[13] At various times, from the thirteenth to the first quarter of the sixteenth century, the phrases, ‘of Westminster,’ ‘of the Tower,’ and ‘of Greenwich,’ were successively equivalent to the later ‘H.M.S.’ The meaning, here, is that there were 150 vessels fit for use as men-of-war.
[14] Ancient Petitions, 5477 (R.O.) ‘A tsnobles et tssages seigneurs diceste present parlement supplient tres humblement toutz les possessoures des niefs dedens ceste roialme q come en le temps du noble Roi Edward et ces predecessours q a chescun fois qaunt ascun nief furent ordeigne de faire ascun viage q le possessour de tiel nief prendrent del ton-tight 40d en le quart par regard damender la nief a lappaill dicell et la quart part del prise par eux fait sur la mer par quelle regard la naveie diceste roialme alors fust bien mayntene et governe si q a icelle temps furent tondez prestz dens la roialme 150 niefs del Toure et puis la deces du noble roi Edward en le temps de Richard nadgaiez roi Dengleterre le dit regard eston demenise jesqs 11s le ton-tight et cci estee tsmalement paie si q les possessours des tielx niefs mount ils null volunte de sustener et mayntener lour niefs mais ils onct lesses giser desolat pur quel cause la navie diceste roialme est ency dimennise et empeire q ne soienct en tout la roialme outre 25 niefs del Tour.’
[15] Le Compte du Clos des Galées, 1382-4. Soc. de l’histoire de Normandie, Mèlanges, Ser. II, Rouen 1893.
[16] 5 Rich. II, c. 3.
[17] In view of the difficulty owners of impressed ships experienced in obtaining payment it may be suggested that it was possibly due to the influence of that class that it was bestowed for a specifically named purpose; if so, the hope of obtaining prompter settlement was not realised.
[18] For proofs that notwithstanding wars, taxation, feudal rights, and every other drawback, the towns, as a whole, were steadily growing in wealth, see Mrs J. R. Green’s, Town Life in the Fifteenth Century.
[19] There was a contemptuous Continental saying, ‘We buy the foxskins from the English for a groat, and resell them the foxes’ tails for a guilder,’ which is expressive enough.
[20] Exch. Accts. (Q.R.), Bdle. 49, No. 29, and Roll of Foreign Accounts, No. 8. The tonnage of the Grace Dieu is only mentioned twice, and, in one of those two mentions, is given as 1400. This must be a mistake on the part of the Treasury clerk. The 1000 tons of the Jesus of the Tower seems very suspicious, but as in nearly every instance, the tonnage is only once given there is no opportunity for collation.
[21] Rebuilt.
[22] With the exception of the Agase taken in Southampton water; a French fleet having visited the English coast in May, before the Duke was ready for sea.