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In 1308 April 1, Johannes Extraneus (John le Strange; Lord Lestrange) was granted, by Edward II, (In year 1 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Medle (Myddle Castle)
Licence for John le Strange (Extraneo) to crenellate his dwelling-house of Medle. By p.s. (CPR)

Johannes Extraneus ... mansum suum ... Medle (Probably in Kent. See Cal. Pat. Rolls, an, 13, Ric. II., page 218). (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Windsor. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

The identification of Medle as Myddle has been disputed 'by various authorites' (King) but seems to highly likely. Turner's reference to Kent is highly dubious (see CPR (1389-92) p. 81) and certainly does not link Lestrange with Midley a parish in Romney Marsh, Kent.

Original source is;

(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;

John Lestrange (1253-1309)
John (d. 1309) was in royal service and was summoned to parliament from 1299 onwards as John Lestrange of Knockin; he is deemed to have become Lord Strange. (Mason)

Probable that, like his younger brother Fulk (granted a licence in 1322), John had done military service in Wales and Scotland.

Biographical source include;

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.

Record created by Philip Davis. This record last updated on Sunday, October 4, 2015.


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