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In 1447 May 26, Richard, Duke of York was granted, by Henry VI, (In year 25 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Honesdon (Hunsdon House)
Licence for Richard, duke of York, to build within the manor of Honesdon, co. Hertford, a tower of stones with lime and sand, and to embattle the same, and to hold the manor and tower to him, his heirs and assigns. By K. etc. (CPR)

Granted at Westminster. Grant by King etc..

Comments

At this time Richard was actively involved in government, possibly to diminish the criticism of him that resulted from the loss of French territory. This licence can be seen as part of his need to maintain good relationships with the king and the, relatively weak, king's need to maintain good relationships with a major magnate and kinsman. Richard had many holdings across the country but this house would have been a useful home, within easy reach of Westminster, for entertaining and impressing potential political allies.

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;

Richard of York, third duke of York (1411–1460)
Richard of York, third duke of York (1411–1460), magnate and claimant to the English throne. In 1433 York was admitted to the Order of the Garter—a mark of favour, a certificate of loyalty, and perhaps a token of martial expectations. (Watts)

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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