Brantingham, edited by Frederick Devon.

Warton (_History of English Poetry_, vol. ii. p. 129.) gives no
further information, and is the author generally quoted; but the
particular matter sought for is wanting.

The first patent, according to the _Encyclopædia Metropolitana_,
article "Laureate," is stated, as regards the existing office, to date
from 5th Charles I., 1630; and assigns as the annual gratuity 100l.,
and a tierce of Spanish Canary wine out of the royal cellars.

Prior to this, the emoluments appear uncertain, as will be seen by
Gifford's statement relative to the amount paid to B. Jonson, vol. i.
cxi.:--

"Hitherto the Laureateship appears to have been a mere trifle,
adopted at pleasure by those who were employed to write for
the court, but conveying no privileges, and establishing no
claim to a salary."

I am inclined to doubt the accuracy of the phrase "employed to write
for the court." Certain it is, the question I now raise was _pressed_
then, as it was to satisfy Ben Jonson's want of information Selden
wrote on the subject in his _Titles of Honour_.

These emoluments, rights, and privileges have been matters of
Laureate dispute, even to the days of Southey. In volume iv. of his
correspondence, many hints of this will be found; e.g., at page 310.,
with reference to Gifford's statement, and "my proper rights."