Requirements for English Ports, 1337
On 5 January 1337 King Edward III set out his naval requirements to the ports. As it became clear to Edward III that war with France was increasingly inevitable, he turned his attention to preparations for a continental campaign. First and foremost, he needed to be able to ferry his army to France. This would be no small feat. With an army of 6000 soldiers requiring a fleet of 500 ships[i] the process could be slow and laborious.
Medieval Naval Traditions
In the early 14th century, the English navy worked on a basis of ports providing ships for the Kings Service in return for fixed compensation per quarter. This was a long-standing arrangement that saw ports provide shipping based on their ability to do so. Large ports such as Yarmouth and Lynn on the East coast would send a large number of vessels, of various sizes, to serve. Smaller ports may only be expected to send one, or even no ships.
The system had major strengths and weaknesses. It only cost the treasury money in times of war, a major advantage. On the other hand, it was very slow and potentially limited in the number of vessels that could be expected to be made available. So, the crown needed to work with ports to smooth over any issues in temporary requisitioning of shipping for the crown.
Negotiations between the Crown and English Ports in 1337
On 5 January 1337, one such attempt at persuading the ports of the merits of the crowns campaign took place. Representatives from The Northern and Western Admiralties met with senior counsellors of the King. The Kings representatives’ purpose was to persuade these ship owners to have sufficient vessels ready for the campaigns that the King had in mind. The orders that the counsellors had were to attain the required numbers with no compensation being available for the ship owners.
Compensation for Shipping
The lack of compensation was highly unusual. So too was the number of ships being demanded at short notice. Despite the King’s argument that Gascony was under threat and that the French and Scots possessed a dangerous fleet, the ports representatives refused to accept the terms set down by the King’s men.
Neither an uncompensated request, nor a refusal by the ports were typical of the period. The stakes were high for the King and his attempt to furnish himself with a navy at no cost had failed. The response of the King was quick, and unprecedented.
Surrender of Shipping at Ports
On 10 January 1337, the Great Council met. The King made the position clear to his nobles. They agreed to the King’s demand for action to be taken swiftly to ensure that England had a fleet to use on his military campaign. Council issued writs that gave orders to all ports to surrender all shipping, free of compensation, to the Admiralties. The ships were to be at Portsmouth no later than 15 March 1337.
Building of Ships for King Edward III
In addition to pressing all shipping into free service, the King ordered a series of new ships to be built. This was necessary as the crown had neglected its own fleet during Edward’s reign. A series of Galley’s, some quite large, were ordered. The free service did not stop at provision of ships. Those who failed to assist the crown in the preparation of these new ships, saw timber from their lands simply taken. Officials were sent to ports to check the number of vessels, and as Edward became more impatient, were sent to Portsmouth immediately: The Northern Admiralty changed her orders to ships, the date of assembly in the Solent was brought forward to 14 February.
[i] Sumption, J. Trial by Battle, The Hundred Years War I. Faber and Faber. Page 177 [https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=V6vghfDY7loC&pg=PA179&lpg=PA179&dq]
Related Content
Naval Considerations: Part One an Introduction to Maritime matters c1336, Part Two Defending England’s Deep Water Ports, Part Three England’s continental ports, Part Four Planning for Naval Superiority in the Hundred Years War, Part Five Protecting Merchant Shipping
