The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Woodmanton Moat granted on 1332 Jan 26

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In 1332 Jan 26, Johannes de Wysham (John de Wisham) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 6 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Wodemanton (Woodmanton Moat)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by King.

Comments

Although the Wisham's may have long lived in the area this manor seems to have been relatively recently created from part of Clifton manor. The licence may be additional confirmation for the creating of this new manor.

Re the manor of Clifton 'Roger Mortimer of Chirk had granted it probably before 1311, for life, to John de Wisham of Woodmanton in this parish, at whose request a grant of free warren here was made to William Walshe of Shelsley Walsh in 1311. John de Wisham himself obtained a grant of free warren there in 1328, and the manor was confirmed to him and his wife Hawise by the king in 1331, this confirmation being necessary on account of the attainder of the Earl of March in 1330. John died about 1332–3, and his widow Hawise remained in possession of the manor until her death in 1359.' (VCH)

Original source is;

Lyte, H.C. Maxwell (ed), 1893, Calendar of Patent Rolls (1330-34) p. 242 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;

Page, Wm and Willis-Bund, J.W. (eds), 1924, VCH Worcestershire Vol. 4 p. 247
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 410 online copy

John de Wisham (d. 1333)

John de Wisham had done some service as a commisioner under Edward II. Was a justice of North Wales but otherwise an obscure knight. Gatehouse can not find any family details and the several holding that he had in Worcestershire all seem to be newly obtained.

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.