Dunwich (Dunewyc') was given a grant of murage dated 30/1/1253.
This was in the form of:-
Wording
De quodam portu apud Dunewyc' obstruendo.—Rex, ad emendacionem portus sui de Dunewyc' et ad quendam portum ad aquilonem Dunewyc' obstruendum dedit hominibus suis ejusdem ville in auxilium firmam suam de terminis Pasche et Sancti Michaelis proximo futuris. Et mandatum est baronibus de scaccario quod eosdem homines de firma predicta ad terminos predictos quietos esse faciant. Teste rege apud Westmonasterium xxx. die Januarii. Per ipsum regem.
Granted by Henry III. (Regnal year 37). Granted at Westminster. Granted by Per ipsum regem..
Primary Sources
Stamp, A.E. (ed), 1927,
Calendar of Close Rolls, Henry III Vol. 7 p. 312
online copy
Secondary Sources
Turner, H.L., 1971, Town Defences in England and Wales (London) p. 125
Comments
A single grant of murage was received in 1253 (Turner).
Early in 1250 the combination of strong north-easterly winds and an unusually high tide accelerated the movement of Kings Holme, and at its southern end it completely blocked the harbour mouth. (
http://www.abandonedcommunities.co.uk/page12.html)
Seemingly a tax remission because of the problems with coastal erosion. Sea defences may have been planned and/or built.
Record created by Philip Davis. This record created 25/01/2009. Last updated on 05/01/2013. First published online 5/01/2013.
