Published online by Cambridge University Press: 12 February 2009
In calling the attention of the fellows to some of the leading points in the history of one of the most remarkable confederations which the world has ever seen, and in endeavouring to arrange these into an harmonious and intelligent narrative, I feel that I owe no apology, except at least to the extent to which my labours may be found deficient or defective: for it is in the direction of such original inquiries as the present that our Society may perform its more useful offices. England played a most prominent part in the history of the Hanseatic League; but in this regard has found heretofore no historian, while Germany has several. Hence the present attempt, the results of which, gathered from many sources, are presented without further preface.
page 131 note * A licence was granted to the Earl of Worcester for the sole making of Saltpetre and Gunpowder in England and Ireland for twenty-one years, revocable at pleasure, dated May 8, 1607. An Indenture was signed by the King and the Earl of Worcester, the latter agreeing to deliver eighty lasts of gunpowder per annum at the Tower of London, at 8d. per pound, and as much more as might be required at 9d., dated May 8, 1607. See Calendar of State Papers, 1603–10. Another grant was made to the Earl, with some alterations from his former commission in 1616; of which he gave notice to the Lord Mayor in a letter dated “Worcester House, June 13, 1617.” Remembrancia, pp. 218, 219.