Charles I, 1640: An act for the free bringing in of Gun-powder and Salt peter from Forraign parts and for the free making of Gunpowder in this Realme.

Recital of Mischiefs by prohibiting Importation of Gunpowder, &c.

Liberty to all to import Gunpowder, paying Duties.

Whereas the Importation of Gunpowder from forreign parts hath of late times beene against Law prohibited and the making thereof within this Realm ingrossed whereby the price of Gunpowder hath beene excessively raised many powder workes decayed this Kingdome very much weakened and indangered the Merchants thereof much damnified many Mariners and others taken Prisoners and brought into miserable Captivity and Slavery many Ships taken by Turkish and other Pirates and many other inconveniences have from thence ensued and more are likely to ensue if they be not timely prevented. Be it therefore Declared and Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majestie and the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled and by the Authoritie of the same That it shall and may be lawfull to and for all and singuler persons aswell Strangers as naturall born subjes of this Realm to import and bring into this Kingdome any quantities of Gunpowder whatsoever paying such Customes and Duties for the same as by Authority of Parliament shall be limited and set downe.

II. All subjects may make and sell Gunpowder, and import Saltpetre, &c.

And be it further Declared and enacted by the Authority aforesaid That it shall and may be lawfull to and for all and singuler His Majesties subjes of this his Realm of England to make and sell any quantities of Gunpowder at his and theire will and pleasure and alsoe to bring into this Kingdom any quantities of Salt peter Brimstone or any other Materialls necessary or requisite for the making of Gun powder.

III. Putting in execution Letters Patents, Proclamations, &c. against this Liberty.

Premunire.

And lastly be it enacted by the Authority [aforesaid (fn. 1) ] That if any person or persons from and after the tenth day of August which shall be in the Yeare of our Lord God one thousand six hundred fourty and one shall put in execution any Letters Patents Proclamation Edict act Order Warrant Restraint or other Inhibition whatsoever whereby the Importation of Gunpowder Salt peter Brimstone or other the materials aforementioned or any of them from Forraign parts or the making of Gunpowder within this Realm shall be any way prohibited or restrained That then the said person and persons so offending shall incurre and sustain the pains penalties and forfeitures contained and provided in the Statute of provision and premunire made in the sixteenth yeare of the Reign of King Richard the Second.