Shipbuilding programme, 1377

Shipbuilding programme, 1377 (C 54/217, m. 22)

Shortly before the coronation of Richard II, a temporary truce between England and France expired. Beginning on 29 June 1377, a powerful French fleet attacked English ports along the English channel. The continual council took action to increase England’s naval power and ordered that towns across the country build a total of 25 balingers (manoeuvrable warships powered by oars). This source is a record of the order that was sent to the city of York.

Transcript

30 November 1377, Westminster

To the mayor and bailiffs and the true men of the city of York. Order at the cost of the best, most able and richest men of the city only, not charging other middling people of lower estate as they will answer it, to cause one small barge called a ‘balingere’ with from 50 to 40 oars with all speed to be built before March 1 next, so that the same shall be ready on that day at latest at a place to be by the admiral appointed to sail with the king’s navy on his service for defence of the realm, knowing assuredly that if by their lukewarmness the voyage be hindered or delayed the king will deservedly punish them; as order is made in this parliament that by the aforesaid day such barges up to a set number shall be built and made ready by them and other cities and good towns of the realm. It is the king’s intent, after that voyage shall be ended and the navy shall return, to deliver the said barge to them who have built it in this time of need to dispose of their advantage as of their chattels without further challenge.

By King and Council in parliament.

Simplified transcript

30 November 1377, Westminster

To the city of York. Order to build one small ship of the type known as a ‘balinger’ with 50 to 40 oars at the expense of the richest men in the city. The ships is to be built before 1 March 1377, so that on that day at the latest, the ship shall be ready to sail with the king’s navy on his service for the defence of the realm. If the ship is not ready, and the voyage hindered as a result, the king will punish the city of York. After serving in the king’s navy, the balinger will be returned to the people who built it, and they may do with it as they wish as their own property.

By King and Council in parliament.

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