This entry in Exchequer records at The National Archives from the early seventeenth century, reveals the names of two men involved in shipping lead from the port of Bridgwater. It appears the two men may have tried to ship the lead without paying any taxes, hence the interest shown by officials in the Court of Exchequer. Were these men smugglers, or just victims of poor administration?
Wednesday 2nd of July [1606]
Forasmuch Thomas Yarworthe one of the deputyes of his Majesties Farmers within the Porte of Bridgwater did of late seise as forfeyte to his Majesties use a certayne quantyty of leade for that the same had beene shipped to the intente to bee transported, custome and subsidy not payed and preferred his informacion thereof into this Courte accordingly And forasmuch as it is lykewise informed this Courte that John Godbeare, and Fraunces Gowringe have brought three severall accions in the Kings benche agaynst the sayde Yarworthe viz two of them for takinge and carryenge awaye of leade; and the third of them for the stayinge of the shipp. It is this daye ordered by this Courte that there shalbee an Injuncion awarded agaynst the sayde John Godbeare and Fraunces Gowringe and either of them theire and eyther of theire Councellours Attorneyes and sollycitors commaundinge then nor further to proceede in any of the sayde suyte in his Majesties sayde Courte; or any other Courte agaynst the sayde Yarworts and untyll this Courte shall take other order therein unles the sayde Godbeare and Gowringe shall on Mondaye next Ie Aente Cur[ia?] shewe good cause to the contrary.
TNA, E124/4 f.32r