, Port, and Towne of Newporte, in the sayde Countie of Monmouth, any of the sayde wynes made in any of the sayd dominions or countreys belongyng to the said Crowne of Fraunce, ouer and besydes all Rochell wines heretofore in this Acte alowed to be brought, and in and at the same Portes and Townes, or anye of them, to discharge the sayde wynes so to be brought, so that there be not brought and discharged by the same straungers in any such straungers shyppes, bottomes, or vessels in any one yere, in, or at the said Hauens, Portes, & Townes, or any of them, aboue one hundred Tonnes at the most: This Acte or any thing therin conteyned to the contrary therof, notwithstandyng.

Sauing vnto the Quenes Maiestie, her heyres, and successours, all such dueties and thynges whiche her hyghnes, her heyres, and

successours ought to haue, enioy, be aunswered and payde, for the sayde three hundred Tonnes of Wynes, mentioned in the said three laste prouisos, to be brought and discharged, as in the same three prouisos ben mentioned and declared: Any thing in this Acte to the contrary therof, notwithstandyng.

Prouided also, and be it further enacted by thaucthoritie aforesayde, that this Acte or any thyng or thynges therein con∣teyned, shall not in any maner of wyse extende to geue vnto the Lorde Admirall of Englande for the tyme beyng, or to any his Viceadmiralles, Iudge or Iudges of the Admiraltie, his or theyr deputie or deputies, or to any other the officers or ministers of the Admiraltie, or to any others hauyng or claymyng any Admirall power, iurisdictions, or aucthoritie within this Realme and Wales, or any other the Quenes dominions: any other power, ryght, iurisdiction, preheminence, or aucthoritie, then he or they, or any of them lawfully haue, hath, or had, or ought to haue and enioye before the makyng of this Acte, other then for suche of the offences specified in this Acte, as hereafter shalbe done vppon the mayne Sea, within the iurisdiction of the Admiraltie: This Acte or any article, braunche, clause, prouision, or thing therin conteyned to the contrary therof, notwithstandyng.

This Act shall continue and endure vntyll the ende of ten whole yeres, to be accompted from the feast of Saint Michaell the Arch∣angell, whiche shalbe in the yere of our Lorde God .M.D.lxiiii. and from thence, to the ende of the nexte Parliament then folow∣yng the ende of the sayde ten yeres.