The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Torrington Castle, Great Torrington granted on ?1328 (probably 1338)

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In ?1328 (probably 1338), Ricardus de Merton (Richard de Merton) was supposedly granted, by Edward III, (In year 2 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Torriton (Torrington Castle, Great Torrington)

Although this document has been considered by some as a licence to crenellate it is rejected as a licence.

Comments

Not in CPR or CChR. This one of a few licences of Edward III Parker adds to his list as issued under the Privy seal but not in the patent rolls. Emery, presumably working from information supplied by Charles Coulson, writes this was an application for a licence, the licence not actually being issued until 1340.

As far as Gatehouse can work out Richard was born in 1310 so this date of 1328 is probably an error and should read 1338. Certainly 2 years to process an application seems more reasonable than 12 years. He died before 1371.

Significant later sources are;

Emery, Anthony, 2006, Greater Medieval Houses Vol. 3 (Cambridge) p. 695
Higham, R. A., 1988, 'Devon Castles: an annotated list' Proceedings of the Devon Archaeological Society Vol. 46 p. 146
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 422 online copy

Richard Merton (1310-1371)

Richard Merton (1310-1371), married Maud d'Argentine. The Great Torrington property seems to come with her as it is mentioned in 1371 as an assignment of dower (CCR 1369-74 p. 339)

What relation was Richard to Walter Merton the Chancellor to Edward I and founder of Merton college?

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.