March 1644: An Ordinance for free Trade to Sunderland or Blith, and to carry corn for our Brethren of Scotland.

March 1644

[21 March, 1643/4.]

Whereas the Lords and Commons assembled in Parliament, by an Ordinance of the fourteenth of January, 1642. did for severall reasons in the said Ordinance mentioned, prohibite all Ships and other Vessells, to carry Provisions of Victualls, Arms, or Money, unto Newcastle, Sunderland or Blithe, or make returne of any Coales, or Salt, from either the said places, under paine of seizure of the said Ships, and Vessells, and their Lading.

And whereas by the good Providence and Blessing of Almighty God, and the endeavours of our Brethren of Scotland, the Townes and Ports of Sunderland, and Blithe, are lately rescued out of the hands of the Enemy, and reduced to the obedience of the King and Parliament: The Inhabitants of which, places by reason of the rapine and spoyle of the Enemy, have beene probably brought to some extremity of Want.

Trade allowed with Sunderland and Blithe.

It is this day Ordered by the Lords and Commons, That it shall and may be lawfull for any person or persons, under the obedience of the King and Parliament from hence forward, to Trade and goe with their Ships and Vessels under either of the said Ports of Sunderland, or Blithe, and to carry with them Armes, Ammunition, Corne, or any other Provision of Victualls, for the Reliefe of the said Inhabitants, and the Armies of our said Brethren of Scotland, or such other Forces as are, or shall be employed in the service of the King and Parliament, for the defence of the King, Parliament, and Kingdome; And to make returnes of Coales, Salt, or other Merchandizes, from the said severall Ports, unto any Port or place within this Kingdome, which are, or shall be, under the power of the Parliament; any former Order, or Ordinance to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding.