The Beacon System in Kent

THE BEACON SYSTEM IN KENT. 81 be charged that all the said beacons be speedily and suitably set up and prepared in the above-named places for the safeguarding of the country and of the said Navy. Item, that as soon as the said beacons be made, they shall be well and suitably watched, as weU by day as by night, without fail. Item, that the watchmen, who, at the time, shall be at the said beacons, and particularly, at the beacons of Shepeye and Shoubery, shall be from time to time warned and charged that, as soon as they can see any vessels of the enemy coming by sail or by oars towards the said river, then the said two beacons of Shepeye and Shoubery be set on fire, and therewith to make all the noise they can with horn or by shouting, to warn the country round to come with all theh force to the said river, each to the aid of the others, to resist our enemies. Item, that the counties aforesaid be warned and admonished, under grevious penalty, that as soon as they see the said beacons, or one of them, set on fire, or they hear the noise of the horn or shouting, they come immediately, in theh best array of arms to the said river, to safeguard the towns lying upon the same, and the Navy being in the ports, from damage by our enemies."1 Although it is not stated in the order, the beacons higher up the river, no doubt, took the alarm from Sheppey and Shoebury, and it was rapidly passed to Gravesend and Horndon, and thus to London. Thus, the capital, and all the country on each side of the river would soon know of the arrival of an enemy, and the banks would be manned by all in the district who could bear arms, that is, by aU men between the ages of 16 and 60. During the foUowing two centuries, orders for the reinstating of the beacons and the watch occur from time to time, according as there appeared to be any danger of an invasion from abroad or not. In 1468 an order issued " by the King himseU " is headed " concerning the keeping of wards and watches, the truce with France having expired", and it goes on as foUows : " We assign to you the placing of such wards and watches, 1 Pari. Rolls and Close Rolls, 1 Ric. II. 9