The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Millom Castle granted on 1622 March 10

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In 1622 March 10, Ferdinand Huddleston (Ferdinard Hudleston) was supposedly granted, by James I, a Royal licence to crenellate Millom Castle (Millom Castle)

Grant to Sir Thos. Metcalf and Dame Elizabeth, his wife of Nappa, Co. York, and to Ferdinand Huddleston, of Millom Castle and Nich. Curwen, of the Holme, both co. Cumberland, and others, of certain recognzances of 500l. each, forfeited by non-appearance of Metcalf in the Star Chamber; also of all fines in the Star Chamber, forfeiture of lands, &c., on account of the above recognizances, &c. Latin. {Sign Man., vol. XIII., No. 23.} (CSP)

Although this document has been considered by some as a licence to crenellate it is rejected as a licence.

Comments

Curwen writes "1622, 10th March. Further grant to Ferdinand Hudleston of Millom castle to crenellate, etc." he references Cal. Pat. Rolls, 1619-23, p. 357. There is no Calendar of Patent Rolls for this date and this is seemingly a reference to the Calendar of State Papers although the recorded grant of recognizances of 500 pounds to Hudlestone and others reads nothing like a licence to crenellate. (The identical page number and dates makes it certain this is the source Curwen meant but how this entry could be, in anyway, considered to be a licence to crenellate is a mystery, and why to Hudleston only when he is one of a list of 4 named persons?)

Original source is;

Green, M.A.E. (ed), 1858, Calendar of State Papers, Domestic (1619-23) p. 357 online copy (premium content)

(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;

Curwen, J.F., 1913, Castles and Fortified Towers of Cumberland, Westmorland and Lancashire North of the Sands (Kendal) p. 212

The Huddleston, who had held the manor and castle for many generations were local gentry and soldiers but Ferdinard does not seem to have and particular royal connection or service.

More information about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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