Birth of a dockyard

We order you, without delay, by the view of lawful men, to cause our Docks at Portsmouth to be enclosed with a Good and Strong Wall in such manner as our beloved and faithful William, Archdeacon of Taunton will tell you, for the preservation of our Ships and Galleys and likewise to cause penthouses to be made to the same Walls as the same Archdeacon will also tell you, in which all our Ships tackle may be safely kept; and use as much dispatch as you can in order that the same may be completed this summer lest in the ensuing winter our Ships and Galleys and their Rigging should incur any damage by your default; and when we know the cost it shall be accounted to you. An order to enclose an area of Portsmouth Harbour founding the Dockyard by order of King John 20 May 1212.