Gunpowder Act 1640

Recital of Mischiefs by prohibiting Importation of Gunpowder, &c.

Liberty to all to import Gunpowder, paying Duties.

Whereas the Importation of Gunpowder from forreign parts hath of late times beene against Law prohibited and the making thereof within this Realm ingrossed whereby the price of Gunpowder hath beene excessively raised many powder workes decayed this Kingdome very much weakened and indangered the Merchants thereof much damnified many Mariners and others taken Prisoners and brought into miserable Captivity and Slavery many Ships taken by Turkish and other Pirates and many other inconveniences have from thence ensued and more are likely to ensue if they be not timely prevented. Be it therefore Declared and Enacted by the Kings most Excellent Majestie and the Lords and Commons in this present Parliament assembled and by the Authoritie of the same That it shall and may be lawfull to and for all and singuler persons aswell Strangers as naturall born subjes of this Realm to import and bring into this Kingdome any quantities of Gunpowder whatsoever paying such Customes and Duties for the same as by Authority of Parliament shall be limited and set downe.