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In 1341 July 17, the burgesses of Welles were granted, by Edward III, (In year 15 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Welles (Wells City Wall)
Inspeximus and confirmation, in favour of the burgesses of Welles and their heirs and successors, of a charter dated at Westminster 10 June 18 Edward I inspecting and confirming a charter dated at Chinon, 7 September 3 John.
With grant to the same, of further grace and for a fine of 40l. which they have made with the king, of the following privileges:-
{quit of toll etc.; right to elect mayor etc.; make a gaol; return of writs; rights concerning pleas}
that they may enclose and fortify their said borough according to the ancient bounds thereof with a wall of mortar and stone and with dikes and may crenellate the wall, and so hold the same.
King and Council and the fine above mentioned paid in the hanaper.
Vacat quia per considerationem curie restituitur et cancellatur sicut per recordum et processum inde facta et in filaciis de brevibus regis de anno regni regis nunc sexto decimo residentia plene liquet.

Granted at Tower of London. Grant by King and Council and the fine above mentioned [£40] paid in the hanaper.

This licence was revoked.

Comments

Revoked per considerationem curie shortly after issue, probably as result of pressure from Bishop Ralph of Shrewsbury.

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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