Obtained just four weeks after the abbot had procured, for 40s. an oyer et terminer to investigate an alleged violent intimidation of his men, so severe 'that they dared not leave the abbey' (CPR 1374-77 p. 219-20 Dated Oct. 11). Selby Abbey lies in the town of Selby, overlooking the marketplace. Clearly local problems concerned with pasture for cattle and the rights of the Abbey as local landlord (including control of the market), part of a more widespread anti-cleric feeling, were part of the motivation for obtaining this licence. However, it is also clear from the Commission of oyer and terminer the threat to the Abbot and his men was to them outside the Abbey something fortifying the Abbey would, of itself, do nothing to resolve. They were safe within the Abbey without further fortification. The function of the licence to crenellate, and of any (probably additional) crenellations put on the Abbey buildings was to re-assert cleric dominion, backed up with royal authority, not to dominate the local population with a fortress.

The abbot was John de Shirburn (abbot from 1369- d. 1408).