were granted tyme out of
Minde, and after in tyme of the Excellent and redoubted Prince, King
Edward, unto the Miners of the Forrest of Deane, and the Castle of St.
Briavells," &c., in which words it will be observed that only the name of
King Edward is mentioned, the number not being added, although for some
cause or other all modern copies insert "the Third," and hence the
impression that the collection was then formed; whereas the description
given in the paragraph immediately following, specifying what were then
the limits of the Forest, shows its date to be that of the first of the
Edwards, since the bounds are therein recorded as extending "between
Chepstowe Bridge and Gloucester Bridge, the halfe deale of Newent, Rosse
Ash, Monmouth Bridge, and soe farr into the Seassoames as the blast of a
horne or the voice of a man may bee heard." But these limits ceased to
prevail soon after the beginning of the fourteenth century, and
consequently an earlier date must be assigned for the above record than
has commonly been given to it.

The body of the document, originally, it would seem, unbroken, as now
printed is divided into forty-two paragraphs or sections, but expressed
in very rude and involved phraseology, confirming its antiquity, as still
further appears by the nature of the incidents which it contains. It
specifies, first of all, the franchises of the mine, meaning its
liberties or privileges, as not to be trespassed against, and consisting
apparently in this, that every man who possessed it might, with the
approval of the King's gaveller, dig for iron ore or coal where he
pleased, and have right of way for the carrying of it, although in
certain cases "forbids" to sell might be declared. A third part of the
profits of the undertaking belonged to the King, whose gaveller called at
the works every Tuesday "between Mattens and Masse," and received one
penny from each miner, the fellowship supplying the Crown with twelve
charges of ore per week at twelve pence, or three charges of coal at one
penny. Timber was allowed for the use of the works above and below
ground. Only such persons as had been born and were abiding in the
Forest were to "visit" the mines, in working which the distance of a
stone's throw was always to be kept, and property in them might be
bequeathed. The miners' clothes and light are mentioned, and the
standard measure called "bellis," to the exclusion of carts and "waynes."
It alludes to "t