Montpazier (Montis Paserii) was given a grant of murage dated 24/4/1289.
This was in the form of:-
Wording
Pro habitatoribus bastide Montis Pazerii. - Rex universis baronibus et aliis subditis suis jurisdictionem habentibus ad quos, etc., salutem. Mandamus vobis firmiter injungendo ut universos et sinulos subditos vestros qui juraverunt burgesiam bastide nostre Montis Paserii, et promiserunt se domos facturos infra certum terminum ac habitaturos inibi, ut moris est in similibus fieri, ad requisicionem prepositi et consulum memorate bastide compellatis districtius ad complendum premissa, infra terminum competentem eisdem subditis nosrtris induggendum pre prepositum et consules supradictos, vel ad solvendum penam decem librarum monete currentis vel aliam quamcumque per eos promissam dum se burgenses fecerunt, dum tamen dicti prepositus et consules per confessionem dictorum subditorum, instrumenta publica, vel alias sufficienter docuerint de premissis. Mandamus eciam dicto preposito nostro quod, si in premissis exequendis necgligentes fueritis vel remissi, ipse premissa viriliter exequaur; et pecuniam que de premissis proveniet expendi volumus ad clausuram dicte bastide, vel constructionem ecclesie dicti loci, vel ad alias utilitates manifestas loci ejusdem. Datum ut sa. {Condomii, .xxiiij. die Aprilis, anno ut supra}
Granted by Edward I. (Regnal year 17). Granted at Condomii.
Primary Sources
Bémont, C. (ed), 1900,
Rôles Gascons, 1273-1290, tome deuxiéme (Paris) p. 433 No. 1403
online copy
Secondary Sources
Beresford, M., 1967, New Towns of the Middle Ages (London) p. 584
Comments
Montpazier (Dordogne, arr. Bererac).
In 1289 Edward I threatened burgesses who had not occupied their plots with a penalty of £10, the fines to be used for two public works of rather contrasting character: "for the fortification of the said bastide or for the construction of a church at the said place" (R.G., ii, no. 1403). The church had in fact been commenced in 1286. (Beresford)
The contrast between town walls or church may seem stark but if this is viewed from the consideration of the prestige of the town, subsequent trade and tax returns then the contrast is much less apparent. Which of the investments in an improved church or town walls will give the better return in tax revenue?
Record created by Philip Davis. This record created 15/04/2009. Last updated on 04/06/2012. First published online 5/01/2013.
