Whereas , our right Trusty , and right well-beloved Cousins and Counsellors , Edward Earl of Clarendon , our high Chancellor of England , and George Duke of Albemarle , Master of our Horse , and Captain General of all our Forces ; our right Trusty and well-beloved William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , our right Trusty , and well-beloved Counsellor , Anthony Lord Ashley , Chancellor of our Exchequer , Sir George Carterett Knight and Baronet , Vice-Chamberlain of our Houshold , and our Trusty and well-beloved , Sir William Berkeley Knight , and Sir John Colleton Knight and Baronet , being excited with a laudable and pious Zeal for the propagation of the Christian Faith , and the Enlargement of our Empire and Dominions , have humbly besought Leave of us by their Industry and Charge , to transport and make an ample Colony of our Subjects , Natives of our Kingdom of England , and elsewhere , within our Dominions , unto a certain Country , hereafter described , in the Parts of America not yet cultivated or planted , and only inhabited by some barbarous People , who have no Knowledge of Almighty God.

And whereas , the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley , Sir John Colleton , have humbly besought us to give , grant and confirm unto them and their Heirs , the said Country , with Priviledges and Jurisdictions , requisite for the good Government and Safety thereof . Know ye therefore , That We favouring the pious and noble Purpose of the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton of our special Grace , certain Knowledge and meer Motion , have given , granted and confirmed , and by this our present Charter , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , do give , grant and confirm unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs , and Assigns , all that Territory or Tract of Ground scituate , lying , and being within our Dominions in America ; extending from the North End of the Island called Lucke Island , which lyeth in the Southern Virginia Seas , and within six and thirty Degrees of the Northern Latitude ; and to the West as far as the South Seas ; and so Southerly , as far as the River St. Matthias , which bordereth upon the Coast of Florida , and within one and thirty Degrees of Northern Latitude , and so West in a direct Line , as far as the South Seas aforesaid ; together with all and singular Ports , Harbours , Bays , Rivers , Isles and Islets , belonging unto the Country aforesaid . And also , all the Soil , Lands , Fields , Woods , Mountains , Ferms , Lakes , Rivers , Bays and Islets , scituate ▪ or being within the Bounds or Limits aforesaid , with the fishing of all sorts of Fish , Whales , Sturgeons and all other Royal Fishes in the Sea , Bays , Islets and Rivers , within the Premises , and the Fish therein taken . And moreover , all Veins , Mines , Quarries , as well discover'd as not discover'd , of Gold , Silver , Gems , precious Stones , and all other whatsoever ; be it of Stones , Metals or any other thing whatsoever , found , or to be found within the Countries , Isles and Limits aforesaid .

And furthermore , the Patronage and Avowsons of all the Churches and Chapels , which as Christian Religion shall increase within the Country , Isles , Islets and Limits aforesaid , shall happen hereafter to be erected ; together with License and Power to build and found Churches , Chapels and Oratories in convenient and fit Places within the said Bounds and Limits ; and to cause them to be dedicated and consecrated , according to the Ecclesiastical Laws of our Kingdom of England ; together with all and singular , the like , and as ample Rights , Jurisdictions , Priviledges , Prerogatives , Royalties , Liberties , Immunities and Franchises , of what Kind soever , within the Countries , Isles , Islets and Limits aforesaid .

To have , use , exercise and enjoy , and in as ample Manner as any Bishop of Durham in our Kingdom of England , ever heretofore have held , used or enjoyed , or of right ought , or could have , use or enjoy ; and them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns . We do by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , make , create and constitute the true and absolute Lords and Proprietors of the Country aforesaid , and of all other the Premises , saving always the Faith , Allegiance and Sovereign Dominion due to Us , our Heirs and Successors , for the same ; and saving also the Right , Title and Interest of all and every our Subjects of the English Nation , which are now planted within the Limits and Bounds aforesaid , ( if any be : ) to have , hold possess , and enjoy the said Country , Isles , Islets , and all and singular , other the Premises to them , the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilleam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns for ever , to be holden of Us , our Heirs and Successors , as of our Mannor of East Greenwich , in our County of Kent , in free and common Soccage , and not in Capite , nor by Kn●ghts Service , yeilding and paying yearly to Us , our Heirs and Successors , for the same , the Yearly Rent of Twenty Marks of Lawful Money of England , at the Feast of All Saints , Yearly for Ever . The first Payment thereof , to begin , and to be made on the Feast of All Saints , which shall be in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Six Hundred Sixty and Five , and also the fourth Part of all Gold and Silver Oar which within the limits aforesaid , shall from Time to Time , happen to be found .

And that the Country thus by Us granted and described , may be dignifyed by us with as large Titles and Priviledges as any other Parts of our Dominions and Terretories in that Region . KNOW Ye , That We of Our further Grace , certain Knowledge , and meer Motion , have thought fit to Erect the same Tract of Ground , Country and Island , into a Province , And out of the Fullness of Our Royal Power and Prerogative ; We do , for Us , Our Heirs and Successors , Erect , Incorporate and Ordain the same into a Province ; and do call it the Province of CAROLINA : And so , from henceforth , will have it called . And forasmuch as We have hereby made , and ordained the aforesaid Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , the true Lords and Proprieters of all the Province aforesaid . KNOW ye therefore moreover , that We reposing Especial Trust and Confidence in their Fidelity , Wisdom , Justice and Provident Circumspection for Us , Our Heirs and Successours , do Grant full and absolute Power by virtue of these Presents , to them , the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , and their Heirs for the good and happy Government of the said Province , to Ordain , Make , Enact , and under their Seals to publish any Laws whatsoever , either appertaining to the publick State of the said Province , or to the private Utility or particular Persons , according to their best Discretion , of and with the Advice , Assent and Approbation of the Freemen of the said Province , or of the greater Part of them , or of their Delegates or Deputies , whom for enacting of the said Laws , when and as often as need shall require , We will that the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Guke of Albermarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton and their Heirs , shall from Time to Time , Assemble in such Manner and Form as to them shall seem best , and the same Laws duely to execute upon all People within the said Province and Limits thereof , for the Time being , or which shall be Constituted under the Power and Government of them , or , any of them , either Sailing towards the said Province of Carolina , or , returning from thence towards England , or any other of our , or Forreign Dominions , by Imposition of Penalties , Imprisonment , or any other Punishment ; yea , if it shall be needful , and the Quality of the Offence requires it , by taking away Member and Life , either by them the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley , and Sir John Colleton , and their Heirs , or by them , or their Deputies , Lieutenants , Judges , Justices , Magistrates , Officers and Ministers , to be ordained , or appointed according to the Tenor and true Intention of these Presents ; and likewise , to Appoint and Establish any Judges , or Justices , Magistrates , or Officers whatsoever , within the said Province , at Sea or Land , in such Manner and Form , as unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkely , and Sir John Colleton , and their Heirs , shall seem most convenient . Also to remit , Release , Pardon , and Abolish , ( whether before Judgment , or after ) all Crimes and Offences whatsoever against the said Laws , and to do all and every other Thing and Things which unto the Compleat Establishment of Justice unto Courts , Sessions and Forms of Judicature , and Manners of Proceedings therein , do belong , although in these Presents , express mention be not made thereof , and by Judges , and by him , or them delegated to award , process , hold Pleas , and determine in all the said Courts and Places of Judicature , all Actions , Suits and Causes whatsoever , as well Criminal as Civil , real , mixt , personal , or of any other Kind or Nature whatsoever ; Which Laws , so as aforesaid to be Published , Our Pleasure is , and We do Require , Enjoyn and Command , shall be Absolute , Firm and Available in Law , and that all the Leige People of Us , Our Heirs and Successors within the said Province of Carolina , do observe and keep the same inviolably , in those Parts , so far as they concern them , under the Pains and Penalties therein expressed , or to be expressed ; Provided nevertheless , That the said Laws be Consonant to Reason , and as near as may be , conveniently agreeable to the Laws and Customs of this our Kingdom of England .

And because such Assemblies of Free-holders cannot be so conveniently called , as there may be Occasion to require the same ; We do therefore by these Presents , Give and Grant unto the said Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley , and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , by themselves , or their Magistrates in that Behalf Lawfully Authorized , full Power and Authority from Time to Time , to make and ordain fit and wholesome Orders and Ordinances within the Province aforesaid , to be kept and observed , as well for the keeping of the Peace , as for the better Government of the People there abiding , and to Publish the same to all to whom it may concern ; which Ordinances We do by these Presents , streightly charge and Command to be Inviolably observed , within the said Province , under the Penalties therein expressed , so as such Ordinances be reasonable and not repugnant , or contrary , but as near as may be , agreeable to the Laws and Statutes of this our Kingdom of England , and so as the same Ordinances do not extend to the Binding , Charging , or Taking away of the Right or Interest of any Person or Persons , in their Freehold Goods , or Chattels whatsoever .

And to the end the said Province may be the more happily increased by the Multitude of People resorting thither , and may likewise be the more strongly Defended from the Incursions of Savages , and other Enemies , Pirates and Robbers ; Therefore , We for Us , Our Heirs and Successors do Give and Grant by these Presents , Power , License and Liberty unto all the Leige People of Us , Our Heirs and Successors in our Kingdom of England , or elsewhere within any other our Dominions , Islands , Colonies , or Plantations ( excepting those who shall be especially forbidden ) to Transport themselves and Families unto the said Province , with convenient Shipping , and ●itting Provisions and there to settle themselves , dwell and inhabit , any Law , Statute , Act , Ordinance , or other thing , to the contrary in any wise , notwithstanding : And We will also , and of Our more special Grace for Us , Our Heirs and Successors do streightly Enjoyn , Ordain , Constitute and Command that the said Province of Carolina shall be of our Allegiance , and that all and singular the Subjects , and Liege People of Us , Our Heirs and Successors Transported , or to be Transported into the said Province , and the Children of them , and of such as shall Descend from them , there Born , or hereafter to be Born , be , and shall be , Denizons and Leiges of Us , Our Heirs and Successors of this Our Kingdom of England , and be in all Things Held , Treated and Reputed as the Leige Faithful People of Us , Our Heirs and Successors , Born within this Our said Kingdom , or any other of Our Dominions , and may Inherit , or otherwise Purchase and Receive , Take , Hold , Buy and Possess any Lands , Tenements , or Hereditaments within the same Places , and them may Occupy Possess and Enjoy ▪ Give , Sell , Aliene and Bequeath ; as likewise , all Liberties , Franchises and Priviledges of this Our Kingdom of England and of other our Dominions aforesaid , and may freely and quietly have , possess and enjoy as our Leige People born within the same , without the least Molestation , Vexation , Trouble or Grievance of Us , our Heirs and Successors , any Statute , Act , Ordinance or Provision to the contrary notwithstanding .

And furthermore That our Subjects of this our said Kingdom of England and other our Dominions , may be the rather encouraged to undertake this Expedition with ready and chearful Minds ; Know ye , That we of our special Grace , certain Knowledge and meer Motion , do give and grant , by vertue of these Presents , as well to the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton and their Heirs , as unto all others as shall , from Time to Time , repair unto the said Province , with a Purpose to inhabit there , or to trade with the Natives of the said Province , full Liberty and License to lade and freight in any Ports whatsoever , of Us , our Heirs and Successors , and into the said Province of Carolina , by them , their Servants and Assigns , to transport all and singular their Goods , Wares and Merchandizes ; as likewise , all sorts of Grain whatsoever , and any other Things whatsoever , necessary for the Food and Cloathing , not prohibited by the Laws and Statutes of our Kingdoms and Dominions , to be carry'd out of the same without any Lett or Molestation of us , our Heirs and Successors , or of any other of our Officers or Ministers whatsoever , saving also to Us , our Heirs and Successors , the Customs , and other Dutys and Payments , due for the said Wares and Merchandizes , according to the several Rates of the Places from whence the same shall be transported . We will also , and by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , do give and grant License by this our Charter , unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley , and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , and to all the Inhabitants and Dwellers in the Province aforesaid , both present and to come , full Power and absolute Authority to import or unlade by themselves , or their Servants , Factors or Assigns , all Merchandizes and Goods whatsoever , that shall arise of the Fruits and Commodities of the said Province , either by Land or by Sea , into any the Ports of Us , our Heirs and Successors , in our Kingdom of England . Scotland or Ireland , or otherwise to dispose of the said Goods in the said Ports ; and if need be , within one Year next after the unlading , to lade the said Merchandizes and Goods again into the same , or other Ships , and to export the same into any other Countries , either of our Dominions , or forreign , being in Amity with Us , our Heirs and Successors , so as they pay such Customs , Subsidies and other Dutys for the same to Us , our Heirs and Successors , as the rest of our Subjects of this our Kingdom , for the Time being , shall be bound to pay , beyond which , we will not that the Inhabitants of the said Province of Carolina shall be any way charged .

Provided nevertheless , and our Will and Pleasure is , and We have further for the Considerations aforesaid , of our more especial Grace , certain Knowledge and meer Motion , given and granted , and by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , do give and grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , full and free License , Liberty and Authority at any Time , or Times , from and after the Feast of St. Michael the Arch-Angel , which shall be in the Year of our Lord Christ , One Thousand Six Hundred , Sixty and Seven ; as well to import , and bring into any of our Dominions , from the said Province of Carolina , or any Part thereof , the several Goods and Commodities herein after mentioned ; that is to say , Silks , Wines , Currants , Raisons , Capers , Wax , Almonds , Oyl and Olives , without paying or answering to us , our Heirs or Successors , any Custom , Impost or other Duty , for , or in respect thereof , for and during the Term and Space of Seven Years , to commence and be accompted from and after the first Importation of Four Tons of any the said Goods in any one Bottom Ship or Vessel , from the said Province , into any of our Dominions ; as also , to export and carry out of any of our Dominions into the said Province of Carolina , Custom-free , all sorts of Tools which shall be useful or necessary for the Planters there , in the Accomodation and Improvement of the Premises , any Thing before in these Presents contained , or any Law , Act , Statute prohibition , or other Matter or Thing heretofore had , made , enacted or provided or hereafter to be had , made , Enacted , or provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding .

And furthermore , of our more ample and especial Grace , certain Knowledge and meer Motion , We do for Us , our Heirs and Successors , grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , full and absolute Power and Authority to make , erect and constitute within the said Province of Carolina , and the Isles and Islets aforesaid , such and so many Sea-Ports , Harbours , Creeks and other Places , for discharge and unlading of Goods and Merchandizes out of Ships , Boats and other Vessels , and for lading of them in such and so many Places , and with such Jurisdictions , Priviledges and Franchises , unto the said Ports belonging , as to them shall seem most expedient ; and that all and singular , the Ships , Boats and other Vessels , which shall come for Merchandizes , and trade into the said Province , or shall depart out of the same , shall be laden and unladen at such Ports only as shall be erected and constituted by the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , and not elsewhere any Use , Custom , or any thing to the contrary in any wise , notwithstanding .

And We do furthermore will , appoint and ordain by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , do grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkely , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , That they the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , may from Time to Time , for ever , have and enjoy the Customs and Subsidies in the Ports , Harbours , Creeks and other Places within the Province aforesaid , payable for Goods , Merchandizes and Wares there laded , or to be laded or unladed , the said Customs to be reasonably assessed upon any Occasion by themselves , and by and with the Consent of the free People there , or the greater Part of them , as aforesaid ; to whom We give Power by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , upon just Cause and in a due Proportion to assess and impose the same .

And further , of our especial Grace , certain Knowledge and meer Motion , we have given , granted and confirmed , and by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , do give , grant and confirm unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir VVilliam Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , full and absolute License , Power and Authority , that the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett . Sir VVilliam Berkley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , from Time to Time , hereafter for ever , at his and their Will and Pleasure , may assign , alien , grant , demise or enfeoft the Premises or any Parts or Parcells thereof to him or them , that shall be willing to purchase the same ; and to such Person or Persons , as they shall think fit , to have , and to hold to them the said Person or Persons , their Heirs and Assigns in Fee simple or Fee Tayle , or for Term of Life or Lives , or Years to be held of them , the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley , and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , by such Rents , Services and Customs , as shall seem meet to the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , and not immediately of Us , our Heirs and Successors : And to the same Person and Persons , and to all and every of them , We do give and grant by these Presents , for Us , our Heirs and Successors , License , Authority and Power , that such Person or Persons , may have or take the Premises , or any Parcel thereof , of the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , VVilliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkely , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , and the same to hold to themselves , their Heirs or Assigns , in what Estate of Inheritance whatsoever , in Fee simple , or in Fee Tayle , or otherwise , as to them and the said Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , William Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , shall seem expedient . The Statute made in the Parliament of Edward , Son of King Henry , heretofore King of England , our Predecessor , commonly called , The Statute of Quia Emptores Terrae ; or any other Satute , Act , Ordinance , Use , Law , Custom , or any other Matter , Cause or Thing heretofore published or provided to the contrary in any wise notwithstanding .

And because many Persons born or inhabiting in the said Province , for their Deserts and Services may expect , and be capable of Marks of Honour and Favour , which in respect of the great Distance cannot conveniently be conferred by Us ; our Will and Pleasure therefore is , and We do by these Presents , give and grant unto the said Edward Earl of Clarendon , George Duke of Albemarle , Willliam Lord Craven , John Lord Berkeley , Anthony Lord Ashley , Sir George Carterett , Sir William Berkeley and Sir John Colleton , their Heirs and Assigns , full Power and Authority to give and conferr unto , and upon such of the Inhabitants of the said Province , as they shall think , do , or shall merit the same , such Marks or Favour , and Titles of Honour , as they shall think fit , so as these Titles of Honour be 〈…〉 conferred upon any the 〈◊〉 of this Our Kingdom of 〈◊〉 .