A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 16 · Part 1 – Part 2
Her TAXATIONS.
IN a Parliament holden the first yeer of her Raign, a Subsidy was granted, of two Shillings eight pence the pound of Goods, and four Shillings of Lands, to be paid at two severall Payments, of every person Spirituall and Temporall. In her sixth yeer, in a Parliament holden at Westminster, one Subsidy was granted by the Clergy, and another by the Laity, together with two Fifteenths and Tenths. In her eighth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, there were offered to her four Subsidies, upon condition she would declare a Successor; but she refused their offer, and directly remitted the fourth Subsidy, which they had granted, saying, It was all one, whether the money were in her Subjects Coffers, or in her own. In her thirteenth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, towards her charges of repressing the Northern Rebellion, there was granted her by the Clergy, a Subsidy of six Shillings in the pound: and by the Temporalty, two fifteens, with a Subsidy of two shillings and eight pence in the pound. In her six and thirtieth yeer, a Parliament was holden, wherein was granted by the Clergy, two whole Subsidies, and by the Laity, three, besides six Fifteens and Tenths; but it was put into the Act, That this great Contribution, the like whereof had not been known in former Ages, should not be drawn into Example. In her fortieth yeer, in a Parliament at Westminster, were granted her by the Clergy, three entire Subsidies; and by the Laity, as many, with six fifteenths and Tenths. In her two and fortieth yeer, to furnish her self with money towards the Irish War, she delegated certain Commissioners, to confirm the Crown Lands to the possessors, that held any of controverted Titles, and to take money for the Confirmation, thereby to take away the troubles by concealers, who at this time were very busie.
Of her LAVVS and ORDINANCES.
IN a Parliament holden in her first yeer, an Act was made, That every person should go to Divine Service upon Sundayes and Holy-dayes, or else pay twelve pence to the poor. Also it was enacted, That Bishops should not let the Lands of the Church, longer then for one and twenty yeers, or three Lives, except to the Queen or her Successors. In her third yeer, Proclamation was made, That the Teston, coyned for twelve pence, and in the Raign of King Edward embased to six pence, should not be currant but for four pence; the Groat, but for two pence; and the piece of two pence, but for a penny: And not long after, all the said base Moneyes were called in, and fine Sterling money was allowed for them, after the Rate. For Ireland also, she coyned Sterling money; where nine pence in England, went for twelve pence there. The Queen was the first that brought certain Counties to deliver Provision at a certain rate, that so they might be freed from the Purveyors: Also the first that granted allowance to Judges for their Circuit. In her sixth yeer, in a Parliament then holden, it was made Treason to refuse taking the Oath of Supremacy; yet with this limitation, That by it the blood should not be dishonoured, nor goods confiscate; nor the Oath to be required of any Baron of the Kingdom. Also this yeer, by a Common Councell in London, It was enacted, That all such Citizens as from thenceforth should be constrained to sell their houshold-stuff, Leases of houses, or such like, should first cause the same to be cried thorow the City, by a man with a Bell, and then to be sold by the common Outcryer appointed for that purpose, and he to receive one farthing upon the shilling for his pains. In her three and twentieth yeer, she represseth by Proclamation excesse in apparell, Gold Chayns, and Clokes which men wore down to their heels. The length of Swords was limitted to three Foot, and Daggers to twelve Inches, besides the Hilts. Buildings likewise in the Suburbs were restrained, In-mates forbidden, and expresse charge set forth, That no dwelling house should be new built within three miles of any of the City Gates, under pain of imprisonment, and losse of the materialls. In her time was set on foot by Sir Thomas Smith, the Law made for the serving of Colledges with provision, to the great benefit of those Scholasticall Societies. In her two and fortieth yeer, she setteth forth Proclamations against the Transportation of Gold or Silver, wrought or unwrought, according to the former Acts of Parliament in that case provided. This yeer also she founded the Company of the East India Merchants, and allowed them ample Priviledges. In her three and fourtieth yeer, all Monopolies are called in by Proclamation. In her four and twentieth yeer, severe Laws are made against Papists, some inflicting death, some fine and imprisonment. In her eight and twentieth yeer, a Proclamation was set forth, prohibiting to sow Wo…d within eight miles of any of the Queens Houses, and four miles off any Cities or Towns Corporate.