The English Patents of Monopoly

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1913 edition. Excerpt: ...27, 1637; December 19, 1638. C. R. May 9, 1637. Docq. November, 1632. 7 C. R. July 15, 1638. patent, as the majority were weary of the opposition which the monopoly was encountering, and perhaps of the policy of the managers. The salt-makers of Shields resumed their pans, and thereafter, for a time, English and Scottish salt was sold in London at 33.1 Almost at once, however, it was planned to transfer the monopoly privileges to Murford.3 But during the negotiations Thomas Horth, who had been a chief projector of the old patent, together with those of his associates who still desired to remain in the business, made an application for a new incorporation. The Privy Council then held a meeting to consider the rival propositions as well as the protests of the fishing towns against any monopoly.8 It was voted to refer the subject to the lord treasurer and Lord Cottington, who reported in favor of Horth's proposition,4 on the ground that the latter promised a fixed price, and because he depended upon fire rather than evaporation in preparing the salt. A day of hearing was then given to opponents of the project.5 The Cinque Ports, Southampton, Poole, Weymouth, Melcomb Regis, and Yarmouth, as well as London, sent representatives to protest, but their objections were promptly disposed of. "His Majesty and the Board conceiving it to be a matter of great advantage to the kingdom that salt made within his Majesty's dominions should be preferred and used before any foreign salt, and finding upon debate that salt made in his Majesty's dominions is sufficient for all uses, did therefore order that the said business be forthwith established."' In January of the next year Horth and his associates received a new patent,7 which was supported...