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In 1387 Dec 29, Henricus, episcopus Norwicen (Bishop Henry Despencer) was granted, by Richard II, (In year 11 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate North Elmam (North Elmham Bishops Castle)
Licence for the king's kinsman, Henry, bishop of Norwich, to crenellate his manors of North Elmam and Gaywode, co. Norfolk. By p.s. (CPR)

Henricus, episcopus Norwicen ... manerium ... North Elman, Norff. (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

Joint with Gaywood Hall

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;

Despenser, Henry (d. 1406)
Sir Henry Despenser, bishop from 1370-1406. His relationship to the king is distant and obscure. He had been a soldier who had fought for the papacy in Italy and received the appointment as bishop as a reward. During the Peasants' Revolt it is said that he had "reduced his diocese to peace ... by remorseless executions" and later promised to burn as a heretic any of the followers of John Wyclif who came to preach in his diocese. He lead an unsuccessful 'crusade' against the French in 1383, which led to losing royal favour for a while but by 1387 he had regained favour.

Biographical source include;

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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