GATEHOUSE
The comprehensive gazetteer and bibliography of the medieval castles, fortifications and palaces of England, Wales, the Islands.
 
 
Home
The listings
Other Info
Books
Links
Downloads
Contact
 
Print Page 
 
Next Record 
Previous Record 
Back to list 
In 1342 March 23, Egidius de Bello Campo (Giles de Beauchamp of Alcester) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 16 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Fresshewater, Insula Vectis (Freshwater)
Licence for Giles de Bello Canipo to crenellate his dwelling-place of Fresshewater in the Isle of Wight. By p.s. (CPR)

Egidius de Bello Campo ... mansum ... Fresshewater, Insula Vectis. (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Eltham. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

The tenurial history of the manor is complex with many exchanges in the year before and after 1342. The licence most probably represents a reward for service but may have been requested as a way of securing tenure.

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;

Giles de Beauchamp (1283-1361)
Giles de Beauchamp (1283-1361). His father Sir Walter de Beauchamp had been steward of the household of Edward I. Giles appears to have done some minor service for Edward II, receiving 10 marks for his expenses in going to Wales and to have been a courtier of Edward III, in the 1340's, appearing with the king in 1341 (Foedera, II, ii. 1141). He was a cousin to the powerful Beauchamp's of Warwick Castle.

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.


¤¤¤¤¤