)
"Concerning wrecks of the sea, where a man, a dog, or a cat
escape alive out of the ship, that such ship nor barge nor
anything within them shall be deemed wreck, but the goods
shall be saved and kept by view of the Sheriff, Coroner, or
the King's Bailiff". If anyone proves the goods were his
within a year and a day, they shall be restored to him
without delay. Otherwise, they shall be kept by the King.
"And where wreck belongs to one other than the King, he
shall have it in like manner". If he does otherwise, he
shall be imprisoned and pay damages and fine.
Some statutes applied only to Kent County, which had a
unique position between London and the continent. One could
sell or give away his land without the consent of one's
lord. The services of the land, however, could only be sold
to the chief lord. Inheritance of land was to all sons by
equal portions, and if there were no sons, then to all
daughters in equal portions. The eldest brother has his
choice of portion, then the next oldest, etc. The goods of a
deceased person were divided into three parts after his
funeral expenses and debts were paid. One third went to the
surviving spouse. One third went to the deceased's sons and
daughters. One third could be disposed by will of the
decedent. If there were no children, one half went to the
spouse and one half went according to will. If an heir was
under 15 years old, his next of kin to whom inheritance
could not descend was to be his guardian.
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