Berck, Pas de Calais (Berk in Ponthieu) was given a grant of murage dated 21/4/1334.
This was in the form of:-
Wording
Grant to the mayor, échevins and commonalty of Cressy in Ponthieu of murage for three years from the feast of the Ascension.
French. By K.
Grant to the mayors and échevins of Wabbem, Berk and Verton, in Ponthieu, of like customs to relieve their estate in the heavy charges falling on them by the frequent charges of the money in those parts, by wars between the king of France and the count of Flanders, and by lack of wainage and damage by the sea, to be taken for the same period. French. By K.
Granted by Edward III. (Regnal year 8). Granted at Peterborough. Granted by K..
Primary Sources
Maxwell Lyte, H.C. (ed), 1893,
Calendar of Patent Rolls Edward III (1330-34) Vol. 2 p. 540
online copy
Secondary Sources
Coulson, Charles, 2009, Murage Grants (Handwritten list and notes)
Comments
Coulson writes of the following grant 'clearly not for walling but the same levy authorised for the "relief of their estate" burdened by war costs, sea damage and "lack of wainage".'
One of three small communities on the northern bank of the mouth of the River Authie. Some sort of coastal flood defence may have been intended.
Record created by Philip Davis. This record created 15/03/2009. Last updated on 03/05/2012. First published online 5/01/2013.
