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In 1332 March 16, the townsfolk of Bamburgh were granted, by Edward III, (In year 6 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Beaumburc (Bamburgh)
... we have also granted leave to the inhabitants of Bamburgh . . . that they may strengthen, shut in, and crenellate the borough with a wall of stone and lime, as they will, and keep it so crenellated. ... (CChR)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by King and petition of Council.

Comments

There is no evidence to show the burgesses availed themselves of the permission to build a wall round the town. (Bateson)

In 1332 Edward III granted murage rights to the townsfolk 'we have also granted leave to the inhabitants of Bamburgh . . . that they may strengthen, shut in, and crenellate the borough with a wall of stone and lime, as they will, and keep it so crenellated.' The charter was confirmed by Richard II in 1382 indicating that there had been little improvement during the century. There is no evidence this charter was acted upon. This close to the Scottish border defence may have been a real concern but the lack of work done suggests that the perception of danger, rather than the reality, was the concern. (Coulson)

It may be that this charter was less permission for the townspeople to build a wall than an instruction, voiced in diplomatic language, from the king for them to build a wall. An instruction seemingly ignored.

The confirmation by Richard II is known from an Inspeximus of the charter made in 1405 but the original appears to be lost.

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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