May I be allowed to suggest another Query as to the value of the aforesaid dignity of knighthood, since Lord Herbert and Lord Powis accepted it with men of plainer name and "lesser note." I should feel obliged to any of your correspondents for information on this point.
H. W. S. T.
Southampton.
Footnote 6:[(return)]
English Baronets, vol. ii. p. 546. ed. 1727.
PROCLAMATIONS TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF COAL.
(Vol. v., p. 513.)
I have recently, for a definite purpose, searched for facts relative to the introduction of coal into domestic use, but I have not met with the case referred to by Dr. Bachhoffner. So harsh a measure appears somewhat inconsistent with other facts connected with the early history of coal. For instance, a grant, dated 7th May, in the 34th of Edward I. tolerates the introduction of sea-coal into London, but levies a toll of sixpence upon every ship-load passing London Bridge: "De qualibet navata carbonis maris venal. sex denarios" (Hearne's Liber Niger Scaccarii: Lond. 1774, 8vo. p. 480.), which toll was to be applied to the maintenance of the said bridge. A few months after this, in 1306, was issued the proclamation prohibiting its use; and on its being disregarded, was, as stated by Prynne, followed by a Commission of Oyer and Terminer in the year 1307, a short time before the death of Edward I. It is pretty evident that on the accession of Edward II. a great change occurred in the opinion of the authorities respecting the use of coal; for in the year 1308 fifty pounds (equal probably to 800l. of our money) were paid from the Exchequer to provide wood and coal for the king's coronation. (Issue Roll, Excheq., 1 Edw. II.) This sum was paid to John Fairhod, Thomas de Hales, Thomas Wastel, Roger le White, and John de Talworth. We cannot tell the quantity of coal used on that occasion; but, in addition to the above sum we find Richard del Hurst of London petitioning Parliament for the payment of ten
shillings to him for sea-coal supplied at the king's coronation. (Rot. Parl., 15 and 16 Edw. II., vol. i. p. 405.) Many facts might be given to show that coal was frequently used in London during the reign of Edward II.; and unless we are to infer that the king used without hesitation that which was denied to the citizens on pain of death, we cannot suppose that any such stringent measure was in force as to render the use of coal a capital offence. The period, therefore, in which the case referred to by Dr. Bachhoffner occurred, was most probably during the last few months of the reign of Edw. I. But I am not acquainted with any record of the case, and, with Mr. Wilson, should feel obliged if any of your correspondents can refer me to it. But perhaps the Doctor himself will kindly answer the Query.