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In 1296 Sept 5, Prior et Conventus de Tynemuth (prior and convent) were granted, by Edward I, (In year 24 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Tynemuth (Tynemouth Priory)
Licence for the prior and convent of Tynemuth to crenellate their priory . (CPR)

Prior et Conventus de Tynemuth ... Prioratum suum ... Tynemuth. (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Berwick-on-Tweed.

Comments

The site was a strong fortification from Saxon times (The priory was able to defend against a Viking attack in 832, although was plundred in 865 and 870) The gatehouse was added in the late C14, not at the time of this licence, although the curtain wall is probably of late C13 date.
1292 there were disputes between the citizens of Newcastle and the prior, who had built a quay at North Shields, but was obliged by act of parliament to destroy it. (ref. Victoria County History (sic), Northumberland; W. S. Gibson, The History of the Monastery founded at Tynemouth in the Diocese of Durham (1846-1847))

Original source is;

(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;

More information about licences to crenellate can be found here.

Please do inform Gatehouse if you see any errors, can add information or can otherwise help to improve this resource. Please contact Gatehouse.

Record created by Philip Davis. This record last updated on Sunday, October 4, 2015.


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