The Autobiography of Phineas Pett

APPENDICES

I
Grant to Phineas Pett. 26th April 1604

(In Latin)

[Pat. Roll 1646]

The King[608] to all to whom etc. greeting. Whereas our dearest Sister Elizabeth late deceased Queen of England by her letters patent under the great seal of England bearing date at Westminster the twenty-third day of January in the twenty-sixth year[609] of her reign gave and granted for herself her heirs and successors unto Mathew Baker and John Addey Shipwrights and to the longer liver of either of them among other[610] things a certain annuity or annual rent of twelve pence sterling a day: to have and to receive yearly the said annuity or annual rent of twelve pence sterling a day to the aforesaid Matthew Baker and John Addey and their assigns and to the longer liver of either of them from the Feast of the Nativity of the Lord then last past before the date of the same letters patent during the natural life of the same Mathew Baker and John Addey and the longer liver of either of them from her Treasury and that of her heirs and successors at the Receipt of the Exchequer at Westminster of herself her heirs and successors at the hands of the Treasurer and Chamberlain of her her heirs and successors there for the time in being at the four terms of the year namely at the Feast of the Annunciation of the B.V. Mary of St. John the Baptist of St. Michael the Archangel and of the Nativity of the Lord in equal portions. And whereas also our same dearest Sister Elizabeth by other letters patent under the great seal of England bearing date at Westminster the twenty-ninth day of July in the thirty-second year of her reign[611] gave and granted for herself her heirs and successors to Joseph Pett Shipwright another annuity or annual fee of twelve pence a day of lawful money of England; to have hold and receive unto the same Joseph Pett and his assigns during the natural life of the same Joseph Pett from the Treasury of her her heirs and successors at the Receipt of the Exchequer at Westminster by the hands of the Treasurer and Chamberlain there and from time to time existing, as by the several said letters patent more plainly doth appear. Which said Mathew Baker and John Addey and Joseph Pett to this day remain alive and to this present have and enjoy the said several annuities by virtue of the several letters patent aforesaid. Know ye that we of our special grace and sure knowledge and mere motion also in consideration of the good true and faithful service to us done and hereafter to be done by our beloved and faithful subject Phineas Pett now serving our dearest son Henry Prince of Wales both in the building of the ships of us our heirs and successors and in his attendance on our marine affairs and causes have given and granted and by these presents for ourself our heirs and successors do give and grant to the same Phineas Pett that annuity or annual fee of twelve pence sterling a day of good and lawful money of England out of the two above named annuities whichever first after the date of these presents by death resignation surrender or composition of any one of the aforesaid Mathew Baker and John Addey and Joseph Pett or in any other manner shall have become vacant or determined or shall hereafter become vacant or cease. To have hold enjoy and receive the said annuity or annual fee of twelve pence a day as is in manner aforesaid vacated or determined or shall hereafter determine to the aforesaid Phineas Pett or his assigns for the term of the natural life of the same Phineas immediately from the time at which either of those annuities shall first become vacant or determine as aforesaid from the Treasury of us our heirs and successors at the Receipt of our Exchequer at Westminster by the hands of the Treasurers and Chamberlains of us our heirs and successors there from time to time in being at the four terms of the year namely at the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel the Nativity of the Lord the Annunciation of the B.V. Mary and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist in equal portions to the aforesaid Phineas Pett or his assigns during the natural life of the same Phineas Pett annually to be paid the first payment thereupon commencing at that feast of the aforesaid feasts which first and nearest shall fall after one of the two separate aforesaid annuities of twelve pence a day shall become vacant or determined in the mode and fashion above specified. Although express mention etc. In witness etc. Witness the King[612] at Westminster the 26th day of April.

By writ of Privy Seal.

FOOTNOTES:

[608] In the enrolment this is given simply as 'Rex'; in the original the commencement would be 'Jacobus Dei Gratia,' etc.

[609] 23 Jan. 1584.

[610] I.e. the office of Master Shipwright with its emoluments.

[611] 29 July 1590.

[612] In the original this would be 'meipso'; myself.

II
Petition of Shipwrights for Incorporation (?) 1578

(No signatures or date)

[S.P. Dom., Eliz., ccxxvii. 63]

To the right honourable the Lords of her Majesty's most honourable Privy Council.

In most humble and reverent wise do complain unto your honours as well the M^r. Shipwrights of her Majesty's Ships, as also all other of the same art, that take charge over any of that faculty, be it in ships, boats, barges, or any such like vessels, both appertaining to her Majesty or her Highness' subjects, specially within the liberty of the Thames and other places near adjoining to the same. In the which place, as all kind of vessels are greatly increased, so are the artificers likewise augmented, only in number, but less in skill, whereby such as do use them are not only deceived but also the work greatly endangered. Besides their manners are mutinous even in her Majesty's service, and their exactions intolerable amongst her Majesty's subjects. These and many other enormities, which daily increase to the great grief of many her Majesty's good and honest subjects, may bring the art to a ruinous state.

In tender consideration of the premises we humbly pray your Honours to be a mean unto her Highness that a Corporation may be granted in such reasonable form as her Majesty's learned Council shall allow of, and be thought meet for us; whereby her Majesty in her own Navy shall be more safely and dutifully served, the whole State through the Realm better furnished, and we daily bound to pray to Almighty God both for her Majesty and your Honours' most happy and prosperous estate.

III
Charter to Shipwrights, 22nd April 1605.

[Pat. Roll. 1684]

[Parts in italics abbreviated to save space]

James &c. To all to whom these presents shall come greeting. Whereas we are credibly informed as well by our right trusty and well-beloved cousin and councillor Charles Earl of Nottingham, High Admiral of England and Captain General of our Navy Royal as also by our principal officers of our said Navy how slenderly and deceitfully as well our own ships and barges as also other ships boats pinnaces and like vessels of our merchants and other our subjects used in continual service and traffic are made and wrought to the great loss danger and prejudice of us and our said subjects and also of the great and wasteful charge and expense which we do from time to time bear and sustain in building and repairing our own ships and pinnaces which are and have been the chiefest and greatest defence of this our Realm from the assaults of such enemies as have practised the overthrow of the same. We weighing the manifold dangers losses and hindrances which may and are likely more and more to ensue thereof if speedy remedy be not therefore had and provided, and to the end that the fittest and ablest shipwrights and workmen may from time to time as cause shall require be made known unto our principal officers of our Navy and to be employed for wages for the building repairing and making of our own ships and pinnaces as also may have the oversight of all such other workmen as shall from time to time be employed or shall intermeddle in building of other ships pinnaces or vessels for other our merchants and subjects for the further more better and continual service of us our Realm and subjects. Know ye therefore that we intending to provide for the better strengthening of this our Realm with shipping for the defence and service thereof and to the intent that as well our self as also our merchants and other our subjects may from time to time hereafter be furnished stored and supplied with skilful shipwrights and workmen of that kind to work upon our Navy and other ships and vessels for the better suppressing of deceits and other abuses which may hereafter be practised by divers persons which shall take upon them without sufficient skill and knowledge to make or repair ships pinnaces and other vessels to the great danger and hindrance as well of our self as of divers other our loving subjects, of our special grace certain knowledge and mere motion have given granted constituted and ordained and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do grant constitute and ordain that all and every person and persons being shipwrights or carpenters using the Art or Mystery of building and making of ships within this our Realm of England and Dominion of Wales shall be from henceforth forever one body corporate and body politic in matter deed and name by the name of Master, Wardens and Commonalty of the Art or Mystery of Shipwrights of England.... [To be] one Master and four Wardens and twelve Assistants ... do assign name ordain and constitute our well-beloved subject Mathew Baker our servant and ancientest Master Shipwright to be the first Master ... Joseph Pett and William Bright two other of our Master Shipwrights, Edward Stephens of Limehouse and Nicholas Symonson of Ratcliffe in the county of Middlesex Shipwrights to be the first four Wardens.... John Adye of Deptford in our county of Kent, Phineas Pett of Chatham in our county of Kent, John Apslyn of our said town and county, Peter Pett of Wapping in our county of Middlesex, Nicholas Cley of Redriff in our county of Surrey, Thomas Cole of Woodbridge in our county of Suffolk, Robert Wilkinson of Ipswich in our county of Suffolk, James Russell of Southwark in our said county of Surrey, John Head of our City of Bristol, Esau Whitehead of our town of Southampton in our county of Southampton, Thomas Dymocke of Horsey Downe[613] in our said county of Surrey and Thomas Pryme of Yarmouth in our county of Norfolk, Shipwrights, to be the first and present twelve Assistants....

[Power to hold and dispose of real property; to plead and defend in any Court; to have a common seal.]

[To meet in a] convenient house or hall for their use to be by them provided within the City of London or Suburbs[614] of the same or within five miles of the said City ... Nicholas Rabye Gent. to be the first and present Clerk....

[Power to meet in their hall and] to entreat consult determine constitute ordain and make any Constitutions Statutes Laws Ordinances Articles and Orders whatsoever ... touching or concerning the good estate rule order and good government of the said Master Wardens and Commonalty ... and in what Order and manner the said Master Wardens and Commonalty ... and all other person and persons using the said art or mystery within this Realm of England or Dominion of Wales shall demean and behave themselves [with power to punish offenders.... Power to] view search and survey all and every the Works and Workmanship of all and every person or persons whatsoever making working or building or which hereafter shall make work or build any manner of ships, pinnaces or other vessels and all manner of timber and wood appointed provided and fitted for the building of ships ... [Ships found to be] falsely and deceitfully and untruly made wrought and builded [timber, wood, &c. to be put in safe custody and complaint made to Justices of Peace.... Power to] buy and provide in any the places beyond the seas all such timber planks masts deals spars and wood and also all pitch, tar, rosin and oil as they shall think necessary and convenient for the building or repairing of ships pinnaces or other vessels [and bring same to England or Wales on payment of custom and other duties. Since the Master Wardens and Commonalty] are to be as occasion shall be offered employed and attendant upon the Navigation of Us [etc., the said Master Wardens and Commonalty shall not] be enforced put placed or impannelled in or upon any Assises Juries Inquests or Attaints whatsoever [nor] be pressed or enforced to serve ... as land soldiers....

[Power to elect Beadles to gather fines penalties &c. and distrain. Power to hold land, tithes &c.]

Witness ourself at Westminster the two and twentieth day of April.

By writ of Privy Seal.

FOOTNOTES:

[613] Horsleydown, below the Tower, on the opposite shore.

[614] MS. 'Subberbes.'

IV
Charter to Shipwrights, 6th May 1612

[Pat. Roll 1951]

[The first nineteen lines as in the Charter of 1605.]

... if speedy remedy be not therefore had and provided, and intending to provide for the strengthening of these our Kingdoms and Dominions with sufficient shipping for defence and service thereof, and to the intent that as well ourself might from time to time be furnished stored and supplied with the fittest and ablest shipwrights and workmen for the building making and repairing of our own ships pinnaces and other vessels as also that our merchants and other our subjects might also in their works and buildings from time to time be stored and supplied with skilful and sufficient shipwrights and workmen, and for the better suppressing of deceits and abuses of divers persons which should take upon them without sufficient skill and knowledge to make or repair any ships boats pinnaces or other vessels, to the great danger and hindrance as well of ourself as of divers other our loving subjects, We did by our letters patent under the great seal of England bearing date the two and twentieth day of April in the years of our reign of England France and Ireland the third and of Scotland the eight and thirtieth incorporate the Company of Shipwrights and the persons being shipwrights or carpenters using the art or mystery of building and making of ships within our realm of England and Dominion of Wales by the name of Master Wardens and Commonalty of the art or mystery of Shipwrights of England, and did grant unto them by our said charter or letters patent divers privileges liberties and immunities mentioned and contained in the said letters patent tending to the reformation of the said abuses and deceits. And whereas divers defects and imperfections have been since by experience found to be in the said charter as well in the extent thereof to what persons it should extend as also in the want of sufficient authority and means to govern and order the said corporation and the men and members thereof and the affairs of the same and the shipwrights workmen apprentices and servants using the said art and for want of power and means to reform prevent order and correct many contempts misdemeanours deceits and offences in the said art or mystery and the matters and things thereunto appertaining and to punish stubborn obstinate and disobedient persons of that profession, whereby great and manifold errors deceits and inconveniences are still practised and continued to the great hindrance of the navigation of this Kingdom the often loss and hazard of men's lives and goods and the special prejudice of our own service and the Commonwealth, know ye that we for reformation amendment and supply of the defects and imperfections aforesaid and for redress of the said great and manifold errors enormities deceits and inconveniences, at the humble petition of the said Master Wardens and Commonalty, and for the great desire we have that good and convenient laws orders and ordinances should be established and used in and about the said Corporation and Company and the said art and mystery, and for the advancement of the good estate of the shipping and navigation of this Kingdom to the good service both of ourself and the Commonwealth, have of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion granted constituted and ordained, and by these presents for us our heirs and successors do grant constitute and ordain, that all and every person and persons being shipwrights caulkers or ship-carpenters or in any sort using exercising practising or professing the art trade skill or mystery of building making trimming dressing graving launching winding drawing stocking or repairing of ships carvels hoys pinnaces crayers ketches lighters boats barges wherries or any other vessel or vessels whatsoever used for navigation fishing or transportation within or about our realm of England and Dominion of Wales or of making trimming or repairing of masts tops pullies pumps for ships oars or any other instruments or appurtenances of wood thereunto belonging or any other carpentry work whatsoever belonging to or used occupied or employed in or about any ships pinnaces or other vessel or vessels above mentioned or in any sort appertaining to shipping sailing rowing stocking launching or navigation shall from henceforth for ever be and shall be taken and accompted to be one body corporate and politic in matter deed and name by the name of Master Wardens and Commonalty of the art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey and them by the name of Master Wardens and Commonalty of the art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith in the County of Surrey We do for us our heirs and successors really fully and wholly erect make ordain create incorporate constitute and declare by these presents one body corporate and politic in matter deed and name. And ... the said Master Wardens and Commonalty of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid shall from henceforth have perpetual succession, and ... shall be at all times hereafter a body corporate and politic able and capable in deed and in law to have hold occupy possess enjoy and retain all and singular usages customs liberties privileges immunities jurisdictions franchises pre-eminences benefits profits and commodities whatsoever to them heretofore granted or belonging or hereafter to be granted or to be belonging or incident requisite or fit to or for them or for such a corporation to have and enjoy of what kind nature or quality soever they shall be to them and their successors for ever.

[Power to hold and dispose of lands and other properties; to sue and be sued; to have a common seal.]

And further we will and for us our heirs and successors we do grant by these presents, that from henceforth for ever there be and shall be one Master three Wardens and sixteen Assistants of the said corporation art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid to be constituted and chosen in such manner and form as hereafter in these presents is expressed and specified. And for the better execution of the premises and also for the good rule and government of the Master Wardens and Commonalty of the art or mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid from time to time forever we have assigned named ordained and constituted ... our well-beloved subject Phineas Pett our servant and ancient Master Shipwright to be the first Master of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights, willing that the said Phineas Pett be and shall continue Master of the said art or mystery from the day of the date of these presents until the morrow after the Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle now next ensuing and then and from thenceforth until some other meet and sufficient man of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid be elected and sworn to execute the said office of Master of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid according to the ordinances and provisions in these presents expressed and limited, if the said Phineas Pett shall so long live, unless the said Phineas Pett shall happen in the mean time for some misgovernment or other just cause to be removed, whom for such just cause we will and ordain to be removable according to the form herein expressed. And also we have assigned ordained named and constituted ... our well-beloved subjects William Burrell Nicholas Simonson and Thomas Dymock three other shipwrights to be the first three Wardens of the art or mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid.... And moreover for the better assistance and counsel of the said Master and Wardens in and about the execution of their several offices, we have assigned named ordained and constituted ... our well-beloved subjects Mathew Baker William Bright Edward Stephens Nicholas Clay John Apslyn Peter Pett Thomas Jenkins John Graves Robert Bourne James Marsh William Hedger Thomas Wells William Picks John May Edmond Jordon and Richard Watford to be the first and present sixteen Assistants of the said art or mystery, willing that they the said [names as before] and all other assistants of the said art or mystery for the time being shall be and continue Assistants of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid for and during their natural lives and shall from time to time be aiding counselling and assisting unto the said Master and Wardens for the better government rule and direction of the said Master Wardens and Commonalty of the said art or mystery and every member thereof, unless they or any of them shall be removed from the said place of assistant or assistants for some misdemeanour or other just cause, whom for such just cause we likewise will and ordain to be removable according to the form herein also expressed. And for the better establishment of this our good intention and purpose and for the perpetual and constant continuance direction rule and government of the whole body of the said art or mystery and every member thereof we will and ordain that on the morrow next after the said Feast of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle yearly hereafter the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights aforesaid for the time being or the greater part of them for that intent and purpose to be assembled at or in their common house or hall shall elect choose and nominate one person who hath formerly been Warden of the said art or mystery to be Master of the said art or mystery for the next year then following, and shall at the same time and place elect choose and nominate out of the said Assistants three that shall likewise be Wardens of the said art or mystery, which said Master and Wardens so as aforesaid nominated elected and chosen shall be and continue Master and Wardens of the said art or mystery unto the end and term of one whole year then next ensuing and further until some other Master and Wardens shall be respectively elected and preferred and chosen thereunto, they and every of them first taking a corporal oath upon the Holy Evangelist before the Master and Wardens being their last predecessors or any two of them or before the assistants of the said corporation art or mystery or the greatest part of them for the due execution of their several offices respectively, and also the oath commonly called the Oath of Supremacy, which oaths we do by these presents give power and authority to the said Master and Wardens for the time being or any two of them or to the said Assistants or the greater part of them to minister and take of the said person or persons so elected accordingly, and then every such Master Warden and Wardens so removed shall then instantly be chosen and elected to be Assistant or Assistants and so to remain Assistant or Assistants in the room and place of him or them that shall be so chosen out of the said Assistants to be Master Warden or Wardens, first taking his or their corporal oath or oaths....

[Power to majorities to remove Master, Wardens, or Assistants for misdemeanour and elect others in vacancies caused by removal or death.]

[Fine not exceeding 10l. for refusing or neglecting the office of Master or Warden, or not exceeding 20 nobles in case of the office of Assistants.]

And ... there shall or may be from henceforth for ever in all and every convenient and needful place and places of our kingdom of England and dominion of Wales one or more honest sufficient and skilful person or persons of the said art or mystery which shall be and shall be called the deputy or deputies of the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said Corporation art or mystery, to be from time to time hereafter elected nominated and appointed by the said Master Wardens and Assistants or four of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens of the said corporation art or mystery for the time being to be always two, and to continue in the place or places of deputy or deputies of the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said corporation art or mystery for the time being from the time of their said election for the space of one whole year next ensuing or until he be for some just cause removed and some other of the said corporation art or mystery be elected nominated and sworn to the said office or place of deputy or deputies according to the true intent and meaning of these presents.... And we will ordain and command that every person that shall be from henceforth named and chosen to be deputy or deputies to the said Master Wardens and Assistants during the time that he or they or any of them shall continue in his or their office or offices place or places of deputyship do and shall from time to time employ the uttermost of his and their endeavours abilities and skill in the due execution of this our charter and letters patent and of every branch article and thing therein contained and of all good and wholesome laws orders and ordinances which at any time hereafter shall be made and constituted by the said Master Wardens and Assistants in every respect according to the true intent and meaning of the same and of these presents, and in all other causes matters and things concerning the good and welfare of the said art and mystery, and that they the said deputies for the time being and every of them shall be from time to time accomptable to the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and their successors for all sums of money profits and commodities by them or any of them to be collected or received by reason or in respect of his said office or offices place or places of deputy or deputies, and shall further before he or they execute or undertake the same office or place of deputy or deputies take a corporal oath ... for the true and due execution of the said office and place, and also the oath commonly called the Oath of Supremacy.... And ... if any person or persons so named or elected to be deputy or deputies to the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said corporation art or mystery for the time being as aforesaid shall accept the same office and deputation and then after shall wilfully and obstinately without good and just cause or excuse refuse to attend or execute the same, so as no person so nominated be compelled against his will to hold such place of deputation above the space of two years together, that then the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the more part of them shall or may impose upon every such person so refusing to exercise the said office or place after such acceptance thereof as aforesaid a reasonable fine not exceeding twenty nobles, to be levied and paid to the use of the said corporation. And further we will and by these presents ... do grant unto the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and their successors that they ... and their successors shall and may have take and entertain one honest and discreet person in manner and form hereafter in these presents expressed to be nominated and chosen which shall be and be called the Clerk of the said corporation art or mystery of Shipwrights. And we have assigned made constituted named and ordained ... our well-beloved subject and servant Richard Newman gent. to be the present Clerk of the said corporation art or mystery, to be and continue in the said office during the term of his natural life, unless he for some misdemeanour shall be removed or dismissed or shall surrender the same ... [with power to company to choose successor]. [Power to] name and appoint any other inferior Officers Ministers and Members as shall be needful and expedient in to or for the said corporation art or mystery or the good government and affairs thereof [and to remove them]. [Power to] admit receive and take in whatsoever person or persons being our natural born subjects as well within this our realm of England as in other our Dominions and places being under our obeisance and not otherwise which would be and are or shall be willing and desirous to be of the said corporation as a member or members thereof, and that all and every person and persons so to be admitted received and taken in by the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the more part of them shall from the time of his or their admission be called and accompted a brother and member or freeman of the said Corporation in deed and in name ... [and power to remove them]. And to the intent that as well our self our heirs and successors as also all our merchants and other our subjects may from time to time hereafter be better furnished stored and supplied with cunning skilful and sufficient Shipwrights and workmen of that kind for the making building and repairing of ships pinnaces and other vessels, and for the avoiding suppressing or preventing as much as in us lieth of the manifold abuses and deceits therein daily practised and committed by such persons as are altogether unskilful, having never been trained or brought up as apprentices in the said art or mystery according to the laws and statutes of this our realm of England, we do therefore ... will and grant to the said Master Wardens and Commonalty of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith and to their successors forever that every Freeman of the said company shall and may from time to time hereafter have take and keep one or more apprentice or apprentices to be trained and brought up under him in the said trade art or mystery of Shipwright, and that every such apprentice shall be by covenants bound by and to his master that shall entertain him as aforesaid duly and truly to serve him as his apprentice for and during the full space and term of seven years at the least, and to be ordered and used to all intents and purposes according to the custom of the city of London, and that the same covenant of apprenticeship be made by writing indented and registered or enrolled at their common hall before themselves in their said corporation by their Clerk or his sufficient deputy or deputies for the time being, and that such enrolment shall be good and effectual in the law to all intents and purposes against us our heirs and successors and against all other person or persons whatsoever, any law statute custom or usage to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding. Willing and by these presents for us our heirs and successors straitly charging and commanding that no shipwright caulker or ship-carpenter or any other being a Freeman of the said company and using exercising practising or professing the said trade skill art or mystery of building making trimming dressing graving launching drawing stocking or repairing of any ships pinnaces or other vessel or vessels whatsoever for navigation or traffic shall or may at any time or times hereafter receive have entertain or keep any apprentice or other servant being not already free of the said Corporation or not having served with some other shipwright in the same trade, to be used exercised trained or brought up under him in the said trade art or mystery as aforesaid except he first cause every such his servant or apprentice to be bound unto him by indenture for the said term of seven years at the least or for so many years as together with the years which he hath served in the said trade as aforesaid shall make up the number of seven years, and do likewise cause his said indenture of apprenticeship to be registered or enrolled before the Clerk of the Company or his deputy for the time being as aforesaid within one month next after the taking thereof, upon pain of our heavy displeasure and of such fine or other punishment as by the laws and statutes of this realm or by the laws and ordinances already made or hereafter to be made by the said Master Wardens and Assistants of the said art or mystery for the time being or the greater part of them according to the true intent and meaning hereof shall or may be inflicted upon him or them that shall offend therein. [Power to] assemble convocate and congregate themselves together at or in their common hall or house being now at Redrith in the County of Surrey or in any other place or places for the same convenient, and then and there to keep Courts and consultation for the said corporation art or mystery and the affairs thereof, and the perquisites issues and profits of the said Court or Courts so to be held and kept to leave take and perceive to and for the use of the said Corporation for the better maintenance and preservation thereof, without any accompt to be made or rendered to us our heirs or successors in that behalf. [And power] then and there to treat consult commune determine and agree amongst themselves or with any other person or persons whatsoever, of upon and concerning the good estate benefit conversation and wholesome rule government and ordering of the said Corporation art or mystery and the men apprentices workmen workmanship and all other the affairs and things to the same belonging or thereupon in any wise depending, and at in and upon such their assemblies meetings and conferences to make ordain and constitute such and so many good wholesome and reasonable laws statutes articles constitutions orders and ordinances whatsoever as to them or the greater part of them being then and there present, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens for the time being to be always two, shall seem reasonable necessary meet and convenient for touching or concerning the premises, and for the better advancement performance and continuance of the same, and also for the better directing how and in what order and manner the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and all other person and persons using the said art or mystery within our said realm of England or Dominion of Wales shall demean and behave themselves as well in all and singular matters and things touching or concerning the said art or mystery or any thing thereunto appertaining as also in their several offices functions ministries and businesses touching or concerning the said art or mystery as aforesaid, and the same laws orders articles and constitutions so made or any of them to put in use and execute accordingly, and at their will again to revoke alter or change when and as often as occasion shall thereto require. [The Regulations, &c., when] entered and registered in some public book to be kept for that purpose ... shall be holden as laws ordinances and statutes amongst them to be put in use and execution, and shall bind all persons of the said Corporation art or mystery and all shipwrights and workmen of that profession in any place port haven or town within our said realm of England and dominion of Wales, as well the subjects of the same our realm and dominions as strangers and aliens for and during the time of their being in or upon any part of our said realm coasts or dominions or any creeks or harbours of the same, to observe obey and perform the same from time to time in all things as the same ought to be, upon the pains penalties and punishments in the same to be imposed inflicted and limited so always as the said laws statutes articles orders ordinances pains penalties and punishments and every of them be agreeable to reason and justice and not contrary or repugnant to the laws statutes rights or customs of this our realm of England, nor derogatory to the jurisdictions and pre-eminences of the Lord High Admiral of England for the time being or to the Court of Admiralty of England or the Judges Register or Marshall of that Court for the time being or any of them. [Power to impose] pains penalties punishments fines amercements and forfeitures ... and for default of payment ... to distrain the goods and chattels of such offender and the same to keep till they shall be satisfied or otherwise to bring their action for the same according to law. And ... all and singular fines forfeitures sum and sums of money whatsoever due or hereafter to be due and received by reason of the said decrees orders or ordinances shall be to the use commodity and sole benefit and behoof of the said Corporation without any accompt or other thing therefore to us our heirs or successors to be yielded paid rendered made or done in that behalf, and without any let trouble molestation or interruption of any person or persons whatsoever for the same. [Powers] by writing under their common seal ... to ask levy have receive and take in all and every place and places within our said realm of England and Dominion of Wales as well of every Master Workman Shipwright or other person or persons that shall hereafter make or build or cause to be made or built any new ship or ships vessel or vessels of the burthen of one hundred ton or more or less all and singular such profits dues duties fees allowances sum and sums of money whatsoever after such rate and in such manner and form as at any time or times heretofore themselves or their predecessors by any name or names of corporation by under or by force and virtue of any former charter or letters patent by them or any of them given or granted or by any other lawful and reasonable way or means have or ought to have received had taken or enjoyed the same by way of tonnage quarterage poundage or otherwise, and also all and every such fines amercements penalties sum and sums of money as shall be by force and virtue of these our letters patent or any their laws orders ordinances statutes or jurisdictions already made or hereafter to be made for the good government of the said company assessed or imposed upon any person or persons whatsoever ... [and] to enter and distrain any the goods and chattels of the person or persons so offending denying or withholding the same in any place or places whatsoever where the same goods and chattels or any of them shall or may be found ... and ... to sue for and recover the same dues duties allowances fines amercements penalties impositions sum and sums of money in any of our Court or Courts of Record.... And to the end that the secret of the said art or mystery and the manner of our English building and new making of ships pinnaces and other vessels should for more strength and safety of our realms and kingdoms be kept secret to and within ourselves and our said realms and dominions and altogether unknown to aliens and strangers of other Nations, our will and pleasure is and we do by these presents for us our heirs and successors straitly charge and command that no person or persons whatsoever of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights do at any time or times hereafter directly or indirectly by any ways or means whatsoever presume or attempt to discover or make known to any foreigner or stranger not being a natural born subject of us our heirs or successors or not being naturalised or indenized nor to any other person or persons not being free and sworn of and to the said Corporation nor being a servant or apprentice to the said art or mystery the secrets of the said trade art or mystery or the special manner of our English building or new making of ships pinnaces or other vessels as aforesaid, nor do take any alien or stranger born being not naturalised or indenized to be his or their apprentice or servant, upon pain of our high displeasure and of such further punishment as by the laws and statutes of this realm or the ordinances and laws so made or to be made by the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the greater part of them as aforesaid can or may be inflicted upon such offender or offenders for the same. And to the end our will and pleasure herein may be the better observed and performed and the offender punished we do further by these presents give and grant [power to] impose upon every such offender a reasonable fine according to the quality of his offence at the discretion of the said Master Wardens and Assistants or the more part of them, the same fine to be forfeited and paid by the person or persons so offending to the sole benefit use and behoof of the said Corporation for the better maintenance and upholding of the same and relieving of the poor of the said Corporation. [Power] to examine and punish by fine or such other correction as the quality of the offence shall deserve and require every person which shall unlawfully depart or go away from his work after he hath been hired or agreed withal for wages before the time or times of his retainer or retainers be expired, or shall be found to grow mutinous stubborn or disobedient or in any way a provoker seducer or enticer of any other to any mutiny or disobedience to the hurt injury or likelihood of hurt or injury of the said Corporation or of the good government and order therein or of any service whatsoever, and also to examine hear and order all and every the complaints of or against any shipwright or other workmen of the said Corporation art or profession or of or against any of his or their journeymen apprentices or servants. And of our more ample grace certain knowledge and mere motion and for the better suppressing and reformation of the deceits and abuses first above mentioned [power given] to and for the said Master and Wardens or any two of them for the time being and also to and for any two of the said Assistants or other two persons being skilful or which hereafter shall be skilful in the said art or mystery being thereunto deputed and authorised by writing under the common seal of the said Master Wardens and Commonalty, first taking his or their corporal oath or oaths upon the Evangelist ... for the due execution of their said offices or places ... at all convenient time or times, taking with them if need so require a constable or any other his Majesty's officer or officers of the city town or place, to search view and survey all manner of timber wood and other stuff provided prepared and fitted for the building making or repairing of any ships pinnaces or other vessels in any place or places whatsoever within our realm of England and dominion of Wales or in either of them, and also to search view and survey all and every the works and workmanship of all and every person and persons whatsoever in making working building or repairing ... any manner of ships pinnaces boats or other vessels whatsoever within our said realm of England and dominion of Wales or either of them, and that it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens or any two of them or their deputies so authorised as aforesaid all and singular ships pinnaces boats and other vessels hereafter to be built to view search and survey, and such of them whereof the timber work at the time of such search shall not be fully finished and which at the time of such search view or survey so to be made as aforesaid shall be found to be so insufficiently falsely and deceitfully made wrought or repaired as they must needs be by that means dangerous to such as shall use or employ them, to arrest and stay until the same shall be reformed amended repaired and made fit for navigation. And our further will and pleasure is that if the said persons before by these presents authorised to make such search as aforesaid or any of them shall happen to find any sappy wood red wood or other insufficient wood or timber to be put into any ships pinnaces or other vessels or hewn wrought and fitted for that purpose, that then the said persons or any of them shall forthwith charge and warn the makers or owners of such ships pinnaces or other vessels forthwith to take away the said sappy wood red wood and other insufficient wood and timber and to supply the same with other sufficient timber and wood. And if within convenient time after such charge and warning given as is aforesaid the said sappy wood red wood and other insufficient wood and timber be not taken away and the same supplied with other good and sufficient timber and wood as is aforesaid, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master and Wardens or any two of them or any two of the said Assistants or any such deputy or deputies as aforesaid to take and deface all such sappy wood and red wood and all and singular such other timber and wood which upon any such search and view and after convenient admonition and warning given to take the same away and to supply it with better and more sufficient wood and timber they shall find to be put in or apparently intended to be put into any ship pinnace or other vessel or hewn and cut out or wrought for that purpose, manifestly tending to the prejudice and damage of us our heirs and successors or of any other our loving subjects merchants and mariners whose goods and lives are hazarded and often lost by reason of such ill stuff, the use of all which sappy and red wood and other insufficient stuff we do hereby for us our heirs and successors straitly prohibit and restrain to be used or employed in any sort in or upon any ship or other vessel. [Power] to impose and inflict such punishment upon every offender in that behalf either by fine or imprisonment or both of them as by the laws or statutes of this realm or by any laws or ordinances to be made by the said Corporation as is aforesaid shall or may be imposed or inflicted upon them for their offences in that behalf or otherwise that the said Master and Wardens or any two of them or such other person or persons so authorised as aforesaid and which upon such search shall find any of the deceits and abuses aforesaid shall complain thereof to some Justice or Justices of Peace within that place or county where such deceits and abuses shall be found. And we do ... straitly charge and command all and every our Justice and Justices of the Peace whatsoever to whom any such complaint or complaints shall so be made as is aforesaid that they and every of them shall by all good and lawful ways and means examine and find out the truth of the said complaints abuses and deceits, and if upon due examination thereof they shall find that any such abuses and deceits have been committed as aforesaid, that then they cause the party or parties so offending to be indicted or otherwise punished for such his and their abuses and deceits either before our Justices of Peace in the county where the same abuses and deceits shall be committed and found at their Sessions of the Peace or before the Justices of Assize of the same county or before any other lawful judge or judges, to the end that the said person or persons so offending may receive such condign punishment as by the laws and statutes of this realm can or may be inflicted upon him or them for his or their offence or offences in that behalf. And ... we do ... straitly charge and command the said Master Wardens and Assistants of the said art or mystery and their successors for the time being that once in every month at the least such search be made as is aforesaid, and that the authority hereby in that behalf to them given be put in due execution without any respect of persons or partiality whatsoever. Provided always nevertheless and our will and pleasure is that neither the Master nor Wardens of the said art or mystery for the time being or any their deputy or deputies so authorised to search as is aforesaid shall not by colour of these letters patent meddle with or do anything to the hindrance stay or prevention of any ship pinnace or other vessel that is or shall be at the time of such their search as aforesaid ready to go forth for an intended voyage or journey or the master owner mariners sailors or other officers of the same, any thing in these presents to the contrary thereof in any wise notwithstanding. [Power] to buy and provide in any the places beyond the Seas all such timber planks masts deals spars and wood and wooden stuff and also all pitch tar rosin and oil as they shall think necessary and convenient for the building or repairing graving or fitting of ships pinnaces or other vessels, and the same so bought and provided shall and may from time to time for ever hereafter bring or cause to be brought into this our realm of England and dominion of Wales or any part or place thereof and the same discharge and lay on land, paying to us our heirs and successors the full Custom poundage and other duties due or which hereafter shall be due to us our heirs or successors any law statute custom proclamation or any other matter cause or thing to the contrary notwithstanding. And whereas for the better maintenance of navigation and encouragement of our loving subjects to increase shipping within this our realm there is and hath been of ancient time an allowance given by us and our predecessors of five shillings sterling for every ton of any new builded ship to be rated according to the burthen of the said ship did contain in burthen one hundred tons or upwards in ton and tonnage, which laudable custom we being pleased to continue, and finding it also convenient as well for the avoiding of abuses that might be offered in rating and setting down the tonnage of the said ships and otherwise as also that the builder might have his right and due allowance of tonnage, to appoint some person or persons of knowledge and experience for the surveying and overseeing of the true rates and tonnage in that behalf, we did by our letters patent under our great seal of England bearing date the four and twentieth day of April in the third year of our reign give and grant to John Grent gent. for and during his natural life the office and place of surveyor of the tonnage and burthen of all new builded ships of the burthen above mentioned or upwards from time to time within this our realm of England, together with the wages and fee of twelve pence by the day of lawful money of England for the exercising of the said office or place, together with all and singular other fees profits commodities and allowances whatsoever to the same place or office in any wise due incident or appertaining, with a proviso or clause therein contained that the said John Grent in the rating and setting down of the tonnage and burden of the said new builded ships from time to time should use the advice and assistance of one of our shipwrights to be nominated and appointed by our High Admiral of England for the time being, and that all and every such bill of tonnage as should be presented to us to be signed for the said allowance of five shillings upon every ton of the burden of the said ship should be first allowed under the hand of the said surveyor and signed by the said Admiral or his deputy for the time being as hath been accustomed. And whereas by our letters patent bearing date the eight and twentieth day of January in the fourth year of our reign we did grant or mention to grant unto Humfrey Jobson gent. for and during his natural life the reversion of the said office or place of surveyor of the tonnage and burden of all new builded ships of the burden of one hundred ton above mentioned or upwards from time to time within our realm of England next after the death forfeiture or surrender of the said John Grent, together with the wages and fee of twelve pence a day for the exercising of the said office and place and all and singular other fees profits commodities and allowances whatsoever to the same place or office in any wise due incident or appertaining, as in and by the said two several letters patent more at large appeareth, and whereas of late we have been much wronged defrauded and abused in that sundry of the said ships for want of exact viewing surveying and measuring have been overrated in their burden and tonnage, whereby we have been charged with the payment of a greater allowance than in truth we ought to have been, know ye therefore that we reposing a special trust and confidence in the faithfulness experience care and honest and true circumspection of the Master Wardens and Commonalty of the said art or mystery of Shipwrights, and to the end that we our heirs and successors may not at any time from henceforth in like sort be defrauded wronged or abused, do of our especial grace certain knowledge and mere motion give and grant to the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and to their successors for ever the office function and place of surveyor of the tonnage and burden of all new builded ships of the burden of one hundred ton above mentioned or upwards from time to time within this our realm of England, together with the said wages and fee of twelve pence by the day and all other fees profits commodities and allowances whatsoever to the said office or place in any wise due belonging incident or appertaining. And them the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and their successors we do by these presents for us our heirs and successors nominate ordain make and appoint surveyors of the tonnage and burden of all new builded ships from time to time within this our realm of England and dominion of Wales, to have hold exercise and enjoy the said office function and place and also to have receive and perceive the said wages and fee of twelve pence by the day immediately when and from and after such time as the estate and interest estates and interests granted or mentioned to be granted to the said John Grent and Humfrey Jobson respectively by death surrender forfeiture or other occasion cause or means whatsoever is are or shall be void ended or determined. And whensoever the said office or place shall first happen or become void unto the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and to their successors forever, and for the better and more exact examination judging and finding out from henceforth of the true burden and tonnage of every ship and vessel that is or shall be capable of or intended to have or require the said allowance, we do hereby for us our heirs and successors ordain decree grant limit and appoint and also straitly charge and command the said Master and Wardens for the time being by themselves or their deputies being honest skilful and sufficient persons as well to go on board every such ship and vessel and there to view and discern whether she be sufficiently and substantially built as is fit and required in that behalf, that is to say with two orlops at convenient distances strong to carry ordnance aloft and alow with her forecastle and half deck close for fight, as also to cause every such ship and vessel to be brought on ground and by from and according to an exact measure taken of her length breadth depth and draught in water so to rate and set down the true burden and tonnage thereof and to certify the same by letters testimonial under the common seal of the said Corporation and the hands of the said Master and Wardens of the said art or mystery for the time being as they will ever after be ready upon their oaths and allegiance to approve the same. And our will and pleasure is and we do by these presents for us our heirs and successors straitly prohibit charge and command that no person or persons whatsoever shall or may at any time or times hereafter be capable of or presume to take receive and demand the said allowance of five shillings a ton as aforesaid until such due measurin g rating and certificate be first had and made as aforesaid, willing and requiring as well our Lord High Treasurer and Lord High Admiral of England and our Treasurer and Chancellor of our Exchequer as also the said John Grent and Humfrey Jobson and all other persons whom it may concern to take notice of our will and pleasure in this behalf, any former grant provision limitation custom or usage to the contrary hereof in any wise notwithstanding. And moreover for the better maintaining strengthening and upholding of the said Corporation and the suppressing and reforming as well of the manifold errors deceits and abuses practised in the said profession art and mystery as also of the disorders and misdemeanours of divers wilful stubborn and disobedient persons of the said profession art or mystery, which can very hardly by any other means be redressed restrained or reformed, and for the better continuing settling and establishing of good order discipline and government amongst them for the especial of our own service and the general benefit of all our loving subjects as well merchants as others, we do ... give and grant to the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and their successors for ever by these presents that if any person or persons now practising using or professing or which hereafter shall practise use or profess the said art or mystery or any thing thereunto appertaining shall wilfully or obstinately oppose or resist the order rule and government of the said Master Wardens and Assistants of the said art or mystery for the time being, or shall refuse to obey or to submit him or themselves to this our charter or letters patent and to such wholesome laws orders ordinances and institutions as are or shall be made by force and virtue thereof as aforesaid, tending to the good service of Us and our Commonwealth and to the good estate and preservation of the said art or mystery, or shall not well and honestly carry behave and demean him and themselves towards the Master Wardens and Assistants of the said art or mystery for the time being and their deputy or deputies or other inferior officers respectively according to the true intent and meaning of these presents, but after due and convenient warning notice or admonition given to him or them in that behalf shall still wilfully and obstinately persist persevere or continue in any wilful stubborn obstinate or disobedient course tending to the hurt and prejudice of us our heirs and successors or of any our loving subjects or the order rule and government aforesaid, either by insufficient negligent or deceitful working or not performing of his or their duties or by purloining or embezzling of stuff, by unlawful or disorderly departure from his or their work after he or they have been hired, and such like, or shall do or commit any act or acts directly or indirectly to the prejudice or hindrance of the said Corporation or the good estate and proceedings thereof, either by wilful absenting him or themselves from the common hall and meetings upon due warning, or by denial of ordinary and just duties, or shall by mutinies combinations conspiracies or any such like wicked and unlawful course or practice persist or continue in the wilful breach neglect or contempt of this our charter or any thing herein contained or any law ordinance or institution made by force of these presents, that then in all and every or any of these cases before mentioned it shall and may be lawful to and for the said Master Wardens and Assistants or any three of them, whereof the Master and one of the Wardens to be always two, severally to correct and punish such offender or offenders according to the quantity and quality of his or their offence or offences according to the laws and ordinances of the said Corporation and according to the laws and statutes of the realm in that behalf respectively. And whereas the greatest number of the workmen and other persons employed in the trades aforesaid are so very poor needy and of mean condition as no pecuniary mulct can take hold of them, and likewise so rude and disordered as no ordinary or civil censure can move them to yield obedience to rule or government, and therefore some sharp and severe correction and restraint must necessarily be used towards them in many cases, therefore our will and pleasure is and we do by these presents will and ordain that if any person or persons now using or which shall hereafter use or exercise within the said realm of England or dominion of Wales the said art trade or mystery of Shipwrights or other the works or trade aforesaid shall obstinately resist and withstand the government of the said Master Wardens and Assistants or their lawful deputy or deputies, and shall after admonition and warning given unto them or any of them in that behalf wilfully persist in such disobedient course either by deceitful working or by unlawful departure from their work after they have been hired and within the time or times of their retainer, or shall by combination conspiracies or other unlawful practices seek to overthrow destroy and bring into contempt the powers privileges and authorities by these presents given and granted to the said Master Wardens and Commonalty and their successors for the universal benefit and good of our said realm dominion and subjects, that then or in such cases the Lord Admiral of England for the time being upon complaint and proof thereof made to him shall take the body or bodies of all and every such notorious offenders and keep them under arrest until they shall conform themselves and reform what they have done amiss as aforesaid. And forasmuch as a great part of the said art or mystery are continually for the most part employed and attendant upon the service and navigation of us our heirs and successors, we therefore ... do will and grant ... that the said Master Wardens and Commonalty or any of them or their or any of their successors shall not at any time or times hereafter be informed put placed or impanelled in or upon any assizes juries inquests or attaints whatsoever before any judges justices or commissioners of us our heirs or successors out of the cities towns boroughs parishes or places where they or any of them do or shall happen to dwell, unless they have lands or tenements lying out of the said cities towns boroughs parishes or places by reason whereof they or any of them ought to be charged, nor shall at any time be pressed or enforced to serve us our heirs or successors as land soldiers, but do absolutely and freely discharge them and every of them from any such service or attendance. And we do further by these presents for us our heirs and successors straitly charge and command all and every sheriffs bailiffs and other officers of us our heirs and successors, that they and every of them do from time to time forbear to put or impanel any of the said Master Wardens and Commonalty or any their deputy or apprentices in or upon any such juries or inquests as is aforesaid, contrary to our said meaning and intent, upon pain of our displeasure and of such pains penalties and imprisonments as by the laws of this our Realm can or may be inflicted or imposed upon them or any of them for their contempt in doing contrary to our royal pleasure and commandment in that behalf. And whereas the Master Wardens and Commonalty of the said art and mystery of Shipwrights of Redrith aforesaid and their and every of their deputies and apprentices being continually for the most part charged and chargeable to be ready and provided at an hour's warning upon divers services and employments as well at the sea for the necessary defence and safety of our realms and kingdoms and for the use and employment of our merchants for continuance and increase of trade and commerce with foreign nations for the benefit and profit of us and our subjects, as also to give attendance within our kingdoms for the new building repairing and trimming as well of the ships pinnaces and vessels of us our heirs and successors as of the ships pinnaces and vessels of our merchants and subjects, therefore our will and pleasure is that if it shall happen the said Master Wardens and Commonalty or other persons which by the true intent and meaning hereof are and ought to be discharged from such service upon juries and inquests shall by sheriffs bailiffs and other officers ignorantly or wilfully be put and impanelled to serve upon juries and inquests contrary to our true intent and meaning in that behalf in certain our former letters patent granted and also in these presents renewed, and that any of the said persons being absent from their houses and places of habitation at such times as they were or shall be summoned or wa

per breve de privato sigillo.

[Pipe Office Declared Account No. 2249]

[N.B.—Spelling and numerals modernised]

Mathew Baker, one of his Majesty's Master Shipwrights, for his pains and charges in many journeys between Deptford and Woolwich during the time of the new building of his Majesty's ship the Prince Royal, by special command from the Lord Treasurer and the Lord Admiral of England

10l.

Robert Beake and Paul Isackson, painters, for painting and gilding his Highness' ship the Prince Royal with fine gold and divers colours wrought and laid in oil, finding at their own charge all manner of stuff and workmanship: viz. the beakhead three times primed and stopped; his Majesty's arms and badges, with divers beasts, and the Prince's arms all gilded with fine gold and wrought in oil colours

62l. 6s. 8d.

For both the sides, and all the carved work on both the sides, as well on the backside as foreside, three times primed and stopped; with his Majesty's whole arms and badges on the two upper strakes; the Prince's arms and badges on the third strake; the great mask head on the fourth strake; all the foresaid arms, with very much other work, and the lower strake all gilded and wrought in oil colours

190l.

For the galleries, three on each side, priming three times; the lower galleries with his Majesty's beasts and badges; the third with the like and very much other work; all gilded and wrought in oil colours

100l.

For the upright in the stern with his Majesty's whole arms and badges; on the first, second and third galleries on the stern, with his Majesty's arms and beasts, and the Prince's also; on the lower counter two great mask heads three times primed and stopped, all gilded and laid in oil colours

140l.

For all the bulkheads, the first in the poop, the second afore the Master's cabin, the third afore the Prince's cabin, the fourth and fifth in the waist with the bellhouse, the sixth and seventh afore the forecastle, thereon some of his Majesty's badges and much other work, three times primed and stopped, gilded and wrought in oil colours

45l. 10s.

For all the timbers within the board, and all the plansers[615] afore and abaft, double primed and stopped and laid in oil colours

10l.

For the galleries within board, primed and stopped and laid in oil colours

6l.

For the Prince's lodging cabin, very curiously wrought and gilded with divers histories, and very much other work in oil colours

164l.

For the state cabin, gilded and very curiously wrought with divers histories, and much other works, wrought in oil colours and varnished

90l.

For the room abaft the stateroom, wrought overhead and on each side with sundry figures in oil colours

15l.

For the Master's cabin wrought and varnished, with his mate's cabins, primed and laid in oil colours

110s.

And for all the works under the half deck, double primed and stopped, with very much works, and up the stairs to the half deck, all laid in oil colours

40l.

In all

868l. 6s. 8d.

Sebastian Vicars, for carved works by him wrought and performed aboard his Highness' ship the Prince, lately new built at Woolwich. That is to say, in the beakhead for carving the George, 20l.; the trailboard, 10l.; the sideboard, 16l.; of two boards for the half rail between the planchers, 9l.; of 14 brackets for both, 13l. 6s. 8d.; of two lions for the half rail, 50s.; of a serpent for the tacks, 13s. 4d.; of two great mask heads for the two hawsers, and of two fish heads for steadying the main knee, 30s.; for carving the sides without board, viz: of 104 brackets along the sides without board, 12l. 6s. 8d.; of 47 compartments in the lower strake, 110s.; of 14 great lion heads for the round ports, 10l.; of 12 Prince's badges in the middle strake, 12l.; for carving 9 compartments in the same strake, 110s.; of the King's badges on the sides without board, 22l.; of one pair of the King's arms and another of the King's and Queen's together, 15l.; of four terms[616] on either side the arms, 75s.; of four ports, two in the bow and two in the quarter abaft, with four taffrails, 110s.; of 4 scuttles of windows, 4l.; of 8 trophies in the upper strake, 110s.; of 14 brackets in the narrow strake and 12 compartments, 55s.; and of four hansing pieces in the waist, 53s. 4d.; for carving the two sides in the lower gallery, 20l.; of 26 brackets, 6l.; of 12 supporters under the galleries, 6l.; and of the frieze round about, 8l.; for carving of 6 panels with stories on the middle of the gallery, 18l.; of 16 arches, 60s.; of ten great terms, 10l.; of 14 little terms, 6l. 10s.; of two great badges of the Prince's, 8l.; of four of the Prince's letters, 25s.; of ten Dragons for supporters, 100s.; of two great arches within the galleries, 13s. 4d.; and of four hansing pieces, 40s.; for the carving the two sides on the upper gallery, 15l.; of the ten brackets, 40s.; of eight beasts, 70s.; of ten taffrails, 25s. 8d.; for carving of four great terms in the stern, 6l.; of three great arches, 60s.; of two great lions' heads, 33s. 4d.; of the rudder head and tiller, 20s.; of the planks cross the stern, 6l. 13s. 4d.; of the frieze, 4l.; of seven brackets, 33s. 4d.; of two dragons, 40s.; of seven pendants, 68s.; of eight terms, 7l. 10s.; of six arches, 25s.; of the Prince's badges, 4l.; of two letters on either side of the badge, 16s.; of two pieces of Victory and Fame, 7l.; of the plank cross the stern in the upper gallery, 7l.; of six brackets, 25s.; of six beasts, 66s. 8d.; and of five taffrails, 15s.; for carving the King's arms ten foot wide in the upright, 22l.; and of two pyramids with two boys sitting on the top showing for Peace or War, 6l.; for carving four terms for the doors in the forecastle, 35s.; of a frieze round about, 35s.; of four terms and four cartowes,[617] 55s.; and of two hansing pieces, 40s.; for carving of six terms and six cantlappers[618] and two arches for the doors in the forecastle within board, 6l.; of three orpins,[619] 73s. 4d.; of six brackets, 15s.; of four badges of the King's, 60s.; and of the bellhouse and knights' heads, 56s. 8d., for carved work in the bulkhead abaft, viz. of six terms and six cantlappers, 6l.; of four cantlappers and six arches to give light under the half deck, 35s.; of seven brackets and six compartments in the narrow frieze, 35s.; for carving twelve arches on both the sides of the half deck and of 28 brackets, 7l.; for carving of six terms for three doors and six cantlappers with three arches on the quarter deck, 9l.; of two terms and two cantlappers, 30s.; and of two hansing pieces and the knights' heads, 30s.; and for carving two orpins and two brackets on the roundhouse, 20s.; and of two hansing pieces, 20s. In all 441l. 4d.

FOOTNOTES:

[615] Elsewhere spelt 'Planchers' and 'Plansters,' now usually spelt 'Planeshears.' The planks covering the tops of the timbers and forming a shelf below the gunwale.

[616] Terminal pieces.

[617] Cartouches; modillions or corbels.

[618] I.e. cantilevers, or projecting brackets.

[619] Harpins or ribbands.

VI
Petition to the Admiralty

[S.P. Dom., Chas. I, cxciv. 47]

Noble Sir,—I have nothing to tender you for many favours received from you but the return of my thanks, and particularly for this last courtesy about the petition delivered against me which I have, herein enclosed, returned together with my answer, desiring you to be pleased it may be both presented and read to the Lords Commissioners, whose order herein I shall with all humble submission assent unto, not doubting of your careful favour herein, which I shall study to requite with my best acknowledgments, beseeching you to be pleased so far to mediate for me that the plaintiff may not have power from their lordships to bring disgrace upon me, whereby his Majesty's service may suffer as well as myself, by giving leave to have me intercepted when I am to attend the ordinary meeting of the principal officers of his Majesty's Navy, within the city, where they wait for advantage. So leaving myself to your care I take leave and rest

At your service,

Phineas Pett.

Chatham, 22nd June, 1631.

I pray, sir, be pleased to return me word by this bearer when his Majesty is to go to Portsmouth.

(Endorsed) To my honoured friend Edward Nicholas, Esquire, Secretary to the right honourable Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty of England these

Westminster.

47 I.

To the right honourable the lords and other Commissioners of the Admiralty of England.

The humble answer of Phineas Pett, his Majesty's servant, to the petition of Lewes Tayte, smith.

I do acknowledge I become debtor[620] to this petitioner for ironwork delivered to the building of a new ship called the Destiny, built by me for Sir Walter Ralegh, from whom I could never receive satisfaction for the said work by 700l., which I was forced to venture with him in his voyage, wherein he failing, and at his return the ship seized into his Majesty's hands, I suffered the loss of the whole debt.

I was contented to give this petitioner my bond for payment of his debt, notwithstanding my great loss, some part whereof was orderly paid, and the rest I should have easily satisfied had not a greater loss presently befallen me, through the occasion of building two small ships for the expedition of Algiers, wherein I sustained (by the overworks, and charge of the journey wherein I served as Captain in one of those ships) the loss of above 900l., towards which I could never hitherto recover one penny satisfaction.

By these two great losses suddenly befalling me, almost together, I was utterly disabled either to satisfy the debts arising from these businesses, or to raise means to maintain myself and poor family.

Notwithstanding I have out of the little remnants of my poor fortunes paid above 500l. of these debts within the space of 6 years, which I never so much as drank for, and I do yearly still contribute the better half of my small means towards the satisfying the rest as carefully as I can.

I have often entreated this petitioner's patience, as knowing his abilities better able to forbear than others, interested as himself in the same business, he having also made more gain by his commodities than any other. Always tendering satisfaction to him as I could take of other debts, to the utmost my fortunes would extend unto, and am very ready and willing yearly to pay unto him such a sum as your lordships in your honourable considerations of the premises, and my present fortunes, shall order me to do. Humbly submitting myself to your Lordships' favourable construction.

Phineas Pett.

FOOTNOTE:

[620] MS. 'detter.'

VII Letter to Buckingham (1623)

[Stowe MS. 743 f. 50]

Right Honourable,—My most humble services presented.

Lest I should be the last in expressing my duty and humblest service, being so infinitely obliged to your most noble favours, I rather choose to incur the censure of presumption, than the just imputation of ingratitude, being hopeful for the first to procure your honourable pardon, for the last it is beyond the plea of all excuse.

Please your lordship to understand that since your posting from Tiballs, receiving direction for making ready the Prince, I brought her into dry dock at Chatham, there thoroughly searched her, and strengthened her in all suspected places, new made and repaired all her masts, and launched her again within fourteen days, and have in all points been so careful to prepare all rooms for state, ease, convenience, and ornament, as I hope will give your lordship as much content as can be in any ship contrived.

The cook room is by a powerful command (against my consent) removed from the old place in hold into the forecastle, in which I was much overborne, having had the experience of the conveniency thereof, in my personal service in former transportation.

The Prince is at present in such forwardness as if there be no other wants she may be at sea in fourteen days, and is now taking in her beer and other provisions.

All the fleet are in the same readiness, the George and the Antelope making all possible haste to get to sea, and this is the account of the business here under my charge, which in all humbleness I held my duty to present your lordship.

Were it not that I intend to wait upon your lordship in the great ship, I would have procured his Majesty's leave to have come with Sir Francis Steward. I hold myself very unhappy to be from attending your lordship in any sea service.

Thus humbly craving your lordship's honourable construction of this my presumption, and pardon for my boldness, which I cannot but do in zeal of my service, praying God to send your lordship increase of honour, health, happiness, and a prosperous return, in all humbleness I kiss your lordship's hand and ever remain,

Your lordship's creature,

Phineas Pett.

Chatham, 10th April 1623.

To the Right Hon. Lord Marquis of Buckingham, Lord High Admiral of England, give these.

VIII
Protest of Trinity House against the Building of the Sovereign

[S.P. Dom. Chas I. cclxxiii. 25]

Right Honourable,—Being informed that his Majesty is minded to build a great ship of these dimensions (namely) 124 foot by the keel, in breadth 46 and for draught in water 22 foot, these strange and large dimensions gave us cause to fall into discourse, and in our discourse fell on these particulars following, namely:

That a ship of this proportion cannot be of use, nor fit for service in any part of the King's Dominions; and as unfit for remote service: our reasons—

First, there is no port within this kingdom (the Isle of Wight only) that can in safety harbour this ship, then it followeth, if she be not in port then is she in continual danger, exposed to all tempests, to all storms, that time shall bring. In a desperate estate she rides in every storm: in peril she must ride, when all the rest of her companions (his Majesty's ships) enjoys peace, rides quiet and safe in port: for example, we have the Prince in her voyage to Spain for his Majesty in foul weather, when all the fleet harboured in the Port of Plymouth, the Prince she only might not, for she could not, she too big, her draught too much, the wild sea must be her port; in the Sound of Plymouth must she ride, her anchors and cables her safety. If either of them fail, the ship must perish, 4 or 500 men must die, and the King must lose his Jewel; and this will be the state of this ship.

That she cannot harbour is her great draught in water, and less in draught she will not be, but could she be made to draw less water, yet anchors and cables must hold proportion, and being made, they will not be manageable, the strength of man cannot wield nor work them, but could they do it, yet the ship little bettered in point of safety, for we are doubtful whether cables and anchors can hold a ship of this bulk in a great storm, for we have more in our seas to add stress to cables and anchors than the wind and foaming sea. We have strong tides which strains both cables and anchors equal to wind and sea, besides the particulars there are many things which must concur; for if either fail, the rest hold not, for example if the cables fail, the anchors are of no use, if the anchors fail, then neither cable nor anchor is serviceable, nay if the ground be not good then is all the rest to no purpose, so that if either of these fail all is lost, the ship lost with all her provisions, the men lost, and it may be some great and noble Peer in her.

Thus far so much as may concern the safety of this ship being built.

Now for the force of this ship; it will not any way hold proportion with her bulk or burden, for the aim must be for three tier of ordnance, the lower tier which must carry the greatest ordnance and be of greatest force must lie of necessity so low that in every gale of wind the ports must be shut in, or else the ship will be in great danger, or sink as did the Mary Rose in King Henry the VIII's time at Portsmouth.

Or if you will lay them at 5 or 5½ foot, then must the third tier lie at that height as not to be serviceable, nay this third tier will rather endanger the quality of the ship (as the too high building hath in some of the king's ships lately built, made them unfit for any good service). Therefore three tier of ordnance must not be, neither can the art or wit of man build a ship well conditioned and fit for service with three tier of ordnance.

But if it be force that his Majesty desireth, then shall he do well to forbear the building of this ship, and with the same cost or charge to build two ships of 5 or 600 ton a piece, either ship to have 40 pieces of good ordnance, and these two ships will be of more force and for better service and will beat the great ship back and side.

These particulars, Right Honourable, falling within the compass of our discourse we held it our duty to his Majesty to impart the particulars unto you, and with your wisdom to leave them either to impart them unto the king, or otherwise as it shall seem best unto your wisdom. And so we rest,

Your honour's ever at command,

T. Best.
Walter Coke.
Ro. Salmon.

From Ratcliff,
9th of August 1634.

To the Right Honourable Sir John Coke, principal Secretary to His Majesty.

[Note.—This protest should be compared with the memorandum, attributed to Ralegh, in which Prince Henry is advised against the building of the Prince Royal. See E. Edwards, Life of Sir Walter Ralegh, Vol. II, p. 330.]

IX
Ships Built or Rebuilt by Phineas Pett.


	Ship.	Year.	Tons.	Length of Keel.	Breadth.		Depth.		No. of Guns.	Remarks.

				Ft.	Ft.	Ins.	Ft.	Ins.
R	Moon	1602	74	50	17	0	7	0	13
R	Answer	1603-4	274	65	26	0	13	0	19
	Disdain	1604	..	25	12	0	..		..
	Resistance	1604	140	..	..		..		..	Merchant.
R	Ark (Anne) Royal	1607-8	828	107	37	10	15	4	44
	Prince Royal	1608-10	1187	115	43	0	18	0	55	Rebuilt by Peter Pett in 1641.
	Phoenix	1612-13	250	72	24	0	11	0	20
R	Merhonour	1613-14	946	112	38	7	16	5	40
R	Defiance	1613-14	700	97	37	0	15	0	40
	Pinnace	1616	..	40	..		..		..	For Lord Zouch.
	Destiny (Convertive)	1616	621	96	32	4	15	0	34
	Mercury	1620	300	..	..		..		..}	For the Merchant Committee
	Spy	1620	200	..	..		..		..}	of the Algiers Expedition.
	Henrietta	1627	68	52	15	0	6	6	6
	Maria	1627	68	52	15	0	6	6	6
	Charles	1632-3	810	105	33	7	16	3	44	With Peter Pett.
	Greyhound	1636	126	60	20	3	7	8	12	" "
	Roebuck	1636	90	57	18	1	6	8	10	" "
	Sovereign of the Seas	1635-7	1522	127	46	6	19	4	102	" "

R = Rebuilt.

X
The Arms of Pett

The arms granted to Peter Pett in 1583 were:—

Or, on a fesse gules between three roundels sable, a lion passant of the field.

coat of arms

And for a crest: Out of a ducal coronet, or, a demi-pelican wings expanded argent.

Several impressions of Phineas Pett's seal displaying these arms, without the crest, are preserved on his letters in the State Papers.

Clyx.com

I Grant to Phineas Pett. 26th April 1604

FOOTNOTES:

II Petition of Shipwrights for Incorporation (?) 1578

III Charter to Shipwrights, 22nd April 1605.

FOOTNOTES:

IV Charter to Shipwrights, 6th May 1612

FOOTNOTES:

VI Petition to the Admiralty

FOOTNOTE:

VII Letter to Buckingham (1623)

VIII Protest of Trinity House against the Building of the Sovereign

IX Ships Built or Rebuilt by Phineas Pett.

X The Arms of Pett

I
Grant to Phineas Pett. 26th April 1604

II
Petition of Shipwrights for Incorporation (?) 1578

III
Charter to Shipwrights, 22nd April 1605.

IV
Charter to Shipwrights, 6th May 1612

VI
Petition to the Admiralty

VIII
Protest of Trinity House against the Building of the Sovereign

IX
Ships Built or Rebuilt by Phineas Pett.

X
The Arms of Pett