The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Orkesdene granted on 1341 Oct 18

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In 1341 Oct 18, Reginaldus de Codham (Lord Cobham) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 15 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Orkesdene (Orkesdene)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

Reginaldus de Codham was granted a licence to crenellate his 'mansum' at Orkesdene, Kent in 1341 - with Pringham. Orkesdene was a sub manor with Eynsford manor. Hasted recorded this as Austin Lodge.

Although Cobham's major military achievements came after 1341 he was clearly an effective soldier before this date and an individual Edward III would want onside.

Original source is;

Lyte, H.C. Maxwell (ed), 1900, Calendar of Patent Rolls (1340-43) p. 304 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;

Coulson, Charles, 2007-8, 'On Crenellating, in Kent and Beyond - A Retrospection' The Castle Studies Group Journal Vol. 21 p. 189-201 esp p. 195-6
Emery, Anthony, 2006, Greater Medieval Houses Vol. 3 (Cambridge) p. 439
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 413 online copy
Hasted, Edward, 1797 (2edn) The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent Vol. 2 p. 531 online copy

Reynold Cobham, first Lord Cobham of Sterborough (c.1295–1361)

Reynold (ii) Cobham, first Lord Cobham of Sterborough (c.1295–1361). Reynold the younger had a distinguished military record in France and Flanders: admiral of the west in 1344 and 1348, he was part of the Black Prince's bodyguard at Crécy, and at Poitiers he was marshal of the prince's army and conducted the captured King John to the English lines. He was captain of Calais from 1353. In recognition of his service he was created a banneret in 1339, a knight of the Garter about 1353, and in 1347 he was given an annuity of £500. A diplomat as well as a soldier, he was employed on embassies to the papal curia and Brabant. He was summoned to a royal council in 1342 and to parliaments from 1347. He died of plague, and was buried in Lingfield church. (Fleming)

Biographical source include;

Peter Fleming, 2004, ‘Cobham family (per. c.1250–c.1530)’ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford University Press) online copy (subscription may be needed)

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.