Rarest ship's passport goes on show

AN EXTREMELY rare ship's pass signed by King James II and diarist Samuel Pepys is to go on public display in Ireland.

The 323-year-old document, which has been in the hands of the Dublin Port Company since 1924, was designed to secure safe passage for a merchant ship.

Researchers believe it is the sole example of a ship's pass from the 17th century signed by King James II. Emma Saunders of the National Library of Ireland said: "From my research this appears to be the only known example signed by King James II and also by Samuel Pepys."

The manuscript would have been used as a de facto passport to ensure the vessel could travel free of interference from British warships or the ships of their allies.