ABSTRACT

The Navy Treasurers accounts are missing between October 1551 and September 1554, and again between December 1556 and January 1559. These gaps cannot be explained by administrative upheaval at the start and end of Mary's reign, since Benjamin Gonson remained in post as Treasurer throughout. The notable feature of Gonsons 155455 account concerns further sales of redundant ships. The certificate of Sir John Williams, knight, Treasurer of the Court of Augmentation and Revenues of the Crown, of all such sums of money as he hath paid and delivered unto the hands of Benjamin Gonson, Treasurer of the Admiralty, to the Kings Majestys use from the first day of October anno 1551 until the 24th day of December anno 1553. The duplicament of the account of Benjamin Gonson, Treasurer of the King and Queens Majesties Marine Causes, that is to say as well of all and singular sum and sums of money by him had and received of their highnesss treasure.