The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Exeter Episcopal Palace and Cathedral Close granted on 1290 Oct 30

Original source is;

Lyte, H.C. Maxwell (ed), 1893 (reprint 1971), Calendar of Patent Rolls (1281-92) p. 393 online copy

(In fact, the original source given is usually a transcription/translation of what are precious medieval documents not readily availably. It should be noted that these transcription/translations often date to the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries and that unwitting bias of transcribers may affect the translation. Care should also be taken to avoid giving modern meaning to the medieval use of certain stock words and terms. Licentia is best translated as 'freedom to' not 'permission'.)

Significant later sources are;

Thompson, M.W., 1998, Medieval bishops' houses in England and Wales (Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing) p. 167
Coulson, C., 1982, 'Hierarchism in Conventual Crenellation' Medieval Archaeology Vol. 26 p. 93 online copy
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 403 online copy

Quinil (Quivil), Peter (c.1230–1291), bishop of Exeter

Quinil (Quivil), Peter (c.1230–1291), bishop of Exeter had little contact with the Royal court and spent most of his time in his see.

In 1281, one of the canons, John Pycot, was elected dean in dubious circumstances. Quinil refused to recognize him, inaugurating a struggle between his own supporters, led by the precentor Walter of Lechlade, and those of Pycot. The latter had the backing of Archbishop John Pecham, whose relations with Quinil were generally poor. On 10 November 1283 Lechlade was murdered outside the cathedral on his way to matins. Nineteen local clergy and laity were implicated in the deed, and Edward I visited Exeter in December 1285 to see that justice was done. The mayor and four other laymen were hanged; Pycot, deprived of the deanery, retired to a monastery. On 1 January 1286 the king gave permission for the cathedral close to be surrounded by walls and gates to protect the clergy at night. The gates remained until the nineteenth century, symbolizing the uneasy relationship between the city and the cathedral. (ODNB)

Biographical source include;

Nicholas Orme, 2004, ‘Quinil , Peter (c.1230–1291)’ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford University Press) online edn, May 2005 online copy (subscription may be needed)

More information about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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