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In 1338 March 3, Nicholaus de la Beche was granted, by Edward III, (In year 12 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Watlyngton (Watlington Manor House)
Licence for Nicholas de la Beche to crenellate the dwelling-placei of his manors of la Beche, Beaumeys and Watlyngton. By p.s. (CPR)

Nicholaus de la Beche ... mansum manerii ... Watlyngton. (Turner and Parker)

Granted at Tower of London. Grant by privy seal.

Comments

Licensed with Aldworth and Beaumys.

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;

Nicholaus de la Beche (c. 1291-1345)
Nicholaus de la Beche (c. 1291-1345) was appointed Governor to the Black Prince and, in 1336, was made Constable of the Tower of London.

Sir Nicholas was appointed Governor to the Black Prince and, in 1336, was made Constable of the Tower of London. In 1340, the two Princesses, Isabella and Joanna, aged, respectively, eight and seven, were left there under his care, during the absence of the King and Queen in France; but he appears to have neglected his duties for, upon the sudden and unexpected return of the King one December night, the fortress was found badly guarded, the Governor absent and only three ordinary servants in attendance on the Royal children.
Greatly enraged at this, the King ordered the arrest and imprisonment of Sir Nicholas, and other officers, and "treated them with exemplary rigour," but, in less than two years, Sir Nicholas received his pardon, was reinstated as Constable of the Tower and allowed to castellate his houses, at La Beche and Beaumys. (Britannia)

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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