November 1650: An Act for George Manby to prohibit any to make use of his Invention for the boyling of all sorts of Liquors for fourteen years.

November, 1650

[27 November, 1650.]

George Manby to enjoy the sole use of his invention in boyling liquors, for fourteen years.

Whereas George Manby hath in long continuance of time, and by his great cost, charges and labour, found out a New Invention to prevent the great consumption of Cole and Wood, and also of Iron, Lead and Copper, used for the Boiling of all sort of Liquors in Brewhouses, Salt-works, and other works of that kinde; whereby sufficient Quantities of Salt will be made within a short time to serve this Nation, without the help of Foreiners, at much cheaper Rates then heretofore have been; Be it Enacted by this present Parliament, and by Authority thereof, That the said George Manby, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, shall have and enjoy the sole Use of his Invention, in the making of Salt, and in Brewing and Boiling any Quantities of Liquor, for and during the term of Fourteen years, from the First day of September, Anno Dom. One thousand six hundred and fifty: And that no person or persons, Bodies Politique or Corporate, shall make use of his said Inventions within the Commonwealth of England or Ireland, in any Occupation or Manufacture, during the said time. Provided, That all and every person and persons may use such ways and works as they have used to do, or otherwise, so as they make not use of the said Invention. And provided, That it shall be lawful to and for every such person and persons, their Executors, Administrators and Assigns onely, whom the said George Manby and George Gray the elder Esq; their Executors and Administrators, shall hereafter joyntly allow of, and appoint in writing under Hand and Seal, to make use of such New Inventions in any Occupation or Manufacture, according to the tenor of such Allowance and Appointment, and for none else nor otherwise.

The forfeiture for making use of the said invention.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any person or persons shall make use of the said Invention, in the making of Salt, Brewing or Boiling of Liquor, or any other Occupation, and proof be thereof made by the Oath of two or more witnesses, to be taken before two or more Justices of the Peace within the County, City, Borough, Town Corporate, or Priviledge place within the Commonwealth of England or Ireland, where the Fact shall be done; which said Justices of the Peace have hereby power, and are upon complaint required to administer, That then such Vessels and Works shall be broken and pulled down by Warrant of such Justices of the Peace: And the said George Manby, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, shall and may bring his or their action of Debt against any person or persons, Bodies Politique or Corporate, offending herein, within any Court of Record, for the penalty of ten pounds lawful English Money for setting up of such Works, and twenty shillings for every days using or continuing any Vessel or Work by the said George Manby invented as aforesaid, and to him, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, hereby granted to be solely used for the term aforesaid; In which Action shall be no Essoyn, Wager of Law, Priviledge, or other Delay whatsoever allowed or permitted; And wherein the said George Manby, his Executors, Administrators and Assigns, shall also recover his Costs of Suit and Damages sustained.

Indemnity to Justices and other officers.

And be it further Enacted by the Authority aforesaid, That if any action shall be brought against any Justice, Justices of Peace, or other Officer or person concerning what they shall do in execution of the premises, every such person shall have benefit of the Statutes made in that behalf, as in other cases wherein they act as Justices of the Peace, and under their command.