Physical condition of the roll

The roll consists of 31 membranes . There are entries on all the faces , and on all the dorses except m 6d and m 2d. The roll is generally in good condition, though m 1 has some staining from the application of gall, m 1d, is very faded, and several membranes have repairs to the margins.

C 61/36, 18 Edward II (1324-5)

Introduction

This long and important roll (31 membranes) is of great interest. It details the prelude to, and beginning of, the so-called War of Saint-Sardos between the kingdoms of England and France. This was the first outbreak of open conflict between the two powers since Edward I’s and Philip the Fair’s war of 1294-8, and was provoked by essentially Gascon issues.

Much of the material entered here concerns the preparations made in England for a Gascon campaign which, until a late stage in those preparations, was to be led by Edward II himself. In the event, the king did not leave England and his brother Edmund of Woodstock, earl of Kent, served as his lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine. The expedition, or rather expeditions, were subject to a series of delays and postponements. Originally fixed for 27 August 1324, the dates of assembly and embarkation of forces under the king’s own leadership were subject to constant prorogations. The final postponement listed on the roll was to 2 August 1325, 1 previous proclamations having been made for 17 March and 17 May. Even then, in part as a result of fears by the Despensers of some kind of coup in the king’s absence, the personal presence of the king in the army was called off.

Preparations for the campaign were fraught with problems of recruitment, supply, and a progressive reduction in the numbers of men and horses to be conveyed to the duchy. 2 As well as by commission of array, troops were to be raised directly from both secular and ecclesiastical magnates (including widows, convents and nunneries, who were required to provide service for the lands and tenements which they held from the king). The doctrine of necessity was invoked as ‘it is just that all should provide aid in times of necessity for the common defence of the church and the realm’. 3 Clerical exemption, pleaded so strenuously in both England and France during the previous Anglo-French war, was clearly a thing of the past. To strengthen their resolve and induce compliance with the order, an invasion scare 4 was presented to the king’s subjects, and the assembly of French and other enemy ships in the Norman ports, 5 Zeeland and Calais 6 was reported. Not only was Aquitaine subject to French invasion, but England was also said to be threatened, and measures, including the erection of beacons ( per ignem super montem ) as a ‘common sign of warning’ 7 were taken to put the country on a war footing.

Recruitment of troops from England for a defensive campaign in a distant part of the king’s dominions was not without its difficulties. The roll provides copious evidence for the practice of raising men to serve in overseas expeditions by granting pardons to criminals, outlaws and other felons on condition of their obtaining sufficient surety through mainpernors prepared to vouch for their behaviour, and performing military service during the campaign. 8 The quality of troops raised in this way could not have been high and, in April 1325, John de Warenne, earl of Surrey, as commander of the force, was given powers to punish ‘all excesses, injuries, offences, murders and felonies’ committed by them. 9 The letters of pardon also offer evidence to the historian of crime and punishment for the extent and level of criminal activity in the English shires, the prevalence of outlawry, and the problems faced by the authorities in tracking down and detaining those accused of homicide, trespass, theft of the king’s deer, and many other felonies. The unpopularity of foreign service of this kind is indicated by the long list (108 names, including a mason, a glover, a bowyer, the son of a parson, 2 clerks and a woodward) of those unwilling to serve as foot soldiers from the county of Gloucestershire, though selected by commission of array, and who were to be arrested by the sheriff. 10

The provision of shipping and military equipment is also a constant preoccupation in the roll, and orders to - often quite small – ports and towns, some of them well inland, situated on navigable rivers, are very numerous among the entries. Transport of victuals posed problems, and poor storage conditions on board some ships of the western fleet led to the wastage of over 300 quarters of corn, which were found to be ‘warm, rotten and lost’ on arrival in Aquitaine. 11 The transport of horses during the long voyage also required special preparations of ships to be made. 12 Although quantities of war material were supplied from the duchy itself, England also provided weapons, equipment and the raw materials for their construction. Springalds (large crossbows), bolts, quarrels, digging and mining implements, and tools for making horseshoes and nails 13 were sent with the expedition. Once again, the Church was called upon in this capacity: in January 1325, the roll tells us that the abbots of Westminster and Waltham (Essex) were each required to fell 60 oak and 60 ash trees from their forests in Essex and Hertfordshire to provide timber with which to make the beams of siege engines, lances, and quarrels for crossbows. 14

The precautions taken to prevent trafficking with the enemy, and the disclosure of information to the French, are set out in the roll. Subjects of the French crown were to be arrested at the ports, with certain exceptions. The threats posed by members of religious orders whose mother houses lay in lands of French obedience were implied in stipulations that those ‘whose house is next to the sea’ be transferred to other houses of the same order further inland. 15 All beneficed clergy, and canons of cathedrals and collegiate churches, who were subjects of the crown of France, and whose benefices and prebends were near the sea-coast or on other navigable waters, were to be moved, 16 with – interestingly - the exception of Flemings. Special licences had to be granted to French subjects leaving the kingdom, including French scholars at Oxford, with their servants, horses, possessions and books. 17 All French subjects were required to find sureties for their loyalty to the English crown and non-assistance to the king’s enemies. 18 The roll also demonstrates the difficult position, during Anglo-French hostilities, of French members of the English royal household and its subsidiaries. French members of Queen Isabella’s household, including her doctor, almoner, chaplains, and servants, were in effect interned, usually in religious houses, 19 as were those in the domestic establishments of the king’s sons Edward (the future Edward III) and John of Eltham. On the negotiation of a truce, however, such restrictions were lifted. 20

The roll also records the course of events in Aquitaine and the reaction of Edward II’s government to them. A series of acts relating to the castle of Montpezat, its custody, and its surrender to Charles IV of France, 21 underline the significance of the behaviour of its immediate lord in precipitating the Anglo-French war. The course of the war in the duchy was made more difficult for the English by the defection of Amaniu d’Albret, formerly a conspicuously loyal supporter under Edward I, but now described as ‘the king’s enemy and rebel’. 22 The roll also contains pardons issued to other Gascon nobles who had rebelled but returned to allegiance, including Bernat de Durfort and 31 others, largely from the Agenais. 23

The need for alliances to sustain the regime in the duchy is also shown by negotiations with external powers, especially with the Iberian kingdoms, represented by letters of credence for envoys to Castile and Portugal, and safe-conducts for their subjects. 24 The use of vernacular languages in correspondence and diplomacy at this time is exemplified in a letter of credence addressed (in French) to Álvar Nuñes Osorio, lately seneschal of the Infante Felipe, son of King Sancho IV of Castile and León, followed by a memorandum noting that it was translated into Spanish. 25

Internal affairs within the duchy form a minority of entries on the roll, but the perennial acts relating to abuse of powers and inappropriate practices by the king-duke’s officers are found there. In particular, orders preventing members of the council at Bordeaux – especially clerks - from receiving pensions from rebel and other magnates, and forbidding the farming out of offices at excessively high rates, are noteworthy. 26 Of incidental interest are the orders for the regulation of the custody and leading of cows pasturing in the Landes between Bordeaux and Dax, 27 and evidence for the practice of naming some new bastides after the king-duke’s officers who founded them. Montégut was thus created by a pariage (co-lordship) in which one party was William de Montague, seneschal of Aquitaine. 28 The practice whereby other planted settlements had gained their names, such as Libourne, Hastingues and Nicole (Lincoln, after Henry Lacy, earl of Lincoln) was thus perpetuated, although the heyday of bastide foundation had already passed.

Malcolm Vale.

Membrane 31

Image of membrane 31

Gascon Roll for the 18th year of the reign of Edward II son of King Edward I

Concerning the commission of the castle of Montpezat.

2

Same as above

And it is ordered to Wodestok’ Edmund of Woodstock, earl of Kent , the king’s brother, who is in the duchy on the king’s business, to deliver custody of the castle [of Montpezat] to John [de Stonor] , together with arms, victuals and all other things in the castle. 1

By K.

3

Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of the castle [of Montpezat] , and all others in the castle to deliver it to John [de Stonor] , and to assist Stonor whenever he requires, on the king’s behalf. 1

By K.

4

Same as above

And it is ordered to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to deliver custody of the castle [of Montpezat] , together with the arms, victuals and all other things of the king's there to John [de Stonor] . 1

By K.

5

Same as above Concerning the delivery of the castle of Montpezat to the king of France or his proxies .

By K.

6

Same as above Concerning the power given to receive the castle of Montpezat from the king of France and to ordain for the custody of the same .

Commission of Richard de Grey, seneschal of Gascony , Stonore John de Stonor and Shirlond Robert de Shirland , Burdegal' mayor of Bordeaux , of the power to receive the castle of Montpezat back from Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre , at the end of the term for which it is to remain in his hands, in accordance with the agreement made with that king, and to make arrangements for the custody of the same. The king gives them the power to appoint substitutes if they are not able to undertake the business themselves, as they consider best for the king's honour and advantage. 1

By K.

1.
The entry is followed by a note stating 'This commission is similarly enrolled on the patent roll under the same date'. For the enrolment, see the Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , pp.1-2. The entry is followed by a substantial gap on the membrane.
7

Same as above For Andrés Pérez de Castrojeriz, of Burgos in Spain .

Pérez had complained that a protection was granted to him by the king, by letters patent, that he and his men could come with their possessions and merchandise into the king’s realm and power both by land and sea, do their business and depart. 1 Pérez had then sent four great horses and other horses and a mule through Pey de Lescombes and Juan Martin , his servants , but they were arrested by Saynard Pierre Sainard , bayle of Xancton’ Saintes , and Campania Guilhem-Arnaut de Campagne and certain others of the king’s officers at Xancton' Saintes , who detained them there. The horses and mule, valued at 120 l.st. , as well as 37 l.st. in cash which Lescombes and Martin had for their expenses and for the horses were violently seized to the great cost and injury of Pérez and his servants.

The king then ordered the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to hear the complaints of Pérez, Lescombes and Martin or their attorney on this matter, obtain fuller information and restore the horses and mule if they were taken and detained, or their value in money, together with the 37 l. , to Pérez, Lescombes and Martin or their attorney, and do full justice to them for their injuries, then certify the king of this. As a result of the king’s order to hear the case, it was reported that Campagne, on pretext of a certain letter of marque granted to him by the king against the Spanish from certain places in Spain, for goods worth 1,000 l.t.parv. that he asserted had been taken by them, had arrested the horses, mule and money, irrespective of the king’s letters of safe-conduct granted to Pérez and his men. However, the marque, by its nature, did not extend to Pérez and his servants, and his goods that had been taken had to be restored to him, but the commissioners deputed to restore the horses, mule and money at the final hearing did not proceed because, on Campagne’s behalf, it was claimed that in Burdegal’ Bordeaux , where the matter was being heard, it was the custom in cases such as this that a proctor could not be admitted on behalf of a plaintiff, so that the matter ought not to proceed.

The king, considering that the matter, and also the arrest, contravened his letters of safe-conduct, and wishing to aid Pérez, the king’s merchant, in the recovery of his goods and damages, ordered the seneschal of Gascony to cause the value of the horses and mule at the time they were taken, and the money, to be fully restored to Pérez, Lescombes and Martin. Suitable satisfaction was to be made for their damages from the late Campagne's goods, if they were sufficient, and, if not, from those of his mainpernors, the custom notwithstanding, so that the complaint does not come before the king again.

Now, on Pérez’s behalf it has been shown that he has not had restitution of his goods and satisfaction for the damages, nor for the default of justice. He also claims that he has borne all the expenses of this case, and that Campagne gave the horses, mule and money subsequently to Gardre (10 l.st. and the mule valued at 7 l.st. ), Lome (one horse valued at 30 l.st. ), the lord of Miossens (two horses valued at 30 l.st. ), and Malet (100 s. st. ), while Campagne retained the residue. This residue, found at his death among his other goods and chattels, was taken into the king’s hands by the king’s seneschal of Saintonge at that time, and placed in the custody of Ponsard. 2

By K., by information of Ayrem' William of Airmyn .

1.
See the Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1321-4 , p.266 for these letters patent, dating to 21 March 1323.
2.
For a related entry see entry in C 61/33 .
8

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, the constable of Bordeaux and their lieutenants to inspect the letters of the king for the taking of the goods of Roberto, de Per-Arnaut de Robert, citizen of Aquensis Dax , into the king's hands, and the sentences concerning the arrest, imprisonment and escape of Robert. If they find they contain the truth, they should not permit Tholosa Bertholomiu de Toulouse and Maria his wife, sister and heir of Per-Arnaut de Robert , to be impeded or troubled for Robert's goods, and they should maintain and defend them in their peaceful possession of the same according to the fors and customs there. Anything attempted against this by the king's officers is to be revoked without delay. Not long ago the king had been given to understand that Robert had been unfairly accused by some of his enemies of the death of la Basta Bonin de Labaste and of wounding Ramon-Arnaut of Ribeyre Ripparia , citizen of the Aquensis city of Dax , and was arrested and incarcerated by the king’s officers. Robert escaped, not out of fear, but because of weariness of spirit, and following his own death, he was found not guilty of the death and wounding by examination of the Aquensis court of Dax , and his guarantor was absolved. Afterwards Toulouse married Robert's sister and heiress, and appealed against the seizure and taking of Robert's goods into the king’s hands by a mandate of the king's before the seneschal [of Gascony]. He was then examined on the matter by Master Ramon Durand, co-lord of the Colomore, de castle of Colomiers , then the seneschal’s lieutenant , and it was decreed that the goods be restored to Toulouse , and the prévôt of the city of Dax was ordered to restore them to him without delay. The seneschal commanded the execution of this by letters under the king's seal used in the duchy. Toulouse and his wife have requested remedy because the goods have been many times seized and damaged by the king’s officers, who claimed to be acting on the phrase 'saving the king’s right' in the seneschal's order. 1

1.
For related entries, see entry in C 61/35 , entry 12 .
9

15 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to Richard de Grey, seneschal of Gascony , or his lieutenant, to call the parties before him, hear their arguments, and do full justice just as ought to be done by right and according to the fors and customs there. The king has received a complaint from John Koc, mariner , that Barthélemy Outtaunt of Sales , merchant of Ymarenne Marennes , Farges Arnaut de Fargues, merchant , and Gibboun Raoul Gibon of Ymarenne Sales-de-Marennes , from the king’s lordship of Xanctonia Saintonge , have committed various offences and injuries against Koc, by removing his goods and in other ways, and he has requested a remedy.

10

8 July 1324 . Porcestre Portchester .

Order to Alexander [de Bicknor], archbishop of Dublin , Edmund [of Woodstock], earl of Kent , the king’s brother , and William de Weston, professor of civil law , who are travelling to the duchy, to protect Calculi Arnaut Caillau , his men and possessions from any injury and violence, and make restitution of any property taken as forfeiture without delay. The king has learned that Caillau's men, lands, rents and possessions were disturbed after he came from the duchy to England on the king’s orders, and he is under the king’s protection.

By K.

11

Same as above

The same Arnaut [Caillau] has similar letters to all seneschals, constables, castellans, officers, prévôts, ministers and all bayles and faithful subjects of the king in the duchy of Aquitaine .

By K.

12

20 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Release of all rights that the king has in the goods of Per-Arnaut [Robert], son of Auger Robert , late citizen of the Aquensis city of Dax , and grant of the same to Tholosa Bertholomiu de Toulouse and Maria [de Toulouse] his wife, Per-Arnaut’s sister and heir , at the instance of a cardinal. Per-Arnaut had been accused of causing the death of la Baste Bonin de Labaste , and of wounding Ripperia Ramon-Arnaut de Ribeyre, citizen of Aquensis Dax . He was imprisoned by the king’s officers there, but escaped because of dread of being in prison, and not through guilt. Afterwards he was acquitted of the crimes in the Aquensis king’s court of Dax , and his pledges were absolved, and in the sentence of affirmation of the verdict made by the seneschal of the duchy the rights to whatever goods which belonged to him [as a fugitive] were reserved to the king. The king has now learned that the king’s minister there took the greater part of these goods to which the king was entitled upon their first entry into office, and a certain cardinal of the Roman church has requested to the king, by his letters patent, that the king will provide Toulouse and his wife with a remedy for the disturbance of their possession of Per-Arnaut’s goods and chattels. 1

By writ of p.s.

1.
For related entries, see entry in C 61/35 , entry 8 . For the king’s writ of the privy seal to the chancellor, of 18 July, ordering him to issue letters patent for the grant of these goods and chattels to Bertholomiu and Maria his wife, see TNA, C 81/127/6963. For a confirmation of these letters, see entry in C 61/41 .
13

20 July 1324 . Porcestre Portchester .

Appointment during pleasure of Master Cassa Maiori Pey de Casemajor, king's clerk , to the writing office of Florencia Fleurance next to Lectorensis Lectoure with all that pertains to that office, with the power to appoint a suitable deputy. If the king has granted it to someone else, then Casemajor is to have another writing office in the duchy of Aquitaine provided that he answers to the constable of Bordeaux for anything he receives in that office above 10 l.st. a year. 1

By K.

1.
For related entries, see entry in C 61/45 & entry in C 61/46 .
14

15 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . For the king, concerning some ordinances made to guard the towns and the castles of the duchy of Aquitaine and sent to the said duchy .

Order to Edmund [of Woodstock], earl of Kent , that upon sight of any ordinances made by the king and his council, and sent to him under the king’s seal, regarding the good keeping of the cities, castles and towns of the duchy , and containing the names of men-at-arms, he should execute them, if he finds them useful for keeping the security and defence of the duchy and the tranquillity of the people there. He is to make whatever other ordinances necessary for the impending difficult passage of the men-at-arms sailing from Plummuth' Plymouth to the duchy. The king has assigned Walter [Stapledon], Exon' bishop of Exeter , the king’s treasurer , and Richard Damory, steward of the king’s household , to supervise the crossing, and the provisions, men, horses and arms, and to retain, if necessary, a greater number of both men-at-arms and foot soldiers to be employed in the king’s service there. The earl is further instructed to honour any further retinues made by them and certified by their letters. The king has assigned John de Segrave and Fulk FitzWarin to be leaders of the men-at-arms and foot soldiers until they come to his presence, when they are to be obedient and intendant to him, and he is to deploy them as he sees fit, upon advice of the king’s council , with all speed and diligence. 1

By K.

1.
For their appointment, see the Calendar of the Close Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.3.
15

20 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . Concerning the appointment of the king’s lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine .

To all archbishops, bishops and other prelates, comtes, vicomtes , barons, knights, damoiseaux, citizens, burgesses, commons, seneschals, bayles, prévôts, notaries, serjeants and all others in the duchy , the Agennesium Agenais and other lands in Gascony as well as all earls, barons, knights and other men-at-arms, both on horse and on foot, in England and being sent to the duchy in the king’s service.

Appointment of Edmund [of Woodstock], earl of Kent , the king's brother , as lieutenant of the duchy of Gascony, the land of Agenais, and other lands of Gascony, and captain there.

Order to be intendant on Woodstock as lieutenant there. 1

By K.

1.
For a copy, temp. Edw III, of the original commission to the earl of Kent, see TNA, C 47/24/3/41, and for draft letters patent relating to his mission in Guyenne, of 18 Edward II, see C 47/25/4/11.

For the appointment of the seneschal of the duchy of Aquitaine

16

21 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

To all prelates, earls, sheriffs, barons, knights and free tenants, seneschals, mayors, jurats, consuls, whole communities, colleges and communities, constables, castellans, prévôts and receivers of issues, bayles and the faithful subjects of the duchy and others.

Commitment to Ralph Basset of Drayton of the office and governance of the seneschalcy of the duchy during pleasure. Order to be intendant on Basset in matters relating to his office. 1

By K.

1.
For a copy of an enrolment of letters empowering Ralph, and others, to take measures for the defence of Guyenne, in 18 Edward II, see TNA, C 47/25/4/10.
17

Same as above

And it is ordered to Richard de Grey to deliver to Ralph [Basset] the office [of the seneschalcy] with all that pertains to it.

By K.

18

Same as above

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay Ralph [Basset] , to whom the king has committed the office of the seneschalcy of the duchy , the wages of 2,000 l.t. or their value, plus any reasonable expenses that he incurs coming to parliament or to the court of the king of France , or elsewhere, from which Basset is to provide or assign wages for his lieutenants, to be paid on the day he entered into his office. The constable is to receive due allowance in his account.

By K.

For the king, concerning the arrest of the men of the lordship of the king of France, those of Flanders excepted.

19

21 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to Kendale Robert de Kendal, constable of Dovorr' Dover castle , and warden of the Quinque Portuum Cinque Ports , to arrest all men of the lordship and power of the king of France , either within his bailiwick or who come into it, with their ships, goods and possessions, except those of Flandrensibus Flanders , and keep them safely without disposing of their goods or possessions. Their names, together with their ships, goods and possessions, and their value, are to be certified to the king under Kendal's seal. This has been ordered because Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre , is preparing to make war on the king and his duchy, and has ordered the arrest of all men and subjects of the realm and power of the king coming into his realm, together with their goods and possessions, which are to be safely kept.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to the following:

19.5

John Darcy, justiciar of Ireland or his lieutenant there;

19.8

Edward [of Windsor], earl of Chester and the justiciar of Chester or his lieutenant there; and

19.9

the mayor and bailiffs of Lincoln , and of Ebor' York .

19.10

In the same way to each of the sheriffs throughout Angl' England mutatis mutandis for the arrest of men and ships, etc. [of the lordship and power] of the king of France within their bailiwicks.

20

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to value the ships and goods of Normans arrested in the duchy by reason of the prosecution of the merchants of Baiona Bayonne and deliver them to the merchants or their proctors by that valuation. Before they do that they should receive suitable security from them for the restoration of those ships and goods or their value if and when the king or the king's court, by the king's order, orders restitution to be made to the Normans of the ships and goods, when the merchants of Bayonne have been fully satisfied for their damages by the Normans. The mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Bayonne have asked the king to deliver the ships and goods of Normans arrested at the prosecution of the merchants of the same city in the Burdegala port of Bordeaux , especially as they could not come to an agreement in the negotiations that lately took place between them to settle mutual grievances. The king understands that Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre , is assembling a great army for war on the duchy and others of the king's lands and has ordered his ports to be closed, and that no English or other subject of the king, his enemies, should be admitted. He has ordered the arrest of the king's subjects that are found in his realm, and so the king recognises that his merchants of Bayonne will not be able to recover their damages against the Normans by way of right or amicable treaty, and grants his merchants' requests.

By K.

1.
A note in the margin states 'Void because elsewhere below'. For the entry for which this was rendered void, see entry 22 .
21

25 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to investigate the complaint of Trunkou Pey de Truco, master of the ship called la Seinte Jak of the Baiona city of Bayonne and his fellow mariners, and examine the letters patent that Truco has from the echevins of the town of Alemen Oedelem in Flandr' Flanders . He is to cause Bascul Martin Bascoul , Bernat Aymar , Fourno, de Estèbe de Four , and Estèbe Offre or others of Caturcinio, de Cahors that the seneschal should find in his jurisdiction to do full and speedy justice to Truco and his fellow mariners, and compel the merchants of Cahors to make restitution to them for the damages with all rigour. Truco has shown the king that he came with his ship, laden with various goods and merchandise, to the Swyn port of Het Zwin in Flandria Flanders , 1 to trade with Bascoul, Aymar, Four and Offre, and many other associated merchants of Cahors. These merchants took possession of his ship and merchandise with violence, arrested and incarcerated Truco and his fellow mariners, and detained them until they were absolved by judgment of the court of the count of Flanders , by whose authority they had been arrested and incarcerated at the instance of the said merchants of Cahors. As a result, Truco and his fellow mariners sustained damages of 200 l.st. , in evidence of which they have letters patent under the seal of the echevins of the town of Oedelem, shown to the king in chancery at the time of Truco's request, and they have requested the king to provide a remedy. 2

By K., on information of Ayrem' W[illiam] of Airmyn .

1.
The Zwin was, in the late Middle Ages, an estuary giving access to Bruges . The port of Sluis , called in French L'Écluse, was at the mouth of the estuary.
2.
For a related summons of the king of France making reference to Truco, see Chaplais, The War St-Sardos , p. 13.
22

24 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to value the ships and goods of Normans which are arrested in the duchy by reason of the prosecution of the merchants of Baiona Bayonne , and distribute them amongst the people of the city . It is the king's wish that if it happens in the future that some restitution of the goods and merchandise taken for any reason in that case should be made, then the merchants of the city are to restore them when the goods and merchandise of the king's men and merchants of the city taken by the Normans are restored to the men and merchants of Bayonne . The mayor, jurats and hundred peers of the Baiona city of Bayonne have asked the king to deliver the ships and goods of those Normans arrested at the prosecution of the merchants and other citizens of the same city in the Burdegala port of Bordeaux , especially as they could not come to an agreement in the negotiations that lately took place between them to settle mutual grievances. The king understands that Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre , is assembling a great army for war on the duchy and others of the king's lands and has ordered his ports to be closed, and that no English or other subject of the king, his enemies, should be admitted. He has ordered the arrest of the king's subjects that are found in his realm, and so the merchants and other citizens of Bayonne will not be able to recover their damages against the Normans by way of right or amicable treaty. Consequently then king grants his merchants' requests. 1

1.
For an entry rendered void by this, see entry 20
23

5 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Durandi Ramon Durand , who was lately appointed to various offices in the duchy by the king, the seneschal and the king’s council in the duchy. If warrants bearing the king’s seal in the duchy show that Durand stands in arrears for his stipend and daily expenses expended in the exercise of his office, then he should pay him what is owed as other officers were accustomed to be paid, receiving Ramon’s letters of acquittance for the sum, and the constable will receive due allowance in his account. 1

1.
Probably in response to either TNA, SC 8/287/14324 or SC 8/232/11596.
24

3 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Letters giving notice that if Durandi Ramon Durand , on account of his faithful service to the king, should lose any of his lands and tenements in the course of the impending war, the king promises that he should be compensated with lands and tenements elsewhere. 1

1.
Probably in response to TNA, SC 8/232/11596.
25

5 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Gift to Basterii Pey Baster of Condomium Condom of the writing office of the seneschalcy of Agenais in the assize of Condomium Condom , with all its emoluments and appurtenances, to be held during pleasure as long as Baster conducts himself well in that office.

By K., on information by Ayremynne W[illiam] de Airmyn .

26

Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, or his lieutenant, to put Basterii Pey Baster of Condomium Condom in possession of the writing office of the seneschalcy of Agenais in the assize of Condomium Condom , which the king granted him by letters patent.

By K. on information by Ayrem' W[illiam] de Airmyn .

27

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

The king confirms the appointment, during pleasure.

By K.

28

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay Trianne, de Arnal de Trian, kt , nephew of the pope , the 300 l.t.parv. that the king granted to him in his letters patent from the revenues of the duchy, and which are in arrears. He is to receive from Trian his letters of acquittance for the sum, for which he will receive due allowance in his account.

By K.

Similar letters are directed to the constable of Bordeaux to pay the following:

29

8 August 1324 . Hanle Henley .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Durandi Ramon Durand, lately seneschal of Petragoricen' Périgord , and if his wages are found to be in arrears from the time that he held the office, then he should pay them from the issues of the duchy. He is to receive Durand's letter of acquittance for the payment, and he will have due allowance in his account. 1

By K.

1.
Perhaps also in response to the petition TNA, SC 8/287/14324.
30

11 August 1324 . Hanle Henley .

Confirmation of the appointment made by Ralph Basset of Drayton , lately seneschal of Gascony , at the request of Isabella [of France], queen of England , the king’s consort , by letters under the king’s seal, of Cussaco, de, Cardinali Pey de Cussac, called Cardinal, king’s servant , as warden of the forests and shores of la Bernha La Vergne in Xancton' Saintonge , during pleasure, with authority to exercise the office by a deputy, receiving the customary wages from the seneschal.

By K.

31

Same as above

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay the customary wages to Pey [de Cussac] or his deputy for the custody [of the forest of La Vergne] from the issues of the duchy, receiving due allowance in his account.

For the arming of boats in the ports and the coast of the kingdom of England for the war.

32

22 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the mayor, bailiffs and community of the Sandwico town of Sandwich , informing them that the king has learned that the king of France is raising an army to attack him in his duchy of Aquitaine, and is striving to attack him, his lands and people, both by land and sea, and has appointed admirals and pirates on the sea and is assembling a great fleet. They are ordered to prepare all their ships which are in the port for war, and recall all those absent, and keep them there until further notice, not permitting any to go to distant lands without the king's special order. They are also to attack all ships in the power of the king of France, which are being prepared for war, or are capable of being so prepared, excepting ships of Flandria Flanders , and prevent them from forming a fleet, so that greater damage does not result, and that the king may strike the first blow. They are also to send out scout ships, night and day, to prevent surprise attacks, and give the king reports of the great numbers of warships being prepared in Normannia Normandy . He further orders that they are to make peace with all the sailors of the realm or of Baiona Bayonne , and harass the subjects of the king of France, and their shipping, just as those people are striving to do to the king and his subjects. The king has given orders that merchants and others who are not subjects of the king of France, or others who are not at war with the king and his subjects, and merchants of the king's realm travelling from England are not to be troubled.

By K.

In the same way to the following:

32.4
32.5

Edward [of Windsor], earl of Chester and the justiciar of [Chester] or the justiciar's lieutenant;

33

Order to the mayor, bailiffs and community of Gippewico Ipswich in the same words as entry 32 , the king having previously ordered them, as with the men of other seaports of the realm, to retain sufficient ships of each port for the king's service, they being able to use the remainder to send to sell their goods to make their profit.

In the same way to the following:

That only those of the power of France who are found to be waging war on the kingdom of England and its people are to be attacked.

34

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Signification to the bailiffs and community of the town of Sandwico Sandwich , that, although the king lately ordered them to make all their ships ready for war, and supply them with men and necessaries, and to attack all the ships in the power of the king of France that are being assembled to wage war on the king and his people, it was not his intention that they should, by that order, attack anyone from France, apart from those whom they find attacking the king and his people.

By K.

34.1

In the same way it is ordered to the bailiffs and community of each of the towns aforesaid, and also to the earl of Chester , the bishop of Durham and the constable of Dovorr' Dover [castle] .

For the equipping and preparation of ships in the ports and coastal areas throughout England, and of the men and other necessary things, and the sending of them to Portsmouth.

35

28 July 1324 . Derford' Dartford .

Order to the mayor, bailiffs and community of the town of Sutht Southampton to equip and prepare all their ships, both great and small, for war with all haste and bring them to Portesmuth' Portsmouth by Monday 27 August next ready to go in the king’s service. The king of France has assembled a great army to make war on the duchy of Aquitaine and the king's people there both by land and sea for which the king has ordered the mayor, bailiffs and community to prepare all their ships for war with all speed, and to keep them there. Now the king has been informed by many faithful people that the king of France is assembling a great multitude of ships to invade the realm of England, its land and people, and the king wishes to prevent this. In the same manner it is ordered to all mayors, bailiffs and communities of the ports and coastal areas throughout the realm.

By K.

In the same way to the following:

For appointing an admiral.

36

5 August 1324 . Guildeford' Guildford .

Appointment of Robert Bendyn as captain and admiral of the Western Fleet , at pleasure, both for the Cinque Ports and all other ports from the mouth of the Thames to the west, giving him power to punish all mariners and others of the fleet as is just and according to custom.

By K.

36.1

And it is ordered to all masters, mariners and others of the fleet that they should be intendant to Robert [Bendyn] as captain and admiral of the fleet in all matters.

37.1

Same as above

And it is ordered to all masters, mariners and others of the fleet that they should be intendant to John [le] Sturmy as captain and admiral of the fleet in all matters.

Postponement [of the date] for the bringing of ships to Portsmouth.

38

18 August 1324 . Westminster .

Order to the mayor, bailiffs and community of the town of Sutht Southampton to bring the large and small ships of their port, which they were previously ordered to prepare for war, to Portesmuth' Portsmouth by Monday 10 September. They were previously ordered to do this by 27 August but this has been postponed because of the shortness of time. The same is ordered to all the mayors, bailiffs and communities of the ports and coastal areas throughout the realm.

By K.

38.1

In the same manner it is written to each of the mayors, bailiffs and communities of the towns immediately above written.

38.2

Item the bailiffs and communities of Magne Jernemute Great Yarmouth , and Parve Jernemute Little Yarmouth .

39

23 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Assignment of Ralph de Camoys and Kendale Robert de Kendal, constable of Dovorr' Dover Castle and warden of the Quinque Portuum Cinque Ports , to keep safe all ports and coastal areas where ships land and all maritime lands in the counties of Kent , Surrey and Sussex , because Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre , is gathering an army to make war upon the duchy, both by land and sea. They are to resist all who attempt to invade England by land or sea in these places, to arrest all such invaders, together with their ships and property, and keep them secure. They are also authorised to appoint deputies to assist them wherever necessary. All archbishops, bishops, abbots, priors, earls, barons, knights, bailiffs and ministers, and other faithful people of those counties are ordered to be intendant to Camoys and Kendal and their deputies in the safe and secure custody of those parts. The sheriffs of those counties are ordered to assemble the shire forces ( posse comitatus ) where and when Camoys and Kendal or their deputies will warn them to do so, and they should obey and be intendant to them.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to the following:

39.12

3 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Afterwards, Tycheburn' John de Tichborne was assigned in place of Sancto Johanne John de St John in Hampshire , for certain reasons.

By K.

40

23 July 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

And it is ordered to all those assigned above (in entry 39 , entry 39.1 , entry 39.2 , entry 39.3 , entry 39.4 , entry 39.5 , entry 39.6 , entry 39.7 , entry 39.8 , entry 39.9 , entry 39.10 , entry 39.11 , entry 39.12 ) that they carry out this business in the specified form with all the diligence and solicitude that they can, arranging together for a common sign of warning, by beacons ( per ignem super montem ) or any other customary means. They are to signify to the king, under their seals, of any emergency that occurs, and of what has been done, regularly.

By K.

41

Order to Edward [of Windsor], earl of Chester , the king’s son , or the justiciar of Chester , or the justiciar's lieutenant to keep safe all ports and coastal areas in which ships land, and all maritime lands within Cheshire , because Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre is gathering together an army to make war upon the duchy, both by land and sea.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to the following:

41.2
41.4

Assignment to the mayor, bailiffs and law-worthy men of the town of Novo Castro super Tynam Newcastle upon Tyne with other faithful people of the king to keep all the ports and coastal areas etc. within their bailiwick, with authority to appoint deputies in this matter.

42

11 August 1324 . Hanle Henley .

Order to the abbot of Faversham to be intendant to and aid, when required, Ralph [de Camoys] and Robert [de Kendal] , or their deputies, within the abbot's lordship on the Shepheye Isle of Sheppey , where he owns the greatest part of the lands, so that no damage may be done to these lands through his negligence.

By K.

42.1

In the same way it is ordered to the abbot of St Augustine’s, Cantuar' Canterbury to be intendant to and aid, when required, Ralph [de Camoys] and Robert [de Kendal] , or their deputies, within the abbot's lordship on the Insula de Taneto Isle of Thanet .

42.2

Item to the prior of Christchurch, Cantuar' Canterbury that he be intendant to as above, within the prior's lordship on the Insula de Taneto Isle of Thanet .

43

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Order to Warenna John de Warenne, earl of Surrey , reciting the king’s appointment of Ralph de Camoys and Kendale Robert de Kendal, constable of Dovorr' Dover Castle and warden of the Quinque Portuum Cinque Ports to keep safe all ports and seashores in the counties of Kent , Surrey and Sussex 1 , to oversee the keeping of all the ports and coastal areas in all the maritime lands in those counties, and also the performance of the keepers, and to array men-at-arms both mounted and on foot against enemies and to do whatever else he considers expedient for the safe keeping of those parts. He is given power to appoint deputies wherever necessary. All archbishops, bishops, abbots, priors, earls, barons, knights, bailiffs and ministers, and other faithful people of those counties and Camoys and Kendal are ordered to be intendant to the earl and his deputies in the safe and secure custody of those parts. The sheriffs of those counties are ordered to assemble the shire forces ( posse comitatus ) where and when the earl or his deputies will make known to them, and they should obey and be intendant to him.

By K.

1.
See entry 39 .
44

Same as above

Letters to Sancto Johanne John de St John and John de Scures , reciting their appointment to keep safe all ports and coastal areas in Hampshire to meet the threat of the army being assembled by the king of France to attack the duchy and the king, his lands and people, by land or sea, made in entry 39.1 , and informing them that the king has assigned Tycheburn John de Tichborne and Kendale Edmund de Kendal in Hampshire , Pavely Reynold de Paveley and Walter Gacelyn in Wiltshire , fitz Elis Robert Fitz Ellis and Robert de Ardern in Oxfordshire , and Coudray Thomas Cowdray and Coleshull Richard de Coleshill in Berkshire to oversee the arraying of all men of those counties, both knights and others. They are to equip them according to their status, forming the cavalry into troops and the foot soldiers into hundreds and twenties, so that all are suitably armed and prepared for the defence of the realm when warned. As Hampshire is the nearest to where invading ships can most easily land, Tichborne and the others who were appointed to array these forces, together with the sheriff, are to stand ready with these forces to resist invasion, and to be intendant to them with all the shire forces ( posse comitatus ) when they are warned to do so.

By K.

45

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Grant to W[alter Reynolds], Cantuar' archbishop of Canterbury , of power to receive the oaths of Ralph de Camoys and Kendale Robert de Kendal, constable of Dovorr' Dover Castle that they will faithfully keep the ports and coastal areas, and all maritime lands in the counties of Kent , Surrey and Sussex , as is more fully contained in the king’s letters patent to them ( entry 39 ). He is to certify the king, under his seals, that he has received them, Camoys and Kendal being similarly ordered to certify the king that they have made their oaths.

In the same way it is ordered to the following bishops to receive the oaths of the following, assigned to keep the ports etc. in the following counties:

1.
An alternative title for the bishop of Coventry and Lichfield.

For the king that the magnates should themselves prepare horses and arms for the defence of the realm.

46

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Order to Thomas [of Brotherton], earl of Norfolk and marshal of England , the king's brother , that in accordance with the loyalty and homage by which he is bound to the king, he is to prepare for action as well as he can, with horses, arms, and men-at-arms, both mounted and on foot, according to his rank. The king urges him to be well-prepared, and well-supplied with such men-at-arms, to accompany him and his other loyal subjects in defence of the realm when and whenever there is need to do so. He is to conduct himself in such a way that the king's honour, and his own, are preserved, and that no danger comes to the king, his kingdom or himself through the attacks of the enemy. The earl is to inform the king in writing of the numbers of men-at-arms he can provide by 1 September.

In discussions ( tractatus ) lately held with prelates, magnates and lords of the realm at Westminster , it was reported that the king of France and Navarre had assembled a large army to make war on the king and his duchy [of Aquitaine] because of certain alleged crimes committed at Sancti-Sacerdotis Saint-Sardos in the duchy, to the prejudice of the king of France, of which the king was totally unaware. Moreover, the king had been denied safe conduct, as it seemed to the earl, prelates and lords, to render homage to the king of France on the 1 July [1324] at Ambian' Amiens , though he had been given no prior, lawful notice of this in the duchy, as was customary. The king then sent envoys to the king of France to request him to recall his army, and name a date when the king could safely perform his duty, and respond to all matters concerning the duchy, and sent additional plenipotentiaries who diligently discharged his orders.

Subsequently, he dispatched the bishop of Norwich Norwycen' and others, with authority to make requests to the king of France and offer him all due reverence, obedience and honour. They were next to put forward the justifications and impediments preventing the king's appearance at the appointed time and place, and waited at Dovorr' Dover for an indication of when the king of France would receive them. He, however, refused either to hear these envoys or to receive the others. Previously he had ordered the arrest of English merchants who were coming with their goods and possessions to his realm, confident that peace and mutual fellowship would prevail. About a month before 1 July, he had ordered by letter that the ports of his kingdom be closed to prevent Englishmen, or other enemies, from crossing. He also ordered by his letters that the king's land of Pontivi Ponthieu be seized, as was the case. The king also understands that the king of France has assembled a large fleet on the seas to make war on him and his subjects, and to invade his and his subjects' lands.

By K.

46.1

Memorandum that those magnates south of the Trent below written should certify the king of the numbers of men etc. by 1 September; and the magnates north of the Trent below written should certify the king by 8 September.

In the same way to the following:

47

4 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Order to W[alter Reynolds], archbishop of Canterbury , to provide as many horses and arms and men-at-arms both mounted and on foot as he is able, so that the men are well-equipped with horses and arms for the defence and safety of the Church and realm. And because it is right that all should provide aid in times of necessity for the common defence of the church and the realm, it is requested that the archbishop urge all deans, archdeacons, abbots, priors, canons of cathedrals and collegiate churches, rectors of churches and other clergy within his diocese to provide men-at-arms, horses and arms and prepare them for the defence of the Church and the realm, and to meet the threat to the realm.

In the same way to the following:

For the selection of foot-soldiers

50

8 August 1324 . Hanle Henley .

Commission to the mayor, sheriffs and the community of the city of London to array 300 foot soldiers from the city without delay, armed with haketons, hauberks, bacinets and gauntlets of steel, swords and other suitable arms, and so armed cause them to be at Portesmuth' Portsmouth on Monday 27 August 1324 next to act for the defence of the realm in a manner that the king will ordain for them. The king has ordered the selection of men and the sending of ships of various ports to Portsmouth to be there at the assigned date for the defence of the realm against the threat from the great army and multitude of ships that the king of France is assembling in Normandy ( partes Narmannie ) and elsewhere to attack the king and his duchy of Aquitaine.

By K.

In the same way to the mayors and communities of the following towns:

50.1

the mayor and community of Cantuar' Canterbury for 60 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.2

the mayor and community of Roff' Rochester for 20 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.3

the mayor and community of Wynton' Winchester for 100 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.4

the mayor and community of Sar' Salisbury for 80 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.5

the bailiffs and community of Suthwerk' Southwark for 20 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.6
50.7

the mayor and community of Oxon' Oxford for 100 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place;

50.8

the mayor and community of Norht' Northampton for 80 foot soldiers, having them at the day and place.

51

20 August 1324 . Westminster .

Afterwards the king, for certain reasons, postponed the date of muster of the soldiers specified in entry 50 to Monday 10 September, and the mayors and communities of the towns, excepting those of Cantuar' Canterbury and Suthwerk' Southwark are to have the foot soldiers arrayed in the towns [at Portsmouth ] at that date.

By K.

52

20 August 1324 . Westminster .

Commission to the bailiffs, men and community of Suthwerk' Southwark , that although the king previously ordered them to array 20 foot soldiers, he now orders them to array without delay six foot soldiers, armed with haketons, [hauberks, bacinets and gauntlets of steel, swords and other suitable arms], and so armed cause them to be at [ Portsmouth ] on Monday 10 September to do what the king decides.

By K. and C. on information of Ayremynne William de Airmyn .

52.1

Same as above

Similarly the mayor, bailiffs and community of Cantuar' Canterbury are written to for 40 foot soldiers.

53

6 August 1324 . Guldeford Guildford .

Request to W[alter Reynolds], Cantuar' archbishop of Canterbury , to liaise with Ralph de Camoys and Kendale Robert de Kendal, constable of Dovorr' Dover Castle and warden of the Quinque Portuum Cinque Ports , whom the king has assigned to keep safe all the ports and coastal areas and maritime lands in Kanc' Kent 1 , and Cobeham Henry de Cobham , Goshale Henry de Goshall , Cobeham Stephen de Cobham , and Sauvage Ralph Savage , whom the king has assigned to oversee the array in Est Kent East Kent and West Kent respectively for the defence of the church, realm and people, since the king of France is assembling a great army to invade the king and his duchy, to harass the king, his lands and his people both by land and by sea. The keepers have been ordered to apply to the bishop for information in the business when they need it.

By K.

Similar letters to the following bishops:

1.
See entry 39 .
2.
This seems likely to be an error for John de Harrington .
3.
The scribe has put the intitial 'W' for the bishop when the bishop at this time was Thomas Cobham . The scribe was presumably thinking of Cobham's immediate predecessor Walter Maidstone who died in March 1317.
54

6 August 1324 . Guldeford' Guildford .

Grant to W[alter Reynolds], archbishop of Canterbury , of power to receive the oaths of Cobeham Henry de Cobham and Goshale Henry de Goshall , appointed to array knights and other equivalent men in Estkent East Kent , and of Cobeham Stephen de Cobham and Sauvage Adam Savage in West Kent , that they will faithfully array them, according to the form of the proclamation ordered to be made about it and the statute of Winchester, as is fully contained in the king’s letters patent to them, and ordering him to receive the oaths and certify the king, under his seals, that he has received them. Cobham and Goshall, and Cobham and Savage have been similarly ordered to certify the king that they have made their oaths.

In the same way to the following concerning the receiving of the oaths of the following:

54.12
55



[in French]

Form of the arrayer's oath: They will swear to act well and loyally in the office granted to them by the king's commission of array of men-at-arms, and will take no money from people for food or drink, or for anything else, nor expect anything. They will not trouble those who should be exempt by the form of the commission, nor take anything to make people exempt, but will act loyally and diligently for the profit of the king and the people. They will take the oaths from centenars and vintenars, and of all those whom they put in their place or to do anything touching the array, with the help of God and his Saints.

56

20 August 1324 . Westminster .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Costantin Pelet, king’s valet , lately keeper of the seneschalcy [of Saintonge] and the castle of Xancton' Saintes , and if he finds that his wages are in arrears, then he is to pay them from the issues of the duchy, receiving Pelet's letters of acquittance for the sum, for which the constable will receive due allowance in his account.

57

21 August 1324 . Westminster .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony to maintain Guilhem-Bernat, lord of Sale Salles in his possessions and rights, and protect and defend him from all violence, oppressions and injury. He is to hear his complaint of the harm, damage and injury done to him by the Byarn lady of Béarn and her men, 1 and call the parties in the quarrel before him and hear their arguments and do full and speedy justice, as by right, and according to the fors and customs ought to be done. Guilhem-Bernat has requested remedy since, because he made fealty to the king for the lands and tenements which he held or claimed to hold from the king in the duchy by the order of Straunge Fulk le Strange, late seneschal of Gascony , he has been imprisoned by the lady and her men, and has suffered much damage to his property and possessions, and still does. 2

1.
Jeanne d'Artois , mother and guardian until 1323 of Gaston II , count of Foix and vicomte of Béarn and Marsan.
2.
For a later, related petition, see TNA, SC 8/283/14130. For a related entry, see entry in C 61/46 .
58

10 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . 1

By p.s.

1.
A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.
For the king’s writ of privy seal to the chancellor, of the same date, ordering him to issue letters patent for the grant, see TNA, C 81/127/6988.
59

Same as above

And it is ordered to the seneschal of Gascony to put Ramon-Guilhem [de Lafargue] in possession of the writing office of Port-Sainte-Marie .

By the same writ.

60

15 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to pay Master William de Weston, king’s clerk , going to the duchy on the king’s business, 40 l . from the issues of the duchy for his expenses for his journey and his stay there. He is to receive from Weston his letters of acquittance, for which the constable will receive due allowance in his account.

By K.

61

18 August 1324 . Westminster .

Grant during pleasure to Wysham John de Wisham , Master Shordich John de Shoreditch and Echingham Robert de Etchingham , or two of them, of which Shoreditch is to be one, of custody of the castle of Mons Pesatus Montpezat within the Agenesium Agenais , with the right to appoint deputies. 1

By K.

62

Same as above

And it is ordered to Wodestok' Edmund de Woodstock, earl of Kent , the king’s brother , who is in the duchy for the king's business, to deliver custody of the castle [of Montpezat] , together with all arms, victuals and all other things in it, to Wysham John de Wisham , Master John [de Shoreditch] and Robert [de Etchingham] , or their deputies. 2

63

Same as above

Like order to the seneschal of Gascony. 3

64

Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of the Monte Pesato castle of Montpezat , and all others there, that they be intendant to Wysham John de Wisham , Master John [de Shoreditch] and Robert [de Etchingham] , or their deputies whenever required. 4

By K.

65

22 August 1324 . Westminster .

Order to John de Wisham , Master Shordich John de Shoreditch and Echingham Robert de Etchingham , keepers of the Mons Pesatus castle of Montpezat in the Agennesium Agenais or their deputies, to deliver custody of the castle to Charles [IV], king of France and Navarre or his deputy, Wisham and the others consequently being held fully discharged of the same by the king. 5

By K.

1.
The entry is crossed out and a marginal note against this entry and the following four records that the entries were 'Vacated, because they were afterwards restored on 26 September at Porcestr' Portchester '. For related entries, see entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5
2.
The entry is crossed out, see note to entry 61 . For related entries, see entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5 .
3.
The entry is crossed out, see note to entry 61 . For related entries, see entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5 .
4.
The entry is crossed out, see note to entry 61 . For related entries, see entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5 .
5.
The entry is crossed out, see note to entry 61 . For related entries, see entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5 .

Postponement of the date that foot soldiers ought to come to Portsmouth.

66

3 September 1324 . Brembre Bramber .

Order to the mayor and community of the city of London to have the 300 foot soldiers from the city that they were previously ordered to array and arm with haketons, hauberks, bacinets and gauntlets of steel, swords and other suitable arms, at Portesmuth' Portsmouth on Monday 10 September. They were previously ordered to have the men at Portsmouth by 27 August but this has been postponed because of the shortness of time.

By p.s.

In the same way to the following:

67

31 August 1324 . Bishopeton Bishopstone . Commitment of the baylie for enumerating cows . 1

Appointment, during pleasure, of Galiz Johan de Galis as bayle to enumerate all cows from various parts of the Landas Landes , which are taken to be pastured there between the Burdegal' city of Bordeaux and the Aquis town of Dax , 2 and from which a toll ( guidagium ) 3 is due to the king. He is to hold the office for the customary wages, and answer for the issues and profits while he holds it. 4

By p.s.

1.
A marginal note states extractus .
2.
During winter time.
3.
This tax was called in Gascon guidoadge or guiit . See Lespy, V. et Raymond, P., Dictionnaire béarnais ancien et moderne (Montpellier, 1887), p. 349.
4.
For the king’s writ of privy seal to the chancellor, of the same date, ordering him to issue letters patent for this grant, see TNA, C 81/127/6980, and for a later petition (1329), reciting this appointment, see TNA, SC 8/281/14020.
68

Same as above

And it is ordered to the seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux that they deliver to Johan [de Galis] the office of baylie to enumerate cows , and pay him the customary wages, for which the constable is to have due allowance in his account.

Postponement of the day that archers ought to be brought to Portsmouth.

69

3 September 1324 . Brembre Bramber .

Order to William Tracy and Robert Seliman to have the 300 foot archers that they were previously ordered to array in the Dene forest of Dean , Berkeleyhirnes Berkeley Harness and elsewhere in Gloucestershire in addition to the foot soldiers selected in the county at another time for service in the duchy, who have withdrawn without licence, at Portesmuth Portsmouth by Monday 24 September to go in the king's service at his wages just as his council will ordain. Tracy and Seliman were previously assigned to array the archers, and Tracy was ordered to lead them to Portsmouth by Monday 10 September but this has been postponed because of the shortness of time. 1

By p.s.

1.
See the Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.15 for the original order to select the archers and bring them to Portsmouth. And CPR, 1324-7 , p.27, for the replacement of Tracy and Seliman on 7 September because they were unable to attend to the business. See also entry 72 for a related entry.
70

Same as above

Order to Huntyngfeld' Walter de Huntingfield and Sauvage Ralph Savage , as above mutatis mutandis . Huntingfield and Savage were previously assigned to array 150 foot archers in Kent , and Huntingfield was ordered to lead them to Portesmuth' Portsmouth by Monday 10 September, [but this has been prorogued because of the shortness of time]. 1

In the same way to the following:

70.1

Gentyl Nicholas Gentil and Peverel Andrew Peveril , for 250 foot archers in Surrey and Sussex , to be led by Gentil; 2

70.2

John de Scures, sheriff of Hampshire , and James de Norton , for 200 foot archers in Hampshire , to be led by Scures. 3

1.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.16 for the original order to select the archers and bring them to Portsmouth. For a related entry, see entry 74 .
2.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.16 for the original order to array the archers and bring them to Portsmouth. For a related entry, see entry 74.1 .
3.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.16 for the original order to select the archers and bring them to Portsmouth. For a related entry, see entry 74.2 .
71

16 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . Concerning the assembly of the king's northern fleet, and keeping it at sea.

[in French]

Order to John [le] Sturmy, admiral of the Northern Fleet , to assemble his fleet with all haste and diligence and guard the seas there, so that no harm is done to the king or his subjects. He is to inflict damage on the king's enemies by all means in his power, taking them by surprise upon the seas if possible. He is to remain in northern waters until otherwise ordered and is to send news from there to the king, so that he may in return know the king's will, and may request aid from the king's other fleet if needed. But he is to ensure that no harm is done to Flemings, Brabanters or other allies and friends of the king, always treating them in a friendly and courteous manner ( aimablement et courtoisement ).

The king had formerly ordered him to be at Portesmue Portsmouth with his fleet on the Monday 10 September, but now, because he has informed the king of a great fleet that is being assembled in Seland' Zeeland , and because of other news which has come to the king of fifteen great ships of Caleys Calais , heading north to harass the king, English fishermen and others of his subjects, he wishes to counter the threat.

By K.

That foot soldiers and archers should not come to Portsmouth on 24 September.

72

17 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the mayor and community of the city of London that the 300 foot soldiers from the city that they were previously ordered to array and arm with haketons, hauberks, bacinets and gauntlets of steel, swords and other suitable arms, are not to be brought to Portesmuth' Portsmouth on Monday 24 September. For certain reasons the king now wishes that the men be kept in array for the defence of the realm when and where they will be warned.

By K.

In the same way to the following:

73

Same as above

Order to Thomas le Botiller and William Walsh of Wolvestrop' Woolstrop that the 300 foot archers that they were previously assigned to array in the Dene Forest of Dean , Berkeleyhirnes , and elsewhere in Gloucestershire , are not to be brought to Portesmuth' Portsmouth on Monday 24 September. For certain reasons the king now wishes that the men remain arrayed and ready to come for the defence of the realm when and where they will be warned. 1

1.
Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.27 Botiller and Walsh had replaced William Tracy and Robert Seliman as selectors of archers in Gloucestershire on 7 September. For a related entry, see entry 69 .
74

Same as above

Order to Huntyngfeld Walter de Huntingfield and Sauvage Ralph Savage that the 150 foot archers that the king assigned them to array in Kent and for Huntingfield to lead them etc., [should not be brought to Portsmouth ] as above. 1

In the same way to the following:

74.1

Gentyl Nicholas Gentil and Peverel Andrew Peveril for 250 foot archers in Surrey and Sussex , to be led by Gentil; 2

74.2

John de Scures, sheriff of Hampshire , and James de Norton for 200 foot archers in Hampshire , to be led by John. 3

1.
For a related entry, see entry 70 .
2.
For a related entry, see entry 70.1 .
3.
For a related entry, see entry 70.2 .

Concerning the appointing of the seneschal of Gascony.

75

30 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

To all prelates, counts, vicomtes, barons, knights, free tenants, seneschals, mayors, jurats, consuls, communities, colleges and communities, constables, castellans, prévôts, receivers of issues, and all others in the duchy.

Appointment of Ralph Basset of Drayton , to the office and governance of the seneschalcy of Gascony during pleasure, with an order to obey him in all matters there.

By K. In duplicate.

76

Same as above

And it is ordered to Richard de Grey to deliver the office of [seneschal of Gascony] to Ralph [Basset of Drayton] with all that pertains to that office.

By K.

77

Same as above

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay the wages and expenses of Ralph Basset of Drayton for the office of seneschal of Gascony . The king has appointed him seneschal during pleasure, receiving the wages of 2,000 l.t. or its equivalent value from the hands of the constable, as well as his reasonable expenses, whenever Ralph attends parliament, the court of the king of France or elsewhere. Bassett is to provide for his lieutenant out of his wages. The constable is to receive due allowance in his account. 1

By K.

1.
Parts of the last line of the entry is written over an erasure.

Concerning the appointment of the constable of Bordeaux.

78

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Appointment during pleasure of Lymbergh' Adam de Limber, king’s clerk , as keeper of the castle of Bordeaux Burdegala , and to the office of constable of Bordeaux , having with the same all that pertains to the office, so that he answer to the king for all the issues taken for the office, taking the customary fee.

By [K].

79

Same as above

And it is ordered to Ralph Basset of Drayton , seneschal of Gascony to deliver to Adam [de Limber] the custody of the [ castle of Bordeaux ] and the office [of constable of Bordeaux ], together with the keys, rolls, papers, memoranda and all other things belonging to the same.

80

Same as above

And it is ordered to John Travers to deliver to Adam [de Limber] all that belongs to the same offices which are in his custody, by indentures made between them.

81

Same as above

And it is ordered to all retainers and subjects of the duchy, that they are to be intendant to and answer Adam [de Limber] in all things that pertain to his office.

82

Same as above

And it is ordered to the Xanctonia seneschal of Saintonge , treasurer of Agennesium Agenais and all other bayles of the king in the duchy, that they order all their bayles who have not rendered final accounts for their bailiwicks or offices to do so now without delay.

83

Same as above

Order to Lymbergh' Adam de Limber, constable of Bordeaux , to receive the accounts of the king’s bayles in Gascony , Agennesium Agenais , Xanctonia Saintonge and the whole duchy of Aquitaine , and compel them to render account, with power to make allowances in them, and to levy all arrears and debts owing to the king.

84

Same as above

Notification that the custody of the castle of Burdeg' Bordeaux and all provisions, rolls, charters, papers, instruments and writings in the castle or treasury of Bordeaux have been entrusted to Lymbergh' Adam de Limber, king’s clerk , during pleasure.

For Arnaut Caillau.

85

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . 1

Appointment during pleasure of Calculi Arnaut Caillau as keeper of the Blavia castle, castellany and town of Blaye , with all appurtenances, answering for the issues of the same, and taking each year the customary fee by the hands of the constable of Bordeaux.

By K.

1.
A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
86

Same as above

And it is ordered to the seneschal of Gascony to deliver the same castle, castellany and town [of Blaye] to Arnaut [Caillau] , together with all arms, victuals and all other things in the castle by indentures made between them.

87

Same as above

And it is ordered to Dassaylit Galhart d'Assalit and Ayquem-Guilhem [V], lord of la Sparre Lesparre , to deliver the castle, castellany and town [of Blaye] , with the arms, as above which are in their custody to Arnaut [Caillau] , by indentures made between them.

By K.

88

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . For the payment of the debts of the earl of Kent .

Order to Hugate Nicholas de Huggate, king’s clerk , receiver of the king’s monies, for wages and stipends of the men to be sent to the duchy and the king’s other business, to pay from the king's money in his possession all the debts of Edmund [of Woodstock], earl of Kent , the king’s brother , incurred in those parts in expediting the king's business there from the time that he entered the king’s service, without delay. He is to receive from the earl his letters attesting to the sums owed, and Huggate will receive due allowance in his account for the same. 1

By K.

1.
For Huggate’s account for his receipts and expenses as receiver in Gascony, for the period 17-19 Edward II, see BL, Additional MS 7967 (the cover of which is now TNA, E 101/164/19).
89

18 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . Concerning the pardon for Séguin de Gasen .

Pardon to Gaseng Séguin de Gasen for the death of Ramon Amblard , of which he was indicted, on condition that he answers in the king's court in the duchy according to the fors and customs there. It is ordered that he should not be harmed against the form of the pardon.

By K. by information of Ayremynne William de Airmyn .

90

2 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Pardon to Hélias de Cursan , granted at the request of Calculi Arnaut Caillau , of the sentence of banishment which was pronounced on him because he did not appear in the king's court to answer for the death of Pratis, de Arnaut Duprat lately perpetrated in Inter Duo Maria Entre-deux-Mers , if that was the reason for the banishment, provided that he answers in the king's court according to the fors and customs [there]. It is ordered that he should not be harmed against the form of the pardon.

By K. by information of Ayrem' W[illiam] de Airmyn .

91

3 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Appointment during pleasure, at the request of Calculi Arnaut Caillau , of Maulioni, de Guilhem de Mauléon as the king’s serjeant-general in the duchy , making executions and whatsoever pertains to that office, receiving the customary fee.

By K.

91.1

Same as above

By K.

Johan Audoin has similar letters of appointment to the same office. 1

1.
This entry has been entered subsequently in a smaller hand and darker ink.
92

Same as above

Grant of special licence to Maulion Guilhem de Mauléon , at the request of Calculi Arnaut Caillau , to buy victuals and other merchandise in the duchy wherever he considers it most expedient and to carry the same, by both land and sea, to Baion' Bayonne and elsewhere within the duchy for the sustenance of the king’s faithful subjects there, making his profit. It is ordered that Mauléon be permitted to do this, paying the customs, dues and usages for the same, provided that he does not communicate with the king’s enemies or rebels there.

By K.

93

3 October 1324 . Portcestr' Portchester .

Licence to Pynsole Pey-Bernat de Pinsolle, citizen of Baiona Bayonne to bear arms and retain ten men-at-arms in his retinue for protection, and not to be harmed in any way contrary to the grant, the grant enduring for one year.

By K. by information of Ayremynne W[illiam] de Airmyn .

The following have similar letters of licence to carry arms:

93.1

Same as above

By K. by information of Ayrem' W[illiam] de Airmyn .

93.2

Same as above

Mongy Pey-Bidau de Mongie, citizen of Baiona Bayonne for himself and ten men in his company.

By K. by information of Ayrem' W[illiam] de Airmyn .

94

Same as above

To all seneschals, constables, castellans and other bailiffs, ministers and faithful subjects in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection for two years granted to la Tastere Guilhem-Pey de Latastère, citizen of Baionensem Bayonne , and all his men, lands, vineyards, rents and lawful possessions, as the king wishes to show him favour and has received them into his protection. They are to be maintained, protected and defended from injuries and violence.

By K. by information of Ayrem' W[illiam] de Airmyn .

For preparing ships for war and sending them to Winchelsea

95

26 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the mayor, aldermen, sheriffs, law-worthy men, and community of the city of London , that they prepare for war all the ships of the city, both great and small, without delay, and double-man them with men and all other necessaries, and send them to Wynchelse Winchelsea for 13 October next. The king has had to send his fleet to the duchy, together with Robert Bendyn, admiral of the fleet , with men at arms, victuals and other necessaries for the defence of the duchy and the king’s subjects there, and he wishes to counter the threat of the invasion of England. The king of France has gathered together a great army to occupy the king’s lands in the duchy of Aquitaine and elsewhere across the seas, and is preparing a great fleet of ships in the marches of Normannia Normandy and elsewhere, to invade England. The king places the fleet under the command of Stephen Alard of Wynchelse Winchelsea , admiral of the Eastern Fleet , until the return of Bendyn.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to the following towns:

96

4 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . Concerning the removal of insufficient clerks etc. from the king's council in Gascony .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony that if he is able to find that any of the king's council there is incompetent or receives pensions or other profits from others, by which the king or his people are damaged, then he is to be removed from office without delay. In addition he should let the king's baylies in those parts at a reasonable farm, so that farmers do not commit extortion through taking the baylies at a higher farm. The king has been informed that both he and the people of the duchy suffer much harm because incompetent clerks of his council take pensions and other profits from various rebels and magnates of the duchy contrary to his interests. Also, many men receive the king's baylies that are let at farm for greater farms than they are able to levy from the baylies, which is why they extort great sums from the people residing in those baylies, and the king wishes to provide remedy.

By K.

97

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . For the provision of crossbows, quarrels and engines in Gascony .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to buy crossbows, quarrels and other necessary engines from the issues of the duchy, and place them as they see fit for the safety and defence of the duchy, to resist the malice of the king of France. The constable is to receive due allowance in his accounts for the reasonable costs.

By K.; they were patent.

For resisting the aggressors on ships from Zeeland, Calais and Normandy.

98

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the mayor, bailiffs, law-worthy men and community of the Lenne town of Lynn to prepare to resist the great fleet of ships that the king has learned that the king of France is assembling to send against the king and his realm. If any of them do come to those parts, then they are to resist them and arrest the ships together with the men and goods in them and keep them safely, and they are to keep the king informed. The king has learned that the king of France is sending a great army to occupy the duchy of Aquitaine, and is assembling the ships in Seland' Zeeland , Cales' Calais and Normann' Normandy and elsewhere, and is preparing to send them to Norfolk within a few days. The king has also ordered Monte Alto Robert de Mohaut and Thomas Bardolf , keepers of the maritime and coastal areas in the county, to apply all their diligence to this business.

By K.

98.1

Same as above

For removing religious residing near the sea to distant places.

99

1 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to J[ohn Stratford], bishop of Winchester , to remove without delay all the religious who are subjects of the king of France within his diocese, of whatever order, whose houses are next to the sea. They are to be put in houses of the same order within his diocese that are far from the sea, and replaced with other English ( nostre nationis ) religious of those same houses to serve God there, sustaining them from the goods of the houses until otherwise ordered. The king wishes the bishop to inform him of the names of those removed, their house, and where they have been removed to, under his seal. The order is made because of the aggressive acts of the king of France and the fear of the harm that could be done by such alien religious, and the king wishes to remedy it.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to to the following archbishops and bishops:

100

13 October 1324 . Biflet Byfleet .

Order to W[alter Reynolds], archbishop of Canterbury , to transfer all secular priests or canons, or rectors of churches or other benefice-holders in the churches, cathedrals or colleges in his diocese who are considered to be under the authority of, or are adhering to, the king of France , the Flemings excepted, and who are living near the sea or other navigable waters, to a location far from the sea where they can live without any suspicion. They should then be permitted to live there peacefully. Each is to be given, by the hands of English proctors appointed to do this in the diocese, a weekly allowance from the goods of their benefices of 18 d. for clothing and shoes, and 40 s. annually. The proctors are to administer the goods of the benefices of any such non-resident alien clergy, and are to account fully for the fruits and profits of both the resident and non-resident alien clergy at the exchequer for the duration of the war. The names and places of all the persons removed, and the places to which they have been removed, as well as the names of the proctors who are to account for their goods, are to be certified to the exchequer without delay. 1

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to to the following bishops:

1.
For another order issued on this matter following the failure of the archbishop to execute this one, see entry 221 .

For the arrest of the men of the cities of Agen, Port-Sainte-Marie, etc.

101

28 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester . 1

Order to the sheriff of Suffolk to arrest all men and merchants from the Agennensis city of Agen and the towns of Portus Sancte Marie Port-Sainte-Marie , Tenengges Tonneins , Marmanda Marmande , Sancta Fidis Sainte-Foy[-la-Grande] , Sancta Basilia Sainte-Bazeille and Landeroun Landerron in Agenais that he should find in his bailiwick, together with any goods or merchandise, because they have rebelled against the king, and handed over those places to the people of the king of France, and harmed the king's subjects by war. The sheriff is not to molest the men from the duchy who are not from that city or those towns. The names of those arrested and the value of their goods and merchandise are to be certified to the king under the sheriff’s seal.

By K.

In the same way it is ordered to the following keeper and sheriffs:

1.
A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.
The office was held for both Norfolk and Suffolk, though they are listed individually here.
102

4 October 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Pardon to Mongee Pey de Mongie , at the request of Vila Bernat de Bielle and the community of Baiona Bayonne , for the death of Pey de Cassat of which he was accused, and of the sentence of banishment promulgated against him, if that was the reason for which it was promulgated, provided that he answers in the king’s court in the duchy. 1

By K.

1.
For the petition to which this is the response, see TNA, C 47/24/3/15 (item 6).
103

Same as above

Pardon to Fogas Guilhem de Heugas for the death of Lybaud Martin Libaud , of which he was lately accused and of the sentence of banishment promulgated against him, if that was the reason for which it was promulgated, provided that he answers in the king’s court in the duchy. The king has granted this because he wishes to obtain the service of Heugas, who has volunteered to serve the king in the war in Gascony with ten men-at-arms and 200 foot soldiers, and also at the request of Vile, de Bernat de Bielle and the community of the Baiona city of Bayonne . 1

By K.

1.
For the petition to which this is the response, see TNA, C 47/24/3/15 (item 5).

For the preparing of a ship of Colchester

104

21 September 1324 . Porcestr' Portchester .

Order to the bailiffs, law-worthy men and the community of Colecestr' Colchester to provide the ship, double-manned and fully equipped without delay, which they promised to find, so that it is ready to enter the king’s service with John [le] Sturmy, admiral of the king’s fleet in those parts , when he will warn them. They are discharged from finding the foot soldiers as part of the contingent of the community of the county of Essex .

By C.

105

Same as above

Order to John [le] Sturmy, admiral of the Northern Fleet , that when he considers it expedient he should give warning to the bailiffs, law-worthy men and community of Colecestr' Colchester to send the ship which they promised the king that they would provide, double-manned and well-equipped, to go in the king's service with him, as the king has ordered them to prepare the ship and send it when warned by Sturmy.

By C.

106

30 October 1324 . Westminster .

Request to Thomas Fitz John, earl of Kildare , in accordance with his due allegiance, to provide as many horses and arms as he is able, and to have them ready by 2 February to sail to the duchy with the king's faithful subjects for the defence of the rights of the kingdom. He is to follow the instructions that John Darcy, justiciar of Ireland , and Nicholas Fastolf , whom he has appointed as his chief justice of the pleas connected with the justiciar [of Ireland] , will give him on the king's behalf. They have been kept informed on this matter, and have been sent by the king to the earl. 1 The earl is requested to certify the king of what he has done, so that the progress of the army can be better organised, and he has only requested the earl's aid out of necessity, to resist the invasion of the enemy. The king of France has gathered together a great army under the captaincy of Charles, count of Valois , which is striving to invade and occupy the duchy, attacking the king and his people, and laying waste his towns, castles, fortalices and other places. For the defence of his patrimony and the rights of his crown, the king proposes to go to the duchy in person, and he requires the counsel and support of his good people and subjects.

By K.

In the same way to the following:

1.
The Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.15 - Darcy, although appointed in late 1323, was only given protection to go to Ireland on 18 August 1324; ibid. p. 26 - Fastolf was appointed on 27 September 1324.
2.
Bermingham's name and title are put on separate lines, and treated as separate entries, though Bermingham was the first and only earl.

For the king, for the continued strong support by the men of the duchy of Aquitaine against his enemies.

107

30th September 1324 . Portchester .

[in French]

Letter to Pey Pelet acknowledging Pelet's previous loyalty to the king and his ancestors and asking him to fight the French who have entered the duchy with a great host to take his lands and rights there, and to harass the king in every way. Because of the bad weather, the men-at-arms and money that the king was sending to the duchy have been delayed in port awaiting favourable winds, but the king understands that they are now at Burdealx Bordeaux , so he sends more money, men and victuals, and he will send more regularly according to the news received from the duchy. The king will defend Pelet and his subjects against such evils, and will maintain his rights. The French are angry and argue that they want to take the duchy, and say that they are doing that because homage has not been performed. On this matter, the king has sent to Pelet the truth about this, enclosed in this letter. He will therefore be fully informed and should circulate this information in the duchy where he will find it necessary. He must keep in touch with the king regularly and give him news from the duchy as often as he can to help him with taking decisions. The king urges him to be of good heart because he trusts him, and because he will help Pelet as much as he can.

In the same way to the following:

107.1



[in French]

Guilhem, lord of Caumont ; Rovynnan Pey de Révignan, lord of Mont Calf Moncaut ; the lords of Podeygneys Poudenx ; Guilhem-Fort, lord of Vernon' Ornon ; Tastis, de Galhart de Tastes ; Destissak' Bertran d’Estissac ; Provost Gauter Prebost ; Destissak Archambaut d’Estissac ; Durefort' Arnaut [II] de Durfort ; Pyns Sanssaner de Piis ; Durefort' Ramfré de Durfort ; Podensak' Bibian de Podensac ; Amaneu Pons Amanieu ; Montclare Rudel de Monclar ; Arnaut-Guilhem de Marsan ; Morlan Menaut de Morlane ; Ayquem-Guilhem [V], lord of la Sparre Lesparre ; la Lande Arnaut de Lalande, lord of Brede La Brède ; Varrese Amaubin de Barrès, lord of Montferand' Montferrand ; Pey Caillau, lord of Podensak Podensac ; Malsoian Arnaut-Guilhem de Mauvezin, vicomte of Juliak Juliac ; Greliak' Pey [II] de Grailly, vicomte of Benauge Benauges ; Gaveret Pey de Gabarret, co-lord of Lyngom Langon ; Bali Mont Ramfré de Bajamont ; 1 Salinak' Bertran de Salignac ; Fossat Arnaut-Gassie du Foussat, co-lord of Aculeum Aiguillon ; Anessans de Caumont, co-lord of Seint Barth’ Saint-Barthélemy ; Ravinhan Bernat de Révignan, lord of Daltrive Hauterive ; Balenxs Rostanh de Balens, lord of Guavaldon' Gavaudun ; Rudel de Seyches ; Guilhem-Arnaut de Tantalon ; la Mote Bertran de Lamothe ; Montagout Arnaut de Montagut ; Boville Arnaut de Beauville ; Boville Galhart de Beauville ; Savinhak' Assiu de Savignac ; Combabonet Gaubert de Combebonnet ; Byroun Aymeric de Biron, lord of Montferand' Montferrand[-du-Périgord] ; Guntald Gaston de Gontaud, lord Badafoll Badefols ; Bugloyn Johan de Bouglon, lord of la Barde de Montseton Monteton ; the consuls and community of Montflanquin Monflanquin ; the jurats and community of Lingom Langon ; the consuls and community of la Penne Penne[-d'Agenais] ; the community of the Basatz city of Bazas ; the consuls and inhabitants of Florenca Fleurance ; the mayor, jurats and commune of Libournia Libourne ;

107.2



[in French]

the Puy Bocuis lord of Puybéton ; Cardalhac Bertran de Cardaillac, kt ; Cardalhac Bertran de Cardaillac, valet ; Dureford' Bertran de Durfort, lord of Lunatzgard' Lunegarde ; Guerdon Fortaner de Gourdon, lord of the Guerdon castle of Gourdon ; Guiscard de Comborn ; the consuls and community of Medicine, de Mézin ; the consuls and inhabitants of Vienna Vianne ; the jurats and inhabitants of Seint Sever Saint-Sever ; the jurats and inhabitants of Bona Garda Bonnegarde ; the jurats and inhabitants of Herbefaveir Labouheyre ; the jurats and commune of la Reule La Réole ; the jurats and commune of Sauvetere Sauveterre[-de-Guyenne] ; the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and commune of Seint Milion Saint-Émilion ; the mayor, jurats and commune of Burgh' Bourg ; the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and commune of the Baiona city of Bayonne ; the consuls of Peruge Laperche ; the Burdeux archbishop of Bordeaux ; the Olyroun bishop of Oloron ; the Seintz bishop of Saintes ; the Agennensis bishop of Agen ; the Lescuren' bishop of Lescar ; the Baioun bishop of Bayonne ; the Akes bishop of Dax ; the Lector bishop of Lectoure ; Madelhano, de Guilhem-Amaniu de Madaillan, lord of Roazano Rauzan ; Guilhem-Séguin [VII], lord of Ryounz Rions ; Altes Veygnes Bertran de Hautesvignes ; Trancalion Bernat Trenqueléon ; Guilhem-Sans [II], co-lord of Pomers Pommiers ; Trancalion Guilhem Trenquéléon ; Burgh' Aymeric de Bourg ; Tastis, de Guiraut de Tastes ; Pyns Huc de Piis ; Gut Guilhem-Ramon de Got ; Dureford' Arnaut de Durfort of la Court Lacour ; Gerzerest Ramon-Arnaut de Gerderest ; Novaille Gassie-Arnaut de Navailles ; Dureford' Arnaut [II] de Durfort of Berdyll’ Bordiels ; Chastel Noef Pey [I] de Castelnau ; the lord of Chastelioun de Medult Castillon-Médoc ; Nouelhan Amaniu de Noailhan, lord of Seint Librat Sainte-Livrade ; Saynte Fay Ramon-Bernat de Sainte-Foy ; Lunatz Astorg de Lunac ; Leomain Bézian de Lomagne ; the mayor, jurats and community of Burdeux Bordeaux ; the abbot of Seint Croyz de Burdeux Sainte-Croix-de-Bordeaux ; the abbot of Blazemount Blasimon ; the abbot of Saint Fermyn Saint-Ferme ; the abbot of Caynote Cagnotte ;

107.3



[in French]

Rupefort’ Bertran de Roquefort ; Chastelion Gaucem de Castillon, co-lord of la Marche Lamarque ; Columb Johan Colom, co-lord of la Marche Lamarque ; Malvuisson Pey-Guilhem de Maubuisson ; Andronis Guilhem-Amaniu Andron ; Arnaut de Curton ; Galhart de Molan ; Grenoils Talleyrand de Grignols ; the lord of Mountelieu Montolieu ; the consuls of Villenove Villeneuve[-sur-Lot] ; the consuls and community of the Condomium city of Condom ; the consuls and community of Sonpuy Saint-Puy ; the consuls and inhabitants of Mountreal Montréal ; all the inhabitants of Blay Blaye ; the jurats and commune of Seint Machair’ Saint-Macaire ; the jurats and commune of the Akes city of Dax ; Guilhem [de Poyartin], abbot of Seint Sever Saint-Sever ; the abbot of Doazine Aubazines ; the abbot of Seint Romain Saint-Romain [of Blaye ]; the abbot of Seint Sauveur Saint-Sauveur [of Blaye ]; Dureford' Bernat de Durfort ; Guilhem-Ramon Lort ; Balexs' Rostanh de Balens ; Fossat Amaniu du Foussat ; Fimel Bertran de Fumel ; Durefort Bertran de Durfort ; Montventz Pons[-Amaniu de Madaillan called] de Monviel ; Arnaut-Guilhem [de Béarn], lord of Lescu Lescun ; Berne Bernat de Béarn, called l’Aspès ; Marmand’ Arnaut de Marmande ; Montpesat Arnaut de Montpezat ; Scossan Ramon d’Escoussans, lord of Logeyrak Langoiran ; Farges Guilhem-Ramon de Fargues ; Mountpesat Ramon-Bernat de Montpezat ; Ramon Pelet ; Pey Pelet ; Arnaut-Gassie, lord of Toartz Thouars ; Guillaume-Amaury, lord of Corpinake Courpignac ; the lord of Mateplane Mataplan ; the lord of Agasac Agassac ; the consuls of Mountréal Montréal ; the consuls of Manso Agenn’ Le Mas-d’Agenais ; the abbot of Sento Mouryn Saint-Maurin ; the prior of Medecine Mézin ; the prior of Mans en Agenn’ Le Mas-d’Agenais ; the chapter of Seint Severyn Saint-Seurin ; the chapter of Seint Andreu, Burdeux Saint-André of Bordeaux .

1.
It is Ramfré de Durfort, co-lord of Bajamont
108

The information that was mentioned in the preceding letters .

[in French]

The information whereof the letters sent to the individuals in entry 107 makes mention:

The king of France cannot reasonably make a claim in the duchy at this time by arguing that the king [of England] has failed to perform homage, for these reasons:

  1. The king was not summoned nor given notice to perform homage.
  2. The king of France has on previous occasions seized the king's rights and properties within and outside the duchy, wilfully and unlawfully, including the Olyroun Île d'Oléron . He has frequently asked the king of France for redress, and offered to submit to justice in his court on these matters, in accordance with law and custom. Instead, the king of France has aggravated his unlawful acts since Easter last and, without justification, has summoned and raised an army against the duchy, and against the Mountpesat castle of Montpezat in particular. The king has, through his fully empowered envoys, asked the king of France to withdraw his army, and deal with the dispute over the duchy and castle in his court, before the king of England's peers [as duke of Aquitaine], where he will be ready to submit to their judgment and also to perform homage at a time and place to be determined. But the king of France must revoke his summons and recall his army.
  3. The king of France has not been prepared to accede to these requests, although they have been repeated to him, humbly and reverently, in order that the issues may be settled peaceably by treaty, or resolved by the peers of France in his court. Nevertheless, around 24 June, having declined to listen to the king's envoys, he suddenly seized and imprisoned the king's subjects in France, closing all points of entry into his land. He has also forbidden entry to the English, as enemies, and seized the king's county of Ponthieu. Envoys of high status, among them bishops, earls and other magnates have been sent to the king of France to negotiate an agreement, but he has refused to grant them safe-conduct. For the furtherance of peace, the king then proposed that the Suylli lord of Sully , a subject and liege man of the king of France, who was with the king at the time, be sent, together with one of the king's subjects, to discuss the matter. The king was prepared to offer such a degree of humility and subjection, that it seemed to many likely to lead to his disinheritance, and that no one could reasonably refuse his offers. If no negotiation was possible, then the king suggested that the matter be referred to the pope , as a private person ( comme privee, sage et droiturele persone ), so that he might peaceably resolve the disputed issues. The king of France, however, after listening to the lord of Sully, still refused to answer or to accede to any request, and refused to see or hear the king's other envoys. He gave no consideration to the alliances and affinities between the two kings, which depended on a resolution of the issues. The king was prepared to continue to negotiate and not to use armed force in the duchy, but the king of France had sent a large army there, occupying many places and continues to do so.

The king of France cannot thus hold the king to blame for any reason, as he is constantly ready to do whatever is necessary to resolve the dispute.

109

No date.

Mainprise by James Beauflour , Burgundia John de Burgundy , John de Warle , John Ardell and Michael de Campanad for del Cros Goschertus Ducros of Valenca Valence and Guilhem Dardayns of Leverdak Lavardac , merchants of the Agenais in Gascony, that they will behave themselves well and faithfully to the king, will not ship their goods or merchandise outside the realm without his special licence, or send letters to France which would cause any damage to him or his realm.

110

No date. 1

Thomas de Banvill' , clerk , coming from the control of the king of France , has found mainprise by Philip de Euelewyk' , Forde John de la Ford of Essex and Aleyn Henry Allen of Cambridgeshire , who undertook jointly that Thomas would behave himself well and faithfully to the king, will not travel or send his goods outside the realm without his special licence, or send letters to France which would cause any damage to him or his realm, under pain of 100 m.

1.
Before 22 October, see Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.37 for the protection granted to Banvill' on that date.
111

No date. 1

William de Charleton' , coming from the control of the king of France , found mainprise by Charleton' John de Charlton of London , William Petelyng and William de Wyke of Oxfordshire , and William Jaunvull' of London , who undertook jointly that Thomas will not travel or send his goods outside the realm without the king’s special licence, or send letters to France which would cause any damage to him.

111.1

No date. 2

Likewise, the same mainpernors who mainprised William de Charleton' also mainprised Peter le Barber, coming from the control of the king of France .

1.
Before 6 November, see Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.41 for the protection granted to Charlton on that date.
2.
Before 6 November, see Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.41 for the protection granted to Barber on that date.
112

No date. 1

1.
Before 5 November, see Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.41 for the protection granted to Berefrey on that date.
2.
Before 5 November, see Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1324-7 , p.41 for the protection granted to Trie on that date.
113

28 October 1324 . Westminster .

Order to the abbot and convent of Burgo Sancti Petri Peterborough that Master Troys Thibaut de Troyes, physician ( medicus ), lately of the household of the queen , 1 Nicolas de Troyes, valet , and Guillaume Noel, servant of the same Thibaut , who are subjects of the king of France, and whom the king ordered to live at the abbey at the king’s cost, should be assigned suitable houses for their stay there. They are not to be permitted to travel to distant places. The king has ordered the treasurer and barons of the exchequer to find sustenance for Troyes, his valet and servant. Because of the war against the king moved by the king of France , it was ordained by the king and his council that all French persons living within the realm of England, including members of the households of the king or the queen consort, be arrested, men of Flandria Flanders and Brabant excepted, and their lands, goods and chattels seized into the king’s hands. 2

By K.

In the same way to the following for the subjects of the king of France following:

1.
A clerk, probably originating from Champagne , who was already a member of Queen Isabella de France's household in 1312. See Wickersheimer, E., Dictionnaire biographique des médecins en France au Moyen Âge , II (Geneva, ed. of 1979), p. 752.
2.
For a subsequent order to the various abbots, priors and prioress and convents to allow those entrusted to them greater freedom, see entry 030 in C 61/38 and its sub entries.
3.
The clerk appears to have made an error here for the monastic house at Stratford-at-Bow was a priory of Benedictine nuns, and it seems unlikely that Frenchmen formerly of Queen Isabella's household would have been sent there. It seems likely that the scribe meant the abbot and convent of Stratford Langthorne , formerly a house of the order of Savigny, but by the early fourteenth century, Cistercian.
114

28 October 1324 . Westminster .

Order to the treasurer and barons of the exchequer that they pay all the reasonable expenses of the members of the households of the queen , Edward [of Windsor] and John [of Eltham] , the king's sons, who are subjects of the king of France , whom the king is sending to various parts of the realm, for their journeys to those places and for their sustenance there, as is contained in a certain roll which he is sending to them under his seal.

By K.

114.1

Memorandum that a transcript of the above-mentioned roll is kept among the files of writs of the king for the present year.

Concerning victuals which are not to be taken out of England abroad.

115

14 October 1324 . Biflet Byfleet .

Order to the mayor and bailiffs of Dovorr' Dover not to allow any corn, victuals, goods or merchandise to be exported from the port out of the realm by anyone, except by merchants of the realm, or by Flandrensibus men of Flanders with their merchandise and other victuals to Flandria Flanders . The king has learned that certain men, both merchants and others, have been sending corn and other victuals to parts of