42 



" the Thames is the longest of the three 

 famous rivers of this isle, and no way inferior 

 in abundance offish." 



There are numberless other authors on the 

 same subject, such as Camden, Drayton, Sir 

 John Denham, &c, all proving it to be the 

 first public river in point of consequence in 

 the kingdom. 



But to proceed to more particular and legal 

 proofs of it. 



Richard I. by his Charter to the citizens of 

 London in 1197 "grants and commands that 

 all wears that are on the Thames, be removed, 

 wheresoever they shall be within the Thames, 

 and that no wears be put up any where 

 within the Thames." 



It has already been shown, that King John 

 by his Charter, as well as Henry Hid by his 

 confirmation of it, directs, " that all wears and 

 kiddles shall be utterly put down by Thames 

 and Medway."* 



By the statute of Westminster 2d the 13 



* And that the passage and fishery should be open and 

 free. 



