50 



In the 50th. Edward III, the Commons re- 

 presented that " the watermen of London com- 

 plained of leaving locks, stanks, and wears, 

 upon the River Thames ; and namely a lock 



*yt"- 



called Hambledcn* lock, and for that, there 

 is a custom demanded of them passing the 

 bridges of Staines, Windsor, and Maidenhead, 

 and other locks, against their custom." To 

 which it was answered, " that for the locks 

 and kiddles the statute made in the 37th. 

 Edward III. shall be executed, and for exac- 

 ting money of them for the bridges, they 

 shall make suit in Chancery." Id. 132. 



In the 37th. Edward III, it was petitioned 

 " that a remedy might be found against wears, 

 and such other engines, on the River Thames, 

 to the annoyance of boats. Id. 97.* 



Here then it is submitted are abundant 

 proofs that the River Thames has been a 

 navigable river time out of mind ; and it is 



* In the 21st Ed. III., it is recorded that the four great 

 rivers of England, viz. the Thames, Tese, Ouse, and Trent, 

 uere wont from antiquity to be open and free jor every ship to 

 pass. Id. 57. 



The Queen of King Hen. III. 1263, was insulted, as she was 

 going by water from the Tower of London to Windsor. Rap. 

 vol I. p. 336. 



