A general pardon; licence to crenellate; licence to impark 100 acres; grant of free warren; exemption from being made a knight, mayor, sheriff, escheator, tax collector (in several different forms), officer of the king; exemption from being put on assizes, juries, recognisances, attaints or inquisitions; grant for life that none of the king's ministers, servants or officers shall take anything of his from Broughton manor; he shall not be compelled to entertain anyone of the king's household. This is an extraordinarily extensive set of privileges, nearly unique. The mention of 'loupes' (probably gun loops) is unique in an English licence to crenellate. Richard had been Comptroller of Calais and involved in negotiations with France but it is something of a mystery the reason for such extensive privileges. He was also granted an annuity of 20 marks in 1485.

In 1473 he retired from his many posts. Clearly Richard wanted to retire in the fullest sense to his new manor. The licence to crenellate certainly reflects a desire to be cut of from society and possibly the house reflected this in architectural form.

Richard Whetehill was born circa 1410 in Calais, Pas-De-Calais, France. He died before 4 Mar 1484/1485 in Boughton. He married Joan of Calais about 1434. One of many knights, squires, merchants etc granted a general pardon in 1471 after the battle of Tewkesbury, prior to which had joined the Lancastrians. About 1472 Richard Whetehill, a Merchant of the Staple, Lieutenant of Guines Castle and comptroller of the town, marches and mint of Calais, purchased one of the two manors of Boughton.