SIR FRANCIS DRAKE AND THE PLYMOUTH CORPORATION. 459 
full sea marke,” made by William Hawkins, mayor, John Fytz, 
recorder, and the ‘12 and 24,” in 1568. So with the tin streamers. 
The action of the Corporation against them commenced before Drake 
saw the light at Crowndale ; and in the very year of his birth, if 
we accept 1539 as the date, tin works were viewed for the town 
and evidence given thereon to commissioners at Plympton, while, 
under a presentment concerning the haven, by order of the Lord 
High Admiral a view was taken of Cattewater. So again in the 
next year.* We can trace this action against tinners and care for the 
haven continuously down to and after the passing of the Water 
Act and the making of the leat, and the only evidence that Drake 
took any personal interest in the business is that 4s. 4d. was spent 
in 1592-3 in wine when he and the “ masters” went to view “the 
tin work.” Works were again viewed and action taken in 1604-6. 
If Drake had been the only seaman connected with the town; if 
the harbour had never been cared for, nor tin streams viewed before 
his time ; the suggestion might have some value, but the facts lend 
it no countenance whatever. 
The Act was obtained in 1585. Nearly five years elapsed before 
the attempt was made to put its provisions into force. There is 
nothing to cause surprise in this. Between 1585 and 1590 the 
nation passed through such a time of peril as it never knew before 
nor has known since. Philip of Spain was planning the Armada 
when the Water Act was under consideration ; and all the energies 
of the Corporation of Plymouth were concentrated on works of de- 
fence. They fortified St. Nicholas Island, at a very heavy expense, 
under the patent obtained by William Hawkins. They converted the 
ancient bulwarks on the Hoe into a “‘fort regular.” They maintained 
a sharp look out and kept up an efficient garrison. With the aid of 
contributions from the countryside they fitted out a ship and a pinnace 
against the Armada.t They were so thorough-minded in their war- 
like ways that when Drake sailed for the West Indies, in September, 
1585, they took a share in his adventure to the extent of £26, and 
received—I presume as profit—£18 15s. The latter entry rans— 
Itm rec of S* Fra Drake knight for the Townes 
advent™ . ; mixviij xv‘ 
* 1541-2. 3s. 8d. paid for viewing “ the streame Brok that descends downe 
hurtfull to the haven.” 
+ Towards this John Hawkins gave £20. 
