[633] To what extent England had been depopulated by the wars with France, may be seen from the fact noticed in the Act 9 Henry V. Stat. 1-5, that the sheriffs were to remain in office, instead of being changed annually, because a sufficient number of persons duly qualified for the office could not be found.
[634] Fœdera, xi. p. 258.
[635] Ibid. xi. pp. 226-27.
[636] Fœdera, xi. p. 277.
[637] See interesting details of William Canynge (the ancestor of George Canning), in “Illustrations of the History of Bristol,” p. 280, 1853, by S. Lucas, M.A., the first editor of “Once a Week.” Canynge’s grandfather was mayor of Bristol six times, his father twice, and himself five times.
[638] Act 3 Edward IV. c. i.
[639] Act 3 Edw. IV. c. 4.
[640] Fœdera, xi. p. 567.
[641] Ibid. xi. pp. 534-569, 572, 583.
[642] Fœdera, xi. p. 591. It is clear, also, from several notices in the “Fœdera,” that Edward IV. was himself a considerable owner of merchant vessels.