The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Eastwell Manor granted on 1589 June 5

GATEHOUSE

The comprehensive gazetteer and bibliography of the medieval castles, fortifications and palaces of England, Wales, the Islands.

Home

The listings

Other Info

Books

Links

Downloads

Contact

Print Page

Next Record

Previous Record

Back to list

In 1589 June 5, Sir Moile Finche (Moyle Finch) was granted, by Elizabeth, (In year 31 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Eastwell (Eastwell Manor)

Licence, to Sir Moile Finche, and his heirs, to impark enclosed lands in Eastwell, Westwell, Wye, Conington, Challock, and Boughton Aluph, Kent, up to 1,000 acres wherewith to enlarge Eastwell Parke which adjoins Eastwell Place in Eastwell, the mansion house of the said Moile (who has already 600 acres enclosed). Also licence, to crenellate his mansion house and to divert rights of way. (CPR)

Granted at [Westminster]. Grant by p.s..

Comments

It would be fanciful to consider this a reward for service at Tilbury and the defeat of the Spanish armada in 1588, although, since he was one of the knights of the canopy at Queen Elizabeth's funeral he was reasonable prominent at court. However, it seems to be his wife who had most ambition for the family and the licence may have as much to do with her status. However it is clear that this is really a licence to empark and the licence to crenellate is, very much, a tag on.

C16, 4 centred brick arched, castellated, gateway survives but most of house replaced by C19 mansion now luxury hotel.

Original source is;

Neal, S.R. (ed), 2004, Calendar of patent rolls 31 Elizabeth I (1587-1588) (Kew: List & Index Society 300) p. 55 No. 297

(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'.)

Moyle Finch (c. 1550-1614)

Moyle Finch (c. 1550-1614). Second but 1st surving son of Sir Thomas Finch. Knighted 1585; created Baronet 1611. Deputy treasurer defence forces at Tilbury 1588; steward, duchy of Lancaster lands in Essex 1591; ranger, Waltham forest, Essex; JP. Kent, Susses from c.1583; sheriff, Kent 1596-7. MP, mainly for Kent. Married to Elizabeth Heneage, to become the heiress of a considerable fortune of the death of her father (Sir Thomas Heneage- chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, privy councilor etc.) in 1595 and she was to become (the honour was brought), in her right, Viscountess of Maidstone and Countess of Winchester in 1628.

Biographical source include;

http://www.tudorplace.com.ar/Bios/MoyleFinch.htm (biography derived from the History of Parliament)

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.