C 61/104 17-20 Richard II (1393-97)

Introduction.

The roll covers four regnal years, and a good portion of those years when the duchy was in the hands of John of Gaunt. Indeed they cover the period of the revolt by many communities and individuals against the rule of Gaunt.

The grant of the duchy to Gaunt by Richard II, though it might have had personal benefits to the king in removing his most powerful subject from England for protracted periods, as well as sating the ambitions of Gaunt himself, would not seem to have been clearly thought through, for not only did it contravene many grants of privileges to Gascon communities, it was the first and only occasion that the duchy had been out of the king's hands or those of his eldest son and heir. Although this matter is discussed more fully in the introduction to roll 105, it is suffice to say that communities and individuals refused to be reconciled with the grant of the ducal title and authority to Gaunt, or to recognise his exercise of power, and organised opposition to him which resulted in an open revolt in 1394 necessitating Gaunt's own passage to the duchy in that year. 1 The opposition sent delegations to the king in England to complain bitterly about the grant, 2 and the king was forced to clarify the grant to Gaunt, confirming it, whilst reassuring Gascons that this represented only a suspension of the direct relationship with the king, and not a permanent severance. 3 The mixed success that this achieved can perhaps be judged from the need to issue similar assurances in the following roll. 4

Because of the opposition to Gaunt's rule, Gaunt's presence in the duchy became very necessary to prevent further escalation, indeed it was Gaunt's absence that gave his opponents the opportunity to organise and reject his rule. As a consequence the roll is dominated by letters of protection and attorney, the vast majority granted to Gaunt's English followers who were either accompanying him, or seeking to remain in the duchy in his company and service, or were in the retinues of his more significant supporters. Some of these were for important administrative officials such as the knight John Trailly, who continued as mayor of Bordeaux. 5 Also amongst these more important figures was Master Henry Bowet, clerk, archdeacon of Lincoln, who had initially been a staunch supporter of the king, but whose loyalties had shifted primarily to Gaunt and his eldest son. Bowet was to serve as Gaunt's constable of Bordeaux from 1396, but was clearly already an important figure in the duchy prior to this appointment. 6 However, perhaps the most important figure that Gaunt brought to the duchy was Henry Percy, the eldest son of the earl of Northumberland. Percy replaced William Scrope as Gaunt's lieutenant by a grant of 11 June 1394. It is interesting that this appointment was not made by Gaunt himself, but by the king, so it is unclear whether this merely gave royal approval to an earlier grant by Gaunt, or given the problems in the duchy in 1394 with Gaunt's own authority, it was thought best to make the appointment as a royal appointment at Gaunt's nomination. 7 Percy's appointment also accounts for a considerable portion of the letters of protection and attorney, since he brought a substantial retinue with him.

What appears to have been sincere attempts on the part of the English and French to replace the series of cobbled together truces with a lasting peace, had been ongoing through the early 1390s, often conducted by Gaunt and the duke of Berry amongst others. By 1393 this had come to a halt in part because of the reoccurence of the periodic bouts of insanity that afflicted Charles VI. The renewal of activity in 1395 coincided with Richard II's need to find a new wife, Anne of Bohemia having died on 7 June 1394. Initial thoughts moved towards a marriage alliance with the Aragonese, but attempts to commence negotiations stung the French into action for they had their own designs on an Aragonese match. The result did not bring a final peace settlement, but it did bring a marriage between Richard and Isabella, daughter of Charles VI. With the marriage, the truce stood on stronger footings, and both the English and French were zealous in preserving it, and acting against infringements. 8 Evidence for this is very clear in this roll. Richard II issued letters of protection and safe-conduct to the French nobles and officials assigned on the French side for the conservation of the truce, and for correcting infringements, as well as issuing a commission for those acting for him. 9 In addition, the king also issued pardons to individuals from Périgord who were the objects of ransoms to the king. 10

Although the king had divested himself of most of his direct authority in Aquitaine with the grant to Gaunt, he still continued to make grants and confirmations, although, admittedly, the majority of the confirmations were merely of acta of Gaunt himself. The two confirmations not fitting this picture were both to communities. That granted to the Entre-deux-Mers was concerned with demands that the king's officials and serjeants could make of the community for lodging and sustenance ( albergades ), and recited earlier grants from Henry II onwards. Although this seems to have been a simple confirmation of rights that stretched back to the twelfth century, and confirmed by most subsequent English kings, it was very quickly revoked, the king having being informed of elements in the grant and confirmation which were injurious to his own rights. 11 The other confirmations was made to the community of Libourne, and confirmed an extensive and complicated set of rights in part focused on the type of trade that could be conducted on the Dordogne. 12 The king's grant of the duchy of Aquitaine to Gaunt, was by no means the only grant that the king made in Aquitaine to his uncles. Edmund of Langley, duke of York, received a grant of the castle of Mortagne, perhaps a strange choice for a major noble, who, unlike his brother, had little interest in Aquitaine. 13

The king also still retained ultimate authority in the duchy when it came to justice. Although the courts continued to operate as before under Gaunt with initial appeals directed to him and his senior officers for resolution, parties could still seek a further stage of appeal from the king himself. For that reason in the period of Gaunt's rule in the duchy, a smattering of judicial cases still continued to find their way to the king, and roll 104 is no exception. Of greatest interest are two of the entries which appear closely to relate to Gaunt's rule in the duchy, and focused on Pey de Bielle, who had been vicar of Bayonne, apparently by the appointment of Gaunt, but who had been removed by a faction in opposition to Gaunt's authority. 14 That this particular case was not resolved is amply evidenced by continued complaints against Bielle in the early years of Henry IV's reign, from a city not quickly reconciled to the usurpation. 15 Also of interest is the order directed to Gaunt and his officers concerning the tax charged on the wine of the abbey of Sainte-Croix in Bordeaux. The liberties of the abbey, granted to it by the king's predecessors, had exempted it from the tax levied in the castle of Bordeaux on all wine sold in Bordeaux, but this was being ignored by the constable of Bordeaux, who continued to levy it from them. Interestingly, in the account set before the king by the abbot and convent, this had also occurred to them during the time of the principality of the king's father, Edward of Woodstock, who had given the abbey a remedy then. On this occasion Gaunt and his officers were ordered to desist from this collection, honour the liberties, and repay any sums levied. 16 It would appear that the transfer of the lordship of Aquitaine could lead to a temporary erosion of liberties. This might also lie behind further orders to Gaunt and his officers concerning the liberties granted to the town of Libourne, 17 and also in response to complaints by the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux concerning taxes, tolls and impositions levied on trade by lords and communities along the Dordogne and Gironde, without royal approval. 18

The grant of licences for merchants and the masters of ships to trade in Aquitaine, and elsewhere in Europe continued to be enrolled on the Gascon rolls. On this roll thirteen separate licences were granted, eight to Englismen, and five to Gascons. For those granted to Gascons, three were to men of Bayonne, all three taking wheat in ships of Bayonne to Bordeaux or Bayonne, whilst the fourth and probably the fifth were granted to Bordeaux merchants also taking wheat to those cities. 19 The licences granted to English men were much more of a mixed bag, with ones granted to traders from London, Sandwich, Dartmouth and probably also Bristol. Of these eight licences, six were also for the export of wheat or corn, with one of these also having permission to export beans and peas. 20 Not all of these licences were granted to traders, for one was granted to the soldier and administrator, Matthew Gournay, taking wheat to the castle and town of Dax, presumably where he was captain, and for the victualling of the same. 21 The remaining two were for a consignment of 15,000 hake and 100 barrels of herrings, and for a substantial cargo of tin, respectively. 22 It is clear therefore, that the trade of goods from England remained very much focused on victuals, and on grain in particular.

Simon J. Harris.

1.
For full discussions of the problems surrounding the grant, see Palmer, J.N.N., England, France and Christendom, 1377-99 (London, 1972), ch. 9, Saul, N., Richard II (London, 1997), pp. 209-227, & Goodman, A., John of Gaunt: The Exercise of Princely Power in Fourteenth-Century Europe (Harlow, 1992), pp. 192-200.
2.
Protections were granted to representatives from Bordeaux ( entry 70 , entry ), as well as to Florimont de Lesparre, lord of Lesparre, and to the vicomte d'Orthe, representing some of the noble interests ( entry 23 ).
3.
See entry 48 .
4.
See entry in C 61/NaN .
5.
entry 4 , entry 5 & entry 6 . Trailly received a further grant of the office on 1 July 1394 ( entry 33 ), and received further grants of protection in January 1397 ( entry 93 ).
6.
entry 53.11 , entry 55 & entry 67.3 . For a fuller discussion of Bowets career, see the introduction to roll 105.
7.
entry 30 . Goodman, John of Gaunt , p. 196, notes Gaunt's appointment of Percy as dating to 1393, based on a reference from Carte, T., (ed) Catalogue des rolles gascons (London, 1743), p. 179, which is presumably the appointment referred to here.
8.
For a full discussion of the efforts of both sides to maintain the truce, see Fowler, K., The Hundred Years War (London, 1971), 'Truces', and also Goodman, John of Gaunt , pp. 198-9..
9.
entry 80 & entry 81 .
10.
entry 89 , entry 90 , entry 91 & entry 92 .
11.
entry in C 61/105 .
12.
entry 102 .
13.
entry 83 .
14.
See entry 13 & entry 24 and also Goodman, John of Gaunt , p. 196.
15.
See entry in C 61/107 , and also Vale, M.G.A., English Gascony 1399-1453 (Oxford, 1970), pp. 32-4.
16.
entry 95 .
17.
Neither of the orders refers to specific contraventions of the liberties ( entry 96 & entry 97 ).
18.
entry 101 .
19.
Bayonne: entry 10 , entry 11 , & entry 18 ; & Bordeaux entry 21 & entry 62 .
20.
entry 1 , entry 2 , entry 16 , entry 26 , entry 28 , entry 29 , entry 61 & entry 63
21.
entry 2 .
22.
entry 16 & entry 61 .
1

24 June 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For the carriage of wheat.

To all admirals and their lieutenants, sheriffs, mayors, customers, keepers of ports and other maritime places, and also bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects.

Grant of a licence to Richard Coroner of London , that he can take 50 tuns of wheat loaded into ships in the port of London , to the city of Bordeaux , or to Baion' Bayonne . Coroner had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because William Reynwell and John Weston , citizens and grocers of London, mainprised before the king in chancery under the penalty of twice the value of the wheat, that the same Richard would take the wheat to either city, and nowhere else, and that he would bring into chancery letters testimonial of the mayors of either city attesting that the wheat was discharged there within one year. It is ordered that Richard be permitted to take the wheat from London to Bordeaux or Bayonne without any impediments, paying the customs, subsidies and dues to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

2

8 July 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For the carriage of wheat.

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Gourney Matthew de Gournay, kt , that he can take 60 tuns of wheat loaded onto ships in the ports of the city of London or Sandewicum Sandwich to the castle and town of Dax in Gascony, for the sustenance of the king's faithful subjects residing living there. Gournay had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Gournay, Cressyngham Peter de Cressingham and Wode Roger Wood , mainprised before the king in chancery, under the penalty of twice the value of the wheat, that Gournay would take the wheat to that castle and town, and nowhere else, and that Gournay would obtain letters testimonial of the mayor or bayles of the town attesting that the wheat had been discharged there, bringing the same into chancery within a year. It is ordered that Gournay be permitted to take the wheat to there without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

3

12 September 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Vien' Arnaud de Vienne , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of the king's kinsman, Henry de Percy, lieutenant and seneschal of Aquitaine , to reside there on the safe custody of the same duchy. 1

1.
The entry is followed by a space containing three empty sets of entry marks.
4

9 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Trailly, kt , mayor of Bordeaux , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

For general attorneys.

5

11 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for John Trailly, kt , mayor of Bordeaux , who is staying in Aquitaine, nominating John Hervy and John Warde, clerk , alternately.

John de Burton, clerk , received the attorneys as far as the return of John Trailly to England.

6

Same as above

The same John Trailly has similar letters of general attorney, nominating Braybrok' Gerard Braybrooke the younger , kt , and Edmund Hameden'

The same John de Burton received the attornies.

7

11 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Fisshere Robert Fisher of Colnequyncy Wakes Colne , who is staying in the king's service, with Henry de Percy, the son, lieutenant of Aquitaine , under the safe-keeping of the same duchy. 1

By bill of p.s.

1.
The entry is followed by a space containing an empty set of entry marks.
8

24 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a safe-conduct.

Letters patent of safe-conduct until the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Mary 1 for Menendo [de Córdoba], bishop of Bayonne , now being in England, travelling as far as his own parts, by land and sea, within the lordship and jurisdiction of the king, the king having received him, his men, valets, servants, horses, goods, property and equipment into his protection.

By C.

1.
On 2 February 1394.
9

25 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for William Baro of Hilton , kt , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of the king's kinsman, Henry de Percy, the son, lieutenant of Aquitaine . 1

By bill etc.

1.
The entry is followed by a space containing an empty set of entry marks.

For the transport of wheat.

10

25 October 1393 . Westm' Westminster .

To all the admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Estèbe Gauter, master of a barque called Seinte Marie of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 100 tuns of wheat bought in England, and loaded onto the barque by him and his servants in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne to trade with. Gauter had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Master Gremont Johan de Gramont and Sancto Johanne Bidau de Saint-Jean mainprised before the king in chancery that he would take the wheat to those cities, and nowhere else, and would obtain letters testimonial under the seal of the mayor or governor of either city attesting to the discharge of the wheat there. It is ordered that Gauter be permitted to take the wheat to those cities without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, whatsoever ordinances, proclamations, prohibitions or orders of the king to the contrary notwithstanding.

11

Same as above

To all the admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Darans Jacmes d'Arans of Baion' Bayonne , merchant , that he can take 100 tuns of wheat bought in England, and loaded onto a barque called the Seint Johan of Baion' Bayonne by him and his servants in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , or Gippewicum Ispwich , to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne to trade with, as above mutatis mutandis .

12

25 August 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Elys John Ellis, kt , of Berewyk Barwick in Elmet who is going to Gascony, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's kinsman, Henry de Percy, lieutenant of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

By bill of p.s.

13

25 October 1393 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For the hearing of an appeal.

Commitment to two of them at least, as justices and delegates to hear, understand, examine and finally determine the appeal of the vicar and community of the city of Bayonne, and also the principal case with all emerging from it, according to the form of the law, statutes fors and customs of the city of Bayonne. The king orders two of them at least to look into the appeal made on the part of the vicar and community, and the letters of procuration made by them to Master Acromonte, de Johan de Gramont, clerk and councillor of the city of Bayonne , and Sanctus Johannes Bidau de Saint-Jean, burgess of the same , proctors and sindics of the vicar and community, and the appeal, the principal cause, and all emerging from it, hearing, examining and determining it, and doing full and speedy justice according to the statutes, fors, and customs. The king orders to his lieges and faithful subjects to be intendant on, obey and aid the commissioners, or two of them in this business.

In a certain appeal between Villario, de Pélegrin Duviella , 1 appellant, and the vicar and community, appellees, concerning certain difficulties done to the vicar and community by the king's subjects Montandre Guillaume de Montendre, kt , Prioreto, de Bernat de Prieret, prior of the Sanctus Spiritus hospital of Saint-Esprit at the chief bridge of Dax , and Master Prioreto, de Pey de Prieret, clerk of Dax , in a certain interlocutory sentence given by them as commissioners appointed by the king by his letters patent as at first it appeared, 2 but which were fraudulent as the vicar and community asserted, and the appeal was made to the king, as more fully appears by a public instrument of the vicar and community, and Gramont and Saint-Jean, as proctors and sindics of the vicar and community, humbly requested, that in this appeal, the king would proceed. The king wishing to see justice has committed authority to Puy and the others, or two of them at least, to hear and duly determine it, according to the form of the law, statutes, fors and customs of the city of Bayonne. 3

By p.s.

1.
Pélegrin Duviella was mayor of Bayonne between April 1391 and April 1392. In September 1392 there was a sentence pronounced against him. See the Livre des Établissements , Archives municipales de Bayonne, ed. E. Dulaurens (Bayonne, 1892), pp. 356-7, no. 395. And Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , III (Bayonne, 1875), p. 405-7.
2.
For the earlier commission, see entry in C 61/103
3.
For a near identical commission, with the addition of further judges, see entry 24 . For other related entries, see entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/106 , entry in C 61/106 and entry in C 61/107 .
14

11 September 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Honyngham Robert Honingham, esquire , who is staying in the king's service, in the company of the king's kinsman, Henry de Percy, lieutenant and seneschal of Aquitaine , upon the safe keeping of the duchy.

By bill of p.s.

15

8 November 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

By bill of p.s.

1.
The entry is followed by a space containing two sets of empty entry marks.
16

11 December 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of fish and herring.

For all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Broun Walter Brown , Thomas Langman , Puryton Richard Puriton , John Broghan , merchants, and William Boys , master of a barque called the Welfare of Bydeford Bideford , that they can take 15,000 hake, and 100 barrels of herring loaded onto that barque in the port of Bristoll' Bristol , to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king. It is ordered that the merchants and master be permitted to take the hake and herring to those parts, first paying the customs, subsidies and dues, without any impediments, whatsoever ordinances, proclamations or prohibitions to the contrary notwithstanding.

17

17 December 1393 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Knottyngley William Knottingley , who is staying in the king's service in the company of the king's kinsman Henry de Percy, lieutenant of Aquitaine .

By bill of p.s.

18

12 January 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of wheat.

For all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Mounseguer Johan de Monségur of Baion' Bayonne , master of a barque called la Katerine of Baion' Bayonne , then in the port of London, that he can take 300 quarters of wheat, loaded onto the barque to the city of Baion' Bayonne , or to Burdeg' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's faithful subjects. It is ordered that Monségur be permitted to take the wheat to those cities without any impediments, first paying the customs that are due, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

19

3 January 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the hearing of a cause of appeal.

Appointment of Asta, de Bertran d'Aste , Johan Embrun and Master Bordili, de Johan du Bourdieu , or two of them at least, giving full power to hear, understand, examine and determine both the cause of appeal and principal cause and all things dependent on them concerning the legal proceedings about the Darussagne mill and wood of Aritxague in the land of Laburd Labourd , and do full justice to the parties in both causes according to the form of law, statute, fors and customs there. They are ordered to view the appeal, and the letters of attorney of Dacromonte Johan Gramont, lawyer and clerk , proctor of Johana [de Saint-Pée], Sancti Petri Divarren lady of the hall of Saint-Pée , and summon before them those whom they consider ought to be called, and hear their arguments and allegations in both the cause of appeal and the principal cause, with all that is dependent on them, and hear, understand, examine and determine them, and do full and speedy justice, according to the form of the law, statute, fors and customs there. The king orders all of his lieges and faithful subjects there, and others having an interest, to be intendant on them, obey and aid them in the examination and discussion of the matters.

In a certain cause between Johana, lady of the hall of Saint-Pée, as legitimate heir to the mill and wood of Aritxague, the same coming to her by inheritance by the death of the Puteo, de, Baion' lady du Pouy, late citizen of Bayonne , 1 and Firte, le Pey de Lafitte of Baion' Bayonne , concerning the mill and wood, and on behalf of Johana it was appealed to the king by Landebrok' William Langbrook, licenciate of canon law , and constable of Bordeaux , appointed by the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , and Auger de Lehet, then Laburd bayle of Labourd , just as more full appears by a public instrument made on this, and Johana's proctor has requested that the king proceed in the appeal. 2

By p.s.

1.
Domenja du Pouy.
2.
For related entries, see entry in C 61/103 & entry in C 61/103
20

20 February 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation for Charles de Beaumont.

Inspeximus of letters patent of the king's uncle John, duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster, made in these words:

26 May 1394 . Londres London .

Grant by John [of Gaunt], son of the king of England, duke of Guyenne , of Lancaster , earl of Leicester , Lincoln and Derby , steward of England , to Carlos de Beaumont, alférez of Navarre , 1 for his homage, and because he has been retained by the duke for life, saving at all time his allegiance, as appears in indentures made between the duke and Beaumont, of the place and Mauloon castle of Mauléon and of Soule , within his duchy of Guyenne, with all its appurtenances, lands, dues, rents, inheritances and possessions; holding the same for life, notwithstanding any grants made of the same before this time. The seneschals of Aquitaine and Landes, and their lieutenants, are ordered to put Beaumont in possession of the same, notwithstanding anyone detaining the same, and he is to be permitted to peacefully use and enjoy the same.

The king accepts, approves and confirms the same, Beaumont having, by his letters patent, bound himself, promised and sworn upon the body of Jesus Christ, that within a month of his death, the same would be restored to the king's uncle, or to the king, or his heirs, kings of England, or their deputies. 2

By p.s.

1.
He died in 1432. The alférez of Navarre was at the head of the king of Navarre's army.
2.
For the original grant, see Perroy, E., (ed) The Diplomatic Correspondence of Richard II , Camden 3rd series, Vol. 48, London, pp.221-2.
21

8 March 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of wheat.

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Johan de Narrank , Burdeg' merchant of Bordeaux , that he can take 600 quarters of wheat loaded onto ships in person and by his servants in the port of the city of London , Sandewicum Sandwich or Lenn' Lynn , to Burdegal' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , for the sustenance of the king's faithful subjects there. Narrank had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Arnaut-Guilhem [de Sesze] and William Lewode of London , who mainprised before the king in chancery under the penalty of double the value of the wheat, that he would take the wheat to the city of Bordeaux or to Bayonne, and not elsewhere, and that he would obtain letters testimonial of the mayor of either city, that the wheat had been discharged there, and bring them into chancery within a year. It is ordered that Narrank be permitted to take the wheat to Bordeaux or Bayonne without any impediments, first paying the customs due to the king, whatsoever ordinances, proclamations, prohibitions or orders to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

22

22 March 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For a general attorney.

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Ellesworth' John Elsworth , who has a licence to go to Gascony, nominating Thomas Colrede and Holbeche William Holbeach of London , alternately.

John de Burton, clerk , received the attorneys until Elsworth's return to England.

23

8 April 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For a safe-conduct.

To all admirals etc.

Letters of protection and safe-conduct granted to Florimont, lord of Lesparre with 60 riders, the Dort vicomte of Orthe with 30 riders, and the Castelhon lord of Castillon , with 30 riders in their company, who are coming to England to the king to explain certain difficult business touching the king and the state of Aquitaine, the king having received them, their men and households coming with them, their horses, goods and equipment into his special safe-conduct and protection, wishing for a safe journey and for them to be able to come to England, reside there, and return to their own parts as it pleases them. The king does not wish that they should be arrested, taken or imprisoned on account of any marques or reprisals, or by any contracts of debt or trespass made before that time by any of the king's lieges.

By K.

24

14 March 1394 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For the hearing of an appeal.

Commitment to two of them at least, as justices and delegates to hear, understand, examine and finally determine the appeal of the vicar and community of the city of Bayonne, and also the principal case with all emerging from it, according to the form of the law, statutes fors and customs of the city of Bayonne. The king orders two of them at least to look into the appeal made on the part of the vicar and community, and the letters of procuration made by them to Master Acromonte, de Johan de Gramont, clerk and councillor of the city of Bayonne , and Sanctus Johannes Bidau de Saint-Jean, burgess of the same , proctors and syndics of the vicar and community, and the appeal, the principal cause, and all emerging from it, hearing, examining and determining it, and doing full and speedy justice according to the statutes, fors, and customs. The king orders to his lieges and faithful subjects to be intendant on, obey and aid the commissioners, or two of them in this business.

In a certain appeal between Villario, de Pélegrin Duviella , 1 appellant, and the vicar and community, appellees, concerning certain difficulties done to the vicar and community by the king's subjects Montandre Guillaume de Montendre, kt , Prioreto, de Bernat de Prieret, prior of the Sanctus Spiritus hospital of Saint-Esprit at the chief bridge of Dax , and Master Prioreto, de Pey de Prieret, clerk of Dax , in a certain interlocutory sentence given by them as commissioners appointed by the king by his letters patent as at first it appeared, 2 but which were fraudulent as the vicar and community asserted, and the appeal was made to the king, as more fully appears by a public instrument of the vicar and community, and Gramont and Saint-Jean, as proctors and sindics of the vicar and community, humbly requested, that in this appeal, the king would proceed. The king wishing to see justice has committed authority to Puy and the others, or two of them at least, to hear and duly determine it, according to the form of the law, statutes, fors and customs of the city of Bayonne. 3

By p.s.

1.
Pélegrin Duviella was mayor of Bayonne between April 1391 and April 1392. In September 1392 there was a sentence pronounced against him. See the Livre des Établissements , Archives municipales de Bayonne, ed. E. Dulaurens (Bayonne, 1892), pp. 356-7, no. 395. And Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , III (Bayonne, 1875), p. 405-7.
2.
For the earlier commission, see entry in C 61/103
3.
For a near identical but earlier commission, with fewer judges, see entry 13 . For other related entries, see entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/103 , entry in C 61/106 , entry in C 61/106 and entry in C 61/107 .
25

4 February 1394 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For speeding up a cause of appeal.

Order to the justices of the sovereign court of Aquitaine in the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , that if the complaint of John Doget, citizen and vintner of London , was true, then to shorten and speed up the proceedings, they are to compel Pons [VII], lord of Castillon , to pay the sum owed to Doget, together with damages, expenses and costs, taking his goods and arresting and detaining the debtor. If the lord of Castillon raises objections after sentencing then they are to give him four weeks unless he must seek evidence from overseas. If the decision devolves to the king, but they are to decide on something incidental to the appeal, then they are to come to a swift decision and send the ruling back to the judges who heard the appeal.

On behalf of Doget it has been complained that the lord of Castillon now a knight, owes him lawfully 250 l.st. of the money of England, as a result of a loan, which he promised to pay on the Gospels, at a date then in the future but now long past. He was obliged to repay the sum on the authority of the executor of the royal seal and counterseal in Bordeaux and condemned to put his moveable and immoveable goods under the authority of the executor, with many other clauses clear from a public instrument of the city of London of whose accuracy they have frequently been apprised. Because of this recognizance, and in consideration of the state of the complainant who is a stranger there and the referral to them of the speedy payment of the debt the appeal has come down to them and they should have come to a decision about the repayment of the principal and any incidental expenses; it is still with them and the other officials involved and they should have compelled the lord of Castillon to pay the whole sum with incidentals within four weeks, and during those four weeks they should have arrested and detained him in the castle of Bordeaux, and notwithstanding this arrest, they should have set out the moveable and immoveable goods of the debtor, as well as the expenses, damages and interest, and at the end of the four weeks satisfied the creditor, allowing no objections except within the four weeks unless evidence is required from overseas. They and the officials, despite many requests from the complainant, have done nothing except delay both in hearing the appeal and a three year delay in the officials’ courts, causing great hardship to him and in disparagement of the law.

By C.

26

24 March 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of wheat.

To all admirals, etc.

Licence granted to Robert de York, citizen of London , that he can take 280 quarters of wheat bought and loaded onto ships in the port of London , and the town of Feversham Faversham , namely 140 quarters in the port of London, and 140 quarters in the port of Faversham, to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux . It is ordered that York be permitted to take the wheat to Bordeaux without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

27

9 March 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the protection of Shakell'.

To the seneschal, barons, mayors and all the king's ministers and their lieutenants, and his liege men in Aquitaine.

Grant of letters of protection and safe-keeping to Shakel John Shakell, esquire , who is going to Aquitaine for the expediting of various business of the king with Ellesworth John Elsworth , Stephen Russell and Oxenford John Oxford , his proctors, the king having received Shakell and his proctors, with his servants, property and goods, into his protection and defence, and safe-keeping. The king does not wish that Shakell or his proctors to be arrested, taken or imprisoned, nor distrained or disturbed in their goods for any reason. It is ordered that Shakell, his proctors, servants, muniments should be maintained, protected and defended in conducting the king's business, and they are not to permit any injury, interference, violence, impediment or any harm to be done to them. If any forfeiture or injury has been sustained by them, then it is to be corrected without delay. They are also ordered to be intendant on, aid and advise Shakell or his proctors when asked to do so.

By bill of p.s.

For the transport of wheat.

28

25 March 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to John Puriton of Sandewicum Sandwich , that he can take 200 tuns of wheat, loaded onto ships in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich by Puriton and his servants, to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne . Puriton had requested that the king grant this, and the king has agreed. It is ordered that Puriton be permitted to take the wheat to those cities, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding. Proviso only that Puriton should not take the wheat to any lands of the enemy under the penalty ordained in the last parliament held at Westminster.

29

12 April 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Richard Molangre of Dertemuth' Dartmouth , that he can take 100 tuns of wheat, and 60 tuns of beans and peas, loaded onto ships in whatever port he likes by him in person, and his serjeants, to whatever parts friendly to the king that he likes. Molangre had requested that the king grant this, and the king has agreed. It is ordered that Molangre be permitted to take the wheat, beans and peas towards those parts, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

30

11 June 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

To all prelates, counts, vicomtes, barons, knights and free tenants, seneschals, mayors, jurats, consuls, society, colleges, communities, constables, castellans, prévôts, receivers of issues, and bayles and faithful subjects of the king of the duchy of Aquitaine and elsewhere.

Appointment under the great seal, of the king's kinsman, Henry de Percy the son , as lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine, during pleasure. And it is ordered that they obey, answer and be faithfully intendant upon Percy.

By K.

31

20 June 1394 . The a notre palois de Westm' palace of Westminster .

[in French]

Commission under the great seal, and with the assent of the council, to Henry de Percy the son , to whom the king has granted the office of lieutenant of the duchy of Aquitaine by other letters patent, and for the greater ease of the lieutenant and the king's faithful subjects there, and for the greater security of the king's lands and lordships there, of full power, by the advice of the Burdeux constable of Bordeaux , and others of the king's council there, to give and assign the moveable goods of rebels that have been confiscated, to those to whom he thinks deserve it for their service in the wars. The king promises to accept what the lieutenant does by virtue of this power.

By K.

32

Same as above

[in French]

Commission as above to the lieutenant , of full power to use and exercise high and low justice, complete and shared jurisdiction, and doing justice on all rebels, traitors, both in all cases of lèse-majesté and of other kinds, and also on robbers, larcenists, murderers, rapists, violators of Holy Church, arsonists, breakers of truces and safe-conducts, and of all other evil-doers according to what their cases require. The king promises as above. 1

By K.

1.
The rest of the membrane is empty, and contains an empty set of entry marks.

Year 18 of the reign of Richard II

33

1 July 1394 . Westm' Westminster . For the appointment of the mayor of Bordeaux .

Appointment during pleasure of John Trailly , as mayor of the city of Bordeaux from 18 July for the term of three years, taking the customary fees, wages and profits in that office.

By writ etc.

34

11 July 1394 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the making of a declaration for the dean and canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux .

Order to the mayor, sub-mayor, jurats and other citizens of the city of Bordeaux , that the king out of reverence for God and Holy Mother Church, desiring to do full justice, and with the assent and advice of his council, has granted that the deans and canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux , and of other ecclesiastical persons of the city, are able to sell their own wine taken from their benefices, rented land, vineyards and other properties, at taverns there between the feasts of Pentecost and Michaelmas, taking their profit, and therefore, under the pain of the loss of their privileges, they are to permit the men and servants of the deans and canons, and other ecclesiastical people, to sell their wine from their benefices, rented land, vineyards and other properties, in taverns between those feasts, notwithstanding the privileges granted to them, and confirmed by the king and whatsoever other customs, grants and privileges.

Lately the king's grandfather, by his letters patent, which the king has confirmed, granted to the mayor, jurats and citizens of the city of Bordeaux that citizens of the city, and no others, were able to sell wine in taverns in the city from the feast of Pentecost until Michaelmas during the king's pleasure, notwithstanding privileges and grants to the contrary. Now on behalf of the deans and canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux, and of other ecclesiastical persons of the city, it has been complained to the king that the mayor, sub-mayor, jurats and other citizens, with the intention of troubling and harassing them, asserting that that liberty concerned you and not them, have prevented them from selling their wine in taverns, to their grave damage, and they have requested a remedy.

For protections.

35

13 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Arnaut Lapy, merchant and money-changer ( cambiator ) who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

The following have similar letters of protection, who are going in the king's service, in the company of the duke:

35.2

13 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

35.3
35.8

19 October 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by the keeper .

By bill etc.

35.9

24 October 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by the keeper .

By bill etc.

For general attorneys.

36

28 August 1394 . Hereford .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Dabriggecourte Nicholas Dabridgecourt, kt , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , nominating Robert Heryzerd and Elys William Ellis, chaplain , alternately.

John de Scarle, clerk , received the attorney, as far as the return of [Dabridgecourt] to England.

36.0

The following, who are going to the same parts in the king's service in the company of the duke, have similar letters of general attorney:

36.5

28 September 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Gayneburgh' William de Gainsborough, clerk , received the attorneys by the licence of Routon' William de Rowton, clerk , as far as [Hervy's] return to England.

For protections.

37

11 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for William Blount, kt who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

By bill etc.

The following, who are going in the king's service, in the company of the duke, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

37.3

Same as above

By bill etc.

For general attorneys.

38

11 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Walter Blount, kt , who is going by the king's licence to Aquitaine in the company of the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , nominating John de Elvet, Leycestr' archdeacon of Leicester , and Tittonesore Henry Tittensor, parson of the Pikwell' church of Pickwell , alternately.

John de Scarle , received the attorney, as far as the return of [Blount] to England.

38.0

The following, who are going to the same parts in the company of the duke, have similar letters of general attorney:

38.2

Same as above

The same John Scarle , received the attorney.

For general attorneys.

39

10 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, nominating Edmund [of Langley], duke of York , and William [Courtenay], Cantuar' archbishop of Canterbury , primate of all England , alternately.

John de Scarle, clerk , received the attorney, as far as the return of [Gaunt] to England.

41

Same as above

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

42

Same as above

The same duke nominates Master Edmund Stafford, clerk , and John de Scarle, clerk .

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

43

Same as above

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

44

Same as above

The same duke nominates John Bussy, kt , and Ralph Selby, clerk .

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

45

Same as above

The same duke nominates Thomas Skelton, kt , and William Gascoigne .

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

46

Same as above

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

47

Same as above

The same duke nominates John Elvet, clerk , and John Markham .

The same John de Scarle , received the attorney.

48

10 September 1394 . Kerdyf Cardiff .

To the archbishops, bishops, abbots, and other ecclesistical men, and also the counts, vicomtes, barons, knights, captains and other nobles, and also the mayors, prévôts, bayles, jurats, échevins of towns, and the communities of those towns,in all the duchy of Aquitaine.

Some time ago in Parliament held at Westminster, with the assent of the prelates, dukes, magnates and other nobles, and the communities of the kingdom of England, assembled there, the king appointed his uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Lancaster, as Duke of Aquitaine and formally invested him with the title for life putting a cap on his head, and giving him a golden rod, possessing the duchy of Aquitaine with its rights and appurtenances, just as is more fully contained in the king's letters patent, the tenor of which follows:

Appointment, with the assent of the prelates, dukes, magnates and other nobles, and the community of the realm of England present in the parliament held at Westm' Westminster , of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Lancaster , as duke of Aquitaine, investing him by putting a cap on his head, and giving him a golden rod, holding the same title for life. And so that the duke understands the king's affection to him, with the assent of parliament, he grants the same with all cities, castles, towns, places, lands, communities and provinces within the duchy. To have and to hold the same from the king as king of France and his heirs as king of France in liege homage for all his life, together with all islands adjacent to the same, homages, allegiances, honors, obediences, vassals, questaux , fees, arrière-fiefs , services, legal rights, rights, complete and shared jurisdiction, and with high, middle and low jurisdictions, safeguards, advowsons and patronages of metropolitan churches and cathedrals, both secular and regular, and the benefices of other churches pertaining to the king, dues, taxes, rents, profits, confiscations, emoluments, reversions and royal profits, royalties, franchises, liberties, privileges, immunities, uses and customs, all rights and appurtenances, wholly, just as the king and his progenitors held them, any grants of any offices made by the king, which the king is revoking, notwithstanding. Saving to the king and his heirs, sovereign lordship and resort of the duchy. The king does not wish that the duke have the power at any time in his life to alienate and transfer the castle and lordship of Fronsac in any way, but that they are to be kept in his hands annexed to the duchy.

And further to support the grant, the king has given the duke the authority and power to strike and mint gold and silver money, and other coinage of whatever kind, and of changing the customary moneys then or at any future time coined by the duke as he sees fit, notwithstanding any custom to the contrary, and giving to the masters and workmen indulgences and privileges such as usually given them; and to alienate in mortmain lands, places and rents freely or for payment or bequeathed; enobling non-noble people; appointing seneschals, judges, captains, consuls, notaries public, proctors, receivers, and whatsoever other officers, and when there is need of removing officials who have been appointed, and appointing other persons in their place; and restoring exiles and criminals of any condition of those provinces, restoring them to their good name and their pays , and their moveable and immoveable goods, and fully pardoning them, even if they have been condemned to death; and the power to grant privileges, immunities, franchises, liberties and indulgences, permanent and temporary, to the cities, castles, towns and places, churches, ecclesiastical persons, monasteries, colleges, and to individual people. The king does not wish to revoke by this grant the privileges granted by the king's progenitors to the patria and subjects of Aquitaine that they will not be separated from the crown, but rather has suspended them for the term of the duke's life. Proviso that immediately after the duke's death, the duchy should wholly revert to the king and his heirs. 1

It is our will to ratify and confirm the above and if you hear any rumours, stories, talk or malicious information to the contrary, we make it clear to all of you that it is our wish that our uncle should have and hold the Duchy of Aquitaine. We order you as his subjects to obey him and pay him homage and fealty, notwithstanding any oaths given contary to the tenor of our letters patent, which we cancel. 2

By K.

1.
For the original letters, see entry in C 61/101 For a cancelled variant of these letters, see entry in C 61/101 .
2.
For a related document, see entry in C 61/NaN . There are two further empty entry marks in the space before the end of the membrane.
49

6 September 1394 . Neuport Newport in Suth Wall' South Wales . For a confirmation .

Inspeximus of letters patent of the king's uncle John, duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster, made for Pey de Cazalis, esquire, and Johana de Tartas, wife of the same, in these words:

13 August 1394 . The castle of Hertford .

Grant and confirmation by John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , earl of Leicester , Lincoln and Derby , steward of England , son of the king of England, by his special grace, to Casalys Pey de Cazalis, esquire , and Tartace Johana de Tartas , wife of the same, for their continuous service, the duke wishing to provide for them, of all the lands, houses, cottages, fields, vineyards, rents, profits, emoluments rights and dues which were confiscated into the duke's hands from Breutarii Bernat Breutey, late burgess of Bordeaux , now a rebel adhering to the French enemy. Doing whatever homage, service, rights and dues which Bernat was bound to do to him at the time of his rebellion. It is ordered to all Cazalis's, hereditary leaseholders ( emphiteotis ), tenants, farmers and other tenants of the same lands, houses, cottages, fields, vineyards, rents, profits, emoluments and dues, which were Breutey's that they should answer, pay and wholly satisfy them for as long as they lived, and there would be no other order in this matter.

The king approves, ratifies and confirms the gift and grant of his uncle, according to his uncle's letters.

By p.s.

For general attorneys.

50

22 October 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for John Beaufort, kt , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, nominating John Scarle, clerk , and William Waltham, clerk , alternately.

John de Scarle, clerk , received the attorneys as far as the return of [Beaufort] to England.

The following, who are going in the king's service, have similar letters of general attorney for the same duration:

50.5
50.7

Same as above

The same Hugh received the attorneys.

50.9
1.
Part of the entry is written over an erasure.
2.
The entry is followed by a space containing one empty set of entry marks.
51

12 August 1394 . Wycombe . For Pedro de Lizarazu, kt .

To all admirals, keepers of seaports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, collectors of customs, constables, and other ministers and other faithful subjects.

Order to permit Lesserates Pedro de Lizarazu, knight of the king's kinsman, the king of Navarre , with his men and servants, up to the number of twenty, and money bags, and all their other equipment and property, to come to Aquitaine, freely and without any impediment, and without paying any customs or subsidy, any orders, proclamations or ordinances to the contrary notwithstanding.

For protections.

52

28 October 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , who is going to Aquitaine to reside there on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

53

3 November 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Master Assheton William de Ashton, dean of the free chapel of Saint Martin le Grand, London , who is going to Aquitaine, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the king's service to those parts, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

53.2

Same as above

By bill of p.s.

53.4

31 October 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

53.5

15 November 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

By bill etc.

53.6

18 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

53.9

24 November 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

By bill, etc.

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

For protections.

54

4 November 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Bysshopdale William de Bishopdale , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

By bill etc.

The following, who are going in the king's service in the company of the same duke, to those parts, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

54.1

11 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

54.2

20 January 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

54.3
54.4

Same as above

By bill etc.

55

22 January 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Master Henry Bowet, archdeacon of Lincoln , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , nominating Richard Bowet , and Soureby John Sowerby , alternately.

Attested by keeper [of England] .

Wakeryng John Wakering, clerk , received the attorneys as far as the return of [Bowet] to England.

56

Same as above

The same John [Wakering] received the attorneys.

57

4 February 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

Wakeryng John de Wakering, clerk , received the attorneys as far as the return of [Englefield] to England.

For protections.

58

4 February 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John son of Ardene Thomas de Ardern, kt , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the king's service in the company of the same duke, to those parts, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

58.2

27 April 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

By bill etc.

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

For protections.

59

5 February 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Wyke of Nynede Nynehead , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

By bill etc.

The following have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

1.
The entry is followed by a space containing two sets of empty entry marks.

For protection.

60

14 August 1394 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Croylboys , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

Attested by keeper [of England] .

By bill etc.

The following have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

60.3

3 April 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

61

12 February 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence to carry tin .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence to Robert Bolt of Dertemuth' Dartmouth , that he can take 1,000 weight of tin loaded onto ships in the port of Dertemuth' Dartmouth and Fowy Fowey to Britann' Brittany , Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues. Bolt had requested that the king grant this, and the king has agreed. It is ordered that Bolt be permitted to take the tin to Brittany, Bordeaux or Bayonne, whatsoever ordinance or proclamations to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

62

10 February 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For the carriage of wheat .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Guiraut Faure , that he can take 200 tuns of wheat, loaded onto ships by him and his servants in whatsoever English port he wishes, to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's faithful subjects there. Faure had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Arnaut-Guilhem [de Sesze] and Longod William Lewode of London , mainprised before the king in chancery that he would take the wheat there, and nowhere else, under the penalty of twice the value of the wheat, and he would obtain letters testimonial under the seal of the mayor of the city that the wheat had been discharged there, and bring them into chancery within a year. It is ordered that Faure be permitted to take the wheat to Bordeaux, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues, without impediment, any ordinances, proclamations, prohibitions or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

63

29 March 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For the carriage of corn .

To the same.

Grant of a licence to John Horon' , son of Nicholas Horon' of London , fishmonger , that he can take 1,000 quarters of various kinds of corn bought in Kent and Essex , and loaded onto ships in the river Thamisie Thames by him and his servants wherever he pleases, to the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , or to Holand' Holland . Horon' had requested that the king grant this, and the king has agreed. It is ordered that Horon' be permitted to take the corn to those places, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding. Proviso only that Horon' should not take the wheat to any lands of the enemy under the penalty ordained in the last parliament held at Westminster.

64

4 April 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Tuttebury Thomas Tutbury, clerk , who has a licence to go to Aquitaine, nominating John Rome, clerk , and Stevecle John Stivichall , alternately.

John Scarle, clerk , received the attorneys as far as the return of [Tutbury] to England.

65

Same as above

The same John Scarle , received the attorneys.

66

Same as above

Gascon [Roll] for the 17th and 18th years of the reign of King Richard II. 1

1.
The heading seems to be for the entire roll, though oddly it is entered in the middle of the roll, and would not be visible from the outside.

Year 19 of the reign of Richard II

For protections.

67

2 July 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Gourney Matthew de Gournay, kt , who is staying in Aquitaine in the king's service, in the company of John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster .

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the king's service in the company of the same duke, to those parts, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

67.1
67.2
67.3

28 January 1396 . Westm' Westminster .

By bill etc.

For protections.

68

20 July 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Peytevyn , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in the company of John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , upon the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the king's service in the company of the same duke, to those parts, have similar letters of protection for the same duration:

1.
A further entry has been erased following the one for Beauchamp. A further set of empty entry marks can be found in the space following the entry.
69

11 August 1395 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Fisshere Robert Fisher of Colnequynsy Wakes Colne , esquire , who is staying in Aquitaine in the king's service, on the safe-keeping of the king's castle of Fronsac . 1

By bill of p.s.

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

For safe-conducts.

70

24 July 1395 . Eltham .

Letters of protection and safe-conduct for four years, for Master Tollio, de Guilhem de Thouil, clerk , and Usana Bertran Ozanne, burgess of Burdeg' Bordeaux , lately coming into the kingdom of England in the presence of the king as ambassadors for certain business touching the rights, crown of the king, and the lordship of Aquitaine, to reside in the kingdom, and return to their own country through the king's lordship and jurisdiction, the king having received them, and their men, household and servants and their horses, goods, property, money and equipment into his safe and secure conduct, safe-keeping and also his protection.

By K.

71

Same as above

Letters of protection and safe-conduct for four years, for all the jurats, councillors, burgesses and inhabitants of Burdeg' Bordeaux , lately coming into the kingdom of England, to reside in the kingdom, and return to their own country through the king's lordship and jurisdiction, the king having received them, and their men, household and servants and their horses, goods, property, money and equipment into his safe and secure conduct, safe-keeping and also his protection.

By K.

72

29 July 1395 . Castrum de Ledes Leeds CastleCastrum de Ledes . For the legitimation of Guilhem de Treulon and Pey de Treulon, brothers .

Grant of legitimation, by the king's special grace, to Treulone, de Guilhem de Treulon and Treulone, de Pey de Treulon , brothers and natural sons of Treulone, de Johan de Treulon, burgess of Burdegalie Bordeaux , born of a married father and unmarried women, removing all stain, permitting them to hold offices, and to be party to public and private business, just like those born in legitimate matromony, and being able equally to share with the legitimate from wills and from those dieing intestate, notwithstanding any royal laws, constitutions, customs or uses, even if concerning these laws special mention should be made in any document.

73

19 August 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For the community and universality of the city of Bayonne .

Grant by the king's special grace to the vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality of the city of Baion' Bayonne , to levy, collect and take 4 d. in the pound from all foreign goods coming to the city, and being taken from the same, from 1 June for two years, in the manner in which such grants were made to them by the king's letters patent.

By p.s.

74

26 September 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Badele Walter Baddeley, esquire , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside there in his service.

By bill of p.s.

75

10 October 1395 . Westm' Westminster . For a general attorney .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Badeley Walter Baddeley , who is going to Aquitaine by the king's licence, nominating Chamberleyn Ralph Chamberlain , and John Sumpter , alternately.

Wakeryng John Wakering, clerk , received the attorney as far as the return of [Badeley] to England.

76

28 August 1395 . Suthwell' Southwell .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Henry de Percy , the son, who is going to Gascony in the king's service, nominating Thomas [Arundel], Ebor' archbishop of York and John [Waltham], Sar' bishop of Salisbury .

John Scarle, clerk , received the attorneys as far as Percy's return to England.

77

Same as above

The same Henry [has letters of attorney], nominating Henry de Percy, earl of Northumberland , and Thomas de Percy, kt .

The same John received the attorneys. 1

1.
The dating clause and note of the receipt of warranty is shared with the following entry.
78

Same as above

The same Henry de Percy , the son, [has letters of attorney], nominating Ralph de Percy, kt , and Thomas Knayton .

The same John received the attorneys. 1

1.
The dating clause and note of the receipt of warranty is shared with the previous entry.
79

12 May 1396 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation .

Inspeximus of letters patent of the king's uncle John of Gaunt, duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster, in these words:

18 May 1395 . Bordeux Bordeaux .

Grant by John [of Gaunt], duke of Guyenne and Lancaster , earl of Derby , Lincoln and Leicester , steward of England , to Lion, de Johan du Lion , for his good service, of 40 Francs of gold each year, to be taken each year for life, from the profits and revenues of the fines from his court before his judge of Gascony, by the hands of the assessor, or other collectors or receivers of fines, for and in the name of his constable of the castle of Bordeaux. If the profits and revenues are insufficient to pay the sum, then he is to have as much as is able to be levied of the sum. It is ordered to the assessors, or the collectors or receivers to pay the 40 Francs per annum to Lion or his proctor, they receiving letters of recognizance acknowledging payment. He orders to his constable of Bordeaux, his auditors of accounts of his officers and ministers of Aquitaine to make due allowance in their accounts.

The king approves, ratifies and confirms the grant for himself and his heirs, in as much as he is able, according to the form and effect of the tenor of the letters.

By p.s., and for one mark paid into the hanaper.

80

28 April 1396 . Westm' Westminster . For a safe-conduct .

To all admirals etc.

Letters of protection and safe-conduct for half a year, for the count of Sancerre , 1 Buteiller Guillaume le Bouteiller, kt , the chamberlain of the king's father , and Master Nicol Nicole de Rance, counsellor of the king's father in Parlement , with 120 mounted men in their company, sent to Aquitaine for the regulation of the truce lately made between the king's father 2 and the king, and the repair and correction of anything done against its tenor. The king wishing them to have safe passage has received them, and also their horses, goods, property and equipment into his safe and secure conduct, and protection to go and stay ther, and to return home, and orders that they be maintained, protected and defended, and it should not be permitted for them to be injured, troubled, damaged, be subject to violence, arrested, impeded, or in any way harmed. If they have forfeited anything or suffered any injury, then it is to be duly corrected without delay.

By K.

1.
Louis de Sancerre (d. 1402), marshall of France.
2.
The references to the 'king's father' in this entry, are to King Charles VI, who had become father-in-law of Richard II, by his recent marriage to his daughter Isabella.
81

26 April 1396 . Westm' Westminster .

Commission to Henry de Percy, the younger, kt , kinsman of the king , William de Elmham, kt , and Master Ralph de Selby, doctor of both laws , or two of them, to proceed, if the French will agree without trouble, without going to the place covered by the truce, into other places that they consider expedient, according to the power form and effect of the king's other letters directed to them.

Lately the king gave them the commission to ascertain and proceed on the control of the truce in Aquitaine as was more fully contained in letters patent on this, and further in truces both old and new between the king and France which were made and agreed on amongst other things, and it was agreed that these commissioners should in regard to being in charge of the truce, go to the places that the truce concerned, as is more fully contained in the truce.

By K. and C.

82

20 June 1396 . Westm' Westminster . For a protection .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Provost Galhart Prévôt , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

Year 20 of the reign of Richard II

83

24 February 1397 . Westm' Westminster . For the duke of York . 1

Grant for life, by letters patent, by the king's special grace, to his uncle, Edmund [of Langley], duke of York , of the Mouretaigne super Gyrond' castle of Mortagne in Aquitaine.

By p.s.

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

For protections.

84

7 July 1396 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Gourney Matthew de Gournay, kt , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

85

11 July 1396 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Master Henry Bowet, clerk , archdeacon of Lincoln , constable of Bordeaux , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of the king's uncle John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

86

20 July 1396 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation .

It is established by the king by inspection of the chancery rolls of King H[enry III], late king of England, the king's progenitor, that the same king, made letters patent, in these words:

3 August 1237 . Westm' Westminster .

Inspeximus by Henry [III], king of England , lord of Ireland , duke of Normandy and Aquitaine , count of Anjou , of letters patent of King John, father of the king, in these words:

No date.

To all bayles and faithful subjects.

Grant by John, king of England , lord of Ireland , duke of Normandy and Aquitaine , count of Anjou , to his law-worthy men of Entre-deux-Mers , that they should have all the liberties and free customs which they had from the time of Henry [II], king of England , the king's father, and King Richard , his brother.

The king grants and confirms this for himself and his heirs.

It is also established by the king by inspection of the chancery rolls of the Lord E[dward], late king of England, son of King H[enry], his progenitor, that the same Lord E[dward], made his letters patent, in these words:

30 May 1289 . Cundat Condat .

Grant by Edward [I], king of England , lord of Ireland , and duke of Aquitaine , to his inter duo Maria men of the land of Entre-deux-Mers , or the king's prévôts that from those who are bound to the king or his prévôt of the same land in albergades , 1 that the albergades should be received from them by the prévôt, or others in his name, in the places or villages in which it was anciently accustomed to be received, once each year with three mounted men, and three on foot, provided that they are supplied with suitable food and other necessaries. It was also granted by the letters to all the inhabitants of the prévôté that there ought to be from then on in the prévôté under the prévôt, eight foot serjeants who should not receive pay for the albergades , but if they wish only their food, unless the king or the seneschal of Gascony, for legitimate causes, thought that a different number should be had as time went by.

The king grants and confirms these letters according to the tenor of the presents. 2

For forty shillings paid in the hanaper.

1.
An 'aubergade' or 'albergade' was a "droit de gîte" (right of shelter) that the lord or his representative could request from a tenant.
2.
For a later revocation of this confirmation, see entry in C 61/105 .

For safe-guard.

87

4 August 1396 . Cantuar' Canterbury .

To all prévôts of the duchy of Aquitaine, and their lieutenants, seneschals, mayors, jurats, officers, ministers, and other faithful subjects and lieges of those parts.

Letters of protection, granted to Pey [Dubosc], Aquen' bishop of Dax , the king receiving him, his household, houses, property, goods and chattels, moveable and immoveable, into his special defence, security and safe-keeping, as the king, wishes to preserve him from injuries, oppressions and violence. The king orders that they should protect, maintain and duly conserve the bishop from injury, violence, damage, oppressions, harm and novelties, and defend him in the just and due possessions which he and his predecessors were anciently peacefully found. If it is requested by the bishop, or anyone in his name, then the safe-guard is to be publicly proclaimed with prohibitions and injunctions against those who would contravene it.

88

28 August 1396 . Cantuar' Canterbury .

To the same.

Letters of protection, granted to Pey [Dubosc], Aquen' bishop of Dax , the king receiving him, and his church, and the rights, jurisdiction, liberties and privileges of the same, the vicars, officers, people, members of his household, tenants, bayles and other ministers, and also his castles, manors, lands, demesnes, tenements, vineyards houses, property, goods and chattels, moveable and immoveable, and possessionshouses, property, goods and chattels, moveable and immoveable, into his special security and safe-keeping, as the king. The king orders that they should maintain, protect and defend them, and not to permit any injury, trouble, violence, damage, oppressions, impediments or harm to be done, and if any forfeiture or injury has been suffered by them, then it is to be duly corrected and put right.

By K.

For pardons of tributes.

89

11 December 1396 . Westm' Westminster .

Pardon, remise and quitclaim until Michaelmas next to Almaric, Rupe Cauardi Aymeric[II] de Rochechouart, kt , 1 of the duchy of Aquitaine of all tributes ( paticia ) or ransom in any way due to the king from his lands, lordships, men and tenements in the duchy on account of the war between the king and his father. The king does not wish Aymeric or his men or tenants to be disturbed, troubled or harmed by him, or his ministers on his behalf, on account of the tributes or ransom. 2

By K.

1.
lord of Mortemart . On him, a French partisan, see Rochechouart, L. V. L., Histoire de la maison de Rochechouart , I (Paris, 1859), pp. 37-47.
2.
For a related entry, see entry in C 61/105 .
90

Same as above

Rupe Focandi Guy de la Rochefoucauld has similar letters patent in Aquitaine under the same date.

By K.

91

Same as above

And it is ordered to all of the captains and governors of the towns and fortalices of Bouteville , Chales Chalais , Petit Montignat Montignac-le-Petit , Mussidani Mussidan , le Ropayre Brunet le Repaire Brunet , Mont Real Montréal , Montagrer Montagrier , Corbussin Courbefy , Bessous and Moruscle , and each of them, that Guy [de la Rochefoucauld] , and his men and tenants, should be quit of the tributes ( paticia ) and ransom according to the tenor of the king's letters, and they should not permit them to be troubled contrary to the tenor of the same letters.

By K.

92

Same as above

And it is ordered to all of the captains and governors of the towns and fortalices of Bouteville , Corbussin Courbefy , Seint Johan Descole Saint-Jean-de-Côle , Moruscle , Montagrer Montagrier and Bessous and each of them, that Almaric Aymeric[II][de Rochechouart] , and his men and tenants, as above.

By K.

93

26 January 1397 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Trailly, kt , mayor of Bordeaux , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

94

18 January 1397 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for William Scolehall , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, in the company of Greilly Archambaud de Grailly, seneschal of Aquitaine , to reside there on the safe-keeping of those parts.

By bill of p.s.

95

13 March 1397 . Westm' Westminster . For the abbot and convent of Sainte-Croix of Bordeaux.

Order to the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , and his lieutenants in Aquitaine, and also the seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux, that the abbot, convent and each monk of Sainte-Croix, or their proctors, or successors, for themselves and their rent-paying tenants ( arendatores ), or those receiving a lease from them of their vineyards, tithes and agrières ( agreria ) and other rents pertaining to them or their benefices, should be free and quit of the customs on wine, without making any payment of custom in the castle of Bordeaux, according to the tenor and effect of the privileges granted to them by the king's father, which were confirmed by the king. And moreover it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux that any deposits received by him from them, or from anyone for the customs of that wine should be returned without delay, the king not wishing to hear of this complaint again.

The abbot and convent of Sainte-Croix, Bordeaux had stated to he king's father, the prince of Wales , that they and their predecessors on behalf of themselves, their rent-paying tenants ( arendatores ), or those receiving a lease from them of their vineyards, tithes and agrières ( agreria ) and other rents pertaining to them or their benefices, both by grants by the grace and favour of the princes and progenitors of the king's father, kings of England and dukes of Aquitaine, to the abbot and convent, and their church, and by their ancient liberty and custom from time immemorial, sold their wines coming from their own vineyards or agrières ( agreria ) or rents and tithes to merchants or to other persons, free and exempt and without any payment of customs in the king’s castle of Bordeaux every year. However, the constable of Bordeaux who then was, on the king's father’s behalf ignored and refused this liberty. The abbot and convent requested a remedy from the king's father, especially since thay had informed the king of their liberties. The king's father wishing to follow the example of his predecessors and respecting the devotion which they had for the church of Sainte-Croix which was founded and endowed from their gifts to redeem the sins of him and his progenitors, in letters patent ratified their tax arrangements and instructed the constables of Bordeaux not to interfere with their enjoyment, but to return any deposits made for the tax on the wines. The king has confirmed the contents of these letters of his father to the abbot and convent just as was contained in the king's father’s letters patent, and established by inspection of the Chancery Rolls. Now the abbot and convent have reported to the king by their grave complaint, that the current constable of Bordeaux appointed by the king's uncle the duke of Aquitaine, is continuning to levy the taxes above.

For the mayor, jurats and community of Libourne.

96

20 March 1397 . Westm' Westminster .

To the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , and his lieutenants in Aquitaine, and the seneschal and constable of Aquitaine, and also all other officers and ministers of the king and his uncle in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Order to permit the mayor, jurats and community of Liburnia Libourne to use and enjoy the liberties and privileges contained in the letters granted them by Edward [of Woodstock], late prince of Aquitaine and Wales , the king's father, and the confirmations of them by letters patent, by E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, and by the king himself.

97

24 March 1397 . Westm' Westminster .

To the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , and his lieutenants and the seneschal in Aquitaine, and also the constable of Bordeaux, the barons, mayors, prévôts, bayles and all other officers and ministers of the duchy.

Order, the king wishing to show his favour to the mayor, jurats and community of Liburn' Libourne , to permit them to use and enjoy all the liberties, quittances and privileges granted to them by the king's progenitors, and confirmed to them by the king, and also those newly granted to them by the king, according to the tenor and effect of the king's charters, and those of his progenitors, just as they and their predecessors and ancestors were justly and reasonably accustomed to use and enjoy them.

98

13 June 1397 . Westm' Westminster . For the vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality etc. of Bayonne .

Grant, by the king's special grace, to the vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality of Baion' Bayonne , that they, from the 1 June next, for the term of two years, in aid of the fortifying of the walls of the city, may levy four pence in the pound on all merchandise of whatever kind coming into the city from outside, and being taken out of it. The vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality can demise the subsidy, or a portion of it during the term, as often and to whomsoever they like for the payment of the king's money to them, as agreed by the vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality. It is provided that the vicar, échevins, hundred peers, community and generality should obey the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , as their true duke, doing the services owed to him which they had done to the king.

By K.

For Bertran de Paleyrac.

99

5 June 1397 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant, by the king's special grace, of a pardon to Palerac Bertran de Paleyrac, the son , born in Baion' Bayonne , of the suit of the king's peace because he, in his youth was brought up in the obedience of the French, and resided with various neighbours there. The king further grants to him all the goods and chattels which belonged to Bassatz Benveguda ( Bienvenue ) de Bazas , his mother, deceased, and left by her in the city of Bayonne, and removed to the town of Rupella La Rochelle , and which pertain to Bertran by hereditary succession after his mother's death.

By p.s.

100

Same as above

And it is ordered to all seneschals, mayors, prévôts, bayles and other officers of the king in Aquitaine, not to permit any damage, impediment or legal proceedings to be taken against Bertran [de Paleyrac] , contrary to the tenor of the king's letters.

By the same writ.

101

13 March 1397 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux .

Order to the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster , and to the judges of the king's court of sovereignty in Aquitaine , the seneschal of Gascony, the constable and procurator of the duke, and also the officers, ministers and servants of the king, and of the duke, in Aquitaine, that they are to forbid those having the government of cities, vills, places and castles in the duchy of Aquitaine, and also others having any fortalices and castles around the rivers of Geronde Gironde 1 and Dordoine Dordogne , and in other parts of the duchy, who have been imposing impositions and new customs, and about whom complaints have been made on behalf of the mayor, jurats and community of Burdeg' Bordeaux , from doing this on pain of forfeiture of all that they can forfeit, and they are to see to it that these impositions are revoked, and that they permit those travelling through their districts, and throughout the duchy, do so freely, just as they are accustomed to do according to their privilieges, paying only the customs, dues and tolls anciently accustomed to be paid.

The king has received the complaint of the mayor, jurats and community, that certain people having the government of cities, vills, places and castles in the duchy of Aquitaine, and others having fortalices and castles around the rivers of Gironde and Dordogne, and in other parts of the duchy, wishing to be enriched at other people's expenses, have imposed tolls, new customs and dues on the citizens, burgesses and inhabitants of the city for their wine, merchandise and goods which they transported through those districts, collecting and receiving them from those citizens, burgesses and inhabitants though they should be free of them by their privileges granted to them by the king's progenitors, and confirmed by the king, extorting the same to their great damage, for which they request remedy.

1.
The name Gironde refers here to the estuary of this name and the river Garonne up to La Réole.
102

16 March 1397 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation for Libourne .

It is established by the king by inspection of the chancery rolls of King E[dward III], late king of England, the king's grandfather, that the same king, by his letters patent, made in these words:

5 February 1358 . Westm' Westminster .

Inspeximus by Edward [III], king of England and France , and lord of Ireland , of letters of Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Wales, duke of Cornwall, and earl of Chester, the king's eldest son, in these words:

28 May 1356 . Burdeg' Bordeaux .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of king of England and France, prince of Wales , duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester , in return for their faithful service to the prince, and in answer to their petition that: first that they and their predecessors, to support their fortification, enclosure, necessities and other burdens have imposed taxes on measures of corn, wine, salt and other goods sold or loaded there, and they may now impose these charges with royal permission for the next thirty years from the day of the making of these letters, provided that the money is used for the fortification and enclosure of the town and other clear necessities and the levies are collected by two law-worthy men from the town chosen by the mayor and jurats who are to swear on the Gospels to collect them well and lawfully and expend them on nothing else;

Item the prince also wishes that law-worthy men chosen by the prince's father, the prince, or the seneschal of Gascony or the constable of Bordeaux, or their deputies, are to ascertain the title and nature of the holdings in land, houses and plots in the town are held in fee from their lord, the prince's progenitor and to the prince, by what title, and what payments and rents are due from them, so that each burgess and inhabitant of the town will be bound to pay the dues and rents to the lord each year, and the lord’s right will be observed;

And also the prince grants to the mayor and jurats that they are to have jurisdiction over weights and measures of corn, wine, salt, cloth, ulnage and everything else except for the weight of coinage; the weights and measures should be reasonably set as in other towns in the area and compared to the king’s exemplar in the town;

Also the prince grants at their request, that contracts and agreements between themselves and the burgesses of Saint-Émilion which provide that no vessel or ship whatever it is called is to unload at the port of Petra fixa Pierrefitte or at any other place within the jurisdiction of Saint-Émilion to carry or load wine or any other goods except at the port of Libourne , except for their own wines or wine from the vineyards of the burgesses or inhabitants of Saint-Émilion, just as is contained in letters of the king or a decree ( arrestum ) between them and the inhabitants of Saint-Émilion, or of their predecessors, and the inhabitants of Saint-Émilion or their predecessors, under the royal seals, and those of the towns, as they assert, and the letter, contracts agreements will be observed.

The prince grants to the petitioners that no subject of his of whatever rank or status can erect or make a sea coast from the above limits or elsewhere except by royal grace or that of the prince which leads to the loss or prejudice of the petitioners or their goods. The prince is aware that the sea coast extends from Solaccum Soulac and Talemone Talmont to Libourne but not further in regard to any shipwrecks or the loss of wine or other goods and merchandise, though some of the prince's subjects wish and insist, allegedly, in an insult to the prince’s majesty and usurpation of the prince’s right and jurisdiction, to erect and make a sea coast in their jurisdictions, to the manifest prejudice of the supplicants. 1

Also the prince grants to the petitioners that no royal baron nor any bayle or prévôt, nor officer or minister, nor the mayors or jurats of the towns may in future accept any false claims against the petitioners nor exercise jurisdiction over them or their goods except in cases of deeds known to have been done in their jurisdictions and the prince forbids it. All the above commands must be kept, saving the king’s majesty.

Inspeximus also of letters Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Wales, duke of Cornwall, and earl of Chester, the king's eldest son, in these words:

27 May 1356 . Burdeg' Bordeaux .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of the king of England and France, prince of Wales, duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester, considering their past and present service and weighing their losses and expense suffered in the Gascon War, and that their town was founded on such land that within their jurisdiction for half a Gascon league and more, because of the poor land, corn and vines will not germinate and produce fruit with the fertility they need, which as a result the prince's forebears gave them the ancient liberty of trading salt, enriching and supporting their livelihoods as follows: namely that from the place called le Bec Dambes Bec d'Ambès to Libourne, and not from Libourne to Brageriacum Bergerac , salt could not be sold or unloaded except in Libourne, and at the two fairs at the feasts of Saint-Vincent at the town of Burgum Bourg . The prince makes known that he approves the petition of the mayor, jurats and inhabitants of Libourne, and allow them to use salt as above. No-one is to contravene this order.

Inspeximus also of letters Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Wales, duke of Cornwall, and earl of Chester, the king's eldest son, in these words:

31 March 1357 . Burdeg' Bordeaux .

Letters of Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Wales , the king's lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine, granting, at the request of the mayor and jurats, three fairs of 15 days each year, on Martinmas, at the beginning of Lent, and on St Nicholas day in May, if there is no such fairs at the same dates in Saint-Émilion or in other neighbouring towns. 2

The king ratifies and confirms the letters.

The king ratifies and confirms the letters.

For sixty shillings paid into the hanaper.

1.
The reference to sea coast ( costa maris ) here seems to refer to lordly rights to wreck, which should have extended only as far as Libourne up the Gironde estuary, and which was being unlawfully designated further upstream by lesser lords and communities in prejudice of the prince and the people of Libourne.
2.
See Guinodie, R. Histoire de Libourne , vol. I, pp. 43-7, 375-6.