CHAP, 71. 



MIXIX(i FATKIMMIISK IX WALKS. 



143 



had commenced tlir embankment of Brad m^- IFaven, 

 and Sir !><>vis Thelwall was also a partner with him in 

 tin's new venture. It took him some time to clear the 

 mines of \vater, which he did by pumping-machines of 

 liis own contrivance; but at length sufficient ore was 

 raised to enable it to be tested, and it was then found 

 to contain a considerable proportion of silver. His opera- 

 tions seem to have been attended with success, for we 

 shortly find him sending considerable quantities of silver 

 to the Royal Mint to be coined. 



King James was so much gratified by these further 

 proofs of Myddelton' s skill and enterprise, as displayed 

 in his embankment of Brading Harbour and his suc- 

 cessful mining operations in Wales, that he raised him 

 to the dignity of a Baronet on the 1 9th of October, 

 1622; and the compliment was all the more marked 

 by His Majesty directing that Sir Hugh should be dis- 

 charged from the payment of the customary fees, 

 amounting to 1095/., and that the dignity should be 

 conferred upon him without any charge whatever. 1 The 

 patent of baronetcy granted on the occasion sets forth 

 the " reasons and considerations " which induced the 

 King to confer the honour ; and it may not be out of 

 place to remark, that though more eminent industrial 

 services have been rendered to the public by succeeding 

 engineers, there has been no such cordial or graceful 

 recognition of them by any succeeding monarch. The 

 patent states that King James had made a baronet of 

 1 1 ugh Myddelton, of London, goldsmith, for the following 

 reasons and considerations : 



" 1. For bringing to the city of London, with excessive charge 

 and greater difficulty, a new cutt or river of fresh water, to the 

 great benefit and inestimable preservation thereof. 2. For gaining 



1 Sloane MS. (British Museum), 

 vol. ii., 4177. Also 'Calendar of 

 Domestic State Papers,' Oct. 19th, 

 1G22. Grant to Hugh Myddelton of 



the rank of I5ari>iiet, grunti 



of 10957. due on being made a I5 ; i- 



ronct. 



