In the fifth year of this reign, the Knights of Pevensey paid to that King five marks, for what was then styled a donum, as appears by Maddox's History of the Exchequer.
In the sixth of King John, according to the same authority, Pevensey, among other trading towns, paid a quinxieme, or tax for its merchandise ; and in the ninth of the same reign, the Barons of Pevensey fined forty marks, for licence to build a town upon a spot between Pevensey and Langley ; the same to enjoy the like privileges as the Cinque Ports, and that they might have One annual Fair to last seven days, commencing on the Anniversary of St. John the Baptist ; also a market every Sunday.
In the reign of Henry III., Gilbert de Aquila, the third of that name, held this honour, who by many disorders made him self obnoxious to the King ; and passing over to Normandy without the Royal licence, Henry took that opportunity of seizing upon all his effects, lands, and Castles.
