A murage grant followed in 1570 in the form of half the customs. revenue for 7 years, for 'strengthening' (Sidney SP 75), apparently on top of a grant from the fee-farm in the charter of 1569 'until the fortifications are repaired' (MCI 743-6). In addition Capt. Piers, who had also proposed a town wall in 1564 (SP 63/9/83 - McNeill 9), requested in 1571 £1000 for work on the wall and a pier (SP 63/33/1). The fate of this request is unknown but it was probably unsuccessful in view of subsequent events. Sidney was charged in 1578 with 'extravagance' at Carrickfergus (CCP 1578-88, 3; 151; 342 - McNeill 10) although the nature of the wall, with the exception of that along the sea fronts, was hardly commensurate with such a charge (1574-5 above). (Thomas)