Note 30 — A DISCOURSE concerning the LAWS and GOVERNMENT of ENGLAND.
Reading edition
In the year 1546, there were 126 boroughs that returned members to parliament; and the greatest number of these were wealthy and populous. Brown Willis, notit. parliam. vol. I. In the reign of Edward VI. 23 new boroughs were summoned to send burgesses to parliament. Philip and Mary added 13 more, Elizabeth 30, James the 2 universities and 12 boroughs, Cha. I. 8 boroughs, and Cha. II. the county of Durham and 2 boroughs. Ellys on temporal liberty. Anciently the king might incorporate any town, and enable it to send burgesses to parliament; but this privilege remains not at present with the crown. If the king was now to venture on the creation of a parliamentary borough, it would rest with the house of commons whether they would receive the members.