ANNALS OF A FISHING VILLAGE.

CHAPTER I.

MARSHTON AND THE "MA'SHMEN."

MARSHTON, at the time of which our annals treat, was little more than a straggling fishing village; yet it had a wonderfully interesting history of its own, reaching back to the time when the kings of Kent had their palace there. This palace was burnt by Earl Godwin in the year 1052. In King Alfred's time the town was attacked by the Danish pirate Hastings. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth a large trade was carried on in the place; and, in the time of Charles I., it was a royal manor held in dowry by the queens.

The Portreeve was chosen annually at the Court

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