spalding had been a port from before any of the river improvements were made. the townspeople had refused to repair the river during the reign of henry iii, as they claimed it was part of the sea here. its importance as a port increased with the river improvements and the stamford canal, and although it did not have a customs house, by 1695 it had various officials who acted as customs officers for goods arriving at the quays and warehouses. exports included oats, coleseed, rape oil, hides and wool, with a much greater variety of imports, including stone, timber, coal, groceries, glass and beeswax. more exotic imports included french and spanish wines, and some of the first imports of tea, coffee and chocolate.