The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Ince Grange granted on 1410 Feb 5

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In 1410 Feb 5, Abbas et Conventus Monasterii Cestriae (Abbot Henry Sutton) were granted, by Henry IV, (In year 11 of his reign) a Confirmation licence to crenellate Jus [Ins] (Ince Grange)

Inspeximus and confirmation of letters patent dated 18 March, 22 Richard II, granting licence for the abbot and convent of Chester to crenellate their manors of Salghton, Sutton and Ins. For 13s. 4d. paid in the hanaper. (CPR)

Abbas et Conventus Monasterii Cestriae ... manerium ... Jus., {Ince}. (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by For 13s. 4d. paid in the hanaper.

Comments

Parker footnotes "This entry on the Patent Rolls is a writ of Inspeximus, confirming a previous grant by King Richard II. on the 18th of May (sic actually March), anno 22 Ric. II. The previous grant is recited: and for this Inspeximus the Abbot and Convent paid a fee of 13s. 4d. into the Hanaper."

Despite serious financial difficulties, from reduced income, Abbot Henry Sutton (elected 1387-d. 1413) seems to have been a profligate spender of the Abbey's money and much of the convent were set against him. Gatehouse is not able to identify him exactly or suggest a reason from his particular need for a licence other than the animosity of the chapter (Two monks were pardoned for allegedly plotting to kill the abbot in 1412.) and his apparent ego mania.

Original source is;

Lyte, H.C. Maxwell (ed), 1909, Calendar of Patent Rolls (1408-13) p. 160 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;

Elrington, C.R. and Harris, B.E., 1980, 'Houses of Benedictine monks: The abbey of Chester' VCH Cheshire Vol. 3 p. 132-146 online copy
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 421 online copy

Abbot Henry Sutton (elected 1387-d. 1413)

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.