The Gatehouse website record of a licence to crenellate for Little Compton granted on 1291 Nov 11

Original source is;

Lyte, H.C. Maxwell (ed), 1893 (reprint 1971), Calendar of Patent Rolls (1281-92) p. 451 online copy

(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;

Thompson, M.W., 1998, Medieval bishops' houses in England and Wales (Aldershot: Ashgate Publishing) p. 167
Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol. 3 part 2 p. 403 online copy

Romanus, John (John le Romeyn) (c.1230–1296), archbishop of York

Romanus, John (John le Romeyn) (c.1230–1296), archbishop of York, was the illegitimate son of another John Romanus (d. 1255/6), an Italian ecclesiastic who settled in England. He was involved in some diplomatic missions for Edward I, but does not appear to have been actively concerned with the royal administration. (Smith)
His father had suffered some attacks in 1231-2, as an Italian beneficed in England and John was hot tempered and had disputes with other churchmen, including Antony Bek, bishop of Durham 'a dispute that led Romanus into difficulties with the king, temporary imprisonment, and the threat of a fine of 4000 marks to keep him under control' (Smith).
The licence may actually reflect part of the resolution of these difficulties with the king. This also seems to be a private house of Romanus, rather than an episcopal property, so part of the licence may be to assert this ownership. The house did not become part of the holdings of later archbishops of York

Biographical source include;

David M. Smith, Sept 2004, ‘Romanus, John (c.1230–1296)’ Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (Oxford University Press) online edn, Oct 2007 online copy (subscription may be needed)

More information about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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