lent his own to particular seaports, probably to meet special local needs. In April, 1205, for example, the inhabitants of Yarmouth, Lowestoft, Beccles, and Orford were informed that the king, having released his galleys stationed on the coast of England, had sent them two galleys to remain in his service until Michaelmas Day. They were directed to find two masters to navigate, and two other men to command the vessels, and for the competency and fidelity of the officers they were to give security. They were also to find 140 good seamen to man the ships, and were to send to London the necessary people to receive the galleys. To these a sum of one hundred marks would be paid for the crews. By way of additional reward, the men would have a moiety of all prizes which they might capture from the enemy.[1] Another galley was sent to Ipswich, and three galleys were sent to Dunwich.[2]
| Station | No. of Galleys. | Commanders. |
|---|---|---|
| London | 5 | Reginald de Cornhill. |
| Newhaven | 2 | |
| Sandwich | 3 | |
| Romney | 4 | William de Wrotham, Archdeacon of Taunton. |
| Rye | 2 | |
| Winchelsea | 2 | |
| Shoreham | 5 | |
| Southampton | 2 | |
| Exeter | 2 | |
| Bristol | 3 | William de Marisco and John de la Ware. |
| Ipswich | 2 | |
| Dunwich | 5 | |
| Lynn | 5 | |
| Yarmouth | 3 | |
| Ireland | 5 | |
| Gloucester | 1 | |
| Total | 51 |
Close Rolls, p. 33.
Ships were impressed or hired on the king's behalf, not only for war service, but also for the carriage of goods and passengers. The rate of payment was generally very moderate, so far as it can be judged without knowledge of the dimensions of the vessels hired. An order to provide freightage was usually sent down to the reeve at the intended port of embarkation, the wording being somewhat as follows:-
"The King to the Bailiff of Barfleur. Find a passage for John
