CHAPTER VI.

CHARLES I. FISHERIES AND RESERVED WATERS.

Extravagant pretensions to the sovereignty of the sea--The ship-money writs and the old records--Charles proposes a great fishery society to compete with the Dutch--Coke prepares a scheme--Difficulties with Scottish burghs--Charles requests Scottish Privy Council to further the scheme--Strenuous opposition in Scotland--Claim of “reserved waters” advanced--Commissioners on behalf of England and Scotland appointed--Prolonged negotiations--Extent of reserved waters defined--Modifications proposed--Burghs petition Charles to prevent the Hollanders from fishing in Scottish waters--Fisheries declared to be under the royal prerogative--Charles attends the conferences of the commissioners--Scheme finally agreed to--The “Royal Fishery of Great Britain and Ireland” established--Operations at the Lewes--Misfortunes and eventual failure of the society 209