The Gascon Rolls Project

C 61/88

Gascon Roll for the 49th year of the reign of Edward III

Physical condition of the roll

The roll consists of 8 membranes, with entries written on the face of the membranes only. The final membrane, which doubles as a cover, has various headings and referencing notes (of varying dates) on the outside, some of which are now partially illegible. The roll is in good condition throughout.

C 61/88 49 Edward III (1375-76)

Although the war continued to drag on with little to relieve the weakness of the Anglo-Gascon position, there is little to directly indicate its course in the roll. Perhaps the only indications of the war concerned the reward of loyal Gascons, such as Florimont, lord of Lesparre, and the provisions made to negotiate with Gaston III de Foix, count of Foix and vicomte of Béarn (also known as Gaston Fébus). The lord of Lesparre had been conspicuous by his loyalty to the English, and was well rewarded from the goods of the rebel Bernat Brandey of Bordeaux. ¹ The attention of the English on the count of Foix was perhaps for obvious reasons. Gaston Fébus and his immediate predecessors had managed to achieve a de facto independence in Béarn from both the English and French despite the active attentions of both Edward I and his great-grandson Edward of Woodstock when he was prince of Aquitaine. ² Fébus was courted by both sides, but never rallied the French party as his enemies the counts of Armagnac were the head of the French party in Gascony. Later, he even attacked Armagnac lands (1376) with the help of Anglo-Gascon troops leaded by Thomas Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine. His importance to both sides continued throughout his lifetime, and occasionally . ³

The remainder of the roll has two particular areas of focus - entries related to the appointment of officers, and those related to victualling and trade. As we have seen in previous rolls Thomas de Felton who had been the seneschal of Aquitaine under Edward, prince of Wales, had been re-appointed as seneschal by Edward III after the surrender of the principality by the prince late in 1372. He had been back in England at that time returning to the duchy in 1373, and was clearly back in England again in 1374. On 29 and 30 March 1374 Felton was granted letters of protection and attorney for his return to Aquitaine. ⁴ Several orders were also issued for the arrest of ships and mariners to take Felton and his company there. ⁵ Felton also received permission to take quantities of victuals to the duchy to supply him and his company. ⁶ It is not entirely clear whether Felton had received a further grant of the office, though this is suggested by entry 25, but he did receive a further grant of the standard powers given to new seneschals to receive rebels back into the king's peace, grant pardons and to replace duchy officials. ⁷

While Felton was an officer who had been retained in office, other new officers were appointed. On 9 April John de Moulton, kt, was appointed mayor of Bordeaux. ⁸ , with some of those accompanying him receiving letters of protection between 10 May and 1 June. ⁹ Like Felton he also received permission to take victuals to Bordeaux. ¹⁰ On 16 April Master Richard Rotour was appointed constable of Bordeaux. ¹¹ , as did a small number of those accompanying (May and August). ¹² In addition to these more familiar officers in the duchy the king also appointed a governor of Bayonne. William de Elmham, kt was appointed on 28 February, also receiving the seneschalcy of the Landes at the same time ¹³ Formerly the government of Bayonne had been left to a mayor selected from within the citizenry of the city by the citizens of Bayonne and confirmed by the seneschal of Gascony in the king's name. On occasions, in time of trouble within the city, or at times of sustained warfare, the citizens of Bayonne had appointed as mayor a 'vicar' without the prior consent of the king or his seneschal. The appointment of Elmham appointed as governor with power not only over the city, but also of the area of the Landes around it was the result of the contemporary military situation, and it was a reward to Elmham's successful defence of Bayonne against a siege led by the king of Castile Enrique de Trastámara in June-July 1374. Orders were given to arrest ships for Elmham on 7 April. ¹⁴ The names of 26 men accompanying Elmham can also be found on the roll receiving letters of protection. ¹⁵ Like Felton and Moulton, Elmham was also given permission to take victuals to the duchy. ¹⁶ Two entries deal with other officers. Richard de Fillongley had been made a general serjeant of Bordeaux and the Bordelais, but as we have seen in previous rolls, he had been prevented from collecting the profits of his office, and the king was obliged to issue further orders in his favour due to continued resistance to him. ¹⁷ Robert de Wickford, formerly the constable of Bordeaux, faced different problems. In a dispute with a Breton esquire over the right to a prisoner, he had been found guilty and condemned to a large fine allegedly without having been summoned, and while he was in the king's service overseas. Attempts were made to put the sentence into execution for the recovery of the money to Wickford's great damage, and the king ordered the superseding of the execution of the judgment and punishment, and the summoning of the Breton to appear before the king and his council at Westminster to hear their judgment. ¹⁸

Like preceding rolls there are a considerable number of licences issued for the export of victuals with a small number of safe conducts relating to them. In all of these cases they were for varying types of grain, and beans and peas. Just under half, thirteen in total, were issued to English merchants and masters. ¹⁹ Eight further entries concern Bordeaux merchants, ²⁰ and six those of Bayonne. ²¹ One entry concerns a merchant from Saint-Macaire. ²² Unlike previous rolls far fewer refer to the import of wine prior to the export of the victuals, these being both for merchants of Bayonne. ²³ One feature that marks a departure from previous rolls is that six of the entries (five of the English and one of the Bordeaux) refer to grain being exported not from England, but from Prussia, sometimes via England to Bordeaux. Whether this indicates the opening up of a new trade route, or merely the formal recording on the Gascon rolls of an existing trade is unclear. ²⁴ One further entry dealt with a matter that had already received attention in previous rolls. By an agreement dating back to the reign of Edward I, the men of Bayonne had agreed payments for wine exported through Bordeaux. Orders were issued to the constable of Bordeaux to see to it that sums were collected from the men of Bayonne, but nothing more beyond this. ²⁵

There are far fewer numbers of entries relating to judicial matters in the duchy. The archbishop of Bordeaux, the abbot of Sainte-Croix of Bordeaux, the dean of Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux, the lords of Lesparre and Mussidan, the constable of Bordeaux, Reynaut Desclaus and Master Ramon-Guilhem de Puy were appointed to receive and hear all pleas to the king in the lordship of Aquitaine, exercising the king's final jurisdiction in the hearing of appeals. In addition to this, Master Guilhem Boneu was appointed as justice of civil and criminal appeals at the king's court in Gascony, becoming the justice who acted as the first stage of appeal. ²⁶

The city of Bordeaux also receives some attention. Provision was made in one entry for the mutual swearing of oaths between the mayors and citizenry of Bordeaux, in an attempt to secure more harmonious government in the city. ²⁷ The entry sets out a very unsatisfactory situation in Bordeaux with the goods of merchants being stolen, with no punishment being meted out. Although the situation had been remedied by the intervention of the lord of Lesparre, and the swearing of oaths by that lord and the jurats and citizenry, clearly a decision was made to place this on a more formal footing. Further reform of the governance was made by a grant reducing the number of the jurade from 24 to twelve, and that none of these should be of gentle status. ²⁸ In an attempt to provide for the repair of the city, presumably the defences, a grant was made to the mayor, jurats, burgesses and community of Bordeaux, of a levy of 6 d. in the pound on all merchandise of a value of 1 l. sold in the city. ²⁹

Jonathan Mackman & Simon J. Harris.

1.: entry 78 .
2.: For further discussion of this matter, see the introduction to roll 78 and the documents and articles cited there. He declared he was sovereign in Béarn to a representative of Philip VI of Valois on 25 September 1347. See Tucoo-Chala, P., La vicomté de Béarn et le problème de sa souveraineté des origines à 1620 (Bordeaux, 1961).
3.: entry 27 & entry 30 .
4.: entry 7 , entry 8 , entry 9 & entry 10 . Several esquires and a chaplain accompanying Felton had also received protections in the period 14 February - 13 April ( entry 2 & entry 2.1 - entry 2.6 .).
5.: entry 1 , entry 5 , entry 21 , entry 22 , entry 23 , entry 24 , entry 28 , entry 32 & entry 60 .
6.: entry 3 , entry 14 , entry 15 , entry & entry 63 .
7.: entry 25 .
8.: entry , entry & entry 46 .
9.: entry 39 , entry 52 , entry 52.1 & entry 52.2 .
10.: entry 48 , entry 50 & entry .
11.: entry 33 , entry 34 , entry 35 , entry 36 & entry 37 . He received letters of protection and attorney on 12 May - entry 53 , entry 54 & entry 55 .
12.: entry 58 & entry 76 .
13.: entry 18 & entry 19 , receiving letters of protection and attorney by entry 4 & entry 12 .
14.: entry 28 .
15.: entry 6 , entry 11 , entry 13 , entry 13.1 - entry 13.21 , entry 59 - entry 62 .
16.: entry 26 , entry 40 & entry 91 .
17.: entry 77 .
18.: entry 86 .
19.: entry 16 , entry 38 , entry 42 , entry 49 , entry 70 , entry 70.1 , entry 70.2 , entry 70.3 , entry 71 , entry 73 , entry 74 , entry 75 & entry 92 .
20.: entry 29 , entry 47 , entry 57 , entry 65 , entry 66 , entry 67 , entry 84 & entry 85 .
21.: entry 56 , entry 64 , entry 69 , entry 72 , entry 93 & entry 94 .
22.: entry 43 .
23.: entry 69 & entry 72 .
24.: entry 49 , entry 67 , entry 70 , entry 70.1 , entry 70.2 & entry 70.3 .
25.: entry 17 .
26.: entry 88 & entry 89 .
27.: entry 68 .
28.: entry 82 & entry 83 . On this matter see Chaplais, P., ‘A propos de l’ordonnance de 1375 sur la bourgeoisie et la jurade de Bordeaux’, Annales du Midi , LXV (1953), pp. 113-18.
29.: entry 87 .

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1: 14 February 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships for the passage of Thomas de Felton .

Order to Andrew de Tyndale, serjeant-at-arms , to arrest all ships of a capacity of 100 tuns and more in all ports between the River Thames and Suthampton' Southampton , both within and without the liberties of the Cinque Ports and others, and have them in Southampton for the passage of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , who is setting out to Gascony at the king's orders and in his service. They are to be taken there with all speed, so that they are ready to go with Thomas in the king's service and at the king's wages, and Tyndale is to arrest any who refuse, and detain them until the king orders otherwise. He is to attend to this with all diligence, and all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers, lords, masters and mariners of ships and others, within liberties and without, should be intendant upon him in this matter, advising and assisting as required.

By C.

For protections.

15 February 1375 . Westminster .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Thomas de Cobham, esquire , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, in the company of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine .

By bill of p.s.

Similar letters of protection for the same time to the following, who are also setting out to the same place in the same service, in the company of the same Thomas , under the following dates:

2.1: 16 February 1375 . Westminster .

John de Drayton, esquire .

By bill etc.

2.2: 26 February 1375 . Westminster .

Walsyngham Edmund de Walsingham, alias Edmund Tong, archer ; John Darras , esquire ; Ellis Hert .

By bill etc.

2.3: 27 March 1375 . Westminster .

Massi John Massey, esquire ; Coobam Thomas Cobham .

By bill of p.s.

2.4: 29 March 1375 . Westminster .

John Tylhe , chaplain ; John Stout of Wathefford Watford .

By bill of p.s.

2.5: 5 April 1375 . Westminster .

Pietro Beek of Florence , esquire .

By bill of p.s.

2.6: 13 April 1375 . Westminster .

Beverle Richard de Beverley, esquire ; Neuman Thomas Newman, esquire . ¹

By bill etc.

1.: The entry is followed by a substantial space with three sets of entry marks but with no entries made against them.

3: 28 March 1375 . Westminster . For Thomas de Felton, concerning the transport of victuals .

Order to the mayor, bailiffs, collectors of customs and subsidies and inspectors of forfeitures of Lenn' Lynn , to permit Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , who is going to Aquitaine, or his servants to load whatever corn and other victuals he has taken in England, as well as all other goods and equipment, into ships in their port, to take them to Aquitaine, without hindrance and paying no customs or subsidies, and proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding. No other merchants, either native or alien, are to transport any other goods or merchandise from that port to places overseas by virtue of these present letters.

Similar writs to the bailiffs and collectors etc. of Magne Jernemuth Great Yarmouth .

To the mayor and bailiffs of the city of Norwici Norwich , etc.

4: 9 April 1375 . Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for William Elmham, kt , governor of the city of Baione Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

5: 28 March 1375 . Westminster . For the arrest of mariners .

Order to Richard Wyrdeman, master of the ship called la Katerine of London , to choose and take 34 mariners wherever he may find them in the counties of Kent and Essex , both within liberties and without, of the better and stronger mariners in those counties, excepting those already assigned or arrested for the king's service, and bring them to the city of London to crew the said ship in the king's service, to go to Gascony in the company of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony . He is to arrest any who refuse, and detain them until the king orders otherwise. He is to attend to this matter with all diligence, and all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and lords, masters and mariners of ships and others, within liberties and without, should be intendant upon him in this matter.

6: 28 March 1375 . Westminster . For general attorney .

Walter FitzRoger, esquire , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, in the company of William Elmham, governor of Baione Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes , has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Thomas Messager of Croydon and Olyver John Oliver of Croydon , the younger , alternately.

Thomas Newenham received the attorneys.

7: 29 March 1375 . Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , who is going overseas in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

For general attorney.

8: 30 March 1375 . Westminster .

The same Thomas has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Hugh Fastolf and William de Rudham, parson of the church of Inglesthorp Ingoldisthorpe , alternately.

The chancellor received the attorneys.

9: Same as above

The same Thomas has other letters of general attorney as above, nominating Stephen de Hales, kt , and Winkffeld William de Winkfield, kt , alternately.

The same chancellor received the attorneys.

10: Same as above

The same Thomas has other letters of general attorney as above, nominating Arnold Savage, kt , and Gernoun Nicholas Gernon, kt , etc.

The same chancellor received the attorneys.

11: 8 April 1375 . Westminster .

Soterle Roger de Sotterley, esquire , who is setting out to Aquitaine in the king's service, in the company of William Elmham, kt , keeper of the city of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes , has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Brethenham Clement de Brettenham and William March alternately.

Richard Tissington [received the] attorneys.

12: Same as above

William Elmham, kt , who is going overseas in the king's service, has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Brethenham Clement de Brettenham and Richard Dautres alternately.

The same Richard [Tissington] received the attorneys.

For protections.

2 March 1375 . Westminster .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Hemgrave Edmund de Hengrave, kt , who is going overseas in the king's service, in the company of William Elmham, governor of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes .

By bill of p.s.

Similar letters of protection for the same time to the following, who are also setting out to the same place in the same service, in the company of the same William , under the following dates:

13.1: 1 March 1375 . Westminster .

Peter, son of William, son of William, son of Munshull Philip de Minshull .

By bill etc.

13.2: 3 March 1375 . Westminster .

Cusak John Cusack, esquire ; Walter FitzRoger, esquire ; Assh William Ash, esquire .

By bill etc.

13.3: 5 March 1375 . Westminster .

Lynford John Linford of Shryngton Sherington ; Richard Walram, esquire .

By bill etc.

13.4: Same as above

Simon Sturmyn ; Flecher Robert Fletcher ; John Tyrell, chaplain .

By bill etc.

13.5: 5 April 1375 . Westminster .

John Weyland, esquire ; Henry Smalt, German ( Alemand ) , esquire ; Rothynge John de Roding, esquire .

By bill of p.s.

13.6: 6 April 1375 . Westminster .

Richard Hoddys , esquire .

By bill of p.s.

13.7: 8 April 1375 . Westminster .

Roger, son of Soterle Edmund de Sotterley .

By bill etc.

13.8: 5 April 1375 . Westminster .

John Gregg ; Bygoun John Bygon, esquire ; Farle John Farley .

By bill etc.

13.9: 8 April 1375 . Westminster .

Burghgate William Burgate, kt .

By bill etc.

13.10: 10 April 1375 . Westminster .

John Joynt, esquire ; Richard Everard, esquire ; Bermyngeham William Birmingham, esquire ; Asshman William Ashman, esquire .

By bill etc.

13.11: 3 April 1375 . Westminster .

Cornewaille William Cornwall, esquire ; Levesy William Livesey, esquire .

By bill etc.

13.12: 16 April 1375 . Westminster .

Jolliff Robert Joliffe, esquire .

By bill etc.

13.13: 18 April 1375 . Westminster .

Wynthorp William Winthorpe ; James Hadresham .

13.14: 20 April 1375 . Westminster .

John Pyloge .

By bill etc.

13.15: 18 April 1375 . Westminster .

James Hadresham, citizen and fishmonger of London .

13.16: 19 April 1375 . Westminster .

William Rokesby, valettus .

13.17: 5 May 1375 . Westminster .

William Burgate, kt .

By bill etc.

13.18: 8 May 1375 . Westminster .

Boteler William Botiller, draper .

By bill etc.

13.19: 3 May 1375 . Westminster .

Upsale Robert Upsall , esquire .

By bill of p.s.

13.20: 18 April 1375 . Westminster .

Ramseye James Hadresham, alias James Ramsey, citizen and fishmonger of London .

By bill etc.

13.21: 13 July 1370 . Westminster .

Hemyng Godfrey Hemming of Holm . ¹

By bill etc.

1.: This entry was inserted in a small gap between the two main columns of entries.

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Concerning the transport of grain and other victuals. Felton.

14: 21 February 1375 . Westminster .

To all etc.

Grant to Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , that he, by John Savage , John Trenchard , Ralph Wolverton and John Rous, his attorneys , may buy wheat, other grain and all manner of victuals necessary for his passage overseas and the sustenance of his men, in the counties of Norfolk and Hampshire , and in the Insula Vecta Isle of Wight , load it into a certain ship called la Seint Maricogge of Lenn Lynn , of which Scardeburgh Thomas de Scarborough is master , and two crayers, of which one is at Lynn and the other at Jernemuth Great Yarmouth , provided that they have not already been arrested for the king's service, and take them to Aquitaine on the aforesaid business, having paid what is due for the freighting of the said ship, crayers and vessels. Order that they be allowed to do this in whatever ports Thomas pleases, and to take the cargo to Aquitaine freely and without hindrance for the sustenance of his men, any proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

15: Same as above

Order to the sheriffs of Norff Norfolk and Sutht Hampshire , the mayors and bailiffs of Lenn Lynn , Jernemuth Great Yarmouth and Suthampton Southampton , as well as the bailiffs of the Insule Vecte Isle of Wight and all the king's bailiffs and ministers, to be intendant upon Thomas de Felton in purchasing this grain and other victuals, and to assist him and his attorneys as they would the king.

16: 16 February 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular admirals and their lieutenants, sheriffs, mayors, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, bailiffs and others.

Licence to William de Stratton , at his request, that he or his servants may purvey 100 quarters of wheat in the counties of Norfolk , Suffolk and Buckinghamshire , load them into ships in the ports of London and Orwell and take them to Burdegal' Bordeaux in Gascony, to sell for the sustenance of the king's people there. Roger More and Lyouns William Lyons have made their oath in chancery that William will take this wheat to Bordeaux and nowhere else, and he will bring letters of discharge from the constable or mayor of Bordeaux into the English chancery before Michaelmas next. Order that William or his servants be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance for this reason, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

17

27 February 1375 . Westminster . For the citizens of Bayonne .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux that he should henceforth receive from the Baion men of the city of Bayonne , both for their own wines bought in Burdeg' Bordeaux and for all other wines brought by them to that city, wherever it may have been produced, the same customs that the king's grandfather and his heirs were granted by the men of Bayonne, as specified in the king's previous letters. They are not to be compelled to pay any other customs or dues for their wine, and are not to be troubled or disturbed unjustly in any other way contrary to the liberties and privileges granted to them by the king and his progenitors, by which they might have cause to complain again.

In the time of King Edward [I] , the king's grandfather, the then mayor, consuls and jurats of the city of Bayonne , granted for themselves, their heirs and successors and the entire commonalty of Bayonne, by their letters sealed with the common seal of the city and validated with a public instrument, granted that the king's grandfather, his heirs and successors or his ministers in his name, may perpetually receive 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. from every man from Bayonne and its appurtenances for each tun or cask of wine taken to the city of Bordeaux, by land or sea, and exported from there, towards the great custom of wine which was accustomed to be paid at Bordeaux, or the same value in the money of Bordeaux, namely 6 s. 5 d.ob.bord. , such that 1 l.t.parv. in payment of the said custom should be valued at more than 1 l.bord. by 50 d.bord. and no more. The constable of Bordeaux, or whoever the king should choose as receiver of this custom, which currency he would receive these payments in, and, having paid this sum, nothing further should be exacted from them. And if the value of the money of Bordeaux should change, strengthening or weakening, then the king's grandfather and his successors should continue to receive the same 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. for each tun or cask of wine from the people of Bayonne for this custom, or its equivalent value in the money of Bordeaux as it was at the time of the receiver's appointment. For the other custom called issac , the king's grandfather and his successors should receive half the amount assessed for the great custom for each tun or cask of wine taken to Bordeaux and there sold and bought, exchanged or transferred in whole or in part, or exported from there, payable in money of Tours or Bordeaux as the receiver shall choose, and no more. For the custom called de Royano , the king's grandfather and his successors would receive 2 d.ob.t.parv. from the men of Bayonne for each tun or cask of wine, and no more, without any further opposition from them. And for all pipes of wine of the said men, whether the charge for carriage has been paid or not, the king's grandfather would receive half the sum due for one tun or cask. However, for each 20 tuns of wine exported from Bordeaux, the men of Bayonne should have one pipe free from all customs if the charge for carriage has not been paid. The same mayor, consuls and jurats granted for themselves and all the people of their city in perpetuity that they would be bound to pay these customs to the king's grandfather, his heirs and successors and his ministers of Bordeaux in his name, in return for which they and the whole community of Bayonne, and their predecessors, would be remitted all previous customs which may be outstanding.

The king's grandfather accepted, approved and confirmed this, promising that he and his heirs would protect and observe this in perpetuity, and the king and his eldest son, Edward, then prince of Aquitaine and Wales and duke of Cornwall , have confirmed this agreement, as given in their own letters patent, and on the complaint of the men of that city, the king accepted that they should not pay anything beyond the said customs specified in the said grants for the wines which they should bring to the city of Bordeaux, or for those bought within the same city, from the time of the said grant, and nor should any other custom be exacted from them by the constable of Bordeaux or any other of the king's ministers.

However, the people of Bayonne have complained that the constable, willfully interpreting the words of these grants wrongly and presuming the concessions to extend only to wines produced at Bayonne and not other wines, is now again compelling them to pay the ancient customs levied before these grants for those wines grown elsewhere and brought to or loaded in Bordeaux. The king wishes to assist them in this, on account of the praiseworthy deeds which they have done for the king, and because they have always remained faithful in their allegiance and have shown themselves to be obedient in their service and deeds, and wishes to preserve the liberties and privileges granted to them by him and his ancestors, and protect them from undue injuries and wickedness. ¹

By C.

1.: For the king's earlier confirmation, and a full recital of the original agreement with Edward I, see entry in C 61/85 . For a later confirmation of this confirmation, see entry in C 61/92 . For an almost identical order issued by Richard II, see entry in C 61/92 .

Concerning the appointment of a governor of Bayonne, etc.

28 February 1375 . Westminster . ¹

To all and singular seneschals, captains, castellans, keepers of towns, castles and fortalices, mayors, jurats, hundred peers, citizens, burgesses and communities of the city of Bayonne and the seneschalcy of the Landes in the duchy of Aquitaine, and all other lieges and subjects of the king in the duchy.

Appointment during pleasure of William de Elmham, kt , as governor of the city of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes . Order that all the king's subjects obey, answer and be intendant towards him as governor and seneschal aforesaid.

By K.

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

19: Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Gascony to deliver control of the said city [of Bayonne] and the seneschalcy of the Landes to the same William without delay, and allow him to have custody according to the tenor of the king's letters.

By K.

20: 2 March 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships for the passage of Thomas de Felton .

Order to Andrew de Tyndale, serjeant-at-arms , to arrest all ships of a capacity of 60 tuns and more not previously arrested in the king's service in all ports and places between Ipswich and Southampton , both within and without the liberties of the Cinque Ports and others, and have them in Southampton as quickly as possible, together with the other ships previously arrested, ready to set off to Gascony at the king's wages for the passage of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony . Whereas the king had previously ordered him to arrest all ships of a capacity of 100 tuns and more in all ports between the River Thames and Southampton, the king now recognises that it is not possible to find enough ships of that capacity, and does not wish to delay Felton's journey for lack of ships. Tyndale is to attend to this with all diligence, in the form specified, and is to arrest anyone who refuses and detain them in prison until the king orders otherwise. Order to all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers, lords, masters and mariners of ships and others, both within liberties and without, that they should be intendant upon him in this matter, advising and assisting as required.

Concerning the arrest of mariners.

21: 14 March 1375 . Westminster .

Order to Thomas Brightif , master of the ship la Grace de Dieu of London , to choose and take 12 mariners wherever he may find them in the counties of Kent and Suffolk , both within liberties and without, for the manning of that ship, of the better and stronger mariners in those counties, excepting those already assigned or arrested for the king's service, and bring them to the city of London to crew the said ship in the king's service, to go to Gascony in the company of Thomas de Felton . He is to arrest any who refuse, and surrender them to the king's prison, to stay there until the king orders otherwise. He is to attend to this matter with all diligence, and all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and lords, masters and mariners of ships and others, within liberties and without, should be intendant upon him in this matter.

22: Same as above

Similar order to Alexander Pape, master of the ship Seinte Marie Cogge of London , to arrest 12 mariners in the counties of Essex and Suffolk .

23: 19 March 1375 . Westminster .

Similar order to Richard Rough, master of the ship le Thomas of London , to arrest 30 mariners in the city of London and the counties of Kent and Essex in the aforesaid form.

24: Same as above

[Similar order] to John atte Nassh, master of the ship le Marie of London , to arrest 24 mariners in the city of London and the counties of Kent and Essex in the aforesaid form.

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25

24 March 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the power of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony . ¹

Grant to Thomas de Felton, kt , whom the king has appointed during pleasure as seneschal of Aquitaine, of the power, in the king's name, to admit and receive any noble or gentle person of that land who may, without restraint or compulsion, wish to make homage and fealty, to receive any cities, towns, boroughs, settlements ( opida ) and castles whatsoever in Aquitaine into the king's peace, obedience and grace, to admit any rebels of those parts who may wish to return to the king's grace, obedience and subjection, granting them full remission and pardon for all injuries, homicides, thefts, murders, misdeeds and crimes, remitting and totally pardoning all trespasses and offences committed or perpetrated by them, through the kings grace and in consideration of his grace, piety and mercy, restoring whatever position they may formerly have held and granting charters of privilege and immunity concerning these remissions, pardons and restitutions to those who require them, allowing each of them the king's constant grace, peace and security, receiving that homage and fealty in the king's name and compelling those who are contrary or rebellious in this manner to do the same. He may also remove any of the king's officers in those parts who should be removed and appoint and nominate a suitable alternative, for the honour and convenience of the king, and the safety and greater profit of those parts, with the exception of the mayor and constable of Bordeaux , and any other officer who the king himself has appointed or who has their office by the king's own gift or confirmation. He may also, with the advice and consent of the constable of Bordeaux, grant the goods of rebels that have been or in future will be confiscated into the king's hands and also conquered for the land of Aquitiane, to people of good merit. This is granted in order that the happiness of Thomas and others of those parts, the king's lieges and friends, and the security of the king's lands and lordships, might be increased by Thomas's arrival, and since he is confident in Thomas's faithfulness, circumspection and purpose.

By K. and C.

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

26: 3 April 1375 . Westminster . For William de Elmham, concerning the provision and transport of victuals .

Order to the sheriffs of Sussex and Hampshire , the Suthampton mayor and bailiffs of Southampton , and all other mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others, that, omitting nothing, they should advise and assist William de Elmham, kt , and his deputies in those counties in buying and gathering victuals and other things necessary for the passage of him and his men to Baion Bayonne , and in making that passage. Elmham has been ordered to set out to Bayonne in the king's service with a certain number of men at arms, soldiers and archers, and has deputed his servants in those counties to buy the necessary supplies.

27

24 March 1375 . The palacium nostrum Westm' palace of Westminster . For treating with the count of Foix . ¹

Appointment, with the assent of the magnates and others of the king's council, of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , the mayor and constable of Bordeaux and Master de Puy Ramon-Guilhem de Puy , or at least two of them of whom Felton is to be one, as the king's true and legitimate proctors and special messengers, with authority, power and special mandate to treat with the count of Foix , his proctors or messengers, concerning all good and loyal alliances which may be to the king's honour and the salvation and recovery of his rights in those parts. They are to act according to their discretion, doing whatever will be profitable and necessary between the king, his friends, subjects and adherents on the one part and the count and his friends, subjects and adherents on the other, reporting to the king and his council on all matters discussed. ²

1.: This entry has been crossed out, and was cancelled, and a note in the margin states 'Vacated because otherwise below'.
2.: For the entry that replaced this, see entry 30 .

28: 7 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships and mariners .

Assignment of Andrew de Tyndale, serjeant-at-arms , to arrest all ships of a capacity of 60 tuns and more in all ports between the towns of Lenn Lynn and Suthampton Southampton , along with as many mariners as necessary to man those ships, excepting those ships and mariners already arrested elsewhere for the king's service, and to bring them to Southampton without delay for the passage to Gascony of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , William de Elmham, kt , and others. They should be there with all speed, ready to set out to Gascony in the king's service and at the king's wages. Tyndale is to arrest any who refuse, and detain them in the king's prisons until the king decides their punishment, and he is to attend to this with all diligence, carrying out the orders in the form given. All mayors, sheriffs, bailiffs, ministers and others, as well as lords, masters and mariners of ships, both within liberties and without, are to be intendant upon him in this matter, advising and assisting him as required.

29: 11 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of peas .

To all etc.

Licence to Markes Johan Marquès, merchant of Burdegal Bordeaux , that he or his servants may load two tuns of peas into ships in the port of London and take them to the city of Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

30

24 March 1375 . The palacium nostrum Westm' palace of Westminster . For treating concerning an alliance between the king and the count of Foix .

Appointment, with the assent of the magnates and others of the king's council, of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , Florimont, lord of Lesparre , William Elmham, governor of the city of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes , and Master Ramon-Guilhem de Puy , or at least two of them of whom Felton is to be one, as the king's true and legitimate proctors and special messengers, with authority, power and special mandate to treat with the count of Foix concerning all good and loyal alliances which may be to the king's honour and the salvation and recovery of his rights in those parts. They are to act according to their discretion, doing whatever will be profitable and necessary between the king, his sons and subjects on the one part and the count and his sons and subjects on the other, reporting to the king and his council on all matters discussed. ¹

1.: Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, pp.1027-8. For a cancelled entry which this one replaced, see entry 27 .

31: 6 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the taking of wheat to Bordeaux .

To the keeper and bailiffs of the isles of Guernsey and Jersey , and all the king's officers and ministers and others in those isles.

Licence to Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , that he or his servants may buy 60 tuns of wheat in the isles of Jersey and Guernsey , paying a reasonable price for them, load them into ships in the ports of those isles and take them to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , for the stores of his house and retinue. Order that Felton or his servants be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, anything to the contrary notwithstanding.

32: 18 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships .

Assignment of Lyouns James Lyons, serjeant-at-arms , John Savage and John Trenchard, esquires , to arrest as many ships of a capacity of 60 tuns and more as are necessary for the passage of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , and his men, who are going to Gascony in the king's service, in any ports and places in the county of Hampshire and the Insula Vecta Isle of Wight , both within liberties and without, excepting those ships already arrested elsewhere for the king's service. They are to bring them to Southampton with all possible speed, to go in the king's service to Gascony with Felton, and they are to arrest any who refuse, and detain them in the king's prisons until the king considers their punishment. They are to attend to this with all diligence, carrying out the orders in the given form. All sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others, both within liberties and without, should be intendant upon them in the execution of these orders, assisting them as they require.

Concerning the appointment of a constable of Bordeaux.

33: 16 April 1375 . Westminster .

Commitment during the king's pleasure to Master Richard Rotour of the custody of the Burdeg' castle of Bordeaux and the office of constable of Bordeaux, together with all things pertaining to that office, answering to the king for all the issues and receiving the customary fees.

By K.

34: Same as above

Order to Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , or his lieutenant, to deliver the said custody and office to the same Richard [Rotour] , according to the tenor of the king's letters.

By K.

35: Same as above

Letters of intendancy to all the faithful men and subjects of the king in favour of Richard [Rotour] as constable of Bordeaux in all things that pertain to his office.

By K.

36: Same as above

Order to Master Wykford Robert de Wickford, late constable of Bordeaux , to deliver to the same Richard [Rotour] , by indenture made between them, the custody and office aforesaid, together with the keys, rolls, papers, memoranda and all other things in his custody pertaining to those offices.

By K.

37: Same as above

Order to the Xancton' seneschal of Saintonge , the Augen' treasurer of Agenais and all other bayles and faithful people of the duchy of Aquitaine to render satisfactory and final account to Richard [Rotour] for their baylies and everything they receive for it and in which they are bound to the king, from the time they received their baylies or offices for which they have not previously rendered a final account, and to obey him without evasion.

By K.

38: 29 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of beans .

To all and singular admirals, etc.

Licence to Alan Claymond and Kirketon Robert de Kirton that they may load 400 quarters of beans into ships in the port of Sanctus Botulphus Boston and take them to Burdegal' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that they be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

39: 10 May 1375 . Westminster . For general attorney .

Multon John de Moulton, kt , who is going to Gascony in the king's service, has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Holbech Thomas Holbeach and Nicholas Covyng of Gaynesburgh Gainsborough alternately.

Robert de Muskham, clerk , received the attorneys until John's return to England.

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40: 14 April 1375 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular admirals, captains, castellans and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others.

Licence to William de Elmham, governor of the city of Bayonne , that he may buy 300 quarters of wheat in the counties of Hampshire , Sussex and Dorset and the Insula Vecta Isle of Wight , for the sustenance of his men going to Bayon' Bayonne in the king's service, load them in whichever ports he wishes in those counties, and take them to Bayonne for this reason, paying the right amount for that wheat. Order that William be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs and subsidies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

41

19 April 1375 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the hearing of appeals in Aquitaine .

Appointment of the archbishop of Burdegal Bordeaux , ¹ the abbot of Sancta Cruce Burdegal' Sainte-Croix, Bordeaux , ² the dean of Sanctus Severus Saint-Seurin , ³ the lord of Lesparre , ⁴ the lord of Mucidan Mussidan , ⁵ Master Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux , Reynaud Desclaux and Master Ramon-Guilhem de Puy , or at least three of them of which the constable should be one, to receive and hear all suits, pleas and appeals made to the king in the lordship of Aquitaine, and finally determine them according to the laws, fors and customs of those parts. The king, wishing to provide justice for all the people of his lordship bringing such pleas, cases and appeals, and mindful of the distance and the perils of the journey in bringing such matters before him personally, has appointed them, or at least three of them of whom the constable should be one, to undertake this diligently, skillfully and faithfully during the king's pleasure. Order to all archbishops, bishops, counts, vicomtes, marquises, barons, seneschals, mayors, prévôts, officials, ministers and all others, both noble and common, to be intendant upon them in this matter. ⁶

1.: Hélias de Salignac , bishop of Bordeaux (1361-78). See Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocese of Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.171-7, no.432.
2.: Pey de Camiade , abbot of Sainte-Croix of Bordeaux (1349-1375). See See Chauliac, A., Histoire de l'abbaye Sainte-Croix de Bordeaux , Archives de la France Monastique, vol. IX (abbaye de Ligugé - Paris), 1910, p.382.
3.: Amaubin de Jonquière , dean of Saint-Seurin (1363-77). See Cartulaire de l'église collégiale Saint-Seurin , ed. J.-A. Brutails (Bordeaux, 1897), p.XXVII.
4.: Florimont de Lesparre .
5.: Ramon II de Montaut .
6.: Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, p.1028.

42: 22 April 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of peas .

To all and singular admirals, etc.

Licence to Andrewe John Andrew that he may load seven tuns of peas into ships in the port of London and take them to Burdegal' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that John be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs, subsidies and other money due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

43: 14 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To the same.

Licence to Rous Sans Roux, burgess of Sanctus Makarius Saint-Macaire , that he may buy 150 quarters of wheat and 150 quarters of beans and oats in the counties of Hampshire , Wiltshire and Sussex , with his own money, load them in the ports of Cicestrie Chichester and Suthampton Southampton , and take them first to Bordeaux and then on to Saint-Macaire , for the sustenance and aid of the king's people living there. Order that Roux or his servants be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs and subsidies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

Concerning an appointment to the office of mayor of the city of Bordeaux. ¹

44: 9 April 1375 . Westminster .

Appointment during the king's pleasure of Multon John de Moulton, kt , as mayor of the city of Bordeaux, to hold and execute that office in the same manner as other mayors of that city, receiving the customary fees.

By K.

45: Same as above

Order to the jurats, good men and the whole community of the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux to be intendant on and answer the same John [de Moulton] as mayor of the said city, as they are accustomed to do, and to deliver to him the same fees as other mayors have been accustomed to take, for as long as he holds this office.

By K.

Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to deliver the said office to the said John [de Moulton] , to hold according to the tenor of the king's letters. ¹

By K.

1.: The entry is followed by a small space with one empty set of entry marks.

Concerning the transport of grain.

1 May 1375 . Westminster .

To all and singular admirals, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others.

Licence to Philipp Thomas Phélip , Markes Johan Marquès , Reynald Pey Reynaud , Johan Faure , Guytard Johan Guitard , Vach Pey Bache , ¹ la Font Andriu de Lafont , Bernat de Missan and Cerre Bidau de Céré , merchants and burgesses of Bordeaux, that they may buy 450 quarters of wheat and 450 quarters of beans and oats in the counties of Hampshire , Dorset and Wiltshire , with their own money, load them in whichever ports they wish and take them to Burdegal' Bordeaux , for the sustenance and aid of the king's people living there. Order that they or their servants be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs and subsidies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

1.: The latter two entries were interlined.

5 May 1375 . Westminster .

To all etc.

Licence to Multon John de Moulton, mayor of Burdeg' Bordeaux , that he or his servants may buy 200 quarters of wheat and 60 quarters of oats in the counties of Hampshire , Wiltshire , Somerset and Dorset , load them in whichever ports he wishes in those counties and take them to Bordeaux , for the sustenance of himself and his men. Order that he or his servants be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, any previous proclamations etc. as above. ¹

1.: The remainder of this membrane is blank.

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49: 10 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain to Gascony .

To all and singular admirals and their lieutenants, mayors, sheriffs, customers, keepers of ports and other maritime places, bailiffs, ministers and others.

Licence to Robert de Selby of Kyngeston super Hull Kingston upon Hull , merchant , that he and his servants may buy 1000 quarters of wheat and rye in the parts of Prucie Prussia , load them into ships and take them to Gascony, from where he may return to England with other merchandise. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, any previous orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

50: 10 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular admirals, etc.

Licence to Multon John de Moulton, mayor of Burdeg' Bordeaux , that he may buy 40 quarters of wheat in the county of Sussex , load it into ships in the port of Sutht' Southampton and take it to the said city, for the sustenance of himself and his household there, without paying any customs or subsidies to the king. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

51: 12 May 1375 . Westminster . For Richard Rotour, concerning the transport of grain to Bordeaux .

To all and singular admirals, captains, castellans and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others both on sea and land.

Licence to Master Richard Rotour, king's clerk , and Burdegal' constable of Bordeaux , that he or his servants may buy 200 quarters of wheat and 80 quarters of oats in the counties of Hampshire , Wiltshire , Somerset and Dorset , load them in whatever ports he wishes in those counties, and take them to the city of Bordeaux , for the sustenance of himself and his men. Order that he or his servants be permitted to do this for this reason, freely and without hindrance, any proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

For protections.

10 May 1375 . Westminster .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Jordan atte Broke, merchant , who is going overseas in the king's service, in the company of Multon John de Moulton, Burdeg' mayor of Bordeaux , to stay there for the safe-keeping of that city.

By bill of p.s.

Similar letters of protection for the same time to the following, who are also setting out to the same place in the same service, in the company of the same John , for the safe-keeping of the same city, under the following dates:

52.1: 12 May 1375 . Westminster .

John atte See ; Henry Herbury .

By bill of p.s.

52.2: 1 June 1375 . Westminster .

Alan de Tye of Jernemuth' Great Yarmouth . ¹

By bill etc.

1.: The entry is followed by a small space, and with an empty set of entry marks.

53: 12 May 1375 . Westminster . For general attorney .

Richard Rotour, Burdeg' constable of Bordeaux , who is going to Gascony in the king's service, has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating John de Brymston , chaplain , and Lumbard John Lombard, clerk , alternately.

W[illiam] de Burst[wick], clerk , received the attorneys.

54: 12 May 1375 . Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Multon John de Moulton, kt , mayor of the city of Bordeaux , who is going overseas in the king's service, to stay there for the safe-keeping of that city.

By bill of p.s.

55: 12 May 1375 . Westminster . For general attorney .

Richard Rotour, Burdeg' constable of Bordeaux , who is going to Gascony in the king's service, has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Wyclyf Robert de Wycliffe and Apilton John de Appleton alternately.

W[illiam] de Burst[wick], clerk , received the attorneys.

56

14 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of wheat to the city of Bayonne .

To all and singular admirals, captains, castellans and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others both on sea and land.

Licence to Ramonet de Taste , la Faurye Estèbe de Lafaurie , Perylon Guilhem-Ramon de Périllon , Seint Mark Pey de Saint-Marc , Rouland Arnaut de Rolland and Menjon de Conte , citizens of Bayonne, at their request, that they may buy 600 quarters of wheat in the county of Sussex and 200 quarters of wheat in the Isle of Wight and the county of Hampshire , and take them to Bayon' Bayonne for the sustenance of the king's people there. However, they are not to load their wheat into any ships arrested for the passage of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , William de Elmham, governor of Bayonne , Multon John de Moulton, mayor of Bordeaux and Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux , and their men, by which their passage to Gascony might be delayed, they must take the wheat to Bayonne and nowhere else, under pain of forfeiture, and they should pay for these 800 quarters of wheat before leaving the realm. ¹ Order that they be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding, on the conditions specified.

By C.

1.: The recipients are first ordered to pay 'before leaving the port of the aforesaid town', but no town of departure is specified. This is changed to 'the king's realm' later in the text.

57: 13 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain to the city of Bordeaux .

Licence to Costantyn Arnaut Constantin of Burdeg' Bordeaux that he may buy 100 quarters of wheat and 50 quarters of beans, barley and oats in the counties of Hampshire , Wiltshire , Dorset and Somerset , load them into ships in whichever ports he pleases and take them to Bordeaux for the sustenance of the king's people living there. Order to the same officials [as above, entry 56 ] that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, first paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

58: 14 May 1375 . Westminster . For protections .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Thomas de Hunston, the younger , who is going overseas in the king's service, in the company of Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux .

By bill etc.

59

13 July 1375 . Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Hemmyng Godfrey Hemming of Holm , who is going overseas in the king's service, in the company of William de Elmham, keeper of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes . ¹

By bill of p.s.

1.: The entry is followed by a small space containing one set of empty entry marks.

60: 23 May 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships and mariners .

Order to Richard Imworth, serjeant-at-arms , to arrest all ships of a capacity of 60 tuns and more in all ports between the aque Thamisie River Thames and Plymmuth Plymouth , along with as many mariners as are necessary to man those ships, excepting those mariners and ships already arrested elsewhere for the king's service, and bring them to Southampton without delay for the passage to Gascony of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , William de Elmham, kt , Multon John de Moulton, mayor , and Master Richard Rotour, constable of Burdeg' Bordeaux , and others. They should be there with all speed, ready and prepared to set out in the king's service and at the king's wages, and Imworth is to arrest any who refuse, and detain them in the king's prisons until the king decides their punishment. He is to attend to this with all diligence, carrying out the orders in the given form. All sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others are to be intendant upon him in this matter, advising and assisting him as required.

61: 15 May 1375 . Westminster . For general attorney .

Cornewayle William Cornwall , who is setting out to Gascony in the king's service, has letters of general attorney in England for one year, nominating Stapelho Thomas Staploe and John Lucas alternately.

W[illiam] de Burst[wick] received the attorneys.

62: 7 June 1375 . Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for John Peutre of Enefeld Enfield , who is going to Baion' Bayonne in the king's service, in the company of William de Elmham, kt , governor of Bayonne and seneschal of the Landes .

By bill of p.s.

63: 11 April 1375 . Westminster . For Thomas de Felton .

Order to the collectors of customs and subsidies in the port of Lenn Lynn to allow the servants or deputies of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , to load victuals bought for Thomas's own stores and transport them to Gascony, freely and without hindrance and without paying any customs or subsidies to the king, any previous orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

64: 12 June 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To the bailiffs of Brugewater Bridgwater , and all and singular admirals and their lieutenants, etc

Licence to Johan Dore , Durecose Laurens Durcos and Lovan Pey Lovayn , merchants of Bayonne, at their request, that they and their servants may buy 200 quarters of wheat and 600 quarters of beans and peas in the county of Somerset , load them into ships in the port of Bridgwater , and take them to Baion' Bayonne for the sustenance of the king's people there. The merchants have appeared personally before the king in chancery and sworn a corporal oath that they will take this grain to Bayonne and nowhere else, on pain of forfeiture of their cargo. It is ordered that the merchants and their servants are to be permitted to do this for this reason, first paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous ordinances, proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

65: 23 June 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular etc.

Licence to Arnold Caffree , Peter Seys , Sygyn Guilhem Séguin and Poyllon Bertholomiu de Pouillon , merchants of Bordeaux, at their request, that they may buy 100 quarters of wheat and 300 quarters of various other types of grain in the counties of Hampshire and Sussex , load them into ships in the port of Sutht' Southampton , and take them to Burdeg' Bordeaux . The merchants have sworn their corporal oaths in chancery that they will not take this grain anywhere other than Bordeaux, for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that they [may do this], as above, mutatis mutandis .

By C.

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66: 26 June 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of beans .

To all and singular admirals etc.

Licence to Gyrond Arnaut de Gironde, merchant and burgess of Burdegal' Bordeaux , at his request, that he may buy 100 quarters of beans in the county of Lincolnshire , load them in the port of Sanctus Bothus' Boston , and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there, since Gironde has sworn his corporal oath before the king in chancery that he will not take this cargo anywhere other than Bordeaux, for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, first paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous ordinances, proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

67: Same as above Concerning the transport of wheat .

To the same.

Licence to Gyrond Arnaut de Gironde, merchant and burgess of Burdeg' Bordeaux , at his request, that he may load into ships the 300 quarters of wheat which he has bought in the parts of Spruys Prussia , and which are now in the town of Sanctus Bothus' Boston , and take them to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people living there, without paying any customs or subsidy. Order as above, that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying no customs or subsidy.

68

20 June 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the governance of the city of Bordeaux .

[in French]

Order under the great seal to the mayor, jurats and good people of Burdeux Bordeaux that, for the salvation of the peace of that city and the quiet and repose of the king's subjects there, and wishing to grant their petition, that henceforth each year the mayor and all the people of the said city should be sworn upon the body of Jesus Christ, specifically that the mayor will do justice to everyone in the said city according to what they have done, by the authority of his office, and the other people that they will aid, counsel and maintain the said mayor in performing his office, as much as pertains to them to do according to right and reaason, such that nothing is done contrary to right and reason, and each shall be punished according to the seriousness of his misdeeds, and according to the laws, customs and liberties of those parts that before this time have been reasonably used in such cases. It is not the king's intention that anyone should have power over the governance of the city and the exercise of justice there without his authority, except for the mayor as stated, nor that anything should be taken from anyone there without the permission of those to whom the goods belong, saving at all times to the king and his heirs all manner of sovereignty, lordship and rights appertaining to them.

The people of Bordeaux, by their petition presented before the king and his council, have made it known that lately, before the arrival of the lord of Lesparre in the said city, there was bad governance, by which the merchants of the city had their corn stolen and other bad things were done, without any punishment being meted out, and the city was in danger of being lost. Since the arrival of the lord of Lesparre, the city has been in good order, as the lord of Lesparre, the jurats and the other people of the city made their oath upon the body of Jesus Christ that they would be good and lawful towards the king and his heirs, and would maintain and preserve justice and right, and the customs of the said city (for which the king is very thankful). They have therefore requested that no-one other than the king or his heirs, or deputies specifically appointed, should have power over the governance of the said city, or the exercise of justice and right there, except for the mayor of the city, or the seneschal , governor or lieutenant of Gascony , and that they should carry themselves well and loyally towards the king and his heirs. ¹

1.: Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, p.1030.

69: 8 July 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular admirals, etc.

Licence to Dartyget Martin d'Artiguet , Nicholaw Pernaut de Nicolau and Derberowe Johan d'Arberoue , merchants of Baion' Bayonne , at their request, that whereas they have previously brought certain wines into England, to the port of Weymouth , and sold them there, they may buy 800 quarters of various types of grain, namely 200 quarters of wheat and 600 quarters of beans and peas, in the counties of Dorset and Somerset , load them into ships in the port of Weymouth, and take them to the city [of Bayonne], for the sustenance of the king's people living there. They have sworn their corporal oaths in chancery that they will take this cargo to Bayonne and nowhere else. Order that they be permitted to do this without hindrance, first paying the customs and subsidies due, any order to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

Concerning [safe] conducts.

8 July 1375 . Westminster .

Letters of safe conduct, until Martinmas next, for a certain ship called la Mighel of Lenne Lynn , of which Bullok Thomas Bullock is master , which has been sent by merchants of Lynn to Prucie Prussia , to buy wheat and rye and take it to the town of Bordeaux . The king has taken the ship and its cargo, master and mariners into his protection, into his protection during its journey from Prussia to Bordeaux, along the coast of England and elsewhere in his lordship and power. Order [to all admirals, etc.], that, should the ship seek safety on the English coast or elsewhere in the king's dominions, from storms or for any other reason, then it should not be arrested, impeded or troubled in any way, but should be allowed to continue to Bordeaux free from any exaction, custom or subsidy, unless the grain should be put up for sale, and provided that the grain is not taken to any other place except the said city of Bordeaux. No other people are to be permitted to interfere with the ship or its crew, and any forfeitures or injuries suffered by them should be corrected and restored without delay.

By C.

The aforesaid merchants [of Lynn] have similar letters for the same time for the following ships, under the same date:

70.1: Same as above

A ship called la Maudeleyn of Lenne Lynn , of which Walter Coteman is master .

70.2: Same as above

A ship called la Marie of Lenne Lynn , of which John Steg is master .

70.3: Same as above

A ship called la Lethenard of Lynn , of which Thomas Rolle is master . ¹

1.: For another earlier reference to this ship, when it was owned by Peter le Fitheler , see CPR 1361-4 , p.319.

Concerning the transport of beans.

71: 11 July 1375 . Westminster .

To all and singular admirals, captains, castellans and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others both on sea and land.

Licence to Andrew Ridon and Aysshebury Laurence Ashbury that they or their servants may buy 200 quarters of beans in the counties of Somerset and Devon , load them into ships in the port of Sidemuth Sidmouth , and take them to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux or the town of Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's people living there, at their own profit. Order that they be permitted to do this in this manner, freely and without hindrance, paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

72: 13 July 1375 . Westminster .

Licence to Johan de Lauga , Geraud Pey Guiraut and la Porte Pernaut de Laporte , merchants of Bayonne, at their request, that whereas they have brought wines and other merchandise into England, to the town of Bristoll Bristol , and sold them there, that they may buy 900 quarters of beans in the county of Somerset and Bristol, load them into ships in the ports of Bristol and Briggewater Bridgwater , and take them to the city of Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's people living there. They have sworn their corporal oaths in chancery that they will take these beans to Bayonne and nowhere else. Order to the same officials that they be permitted to do this, first paying the customs and subsidies due, any order to the contrary notwithstanding, and provided that they do not transport any other grain by virtue of this grant.

73: 14 July 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all and singular admirals and their lieutenants, customers, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs and others both on sea and land.

Licence to Elys Thomas Ellis that he or his attorneys may load into ships 200 quarters of wheat from his own grain in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux or Bayon' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's people there, and that he may buy other merchandise there to bring back to England. Order that he be permitted to do this in this manner, freely and without hindrance, first paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

74: 17 July 1375 . Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To the same.

Licence to John Parlebien that he may buy 400 quarters of wheat, rye, beans and peas in the county of Somerset , load them into ships in the port of Briggewater Bridgwater , and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that he [be permitted] to buy these, etc. as above.

By C.

75: 12 August 1375 . Drayton . Concerning the transport of beans and peas .

To the same.

Licence to Bussh Thomas Bush of Kanynton Cannington , merchant , that he may buy 400 quarters of beans and peas in the county of Somerset , load them into ships in the port of Briggewater Bridgwater , and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that he [be permitted] to buy these, etc as above.

By C.

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76: 17 August 1375 . Nassyngton Nassington . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Richard Rotour, constable of Burdegalie Bordeaux , who is staying in Aquitaine in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

77

4 September 1375 . Rokyngham Rockingham . For Richard Fillongley .

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and the constable of Bordeaux that they ensure that Richard de Fillongley , his attorneys, proctors and deputies receive the profits and emoluments pertaining to his offices freely and without hindrance, together with all arrears. The seneschal and constable are to be intendant upon Fillongley and assist him in levying these sums, lest the complaint be brought to the king again. Fillongley has shown that on 16 February 1370 the king confirmed letters of the prince of Wales , made when he was prince of Aquitaine , granting him the office of general serjeant of Burdeg' Bordeaux and the Burdegalesium Bordelais , as well as the offices of all the general serjeants and other offices of whatsoever kind of both the towns, baylies and prévôtés, and of castellanies and assize jurisdictions ( assisiagiorum ) of Bordeaux and the Bordelais and the resort of the same, together with all the emoluments pertaining to those offices, to hold those in person or by his deputy, over ecclesiastical, noble and common men alike. The prince ordered the seneschals both of Aquitaine and Agenais, and their lieutenants to put Fillongley or his proctor in possession of the same, and defend him in it, other letters to them concerning the offices notwithstanding, just as appears in the prince's letters, and the king's confirmation of them. However, despite the king having sent many orders that Fillongley and his servants and deputies should be allowed to exercise these offices and receive the profits and emoluments pertaining to them, certain men of those parts have taken the said profits from the date of the prince's letters, and continue to do so, to his great damage, and he requests remedy, since Fillongley continues to remain in the prince's service in his household. ¹

1.: For part of the original appointment, and subsequent orders preceding these, see entry in C 61/83 , entry in C 61/87 , entry in C 61/87 , entry 77 , entry in C 61/94 , entry in C 61/95 & entry in C 61/95 .

For Floriment, lord of Lesparre.

78: 28 September 1375 . Westminster .

Grant by the king's special grace to Florimont, lord of Lesparre , for his good service, that he may receive 80 marks annually for life from the goods confiscated from Brautey Bernat Breutey of Burdegal' Bordeaux .

By K and C.

79: Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, the mayor and constable of Bordeaux and all other ministers and others in Aquitaine that they should permit the same Florimont to have and receive the said 80 marks annually for life from the goods confiscated from Bernat [Breutey] , and they should answer to him or his proctor regarding this according to the tenor of the said letters.

Concerning safe-keeping.

80: 26 August 1375 . Westminster .

To all and singular seneschals, constables, castellans, prévôts, ministers and all bayles and others appointed in the lordship of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection and safe-keeping for two years for Huc Roger, Burdegal' burgess of Bordeaux , his men, household, goods and possessions, wherever they may be. Roger, his people and possessions are to be maintained, protected and defended, and should not be interfered with, or others be allowed to interfere with them, but should be protected from injury, molestation, damage, violence, impediment or any other harm, and amends should be made without delay for any forfeitures or injury suffered. Pennons are to be placed on their houses as a sign of the king's protection.

81: Same as above

Similar letters for the same time to Guiraut Roger, burgess of the same city .

Concerning liberties granted to the burgesses of Bordeaux.

30 August 1375 . Westminster .

Confirmation by the advice of the great council and in the interests of the security and safe-keeping of the city of Bordeaux, for the Burdegal' mayor, jurats and other good men of the city of Bordeaux , of the ordinance that they have requested, that whereas hitherto there have customarily been 24 jurats in the city, that henceforth there should be only twelve, who should be appointed from the people of the city for the assistance of the mayor and the better governance of the city. The king grants that these jurats hould not be gentlemen, knights or anyone who considers themselves to be of gentle status. It is the king's will that no burgess of Bordeaux should at any time pass off the goods of others as their own, to the king's damage and to the detriment of the customs and other profits due to him, under pain of forfeiture of those goods and the loss of their privileges as a burgess. ¹

By K and C.

1.: For the petition to which this is the response, see SC 8/210/10483. See Chaplais, P., ‘A propos de l’ordonnance de 1375 sur la bourgeoisie et la jurade de Bordeaux’, Annales du Midi , LXV (1953), pp. 113-18.

83: Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine, the mayor and constable of Bordeaux and the king's other ministers and officers there that they should maintain and observe the ordinances, confirmations and grants aforesaid, according to the tenor of the said letters.

Concerning the transport of grain.

84: 3 October 1375 . Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Licence to Thomas Horseman, merchant and burgess of Burdegal' Bordeaux , that he or his servants may buy 200 quarters of wheat in the county of Kent , load it into ships in the port of Sandewic' Sandwich , and take them to Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, first paying the customs and other monies due, any previous proclamations, ordinances or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

Same as above

Similar letters for Thomas Loveryk ¹ and Broun Adam Brown, Burdeg' merchants of Bordeaux , to buy 200 quarters of wheat in the county of Kent and load it in the port of Dovorr' Dover .

1.: This is probably the man from Sandwich who sat as MP for Sandwich in 1368, 1373 and 1377.

86

26 June 1375 . Westminster . Concerning a supersedeas for Master Robert de Wikeford .

Order to Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , William de Elmham, seneschal of the Landes , Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux , and their lieutenants, that, entirely superseding the judgment and punishment made against Wykford Robert de Wickford, king's clerk , formerly constable of Bordeaux , in favour of Yvon Beaustan , esquire of Brittany , they should in no way allow its execution. They should instead summon Beaustan to appear before the king and his council at Westminster on the morrow of the Purification next, to hear the judgment of the king and council on this matter, and having made the summons, they should certify this to the king by their letters. The king has been informed on Wickford's behalf how, in a case brought before Bryan Guy de Brian, kt , and Mortuo Mare Edmund de Mortimer, earl of March and marshal of England , by Beaustan over the right to a prisoner, they had sentenced and adjudged that, even though Wickford had not been summoned or warned, had not confessed nor been convicted, and completely overlooking the facts of the case and due process, he should pay to Beaustan a great and excessive sum of money, namely 7,625 francs and 200 silver marks, two good coursers and one hackney, without reasonable or legitimate cause, at the false charge and treacherous suggestion of Beaustan , made while Wickford was absent in the king's service overseas. Execution for the recovery of the money and other things proceeded against Wickford, to his great expense and clear damage to his status, and thus he has rightfully appealed to the king as superior justice and to his council, believing himself to be oppressed by this condemnation and adjudication, as the public instrument presented before the king fully shows. ¹

1.: For subsequent entries relating to this appeal, see entry in C 61/89 and entry in C 61/89 . Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, p.1030.

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87: 28 September 1375 . The notre paloys de Westm' palace of Westminster . Concerning 6 d. granted to the mayor and burgesses of Bordeaux. .

[in French]

Grant to the mayor, jurats, burgesses and community of Burdeaux Bordeaux , for the regard which the king has for them, and in consideration of the great suffering, expense, perils and troubles which they have endured during the present war and for their continual loyalty, and by the advice and consent of the great and wise members of the king's council that while they remain in the king's obedience and loyalty, and in aid of the repair of the said city, that for one year they may take and levy a charge of 6 d. per pound from all persons and on all merchandise of a value of 1 l. or more of the current money of the city, which is sold, loaded or exchanged in the city or its banlieue, or in any way transported from one place to another, and from anyone who agrees or makes a contract in any way, that is to say, 3 d. from the vendor and 3 d. from the purchaser. Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and all the king's other ministers that they should allow the said mayor, jurats and community to enjoy this for the said period, without hindrance, and also that during this year the wines of the haut pais Haut Pays should not be hindered from coming down [river] in any way, according to the liberties and privileges granted to the aforesaid good people before this time.

Concerning the appointment of a judge of appeal in Gascony.

3 October 1375 . Westm' Westminster .

Appointment during the king's pleasure of Master Bonewe Guilhem Boneu as judge of civil and criminal appeals at the king's court in Gascony , and as auditor of all causes brought in that court, to hold together with all the emoluments and profits pertaining to that office, taking the customary fee or wages received by previous holders of that office. Order to all the king's subjects in Aquitaine to be intendant to Boneu in this office and everything pertaining to it. ¹

By K. and C.

1.: Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, p.1041.

89: 3 October 1375 . Westminster .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux, or his lieutenant, to pay the said Guilhem [Boneu] the same fees and wages as previous holders of this office were accustomed to receive, for as long as he holds it, from the issues of the castle, receiving due allocation in his account at the Exchequer.

90: 6 September 1375 . Rokyngham Rockingham . For Stephen Watford .

Grant during the king's pleasure to Stephen Watford, servant to the king's son the prince , of the office of porter of the king's castle of Bordeaux , receiving the customary wages and fees.

By p.s.

Concerning the transport of grain.

91: 24 November 1375 . Westminster .

To all and singular admirals, captains, castellans and their lieutenants, keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others.

Licence to William Elmham, Baion' governor of Bayonne , that his servants may buy 400 quarters of wheat and 600 quarters of beans, peas and oats in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk , load them into ships in any port in those counties, and take them to Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of William and his people and horses staying there with him. Order that he be permitted to do this for this reason, any previous ordinances, proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

92: 14 December 1375 . Westminster .

To the same.

Similar licence to John Cole of Briggewater Bridgwater , merchant , at his request, that he may buy 100 quarters of wheat and 100 quarters of beans in the county of Somerset , load them into ships in the port of Briggewater Bridgwater together with 200 quarters of wheat and 200 quarters of beans which he had grown himself, and take them to Bayonne . The king has granted this because Humphrey Passour of Plymmouth Plymouth and Perpount William Pierpoint of Bristol have stood surety in chancery that Cole will take this grain to Bayonne and not elsewhere. Order that he be permitted to do this freely and without hindrance, paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any etc, as above.

By C.

Concerning the transport of grain.

93: 17 January 1375 . Westminster .

To the same.

Licence to Lubard Johan de Loubart, Baion' merchant of Bayonne , at his request, that he and his servants may buy 300 quarters of wheat in the county of Sussex and 200 quarters of wheat on the Insula Vecta Isle of Wight in Hampshire , load them into ships in the port of Sutht' Southampton , and take them to Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's people living there. He has personally sworn his oath in chancery that he will take this wheat to Bayonne and nowhere else, and the mayor of Sutht' Southampton is to endorse the king's letters patent with the amount of wheat loaded in that port by the said John, and letters from the governor of Bayonne attesting to the discharge of the wheat in that city are to be returned to chancery before Michaelmas next. The said governor is also to supervise diligently that the grain is distributed for the sustenance of the king's people there, and not otherwise. Order that John be permitted to do this, paying the customs, subsidies and other monies due, any proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

94: Same as above

Similar licence to Bernat de Neboue , merchant of Baion' Bayonne , for purchasing 300 quarters of wheat in the county of Hampshire and the Insula Vecta Isle of Wight , loading them in the same port [of Southampton ], and taking them to the same city [of Bayonne ].

By C.