Note 5 — PART II HISTORICAL STUDIES (continued 2)

But let us see how the matter stands with reference to previous charters. Professor Burrows holds that the form of Edward I's charter 'certainly supposes that the former charters were granted' also to the Ports collectively.5 Indeed, he 'need not point out', we read, 'that the charters referred to are charters to the Confederation, not to separate Ports' (p. 444). Where do we find them? 'That the charter of Henry,' we are told (p. 439), 'which we know about from those of his sons, has no more survived than those of his predecessors, has always seemed to me an argument of some weight.' But no charter of Henry II to the Confederation is spoken of by his sons. We have in the Rotuli Chartarum what Professor Burrows terms, 'the series of six charters, dated June 6, and 7, 1205'. Each Port on this occasion received a separate charter, and in each case reference is made to that Port's charter from Henry II. Of a collective charter we hear nothing. Nor are John's charters even identical in form: to quote once more Professor Burrows: