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In 1338 June 9, Abbas et Conventus de Bello (Abbot Alan of Kertling) were granted, by Edward III, (In year 12 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Bello (Battle Abbey)
Licence for the abbot and convent of Battle to crenellate the site of their abbey. By p.s. (CPR)

Abbas et Conventus de Bello ... situm Abbatiae suae ... Battle, Sussex. (Turner and Parker)

The king to all his bailiffs and liegemen, to whom, &c., greeting — Know that of our special grace we have granted and given licence on behalf of ourselves and heirs, as much as in us lies, to the beloved by us in Christ,| the Abbot and Convent of Battle, that they may fortify with a wall of stone and lime, and krenellate the site (situm) of that Abbey, which is of the foundation of our progenitors, formerly Kings of England, and may hold that site so fortified and krenellated for themselves and successors for ever, without penalty or impediment, from ourselves, or our heirs, justiciaries, eschaetors, sheriffs, or others our bailiffs or officers whosoever. In witness whereof, &c. Witness the King at Lopham, on the 9th day of June. — (Pat. 12 Edw. III., p. 2, m. 28). (Blaauw)

Granted at Lopham. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

Abbey has substancial gatehouse with portcullis and murder holes of C14 date and precinct wall with possible wallwalk. Possibly fortified in response to French raids, peasant unrest or purely for status reasons. Licence to crenellate granted to Abbot Alan of Kertling in 1338.

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;

Abbot Alan of Kertling

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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