A local (North Devon) rumour has it that Q.E. 1 granted the people of this area a "free port" status; that is, the taw,and /or torridge rivers/ estuary. it seems that very locally;IE: at Appledore; and at Velator Quay (near Braunton)there was free port status granted for services rendered against the spanish. I'd like to know if this status was more extensive...HELP!?.... Thanks; R. Northrop... N. Devon