A discourse upon grants and resumptions showing how our ancestors have proceeded with such ministers as have procured to themselves grants of the crown-revenue, and that the forfeited estates ought to be applied towards the payment of the publick debts / by the author of the Essay on ways and means.

SECT. III. Of Resumptions. (Book 3)

* 1.1 THE Southwestern Parts of the Ro∣man Empire were invaded and pos∣sess'd by that Torrent of People which antiently issu'd out of Scanzia, a very large Tract of Land, bounded on the North and East by the Sea, and on the West and South by the Botnick Bay, and Baltick Sea, as likewise by Rivers which empty them∣selves into the Botnick Bay and the Russian, or White Sea. These Nations when they first left their Native Soil, for a great while had no certain Seats, but travers'd from one Region to another, till at last they came to fix themselves in those Pro∣vinces they had intirely Conquer'd. Of these the Visigoths and Ostrogoths were the most considerable. The Ostrogoths to whom all Pannonia had been assign'd by the Ro∣mans, extended their Territory far and wide, till they seiz'd Italy it self, under Theodorick. The Visigoths seiz'd on Part of Gaul, Planting themselves in Aquitaine, and having cantoniz'd in other parts of the Country, there they continu'd for some

time. They likewise form'd a Dominion in Spain, which lasted above Three hun∣dred Years; reckoning from Athlaufus the Son of Alarick (who by consent of the Roman Emperor Honorius, was settled in the Borders between Gaul and Spain) to Roderick, who was totally subdued by Tariff the General of Ʋlit Miramamoli•• the Moor. Part of these Visigoths fix'd themselves likewise in this Kingdom of Britain; for from the Antient Scanzian were deriv'd the * 1.2Jutes, Gutes, or Getes who nested in part of Germany, and were afterwards call'd Saxons, and who from Germany came and took Possession of this Island.

Of the same Scanzian, or Gothick Race were likewise the Danes, who about Two hundred Years before the Norman Con∣quest, invaded England, planting Colonie•• and gaining such Footing here from time to time, that at last they wholly Master's both the Saxons and the Natives.

From this Soil likewise, barren o•• Provisions, but fertile in producing Men did spring the Normans, who under the Conduct of Roul left their own Soil; first touching upon our Coast, and finding no Reception here, they were content upon Terms, to depart, and carry the

Terror of their Arms elsewhere, which they did into France, where by their Va∣lour they obtain'd that Tract of Land, which from them was call'd Normandy, from whence in One hundred and Twenty Years they came, and in one Battle Con∣quer'd England.

Thus by these Swarms from the North, of Men seeking new Seats, the best part of Europe came into the Possession of a rough Warlike People, whom the Luxuries of Asia, Greece and Rome, had neither cor∣rupted nor refin'd; And these new Inha∣bitants chang'd every thing, introducing in all Places new Customs, other Man∣ners, Languages, different ways of mak∣ing War, new Laws, and new Forms of Government.

And these several Branches, springing from the same Stemm, it must follow, that the Fruit they bore would be near of a Tast; by which we mean that in their Manners, Laws, and principally in their Politick Government, they must of con∣sequence, as indeed they did, very much resemble one another.

And whoever looks into the Anti∣ent Constitutions of England, France, Spain, Denmark and Sweeden, will find, that all these Nations, had one and the

same Form of Government; and tho' they might vary in some Circumstances, yet they all agreed in certain Fundamen∣tals, which were, That the People should have their Rights and Priviledges; That the Nobles, or Men of chief Rank, should have some Participation of Power, and That the Regal Authority should be limit∣ed by Laws.

'Tis true the German Emperors have some shadow of, and pretend Succession to the Roman Empire; but whoever contem∣plates their Laws, Constitution, and Form of Government, will find all strongly im∣pregnated with the Gothick Tincture.

However, he who considers the Migra∣tions of these Men, will perceive, that the Governments which they establish'd, were the necessary and unavoidable Consequence of their Expeditions, and that People seeking new Seats could not properly put themselves under any other Form.

For so vast a Design as that of leaving one's own, and invading a remote Coun∣try, must fall into some Bold and Great Mind, that could first conceive, and then be able to go through with such an Un∣dertaking; and he who was thus qualified with Courage and Conduct, easily ob∣tain'd Supream Authority over all the

rest; from whence came, That these Peo∣ple chose to be govern'd by Kings. But the first Expence of this Expedition be∣ing very great, and he who projected it not being able to bear it all himself, he Associated to him certain of his Principal Countrymen, who had likewise Follow∣ers and Dependants of their own; These in Consideration of what they contribu∣ted towards the Common Design, were not only to share, in the Conquer'd Lands, but in these Lands to enjoy certain Powers and Priviledges, and to have Names of Honour, by which they were to be di∣stinguish'd and set above the rest: From whence came, That these Northern Nati∣ons had among 'em the Titles of Peers, Pallatins, Barons, Earls, Grantz, Graffs, Notables, Grandees, and Dukes. And the Persons of prime Rank under these or the like Appellations, were a distinct Part or Member of the Body Politick, and were to protect those who had come under their Banners, and follow'd their Fortune, and were vested by the Constitution with eminent Power, that they might be a Skreen between the Prince and People. But the Labour and Dangers of these Expedi∣tions were to lie upon the Common Peo∣ple, by whose hands the Battles were to be

fought; and no doubt they had not been tempted abroad if they could not have pro∣mised themselves a better Condition than what they had at home, and if they were to be only Beasts of Burthen to the Great Ones: For which Reason, by Compact with those whom they follow'd, they were likewise to have a certain Share in the future Con∣quest; from whence came, That in the Settlements made by these Northern Nati∣ons, respect was had to the Interest of the People: There was reserv'd to 'em their distinct Rights and Privliedges, and Part of the Conquer'd Lands were As∣sign'd to them, in which, the better Sort had Freeholds, and those of inferior De∣gree, held of their Captains, Lords, and Leaders.

Their Military Constitution, gave like∣wise Form to their Civil Government: Their King as he was Head of the Army in the moving Camp abroad, so, when they came to settle, he was Head of the Common-wealth: And as the Principal Officers and Chief Captains had been his Council of War, so when they had Peace and Rest, they could not be easily per∣swaded to quit that Share in the Admini∣stration of Affairs, of which they had tasted in the Field; and their Titles and

Lands being to descend, they became, by Virtue of their Tenures, his hereditary and standing Council; and as in the Field they had wont to advise him in difficult Matters, for the common Good of the whole, and to lay before him the Neces∣sities and Grievances of their Followers and Dependants, so at home it grew their Right to do the same. But when these Nations came to fix and mingle with the Natives, and when they had made Com∣pacts and Agreements with those Natives, this united Body (which likewise increas'd in Wealth and Possessions) soon became so Considerable as to make it necessary, That what was properly call'd the Commons, should be a distinct Part of the State, and that it should be Represented by Persons and Members chosen from among them∣selves. Thus in all these Northern Establish∣ments, there has been what was call'd ei∣ther the Estates, Assemblies, the Cortez, Diets, or Parliaments.

This was the Original Constitution, in most of the Establishments made by these Northern Nations, and under this Form of Government they continu'd without any material Change, till the Two last Cen∣turies.

But in process of Time, the Soil alters the Nature of Man, as much as it does that of Plants; warmer Climates did by degrees soften these rough and Warlike People. Too much Sun produces that Effeminacy, which is the proper Matter for Arbitrary Power to work upon: Therefore all the East and Southern World has been En∣slav'd, while colder Climates seem more tenacious of their Liberties. The French were the first who stoop'd to the Yoke of Regal Authority, not limited by Laws; Spain soon follow'd, to whose Kings their Foreign Acquisitions gave more Great∣ness than consisted with the Freedom of their People. At last it grew a Mode a∣mong lesser Kingdoms to imitate what had been done in larger Empires: So that the Danes and Sweeds were content to make and put on their own Fetters: And we in Eng∣land were desiring to be like the other Na∣tions round about us; had not the Virtue and Courage of a Few saved us often ve∣ry narrowly from the Corruption and Madness of the rest, The bad Example of former Kings, the Vices of their Courts, nor our own Riches, have not soften'd and deprav'd us quite; and this Island having been planted by the most Warlike of all the Northern Tribes, and having

still preserved a few of its old Inhabitants who retain somewhat of the antient Brit∣ton Courage; and this Soil having always bred and nourish'd Men of Heart and Stomach, it happens that we still continue Free, and that we keep the main Parts of our Original Constitution.

Antient Conquerors have in the same manner divided their Acquisitions, be∣tween the Prince, his Chief Fellowers, and the People; but the Tenures, or Rights, by which these Lands were to be Held, seem particular to these Gothick Settle∣ments, and with admirable Polity con∣triv'd to preserve the Links of Protection and Obedience, which should hold Prince and People together; for 'tis Natural for Men to Cherish and Protect their Depen∣dents; and as natural, to Love and Obey those by whom we are Protected. Thus to make all Hold of the King, was almost as far as Human Wisdom could go, to hin∣der this chief Landlord from committing Waste in his own, and from injuring those by whose Service he was to receive As∣sistance. But this Division of Property would not have quite suffic'd, unless there had likewise been made such a Partition of Power, as we have mention'd; for the Greater would have encroach'd upon, and

swallow'd up the Less, if the Power of each Part of the Constitution had not had certain Boundaries, as well as the Fields and Grounds had Landmarks, of one kind or other.

Our Ancient Government having its Foundation in such Tenures as the Goths introduc'd, it will be necessary to say some∣thing upon that Subject.

This way of holding Land by certain Ser∣vices was brought in by the Lombards, who descended of the * 1.3Gepidae, a People tha•• quitting Scanzia, were left upon an Island of the River Vistula, where increasing in Numbers, they were compell'd to seek new Seats, and who after many Rovings and Ad∣ventures came at last to fix in Italy. What we call Fee, and what in modern Latin's call'd † 1.4Feudum, had its Original from the Kings of Lombardy, whose Custom 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was to grant Territories, Towns and Citi•• to their Captains and principal Followers who were to have a kind of Usufructuary Right therein, or more properly the Ʋtil•• Dominium; but of these Lands the Prince reserv'd to himself the direct Dominion 'Tis true, the Romans had something like * 1.5this, as the Coloni Glebae adscriptitii: And Alexander Severus, and after him Constantix distributed Lands upon the Borders to their

Soldiers, and their Heirs, upon Condition of Defence. But that which properly constitutes the Feudum, viz. The peculiar Oath of Fidelity and Homage, was an Insti∣tution of the Lombards, who did not on∣ly assign Lands upon the Limits, but dis∣tributed whole Countries to be held by Fidelity and Service. These Tenures were first at Will, afterwards for a Term; then they came to descend to one Son, afterwards to be an Inheritance. He that held the Fee was oblig'd upon Summons to arm him∣self and follow his Lord's Banner, and to stand by him in all Dangers: Besides he was Subject to the Payment of Tributes, Aids or Subsidies. As the Prince conferr'd these Fees upon great Lords and Barons, so these Barons came to confer 'em upon others. The Germans had anciently some∣thing of the like nature; but from Italy, they pass'd into France, and from France into England. And certainly it was a wise Institution, To give a new People, who were to be continually upon their Guard, either against the Natives, or Foreigners, some Interest in those Lands, for whose Defence they were so often to expose their Persons.

When these Northern Expeditions had Success, and that a Country was subdu'd,

there was assign'd to the Prince, or he took to himself, part of the Land, which he Held in Demesne, from which, and by the Profits and Strength the Tenures pro∣duc'd, he maintain'd himself in War and in Peace, without laying, in Ancient Times, any other Burden upon his People. And without doubt, our Kings were most hap∣py when they liv'd upon this Revenue of the Crown, which was neither grievous by its Weight, or Novelty. What the Prince thus receiv'd came chearfully, because the People had good Bargains from the Crown. 'Tis true, they who Held by Mili∣tary Service, were at more Expence in time of War; but twas the nature of their Tenure, and they bore it; nor did a War∣like Race of Men, dislike now and then to be in Action. And 'tis pro∣bable, our first Princes chose to sub∣sist from a Revenue that would be Paid without murmuring, and which they might call their own, rather than upon the Manufactures and Trade of their Sub∣jects, as was practised by Eastern Kings and the Roman Emperors, who were always laying fresh Impositions upon their Peo∣ple, which ill suited with the free Genius of the Men these Northern Princes were to Govern.

Those Loads upon Industry, high Cu∣stoms, and what we call Excises, were a∣foot in the Roman Empire, but not thought of in these Gothick Settlements: 'Tis true, from the time Kings have desi∣red greater Armies than their Crown-Re∣venues would maintain, such Impositions have been reviv'd in these Parts of Europe.

These Kind of Taxes, from which this side of the World had been exempt for se∣veral Ages, were renew'd by Ambitious Princes, who had great Thoughts, and small Territory; of which kind, were Ferdinand and Alphonso of Aragon, Kings * 1.6of Naples, and Lodowick Sforza, Duke of Milan, who harrass'd their Countries with these sort of Duties, to such a degree, as at last it produc'd an Universal Defection of their People. By these Ways and Means of Raising Money, Lodowic Sforza had heap'd up such a Mass of Wealth, that not Eight Years before Milan was taken, he shew'd several Foreign Ministers, by way of Ostentation, besides Jewels, and other sort of Riches, in no small quantity, to the Value of One million, five hun∣dred thousand Ducats: A vast Summ for those Times. The Kings of Naples, had likewise scrap'd up a great Treasure, by

the like Methods. But what did all this end in? These Exactions, had so provok'd the People, that neither the Innocence, nor Vertue of Ferdinand, Alphonso's Son, nor the dark Wisdom and Subtilties of Lo∣dowick, could avail 'em in time of Danger, insomuch, that they both lost their Domi∣nions to the French, without hardly strik∣ing a Stroak. The Necessities, introcuc'd by the long Wars in Italy, brought these sort of Taxes more in Vogue, and they were chiefly made use of by the little Princes there, who Erected to themselves Tyrannies in several Cities. Not long af∣ter, this way of Raising Mony got footing in Spain, and the Tax was call'd the * 1.7Al∣cabala, by which, the King was to have the Tenth part of all that was Sold, or Ex∣chang'd; it was first laid towards defray∣ing the Expences of the Wars of Granada, against the Moors, and continu'd for some time, tho' the War was ended; but by the Authority of that Great Minister, Car∣dinal Ximenes, it was Abolish'd. They had likewise, Taxes upon the Consumption, long agoe in France, as in the Reign of † 1.8Chilperic, which the People thought so burthensome, that many therefore deser∣ted their Country, and we hear not of 'em again in their Histories, till some Ages

after, and the manner by which they are now Collected in that Kingdom, came from Italy. But the Ancient Revenue of the Kings of France, consisted in Land. * 1.9Mezeray, says, Le Revenue des Rois consistoit en Terres ou Domains, & en Imposts qui se prenoient sur les Gaulois seulment, car il estoit odieux d'en prendre sur les Francois, on les levoit quelques uns en argent, quelques-autres en denres. Quand on fit l'arpantage ou par∣tage des Terres, les Rois en eurent pour leur Portion quantite des plus belles specialement aux environs des grandes villes. Dans toutes ces Terres▪ qui'ls apelloient, Villae Fis∣cales, ils avoient des Officers ou serviteurs, qui se nommoient Fiscalins, & celui qui leur commandoit Domestique. On amassoit les Provisions de bleds, de vins, de fourages, de Chairs, specialement de Venaison, & de Porc.

And as to Excises, Gabels, and high Duties upon Trade, they were unknown, among the Founders of the English Go∣vernment, or of the Kingdoms round a∣bout us.

We have been compell'd to look thus far backward, and to repair to the Foun∣tain-head, and Original of this Govern∣ment, in order to illustrate, what we are go∣ing to lay down in this Section, which is,

I. That in Forming this Constitution, our Ancestors took care to make ample Provision for Maintaining the King's Crown and Dignity.

II. That, when those Lands, and Re∣venues had been parted with, which were allotted for his and the States Service, Parliaments have seldom fail'd to Relieve and Restore his Affairs, by Acts of Re∣sumption.

William the Norman, when he had sub∣du'd Harold, and got quiet Possession of the Crown, made a general Survey of the whole Kingdom. There was already a Survey, remaining at Winchester, which had been taken by King Alfred's Or∣der, about Two hundred Years before William's Survey, was call'd, Doom's-Day-Book, in which there was set down a Catalogue of all the Tenants in Capite, or Serjanty, that Held Lands in e∣very County. In this Accompt, the King is always plac'd first, and His, and the Crown Lands, describ'd under the Title of Terra Regis; and in every one of these Counties the King had Lands and Mannors. The Great and Little Doom's-Day-Book,

contain'd the Description of all England, Westmoreland, Cumberland, Northumber∣land, and part of Wales excepted. There were Appropriated to the Crown * 1.101422 Mannors, or Lordships, besides Lands and Farms in Middlesex, Shropshire, and Rut∣landshire; over and above which, there were Quit-Rents, paid out of several Mannors. Insomuch, that * 1.11Ordericus Vitalis, says, William the Ist. had coming in L 1061-10-1^• per diem of Sterling Mo∣ney, which, the Value of Money in those Days consider'd, was a prodigious Income. † Jervais of Tilbury, says indeed, That at * 1.12that time, all the King's Tenants, paid their Rents in Kind: But this will appear mani∣festly otherwise, to any one that looks in∣to Dooms-Day-Book.

And tho' Ordericus, may have given us an Account somewhat too large, yet con∣sidering the Number and Value of his Mannors, and the Number of Knights Fees, which were Sixty thousand, out of which Escuage might be Levy'd in times of Action, he had without doubt, a ve∣ry great Revenue, either for Peace or War.

* 1.13 Sir Robert Cotton says, The Article of Terra Regis, in Dooms-Day-Book, consist∣ed in such Lands as K. William found

Edward the Confessor had been in Possessi∣on of, and that to Alienate this Revenue from the Crown, was held Impious, by our Fore-Fathers.

Most certainly, in this Universal Sur∣vey, there was inserted whatever the Kings had claim'd to the time of Edward: But there was good Reason to think that he added to the Terra Regis, such Lands as he pretended were Forfeited by those who had ingag'd in the Battel of Hastings, and the Estates of the Barons, and other great Men who afterwards from time to time Revolted from him: Part of which Lands he annexed to the Crown, distributing the rest, with a reservation of certain Quit-Rents, among his Nor∣man Followers.

By this Accompt it appears, That this Founder of our present Government, left to succeeding Kings a fair Inheritance, suf∣ficient to maintain their Estate and Digni∣ty at Home, and capable to Defend the Realm against Invasions from Abroad.

But this Model of a Politick Constituti∣on, easie both to King and People, was somewhat shaken, even by his next Suc∣cessor, William Rufus, who not only wasted the vast Treasure left by his Father, but also run into such Profuseness, as

forc'd him to Harrass the whole King∣dom. He alienated the Crown-Lands: And * 1.14Daniel says, He was compell'd to resume his own Grants. William of Malmsbury, speaking of this Prince, says, * 1.15Plures Patrimonia sua effudere inconsulte largiendo. Quid vero est stultius quam quod libenter facias, curare ne diutius facere possis? It aque quidem cum non habent quod dent, ad Rapinas convertuntur, majusque odium asse∣quntur ab iis quibus auferunt, quam benefi∣cium ab iis quibus contulerunt.

Henry the Ist. who succeeded, had all the Qualifications belonging to a Wise and Provident Ruler. He brought to Pu∣nishment Ranulphus Bishop of Durham, who had been the chief Adviser of all the Irregularities, Profusions, and Exactions of the last Reign: * 1.16He likewise took into his own Possession, all his Father's Lands and Lordships in Normandy, which his Brother had squander'd away, and by the Judgment of Wise Men, made those Gifts void which imprudently had been bestow'd upon undeserving Persons.

After the Death of Henry, Stephen, the Third Son of the Earl of Blois, by Adela the Fourth Daughter of William the I▪ was Elected King. He found in his Un∣cle's Treasury 100000 l. besides Plate and

Jewels of an immense Value; Having no good Title to the Crown, he was forc'd to purchase the good Will of the Princi∣pal Men by Gifts * 1.17Multi siquidem, quos vel Nobilitas generis, vel magnitudo animi, vel potius viridioris aetatis audacia ad illici∣ta praecipitabat, a Rege hi Praedia, hi Castel∣la, postremo quaecunque semel collibuisset, pe∣tere non verebantur; And with these Grants he bought the dissembled Affe∣ction of his Courtiers. * 1.18Malmsbury calls it † Simulatam ad tempus Pacem; for all this Liberality could not make the Nobles faithful to him, his whole Reign, having been nothing but a Scene of Treachery and Bloodshed. At last he was forc'd to come to Terms of Agreement with his Kinsman Henry Fitz-Empress, of which one Article was, That he should resume those Grants, * 1.19Regalia passim a Procerib••s usurpata Rex in sua Recipiet.

And persuant to this Agreement did Henry the II. act when he came to the Crown, which is to be the more admir'd in him, because he was a Stranger born, Son of the Earl of Anjou, and succeeding by Maud his Mothers Title, and because the Crown Revenue was got into power∣ful hands, able to give him strong Opposi∣tion; but nothing could stand before his

Courage and Perseverance: He resumed the Lands which King Stephen had given among his Followers. William Earl of Albemarl pretended to oppose him in Nor∣thumberland, but he brought him to re∣store what belong'd to the Crown, as he did likewise Hugh Mortimer, * 1.20Considerans autem Rex quod Regni redditus & Domi∣nica per Molliciem regis Stephani ad Domi∣nos multos jam devenissent, praecepit ea cum omni integritate infra tempus certum a qui∣buscunque detentoribus resignari & in jus sta∣tumque revocari. He also took upon him to banish Foreigners, particularly the Flem∣ings, who had nested here in hopes of Booty under a loose Reign: † Rex tenuit * 1.21Curiam suam apud Beremundesiam, uhi cum Principibus suis de statu Regni & pace re∣formanda tractans, proposuit animo alienige∣nas gentes de Regno propellere. Matthew Paris speaking of this Prince, says, * 1.22Qui continuo in Regem promotus, caepit in jus proprium revocare Ʋrbes, Castella & Villas quae ad Coronam spectabant; Alienigenas, & maxime Flandrenses de Regno expellendo, & quosdam Pseudocomites quibus Rex Stepha∣nus pene omnia ad Fiscum pertinentia minus caute contulerat, deponendo. So that we have here the Instance of a Warlike King (for such a one Henry was) greater in Re∣venue

and Extent of Foreign Dominion than any of his Predecessors, who thought it no Derogation to his Honour to look into these Matters.

And this provident Care of his had such an Effect, that his Son and Successor Richard the I. at his coming to the Crown, found in the Treasury above L. 900,000 besides Plate and Jewels * 1.23In∣venta sunt plura quam nongenta Millia li∣brarum in auro & argento, praeter Ʋtensilia & Jocalia, & lapides pretiosos. But this and much more was presently consum'd in the mad Humor which at that time had seized all the Princes of Europe of making War for the Holy Land. To fur∣nish himself for this Expedition Richard, sold several Parcels of the Crown Reve∣nue. † 1.24Hoveden says, Rex exposuit venditi∣oni omnia quae babuit, scil. Castella, Villas & Praedia; But the Lands thus granted a∣way he did resume. * 1.25Daniel says, that after his second Coronation, which was at Winchester, he not only resum'd the Mannors he had sold to the Bishops of Winchester and Durham, but whatsoever other Sales he had made of the Demayns of the Crown, Alledging that it was not in his Power to alien any thing appertain∣ing to the same whereby his State was to

subsist, * 1.26Grafton says, That after his second Coronation he call'd a Parliament, by the Authority whereof, he resum'd again all Patents, and Annuities, Fees and other Grants before his Voyage by him sold and granted, and caused the Parties to be con∣tented with such Revenues and Profits as they had received of the said Offices or Lands, in the time of his Absence: And spar'd not for any sufficiency of Writing that by him before was made. But, to confirm this, Authors may be produc'd of more Antiquity than either of these. * 1.27Knyghton says, Post ejus Coronationis so∣lennia quicquid prius leviter datum aut gra∣viter venundatum fuerat repetiit, nomine commendati, fructus perceptos pro sorte com∣putans, cessante pacto, titulo & instrumento quocunque. † Brompton says, Denique quod * 1.28cum ipse iter versus orientem arriperet & regnum ipsum multipharie sciderat, ad inte∣gritatem satagebat pristinam revocare. Quic∣quid enim ab illo tunc fuerat datum vel pon∣derose venundatum, sub nomine repetiit com∣modati; & Regiarum possessionum emptoribus dicens, Non decet sublimitati Regiae foenera∣ri. Illi autem emptores mox regio metu at∣toniti, nulla habita quaestione de sorte non percepta, confestim omnia resignarunt.

In Two Years of this Reign, viz. Ann. 1195 and 1196, there were actually rais'd in this Kingdom Eleven hundred thousand Marks, which is more than was really levied in any Two Years of the Late War; for if we consider the value of Money in those times, and the Proportion it bore with other Commodities, Eleven hundred thou∣sand was more then, than Eleven Millions are now. Hubert the Archbishop of Canter∣bury writing to the King for leave to quit the Ministry shews. * 1.29Quod infra bienni∣um proximo praeteritum adquisierat ad opus illius undecies centena Millia Marcarum ar∣genti de Regno Angliae. The raising this vast Summ is an evident Sign how willing the People of England, have in other Ages been to give Aids and Subsidies to Martial Princes.

After Richard, King John was Elected. This was a Reign of Civil War, Taxes, and Profusion; and the Character Robert the Clerk gave of this Prince to Mirama∣molin the Moor, was very true and Re∣markable. * 1.30Potius fuit Tirannus quam Rex; potius Subversor quam Gubernator; Oppressor suorum & fautor aliènorum. Leo suis subditis, agnus alienigenis & rebellibus, qui per desidiam suam Normanniae ducatum & alias multas terras amiserat; & insuper

Angliae regnum amittere vel destruere sitiebat. Pecuniae extortor insatiabilis; possessionum suorum naturalium invasor & destructor.

But these Wastes were look'd into in the Reign of Henry III. King John's Son and Successor, not by the Prince himself, who was no better a Manager than his Fa∣ther; but by the Barons. Knyghton says, That after Lewis and the French were dri∣ven away * 1.31Omnes Alienigenae ejecti erant de Anglia & omnia Castella quae Rex Johannes donaverat & tradiderat in Custodiam Alie∣••igenarum fuerunt reseisita in manu Regis. This King laying open his Necessities to the Barons and his Council, said, The Crown-Revenues, would scarce afford him Meat and Drink. To whom they answer'd, He might be Rich out of his own, if he would set some Bounds to his Liberality, and look into his own Affairs, and into the Proceedings of some of his Officers: They nam'd no body to hlm, ••ut he understood whom they meant, and call'd several of his Ministes to Accompt., and brought them to Restitution. The Words of the Historian in this place, are very Observable, when the King had laid open his Wants. * 1.32Tunc Consilarii Regis re∣sponderunt, Si pauper es tibi imputes, qui Honores & Custodias ac dignitates vacantes ita in alios transfers, & a Fisco alienas;

quod nec in divitiis auri vel argenti, sed solo nomine Rex debeas appellari. Nam anteces∣sores vestri, Reges magnifici & in omni divi∣tiarum gloria ditissimi, non aliunde, sed ex Regni redditibus & emolumentis, Thesauros impreciabiles congesserunt. At Rex ab eis in∣structus, quos nominatim exprimere tutum for∣sitan non esset coepit a Vicecomitibus & Balli∣vis, aliisque Ministris suis, de redditib•••• & rebus omnibus ad Fisci commodum spect an∣tibus, ratiocinium exigere: Et quoslibet d•• fraude convictos, a suis Officiis deponens, ex∣egit ab eis pecuniam suam, etiam cum usurii••▪ & tenens coarct abat eos, donec reddere•• debitum universum. This Prince was the first who brought Strangers into his Coun∣cils, and the management of his Business▪ Poictevins and Britons, to whom he gave all the Power, and among whom he la∣vish'd all his Crown-Revenue, and the * 1.33Treasure of the Kingdom. Invitavit p••∣latim tot Pictaviensium Legiones, quod ••••∣tam fere Angliam repleverunt, quorum R•••• agminibus quocunque pergebat, vallatus ince••∣sit. But in 1234 he was compell'd by his Barons to Banish these Strangers: Yet he return'd quickly to the same bad Measures, insomuch, that his Brother Richard, Earl of Cornwal, told him, That he Rob'd his own Country to give it to Strangers, and the Kingdom's Enemies. In this Loose Reign,

the * 1.34Money of England was corrupted: But nothing anger'd the People more than the immoderate Wealth he bestowed upon Foreigners, namely, his Brothers by the Mother, and particularly to his Poictevins * 1.35Eschaetas & Reditus vacantes, Alieni∣genis ignotis, illiteratis, scurrilibus, & pe∣nitus indignis non destitit distribuere, ut sic suorum naturalium corda insanibilius saucia∣ret. While Things were thus Govern'd, Private Men inrich'd themselves with the Publick Spoil, as for Example John Man∣sel, * 1.36who brought his Estate to Four thou∣sand Marcs per Annum. But at last at a Parliament Held at Oxford, * 1.37Peter of Sa∣voy, William de Valence, and the Bishop of Winchester, the King's half Brothers, with the other Foreigners, were Banish'd. Ʋbi statutum erat † 1.38quod ad Terras suas quas in partibus transmarinis habebant transfretarent. And that immoderate Wealth they had gather'd here, was not permitted to be carry'd away, but was ‖ 1.39Seiz'd upon, and Confiscated to the King's use. In this Col∣loquy, the Barons told him, That he was in Debt, and Ruin'd by the Strangers a∣bout him, who had Consum'd all, so that he was forc'd to give Tallies for the Victuals of his Table. * 1.40Domine Rex, in∣ter manus Alienigenarum res utique tua male agitur & diversimode tractatur, nam con∣sump∣tis

universis multo jam deprimeris, e•• alieno, & datis pro cibariis tuis Tallei•• versus es in scandalum in omni populo tuo▪ The Consequence of this Profusion, was grievous Taxes; the Taxes produc'd Dis∣contents, these Discontents, encourag'•• Simon Montford, and others, to begin th•• Civil War, in which this King had bee•• lost, but for the Courage and Conduct 〈◊〉〈◊〉 his Son.

In the Reign of Edward the I. we 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not find there was any Resumption; b•• Annn Dom. 1289. the Legislative Autho∣rity did very wisely interpose in Corre••∣ing the Abuses of Westminster-Hall, * 1.41Fin••∣ing all the Judges for their Corruptio•• and Extortions. Sir Ralph Hengham (w•• had been Chief Justice of the high•• Bench, and Commissioner for the G••∣vernment of the Kingdom, in the King Absence) paid Seven thousand Marcs; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Edward Stratton paid Thirty four thou∣sand Marcs; Thomas Wayland, found the greatest Delinquent, Forfeited all his E∣state: The whole Set paid among 'em 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hundred thousand Marcs; which for those Days, was a prodigious Summ.

The next Reign of Edward the IId▪ gives the prospect of Civil Wars, Trea∣chery, Bloodshed, and a view of all the

Calamities, that are the Consequences of •• Riotous and Profuse Court.

The unbounded Favour of this Prince o his Minion Pierce Gaveston, made Earl of Cornwal, and the Waste which the said Earl had made in the Crown-Revenue, so provok'd the Peers, that they never rest∣d till they had obtain'd an Instrument mpowering several Ecclesiastical, and ••ay Lords, to make certain Ordinances ••or the good of the Kingdom, which nstrument, and Ordinances made by Vir∣ue of it, were afterwards ratify'd in Par∣ament.

Among other things, it was then or∣der'd, That the Crown-Revenue should ••ot be Alienated.

Derecheif ordein est * 1.42pur les dettes le Roy acquitter, & son estate relever, & le plus honourablement mainteiner, qe nul don de Terre ne de Rent, ne de Franchise, ne d' Eschete, ne de Gard ne Marriage, ne Baillie se face a nul des ditz Ordenours durant leur poer del dit ordeinment, ne a uul autre sauns Conseil & assent des ditz Ordenours, ou de la greinder partie▪ de eux au six de eux au moins, mes totes les choses desquex profits poit surdre soi∣ent enpruees al profit le Roy jusques son estat soit avenantment releve, &c.

There is this Remarkable in the Re∣cord, That they bound up themselves, as well as others, from receiving any part of the King's Lands, as we may suppose, not thinking it fair for them who had the Power, to keep the Purse shut to others, and to open it for themselves.

They took likewise Care of a Resump∣tion. * 1.43

Et puis derecheife pur se qe l•• Corone est tant abeissee & demembree p•• diverses donns, nous Ordinons, qe to•• les donns qe sont donez au damage d•• Roy & descresse de la Corone, puis 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Commission a nous fait, des Chasteam▪ Villes, Terres, & Tenements, & Bayle•• Gardez, & Marriages, Eschetes, & Rel•• queconques queles soint, aussibien 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Gascoin, Irland, Gales & Escoce, co•• me en Engleterre, soint repelleez & no•• les repellons de tout, sanz estre redonn•• a meismes ceux, sanz comun assent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Parlement: Et que si tieu maner des dom ou Reles soint Desormes donez enc••••∣tre la form avantdit, sanz assent de so•• Barnage, & ce en Parlement, tant qe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 dettes soint acquittees & son estat•• avenantment releves, soint tenus po•• nuls, & soit le pernour puny en Parle∣ment par Agard del Barnage.

'Tis true, these Ordinances were re∣vok'd in the * 1.44Parliament which this

King held at York, the 15th of his Reign, just after he had Defeated and put to Death Thomas Earl of Lancaster, with many other of the Barons. But his Ri∣gid Proceeding with those who had Fought in Defence of their Countries Freedom, and his immoderate Favour and Bounty to the Spencers, Earls of Whinchester and Gloster, with all his other Mis-government, lost him both his Crown and Life, in a short time after.

'Tis to be presum'd, That what the Parliament had done in Edward II. Reign, to hinder the Favourites from making De∣predations upon the Crown-Revenue, had effectually stopp'd the Evil, because we do not find there was any need of an Act of Resumption in Edward the III's Time.

There is no part of our History more remarkable, than the Life of Richard II. Grandson of Edward III. And no Times af∣ford so many Presidents of Liberty asser∣ted, and of the Excesses of Regal Power, with the Corruption of bad Ministers, as this unfortunate Reign: But Misgovern∣ment will of Necessity bring on good Laws in the End: The lavish Temper of this Prince, his unreasonable Favour to the Duke of Ireland, to Michal de la Pool

Earl Suffolk his Chancellor, and others, with his loose and careless Administration, pro∣duc'd the Parliaments of 10th 11th and 13th Richard II. by which his Power was circumscribd and bounded. 'Tis true 21 Ri∣chard II. he procur'd a Repeal of what had been formerly settled by Parliament for the Welfare of the Kingdom, in which Sessi∣ons he got Iniquity establish'd by a Law; but the Conclusion of all this Misgover∣ment was, that he incurr'd so much the Publick hatred as to be deserted by the whole People, and in a solemn man∣ner to be depos'd.

The Excesses of the Court, and Rapine of the Ministers in those days, and to∣wards the latter end of Edward III. pro∣duc'd Acts of Resumption.

The Commons pray that all kind of Gifts whatsoever, made by King Edward III. may be examin'd, if worthily bestow'd, to be Confirm'd, if otherwise to be Re∣vok'd. * 1.45

Item ils Prient, pur ceo que la Corone est moult abaisse & demembre par divers donns donez en temps de notre Seigneur, que Dieux assoille, & queux donns il estoit malement deceux & en plu∣sieurs Personnes malement emploeis, come home le poet declarer, a grand da∣mage de lui, & de notre Seigneur le Roi q'ore est, si bien des Chasteaux, Villes,

Terres, Tenements, Baillez, Gardes, Mar∣riages, Eschetes, & Releves, aussi bien en Gascoigne, Irlande, come en Engleterre, qe plese a notre Seigneur le Roy, & son Conseil faire examiner par les Rolles de Chancellerie, du temps notre Seigneur le Roi, qi Dieux assoile, queux dounes, & a queux, & quelle somme ils amon∣tent qi aviendront, a trop haut somme sans doute, & qe sur ceo ils soient sage∣ment examinez, asqueux ils estoient do∣nez notablement & profitablement, pur le Roi & le Roialme, & es queux notre dit Seigneur estoit deceux, & ses donns malement employez, & queux tous ceux asqueux notre dit Seigneur estoit deceux, & qi sont malement employes, y puissent estre de tout repellez, sanz etre redonez as memes ceux, ou a uul autre, tanqe ses dettes soient acquites & lestat de nos tres honoures Seigneurs les fitz de notre Seig∣neur qi Dieux assoile, qi sont poures a leur estat, y purra avenantement per as∣cuns des ditz donns etre relevez, & soit le pernour quensy ad notre dit Seigneur deceux punis en cest present Parlement, selonc son desert par agarde de Baro∣nage, en supportation du Charge qe le commune People y convient porter: Ra∣tifiantz & Confirmantz a ceux qii ont de∣serve, les donns en manere come notre

dit Seigneur, qi Dieux assoile, leur avoit grantez Considerant a chescun son longe service, & son Desert, & regardant sil please a notre Seigneur, as tous ceux qe servirent a nostre dit Seigneur, son Aiel, qe sont sans rewarde pur lour Service.

Resp.

Les Seigneurs de continuel Coun∣seil serront Chargez de veer & examiner les ditz donns, & les Conditions estates & deserts des Personnes & en ultre fair ce qe reson Demande.

Anno 3 Richard II. The Speaker says, If the King were reasonably govern'd in his Expences, within and without the Realm, he should have little need to charge his Commons, who were already much Im∣poverish'd. * 1.46

Dist qe lour sembloit a la dite commune, que si lour Seigneur lige eust este bien & reasonablement gover∣nez en ses despenses par dedeins le Roy∣alme, & autrement, il neust ore besoigne de leur aide, per chargeant sa dite Com∣mune, quore est trop poure, &c.

Anno 5. Richard II. The King says, He will make no Grant without the As∣sent of the Lords of his Council, till he shall be out of Debt. * 1.47

Item, Prient les Communes, qil plese au Roy notre Seigneur, qil puisse au present estre Escript en Rolle de Parlement, co∣ment ordenez est, per lui, nos autres

Seigneurs, & toute la Commune, qe de∣desore en aprez, nul donn de Terre, de Rente, de Garde, ne de Marriage, ne de uul Manere Eschete soit Grantez a nul∣luy, tanqe le Roy notre dit Seigneur soit hors de dette, & hors des tielx Charges de Guerre, come y ad au pre∣sent, & si aucune Persone demande au∣cune donn au contraiere de cette Petiti∣on perde les service & Compagnie notre dit Signeur pur toujours apres.

Resp.

Il ne semble mye honest ne chose Honourable au Roy, ne a sa dig∣nitee, qil se lieroit a telle Guise peront il ent fuist si oultrement constreint, mais plest au Roy & il voet pur le bien de luy mesmes & de son Roialme, soy restrein∣dre, & abstenir a doner ou granter a au∣cune Persone, Terre, Rente, Garde, Marriage, ou Eschete, sans lassent & ac∣cord des Seigneurs & autres de son Con∣seil.

Anno 6 Rich. II. The Commons among other things pray, That the King will appoint good Orders about his Person, so as he may live within his Revenues, and that all Profits and Gifts may be employ'd upon the Wars, to the ease of the Com∣mons.

* 1.48 Come autrement ordeigner, qe bone Governail soit mys entour votre honorable Persone, si qe vous purres ho∣neste∣ment

& roialment viver, deinz les revenues de votre Roialme, & qe toutes Maneres des Gardes, Marriages, Releifs, Eschetes, forfaitures, & toutes autres Commoditees, puissent estre gardez pur vos Guerres, & en defens de votre Roy∣alme, & nul part aillours donez en sup∣portation & aide de vos poures Commu∣nes & grant honour & profit a vous.

Resp.

Le Roy est de bone Voluntee & le desire moelt entierement de faire & ordonner en ce cas per lavis des Seigne∣de son Roialme ce qe luy semblera mi∣eulx affaire pur son honour & Profit.

Anno 9 Ri. II. It was enacted, That all the Revenues, as well in the Exchequer, as elsewhere, should be laid up for one whole Year, without any Diminution thereof by Gift.

† 1.49 Item qe ordeine soit en especial qe tous les Revenues notre Seig∣neur le Roy, si bien en l'Eschequer, com∣me aillours, soient sauuement gardez per un an entier sans estre donez a uully per uul Grant, en Supportation de Nostre Seig∣neur le Roy, & de son People qe plese a notre Seigneur le Roy de charger & com∣mander les Seigneurs du Conseil, & ses Officiers en plein Parlement, que rien ne soit fait au contraire.

Resp.

Le Roy le voet.

Anno II Ri. II. The Commons pray,

That no Hereditaments, or other Profits, then escheated to the King, be granted to any during the Wars, and that no Person presume to crave any of the same.

* 1.50 Item Prient les Communes, qe toutes Maneres de Seignouries, Terres, Tenements, Rents, Services, Biens, Possessions & Chateaux qeconques, forfaits a notre Seigneur le Roy, par cause des Jugemens rendus de∣vers les Persones adjugez en cest present Parlement, & auxint toutes autres Terres, Tenements, Eschetes, Forfetures, Gardes, Marriages, & autres Profits qeconques queux sont, ou deviendront en la meins du Roy per qeconque cause demoergent entirement en la main du Roy nostre Seig∣neur durant les Guerres, pur acquiter ses dettez & en eide de meintenir son estat & ensement en eese & supportation de ses pauvres Communes du Roialme nient contresteant ascun Grant ou Garrant fait a ascunnys avant cestheures & qe nul homme greindre ne meindre, en I'Hostiel du Roy, ne entour la persone du Roy ne autre qeconqe, de quel Estat ou Con∣dition quil soit, en privee, nen appert, soit sy hardy a demander ou preinder de donn nostre Seigneur le Roy, ascuns des Seigniouries, Terres, Tenements, Rents, Services, Biens, Possessions, Eschetes, Forfeitures, Gardes, Marriages, Chateaux,

ou Profits susdits, ou autres Profits, ou Revenus qeconques, durant les Guerres, come dessus, sur peine de forfaire le dou∣ble devers nostre Seigneur le Roy, & re∣pelle de mesme la chose issint demandez, & etre reint & Imprisonnes a la volonte du Roy. Purvus toutes voys, qe si as∣cun home eit terres tenements ou Posses∣sions du Grant notre Seigneur le Roy, ou dascuns de ses Progeniturs, queux fu∣rent parcelles de la Corone, qe per bon trette enter le Conseil du Roy & les pos∣sesseurs des tieux Terres & Tenements, mesmes les Terres Tenements & Posses∣sions poient estre rejoints a la dite Co∣rone, a Profit du Roy, grantants autres Terres Tenements ou Possessions de les Forfaitures avant ditz en eschange pur les Terres Tenements & Possessions de la Corone susdite, & sy les Seigneurs ou autres qi ont Terres ou Tenements de la Corone, come dessus, ne voellent volon∣tairement a ce assentir, ne accorder, qils eint & enjoient lours terres & tenements de la Corone avant ditz, come ils ont eu a devant, & qe les Grants Officiers du Royalme par avis des Seigneurs du Con∣seil, eient Poer de vendre parcelles deles dites Forfetures per leur bone discretion, & qe le Grant sur tiel vendue soit ferme & estable.

Resp.

Le Roy le voet, forpris d' Offi∣ces & Baillis, & ce qil a donne en cest present Parlement, issint, qendroit de forfeitures adjuges en cest Parlement, si ascun pretend davoir droit ou Interest en Icelles, sue au Conseil, sil luy semble affaire, & droit luy sera fait.

The Misgovernment of this Prince not only in his Revenues, but in all the Du∣ties of his high Office, with his Profusi∣on and Partiality to his Favourites, made way for a very great Revolution, and drew on so much hatred of the People, as at last all his Subjects withdrew their Allegiance from him, and chose another, King Henry the IV. his Cousin German.

Anno 1. Hen. IV. The Commons Pray, That the Lands, parcel of the Crown-Revenue, granted away by Edward III. and Richard II. may be resum'd. * 1.51

Item, touchant Terres, Tenements, & Rents, ou autres Possessions, queconques, qe furent parcelle de la Corone, ou des Seignouries de la Corone, en temps Seig∣neur Edward le tierce, Roy Dengleterre, ou en temps Richard, darrein Roy Den∣gleterre, nient donez per assent du Par∣lement, ne en eschange pour autres Ter∣res, ore demurantz a la Corone, qe toutz y ceux soint rejoints arere a la Corone; purveu toutefoitz, que si ascun Seigneur

de lestate Chivaler, ou Esquire pur son travaille duement deservy, eit pur terme de sa vie, & nient autrement, qil ne soit rebote dicelx, devant qil soit autrement guerdonez & semblablements seit feat dela Principalte de Galles, de Cornwailee, & de Cestre, & reservez tout foits, as Ci∣teins & Burgeys, parmy tout le Royalme, lour Libertees & Franchises, & a lour Heirs & Successors.

Resp.

Le Roy sadviesera, & par bone advys & Discretion ent fera due re∣medie.

Anno 5. Hen. IV. The Commons Pray, That the King would provide for the Re∣pairing of his Castles, and Houses, and namely, for his Castle at Windsor which was greatly in decay, and not to Grant a∣way the Profits of those Castles, and Houses, and notwithstanding, to stand to the Repair of the same, without which, he could not but run to the great Charg∣ing of the Commons. * 1.52

Et auxint les dicts Communes monstrerent, coment les Chastellx & autres Manoirs du Roy sont molt ruineuses, & embusoignant de grand Repris, & Reperation, & coment les Pro∣sits dicelles sont donez as diverses Per∣sones, & le Roy supporte les Charges, come per especial, le Chastel de Winde∣sore, a qel feust assignee certain Commo∣ditie,

pur la Reparation dicelle, & ore mesme la Commoditie est donne as cer∣taines Persones, & le Roy supporte les Charges & auxint es autres places, les Gentz preignent les Profits de Herbage, & del vert, deins diverses ses Parkes, & Bois, & le Roy supporte les Charges de le enclosure dicell, & pur cestes impor∣tunes charges, & plusieurs autres, & pur les plusieurs douns des Chastellx, Terres, & Seignouries, & des Annuites, faits & do∣nez nient duement, ne descreteinment, & par especial pur les Grandes Charges & Depenses de le Hostel du Roy, & pur amendement des tielx meschiefs faire, & pur ouster tielx inconveniences en apres, en supportation del Commune People, les Communes prierent au Roy moelt en∣tierment, & cordialement, qe considerez les Perils imminentes, de toutz parts per ses Ennemys, & Rebelx, comes yont novelx de jour en autre, & coment le cas est tiel, qe si tielx meschiefs ne soient Graceousement remediez, & refourmez en cest Parlement y purroit estre qe sur soudeins novelx de arrival des enemys, ou per autre voix, mesme cest Parlement de necessite seroit de tout depurtiz, & dissolvez▪ & jamais les Seignours ni les Communes se re-assembleroient, pur re∣medee ne redresse faire, sur les meschiefs susdits; & autres qe Dieux deffende.

It appears by the Purport of this Peti∣tion, That there were certain Lands and Rents set aside, or assign'd for the Repair of Windsor-Castle, that ancient Seat of our Kings, and Sacred to the Honours and Ceremonies of the Garter, and therefore particularly provided for with a Revenue, by the Wisdom of our Fore-fathers; yet it seems these Lands so annex'd to Windsor; were at that time Granted away to some great Man, o•• craving Courtier: But this the House o•• Commons did not then think reasonable.

And the Remonstrance thereupon made, was kindly taken by the King▪ For he answer'd the Petition in Person * 1.53from the Throne.

Et sur ceo mesme nostre Seignour le Roy moelt graciouse∣ment de son bouche propre, en plein Parlement, chargea & commenda si bien tous les ditz Seignours, come les di••z Communes, qils faiorient lour diligence & luy montreroient lours bons & seins conseilx, celle partie, pur aide de luy, & de tout son Roilame.

Et puis apres les dits Communes en mesme le Parlement firent reqeste as ditz Seignours, qe come le Roy lour avoit donne tiel Charge, & mandement, & ceo en si haute Court de Record, qils fairoient lour diligence bien & loyalment sans cur∣tosie faire entre eux, en ascune manere,

come ils voloient respondere devant lue Dieux tout puissant, & devant nostre dit Seignour le Roy, & a tout le Roialme en temps avenir, & qe de sur ceo mesme les Communes ent fairoient semblablement de lour partie, & disoient outre mesme les Communes, a nostre dit Seignour le Roy, qe cestes matiers ensi faits, & ac∣complez en cest Parlement, il lour trove∣roit foialx & naturelx liges devers luy de parfaire son plaisir, & voloir a lour poiar par le aide de Dieux.

'Tis probable, this seasonable Care of the House of Commons rescued for that time, the Lands belonging to Windsor Castle, for from that time these Lands continu'd in the Demeans of the Crown, till very lately.

And some Years after, Viz. Anno 31. Hen. VIII. there pass'd an Act of Parliament expresly to Annex several Mannors by name to the Castle and Honour of Windsor, not to be alienated from it; so carefull were our Ancestors that this Noble and antientt Seat of our Kings, should have some Re∣venue to keep the House and Parks in good repair.

In the same Year, of Hen. IV. the Com∣mons rehearsing, how King Edward III. in the Parliament Holden in the 11th. of his Reign Created his Eldest Son Duke of Cornwal, and the same Duke∣dom

annex'd to the Crown, with divers Hereditaments by his Letters Patents, by Authority of the same never to be Dis∣membred, or Sold away. They therefore Pray the King to resume and seize, and so to unite again to the said Dutchy, such Lands as were Sold away by Prince Ed∣ward, King Richard, or by the King him∣self. * 1.54

Non obstants Encorporation o•• Union de qel Duchee per une haute A••∣thorite ensi perfaite, puis encea est d••∣membrez, si••bien per diverses Alienat••∣ons faitz per le avant dit Edw. nad∣gaires Prince, come per le darreine Roy Richard, qe fuist, & per vous.

Qe pleise a vous de vostre haute discre∣tion, ove le Avis de tous Seignours e••∣prituelx & temporelx, en cest presen•• Parlement Assemblez, considerantz l•• Union dudit Duchee, en la manere a∣vantdite, fait de requiler tout ceo, ••••∣dedit Duchee est demembrez, & per A••∣thorite de Parlement de reseiser & rejoin∣dre a dit Duchee, come il fust a devan•• non obstant ascune Alienation.

Qele Petition lue & entendue fuis•• respondus en les parolles quensuent.

* 1.55

Accordez est per le Roy, & les Seig∣nours en Parlement, qe le dit Mounseig∣nour le Prince, per lavys de son Coun∣••eil, eit briefs de Scir. fac. Ou autre re∣coverer le mieltz qil avoir purra, par les

Estatutes & leys du Roialme, solonc ceo qe le cas requiert,

&c. Wherein shall be allow'd no Protection, or Praying in Aid of the King, unless it be for Sir John Cornwale and Eliz. his Wife, late Wife of John Holland Earl of Huntington, and for such Persons to whom the King is bound by Warrantie.

Sinon en cas qe le Roy soit expressement tenuza la Grantie, &c.

* 1.56 Anno 6. Hen. IV. The Commons Pray, That the King would resume the Crown-Lands.

Pleise a tres Excellent & tres re∣doute Seignour, Nostre Seignour le Roy, pur profit du Roy, & encresce de sa Corone, & supportation des pauvres Com∣munes, de vostre Royalme Dengleterre, granter les Petitions qensuent.

Pur ceo qe la Corone del Roialme Dengleterre, est grantement emblemissez, & anientissez, per grandez & outrage∣ouses dons, faits as diverses Persones, si bien esprituelx comme temporelx, des Terres, Tenements, Fee Fermes, Fran∣chises, Libertees, & autre Possessions dycelles, Soit ordeigne en cest present Parlement, pur profit du Roy, & du Roialme, & supportation des Communes, qe tous Chateaux, Manoirs, Seignouries, Terres, Tenements, Fees & Advoesons, Fee Fermes, Annuitees, Franchises, Liber∣tees, & Custumes, queux fuerent membre & parcelle Dancienne Inheritance de la

dite Corone, le an du Regne le Roy Ed∣ward Aiel nostre Seignour le Roy qorest quarantisme, & puis en cea, soint ils donez a terme de vie, ou a terme de ans en Fee simple, ou en Fee taile, ou sur Condition, ou as Seignours Esprituelx, a eux, & a lour Successours, forsprises Gardes, Marriages, & Eschetes & hors∣pris ceo qest assigne a Reigne, en Dower, soint entierement resumes, repris, & seises, es maines notre Seignour le Roy, & rejointz al Corone avant dite, a y celle perpetuelment demeurer, sans ent per au∣cune voie ou ymagination estre severez dicelle, en temps avenir, forsqe ceux qont tieux dons ou Grants qe furent par∣celle del dite Corone le dit an quarantisme ou depuis per Chartre especiale, faite par Authority de Parlement: Et qe nulles Persones du Roialme, de qel estat ou Condition qils soient, ne eient, tenient, ne enjoient, parcelle del Corone avant dite, de ancienne enheritance dicelle, alienez, grantez, ou donez, puis le dit an quarantisme, sans Authoritee de Parle∣ment, sur peine de incurrer la Forfeiture dicelles Terres & Tenements, ensy par∣celle del dit Corone, & Emprisonement per trois ans: Et qe nul Officier de no∣stre Seignour le Roy face ne mette en ex∣ecution aucune tiele donne ou Grant en Temps avenir, sur peine de perdre son

Office, & de forfaire qanqe il purra for∣faire, envers notre Seignour le Roy, & le Emprisonement de trois Ans: Et qe toutes Maneres de Persones, ou Officers & Ministres du Roys qeux ont auscun don ou Grant des ascuns tieux Chastelx, Seignouries, Manoires, Terres, Tene∣ments, Fees, Advoesons, Fee Fermes, Annuites, Franchises, Libertees, & Cu∣stumes, suisditz qeux issint sont parcelle dancienne Inheritance de la dite Corone, apres ceo qe les Paiements Affaires pur le Houstiel du Roy ses Chambres & Garde∣robes soient pleinement paiez ou assignes, & la Reigne paiez de sa Dower, & due∣ment endowez, soient recompensez a la volontee du Roy de la surplusage, & residue des Ferms & annuitez suisditz. Purveux toutezfoitz qe toutes les Seig∣nours esprituelx & temporelx, qi ont au∣cunes Libertees & Franchises de don nostre Seignour le Roy qorest, o•• de ses Progenitours puis le dit an qarantisme, & paient Fee Ferm a la verray value pour ycelles, ou ent rendent due accompte al Oeps notre Seignour le Roy, chescun an, a son Eschequer, & aussi tous les Citees & Burghs deins le Royalme Dengleterre qont Franchises & Libertees du Grant nostre Seignour le Roy, ou de ses Pro∣genitours, Roys Dengleterre, & con∣firmez per nostre Seignour le Roy qorest,

pur Fee fermes annuellement a paie a nostre Seignour le Roy, ou qont fait fyn pur y ceux Franchises avoir a nostre Seignour le Roy qorest, ou a ses Pro∣genitours ne soint oustez ne disheritez de lour Franchises & Libertees, mes aient & entierement enjoient toutes les ditz Li∣bertees & Franchises, & toutes autres lour Libertees & Franchises, a eux Grantez puis le dit an quarantisme pur releifuement des Fee fermes, encresce & Fortification des ditz Citees, & Burghs seloncqe la fourme & effect de lour Chartres, ent faites, cest ordeignance nonobstant, Pur∣veu ensement qe nostre tres excellente dame la Reygne, ne les Fitz du Roy, ne soient contenuz soubs la constreint decest Estatute, ou Ordeignance, Purveu auxi qe ceux qont Purchasez de Roy Richard T••rr••s ou Tenements, qeux furent a aucunes Persones forejugez a Parlement tenus a Westminstre lan unsiesme du Regne dudit Roy Richard ne lour Heires, soient oustez ne molestez de lour Terres & Tenements avantditz per vertue de * 1.57c••tte Ordeignance.

I••em qe tous Tonelx & Pipes des Vyns, des prises de Roy, & autre Pipes & To••elx des Vyns, grantez a ascunes Persones, de qel Estat ou condition qil soit, per nostre Seignour le Roy, qorest ou p••r ses Progenitours, a terme de vie,

ou a Terme de ans, soient entierement resumes es mains du Roy.

* 1.58 Item que toutes dons & Grantz des Chastelx, Manoires, Terres, Tenements, Fermes, Rents, Annuitez, Libertees, & Franchises, ou Possessions qe-conqes, faitz per le Roy Edw. Aiel nostre Seignour le Roy qorest, ses Ancestres ou Proge∣nitours, devant le dit an quarantisme del Regne dudit Roy Edw. as Persones del Roialme si bien as esprituelx, come temporelx, a terme de vie, a terme de ans, en fee taille, ou en fee simple, ou as auscuns en mortmaine, a eux & a lour Successours, ou as Citeins & Burgh∣eis de Citees & Burghs, & as ceux des Cinq Ports, a eux & a lour Successours, de assent nostre tres graceouse Seignour le Roy, les Seignours esprituelx, & tem∣porelx & communes en ycest Parlement assemblez, soient solonc le effect de lour Estates, per Estatutes ent en cest Parle∣ment affaire, confermez & ratifiez sans estre en aprez adnu lez, repellez, ou revoqez; purveu toutes foitz, qe dons ou Grants des Chastelx Manoires Terres & Tenements, Feefermes, Rents, Annuites Libertees Franchises ou Possessions qe∣conqes faitz devant le dit An quarantis∣me as auscunes a terme de Ans, terme de vie, ou en le Taille, en qele Case la Re∣version

est reservee au Roy maintenan•• aprez le estate determine tieux Chateaulx Manoires, Terres, Tenements, Rents, Annuities, Libertees, Franchises & Posses∣sions qeconqes soient revertible au Roy come a sa Corone & issint soient rejoint•• a la Corone sans estre en nulle maner•• departis ou severes en temps avenir.

La Responce fait per le Roy de ladvys & assent des Seignours esprituelx & tem∣porelx a les Petitions dessus escripts Qeux le Roy voet metre en Execution en tout le haste possible.

* 1.59 Responce en Engleis as dites Petitions, And for as much, that the Commons de∣siren that the King should live upon his own, as good Reason asketh, and all Estates thinken the same, the King thanketh them of their good desire, will∣ing put it in Execution, als soon as he well may. And because the Commons desiren, that al that longed to the Corone the Fort•••• Year of King Edw. and sithe, hath be•• departed, should be resum'd, to that in∣tent, that the King might better leve of his own: And foralsmuch that it may noght be known unto the King, which is of the Crown, and which is not, without more examination ne what hath be grant∣ed sith the fortie Yere of King Edw. unto this time, the King's intent is to Assign

certain Lords Sprituels, and certain Lords Temporels, and all his Justices, and his Sarjeants, and all other such as him list name, for to put in Execution als far as he may by the Law of his Land or by his Prerogotive or Liberty all the Articles contained in the Petition of the Com∣mons in all hast that he may in dis∣charge of his People.

But this good Care of the House of Commons for the King's Welfare, had no other Effect than to procure, That the Lands, Rents, Profits and Annuities so granted away, should be seised into the King's Hands for one whole Year; but the Reason of this may be easily seen in the Record it self. A great part of these Lands were got into the hands of the Clergy. The words of the Record are, Outragious Grants made to divers Persons, as well Spiritual as Temporal. Outrageouses dons faits as divers Persons, si bien Espi∣rituelx, comme Temporelx The People were in that Age very Superstitious, as appears by the severe * 1.60Act which pass'd two Years after against the Lollards; And where the People is Superstitious, the Clergy never fail to have the Chief Pow∣er; And by their Interest, in all probabi∣lity, it was procur'd, that the Nation could then be reliev'd only with one

Years Profit from those Grants; And be∣cause this After-act militates so directly with what the Commons had done just before, there are good grounds to think, that the last Project began in that House, which was then influenc'd by the Lords Spiritual. But we shall produce the Record it self, to shew that the Writer desires to handle this Subject impartially, and to set every thing in a fair Light.

* 1.61

Item a Considerer les Grants faits per Patentes dessous le grant Seal du Roy, & de ses Progenitours & Predecessours, as diverses Persones si bien a terme de vie, come en Fee simple, ou en Fee taille, on autrement, y ne seroit honest, ny expe∣dient pur le Roy nostre Seignour, de faire repelle, revocation ou resumption 〈◊〉〈◊〉 tielx Patentes, & ceo si bien pur l•• clamour & autre Inconveniences, qent purront avenir as estranges parties, come deins le Roialme Dengleterre, Et pur ouster tielx-Meschiefs, accordez est, qe chascun home & feme, de quel estat on condition qils soient, qe ont ascuns An∣nuites, Fees ou Gages, a terme de vie, ou des Ans, du Grant du Roy Richard, ou du Roy qorest, qils so∣efreront, & chascun de eux soefrera, mesmes nostre Seignour, le Roy da∣voir & enjoier les dits Annuites, Fees, &

Gages, del Feste de Pasche darrein passe, tanqal lendemain de Pasche pro∣chain avenir; cestassavoir per un an en∣tier. Purveu toutesfois qe les Fees, Ga∣ges & Regardes de Chancelier, Tresorer, Gardien du Privee Seal, Justices de lun Bank & de lautre, Barons de lescheqer, Serjeants du Roy a la Leye, & des autres Officers & Ministres des Courts le Roy, ne soient restreints per vertue de ceste Ordeinance, mais qils soient paiez come ils ont este accustumez de estre paiez, devant ces heurs.

* 1.62 Item, Qe chascun home & feme, de qel estat ou condition qils soient qont ascuns Chastelx, Manoires, Terres ou Te∣nements, Rents ou autre Possessions, qel∣••onques, du Grante du Roy Richard, ou de Roy qorest, qe ils soefrerent & chas∣cun de eux soefrera mefme nostre Seig∣nour le Roy, de avoir, & enjoier les Profits de mesme les Chastelx, Manoirs, Terres & Tenements, Rentes & Possessi∣ons qeux ils ont ensi a terme de vie, ou des Ans, de le dit Feste de Pasche dar∣rein passe, tanqa lendemayn avantdit. Et qe le Roy ent seit respondus a son Escheqer: Forpris Fees & Advoesons, Gardes, Marriages, & autres Casueletees as Chastelx, Manoirs, Terres, & Tenements Rentes & Possessions avant dits appurte∣nants:

Et forpris les Chartelx, Ma∣noirs, Terres, Tenements, Rents & Pos∣sessions, Fee Farmes, Annuities, & les Profits & Commoditees, Assignees au Reigne, en Dower, ou donez ou grantez a les Fitz du Roy, & a chascun de eux: Et forpris ceux qont ascuns Annutees per Grant ou Confirmation a eux ou a lour Ancestres, fait en Parlement: Et forprises auxi les Chastelx assises sur les Marches Descoce, ou de Gales, ou sur les Coustes de Mer.

But there seems to be given a Power to the King, by his advice of Coun∣cil, to Resume his Lands from such as have more than they deserve.

* 1.63

Item, Qe Proclamation soit fait en Chascun Contee Dengleterre, qe 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ceux qont ascuns Annuitiees, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Manoirs, Terres, Tenements, Fee Fermes, Fees ou Gages, ou autre Grant qeconqe, dascune value annuelle, a terme de vie, ou des Ans du Grante du Roy Edw. Aiel nostre Seignour le Roy, puis le an qarantisme du dit Roy Edw. o•• de Roy Richard, ou de Roy qorest, envoient ou portent devant le Roy & son Counseil perentre cy & le Feste de Chandeleure prochain a venir, a plui∣stard, les Copies de lour Lettres Patentes, a eux faits, per les Roys suisdits, sur

peine de forfaire mesme les Lettres Pa∣tentes, au fyn qe nostre dit Seignour le Roy, per advys de son Conseil, purra ordeigner qe ceux qont fait bon service eient & enjoient lour dites Lettres Pa∣tentes, & les autres qe nount deservies, soient tout outrement oustez de lours dites Lettres Patents: Et auxint de ceux qont pluis qe ne ont deserviez, qe le dit Roy, per advys de son dit Counseil, purra faire Moderation, come mieltz luy semblera.

Anno 7 & 8 Hen. 4. The Commons Pray the King, That no Lands to be Conquer'd from the Welch, should be granted away in a Quarter of a Year, from the time such Lands should be taken in: The King among other things Answers, That he will not grant away such Lands till he is inform'd of their Value.

* 1.64

Item, Le dit Mr. John Pria pur les dits Communes, qe les Chatelx Seignouries, Terres & Tenements, en la Terre de Gales, qe desore, per la Grace de Dieu, seront conqis, ou gaignez, sur les dits Rebealx, ne soient donnes a uully per le espace dun qarter dun Apres ceo qils se∣ront ensi conqis ou gaines.

A qoy le Roy respendi, qil se veilloit abstenir deascun tiel don faire a uully tanqe al temps qe il feroit enformez de

la value dycelles: Et si ascun ••ie•• don deslors se feroit, qil le vorroit faire as tielx Persones qe voillent demeurer su•• la conqest de la Terre de Gales suis∣dits.

In the same Parliament, the Common•• Pray, That certain Foreigners by Name may be Banish'd the Kingdom, which the King agrees to, and in his Writ to the Sheriffs of London, directs, That such Foreigners should produce such Grants of Land, as they had obtain'd from Him, the Queen, or from others. * 1.65

Ite••, Samedy le 8 jour de May a les souve•••• priers & reqestes des Communes, accord•• feust per nostre Seignour le Roy, & les Seignours Esprituelx & Temporelx, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 touts les Aliens des qeux les noms 〈◊〉〈◊〉 comprises en une Cedule, laqelle 〈◊〉〈◊〉 livree al Seneschal del Houstiel du Roy, voidant la Roialme devant un certain jour, compris en le Brief de Proclama∣tion ent fait, come per la tenure dycell•• brief, enroulle en la Chancellerie, y purra apparoir.

And the King in his Writ to the She∣riffs, Directs among other things, 'Quod{que} omnes & singuli Alienigenae praedicti, qui ali∣qua Terras, Tenementa, Annuitates, sive Concessiones quaecun{que} in Feodo simplici, vel Talliato, sive ad terminum vitae, vel anno∣rum,

ex Concessione nostra, sive ex Concessi∣one charissimae Consortis nostrae Reginae Angliae sive aliorum Ligeorum nostrorum per litteras, sive scripta, eis inde fact▪ obtinent, quovis∣modo, hujusmodi Litteras sive scripta nobis in Cancellaria nostra liberent indilate, ad finem quod visis Litteris & scriptis praedictis, inde fieri jubere valeamus, quod de jure, & secundum legem & consuetudinem Regni no∣stri Angliae, fore viderimus faciendum.

Anno 11. Hen. IV. The Commons Pray, That for ever hereafter no Grant may be made of any Hereditament, or other Pro∣fits of the Crown, except Offices and Baili∣wicks, till the King shall be quite out of Debt; and unless there be remaining in his Coffers sufficient for the Provision of his ••amily. To which the King agrees, directly, without Reservation, till his Debts be paid, or unless there be sufficient Provision for his Family, and with Reser∣vation for the Queen, His Sons, and for the Duke of York, and the Lord Grey.

* 1.66

Item, Qe nulles Chastelx Honours Seig∣nouries, Manoirs, Villes, Terres, Tene∣ments, Franchises, Reversions, Libertees, Forrestes, Fees, Advoesons, Eschetes, Forfaitures, Gardes, Marriages ou au∣tres Revenues qeconqes, ove lours ap∣purtenances, forpris Offices & Baillies, en temps ensuivants, es Mains nostre dit

Seignour le Roy ou a ses Heirs, Rois Dengleterre, a eschiers, ou a venirs, ne soient en nulle manere donez, ne Grantez a ascune Persones, si ne soit al profit & Oeps nostre dit Seignour le Roy, pur la Sustenance de son Houstiel, Cham∣bre, & Gard••robe, tanqe tous ses dettes a ses Lieges a present dues soient pleine∣ment paiez, & deslors enavant continuell••∣ment resonable Substance remaignant e•• mains nostre dit Seignour le Roy, & ses Heirs, Roys Dengleterre, pur la suste∣nance & supportation del Houstiel, Chambre▪ & Garderobe suis ditz, devant ascun doun ou Grant fait al contraire di∣celle en descharges de nostre dit Seig∣nour le Roy, & de son Roialme, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 temps avenir: Et si ascune maner•• de Persone, de qel Estate ou Condition 〈◊〉〈◊〉 soit, eit ou resceive en temps a venir, de doun ou de Grante, nostre dit Seignour le Roy, ou de ses Heirs, Roys Dengle∣terre, ascunes des Revenues dessuis nom∣mez, a contraire de cest Petition, qe le avantdit doun ou Grant soient outre∣ment voidez, & come nulles tenus, & le Roy respondu en son Escheqer des Issues en le mesme temps dycelle provenantz & en temps ensuant a provenir per issint qe le Chancelier Dengleterre, qi pur le temps sera, soit tenus a certifier en l Es∣chequer

nostre dit Seignour le Roy des douns & Grants avant dits, a tant de foits come il besoigne.

Resp.

Le Roy voet qe touts les Cha∣stelx, Manoirs, Honours, Seignouries, Villes, Terres, Tenements, Franchises, Reversions, Libertees, Forrests, Fees, Ad∣voesons, and Eschetes, Forfeitures, Gardes, Marriages, ou autres Revenues qeconqes, ove lour Appurtenances, Forpris Offices & Baillies, qi escheiront de ce en avant, es mains nostre Seignour le Roy, ne soient en nul manere donnez ne grantez, a ascune Persone, sil ne soit al oeps & profit, nostre dit Seignour le Roy, pur la Sustenance de son Hostiel, Cham∣bre & Garderobe, Et si ascune manere persone, de qel Estate ou Condition qil soit, eit ou resceivre dycest 26. Jour de Avril, en temps avenir, ascun tiel doun ou Grant, au contraire de cest ordeinance, qe le avant dit doun & Grant soient ou∣trement voidez, & tenus pur nul, for∣pris que Recompensation soit fait au Reigne, solonc la tenure de ses Lettres Patents, Et forpris les Fitz de Roy, Et auxint forpris qe recompensation soit fait a Duc d Everwick & a Seignour de Grey solonc la Fourme de lour lettres Pa∣tentes.

There was no full and direct Resumption during the Reign of Henry the V. * 1.67except of Lands given away in the Marches of Cala∣is; by which it appears, that the Care taken in the former Parliaments, had somewhat fenc'd the King's Revenues, against the Rapine of the Favourites and Great Men▪ But tho' there was no Resumption, yet i•• was Enacted 1 H. 5th That the King should have 10,000 l. per Ann. out of th•• Annuities and Pensions formerly granted, which was no inconsiderable Summ i•• those days, since the whole Revenue o•• the * 1.68Crown when he undertook the Con∣quest of France amounted to but L. 56, 96•• per Annum.

* 1.69

Item accordez est, & assentuz per •• Roy & les Seignours, a la reqest d•• Communes en Parlement, qe sur les Pai••∣ments afaires de les Annuitees, Grant•• as diverses Persons, per les lettres Pa••e••∣tes des Roys, mesme nostre Seignour 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Roy, pur Sustenance & Supportation d•• son honourable Estate, & de les Gran∣des Charges, Costages, & despenses d•• son Houstiel, Chambre, & Garderobe▪ soit preferez de dix milles livres annuel∣lement, & yeelle preferement accompli••▪ soient les Persones dessuisdits paiez d•• lour dites Annuitees, solonc les Fourm•• & effect de lour letters Patentes a eux en••

faits. Purveus toutes fois qe les Seig∣nours & autres Persones qont lours An∣nuitees enheritab••ement, soient paiez de∣mesme lour Annuitees solonc la fourme & effect de lour Chartre, & Lettres Pa∣tents, ent faits, non obstant le prefere∣ment avant dit.

Anno 28 Hen. 6.

* 1.70 Prayen the Com∣mons in this youre present Parlement Assembled, to consider that where youre Chanceller of youre Reaume of Englond▪ youre Tresorer of Eng∣lond, and many of the Lords of youre Counseill, by youre high Commande∣ment to youre said Commons, atte youre Parliament holden last atte West∣minster, shewed and declared the State of this youre Reaume, which was, that ye were endetted in CCCLXXII. M. li. which is grete and grevouse, and that youre Livelode in yerely value was but V. M. li. And for as moche as this V M. li. to youre high and notable Estate▪ to be kept, and to paie youre said dettes woll noght suffice, Therefore that youre high Estate might be releved.

And furthermore it was declared, that youre Expenses Necessaries to youre Hous∣hould, withouten all other ordinarie Charges, came to 24000 li. yerely, the which exceedeth every Yere in expenses

necessarie over youre Livelode 19000 li.

Also please it your Highness to consi∣der, that the Commons of youre said Reaume, been as well willed to their pore power, to releving of youre High∣ness, as ever were Peple to ony Kyng of youre Progenitours, that ever reign∣ed in youre said Reaume of Englond, but youre said Commons been so empover∣ished, what by taking of Vitaile to youre Household, and other things in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 said Reaume, and noght paied fore, And the Quinszisme by youre said Com∣mons, afore this tyme so often graunted, and by the Graunt of Tonnage and Poundage, and by the Graunt of the Subsidie upon the Wolles, and other Grauntes to youre Highness, And 〈◊〉〈◊〉 lakke of Execution of Justice, that youre pore Commons been full nyght destro••∣ed, And if it shuld continue lenger in such grete Charge, it▪ cowde noght▪ in oney wyse be hade or borne.

Wherefore please it youre Highnesse, the premises graciously to consider; And that ye, by the advyce of youre Lordes Spirituels and Temporels & by auctorite of this youre present Parlement, for the Con∣servacion of youre high Estate, and in com∣fort and ease of youre pore Commons, wold take, resume, seise and reteine in

handes and possession, all Honours, Castel∣les, Lordshippes, Townes, Towneshipps, Mannours, Londs, Tenementes, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Feefermes, and Services, with all their Appurtenances, in Englonde, Wales, and in the Marches thereof, Irlonde, Guysnes, Caleys and inthe Marches thereof, the which ye hafe graun∣ted by youre Lettres Patentes, or other∣wyse, sythe the first day of youre Reigne, and all Honours, Castelles, Lordshippes, Townes, Towneshipps, Mannours, Londs, Tenements, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Feefermes, and Services, with all their Appurtenances, the which were of the Dutchie of Lancastre, and pass'd from you by youre Graunte or Grauntes; And ye to have, hold and receive, all the Pre∣misses, in and of like Estate, os ye hadde them atte the tyme of such Grauntes made by you of theim.

And that all Lettres Pattentes, or Grauntes by you, or by oney other Per∣sone or Persones atte youre requeste, or desire, made to oney Persone or Persones, of the Premisses, or of oney of theim, in that, that to oney of the Premisses, be be void and of noo force.

And over that, that all manner of Graunts of Rentes, Charges, or An∣nuitees, made by you of Estate of In∣heritance,

for terme of Lyffe, or terme of Yeres, to oney Persone or Persones, to be taken of oney of these Premisses, or of youre Custumes or Subsidies, or Awnage, or of youre Hamper, or atte, or in youre Receits, or in otherwyse, or in oney other Place, or oney of theim, or of the Profites coming of theim, or oney of theim, withinne this youre Reaume, Irlonde, Wales, Guysues, Caleys and the Marches of the same, be voide and of noone effect.

And that all manner of Grauntes, made by you, to oney Persone, or Persones, of Estate of Enheritance, terme of Lyffe, or terme of Yeres, of oney Herbage, or Pannage, Fishyng, Pasture, or Comyne of Pasture, youre Warein, Wode, Wyne, Clothyng, Furres to noone Office long∣yng, nor perteinyng, the seid first Day of youre Reigne, nor afore, noght yeld∣yng to you the verray value thereof, be voide and of noone effecte.

And over that, like it youre High∣ness, to take, resume and seise, and re∣teine into youre handes, and Possessions, all manner Lettres Patentes, Privileges, Franchises, Hundreds, Wapentakes, Letes, Rapes, Vewe of Franchises, Fynes, Amerciaments, Issues and Profites of the same, by you graunted, syth the first

Day of youre Reigne to oney Persone or Persones, or Abbot, Priour, Deane, Chapitre, Maistre or Wardeyne of Col∣lege, Fraternite, Crafte or Gilde. And all manner of such Grauntes, to be voide and of noone effecte.

And furthermore; All Grauntes made by you, to oney Persone, or Persones, of oney Offices, the which were noone Offices the first Day of youre Reigne, nor afore, be voide and of noone effecte.

And that all manner of Grauntes, made by you, to oney Person, or Persones, geaving theim Power to make or ordeine oney Office, or Offices, of whome the makyng and Ordeinance, the said first Day of youre Reigne, or oney time syth, longd to you or theim, were noone such Office, nor afore that, thanne such Graunte as in makyng or Ordeinance of such Offices be of noone effecte.

And over that, That all Grauntes and Relesses made by you syth the first Day of youre Reigne, to oney Abbot, Pri∣our, Covent, or to oney other Persone or Persones, for discharge or quytclayme of oney Corrodies, or Corodie, Pen∣sione or Pensiones, dismez spirituells, or Quinszismes, or dismes temporells, Rentes, or Services, or oney other charge, be void and of noone effecte.

And that no Persone nor Persones havyng Estate in Offices, Fee simple or Fee taille, of youre Graunte, or oney havyng theyre Estate, have other Estate in the said Offices, but terme of their lyffes, that nowe hafe the seid Offices with Fees and Wages, to the seid Offices, of alde tyme accustumed oonly, and noon otherwyse.

And that all manner of Grauntes by you made, or to be made to oney Per∣sone or Persones of the Premises, or of oney parcelle, during this youre present Parlement, be voide and of noone effect.

And that noo Persone or Persones, that hadde oney thyng of the premises afore the tyme of the seid Resumption, be noght chargeable by way of Accompt, or otherwyse for the same ayenst you, youre Heires and Successours, except thoo that by youre Grauntes afore the seid Re∣sumption were accomptable.

This is the fore-part of the Act, Word for word, to which the House of Comm∣ons thought fit to add Savings to several Persons, of which we shall give an Ab∣stract.

First there is Saving to the Queen, for her Dower. [2] For the Colleges of our Lady of Eaton, and our Lady and St. Ni∣cholas of Cambridge. [3] For Lands grant∣ed

in the Dutchy of Lancaster to Persons to the intent to perform the King's Will. [4] For Priories Alien then in the Possessi∣on of Hospitals, or Religious Houses. [5] For the Creation Money, paid to the Peers, but this Saving is with Restrictions. [6] For those who had made Surrenders to the King, and taken other Lands in Exchange so as the last Grant exceed not the first in value or terme. [7] A Saving for Lands bought of the King by Henry Cardinal of England and given to St. Crosses, with a general Saving for the Interest and Claime of private Persons to the Lands intended to be Resumed. [8] A Saving for those who had Grants in former Reigns, out of which they were Lawful∣ly Evicted, and in Consideration of which they had Grants from the present King. [9] A Saving for those who had exchang'd Lands with the King, so as the Lands exchang'd were not also of his own Gift, and so as what exceeded in Value should be resum'd. [10] A Saving for what paid Rent according to the true value at the time of the Grant. [11] A Saving for where the King was Feoffee in trust, so as it was not in Lands of his own Gift. [12] A Saving for the Lord Chan∣cellor, Treasurer, Privy Seal, Justices, Barons of the Exchequer, Serjeants at

Law, Atturney and Officers in the King's Courts of Record, for accustom'd Wages, Rewards or Cloathing, [13] A Saving for Grants made of their own Lands to Persons born beyond the Seas, and of English Parentage. [14] A Saving for All-Souls-College. [15] A Saving for Ci∣ties and Burroughs, who by the King's Charter were to be exempt from the Ju∣risdiction of the Lord High Admiral or Warden of the Cinque Ports. [16] A Sa∣ving for Bodies Corporate, &c. who by Charter had Priviledge granted of Mu∣rage.

These were all the Reservations, the House of Commons thought necessary in this Act. Then follows.

And that it like youre most High and Habundant Grace, tenderly to consider these Premises, and thereuppon by youre high and grete Wisdome, and by the Advyse of the Lords Spirituels and Tempo∣rels, in this your present Parlement Assemb∣led to ordeine, provide, and establish suffi∣ciaunt Possessions, of the Premises so re∣sumed for the contentyng and Paiment of the Expences, and Charges of youre Houshold, and all youre other ordinarie Charges: And to Apply and Appoint the Possessions, Profites, Revenues, and Commodities of youre Towne of Caleys,

and of Guisues and of the Marches there, hooly to be taken and received by youre Tresorer of Caleys for the tyme beying, he to apply theim to the Payments of the Souldeours there, and the repaire of the Gettes and other necessary reparations there behowfull; And the seid Tresorer thereof to you in youre Eschequer duely to accompt; And all the Possessions afore∣said soo severally provided for to abide and endure to you youre Heires and Suc∣cessours in perpetuitie, to the same end and effecte, and noon other, with such peines and Punishments to be sette there∣upon, by youre wise discretions, that noone of youre Leiges in tyme to come attempt the contrarie thereof, or accept any parcell of hem, so ordeined, for the seid Provisions; so that the seid Ordei∣naunce soo made be sent and declared to us youre seid Beseechers, during this your seid Parlement, to the ende and effecte we to yeve thereto our assent, so that it can be thought to us for youre Honour, profite and welfare of us, all so to doo, that it be authorised in this youre high and Roial Court of Parle∣ment, and by Aucthorite of the same.

Resp.

The Kyng by the Advyse and assent of the Lords Spirituelx and Tem∣porelx in this present Parlement assem∣bled.

and by the Aucthoritie of the same, agreeth to this Petition and Resumption, and the same accepteth and establisheth, Alweys forseyn that all exceptions mode∣rations forprises and provisions by hym graunted ordeined and admitted, and putte in Wryting in this same Parle∣ment, upon the premisses, be and stand good and availlable in Lawe, after the Fourme and effecte of the contynue of the same exceptions Moderations and Provisions; And that all Lettres Patentes of the Kyng made to oney Persone or Persones named in oney of the same Ex∣ceptions moderations forprises and pro∣visions, be good and effectuel after the Fourme and continue of the same Lettres Patentes, by whatsomever name oney such persone or persones be named in oney such Lettres Patentes, the said Act and Petition of Resumption or oney thing conteined therein notwithstanding.

Provided alway that it extend not to oney Possessions or other thyng made or graunted by the Kyng to oney persone or persones in Caleis or in the Marches there∣of or in the Lond of Irlond.

These that followen been the Excep∣tions Moderations forprises and provi∣sions by the Kyng graunted ordeined and admitted, and in this same Parle∣ment

upon the Premisses put in wryting.

First Saving for Merton-College. [2] For Leon Lord Wells, inasmuch as he had a Pension justly due to him. [3] For the Dower of the Dutchess of Warr. [4] For Lands exchang'd with John Fray. [5] For the College of Leicester. [6] For the Ex∣pences granted by Patent to Richard Duke of York in the Lieutenancy of Ireland. [7] For Restitutions of Tem∣poralities, &c. to Arch-Bishops, Bi∣shops, &c. [8] For the Priory of Henton. [9] For John Stourton, Trea∣surer of the Houshold for 5000 l. to be ex∣pended in his Office. [10] For the Prior of St John's for 15 s. per Annum. [11] For the Friars of Kings Melcombe, upon a va∣luable Consideration. [12] For Lands ta∣ken in Farm of the King, and improv'd. [13] For Jervais le Unlre's Pension of 24 l. per Annum, as the King's French Secretary. [14] For Lands given to the Abbot and Church of Westminster, out of which they were to distribute Alms. [15] For the Duke of Somerset's Lands bought of the King, for valuable Considerations by Hen∣ry Cardinal, and sold by the Cardinal to the Duke. [16] For the Chief Justice. [17] For Oriel-College. [18] For All-Souls College. [19] For the Abbot and Covent of Selby their Release of Dismes. [20] For Tho∣mas

Derling, Serjeant of Arms, his Cloath∣ing and accustom'd Wages. [21] For John Waterford the same. [22] For John Bury's Pension of 12 p. per diem, &c. [23] For the Priory of Brydlyngton, Endow'd by the King in especial Devotion. [24] For a small parcel of Land given to the Charter House of Sheen, Founded by the King his Father. [25] For Lands only restor'd to the College of Knollesmes-House in Pont∣fract. [26] For John Earl of Shrewsbury, as to 100 l. Annual Pension for Life and Lands in Waterford, till then yeilding no∣thing, being in the Hands of Rebels, the said Earl having had no other Recom∣pence for his long Services. [27] For the Lord Scales Pension of 100 l. per Annum for his long Services in France, and Du∣chie of Normandy. [28] For William Stone's Pension of 26 l. 13 s. 4. granted him last Parliament, at the Request of both Houses, for great Services as well to the King, as to his Father. [29] For Ri∣chard Welsden's Pension of 10 l. 6 s. per Annum for Life, out of the Fee-farm Rent of New-biggyng, which Fee-farm had been usually distributed among the King's Ser∣vants from King Edward III's time. [30] For the City of Canterbury's Charter, in relation to their Officers only. [31] For Charters of Denization. [32] For Sir John Astley's

Pension of 100 Marks, for Life. [33] For Houses granted to the Dean and Church of St. Steven Westminster. [34] For Will. Rouse, one of the Clerks of the Crown, as to his Patent for his Office, and as to 20 l. per Annum out of the Hamper for Executi∣on of his said Office. [35] For the Collegiate Church of Leicester as to their Ton of Wine. [36] For Will. Crawen and others their Pa∣tent who were erected into a Fraternity. [37] For the Heirs of the Lord Bardolph on accompt of Lands restor'd to them by good advice. [38] For the Vicounts, Beamont and Bougchier both as to the Pa∣tents for their Honours and Creation-Mo∣ney. [39] For the Dean and Chapter of Lichfield, concerning their Patent for cer∣tain Liberties and Priveleges. [40] The same for the Town of Estratford. [41] The same for the City of York. [42] For the Abbot of Byland, about a small Fee-farm Rent. [43] For John Vicount Beamount, Ralph Lord Cromwel, and others, in rela∣tion to Lands granted to them, the Value not express'd in the Proviso. [44] The same for John Fanceby, value not express'd. [45] The same for John Hampton, but 40 l. per Annum resum'd from him. [46] For Ralph Bapthorp, Esquire of the Body, for Lands given, or sold to him. [47] The same for John Norreis, only there is re∣sum'd

from him 50 Marks per Annum Pen∣sion and 6 l. 13 s. out of Merston Messey. [48] For Phil. Wentworth Esquire of the Body. [49] The same for Thomas Da∣nyel, but the Manuor of Gedyngton of 26 l. 6 s. Yearly Value is resum'd from him [50] The same for Will. Tresham only 20 per Anuum is resum'd from him. [51] The same for Thomas Myner, and others the King's menial Servants, only 20 out of 40 l. per Annum is resum'd from Jenk yne Stan∣ley. [52] For the Earl of Arundel, for Lands granted to him, the value not express'd. [53] The same for Richard Earl of Warwick. [54] For Richard Earl of Salisbury, but a Fee-farm taken from him of 24 l. per Ann. and some certain Privileges very extraordinary are taken from him, and others in Richmondshire reserv'd to him. [55] A Saving for the Lord Dudley, as to some Patentes, but other things are resum'd. [56] For certain Priv••leges granted to Sir John Boteller. [57] For Sir Thomas Haryngton on accompt of Lands granted to him for good Services, specified in the Provisoe. [58] For Sir Richard Wyddewil, Lord Rivers, and others, on accompt of Lands granted or confirm'd to them. [59] For Sir John Talbot, and others, on accompt of 20 l. per Annum Pension to be paid to them, or the survi∣vor

of them. [60] For the Lord Clifford for Lands granted to him. [61] The s••me for Henry Everingham, so as his Grant ex∣ceed not the value of 12 Marks per An∣num. [62] For Rich. Hakedy, the King's Apothecary, as to 40 Marks Yearly granted for his Life. [63] For Ro∣bert Fenys and Thomas Bermingham for Grants made to them, but form Robert there is resum'd 20 l. Feefarm Rent. [64] For Rob. Manfeld and his Son for Lands Granted or Confirm'd. [65] The same for Will. Say and Thomas Shargyl the Kings Ser∣vants. [66] The same for Gilbert Par, but 9 l. per Annum Feefarm Rent resum'd [67] The same to John Trevilian as to some small Grants express'd. [68] The same for Henry Langton the King's Servant. [69] The same for John Say, as to a Grant for his and his Wifes lives, but L. 9-2-6. Fee∣farm Rent resum'd. [70] The same for John Blackney the King's Servant. [71] The same to Rob. Fowles Hyrst the King's Servant so as it exceed not 10 Marks per Ann. [72] The same as to a Grant for life of 20 l. per. Ann. [73] The same for John Down the King's Servant as to two small Grants. [74] The same to Griffith ap Nicholas as to a Grant of 15 l. per Ann. [75] The same for Henry Man∣ners one of the King's Servants. [76] The same for John Chyval and others the

King's Servants, but three Pipes of Wine, and 10 l. per Annum Feefarm Rent are here resum'd. [77] The same for Will. Elton and others the King's Servants as to some Lea∣ses or Confirmations. [78] The same for John Sutton Kings Servant. [79] the same for Robert Wyllyn King's Servant. [80] The same for John Woodhouse King's Servant. [81] The same for Henry Rosyngton, and others the King's Servants. [82] The same for John Slyfirst, and several others the King's Servants, as to their Sala∣ries, which were reduc'd to 10 l. per Annum. [83] The same to Thomas Carr the King's Servant. [84] The same to Andrew Lowe King's Servant. [85] The same for Thomas Schapp King's Servant, as to 6 d. per diem Sallary. [86] The same for William Langton, and others of the King's Mynstrel, as to their Sa∣laries of 6 l. 13 s. 4 d. per Annum. [87] The same for Will. Clarence King's Servant. [88] The same for Bryan Wager, King's Servant. [89] The same for Sir Richard Roos and others, but in this Proviso several Resumptions are made [90] The same for Thomas Mongomery Esquire, so as what he enjoys of the King's Gift exceed not 23 l. per Annum. [91] The same for Thomas Calbras King's Servant, as to his Salary of 12 p. per diem.

[92] The same for James Hornby and Tho. Os∣born Kings Servants as to their Offices, Wages and Cloathing. [93] The same as to Tho. Brad∣feld, but here 8 Marks per Ann. Fee Farm Rent is resumed. [94] The same for Rowland Lenthal as to Lands bought of or exchan∣ged with the Crown. [95] The same for Rich. Wednyng as to the Reversion of an Office. [96] The same for Christop. Whittacre as to an Office and Sallarie of 4 Pence per diem. [97] The same for William John as to a Grant made up∣on a Surrender. [98] The same to John Brely as to his Office. [99] The same for Thomas Lord Egremont as to 45 l. per ann. to him and his Heires for Sustentation of the Honor. [100] The same for Wotkyn Bedell King's Servant as to a Feefarm Rent out of Mills in Herefordshire. [101] The same for Sr. Rich. Molyneux and his Son as to their Offices and Sallaries and as to some Leases they had from the Crown. [102] A Saving to the Town of Kingston up∣on Hull as to some Franchises granted to them. [103] For Ralph Leigh and others King's Ser∣vants so as the Grant made to them all exceed not 20 l. per ann. [104] For Sr. John Langton and his Son as to some Leases. [105] A Saving to the Prior and Convent of York as to some Pardons and Releases made to them. [106] A Saving for Sr. Edmond Hungerford. [107] Ano∣ther Saving for Sr. Edmond Hungerford and Phil. Courtney as to some Mannors they held by Lease and for which they paid Rent. [108] For John Hunt and others, Clerks of the Chap∣pel as to some Grants so as no Grant made to any of them exceed 20 Marks per ann. [109]

For John Watts and others King's Servants as to some small Pensions for Life. [110] A Saving to John Merston and others the Kings Servants but with Exceptions. [111] For John Wesen∣ham King's Servant. [112] A Saving to John Holt for some Lands (as it seems) rather re∣stor'd than granted. [113] For Thomas Frank. [114] For John Arnold and others as to some Tenements they held in Trust for Religious Uses. [115] For John Rypon King's Servant. [116] For John Browne and Thomas Catesby as to some Eschetes and Grants of small value which is expressed in the Proviso. [117] A Sa∣ving for John Baker and Rich. Wardale King's Servants. [118] A Saving to the Lord Hunger∣ford for the Mannor of Hungerford out of which there was a reserv'd Rent, and in the same Proviso there is a Saving for Sr. Rich. Hungerford Ld. Molins as to a small Grant. [119] A Saving to the Earl of Northumberland. [120] A Saving to Tho. Kent as to 100 Marks per ann. in Consideration that the said Kent had been at great Expences in repairing the Port of Southampton, and that by this Resumption he was to loose several Grants express'd in the Proviso. [121] A Saving for John Green Esq who had certain Priviledges and Free Chace granted him by Letters Patents in his own Woods. [122] For the Monks of Sempyngham as to a Pardon or Release of Disms. [123] For Will. Bulkley King's Servant as to his Salary of 12 Pence per diem who had no other reward for his long Services. [124] A Saving for John Kingly and Rob. Whitgrene as to some small Grants. [125] For William Boerly. [126] For

Jenkin Stanley and his Son as to some Grants and for the Vitlership of a Castle. [127] A Sa∣ving for the Lord Vessey. [128] For John Wel∣beck Kings Servant as to his Salary of 12 Pence per diem. [129] A Saving to the Towne of Notyngham for certain Franchises provided they increase their present Feefarm Rent 13 s. 4 d. above what they already paid. [130] For John Turges the Queens Harper as to 10 Mark per ann. for Life which he was to have after the death of another. [131] For Will. Beaufitz, but here is a Resumption of 15 l. per ann. Feefarm Rent. [132] For John Peycock as to 6 Pence per diem. [133] A Saving for Sr. Tho. Fulthorp Justice of the Common Bench value not ex∣press'd. [134] For Gilbert Haltoft Secondary Baron of the Exchequer as to 20 Mark per ann. for his Life. [135] For the Lord Chief Baron as to 40 l. per ann. Robe Vesture and Furrure. [136] For John Fowardly as to 20l. per ann. for life, and John Poutrel as to 20 Mark per ann. for life. [137] For John Sleg and his Wife as to 4 l. 6 s. per ann. for life [138] For John Prude Kings Glazier as to 12 Pence per diem for life. [139] A Saving for Colchester and Ipswich as to Franchises and Liberties. [140] For the Town of Rye as to a Grant made to them. [141] For the Town of Shrewsbury as to Franchises and Liberties. [142] For the Town of Bridgenorth the same. [143] A Saving to John late Duke of Somerset as to a Feefarm Rent of 15 l. per ann. [144] For Nich. Semtlo as to Grants so they exceed not 20 l. per ann. [145] For Giles Thorndon Esq as to a Grant of 7 l. per ann. for life which he had out of Lands in Ireland.

[146] For Will. Catesby King's Servant as to 10 l. per ann. for life. [147] For John Parkes Kings Servant. [148] For John Martyn Kings Servant as to 6 d. per diem. for his life. [149] For George Danyel as to Grants so they exceed not 20 Mark per annum. [150] For John Hoghton and other Servants at Arms, as to their Patentes, 'tis to be suppos'd for their Em∣ployments. [151] For Rob. Wood Clerk as to a Reversion of a Feefarm Rent of 10 l. per ann. [152] A Saving for King's Hall in Cambridg as to a piece of wast ground and Conduit granted. [153] For Tho. Smith as to his Office and Sal∣lary of 4 Pence per diem. [154] For Will. Bur∣ton Queens Servant as to 100 Shill. per ann. for his life. [155] For Thomas Derlyng and John Moor Serjant at Arms as to their Fees. [156] A full Saving for the Colledges founded by the King in Cambridg and at Eaton. [157] This Saving relates to the same Colleges. [158] For Will. Bradford and Thomas Kendal Kings Offi∣cers as to their Fees. [159] For Tho. Merton as to 100 Shillings per ann. [160] For the Dutches of Somerset as to part of her Dower. [161] For John Pulloo as to his Office and Fee. [162] For Coney ap Rice the same. [163] For the Lady Roos Widdow as to 60 l. per ann. for life. [164] Provided also that noon excep∣tion made by us upon the Resumption in this present Parliament of any Possessions extend to oney Londs, Tenements, Fees, Offices Fermes or any other thing in Caleys or in the Marches thereof. [165] A Saving for Robert Tanfeld as to 20 Mark per Annum for his life out of the Hamper. [166] For John

Somerset, Gentleman. [167] For Sir Ed∣mond Hampden, Queen's Carver, as to some Herbage in a Park, which did not exceed 50 Shillings per Annum, and as to an Annuity of 20 l. per Annum. [168] For Tho. Parker, Esq as to his Grants not exceeding 24 l. per Ann. for Life. [169] For Tho. Pope. [170] For Tho. Bird, Ser∣jeant at Arms, as to his Wages and Cloath∣ing. [171] For John Daindesey, King's Servant. [172] For John Skelton as to Two Annuities, one of 20 l. another of 10 Mark for his Life. [173] For John Faceby, Serjeant at Arms, as to his Office and Sallary. [174] A Saving to the Town of Beaumaris, as to 20 l. per Ann. granted for its Walling. [175] For Wal∣ter Bright, Serjeant at Arms, as to his Of∣fice, Cloathing and Wages. [176] For Johanna Astley, the King's Nurse, as to Two Annuities for her Life, amounting in the Whole to 50 l. per Ann. [177] A Saving to the City of Chester, as to a Re∣lease granted to 'em for 50 Years of 50 l. per Ann. part of their Fee-farm Rent. [178] For Sir John Fortescue, [179] To Thomas Brown, as to 12 l. per Ann. for his Life. [180] For Henry Abyndon, Clerk of Eaton College, as to 8 l. per Ann. [181] For Henry Vavousor, for some Grants

which are express'd. [182] For Tho. Derwent, Serjeant at Arms, as to his Of∣fice and Fee of 12 d. per Diem. [183] A particular, and then a general Saving for King's-Hall in Cambridge. [184] A Sa∣ving for the Abbot and Covent of St. Al∣bans, as to Franchises and Liberties. [185] For Tho. Thorp, as to his Grants, but 10 l. per Ann. Fee-farm Rent the King resumes.

The Reader may observe from this Record,

1st. That the Crown was become in∣debted to the Subjects, in the Sum of 372000 l.

2dly, That the Crown-Revenue, which in the Reign of Henry the Fifth, was 56966 l. became reduc'd to 5000 l. per Annum, so much had the Crown been robb'd and pillag'd during the Minority of this Religious, but weak and unfor∣tunate Prince.

3dly, That the House of Commons thought it reasonable to relieve the King's Necessities out of his own, and by an Act of Resumption, rather than to charge the People with new Duties and Impositions.

4thly, That the House of Commons thought it reasonable to make the Act so general, that they inserted only Six∣teen

Reservations or Saving for others, so much did they consult the Publick more than any private Interest.

5thly, That the Commons desire the King to appropriate to the Expence of his Houshold the Lands so resum'd.

6thly, That the King when he gave the Royal Assent to this Act, reserv'd to himself the Power of putting in Wri∣ting, while the Parliament sate, certain Moderations and Restrictions to the said Act, and the King in the said Assent, excepts all Grants made as to Calais and Ireland.

The Writer of these Papers thought his Labour would not be unprofitably spent, to give an Abstract of the Re∣strictions and Moderations, which the King's Council believ'd at that time ne∣cessary in an Act, which was to be so very general and extensive.

In these Savings, which are in Num∣ber 185, the Reader has before his Eyes a perfect Image of the Gravity, Care, Exactness and Frugality of that Age.

Most of the said Savings relate to Pa∣tents for Employments, or for Lands ra∣ther restor'd than granted, or for some Liberties and Franchises, or for Lands given to Religious Uses, all which were affected by the Act. In some of the Pro∣viso's,

the Value of the Grant is menti∣on'd, and in others omitted; but the ge∣neral Exactness, which runs through the Whole, is a Mark, that where the Va∣lue is not express'd, 'twas notoriously in∣considerable. In many of the Savings there is something left and something taken away. The Reader may likewise note, That most of the Grants of that Age were only for Life.

Note.] In this Writing of Restricti∣ons the King receeds from the Exception he made, as to Calais, when he gave the Royal Assent. [As in Saving 164.]

Note.] That the Great Earl of Shrews∣bury, who had done so many Heroick Actions, and had so valiantly fought for the Honour of his Country, had but 100l. per Annum Pension for his Life, and some Lands in Ireland, then of no value, the said Earl having had no other Recom∣pence for his long Services, which Mo∣deration of his is a Reproach to the A∣varice of the present Times, [vide Sa∣ving 26.]

Anno 29. Hen. 6. There was another Resumption made. The Preamble a∣grees almost Word for Word with the fore-mention'd Act; but the Acts differ when we come to the following Para∣graph.

* 1.71 And that all Lettres Patentes by you made, in, or of any of the Promisses, to any persone or Persones, of the which any Recoverer hath been hadde ayents the said Patentees, or any other, by Co∣vin or Collusion, that as well the Re∣coverer thereof, as the Letters Patentes, be void and of noon effecte; And over that like it youre Highnesse to take, re∣sume, seise and reteign in youre said Handes and Possession all Manner of Libertees, Privileges, Franchises, Hun∣dredes, Wapentakes, Letes, Rapes, viewe of Franke plege, Sheref Towrnes, Sheref Gildes, Amerciaments,▪ Issues and Profites of the same, by you gran∣ted syth the first Day of youre Reigne, to oney Persone or Persones, Abbot, Priour, Deane, Chapetre, Maistre, War∣deyn of Collage, Fraternite, Crafte, or Gilde, and all Maner such Grantes, to be voide and of noon Effecte. Ex∣cept such Libertees, Privileges, Fran∣chises, Hundredes, Wapentakes, Letes, Rapes, viewe of Franke plege, Sheref Towrnes, Sheref Gildes, Fyues, Amer∣ciaments, Issues and Profites of the same, and all other Libertees, Privileges, Franchises and Immunities, as ye have graunted to the Provostes and Scolers of youre Collages Roial, of our Lady

and Seint Nicholas of Cambrigge, nor to youre Provoste and Collage Roial of our Lady of Eaton, and to theire Succes∣sours. And forasmoch as it is thought to us youre humble and liege People of this youre noble Roialme, comen to this youre high Courte of Parlement, by youre Auctoritie Roial, that cer∣taine and diverse Libertees, Privileges, Freedomes, Fraunchises and Immuni∣tees, by you to the Provostes, Scolers, and to the Provoste and Collage and theire Successours of youre Collages of Eaton and Cambrigge granted, been to youre Highnesse prejudicial and over chargefull and nyous unto youre People of this youre Roialm.

Please it therefore youre most High and Roial Mageste to ordeyne and ap∣pointe by youre high Wysdome and Discetion, that all Grauntes, and Actes of such Libertees, Privileges, Free∣domes, Franchises and Immunitees, as been to you prejudicial and over∣chargefull and nyous unto youre Peo∣ple of this youre Roialme be voide and of noon Effecte. Wherof we youre true Comyns in the moost lowly wyse that we can thinke, biseche youre moost habundant Grace, to have Know∣lech duryng this your said Court of Par∣lement

for our special Releif and Com∣fort: And over that, all the Grantes or Releases made by you syth the first Day of youre Reigne to oney Abbot, Priour, Covent, or oney other Persone or Persones of discharge or quiet Clayme of oney Corrodie or Corrodies, Pen∣sion or Pensiones, Dismes Spirituels or Quinszismes or Dismes Temporels or of Discharge or quiet Clayme of oney Rentes of Fee or Services of Fee be voide and of noon Effecte, this Act and Peti∣tion of Resumption to begynne and take Effecte the first Day of youre Par∣lement holden at Westminster the 28th Yere of youre Reigne, that all Man∣ner of Grauntes by you made or to be made of oney of the said Honours, Ca∣stelles, Lordshipps, Towns, Town∣shipps, Mannors, Londes, Tenements, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Fee∣farmes, and Services with all their Ap∣purtenanees or oney Discharge or quiet Claime as is above reherced from the 1st Day of the Parlement holden at Westminster the 28th Yere of youre Reigne unto the last Day of this youre present Parlement be voide and of noon Effecte. And if oney Persone or Per∣sones atte oney Tyme after the first Day of this youre Parlement accepte or pur∣chace

youre Lettres Patentes of oney of the said Honours, Castelles, Lordshippes, Townes, Townshippes, Mannors, Londes, Tenementes, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Feefermes and Ser∣vices with all theire Appurtenances, or oney Discharge or quiet Clayme as is above reherced of oney of the Premisses or oney other Possessions of Fee or of Free-holds that shuld growe to you in Tyme comynge by way of Forfeiture or otherwyse. But if it be so that thoose Letters Patentes passe by Advyse and Assent of youre Chancellour and youre Tresorer of Englonde Prive Seale and Six Lordes of youre grete Counseil for the Tyme beyng and that they and itch of theym subscribe in such Lettres Patentes theyre Names. And that the seide Letters Patentes so subscribd be enrolld in your Chancellerie of Record. And if oney Persone or Persones accepte or purchase youre Letters Patentes of oney of the Premisses otherwyse, forfette un∣to you our Soveraigne Lord all his Londs and Tenementes, that he or oney Per∣sone or Persones have to his Use atte the Tyme of such Letters Patents made, or oney Tyme after shall have in Fee simple holden of you, immediately to you. And all other Londes and Tene∣ments

that they so shall holden of other Persones, to them that they shall hold of immediately, and the same Letters Patentes to be voide and of noon Effecte. And that no Persone or Persones that hadde oney thyng of the Premisses a∣fore the Tyme of the seid Resumption be not chargeable by way of Accompt or otherwyse for the same a yents you youre Heires and Successours, except thoo that by youre Grantes afore the said Resum∣ption were accomptable. And that by Auctorite of this Parlement every of youre Liege Men, that hath yeven or graunted oney Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Advowsons, or other Posses∣sions to you, or to oney other by youre Desire, for oney other Londes, Tene∣ments, Rentes, Advowsons, or other Possessions by you graunted, or by oney other by youre desire, syth the first Day of youre Reigne, that they shall be now alyve, and theyre Heires and the Successours of theym that been dede, may entre, have and enjoye all such Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Ad∣vowsons, and other Possessions so yeven and graunted in lyke wyse and fourme, as theyre Auncestors, or Predecessoures hadde theym afore such Graunte or Estate made of theym. And that A∣verment

in this Case may be hadde, ad∣mitted and received by this seid Aucto∣rite, for every Partie that so shall entre into, have or enjoye oney of the Pre∣misses by theyre surmyse, that the seid Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Advow∣sons, or other Possessions that they shall so entre in, have or enjoye, were yeven or graunted for other Londes, Tene∣mentes, Rentes, Advowsons, or other Possessions that they graunted to you, or oney other at your Desire. Notwith∣standing, that in noo Letters Patentes by you made, nor in such Gifts made to you, or by any other by youre de∣sire mention be made thereof. So that such Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Ad∣vowsons, or other Possessions were not rightfully in youre Possession in Fee a∣fore such Yiftes or Grauntes, as it is a∣bove reherced, saving to every Persone theyre Right, Title and Interest in any of the Premisses other than they theyre Auncestoures or Predecessours hadde, by Force of youre Letters Patentes, so that thereof hath been had no Reco∣verer by Covyne and Collusion.

The House of Commons judg'd it rea∣sonable to make some Exceptions, or Proviso of Savings to certain Interests; they are in Number Thirteen, and much

of the same kind as the Savings in the Act that pass'd the Year before. Then follows.

And for as moch as it is pleynly and universally conceyved throughoute all this youre Roialme, that the good spede of this Acte of Resumption ys to you full, honourable, necessarie and be∣hovefull, and to all youre liege People comfortable and grete releife of theire Povertee, the which they been in for many unportable Charges leyed upon theym afore this tyme, for that the seid Resumption afore this tyme hath not be effectually had. We youre true, hum∣ble Obeisant and faithful liege People, comyn for the comen of this youre no∣ble Roialme, to this youre high Courte of Parlement, by youre Autorite Roiall, in the moost lowly wise to us possible, beseechen youre most Noblaye, graci∣ously and tenderly to considre the grete Benefites that shuld growe unto you, and to this your Roialme, by the Meane of this Resumption. That it please there∣fore your moost habundat Grace, that the seid Resumption may take good and effectual Conclusion, whereof we youre seid humble liege People, undre the Fa∣voure of youre high and moost noble Grace, may have knowlech during this

seid Parlement, for youre singu∣lar Wele and special Comfort and Con∣solation of us, and all thoo that we come fore.

Resp.

As for answere of the Petition and request of Resumption made to the Kyng by the Commons of this his pre∣sent Parlement assembled, His Highness wol that they know, That by thadvyse and assent of the Lordes Spirituell and Temporel, beyng in the same Parle∣ment, and by the thauctorite of the same Parlement His Excellence is agreed to resume and resumyth into his Hands and Possession all Honoures, Castels, Lordshipps, Towns, Townshipps, Ma∣ners, Londes, Tenementes, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Fee-fermes and Services, with all theyre Appurte∣nances in the which he had Estate in Fee, in England, Wales, and in the Marches thereof, Irlond, Guysnes, Ca∣lais, and in the Marches thereof, the which his Highness hath graunted by his Lettres, Patentes, or otherwyse syth the first Day of his Reigne. And all the Honoures, Castels, Lordshipps, Townes, Towneshipps, Maners, Londes, Tenements, Wastes, Rents, Reversions, Fees, Fee-ferms, and Ser∣vices, with all their Appurtenances,

the which were of the Dutchie of Lan∣castre, and pass'd from his Highnesse by his Graunt or Graunts. And he to have all the Premisses in and of like Estate as his Excellence had theyme at the tyme of such Grantes made by hym of theym. And that all Lettres Patentes, or Grauntes by his Highnesse, or by any other Persone or Persones at his re∣quest or desire made to any person or persons of the premisses, or of any of theym in that, that is of any of the pre∣misses be voide and of noo force. And over that, that all manere of Grauntes of Rentes, Charges or Annuities made by the Kyng's Highnesse of Estate of En∣heritance, or for Term of Life or Term of Yeris, or at the Wille to any persone or persons to be taken of any of these Pre∣misses, or of any other of his Possessions, or of his Custumes or Subsidies, or Aw∣nage, or of his Hamper, or at, or in his receite, or in otherwise, or in any other place, or in any of theym, or of the profites, comyng of theym, or any of theym within this his Roialme, Irlond, Wales, Guysnes, Caleys, and Marches of the same be void and of non éffecte. And that all Manner of Grauntes made by His Highnesse to any Persone or Per∣sones of Estate of Inheritaunce terme of

Life or terme of Yeris or at his Wille of any Herbage or Pannage, Fishing, Pa∣sture or Comyn of Pasture, Wareyn, Wode, Wyne, Clothyng, Furres to non Office longyng nor perteynyng the seid first Day of his Reigne nor a∣fore not yeldyng to his Highnesse the verray Value therof nor doyng any Charge to His Highnesse therof to the Value therof be voide and of non Effecte▪ And that all Lettres Patentes by His Highnesse made, in, or of any of the Premisses to any Persone of the which any Recovere hath been hadde ayenst the seid Patentes or any other by Co∣vyne or Collusion that as well the Re∣coverer therof as the Letters Patentes be voide and of non Effecte. And over that that all the Graunts or Relesses made by His Highness syth the first Day of his Reigne to any Abbot, Pri∣our, Covent, or to any other Persone or Persones of Discharge or quiet Clayme of any Corrodies or Corrodie, Pensions or Pension, Dismes Spirituels or Quin∣zismes or Dismes Temporels or of Dis∣charge or quiet Clayme of any Rents of Fee or Services of Fee be voide and of non Effecte. And over that it liketh his Highness to take, resume, and seise in his said Handes and Possession all man∣ner

Libertees, Privileges, Fraunchises, Hundredes, Wapentakes, Letes, Rapes, viewe of Fraunkplege, Shirrif Towrnes, Shirrif Gildes, Fines, Amerciaments, Issues and Profites of the same by his Highnesse graunted sith the first Day of his Reigne to any Persone or Persones or Abbot, Priour, Dean, Chapitre, Maistre▪ or Wardeyn of College, Fra∣ternitee, Crafte or Gilde, and all Man∣ner such Grauntes to be voide and of non Effect. Except such Libertees, Privileges, Fraunchises, Hundreds, Wa∣pentakes, Letes, Rapes, view of Fraunkplege, Shirrif, Towrnes, Shir∣rif Gildes, Fines,, Amerciaments, Issues and Profites of the same, and all other Libertees, Privileges, Fraun∣chises and Immunitiees that his High∣nesse hath graunted to the Provostes and Scolers of his Collage Roial of our Lady and St. Nicholas of Cambrig; or to the Provoste and Collage Roial our Lady of Eaton and to theyre Successoures. This Acte and Petition of Resumption to begynne and take Effecte atte the feste of Thannunciacion of oure Lady in the Yere of his Reigne XXIX. And that all maner of Grauntes by his High∣nesse made of any of the seid Honours, Castels, Lordshipps, Townes, Town∣shipps,

Manoires, Londes, Tenementes, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fees, Feefermes and Services with all theire Appurtenaunces or any discharge or qui∣et Claime as it is above reherced du∣ryng this present Parlement be from the seid Fest of our Lady voide and of non Effect. And as to the Provisions and and Exceptions conteigned in the seid Petition of Resumption his Highness theym accepteth and the same agreeth forth, with other Provisions and Excep∣tions by hym by thadvise of the seid Lordes, Spirituels and Temporels be∣yng in this seide Parlement put in wri∣tyng as the Tenours of theym hereafter folowen,

The Moderations or Savings put in Writing, as afore, are in Number For∣ty Two, and are much of the same Na∣ture as those in the Act of the 28th of the same King, only there is here a more express Saving for those who had bona fide purchas'd of the Crown for a Valuable Consideration. And there is a general Saving for Offices, and the ac∣customed Fees thereunto belonging.

And as to the Remanent conteyned in the feid Petition of Resumption, not specified in this his Answer,

Le Roy Savisera.

Note.] That here the Lands of Ireland are resumed.

But as to the Fees belonging to Of∣fices, the Point was farther clear'd in an Act of the 31st Hen. VI. Chap. 7. which is in the printed Statutes.

Anno 33. Hen. VI. there pass'd ano∣ther Act of Resumption.

* 1.72 Prayen the Commons in this present Parlement assembled, that where the Victorious Prince of most noble Me∣morie, your Fader, whom God rest, and other your noble Progenitours, maintain'd as worshipfull, noble and honourable estate of their Household in this Lond of the Revenues thereof as hath oney King or Prince in oney Lond Christenned to the Ease and rest of the People of the same, without a∣grugyng for lak of Paiment therefore, such as caused all other Londes to have this youre seid Lond in worshipfnl re∣nowne, and as grete drede as oney Lond christenned.

And notwithstanding the grete and large Grauntes of Godes, that by youre true People of this Londe hath been often tymes geven of true love and feith, tender Zele and Affection unto youre seide Highnesse, ye be indebt∣ed in such outragious Somes as be not

easy to be paied, which by Goddes Law, and eschewyng his Displeasure, owe to be paied and contented; and that furthermore, the Revenues of the seid Londe to youre Highnesse now•• belongyng mowe not suffice to kep•• and susteyne your honourable House hold, which not onely, but also your other ordinarie Charge mot be kep•• and boron worshipfully, as it accord∣eth to the Honour of youre Estate and youre seide Londe, if youre Ad∣versaries and Enemies shuld fall in•• the drede, wherein heretofore the have been, and shall with Godd•• Grace, be of youre mighty Regal and of youre seid Lond, whereof yo•• People lament and sorrow petious•• and hevely the amennsyng of th•• worship and prosperite, wheryn 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hath joyed, and ben reputed in th•• days heretofore, now the refuse of a•• other Londes reputed, agrugyng al•• right hevely the Charge that hath bee•• born, and dayly is born among they•• of Vitaille and other Charges 〈◊〉〈◊〉 youre seid Household, and ordinar•• Charges whereof they been not paie•• to theyr grete losse and hurt, whic•• they mowe not of oney reason one longer susteyne.

It please you by thadvyse and Assent of the Lords Spirituel and Temporel, in this present Parlement assembled, and by auctorite of the same, for the Conservation and Supportation of youre seid Estate, which first to Goddes pleasure, secundarie for youre own Suerte, Honour and Wele; and for the third, for the universal Wele, Ease, Reste and Suerte of this Lond, the which ye owe to preferre afore the favour of oney Persone, or oney Place, or other Thyng erthly, and to thentent that youre seid Enemies from whose knowlege the penurie of youre seid Household, and the Cause thereof, and also the agrugying therfore of youre seid People had is not hidde, whereof without dout they take a grete Cou∣rage and bouldnesse ayenst youre seid Lond mowe falle from the seid Cou∣rage into rebuke, and have youre seid Lond and People in such drede as here∣tofore in the days of you and of youre Progenitours they have hadde, to take, seise, have, reteyne, and resume into youre hands and possession from the Fest of Seint Michel, tharch angel next comyng, all Honours, Castells, Lordships, Townes, Townshipps, Maners, Londs, Tenementes, Wastes, Forestes, Chases,

Rentes, Reversions, Fee-fermes, Ser∣vices, Issues, Profites of Countees, Ad∣vowsons of Priores, Churches, Ho∣spitals, and of free Chappel, and all other Revenues, with theyr Appurte∣nances, pass'd from you syth the first day of youre Reigne, and by you graunted by youre Letters Patentes, by Authorite of Parlement, or in oney other wyse by youre Grantes, Con∣firmations, or Relesse in Fee-simple, Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or terme 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Yeris, to oney persone or persones 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Englond, Wales, or in the Marche•• thereof, in youre Londe of Ireland▪ Guysnes, Calais, or in the Marches ther∣of, or in Scotland, or in the Este o•• Weste Marches of Englond, toward Scotland.

And also to take, resume and re∣teigne into youre hands from the sei•• Fest, all the Honours, Castells, Lord∣shipps, Maners, Londes, Tenementes, Wastes, Rentes, Reversions, Fee-fermes and Services, with all theyre Appur∣tenances which were of the Dutchie o•• Lancastre, and pass'd from you by youre Grauntes, Confirmation or Relesse, or by Auctoritie of Parlement, or wherof oney persone or persones were seised to youre use, or to the use of your seid Fadir, o••

to the performing of youre or his Will, ye to have, hold and reteyne all the Premisses in and of like state, fourme and condition as ye, or oney other to youre Use, or to the Use of youre seid Fadir, or to the perfourmyng of his or youre Will, hadde theym atte the seid first day, or oney tyme syth oney Acte or Ordenaunce by Parlement, or oney manere of Letters Patentes, Grauntes or Estates by you, or oney other persone or persones of oney of the Premisses in oney wyse made to, or for oney Persone or Persones at youre request or desire, or otherwyse not∣withstanding. All Offices of youre seid Dutchie, such as the seid first day were Offices there, and the Fees, Wages and Rewardes than as afore to theym had accustomed or apperteignyng ex∣cept.

And over that, that all Manere of Graunts of Rentes, Rent-charges, An∣nuities, Some or Somes of Money, by you or oney other Persone syth the seid first day made of Estate of Enheritaunce, or terme of Lyfe, or terme of Yeris to oney Person, or otherwyse to be ta∣ken or hadde in or of oney of the Pre∣misses, or of oney of youre Custumes, Subsidies, Awnage, or of the Profites

and Revenues of youre Hanaper com∣yng, or at or in the receite of youre Exchequer, or in oney other Place with∣in this youre seid Realm, or in the seid Lond of Irelond, or within Wales, Guysnes, Caleys, or the Marches ther∣of be from the seid Fest void and of noon effecte, to have, hold, or occu∣pie from thenceforthe oney of the Pre∣misses.

And that all Manere of Grauntes o•• Relesses by you syth the seid first day made to oney persone or persones of oney Estate of Enheritaunce, terme o•• Lyfe or terme of Yeres, or otherwys•• of oney of the Premisses, or of th•• keepyng of oney of them, or of oney of youre Goales, or of oney Herbage or Pannage, Fishing, Pasture or Comy•• of Pasture, Wareyn, Wode, Wax, Wine, Clothing, Furres, Annuities, Fee, or oney Wages for doyng or oc∣cupying oney Office or Charge, and t•• noon suche Office or Charge the seid first day due accustomed belongyng o•• apperteyning be void and of noon ef∣fecte.

And furthermore to ordeyne by thadvyse, assent and auctoritie afore∣said, that all Grauntes made by you, to oney persone or persones of oney

Office or Offices which were noon Of∣fice or Offices the first day of youre seid Reigne or afore, be voide and of noo force.

And that all manere of Grauntes by you, or oney other Persone or Persones syth the seid first day, to oney Persone or Persones made, whereby the same Persone or Persones to whom oney such Graunte or Grauntes be made, shuld graunte or have power to graunte oney Prebende or Prebendes, Churche or Churches, Hospital or Hospitals, fre Chappel or fre Chappels, or oney ma∣nere Collecion, Office or Offices to to oney Officer, to make the Yeft or Presentation of which Prebend or Pre∣bendes, Churche or Churches, Hospi∣tal or Hospitals, fre Chappel or fre Chappels, Collecion, Office or Offices, or of the makyng of the seid Officers the seid first day, or oney tyme syth be∣long'd to you be void and of noo force nor effecte, to thentent that of such Of∣fices and other the Premisses, it mowe please you to reward youre Servauntes menial; furthermore, that all manere of Grauntes by you made, to oney per∣sone or persones of oney Office or Of∣fices which wore Offices the seid first day or afore, and to theyme belongeth

and needeth actuel Exercise, or of the fee or Wages therto belongyng to have in fee Simple or in fee Taille, in oney wyse be of noo force nor effecte, but onely terme of lyfe of hym or theym that oney such Grauntes be made un∣to. And that all the Grauntes of such Offices as that noble and worthy Prynce Humphrey, late Duke of Gloucestre, youre late Unkle, whom God rest, had and occupied of youre Graunte, the which Offices were by youre Highness to oney person or persones graunted in his lyfe to have after his decesse or Deth be voide and of noon effecte. And that all manere of Grauntes by you, or by oney other persone or persones by your grete Seal, Prive Seale, or Seale of your Duchie of Lancastre syth the seid first day made of oney Sherefwycke, or oney Office of Sherefwycke, or of oney Eschete, or of oney Office of Esche∣tour, Clerke of the Peas, or of oney Baillifwycke or Wapentake to you be∣longyng, for terme of lyfe or terme of yeris, to oney persone or persones, be voide of noon effecte. And also, that all Grauntes and Relesses made to you to oney Abbot, Priour, or oney other Persone of discharge, relesse, or quiet clayme of oney Corrodies or Corrodie,

Pension or Pensions, Dismes Spirituel, or Quinszismes or Dismes Temporell, or of the Colleccions of the same Rentes or Services, or of the Payment of oney Knyghtes Spence for comyng to your Parlement be voide and of noon Ef∣fecte.

Item, That all Grauntes made by you by youre Letters Patentes, or other∣wyse to oney persone or persones to be Justices of youre Benche or of the com∣mon Benche within youre Lond of Irelond or of the Office of Keeper of the Rolls of Chancery of the same Lond for terme of Lyfe be voide and of noon Force nor Effecte. And also that all Graunte or Grauntes by you made to oney persone or persones of oney Office or Offices, wherupon no Charge hangeth nor nedeth to be of actuel Exercyse or Occupation be voide and of noo Force nor Effecte. And also by the seid Ad∣vyse Assent and Auctority ye will graunte, ordeyne and establish that e∣very persone that hath any Castells, Manours, Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Services, Commoditees, Advowsons, Possessions, or oney Enheritaments to you or to oney other persone or Body Corporate to youre or oney of theyre Use at youre Desire or Contemplation

for oney Rentes, Annuites, Summes of Money or Thyng that shuld or myght have be taken or had of oney Custume or Subsidies in oney youre Portes with∣in this youre Realme, or in or at the Receite of youre Eschequer if no Yifte of Exchaunge nor Recompence for oney Thynge be hadde, be made, may have immediatly and have, reteyne, kepe, entre and enjoye peasebly without oney Suite or yit Lett or Disturbance of you youre Heires or oney other from the seid Fest as well all the seid Manours, Londes, Tenements, Rentes, Advow∣sons, Possessions and Enheritaments; with theyre Appurtenaunces in oney wyse so given to you or to oney persone or Body corporate at youre Desire or Contemplation by him or his Auncest∣res, or by him, or hir or theyr Predeces∣sours, or by thoo whos Estate oney such your Leiges hath or hadde in the Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Possessions or Enheritaments taken of you in Ex∣chaunge as the seid Rentes, Annuites, and Summes of Money that he shuld or might have hadde of oney Customes or Subsidies, or att your Receite afore∣seid if no manere of Exchaunge nor Re∣compence had be taken of you ther∣fore by hym nor by noon his Anncest∣ours

or Predecessours in like Manere, Fourme and State as though no suche Graunte or Estate of Exchaunge or Re∣compence had be made.

So alwey that the Manours, Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Annuitees, Ad∣vowsons, Sommes of Meney and En∣heritaments afore reherced geven to you or to oney other persone or body cor∣porate, or leste to be take for oney of the seid Exchaunge or Recompense were not youres ne noon other persone or persones to youre Use the first Day of your noble Reigne nor after save onely by reason of the Yefts, Grauntes or Cause aforeseid. Except and forprised oute of this Acte of Resumption all the Castells, Manours, Londes, Tene∣mentes, Rentes, Services, Possessions and Enheritaments with theire Appur∣tenaunces, wherof every persone or per∣sones have had restitution by Auctorite of Parlement, Restitution by the Cours of the Comyn Law.

Then the House of Commons made some few Savings, in Number Twelve, which are much of the like Nature of those in the Two former Acts. Then follows.

And for as moche as it is pleinly and universally conceived through all this your Reame, that the good Spede of this Acte of Resumption is to you full honourable, necessarie and behovefull and to all youre Liege People comfor∣table and grete Reliefe of theire Pover∣tie which they been in for many un∣portable Charges leid upon theym be∣fore this Tyme for that the seid Re∣sumption afore this Tyme hath not be effectuelly hadde. Wee youre humble, true, obeisaunt and feithfull people co∣men for the comyn of this yonre Reame and to this youre high Court of Par∣lement by youre Auctorite Roial in the moost lowly wyse beseche youre moost noblaye, graciously and tender∣ly to consider the grete Benefites that shuld growe unto you and this youre Reame by the meane of this youre Re∣sumption, that it please youre Highnesse that if so be that ye like by thadvise of youre Lordes spirituell and temporell in this present Parlement assembled to make oney provisions or Exceptions o∣ther then be conteynd in this our Peti∣tion, that then the seid provisions and Exceptions be sende down unto us to that Ende that we may give oure As∣sentes therto, if it be thought to us ex∣pedient

and behovefull. And that by the same auctorite it be ordeyned that if oney of youre liege people after the seid Fest of St. Michel take and receive youre Graunte or Grauntes of oney of the Premisses except before excepte then he or they as oft as he or they that so take and receive renne into the Pe∣nalte of the Statutes of Provisours. And over that, that he or they that so take or receive oney such Graunte or Grauntes excepte afore excepte contrarie to this our Desyre forfaite a M. Marks as oft as they so take or receyve, wherof the oon half to be forfaited to you and that to be applyed to the contentyng of the Wages of the Souldeours of Caleys, and that other half to hym that will sue. And he that will sue yerfore may have an Action of Dette agenst oney such persone or persones, and such Process theryn as lyeth in an Action of Dette at the Comyn Lawe, and that the De∣fendantes of such Suites shall not be essoyned wage theyre Law, nor beg Protections in delay of the seid Suites. All Grauntes to be made by youre Letters Patentes by the Bille of the Tresorer of Englond for the tyme be∣yng of oney of the Premisses.

And also all Grauntes to be made of old Offices, which were Offices the first day of youre Reigne, to the which belongeth and needeth actuel Exercise and Fees, and Wages the same first day to the same Offices perteyn∣yng or belongyng, except out of the seid Peynes. And that no such persone to whome oney Lesse or Lesses Graunte or Grauntes shall be made after the seid Fest for terme of Yeris or atte Wille of oney Thyng parcelle of the Duchie of Lancastre, Erldome of Chestre, Princi∣palete of Wales, Caleys and Guysnes and the Marches therof, or of oney thyng to theym or oney of theym belongyng or appërteynyng be not hurt nor enda∣maggd by the penalty of this seid Acte.

Then follow Two Savings, one for the Prince of Wales, and another for Richard Duke of York, as to some Patents they had.

Resp.

As touchyng this Petition of Resumption the Kyng hath well con∣ceived and understood the Maters, Ar∣ticles and Desyres conteyned in the same Petition; wherfore the Kyng by thadvyse and assent of the Lords Spirituel and Temporell, beyng in this present Parlement, and by Auctorite of the same, taketh and resumeth into his Hands all manner thyngs conteyn∣ed

in the seid petition, and the same agreeth and accepteth, the Penalte in seid petition except and leid apart; alweye his Prerogative reserved; for∣seyn alweye that suche provisions and Exceptions as been by his Highnesse, by thadvyse of the seid Lordes Spiri∣tuel and Temporel made and agreed, or to be agreed; and in this same Par∣liament put in Wrytyng upon the pre∣misses, be good and effectuel the seid Acte notwithstanding for the Egalte and Reason that the Kyng ought to do to his people, the which shall be to the pleaser of Godde, the Honour and the Wele of his Lond and People.

Then follow a great Number of Sa∣vings and Provisions, all of 'em much of the same Nature with those in the former Acts; and none of 'em seem such as could any wise defeate the Designe of the Parliament, which was, that all im∣moderate Grants should be actually re∣sumed.

But some may object, that Henry the Sixth, under whose Reign these Three Resumptions were made, was a weak Prince, unfortunate Abroad, engag'd in Factions at Home, and kept under by the Power of the House of York; where∣unto

we answer, That it was the Inte∣rest of Great Men rather to oppose such an Act, for they were most like to suf∣fer by it; therefore its Passing was not the Effect of Faction, but, indeed, it was carry'd on by the Weight of the People. But these Objections will be more fully answer'd, when we show that the same Thing was done by a Prince, who had master'd all Parties, and un∣der an Active and Martial Reign, which was that of Edw. IV. his Successor, where the Presidents for a Resumption are four times confirmed.

As soon as Edward the Fourth came to the Crown, one of the first Things desired by his Subjects was an Act of Resumption.

* 1.73—

And over that, that our seid Sovereign Leige Lord King Edward IV. the Fourth Day of Marche was lawfully seised and possessed of the seid Corone of Englond in his Right and Title, and from thenceforth have to hym, and hys Heires, Kynges of Englond, all such Mannours, Castels, Lordshippes, Ho∣nours, Londs, Tenements, Rentes, Ser∣vices, Fees, Feefermes, Rentes, Knyghts Fees, Advowsons, Gyftes of Offices to geve at his pleasure, Fairs, Markets,

Issues, Fines, and Amerciaments, Li∣bertees, Franchises, Prerogatives, Es∣cheates, Custumes, Reversions, Re∣mainders, and all other Hereditaments, with theyr Appurtenances whatsoever, be they in Englond, Wales, and Irelond, and in Cales, and the Marches there∣of, as Kyng Richard the 2d. had on the Fest of Seint Matthew the Apostle, the 23th Yere of his Reigne, in the Right and Title of the seid Corone of Eng∣lond, and Lordshippe of Irelond.

Resp.

The Kynge by thadvyse and Assent of the Lords Spirituel and Tem∣porel in this present Parlement assem∣bled, at the Request of the Comyns beyng in the same, agreeth and assen∣teth to this Petition, and it accept∣eth, with certain Moderations, Pro∣visions and Exceptions, by his High∣nesse thereupon made, and in certain Cedules written, and in the same Par∣lement delivered, the tenor of which follows.

Then follow the Exceptions or Savings to particular Interests, which are in Number 85.

But this Resumption looking so far backwards, as the Reigns of Henry the Sixth, Henry the Fifth, and Henry the Fourth, was too large to have any good

Effect▪ And as to its having been im∣practicable, and not well concerted, we have this Argument, that a new Act better digested, and which did not re∣trospect so far, was thought necessary, Anno 3. & 4. of the same Reign.

Anno 3 & 4. Edw. 4ti. There pass'd another Act of Resumption.

* 1.74—At which day and place, for divers Causes and Considerations, con∣teynyng the Honour and Prosperite of the Kyng our Soverayne Lord, and al∣so the Commonwele, defence and wel∣fare of this Reame, and of his Subgetes of the same, hit is ordeyned and enact∣ed, and stablished by thadvyse and as∣sent of the Lords Spirituels and Tem∣porels, and of the Comyns in this pre∣sent Parlement assembled, and by Au∣ctorite of the same, That the Kyng fro•• the Fest of the Purification of oure La∣dy the Yere of our Lord, 1464, have▪ take, seize, hold and joye all the Ho∣nours, Castells, Lordshipps, Towns, Townshipps, Manours, Londes, Tene∣mentes, Wastes, Forestes, Chases, Rentes, Annuities, Reversions, Fermes, Services▪ Issues, Profites, and Commodites of Shires, which he had the 4th day Marche, or eny tyme after afore the seid Fest, by reason of his Duchie of La••∣castre,

or by the Forfeitur of Henry the 6th. late in dede, and not in right Kyng of Englond; in Englond, Irelond, Wales, and Marches thereof, Guysnes and Caleys, and Marches thereof; and pass'd from hym the seid 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme after and afore the seid Fest, by his Letters Patentes to eny Persone or persones, in Fees, Fee-simple, Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe, or terme of Yeres: And that the Kyng have and Injoy every of the Premisses in like Estate and Con∣dition as he had theym the seid 4th day of Marche or after: And also, that all Yefts, Grauntes and Relesses made by the Kyng the seid 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme after afore the seid Fest, to eny Persone or Persones of eny of the Premisses, in Fee-simple, Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or terme of Yeres, under eny of his Seales be from the seid Fest of Purification void and of noo force nor effecte.

* 1.75 And also that all Yeftes, Grauntes, Ratifications, Relesses and Confirmati∣ons made by the Kyng the seid 4th day of March, or eny tyme after and afore the seid Fest, to eny Persone or Per∣sones of any Possessions, Right, Title, or Interesse of his Duchie of Yorke, or

Erldome of Marche, or eny part of them, or of eny Pension, Rent, An∣nuite to be had, taken, perceyved or levyed of, or in the same Duchie and Erldome, or eny of theym, or eny par∣cell of theym be from the seid Fest void and of noo force nor effecte.

And that this Act extende not to eny Honours, Castells, Lordshipps, Ma∣nours, Londes, Tenementes, Rentes, Services, Possessions or Enheritaments which came to the Hands or Possession of our seid Soveraine Lord Kyng Ed∣ward the 4th, or apperteyned or be∣longed to hym, or that he shuld have had the seid 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme after by the forfeiture of eny Per∣sone in the Parlement, hold at We••••∣minster the 4th day of November, the seid first Yere attainted, or by force of an Act of Forfeiture therin made, other than by the Forfeiture of Mar∣garete, late called Queen of Englond: And also that this Act extend not to any Graunte or Grauntes afore this tyme made to eny Lord not attainted of eny Annuite for the Sustentation of his Name and Estate, nor to noon Office or Offices which were Office or Offices the seid 4th day of Marche, or afore,

and needeth actuel Exercise graunted the seid 4th day of Marche, or after to eny Persone or Persones for terme of his Lyfe, or theyre Lyfes, with Fees, Wages and Profites to the same Office or Offices afore the seid 4th day of Marche due and accustumed.

And also that all Yefts made by the Kyng the seid 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme after under eny of his Seales, to eny Persone or Persones of eny Of∣fice, wheruppon noo charge hangeth nor nedeth to be of actuel Exercise or Occupation, be from the seid Fest voide and of noo force nor effecte.

Also that all Grauntes made by the Kyng the seid 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme after to eny Persone or Per∣sones of eny Office or Offices, with Fees and Wages then not due and ac∣custumed, nor apperteynyng to the same Office or Offices the seid 4th day of Marche be from the seid Fest, as to the seid Fees and Wages not due and accustomed void and of noo force and effecte.

This Acte to be had, and take with such Exceptions and Provisions, as shall please the Kyng to make.

Then follow Three Savings made by the House of Commons. 1st, For Sums issued to the Payment of the King's own Debts. 2. For Corporations, Cities and Boroughs, &c. as to any Gift, Grant, De∣mise, Lease, Release, Jurisdiction, Au∣thority, Confirmation, Ratification, Li∣cence, Pardon, &c. granted by the Kings Henry the 4th, 5th and 6th. 3. For Grants or Licenses given by the said Kings to any Person, to found or make Fraternities, Gyldes, Hospitals, &c. or to purchase Lands for those Uses.

Then follow a prodigious Number 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Savings and Exceptions, and so many as, indeed, seem intirely to defeat th•• Design and Intention of the Act; which in the 7th of the same Reign, produc'd another Resumption.

This Heroick Prince, who himsel•• had fought so many Battles, and wh•• by his Courage from a private Person got to be King of England, invites hi•• People from the Throne, to resume wha•• had been plunder'd from the Crown, i•• the Words following.

* 1.76

John Say, and ye Sirs comyn to this my Court of Parlement, for the Co∣mon of this my Lond: The Cause why Y have called and summoned this my

present Parlement, is, Y purpose to to lyve upon my nowne, and not to charge my Subgetts, but in grete and urgent Causes, concerning more tho wele of theymself, and also the defence of theym, and of this my Reame, ra∣ther then my nowne pleaser, as here∣tofore by Comons of this Lond hath been doon, and born unto my Progeni∣tours in tyme of nede; wherein Y trust, that ye Sirs, and all the Comons of this my Lond, wol be as tender and kind unto me in such Cases as hereto∣fore eney Comons have been to eney of my seid Progenitours. And for the good Wills, kindnesse and true herts that ye have born, continued and show∣ed unto me at all tymes heretofore, Y thank ye as hertily as Y can; as so Y trust ye wol contenue in tyme com∣yng; for the which, by the Grace of God, Y shall be to you as good and gracious Kyng, and reigne as reight, wisely upon you as ever did eney of my Progenitours upon Comons of this my Reame in days paste; and shall al∣so in tyme of nede aply my Person for the Wele and defence of you and of this Reame, not sparyng my Body nor Lyfe for eny jeopardie that mought happen to the same.

* 1.77 Memorandum. Quod quedam Cedula for∣mam cujusdem Actus Resumptionis in s•• continentis exhibita fuit in presenti Parli••∣mento in haec Verba.

For divers Causes and Considerations concerning the Ho∣nour, State and Prosperite of the Kyng, and also of the Commonwele, defence, surete and welfare of this Reame, and his Subgettes of the same, it is ordeyn∣ed, enacted and established by thadvyse and Assent of the Lords Spirituells and Temporells, and Comons in this pre∣sent Parlement assembled, and by Au∣ctorite of the same, That the Kyng from the Fest of Ester last past, have, take, seize, hold and joy all Honours, Castells, Lordshipps, Townes, Towne∣shipps, Manors, Londes, Tenementes, Wastes, Forestes, Chaces, Rentes, An∣nuities, Fermes, Fee-fermes, Reversi∣ons, Services, Issues, Profites, Commo∣ditees, which he was seised and posses∣sed of the 4th day of Marche, the first Yere of his Reigne, or eny tyme after, by resone of the Coroune of Englond, the Duchie of Cornwaille, Principalite of Wales, and Erldom of Chestre, or eny of theym in Englond, Irlond, Wales, and Marches thereof, or that apper∣teyned or belonged to hym the same

fowerth day, or eny tyme sin, as par∣oell of his Duchie of Lancastre, or by the forfaiture of Henry the Sixt, late in dede, and not in Right Kyng of Eng∣lond, or eny Person atteynted sin the seid 4th day of Marche, by auctorite of eny Parlement holden sin the seid 4th day, or otherwyse attaynted by the course of the Comon Lawe of this Lond, and passed from the Kyng un∣der eny of his Seales, to eny Persone or Persones in Fee-simple or Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or terme of Yeres, and that the Kyng fro the seid Fest of Ester, have, hold and joye every of the Pre∣misses in lyke estate as he had theym the seid fowrthe day of Marche, or eny tyme after.

Also that all Yeftes, Grauntes, Ratifica∣tions, Releses, Leses, Demyses and Con∣firmations made by the Kyng the seyd 4th day of Marche, or eny tyme sin to eny Persone or Persones of eny of the Premisses in Fee-simple or Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or terme of Yeres, un∣der eny of his Seales, be from the seid Fest of Ester void and of noo force nor effecte.

And furthermore it is ordeyned by the seid Advyse, Assent and Auctorite,

That the Kyng from the seid Fest of Ester, have, take, seise, hold and joy all Honours, Castells, Lordshipps, Townes, Towneshipps, Manours, Londes, Ten••∣mentes, Rentes, Services, Possessions, Enheritaments, Issues, profites and Co∣moditees which the full noble and fa∣mous Prynce Richard veray true and rightwyse Enheritour to the Reames of Englond and France, and Lordshipp of Irelond, Fader to the Kyng, was sei∣sed of to his owne Use and Behoofe the 30th Day of December, the 39th Yere of the pretended Reigne of the seid Henry the Sixt. And that the Kyng from the seid Fest of Ester, have, hold and joy all the seid Honours, Castells, Lordshipps, Townes, Towneshipps, Manours, Londs, Tenementes, Rentes, Services, Possessions, Enheritaments, Issues, Profites and Commoditees in like Estate as his seid Fader had theym the seid 30th of December. And that all Yefts, Grauntes, Ratifications, Re∣leses, Leses, Demyses and Confirma∣tions made by the Kyng sin the same 30th Day to eny persone or per∣sones under eny of his Seales of eny of the same Possessions, Issues, Profites or Comoditees, or of eny Lordshippes,

Manors, Londes, Tenementes, Posses∣sions or Enheritaments wherof eny per∣sone or persones were seised the same 30th Day to the Use and Behoof of his seid Fader or of eny Right, Title or Intres of, or in eny part of the same or of, or in eny of the Premisses which his seid Fader was seised of the seid 30th Day, or of eny Pension, Rent, Anuui∣tee to be had taken perceyved or levyed of, or in eny part therof, or of or in eny part whereof eny persone or persones were seised to the Use and Behoof of his seid Fader the seid 30th Day be from the seid Fest of Ester voide and of noo Force nor Effecte.

And also by the seid Advyse, Assent and Auctorite, it is ordeyned and sta∣blished, That such lawfull Right, Title, Clayme and Interest be saved and had to every persone and persones of every theyr Heires other than the seid per∣sones atteynted and theyr Heires clay∣myng in by theym or eny of theym, as he or they not atteynted might or shuld have had in eny of the Premisses yf this Acte had not been made otherwyse then by the Kyngs Graunte, or eny of his Le••tres, Patentes or Assignment.

And furthermore it is odeyned by the seid Advyse, Assent and Auctorite, That all Yefts made by the Kyng the seid 4th Day of Marche, or eny Tyme sin to eny persone or persones of eny Office in Englond, Irlond, Wales▪ or Mar∣ches therof, wherupon no Charge hang∣eth nor nedeth to be of actuel Exercise or Occupation be from the seid Fest of Ester voide and of noo Force nor Effecte.

Also, That all Grauntes made by the Kyng the seid 4th Day of Marche or eny tyme sin to eny persone or per∣sones of eny Office or Offices in Eng∣lond, Irlond, Wales or Marches therof, Guysnes, Caleys, or Marches therof with Fees, Wages, Profites or Commodities not used and accustomed to the same Office or Offices afore the same 4th Day of Marche, be from the seid Fest of Ester as to the seid Fees, Wages, Profites and Commoditees and every of theym so not used and accustomed voide and of noo Force nor Effecte.

Also, That every Graunte made by the Kyng the seid 4th Day of March, or eny time since to eny persone for terme of his Life of the Office of Sar∣jeant of Armes be from the seid Fest of

Ester of noon other Force and Effecte than onely at the Kyngs Will and Plea∣ser.

Then follow several Savings much of the like Nature as those in the former Acts, as also some Regulations relating to the King's Tenants, not material to our present Subject.

Quae quidem cedula transportata fuit Com∣munibus Regni Angliae in dicto Parliamen∣to existent. Cui iidem Communes Assen∣sum suum prebuerunt sub hiis Verbis. A toutez lez Actez & Provisions desuis Es∣criptez les Comunes sont assentuz. Quibus quidem cedula & assensu in Parliamento predicto lectis auditis & plenius intellectis de avisamento & assensu & autoritate pre∣dict▪ respondebat eidem in forma sequen.

Resp. Le Roy le voet ovesq. lez Provi∣sions & Exceptions sur ceo pur luy faitz les tenours de queux cy apres ensuent.

That is, the King consents to the Bill with the ensuing Provisions and Excep∣tions: Then follow a great Number of Savings and Provisions, most of 'em for private Persons, and much of the same Natures as those of the former Acts.

* 1.78 And at the closing of the Sessions, the King thanks the H. of Commons by the Mouth of the Bishop of Bath and Wells,

his then Chancellour for this Resumption.

* Pro suis Laboribus circa dictam Resump∣tionem ostensis.—Idem Dominus Rex omnia & singula per ipsos Communes de∣clarata & desiderata profunde conceperat.

Anno 13. Edw. 4. There pass'd another Act of Resumption for that, either the former had been so ill executed, or that the Exceptions had been so many as to frustrate the good Intentions of the House of Commons.

* 1.79 For divers Causes and Considerati∣ons concernyng the Honour, Estate and Prosperite of the Kyng, and also the common Wele, Defence, Surete and Welfare of this Reame and Subgettes of the same; It is ordeyned, enacted and stablished by Thadvyse and Assent of the Lordes Spirituells and Tempo∣rells, and by the Commons in this pre∣sent Parlement assembled, and by the Auctorite of the same, That the Kyng from the Fest of the Seynt Thomas thappostill, that shall be in the Yere of our Lord God One Thousand Fowre Hundred Seventy and Three, shall have, take, seise, hold, possesse and en∣joye all Honours, Castelles, Lordshipps, Manors, Londes, Tenementes, Rentes and Annuitees, which he was seised

and possessed of in the 4th Day of March, the first Yere of his Reign, or eny time after by reason of the Corone of Englond; in Englond, Irlond, Wales, or Marches therof, Guysnes, Caleys or Marches ther∣of; and also that apperteyned or belong∣ed to him the same 4th Day of Marche, or eny tyme sith, as parcelle of hys Duchie of Lancastre, or by forfaiture of Henry the Sixt late in Dede, and not in Right Kyng of Englond: And of eny persone atteynted sith the seid 4th Day of Marche by Auctorite of eny Par∣lement holden sith the same 4th Day of Marche, or otherwyse atteynted by the Cours of the Common Lawe of this Lond, and passed fro the Kyng undre eny of his Seales to eny persone or per∣sones in Fee-simple or Fee-taille, for terme of Lyfe, or terme of Yeres, or otherwyse, by the Kyngs Graunte un∣der his Seales; and that the Kyng from the seid Fest of St. Thomas, have, hold, possede and enjoye eny of the Premisses in and of like Estate and Con∣dition, as he had theym in the seid 4th Day of Marche, or eny tyme after.

And furthermore, It is ordeyned by the seid Advyse, Assent and Auctorite, That the Kyng from the seid Fest of

Seynt Thomas, have, take, seise, hold and enjoye all Honours, Castells, Lord∣shipps, Manoirs, Londes, Tenements, Rentes and Annuitees, which the full noble and famous Prynce Richard veray true and rightwyse Enheritour to the Reames of Englond and France and Lord∣shippe of Irlond, Fader to the Kyng was seised of to his owne Use and Behove the 29th Day of December the 29th Yere of the pretended Reigne of the seid Henry the Sixt: And that the Kyng from the seyd Fest of Seynt Thomas, have, hold and enjoye all the same Ho∣nours, Castles, Manoirs, Londes, Te∣nementes, Rentes, Annuitees, in and of like Estate and Condition as his seid Fader had theym the seid 29th day, and passed from the Kyng to eny Per∣sone or Persones under eny of his Seales, in Fee-simple, Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or term of Yeres. Also, that all Yeftes, Grauntes, Releses and Demyses made by the Kyng the seid fourth day of Marche or eny tyme sith, to eny Per∣sone or Persones, of, or in eny of the Premisses, in Fee-simple, Fee-taille, terme of Lyfe or terme of Yeres, or other∣wyse, under eny of his Seales, be from the seid Fest of Seynt Thomas voide and

of noo force nor effecte. And also by the seid Advyse, Assent and Auctorite, it is ordeyned and stablished, That such lawfull Right, Title, Clayme and In∣terest be saved, and had to every Per∣sone or Persones, and every theyr Heyres other than such Persones now beyng atteynted of Treason, and theyr Heyres clayming in by theym, or eny of theym so atteynte, myght or shuld have had in eny of the Premisses yf this Acte had not be made otherwyse then by the Kyngs Graunte, or eny his Lettres Patentes, or Auctorite of Parlement.

What follows being join'd with this Act, and showing the Wisdom and Fru∣gality of those Times, and the Methods they took to put the King out of Debt, we thought it would not be foreign to our present Matter to insert it.

* 1.80

Also in this Parlement begun and holden, &c.—Grete multitude of Assignments, as well by Letters Pa∣tentes of the Kyng, Tailles, Deben∣tours, and other Bills levyed and rerèd at the Receipte of his Exchequer or o∣therwyse, as by Billes undre the Seale or Seals beyng in the same Receite or∣deyned for Assignations to be made upon the Possessions of the Duchie of

Lancastre, Wales, Duchie of Yorke, and Erldome of Marche, as well for the Kyngs Household and Wardrobe, and for his Werkes as for many and divers Somes of Money in tymes of divers Persones, late Tresorers of Englond, sith the first day of the Kyngs Reigne, dyversly have be made grete part of the which Assignations by Bill and o∣therwyse inordenately, and without grounde of Duete, have be had and made as it is understond: It is there∣fore ordeyned by thadvyse and Assent of the Lordes Spirituels and Temporels, and the Commons in the same Parle∣lement, the seid sixt day of October, in the seid Thirteenth Yere assembled, and by Auctorite of the same, That before the Fifteeneth of Ester next now to come, open Proclamation be made within every Shire of the Reame, in every Markette-Towne within the same Shire, by the Shiref, or Shirefs of the same Shyre or Shyres for the tyme be∣yng: And that every Shiref duely make the Proclamation in that partie, and the Writ thereof serve and retorne at the day of the Retorne of the same, upon the Payne to forfaite at every de∣faute to the Kyng one hundred pounds: That every Person or Persones having

eny Patente, Taille or Bille made, rered or assigned before the first day of De∣cembre, in the Tenth Yere of his seid Reigne, for eny Some or Somes of Money conteyned or specefied in eny of the same appere before the Barons of the Kyngs Exchequer at Westminster, in his proper Persone, or by his Atour∣ny or Servaunt, having suffisant Aucto∣rite of hym afore the fifteeneth of Ester, which shall be in the Yere of our Lord, 1475, there to shewe and prove that the Somes of Money conteyned and specifyed in his or their Patent, Taille or Bille, was by, or upon eny true grounde or cause due by the Kyng at the tyme of the makyng, rearyng, or assignment of the seid Patent, Taille or Bille, made, reared or assigned to to the same Persone or Persones named in the same Patent, Taille or Bille for the Kyngs House, for the Kyngs Cham∣bre, his Wardrobe, his Werks or Mo∣ney to hym lent for the Victualler of of Calleys, or eny of theym, or for eny other Cause, that the same Barons up∣on due prove by theyre Discretions had and made of eny Some and Somes in such Taille or Bille to be due by the Kyng; and at the tyme of the seid

prove made not paid, have auctorite and power by this Acte, to certifye into the Receipte of the Kyngs Exche∣quer of the Some and Somes so proved due, and of the Name or Names of the Persone or Persons to whom the seid Some or Somes so shall be proved to be due: And therupon by this Acte the Tresorer and Chamberleyns of the Kyngs Receipt for the tyme beyng, dy∣vydyng severally the seid Debte into twenty partes by even Portions, with∣out delay or denyer at the Kyngs pro∣per Cost and Charge rere, there make and delivre twenty Tailles or Billes ac∣cordyng, payable Yerely iche after other within twenty Yeres then next ensue∣yng, to have and reteyne in such Place or Places, and under such Forme as the Treasorer of Englond for the tyme being▪ with the reasonable agreement of the seid Persone or Persones to whom such duetee shall be proved due, shall be thought reasonable. And as for such Duetees as shall be found due to eny of the seid Persones afore the seid Ba∣rons, by reson of eny such Letters Pa∣tentes that the seid Barons shall certi∣fie such duetees as they shall fynde due by eny such Letters Patentes made un∣der

the Kyngs grete Seale, to the Chaunceller of Englond for the time be∣yng: And such Duetees as shall be founde due to eny Persone before the seid Barons, by reson of eny of the Kyngs Letters Patentes made undre the Seal of his Duehie of Lancastre, to the Chaunceller of the same Duchie for the tyme beyng: And then that every of the seid Chauncellers for such Somes so to theym certified, do make at the Kyngs Cost and Charge to such Per∣sones as such Duetees shall be fonnd due▪ to, Letters Patentes, to receyve, have, or reteyne such Somes of Money as shall be to theym certyfyed, and to be had, received or reteyned Yerely within twenty Yeres next ensueyng the date of the seid Letters Patentes rately as is aforeseid in such place or places, ground or grounds as the same Persones afore this Acte were assigned or lymytted: And that the seid Tailles, Billes, and Letters Patentes serverally to be rered and made be and stond good and effectuel in Law, and pre∣ferred in payment before eny other payment by Patent, Taille or Bille, or eny other Assignment or Cause rered, made or had after the rering of the

seid Tailles: And that all the seid Let∣tres Patentes, Tailles, Billes, and every of theym not shewed afore the seid Fifteeneth before the seid Barons be voide, and the Kyng thereof acquite and discharged. And also that all Let∣tres Patentes, Tailles, Bills, and every of theym shewed afore the seid Ba∣rons, and before theym proved not to be made, reared or assigned upon true Grounde or Cause of Duetee in like∣wyse to be voide, and the Kyng ther∣of quyte and discharged for ever∣more.

Then follow Sixteen Exceptions or Sa∣vings as to private Interests, which the House of Commons make, and they are much of the same Nature as those in the other Acts.

Resp.

As touchyng this Bill of Re∣sumption, and the other Acte above specified concernynge Assignations made by the Kynge, and the Fourme of Pay∣mentes of his Dettes, and all thynges comprised in either of the seid Billes and Acte, and the other Matiers and Articules above specified, the Kyngs Highnesse hath well conceyved and un∣derstond the same, and by thadvyse and assent of the Lordes Spirituells and

Lordes Temporells, and the Comons beyng in this present Parlement, and by the Auctorite of the same theym hath accepted and agreed. So also that such Provisions and Exceptions as by his Highness be or shall be made and agreed, and duryng the tyme of this present Parlement in Writyng, to or upon the Premisses be good and effe∣ctuel the seide Bille or Acte, or eny other the Premisses, notwithstondyng for the Equyte and Right wis reward that the Kyng intendeth to do to eve∣ry of his Subgietts for his Merites, which shall be to the Pleaser of God, and Honour of his Highnesse, and the Weel of all the Lond and People.

Then follow a great Number of Ex∣ceptions brought in by the King, but they do not seem of that Nature, as if it were design'd they should defeat the Intentions of the House of Commons, as the Savin••s in the first Act of Resum∣ption pass'd in this Reign plainly did: So that at last both King and People appear to be in Earnest in this Mat∣ter.

But all the Acts of Resumption hi∣therto pass'd were not thought suffici∣ent; so that tho' we cannot find Richard

the Third, who succeeded Edward, was any great Giver, yet the Parliament in the Reign of Hen. 7. who was Successor to Richard, believ'd another Resumption necessary.

* 1.81 Anno 1. Hen. 7.

Prayen the Com∣mons in this present Parliament assem∣bled, That where the most noble and blessed Prince of most holy Memory, King Henry the 6th your Uncle, whom God rest, and other your noble Pro∣genitours, have kept as worshipfull, noble and honorable Estate of their Household in this Lond of the Reve∣nues thereof, as have done eny King or Prince in Englond christenned to the Ease and Rest of the People of the same, without agrudging or lack of Payment therfore, such as caused all o∣ther Londs to have this your said Lond in as worshipfull Renown and as great Dread as any other Lond christenned, and for that the Revenu•• of your said Lond to your Highnesse now belong∣ing mowe not ••uffice to keep and sust∣eine your honourable Household nor your other ordinarie Charges which must be kept and born worshipfully and honorably as it accordeth to the Honour of your Estate and your said

Realm, by which your Adversaries and Enemies shall fall into the dread wher∣in heretofore they have byn. That it would please your Highnesse by thad∣vyse and assent of the Lords Spirituall and Temporall in this present Parlia∣ment assembled, and by Auctoritie of the same for the Conservation and Suporta∣tion of your said Estate, which first to Gods Pleasure, secondarie for your own Suertie, Honour and Weal, and for the third to the universal Weal, Ease, Rest and Suertie of this Land the which you owe to preferre afore the Favour of any Persone or any Place or other Thing earthly; to take, seise, have, reteyne and resume into your Hands and Pos∣session from the 21st Day of August last passed, all such Castles, Lordshipps, Honours, Manours, Londs, Tene∣ments, Rents, Services, Feefermes, Knights Fees, Advowsons, Annuitees, Yefts of Offices to yeve at your Plea∣sure Grantes of keeping Ideots, Faires, Markets, Hundred, Turnes, Views of Frankplegge, Leets, Yssues, Fines, A∣merciaments, Libertees, Fraunchises, Prorogatives, Escheates, Custumes, Reversions, Remainders and all other Hereditaments with their Appurten∣ances

whatsoever they be in England, Wales, Ireland, of Caleys or the Merches thereof, as the said most christen and blessed Prince King Henry the 6th, your Unkle had of Estate of Enheri∣tance, or any other to his Use had the 2d Day of October the 34th Year of his Reigne, or any tyme sith as par∣cell or in the Right and Title of the Crown of England of the Duchie of Lancastre, the Duchie of Cornwall, the Principalitie of Wales, and the Earl∣dome of Chester. Saving to every of your liege People such Right, Title and Interesse as they or any of them should have or might have had in, or of the Premisses or any Parcel thereof, other than by means of Lettres, Pa∣tentes of any King of this your Realm, or by Act of Parliament made after the said 2d Day. And over this be it en∣acted, ordeyned and stablished by the same Anctoritie that all Yefts, Graunts, Leases, Releases, Confirmations and Discharges of any Castels, Honours, Lordshipps, Manours, Lands, Tene∣ments, Rents, Services, Reversions, Annuites, Feefermes, Offices, Liber∣ties, Fraunchises or other Heredita∣ments and all Appropriations, Corpo∣rations,

Collations, Assignments and Graunts of any Debt or Summes of mo∣ny by Letters Patentes or Tailles as to any Payment only whereof the Days of Payment, have, or shall grow after the 21st Day of August last passed made by Richard the 3d, late in dede and not of right, King of Englond any tyme du∣ring his usurped Reigne under his great Seale of the Countie Palatine of Chester, or by Tailles to any persone or Persons or Body corporate; and also all Yefts and Grauntes by Authoritie of Parli∣ament or otherwyse, made by Edward the 4th late King of England, or by Ed∣ward his Son late called King Edward the 5th to any persone or persones be fro the said 21st Day of August adnul∣led, void and of no force ne effecte. And all Graunts made by the said Edward the 4th late King of, or touching the Earldome of Devonshire, or any Parcell thereof, be from the same 21st Day al∣so void and of no Force ne Effecte. Then comes,

A Saving for some special Grants made by Edward the 4th, and King Richard, as to Lands of the County Palatine of Lancaster, Chester, or of the Earldome of March. A Saving to Abbots, Abbes∣ses,

Priories in England or Wales, as to the Restitution of any of their Tempora∣lities. A Saving for License to incor∣porate or found any Chantery, &c. Then follows,

And over this be it inacted, ordey∣ned and stablished by the sayd Auct∣ority that all Graunts and Letters, Pa∣tentes of any Office made by our sayd Sovereign Lord, afore the 20th Day of January the 1st Year of our Reign to any persone or persons be from▪ hence forth void ne of no effecte.

A Saving for the great Officers and Others, as to their Employments and Wages.

A Saving for the Patents of the Peers, and their Creation-Money. And to Corporations, &c.

Then follow Ten Exceptions or Sa∣vings made by the House of Commons to the said Bill, and such of them▪ as are either general or particular, are much of the like Nature with the Savings in other Acts.

Resp.

As touching this Bill of Re∣sumption, the King's Highness hath well conceived and understood the same hath therefore by thadvise and assent of the Lords Spirituels and Temporels

and Commons in this present Parlia∣ment, and by thauctoritie of the same it accepted and agreed. So alway, that such Provisions and Exceptions as by his Highness, be, and shall be made and agreed, and during the Time of this present Parliament put in Writing, to, or upon the Premisses be good and effectual. The said Bill or Act, or any other the Premisses notwithstand∣ing. For the Equitie and rightwise Reward that the King entendeth to doe to every of his Subgietts, for his Merits which shall be to the Pleasure of God, and Honour of his Highness, and the Weale of all his Lond and Peo∣ple.

Then follow many particular Excep∣tions more in Number than in any other of the Acts, but under this frugal King we may suppose they are not such as would make the Act ineffectual.

Besides, in this Reign there pass'd several particular Acts of Resumption, for which we shall refer the Reader to the Records.

* 1.82 Anno 33. Hen. 7. An Act of Resum∣ption of the Offices or Places of Recei∣vers, Auditors, Customers, Collectors of Customs, Subsidies, Comptrollers, Search∣ers.

Surveyors and Places of other Offi∣cers, Accomptants to the King.

* 1.83 Anno 11. Hen. 7. An Act of Resum∣ption of divers Castles, Mannors, Lands and Tenements, which were formerly given by K. Edward the Third, and K. Richard the Second, to Edmond de Langley, Duke of York.

* 1.84 In the same Year an Act for making void all Grants made of the Mannor of Woodstock.

* 1.85 In the same Year an Act for making void divers Leases and Offices within the Principality of Wales, Dutchy of Cornwall, and Earldom of Chester.

Anno 6. Hen. 8. There pass'd ano∣ther Act of Resumption, which related only to resuming needless Offices and Pensions.

* 1.86 Prayen, and in most humble wise, beseeshing Your Heyghness, Your hum∣ble Subjects the Commons in this pre∣sent Parlement by your high Com∣mandement assembled, That where the most Christen Princes, King Henry the Sixth, King Edward the Fourth, and the most famous and renowned Prince of most worthy Memorie, King Henry the Seventh your Fader, whom God pardon, and other your noble Proge∣nitours,

have kept as honourable A∣states as well in their own Persons as in their Housholds, and other their Charges as well in defence of this Your Realm, as in defence of the Towns of Caleys, Guisnes, Hammes, Berwick, and the Marches of the same, and other Charges of this Your Realm of the onely Revenues thereof, as hath any King or Christen Prince in any oder Christen Region, not onely to the great Honour of the same, but also to the great ease, rest and quietness of the People of the same, which caused all other Lands and Realms to have this your Realm in great Renowne, Drede and Fear, and your said Proge∣nitours to be dradde of all outward Nations.

And so it is, most drade Sovereign Lord, that the Revenues of your Lands, and other Things late being in your Hands and Possessions be so great mynyshed, by reason of the Many fold Yifts, Graunts and Releases passed from your Highness since the begynyng of of your most noble Reigne hitherto, that the residue therof now remaining in your Hands and Possession in no wyse suffiseth, nor can suffise to bear

and susteyn your great Charges dayly increasen, as well by reason of your Wars now being in hand against your antient Enemies the Scots, as of your great Charges in keeping and defence of your City of Tournay, late by youre Grace victoriously Conquered, and which of very necessity must be main∣tained and born as accordeth to your Princely Astate and Honour of your Highuesse, and suerte of your humble Subjects, and of youre Realme.

In Consideration whereof yt may please your Highness, by thadvise of the Lords Spiritual and Temporall in this present Parliament assembled, and by Aucthority of the same, for the conservation and maintaining of youre most Royal Astate, and oder Charges above rehearsed, to the Pleasure of God, and for youre own Honour and Suerte; and also for the universal Wead, Ease, Rest and Suerte of this youre Realme and Land, and for the my∣nyshyng and lessening of the Charges and Burden of youre said poor Com∣mons and Subjects of the same, which your Grace oweth to preferr and spe∣cially regarde before the Favour of any particular Persons or earthly Things,

to take, seise, resume and have into your Hands, from the Feast of Easter next coming, all and singular those and such Annuitees Graunted to any Persone or Persones by your High∣ness, by your Letters Patents, not for exerciseing of any Office which be not ne at any time of the said Letters Pa∣tents made, were Rent-Service or Rent-Charge of any Estate of Enhe∣ritaunce in your Highnesse, and that all the sayd Letters Patents of all the same Annuitees, and every of them from the sayd Feast of Ester onely, touching the said Graunt of the same Annuitees be utterly void and of no effecte.

And also, that all Letters Patents, Grants and Bills signed by your High∣nesse, made to any Persone or Per∣sones, of any Office or Offices, or Rowme to be had after the Deth of any Patenteth the same Patentee be∣ing yet alive, and in Possession by Vertue of his Patent, or of the next Avoydance of any Avowsons of Churches, Benefices, Chauntreys, Ho∣spitals, Prebends, or of any Spiritual Benefices not executed, be from hence∣forth utterly void and of none effecte.

Then follow some other Regulations relating to Offices, Places and Pensions. After which there is a Saving for the Peers, as to their Creation-Money: And then for George, Earl of Shrewsbury, of, and for the Stewardship of Tutbury, Parcel of the Dutchy of Lancaster, &c. sign'd with the King's own Hand. Then follow Savings for several great Officers, and for the Queen.

And then comes a Provision for Of∣fices in the King's Lands, Castles and Mannors, &c. then follow some particu∣lar Savings, and those not many.

Resp. Le Roy le Veult.

So that this Prince, as Arbitrary as he was, gave way to this Resumption made in Parliament.

The Writer of these Papers (tho' it has prov'd a Matter of great Labour) has thought it best to set down the very Words of all these Acts of Re∣sumption, omitting the Savings, which in each Bill are very numerous; but to give the Reader Light into the Nature of these Exceptions, he did extract all the Savings that were brought into the first compleat Act, that pass'd up∣on this Subject, which was 28 Hen. 6.

And by those the Reader may judge of the Rest; for they which follow'd were much of the like Nature.

'Tis true, his Work will thereby seem tedious, but curious Persons may, perhaps, receive Satisfaction, to see the Sence of their Fore-fathers upon this Point. And we take it, that the Wis∣dom and Gravity with which these Acts are penn'd, and the Exactness and Care which the House of Commons from time to time show'd in this whole Transaction, will prove no unpleasant peice of History.

He has done impartially, and taken notice of what may make against, as well as for his present Argument, that the Reader may have the whole be∣fore him. And in this Transcript he has follow'd the best Copies of Records he could procure, such as have been sign'd and examin'd at the Tower, in which he believes there is no material Error, and that they are according to the Original Records, except in Ortho∣graphy, or spelling Words, wherein all Transcribers of Records mistake and differ with one another: But as to the French Records, both in this and the following Section, the Author has ex∣amin'd

them all at the Tower by the Rolls.

As to what was done upon Resum∣ptions before the Reign of Edward the Second, he has therein follow'd the best Ancient Writers of our English Hi∣story, whose Authority may be rely'd upon, because most of such as he has cited, wrote of Things done near, or in their own Times.

But for their Ease, who do not care to read much, and to help the Memory of others, he will recapitulate in a few Words the several Resumptions; after∣wards he will make some few Obser∣vations upon the Whole, and examine what Effect these Acts of Resumption produc'd, as to enlarging the Crown-Revenue, and then conclude this long Section.

1st, A Resumption was made by Wil∣liam Rufus.

2dly, A Resumption by Henry the First.

3dly, A Resumption agreed to by King Stephen.

4thly, A Resumption actually made by Henry the Second.

5thly, A Resumption by Richard the First.

6thly, A Resumption by Edward the Second.

7thly, Resumptions made by Richard the Second.

8thly, Resumptions made by Henry the Fourth, particularly of the Lands belonging to Windsor-Castle.

9thly, Three Resumptions made in the Reign of Henry the Sixth.

10thly, Four Resumptions made in the Reign of Edward the Fourth.

11thly, One general Act, and other particular Acts of Resumption in the Reign of Henry the Seventh.

12thly, An Act of Resumption of ••ivers Offices, Annuities, and other Things, in the Reign of Henry the Eighth.

Upon the whole Matter these Obser∣vations may be made.

1st, From the forecited Records, it appears, that the People of England have in no Age thought it reasonable, that the Crown-Revenue should be alie∣nated.

2dly, That not only under the Reigns of weak and unfortunate Princes, but when there has been upon the Throne martial and active Kings,

this Nation has all along insisted upon Resumptions.

3dly, It appears from the said Re∣cords, that very few of the said Re∣sumptions did look farther backward than the Reign of the present Prince.

4thly, That the People have been most provoked, when the Crown-Lands have been given away to Foreigners.

5thly, That the House of Commons in their Bills of Resumption made very few Savings, as to the Interests of Private Men.

6thly, That it appears from the said Records, that very small Things were look'd into, and that in the Three R••∣sumptions made by Henry the Sixth, it does not appear there were Savings for any large Grant.

7thly, That in some of their Bills the House of Commons insisted upon Penal∣ties, to be inflicted upon such as should procure Grants of the Crown-Revenue.

8thly, That by the Profusion of some Princes, the Crown-Revenue was re∣duc'd from Fifty Six Thousand Nine Hundred Sixty Six Pounds, to Five Thousand Pounds per Annum.

9thly, That Edward the Fourth invi∣ted his Parliament, in his Speech from

the Throne Anno 7. to make an Act of Resumption.

10thly, That in the many Acts made to this Purpose, every following Act was penn'd with stricter Clauses, and to reach more than the former did.

11thly, That the Act made the 28 H. 6. provides, that the Lands so resumed should be for the Expences of the King's Houshold.

12thly, That some of these Resumpti∣ons, as that of 3 and 4 of Edw. 4. extend∣ed not only to the Crown-Revenue, but also to what was the King's own Patri∣monially, namely, to his Dutchy of York, and Earldom of March. And that Anno 7▪ all was resumed, which belong'd to Ri∣chard, Duke of York, the King's Father, the 30th of December, Anno 39. Hen. 6. The ••ame 13 Edw. 4.

13thly, That in these Acts of Re∣sumption, the Sallaries and Wages are taken away of all superfluous Offices, which requir'd no Attendance and Exe∣cution, and which were newly erected.

14thly, That some of these Acts esta∣blish, that the Lands so resumed should continue in the Crown.

15thly, That it will appear to any who will look into the volumenous Savings and Exceptions which were brought in

by the King to the said Acts; that ma∣ny of the Grants in those Ages made for Lands or Pensions, were only for Term of Life or Term of Years, and to return to the Crown.

16thly, That in many of the Savings; as to the Interest of private Men, where there is something left, there is some∣thing resumed.

17thly, That most of these Acts not only resume the Crown-Lands, but re∣voke all unnecessary Pensions.

18thly, That the 33 Henry 6. re∣sumes the Land pass'd away from the Crown, even by Authority of Parlia∣ment.

19thly, That in all these Acts, ex∣cept 28 Henry 6. the Lands in Ireland are comprehended.

20thly, As every subsequent Act was more strictly penn'd than that which went before, so the Exceptions and Sa∣vings brought in by Edward the Fourth (Henry the Sixth were at last few and frugal) became every Time more mo∣derate than the other; so that in the End, both Prince and Parliament agre∣ed, that a Resumption was necessary, and would be greatly beneficial to the Kingdom.

But now as to the Effects which these Acts of Resumption produc'd; it appears manifestly, that they were put in Execution, and that the Savings and Exceptions were not such, as to defeat the Designs of the Parliament, which some People pretend to suggest; and 'tis likewise evident, that the Crown-Re∣venue was thereby very much increa∣sed.

For the Records plainly show, that the whole Income of the Crowne, An∣nis 28 and 29. Hen. 6. was reduc'd to Five Thousand Pounds per Annum. Ed∣ward the Fourth who succeeded, was an expensive Prince, Richard the Third his Brother a frugal Man indeed, but his Reign was too short to make any great Improvements in his Revenue; and yet we find Henry the Seventh his Successor, Master of more ready Money than ever any King of England was ei∣ther before, or since his Time.

This Prince had not many Aids from his People, * 1.87Sir Robert Cotton e∣numerates them: But one Aid upon Land, viz. Anno 19. Out of their Goods and Lands a Tenth; out of their Goods only thrice a Tenth; Five Fifteens, be∣sides a Tenth and Fifteenth, which a∣mounted to 120000 l. Three Subsides,

of which the last came to but 36000 l. One Benevolence. And of the Clergy twice the Tenth, and 25000 l. by way▪ of Subsidy; and yet Cotton says (for which he cites a good * 1.88Authority) That he left behind him in Bullion, Four Millions and a Half, besides his Plate and rich Attire of House. My Lord † 1.89Bacon, indeed, brings the Sum lower, and says it was near Eighteen Hundred Thou∣sand Pounds Sterling. But to reckon according to either of these Authors, the Sum was prodigious for those Times.

'Tis true, he had very extraordinary Ways of scraping up Money, such as Sale of Offices, Redemption of Penal∣ties, dispensing with the Laws, and the like; but all these together pro∣duc'd only * 1.90120000 l. per Annum. Be∣sides, Empson and Dudley, the Two Mi∣nisters of his Extortions, did not com∣mit their Rapines till towards the lat∣ter End of his Reign.

From whence we may reasonably conclude, that the Principal Foundati∣on of all this Wealth (join'd with his own Parsimony) must have been the Crown-Revenue, and that the former Acts of Resumption with that which was made in his own Reign (which

no doubt this frugal Prince took Care to see put in Execution) had reduced it to it's former State and Conditi∣on.

For had no more been left than 5000 l. per Annum, there would have been no matter for his Oeconomy to work up∣on; so that we may very well infer, that the fore-mentioned Resumptions had reliev'd the King's Affairs, and brought the Crown-Revenue once more into a flourishing Condition.

But Henry the Eighth not only spent the immense Sum left him by his Fa∣ther, but likewise a great Part of that Revenue which came to the Crown by seizing the Abby-Lands, which a∣mounted to * 1.91131607 l. 6 s. 4 d. per Ann. However, he who considers the Hist∣ory of those Times, and how much this Prince made himself the Arbiter of Europe, will find his Money was not so unprofitably spent as is vulgarly i∣magin'd. Besides, † 1.92great Sums were laid out on building and fortifying many Ports in the Channel, and other Parts of England, which were rais'd by the Sale of Abby-Lands.

But notwithstanding the expensive Temper of this Prince, he left his Suc∣cessors very sufficient and substantial

Landlords in England: For we found in Sir Robert Cotton's Library, in a * 1.93Book, part of which is of that learned Anti∣quary's own Hand writing, and to which King James the First has set his Name, James R. which Book contains very many curious Things: That the Revenue of the 12th of Elizabeth, be∣sides the Wards and Dutchy of La••c••∣ster amounted to 188197 l. 4 s. per An∣num.

The Writer of these Papers does not remember to have met with any Thing relating to Resumptions in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth; but the Reason why nothing of that Nature should be done in her Time, is very obvious; her Father had alienated from the Crown a great Part of the Abby-Lands, or exchang'd 'em for other Lands (as a Multitude of Acts pass'd to that Pur∣pose in his Reign Witness:) And it was a strong Security to the Protestant Religion and Interest, that those E∣states should remain in the Hands and Possessions of private Persons.

A Resumption was thought on in the Reign of King James the First, of which the forementioned Tracts of Sir Robert Cotton are a sufficient Evi∣dence: Besides, in the † 1.94Annals of

those Times, 'tis said to have been de∣bated in Council.

But in the Reign of King Charles the Second, a Resumption was again agita∣ted, for we find in the Journals of the House of Commons, Martis 22 Die, Maii, 1660.

A Bill for making void of Grants made since May 1642, of Titles of Honor, Mannors, Lands, Tene∣ments and Hereditaments, pass'd un∣der several great Seals by the late King Charles, or the King's Majesty that now is, or any other great Seal, was this Day read the second Time, and upon the Question, committed, &c.

And as a Mark that these Alienati∣ons of the Crown-Revenue were al∣ways distasteful to the People of Eng∣land; and to show that the House of Commons desir'd, that a new Prince should betimes know the Nation's Sence in this Matter, we shall produce the following Resolves of that Parliament which restor'd King Charles.

Martis 4 Die Sept. 1660.

Resolv'd, That this House doth agree with the Committee, That a Bill be brought in for Settling the Lands of the Crown, so as that no Grant of the Inheritance shall be good in Law, nor any Lease for more than Three Lives, or One

and Thirty Years, where a Third Part of the true yearly Value is reserv'd for a Rent, as it shall appear upon a Return of a Survey, which that Act is to take Order for, to be speedily had and taken, and that Mr. Sollicitor General, and Mr. Serjeant Glyn, do prepare and bring in a Bill accord∣ingly.

Resolv'd, That this House doth a∣gree with the Committee, That the King's Majesty be humbly desir'd from this House to forbear to make any Leases of the Lands, or other Grants of the Revenue of the Crown, till the said last mention'd Act be pass'd.

And the Reason why these good Re∣solutions took no Effect, is not at all dif∣ficult to discover. 'Tis to be fear'd that too many (we mean without Doors) in those corrupt Times, not only were con∣cern'd in the Grant already made, but likewise did design, as it prov'd after∣wards, to get for themselves what re∣main'd of the King's Lands.

And now for a full Answer to those who pretend Resumptions had never any Effect, we shall produce a State of the Crown-Revenue, as it lay before the House of Commons the same Year.

Martis die 4. Sept. 1660. 'Sir He∣neage Finch reports from the Com∣mittee, That according to the best In∣formation the Committee could receive, and by Estimate, the Revenue amount∣ted to 819398 l. per Annum, viz.

	l.
By Customs.—	400000.
By Composition for the Court of Wards.—	100000.
The Revenue of Farms and Rents.—	263598.
The Office of Postage.—	21500.
The Proceed of Dean Forest.—	4000.
The Imposition on the Sea-Coal exported.—	8000.
Wine-Licen••e, and other Ad∣ditions.—	22300.
Total	819398.

From which Accompt it appears, that notwithstanding the Profusion of Henry the Eighth, and the irregular Bounty of K. James the 1st. to his Scots; the Land-Revenue of the Crown, which Anno 28. Hen. 6. when the Parliament made the first formal and regular Resumption, was reduc'd to 5000 l. per Annum, came afterwards (with the Forest of Dean) to amount to 267598 l. per Annum.

Our Princes have seldom been known to purchase Lands. The Abby-Lands could not make this great Increase; be∣sides, 'tis notorious, K. Henry the Eighth either sold or gave away a great Part of the Church-Lands: From all which it must follow by undeniable Conse∣quence, that the fore-mention'd Acts of Resumption did restore the Crown-Re∣venue, consisting in Rents and Farms, to the State and Condition, wherein it was in the beginning of King Charles the Second's Reign.

And Lastly, For their Satisfaction, who pretend Resumptions are against the Fun∣damentals of our English Law, we shall produce the Opinion of a Venerable and Learned Lawyer in this Point; 'tis ta∣ken out of a Book, written by Sir John Fortescue, Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas, in the Reign of Henry the Sixth. The Manuscript is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford; 'tis intituled, Sir John For∣tescue's Treatise De Dominio Regali, and De Dominio Regali & Politico. But let the Author himself speak with his Old English Heart, as well as in his Old Eng∣lish Words.

CHAP. XI. Hereafter ys schewyd what of the Kyng's Lyvelood geven away, may best be takyn ageyne.

* 2.1—The Kyng, our Souve∣raign Lord, had by times sethen he Reyned upon us Lyvelood, in Lord∣shipps, Londs, Tenements and Rents nere hand to the Value of the 5th Part of his Realme, above the Possessions of the Chirche; by whiche Lyvelood if it had abydyn still in his Hands, he had been more mighty of good Re∣venues, than any of the sayd Two Kyngs [sc. the Kyng of France or the Sowdan of Babylon] or any Kyng that now reyneth upon Cristen Men. But this was not possible to have done, for to sum parte thereof the Heyres of them that sum time owyd it be re∣stored, sum by reason of Taylys, sum by reason of other Tytles, which the Kyng hath considered, and thought them good and reasonable. And sum of the same Lyvelood hys good Grace hath gyven to such as hath servyd him so notably, that as their Renown will be eternal, so it befetteth the Kyngs Magnificence to make their Rewards everlasting in their Heyres to his Ho∣nour,

and their perpetual Memory. And also the Kyng hath gyven parte of Lyvelood to his most honourable Brethren, which not onley have servid hym in the manner aforesaid, but byn also so nygh in Blode to his Highnesse, that it befet not his Magnificence to have done otherwise. Neverthelesse some Men have done hym Service for which it is reasonable that his Grace had rewardyd them, and for lack of Mo∣ney the Kyng than rewarded them with Lond: And to sum Men he hath done yn likewise above their Demerits thorow Importunite of their Sewtes. And yt is supposyd that to some of them is gyven a C l. worth Lond yere∣ly, that would have hould him con∣tent with CC l. in Money if they might have had it in hande; wherefore yt is thought yf such Giftes and namely those which have byn made inconsy∣derately, or above the Merits of then that have them, ware reformyd, and they rewardyd with Money or Offi∣ces or somewhat Lyvelood for terme of Life which after their Deths wold then return to the Crown, the Kyng schuld have such Lyvelood as we now seke for sufficient for the Maintenance of his Estate. And yf yt would not

then be so grete, I hold yt for un∣doubtyd that the People of this Lond wol be wyllyng to graunte hym a Snb∣sidye upon such Commodities of his Realm as be before specifyd as schal accomplish that which schal lack him of such Lyvelood. So that his High∣nesse wol wel establish the same Lyve∣lood then remaynyng to abide perpetu∣ally to his Crown without translatyng therof to any other Use. For when that schal happyn hereafter to be given hytte schal nede that his Commons be chargyd with a newe Subsidye and be alwaye kepte in Povertie.

Hereafter ys schewyd why yt needeth that there be a Resumption.

We found by grete Causys yt was nede∣full, that all such Gyftes as have ben made of the Kynges Lyvelood inconsyderately as not deservyd, or above the Merites of them that hath getyn them were re∣formyd, so that they which have done Service be not over rewardyd, which thyng as me thynketh may not perfitly be done without a general Resumption made by Act of Parlement. And that ther be gevyn the Kynge by the Au∣ctorite of the same Parlement, a grete

Subsidye with which his Highness with the Advice of his Counceil, may re∣ward those that have deservyd rewards, and ought not therefore to have parte of his Revenues, by which his Estate must nedes be mainteyned, or ought not to have so much of the Revenues as they have now, or not so grete Estate in the same. Consyderyng that all such ge∣ving away of the Kynges Lyvelood is harmfull to all his Leige Men, which schal therbye, as is before schewyd be artyd to a new Charge for the Susten∣tation of his Estate. But yet or any such Resumption be made yt schal be good, that an honorable and notable Counceil be establyshyd, by the advyse of which, all new Gyftes and Rewards may be moderyd and made, as yf no such Gyftes or Rewards had ben made before this time. Provyded alway, that no Man be harmyd by reason of such Resumption in the Arrearages o•• such Lyvelood as he schal then have, which schold ron after the Resumpti∣on, and before the sayd new Gyftes and Rewards. And when such a Counceil is fully create and establyshyd, hyt schal be good that all Supplications which schal be made to the Kynge for any Gyfte or Reward be sent to the

same Counceil and ther debatyd and delibered. First, whither the Suppli∣ant have deservyd such Reward as he askyth, and yf he have deservyd yt, yet yt nedeth, that yt be delibered whether the Kynge may gyve such Rewards as he asketh of his Revenues, savyng to hymself sufficient for the Su∣stenaunce of his Estate, or else such ge∣vyng war no Vertue, but rather a Spice of Prodigality, and as for so much it war delapidation of his Crown. Wher∣for no private Person wol by reason of liberalite, or of reward, so abate his own Lyvelood, as he may not kepe such Estate as he did before. And truly it war better that a private Per∣son lackyd his Reward, which he hath wel deservyd, than that by his Reward the good Publicke and also the Lond were hurt; Wherfor to eschewe these two Harmes, hyt may than be advysyd by the Counceil how such a person may be rewardyd with Office, Money, Marriage, Fraunchise, Privilege, or such other thyng, of which the Crown hath grete Rychesse; and veryly if thys Order be kepte, the Kynge schal not be be grevyd by importunyte of Sewters, nor they schal by importunyte or bro∣cage optain any unreasonable desires.

O what myghty quiet schal growe to the Kynge by this Order, and in what rest schal al hys People lyve, havyng no Colour of grutchyng with such as schal be about hys Person: As they were wont to have for the gyvyng away of his Londs, and for miscounceiling hym in many other Causis, nor of murmour ageyn the Kyngs Person for the misgo∣verning of his Realm.

The first Regular Resumption ha∣ving been made in the Reign of Henry the Sixth, it seems by this Paper, which contains the Scheme of a Resumption, that the Act for resuming Grants, &c. pass'd 28 Hen. 6. was modell'd by this able Lawyer, who was made Lord Chief Justice of the Common-Pleas 20 Hen. 6. and who we find to have been Chief Justice of the King's-Bench the * 2.228th Year of the same Reign.

At the End of the Manuscript, out of which this was transcribed, is this Note:

Explicit Liber compilatus & factus per Johannem Fortescue Militem quondam ca∣pitalem Justitiarium Angliae, & hic Scrip∣tus Manu propria mei Adriani Fortescue Militis, 1532.

Our Ancestors did not only take Care to help the Princes Affairs by Acts of Re∣sumption, but they likewise reliev'd him

when he had been over-reach'd or decei∣v'd in Releases, or what we now call Pri∣vy▪Seals; having an Eye that such as were Debtors or Accomptants to the King should not be discharg'd without making a fair and just Accompt; whereof we shall produce a President, with which we shall close this Section.

* 2.3 Rex Thesaurario & Baronibus suis de scac∣••ario Salutem. Cum Praelati Comitos & Barones ad ordinandum de Statu Hospitii & Regni nostri nuper virtute Commissionis nostrae inde factae Elerti inter caeter as ordina∣tiones per ipsos factas & per nos approbatas Ordinaverint quod 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Donationes per nos factae ad Damnum nostrum & detri∣mentum Coronae, nostrae de terris Tenementis redditibus Custodiis & Maritagiis, ac etiam pardonationes & remissiones debitorum post 16. Diem Martii An. Regni nostri Tertio quibuscunque personis revocentur, & quod terrae tenementa redditus Custodiae & marita∣gia praedicta in Manum nostrum resumantur, & quod debita illa non obstantibus pardonitio∣nibus & remissionibus praedictis leventur ad opus nostrum: Vobis mandamus quod scru∣tatis Rotulis & Memorandis dicti Scaccarii de hujusmodi Donationibus Concessionibus & pardonationibus post praedictum 16. Diem Martii In dicto Scaccario factis & inspecta quadam Schedula quam vobis super hoc mit∣timus

sub pede sigilli nostri omnia debita in praedictis rotulis memorandis & Schedula con∣tenta & per vos post praedictum 16. Diem Martii pardonata & remissa levari faciatis ad opus nostrum non obstantibus pardonationi∣bus & remissionibus praedictis aut allocationi∣bus ad dictum Scaccarium inde factis & d•• Exitibus de terris & Tenementis Custodii•• & Maritagiis praedictis provenientibus nobis ad dictum Scaccarium faciatis responderi Testa Rege apud Westm. 15 Die Martii.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Grotius Prolegom. in Hist. Goth. Vand. &c.
• * 1.2

  Vid. She∣ringham Discept. de Orig. Gen∣tis Angl.
• * 1.3

  Groti. Prolegom. in Hist. Goth. Vand. & Longo∣bard.
• † 1.4

  Cujacius ••eud. l. 1. Tit. 1.
• * 1.5

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 Lamprid. in Sever.
• * 1.6

  Guicciard. L. 2. & 4.
• * 1.7

  Baudier l' Aminist. du Card. Ximen. Cap. 3.
• † 1.8

  Mezeray vie de Chilp.
• * 1.9

  Vie de Clotaire.
• * 1.10

  Vide Domes-day Book.
• * 1.11

  Fol. 523
• * 1.12

  * Jerv. Tilb. Dial. de Scacc.
• * 1.13

  * Cotton. Post. pa. 179.
• * 1.14

  Dan. p. 44.
• * 1.15

  Will. Malms. p. 122.
• * 1.16

  Ord. Vit. Fol. 822.
• * 1.17

  Will. Malms. Hist. Nov. pa. 180.
• * 1.18

  ibid.
• * 1.19

  M. Par. p. 86.
• * 1.20

  Chronicon Johannis Brompton Col. 1046.
• * 1.21

  * Gerva. Chron. Col. 1377.
• * 1.22

  M. Par. p. 92.
• * 1.23

  M. Par. 152.
• † 1.24

  Hoved. p. 658.
• * 1.25

  Dan. p. 105.
• * 1.26

  Graft. Chron. p. 90.
• * 1.27

  Hen. de Knyghton. Col. 2408. N^o. 40.
• * 1.28

  * Chron. Johan. Brompt. Col. 1259. N^o. 10.
• * 1.29

  Ro. Ho∣vedon, pa. 767, 768.
• * 1.30

  M. Paris. p. 244.
• * 1.31

  Knyghton Col. 2429. N^o. 40.
• * 1.32

  M. Paris p. 376.
• * 1.33

  * Ibid. p. 386.
• * 1.34

  Ibid. p. 733. 747.
• * 1.35

  Ibid. p. 850.
• * 1.36

  * M. Par. p. 859.
• * 1.37

  Ibid p. 973.
• † 1.38

  Knyghton Col. 2445. N^o 40.
• ‖ 1.39

  M. Par. 973.
• * 1.40

  Knyghton Col. 2445. N^o 10.
• * 1.41

  Vide Dan. p. 160, Mat. West. p. 414. N^o 10, and Knyghton Col. 2466.
• * 1.42

  Rot. Ord. 5 Edw. II. N^o. 3.
• * 1.43

  Ibed N^o 7.
• * 1.44

  Great Statute Roll from H. III. to 21 Ed. III M. 31. Bibli. Cott. Claud.
• * 1.45

  Rot. Parl. 1 Ri. II. N^o. 48.
• * 1.46

  Rot. Par. 3 Rich. II. N^o. 12.
• * 1.47

  Rot Par. 5 Ri. II. P. 1. N^o. 74.
• * 1.48

  Rot. Par. 6 Ri. II. N^o 42.
• † 1.49

  Rot. Par. 9 Ri. II. N^•. 42.
• * 1.50

  Rot. Par. II Ri. II. P. 1. N^•. 24
• * 1.51

  Rot. Par. 1 Hen. IV. N••. 100.
• * 1.52

  Rot. Par. 5 Hen. 4. N^•. 10.
• * 1.53

  * Resp.
• * 1.54

  Rot. Par. 5 Hen. IV. N^•. 22. versus Fi∣nem.
• * 1.55

  Resp.
• * 1.56

  Rot. Par. 6 Hen. IV. N^•. 14.
• * 1.57

  〈◊〉〈◊〉 N•• ••••.
• * 1.58

  Ibid N^•. 17.
• * 1.59

  Ibid. N^o 20.
• * 1.60

  Vid. Rot. Par. 8 Hen. IV. N^•. 62.
• * 1.61

  Rot. Parl. 6 Hen. IV. N. 21.
• * 1.62

  Ibid. N. 22.
• * 1.63

  Ibid. N. 23. ••
• * 1.64

  * Rot. Par. 7. &. 8. H. IV. N^o 15.
• * 1.65

  Ibid 29.
• * 1.66

  Rot. Parl. 11 Hen. IV. N^o. 23.
• * 1.67

  Rot. Par. 1 Hen. V. N^•. 40.
• * 1.68

  Cot. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 p. 156.
• * 1.69

  * Rot. Parl. 1 Hen. V. N^o. 12.
• * 1.70

  Rot. Parl. 28 Hen. VI. N^o 53.
• * 1.71

  Rot. Parl. 29 H. 6. N^o 17.
• * 1.72

  Rot. Parl. 33 H. 6. No 47.
• * 1.73

  Rot. Parl. 1 Edw. 4. N^o 11.
• * 1.74

  3 & 4 Ed. 4 Rot. Parl. N^o 39.
• * 1.75

  Ibid. N. 40
• * 1.76

  7 Edw. 4. Rot. Parl. N. 7.
• * 1.77

  Ibid. N. 8.
• * 1.78

  7 Edw. 4. Rot. Parl. N. 15.
• * 1.79

  13 Edw. 4. Rot. Parl. N. 6.
• * 1.80

  Ibid. N. 7.
• * 1.81

  Rot. Parl. 1 Hen. 7. p. 2.
• * 1.82

  Rot. Parl. 3 Hen. 7. N. 35.
• * 1.83

  Rot. Parl. 11 Hen. 7. N. 2.
• * 1.84

  Rot. ibid. N. 4.
• * 1.85

  Ibid. N. 6.
• * 1.86

  Rot. Parl. 6 Hen. 8. N. 8.
• * 1.87

  Answer to the Reasons for Fo∣reign Wars▪ ••. 51
• * 1.88

  Lib. Ac∣quit. int. Regem & Dudley,. R. C.
• † 1.89

  Life of Hen. 7. p. 230.
• * 1.90

  Answer to the Reasons, &c. p. 52.
• * 1.91

  Hist. of the Re∣form. Part 2. p. 268.
• † 1.92

  Ibid. p. 269.
• * 1.93

  Cleopa∣tra, F. 6. Fol. 51.
• † 1.94

  Annals of King Jam. p. 10.
• * 2.1

  Bib. Bodl. Digh. 145
• * 2.2

  Rot. Parl. 28 Hen. 6.
• * 2.3

  Rot. Claus. 8 Edw. 2. M. 11.