This snippet relates to correspondence written by Thomas Middleton in 1665 (the time Of Newton) regarding the lack of seamen to man the ships in Portsmouth, as with many correspondents throughout the ages Mr Middleton appeared to actively dislike Portsmouth…
“For my part to you as a frinde I declayre I intend not to make Portsmouth my habitation if I can avoid it. Tis Trew if the Kinge command me to live underwater if it were possible I would and must do it, but if I can anyway with the preservation of my of my reputation avoid it, I shall not live heare for the rent of Hampsheere.” 3rd January 1665.
Middleton was faring no better by July of the same year as the further reference below shows, the trades like ropemakers, vital to the dockyard were seeking agricultural work rather than work in the dockyard on ships for the Royal Navy…
