they did, and still do enjoy, were no more than their zeal and services justly entitled them to.
A modern writer says, the "Cinque Ports were an incorporated body, enjoying an inferior jurisdiction within themselves, subordinate to the Admiralty of England, but more immediately united in the same person, and under the immediate command of the Constable of Dover Castle. From their local situation opposite, and their immediate vicinity to Calais and the French coast, they were from the highest antiquity of great consideration and consequence, for the defence of the British Channel, and of the southern and eastern coasts of this kingdom: and under this idea were invested with high honours, privileges, powers, and immunities, and erected into a bulwark and guard to defend our coasts, able to repel the attacks of foreign enemies whenever they might attempt an invasion[1]
- ↑ The same writer has given the following curious document from the Harl. Manufc. No. 6274, entitled Item, ordonne estoit a Hastings, piir lei et costume, en temps du Roy John, l'an 2de de son regne, per advys de ses fcigneuries tempbrelles, que si lieutenant en aseun voyage ordonne par common confeil du royaulme, encountroit fur la mer, aseuns ness ou vefleaux chargees ou voydes, que ne voulent avaller et abaster leur tress au commandement du lieutenant du roy ; ou de l'admiral du roy, on son lieutenant ; mais combatent encontre cieulx de la flotte ; que si ils puent estre pris, que ils soient re putes come enemys, et leur ness vessaux et bien pris et forfaits come bien des enemys ; tout foit qut les maistres ou possessours d'icelles, bouldroient venir apres, et alleguer meifmes les ness, vessaux et biens, estre biens des amys notre leigneur; et que le Mayne estant en yeclles, soient chastiez par imprisonment de lour corps, pour lour rebellette, par discretion.
