Great Britain. Parliament

“ Printed Books in the Authors or Purchasers of such Copies, during the
Times therein mentioned.
Whereas Printers, Booksellers, and other Persons, have of late frequently taken the Liberty of Printing, Reprinting, and Publishing, or causing to be Printed, Reprinted, and Published Books, and other Writings, without the Consent of the Authors or Proprietors of such Books and Writings, to their very great Detriment, and too often to the Ruin of them and their Families: For Preventing therefore such Practices for the future, and for the Encouragement of Learned Men to Compose and Write useful Books ”

“ Please note that this 250 year span included reigns from the son of Henry V of Shakespearian fame and a greater Shakespearian epic of Richard III, to those six wives of Henry VIII, Mary Queen of Scots, and a host of the most turbulent reigns of UK history and in all this time not one of these rulers would give The Stationers such great power that has now passed down, not only unchecked, but greatly enhanced over the next 300 years. The average copyright moved to about 100 years in length in that time from 15 year average original terms [nearly none were renewed] . ”

“ And every such justice and justices of the peace, sheriff, under-sheriff, mayor, bailiff, and other head-officer aforesaid, within the limits of their respective jurisdictions, are hereby authorized, impowered and required, on notice or knowledge of any such unlawful, riotous and tumultuous assembly, to resort to the place where such unlawful, riotous, and tumultuous assemblies shall be, of persons to the number of twelve or more, and there to make or cause to be made proclamation in manner aforesaid. ”