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C 61/140 32 Henry VI (1453-54)

Introduction.

Following on from the calamitous events at the end of the preceding regnal year, with the defeat and death of John Talbot, earl of Shrewsbury, the king’s lieutenant in Aquitaine, at the battle of Castillon on 17 July 1453, the position of the surviving Anglo-Gascon party became untenable. Very quickly Bordeaux was besieged by the Franco-Gascon army, and the Gironde was blockaded by French ships acting out of the port of Lormont close to Bordeaux itself, so that no relief of the city from England was likely. By October 1453 the English led by Roger, lord Camoys, the seneschal of Aquitaine negotiated a withdrawal and surrender of the city with Jean V, lord of Bueil, a former companion of Joan of Arc, who was admiral of France. The city finally surrendered on 8 October 1453. Although Charles VII was to deal harshly with the rebel Gascons, the negotiated surrender allowed the English to withdraw, and those Gascons who did not wish to accept French rule to sell up and depart into exile. The roll itself tells us nothing of the events of the siege and surrender of Bordeaux, and nor should we expect it to, but the entries contained in the roll do allow us to glimpse the English administration’s initial responses to the defeat of Talbot, but also the working out of the new situation over the course of the year. ¹

From the very first entry it is quite evident that the English government were preparing for the relief of Bordeaux and the reinforcing of the English position in the duchy. In the very first entry, dating to 12 September 1453, William Bonneville, a west country knight, was appointed as the king’s lieutenant in the duchy. ² This is followed by two protections for individuals who were to accompany William Pecche, kt, to Aquitaine. ³ Bonneville’s appointment is clearly a response to the death of Talbot, and a recognition of the need for a new lieutenant to lead the English cause in the duchy, however the protections are a different story, for Pecche was part of a force that had mustered in August 1453 to go to relieve Bordeaux, and which was never to sail ostensibly because of a lack of shipping. ⁴ Clearly there was a will to continue the struggle on the part of the English government, but not the means to bring it about.

As noted above the remainder of the roll deals with the working out of the new situation with the loss of the duchy, and all this meant for Gascon exiles, English and Gascon merchants, and those who had ransoms to pay.

It is very evident on this roll that quite a number of Gascons had either found themselves stuck in England at the time of the loss of Bordeaux, or had chosen or had been forced into exile because of the French victory. Several Gascons, such as Galhart de Laroque, who seem to have been settled in England, but who continued to have family ties in Gascony, obtained licences to return to Aquitaine with their property. It would seem that they took the decision not entirely because of their family ties, but rather on the financial judgment that they would have to give up too much to maintain their loyalty to Henry VI, Laroque stating that he had nothing to live on in England. ⁵ Quite what other Gascon exiles were receiving is less clear. Pey de Béarn, and Francès de Montferrand, kt, lord of Uza, who was one of 20 Gascons exiled by Charles VII on the surrender of Bordeaux, and whom it was noted was ‘greatly impoverished’, simply received protections for a year. ⁶ Other Gascons, such as Bernat Sourniac, late of Bordeaux, clearly from mercantile backgrounds, had taken a more proactive position, and had obtained licences to take goods in English ships to trade in Aquitaine. ⁷ They were readily granted the same because of the losses they had sustained in remaining loyal to the king. Galhart IV de Durfort, lord of Duras, was rewarded in a more substantial and generous manner. In addition to a two year protection he also received a grant of 100 l. a year, to be taken at the receipt of the exchequer until he was restored to his lordships, or received other compensation. ⁸ Durfort had set out to the king how he had defended his castles, including Blanquefort, against the French army, and had only surrendered them when he was forced to do so after the fall of Bordeaux in return for a safe-conduct. For Pey de Taste, dean of Saint Seurin in Bordeaux, an exile who had been in England since 1449, and who had become the leading Gascon voice in Henry VI’s English council, made plans for his future in England. He received a licence for six months with John Bower, citizen and merchant of London, to take goods and merchandise in an English ship to Bordeaux to sell the same, and then to recover the dean’s debts and goods, and buy other goods and merchandise to return to England. ⁹

Despite the loss of Bordeaux, it did not take long for matters of trade to override the political and military position. From as early as 27 October 1453, the king issued a safe-conduct for Estèbe de Laroque of Bayonne to come to England, and a slow trickle of other safe-conducts were issued throughout the remainder of the regnal year to Bayonne ships and merchants. ¹⁰ At the same time the king was issuing licences to English merchants and others to go to Aquitaine, principally Bordeaux to trade. Of course, the grant of a licence did not mean that trade resumed quickly, but it does indicate that despite the duchy of Aquitaine being securely in French hands, mercantile links between the duchy and England were maintained. That there were very real risks is revealed by the licence granted to William Chattock, citizen and fishmonger of London. ¹¹ Chattock’s licence was granted in part because Chattock had requested that he could go to Bayonne to bring back his kinsman, one Robert Chattock, who was being held in prison in Bayonne. Robert Chattock had gone to Bayonne in a ship of Looe to trade under a safe-conduct but had been arrested, along with the ship and merchandise, because the safe-conduct was considered inadequate, and he was being held for ransom of 2,000 saluts.

Others seeking licences to go to Aquitaine to trade had other motives as well. Gervase Clifton, kt, a former treasurer of Calais, who had accompanied Talbot to Aquitaine in 1452, serving as captain of the garrisons of Libourne, Saint-Emilion and Castillon, and apparently being in Bordeaux at its surrender, clearly had business interest and goods to settle in Bordeaux for himself and others, for his licence, granted on 22 December 1453, was in part to allow him ‘to bring legal action for various goods and merchandise’. ¹² In a similar manner Talbot’s widow Margaret Beauchamp received a licence for a Gascon merchant called Johan Bergognat to go to Bordeaux in two English ships of Fowy and Looe, in part to bring back the goods and property of the late earl, as well as other goods and merchandise. ¹³ Other English merchants received licences combining trade with the recovery of goods and property left in Bordeaux in January and March 1454. ¹⁴

As we have seen from the Chattock example above, licences were granted in part so that negotiations for the release of prisoners held to ransom could be undertaken. Some further examples are worthy of citing. The first was that granted to Roger Attwell and William Butt. They were kinsmen and friends of John Dey, Thomas Pyke and John Bull, and the licence goes on to record that the three were with Talbot in Aquitaine, and were captured and held to ransom, ransoms they cannot pay. ¹⁵ Unlike Dey and his companions, John Stevens, merchant, had perhaps been more fortunate. Like the others he had been captured in Aquitaine, but he had been able to obtain letters of safe-conduct for six months from Jean V, lord of Bueil, who, as we have seen, was the French commander who negotiated in the surrender of Bordeaux in October 1453, that set him free to return to England so that he could arrange the payment of his ransom. ¹⁶ The licences granted to Richard Godwin, merchant, and John Bonifant show that they were in similar positions as Stevens. ¹⁷ Their licences seem to reveal that they were actually captured at Castillon itself when Talbot was killed, so that they were either in his army or in the garrison of Castillon. Instead of having obtained safe-conducts from the French, though they may perhaps have had them as well, they had left pledges behind, and the licences granted by the king were to enable them to return to the duchy and redeem their pledges. In all four of these examples trade was being undertaken principally as a means of paying the ransoms of prisoners, and not for personal gain. One could be forgiven for asking why the English army seems to have had so many merchants amongst its number, many of whom actually seem to have been with the army, but it is easy to forget that armies require transport, victuals and replacement equipment, and some of this was being supplied by English merchants, who then shared in the fate of the army. The role of English merchants is set out very clearly in one entry concerning David Cely, a member of the important London merchant family, who also had strong connections with Calais. In one of the licences granted to Cely, it is recorded that it is granted ‘for the great costs and expenses that he has incurred in the king’s service with his ship in the victualling and stocking of the [duchy of Aquitaine]’. ¹⁸

Although the English government would find it difficult to accept the loss of the duchy, and clearly had not given up on the possibility of its recovery, however unlikely the reality of this was, the business contained in the Gascon rolls from this time onwards, became a record of continued mercantile links robbed of administrative responsibility.

Simon J. Harris.

1.: For a detailed discussion of this situation, see Vale, M.G.A., English Gascony 1399-1453: A Study of War, Government and Politics during the later stages of the Hundred Years' War , (Oxford, 1970), especially chapters IV, pp. 114-131, & VI, pp. 216-221.
2.: entry 1 .
3.: entry 2 & entry 3 .
4.: Vale, English Gascony , pp. 151-2.
5.: entry 17 & entry 17.1 .
6.: entry 8 & entry 32 .
7.: entry 40 , entry 46 & entry 48 .
8.: entry 8 & entry 31 .
9.: entry 15 . The dean remained in England until his death in 1468.
10.: entry 7 , entry 9 , entry 11 , entry 12 , entry 13 , entry 25 , entry 33 & entry 34 .
11.: entry 39 .
12.: entry 17 . Clifton received an additional licence purely for trade only a month or so later on 19 January 1454 entry 19 . For details of his service, see Vale, English Gascony , pp. 140, 142, 232, 240 & 241.
13.: entry 22 .
14.: entry 27 & entry 29 .
15.: entry 23 .
16.: entry 35 .
17.: entry 41 & entry 54 .
18.: entry 38 .

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12 September 1453 . Westm' Westminster . For the appointment of [William] Bonneville as king's lieutenant of Aquitaine . ¹

Appointment during pleasure of William Bonneville of Chuton' Chewton , kt , as king's lieutenant of the duchy of Aquitaine. ²

By p.s. and of the date etc.

1.: A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.: Like many entries beginning the later Gascon Rolls, this entry includes the king's full style.

For protection.

2: 12 September 1453 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for a quarter of one year, for Pylbergh William Pilbergh of Sandewyche Sandwich , merchant , alias William Pilbergh, late of Colchester , mercer , or by whatever other name he is known as, who is going in the king's service in the company of William Pecche, kt , to Aquitaine, and staying there on the safe-keeping and defence of the same duchy.

3: 12 September 1453 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for a quarter of one year, for Alysaunder Peter Alexander, citizen and turner of London, alias Peter Alexander of London, turner , or by whatever other name he is known by, who is going in the king's service in the company of William Pecche, kt , to Aquitaine, and staying there on the safe-keeping and defence of the same duchy.

4

24 September 1453 . Westm' Westminster . For Arnaut Macanan . ¹

Grant to Makanan Arnaut Macanan, esquire, originating in Burdegall' Bordeaux , on account of the service done by him, and to be done by his successors, of the castle and lordship of Curton with its appurtenances. To have, hold and possess by the king's gift for the term of his life, whatever the vlaue is, paying the homages, rights and duties due for this to the king. The king orders his lieutenant general in the duchy, and also the men of the king's council in Bordeaux, the seneschal of Aquitaine, the constable of Bordeaux, and the justices and officers of the king, or their lieutenants, to see to it that Macanan into actual possession, and permit him peacefully to enjoy it for his life, not withstanding the gift made by the king to the mayor, jurats and community which they were disatisfied with, and that after that country was recovered for the king, they did not ask for a confirmation of the same.

In November 1449 when the lands, lordships and possessions which Luis de Beaumont, called the Lalpheritz de Navarre alférez of Navarre , had in the Aquitaine and elsewhere in the king's realm and lordships, were confiscated into the king's hands, because Beaumont committed the crime of lèse-majesté, as is well known, because he treacherously handed over the king's town and Mauleon de Soule castle of Mauléon to the king's adversaries, which town and castle the king had committed to him, the king, by his special grace, by his letters patent, for certain reasons contained in those letters, granted in perpetuity to the Burdegall mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux , the land, castle and lordship of Curton with their rights and appurtenances, situated in the country of Burdegall' Bordelais in the Entre-deux-Mers , which formerly belonged to Beaumont. However, the king has learned that the mayor, jurats and community were not pleased with the gift, and lately when the adversary of France usurped that country these places were given to other people, and now that they are back in the king's obedience, the lieutenant gave the castle and lordship of Curton with its appurtenances to be guarded and kept by other people obedient to the king with the issues and emoluments.

By K. etc.

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

5

30 December 1453 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence for William Carver, to carry merchandise .

Grant to Kerver William Carver, merchant of the city of London , at his request, of a licence that he, in person, or by his agent or attorney, is able to charge a certain ship of 400 tuns capacity or less with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, and take it to the duchy of Aquitaine, and sell the goods and merchandise there, and load the ship with other goods and merchandise, and return to England. Carver requested the same, and for certain reasons, the request being placed before the king in chancery, the king has granted the same, and the king, does not wish that Carver, or his agents or attorney, should be troubled or harmed by the king or his heirs, or his officers or ministers, provided that Carver answers to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues for the goods and merchandise.

The following people have similar letters patent of the king, for ships of the following capacity, under the same date, and for the same times, namely:

5.1: Same as above

Makenan Arnaut Macanan, esquire , for a certain ship of capacity of 400 tuns or less.

5.2: Same as above

Pouke John Pouk of Bristol , merchant , for a certain ship of capacity of 320 tuns or less.

5.3: Same as above

John Maylegwyn of Bristol , merchant , for a certain ship of capacity of 400 tuns or less.

6

21 April 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to Durafort Galhart [IV] de Durfort, kt , lord of Duracium Duras and Blanquafort Blanquefort , for his good service, by the advice and with the assent of the king's council, of 100 l. a year to be taken at the receipt of the exchequer, from the treasurer or the chamberlains of England, at Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions until Durfort is restored to his lordships in the duchy of Aquitaine, or receives some other compensation. Durfort has expounded lamentingly to the king and his council, that in the present year, when the French adversary occupied the duchy of Aquitaine against God and justice, he wished to remain loyal to the king, and stocked his castles and fortalices with men and victuals, and was besieged in Blanquefort by the counts of Clarmont Clermont ¹ and Fuxo, de Foix , ² the lords of Labreto, de Albret , ³ of Dorball Orval , ⁴ Scarallia Poton de Xaintrailles , and many other captains and a great army, but was able to make such resistance that they were unable to take the places. Durfort was able to hold the place [of Blanquefort], and his other castles, lands and lordships until Burdegalen' Bordeaux was captured by the enemy, and compelled Durfort by force to hand the same over in return for a safe-conduct, whereby he is destroyed and totally disinherited, and has come to England to seek remedy.

By p.s., and of the date etc.

1.: Jean II de Bourbon , count of Clermont-en-Beauvaisis (now called Clermont-de-l'Oise), duke of Bourbon from 1456.
2.: Gaston IV de Foix , count of Foix and lord of Béarn (1436-1472).
3.: Charles II d'Albret , lord of Albret from 1415 to 1471.
4.: Arnaut-Amaniu d'Albret (d. 1463), son of Charles II d'Albret.

7: 9 March 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For safe-conduct .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for a certain ship called le Marie of Baion' Bayonne of 240 tuns capacity or less, of which Mymonyn' Menjonin de Monségu or Boske, de Bertran Dubosc is master, to come to England loaded with goods and merchandise, and with four merchants and 60 crew, and their property and equipment, equipment for war only excepted. They are to be able to stay, unload the ship, sell the goods and merchandise, and reload the ship with other goods and merchandise that they have bought, and return to their own parts. They are to be able to return to England as often as they like within the term of the safe-conduct freely, and without any form of impediment. Proviso only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues, and that the merchants, masters and mariners conduct themselves well towards the king and his people, and do not do anything to their prejudice or damage, and that they present these letters without delay to captains, mayors or governors of any castles, fortalices or towns where they enter or land. It is also provided that if any of the merchants, masters and mariners infringe the safe-conduct, the king does not wish the others to be prejudiced or damaged by this, only the one who has made the infringement.

By K. and C.

8: 19 July 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For safe-conduct .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for Bern' Pey de Béarn , who originated in the duchy of Aquitaine, who relinquished all of his goods which he had in the king's duchy at the time of the loss of the city of Bordeaux because of his continued loyalty to the king. He is now residing in England, and is to be safe and secure within the king's jurisdiction with two servants, and his goods, property and equipment, and is to be able to come and go without trouble, impediment or harm, provided he conducts himself well towards the king and his people, and does nothing to their prejudice or damage.

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9: 27 October 1453 . Westm' Westminster . For safe-conduct .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for la Reque Estèbe de Laroque, of the city of Baion' Bayonne , merchant , whom the king has received into his protection by the advice of his council, that he and a certain ship called la Marie of Baion' Bayonne , of capacity of 200 tuns or less, of which Suharre Martin de Suhare is master, with two other merchants, and three servants, and the mariners, and with their merchandise, goods, chattels and equipment can come into England and the other lands, lordships and territories of the king, reside there, unload their merchandise, trade with it, and depart with their ship charged with other goods and merchandise, and do this as often as they like during the term of the safe-conduct, any statute, ordinance, restriction or proclamation that are made, or any marque, counter-marque or reprisal that are granted by the king notwithstanding, without any disturbance, arrest, trouble or impediment from the king, his officers, ministers and subjects. Proviso only that Estèbe and the master, merchants, servants and mariners conduct themselves well towards the king and his people, and do not do anything to their prejudice or damage, and they pay the customs, subsidies and dues to the king.

By p.s., and of the date, by the authority of parliament.

For a licence to take wheat.

20 November 1453 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals.

Grant of a licence to Chattok William Chattock and Makenham Arnaut Macanan , merchants of London, and Juan de Barollo , merchant of Navarre that they are able to take the wheat, herring and hake that has been discharged at Plymmouth Plymouth in whatever Spanish ships and other ships that they can find, to Hispann' Spain ¹ or to the town of Sanctus Johannes de Luke Saint-Jean-de-Luz . On behalf of Chattock and the others it has been shown to the king that wheat, herring and hake that had been loaded on to a ship called le Laurence of Hull , and other ships, and which was destined for Burdegal' Bordeaux for the victualling of the king's subjects there, and which, because the city has fallen into the hands of the king's adversaries, the masters and mariners of those ships have discharged the cargo at Plymouth which will be to the great damage of the merchants unless the king shows them his grace. The king orders the admirals to permit the merchants to load the wheat, herring and hake on to their ships and take them to their parts, freely and without impediment, and without the impediment of the king or his heirs, or of his officers. ²

1.: It meant the kingdom of Castile.
2.: For a later licence for Chattock, see entry 39 .

11: 14 December 1453 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct until 24 June next, for a certain barge called le Floure of Baion' Bayonne of 80 tuns capacity or less, of which Arnard Guilhem-Arnaut is master, to come to England, and the king's other lordships, jurisdictions and territories loaded with its goods, merchandise, and equipment, the master and 24 crew. They are to be able to stay, unload the ship, sell the goods and merchandise, and reload the ship with other goods and merchandise, provided it does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, and return to their own parts. They are to be able to return to England as often as they like, [letters of] marque, counter-marque and reprisal that the king has or will grant notwithstanding. Proviso only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues, and that the merchants, masters and mariners conduct themselves well towards the king and his people, and do not do anything to their prejudice or damage, and that they do not seek to enter any of the king's castles, fortalices or towns without first presenting these letters to the captains, mayors or governors of them.

By K. and C.

12: Same as above

As above, for a certain barge called le Clement of Baion' Bayonne , of 100 tuns capacity or less, of which Gerre, de Johanicot d'Aguerre is master, [to bring] various goods and merchandise etc. as above mutatis mutandis .

By K.

13: Same as above

As above, for a certain barge called le Marie Marticot of Baion' Bayonne , of the 120 tuns capacity or less, of which Peres Juan Pérez is master, [to bring] various goods and merchandise etc. as above mutatis mutandis .

By K. and C.

14

19 December 1453 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence to carry .

Grant to John Shipward of Bristoll' Bristol , merchant , at his request, of a licence that he, in person, or by his deputies, is able as often as he likes to charge a certain ship called le Kateryne of Bristoll' Bristol of 300 tuns capacity or less with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, and take it to Ispann' Spain ¹ and Aquitaine, and sell the goods and merchandise there, and load the ship with other goods and merchandise that he has bought, and return to England. The king being favourably inclined to the request, has granted the same, and the king, does not wish that Shipward, or his deputies, should be troubled or harmed by the king or his officers or ministers, provided that Shipward answers to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues for the goods and merchandise.

1.: It meant the kingdom of Castile.

15: 11 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence to carry .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence for six months, to Tastar Pey de Taste, dean of the Sanctus Severinus collegiate church of Saint-Seurin by Burdegal' Bordeaux , and John Bower, citizen and merchant of London , that they or either of them in one English ship of 200 tuns capacity or less, the name of which is to be given to the king in chancery within a month, can carry various English goods and merchandise, wheat only excepted, to Burdegal' Bordeaux , and sell that merchandise there. They should recover the debts and goods of the dean there, and with those and other goods and merchandise return to England. The admirals are ordered to permit the dean and Bower to go to Bordeaux, and to return again without impediment, or that of the king or his other officers and ministers.

16

9 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence to carry .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence for six months, to Selly David Cely , that he can take a certain ship called le Cristofre of 200 tuns capacity or less, loaded with Cely's goods and merchandise to Burdegal' Bordeaux . The admirals are ordered to permit Cely to go with the ship to the city without impediment of the king or his officers. ¹

1.: For a later licence granted to Cely, see entry in C 61/143 .

17

9 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to Aquitaine .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence at his request to la Rook Galhart de Laroque , who originates in Aquitaine, and who is now in England , that he can go to Aquitaine with his goods and property, the king being favourably inclined to grant the same because he married there and has various immoveable goods in dower there, and he has nothing to live on in England. The admirals are ordered to permit Laroque to go there with his goods and property without any impediment, provided that no damage or prejudice can come to the king or his subjects from Laroque or by his procurement.

The following have similar letters patent of the king under the same date, namely:

17.1: Same as above

Ugong John Hugon , Coraw Pey du Courau , Johan Loup , John Botell and Serey Pey du Sirey .

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18: 22 December 1453 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence to ship .

To all admirals etc.

Grant, at the request of Clyfton' Gervase Clifton, kt , of a licence to William Byrd the younger , merchant , that he is able to go with a certain ship called la Marie of Novum Castrum super Tynam Newcastle upon Tyne of 200 tuns capacity or less, which is presently in the port of Plymmouth' Plymouth , of which Richard Tomson is master, to Burdegal' Bordeaux to bring legal action for various goods and merchandise of Clifton's and others there, and return to England. Order to the admirals to permit Byrd to go there with the ship, and return to England freely and without any impediment.

19: 19 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to Bordeaux .

Grant, by the king's special grace, of a licence to Clyfton' Gervase Clifton, kt , that he can take a certain ship called la Marie of Cales' Calais of 100 tuns capacity or less, at present in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , of which John Bristowe is master, with the master and 26 mariners and also other merchandise, victuals of every kind excepted, to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , to bring legal action for various goods and merchandise of Clifton and others there, and to return to England with other goods and merchandise. The admirals are ordered to permit Clifton to take the ship with the master, mariners and merchandise to Bordeaux freely and without impediment.

20

18 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to the duchy of Aquitaine .

Grant, to Robert Johnson , at his request, of a licence until 24 June next that he, in person or by his factors or attorneys, can take a certain ship called le Martyne of London of 80 tuns capacity or less, loaded with goods and merchandise, provided it does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to the duchy of Aquitaine, sell those goods and merchandise there, and return to England with the ship charged with other goods and merchandise. The king does not wish that Johnson or his factors or attorneys, or the master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king or his heirs, or the king's officers or ministers, provided only that Johnson answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues. ¹

1.: For an earlier licence for this same ship, see entry in C 61/141 .

21

Same as above For a licence .

Grant, to la Vernha Berthomiu de Lavergne , at his request, of a licence until 24 June next that he, in person or by his factors or attornies, can take a certain ship called le Stephen of Plymmouth' Plymouth of 150 tuns capacity or less, of which Stephen Riche is master with goods and merchandise etc. as above mutatis mutandis . ¹

1.: For other licences granted to the same individual, see entry in C 61/143 and entry in C 61/143 . Parts of the entry have been written over an erasure.

22: 21 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to Bordeaux .

To all admirals etc.

Grant, at the request of Margaret [Beauchamp], widow of John [Talbot], late earl of Shrewsbury , of a licence for six months to Breconyak Johan Bergognat, merchant , that he can go to Burdegal' Bordeaux with two English ships, one of which is called la Cok John of Fowey , and the other is called la John of Lough Looe , both being of 200 tuns capacity or less, loaded with woollen cloth and other merchandise, which does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, and sell it there, and reload the ship with other goods and property of the late earl, to be brought back to his widow in England, and with other goods and merchandise as well, and then return to England. The admirals are ordered that they permit Bergognat to go and return freely and without impediment, provided that he does nothing prejudicial or damaging to the king, his realm and people, and he pays the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king.

23: 22 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to Aquitaine .

Grant of a licence for one year to atte Well Roger Attwell and Butte William Butt , kinsman and friends of John Dey , Thomas Pyke and Bulle John Bull , who were taken and are being held for ransom by the king's adversaries, that they, in person or either of them, or by their deputies or agents, can go as often as they like during the term of the letters with a certain ship called le Kateryne of Dertemouth Dartmouth of 120 tuns capacity or less, of which Neweman John Newman is master, or a certain ship called le Marie of Dertemouth Dartmouth of 160 tuns capacity or less, charged with goods and merchandise, which does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Aquitaine or to the king's kingdom of France, and sell the goods there, or deliver them to the king's adversaries for the delivery of Dey, Pyke and Bull, reload the ship with other goods and merchandise, and return to England, or elsewhere within the king's jurisdiction. The king does not wish that Attewell and Butt, or their deputies or factors, should be troubled or harmed by the king or his heirs, or the king's officers or ministers, provided only that Attewell and Butt answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues. It has been humbly shown to the king how Dey, Pyke and Bull were in the company of John [Talbot], late earl of Shrewsbury , in the duchy of Aquitaine, and were captured by the king's adversaries, and have been held for ransom, which they are not able to pay. Attewell and Butt are able to take and goods and merchandise for their delivery if they have a licence.

24

31 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning a licence [to go] to Aquitaine and Brittany .

Grant of a licence for one year, to Gylberd Otto Gilbert, esquire , ¹ at his request, that he, in person or by deputies, in a certain ship of 100 tuns capacity or less, as often as he wishes during the term of these present letters, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais , to Aquitaine or Brittany , and sell the goods and merchandise, and buy other goods and merchandise there, and load it onto the ship and return to England. The king does not wish that Gilbert or his deputies, or the master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that Gilbert answers to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues.

1.: Otto Gilbert (d. 1494), lord of Compton Castle (Devon).

25

31 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For safe-conduct .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for Contees Thomas de Contis , Bernat de Pontac , Guillem Arremon, Casamageo, de Guilhem-Ramon de Casamajou and Maisanevo, de Estèbe de Masounave , merchants, that they are able come into England with one ship called le John of Baion' Bayonne , ¹ of 200 tuns capacity or less, of which Cassave Estèbe Cassabé and Moyes, Aguilles, de Guilhem Moys d'Aiguille , are masters, loaded with goods and merchandise, and with four agents, and also the masters and 60 mariners or fewer, and their property and equipment, as often as they wish during the term of the safe-conduct, and stay there, and sell their goods and merchandise, and buy other goods and merchandise, and return to the duchy of Aquitaine, freely and without impediment, any marque, counter-marque or reprisal granted by the king notwithstanding. Proviso only that Contis and the others answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and dues, and that they conduct themselves well towards the king and his people, and without doing any damage or prejudice to them. It is also provided that if any of the merchants, masters and mariners infringe the safe-conduct, the king does not wish the others to be prejudiced or damaged by this, only the one who has made the infringement.

By K. and C.

1.: A ship called in Gascon lo Johan .

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26

11 February 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence for [Johan de] Campagne .

Grant for one year, of a licence to Campaigne Johan de Campagne , la Mayson Johan de Lamaison and Oliver Servant , originating in the king's city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , at their request, that they, in person or by their deputies, can go in a certain ship called la Michaell of Dovorr' Dover of 80 tuns capacity or less, and another ship called the Kateryne of Dertemouth Dartmouth of 200 tuns capacity, loaded with goods and merchandise that does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Aquitaine as often as they like during the term, and sell those goods and merchandise there, and buy other goods and merchandise, load it on the ships, and return into England. The king does not wish that Campaigne and the others or their deputies, or the merchants, masters and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues. ¹

1.: The duration of the licence is written over an erasure.

27: 8 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence .

To all admirals etc.

Grant by the king's special grace, of a licence for three months to Willyam William William the elder , William William the younger , and John Clement , that they can go in a certain barge called Dertemouth' la Nicholas of Dartmouth of 200 tuns capacity or less, of which Mathewe John Matthew is master loaded with merchandise, all manner of victuals excepted, to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , to bring a legal case there for various goods and merchandise of the Williams and Clement and others, and to return to England with them and other goods and merchandise. The admirals are ordered to permit the Williams and Clement with the barge, master, mariners and merchandise to go to Bordeaux and return again freely and without impediment.

28: 30 January 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence to carry .

Grant of a licence for six months to Baldre William Baldrey of Gippewicum Ipswich , merchant , at his request, that he, in person or by his deputies, can go in a certain ship called le Mergret of Dryepooll Drypool in Holdernesse Holderness of 260 tuns capacity or less, loaded with goods and merchandise that does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Aquitaine as often as he likes during the term of the licence, and sell the goods and merchandise there, and buy other goods and merchandise there and reload the ships with them, and return to England. The king does not wish that Baldrey or his deputies, or the master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues.

29: 9 March 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence for six months to Baldre William Baldrey , at his request, that he, in person or by his deputies, can go in a certain ship called la Marye of Lynne Lynn of 300 tuns or less of which Thomas Talbot is owner, to the city of Burdegalen' Bordeaux to bring goods and merchandise belonging to Baldrey there back to England, and to return to England. The king does not wish that Baldrey or his deputies, or the master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues.

30: 12 March 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence .

Grant of a licence for one year to William Haydock, citizen and merchant of London , Peter Ape and John Capayn that they, in person or by their agents can go in a certain ship of 300 tuns capacity or less, loaded with goods and merchandise, not pertaining to the Cales' Calais staple, or unloaded, to Aquitaine, and sell their goods and merchandise there, and load the ship with other goods and merchandise, and return to England. The licence had been requested on Haydock's and the others behalf, and for certain reasons presented before the king in chancery, the king granted the same. The king does not wish that Haydock and the others, or their agents, or the master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king his heirs, or his officers or ministers, provided only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues.

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For safe-keeping.

31: 14 May 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent of protection for two years, granted to Dureford Galhart [IV] de Durfort, lord of Duras , as the king, for his good service, and because he has lost his goods and inheritance in the duchy by misfortune, and is greatly impoverished, has received him into his protection and safe-keeping, so that he can continue to reside in England with his men and servants, numbering twelve or fewer, and with his goods, property and equipment, travel by land and sea during the term of the safe-keeping without trouble, arrest or impediment from any of the king's lieges, ministers or officers being permitted, providing only that Durfort, his men and servants conduct themselves well towards the king and his people.

21 June 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent of protection for one year, granted to Mountferant Francès de Montferrand, kt , Dusa lord of Uza , ¹ as the king, for his good service, and because he has lost his goods and inheritance in the duchy by misfortune, and is greatly impoverished, has received him into his protection and safe-keeping, so that he can continue to reside in England with his men and servants, numbering twelve or fewer, etc. as above, providing only that Montferrand, his men and servants conduct themselves well towards the king and his people.

1.: He was among the 20 Gascon persons exiled by the king of France Charles VII when Bordeaux surrendered in October 1453. On him see Communay, E., Essai généalogique sur les Montferrand de Guyenne (Bordeaux, 1889), pp. XLVII-XLIX.

For safe-conduct.

20 July 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for a certain barge called le Clement of Baion' Bayonne , of 100 tuns capacity or less, of which Pernauton du Pieve ¹ is master, with its goods and merchandise, and equipment, and also the master and 24 mariners or fewer, to come into England, and stay there, and unload the barge, and load it with other goods and merchandise, provided it does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, merchandise, and return to the duchy of Aquitaine, any marque, counter-marque or reprisal granted by the king notwithstanding. Proviso only that the king is answered for the customs, subsidies and other dues, and that the masters and mariners conduct themselves well and honestly towards the king or his people, and without doing any damage or prejudice to them. It is also provided that they do not enter any castles, fortalices or towns of the king, without first showing the king's letters of safe-conduct to the captains, mayors or governors of the same place.

By p.s. and of the date etc.

1.: The name could alternatively be Pernauton 'du Pèbe'.

Same as above

Letters patent of protection and safe-conduct for one year, for a certain barge called le Floure of Baion' Bayonne , ¹ of 40 tuns capacity or less, of which le Guarschope Salvador [de Guashopo ] is master, loaded with goods and merchandise, etc. as above.

1.: It was in the Gascon of Bayonne 'le Flor' which meant 'the Flower'.

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35

24 July 1454 . Westm' Westminster . For a licence to carry merchandise .

Grant, by the king's special grace, of a licence for one year to John Stevens, merchant , that he, in a ship called le Barry of Fowy Fowey , of 300 tuns capacity, of which Hikkes Julian Hicks is master, can take whatsoever merchandise to the duchy of Aquitaine as often as he likes, provided it doesn't pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, without arrest or trouble from the king's officers, ministers or subjects, provided he pays the customs, subsidies and dues to the king on them.

Stevens was captured in the duchy of Aquitaine by the king's adversaries, and has been put to a substantial ransom. He has letters of safe conduct under the seal of the Buyll lord of Bueil ¹ for six months only within which time he is bound to pay his ransom, and without the king's special grace will not be able to pay the same, as the king has been informed. The king wishes to aid Stevens in gaining his delivery from prison, and has granted the licence for this.

By act of council and of the date, by the aforesaid authority of parliament.

1.: Jean V de Bueil (d. 1477) who had been formerly a companion of Joan of Arc . As admiral of France he obtained for the French the surrender of Bordeaux on 8 October 1453 with a treaty made with Roger, lord Camoys . The Englishmen had to be granted for free letters of safeguard by Bueil. See Le Jouvencel de Jean de Bueil , éd. C. Favre et L. Lecestre, vol. II (Paris, 1889), pp. 364-6.

For a licence to carry merchandise.

36: 24 July 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant, by the king's special grace, and by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Richard Grayell , and to Kerver William Carver, merchant , that they, in person or by their agents can take Grayell's ship called le Greet Gost of London , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Roger Truman is master, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to any part of the duchy of Aquitaine, sell the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise. The king does not wish that Grayell and Carver, or their agents, master and mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise. The king has granted this to Grayell for the great costs and expenses that he has incurred in the king's service with his ship, without any payment or recompense being made to him by the king.

By K. and C.

37: Same as above

Grant, by the king's special grace, and by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence [for one year] to Beleter Thomas Billiter, citizen and mercer of London , owner of the ship called le Margarete of Debenham , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Gascoyne Robinet Gascoigne is master, that he, in person or by his deputies or agents can take his ship loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to any part of the duchy of Aquitaine, sell the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise. The king does not wish that Billiter, or his deputies, agents or mariners should be harmed or troubled by the king, or his officers or ministers, as above mutatis mutandis . The king has granted this to Billiter for the great costs and expenses that he has incurred in the king's service with his ship, without any payment or recompense being made to him by the king.

By K. and C.

38: Same as above

Grant, by the king's special grace, and by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence [for one year] to Selly David Cely , owner of the ship called le Cristofre of Aisshe Saltash , of 200 tuns capacity or less, of which Nicholas Wander is master, as above mutatis mutandis . The king has granted this to Cely for the great costs and expenses, that he has incurred in the king's service with his ship in the victualling and stocking of the same, and in the conveyance of Kiryell Thomas Kirriell, kt , and in attending and labouring in the company of Wydevile Richard Woodville, Ryvers lord Rivers , without any payment or recompense being made to him by the king.

By K. and C.

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39

28 July 1454 . Grantham . For a licence to carry .

Grant, by the king's special grace, and by the advice of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Chattok William Chattock, citizen and fishmonger of London , that he can take an English ship of 400 tuns capacity or less, or two ships each of 200 tuns capacity or less, loaded with merchandise not pertaining to the staple, to Baion' Bayonne , unload the cargo and reload the ship or ships with other merchandise and return to England with Chattok Robert Chattock , his kinsman, who has been held in Bayonne as a prisoner, going there and returning as often as he likes during the term of the licence, without trouble from the king, or his officers or ministers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, and that no wheat is taken in the ship or ships from England to those parts. The king has granted this to Chattock at his humble request, for he has shown how Robert Chattock, lately went in a certain ship of Loo Looe in Cornub' Cornwall with goods and merchandise under a safe-conduct to Bayonne, and was taken and imprisoned there with the ship and merchandise because his safe-conduct was not adequate, and was placed under a ransom of 2,000 saluts, and has remained in prison from Christmas to his perpetual impoverishment unless the king provides a remedy. ¹

By p.s. and of the date aforesaid etc.

1.: For a later licence for Chattock, see entry 10 .

40: 29 July 1454 . Newark . For a licence to carry .

Grant of a licence for one year to Dabesac Bernat d'Abzac , that he, in person or by his agents and attorneys can take le James of Assche Saltash of 200 tuns capacity or less, of which William Tonker is master and owner, loaded with whatever goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux and Baion' Bayonne and parts of Aquitaine, and unload the goods and merchandise, and reload it with other goods and merchandise, and return to England , without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. The king has granted this to Abzac in consideration of all the goods and inheritance which he relinquished when the duchy was lost in favour of his loyalty to the king, and to aid and provide relief to him because he is on the point of impoverishment.

By K. and C.

41: 8 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to carry .

Grant of a licence for one year to Godewynne Richard Godwin, merchant , that he can take in a ship called la Marie Thomson of Lynne Lynn , of 180 tuns capacity or less, of which Richard Thomson of Lynne Lynn is master, and of which the same Richard Thomson and Fouler Henry Fowler are owners, loaded with any goods and merchandise whatsoever not pertaining to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux , and unload the goods and merchandise, and reload it with other goods and merchandise, and return to England, without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. The king has granted this to Godwin because, on his behalf, it has been shown that at the time John [Talbot], earl of Shrewsbury , was killed by the king's adversaries by the misfortunes of war, Godwin was captured and put to a great ransom, and for the faithful payment of which the same Godwin left pledges who are lieges of the king in the hands of the king's adversaries, and it has been humbly requested on Godwin's behalf that the king grant him the licence to cross with a ship to Bordeaux for the delivery of the pledges.

By K. and C.

42: 10 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant of a licence for one year to William Abraham, citizen and alderman of London , and to Thomas Hedelham of Novum Castrum super Tynam Newcastle upon Tyne that they, in person or either of them, or by their agents and attorneys, can go in a ship called le Barre of Fowy Fowey , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Hyk Julian Hicks is master, and of which Bonevile William Bonneville of Chueton Chewton , kt , and the same Hicks are owners, loaded with any goods and merchandise whatsoever not pertaining to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux and duchy of Aquitaine, and unload the goods and merchandise, and reload it with other goods and merchandise, and return to England, without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. The king has granted this licence at the request of Abraham and Hedelham who gave certain goods and merchandise of great value to certain inhabitants of the city of Bordeaux and the duchy, in the time that the city was in the king's obedience, but who have not received any payment, and these will be lost without the king's special grace.

For K. and C.

43

Same as above For a licence to take .

Grant of a licence for one year to William Abraham, citizen and alderman of London , and to Thomas Hedelham of Novum Castrum super Tynam Newcastle upon Tyne that they, in person or either of them, or by their agents and attorneys, can go in a ship called le Glene of London , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which [...] is master, ¹ and of which John Vache is owner, loaded with any goods and merchandise whatsoever not pertaining to the Cales' Calais staple, etc. as above until the end.

By K. and C.

1.: A space was left for the name of the master, but no name was entered.

For a licence to take.

27 July 1454 . Huntyngdon' Huntingdon .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Meed Philip Mead and Robert Ricard , that they, in person either of them, or by their agents and attorneys can take a certain ship called la Marye of Bristoll' Bristol , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Goteham Robert Gotham is master, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux , or in parts of Ispann' Spain , ¹ unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise. Proviso only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both those exported from England, and those imported into England. The king has granted this to Mead and Ricard at their humble request, for the great costs and expenses that they have incurred in the bringing of the city of Bordeaux back into the king's hands from the great power of the king's French adversary, and the great loss that they sustained about the same.

By K. and C.

1.: It meant the kingdom of Castile.

45: 27 July 1454 . Westm' Westminster .

[Grant of licence] as above, as far as or less, of which John Gilbert is master, and the said Robert [Ricard] is owner etc. as above to the end.

By K.

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46

16 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Surnyat Bernat Sourniac, late of Burdegal' Bordeaux , merchant , that he, in person, or by his agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called le James of Tynby Tenby , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Martyn Robert Martin is master, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux and Baion' Bayonne , or in parts of Ispann' Spain , ¹ and Sanctus Johannes de Luca Saint-Jean-de-Luz , unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. The king has granted this to Sourniac in consideration of all the goods and hereditaments which he gave up when the duchy of Aquitaine was lost, and he came to England in the king's faith.

By K. and C.

1.: It meants the kingdom of Castile.

47: Same as above For a licence to take .

Grant, as above, of a licence for one year to la Plassa Phélip de Laplace , Johan Gaucem and la Bernia Bertholomiu de Labernie , late of Bordeaux, merchants, that they, in person, or any of them, or their agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called le Andrewe of Plymmouth' Plymouth , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Walter Cok is master, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux or other parts of the duchy, unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only etc. as above.

By K. and C.

48: 16 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant of a licence for one year to Rosseu Ramon Rousseu , that he, in person, or by his agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called la Katerine of Plymmouth' Plymouth , of 65 tuns capacity or less, of which Boc Ellis Buck is master, and Buck and Rousseu are owners, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux and Baion' Bayonne , and elsewhere in the duchy, and Sanctus Johannes de Luca Saint-Jean-de-Luz , unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. The king has granted this to Rousseu in consideration of all the goods and hereditaments which he gave up when the duchy of Aquitaine was lost, and he came to England in the king's faith.

By K. and C.

For a licence to take

49: 21 August 1454 . Baynerdescastell' Barnard Castle .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Cosyn Richard Cousin , at his humble request, that he, in person, or by his agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called la Marie of Bristoll' Bristol , of 300 tuns capacity or less, of which Bud John Budd is master, and Thomas Talbot is owner, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux or elsewhere in the duchy of Aquitaine, unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship.

By K. and C.

50: Same as above

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Cosyn Richard Cousin , at his humble request, that he, in person, or by his agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called la James of Bristoll' Bristol , of 120 tuns capacity or less, of which John Davy is master, and Richard Weltofare is owner, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux or elsewhere in the duchy of Aquitaine, unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship.

By K. and C.

51: Same as above

[Grant of a licence] for one year, as above as far as his attorneys, and then a certain ship called le Galyot of Bristoll' Bristol , of 100 tuns capacity or less, of which Walter Howell is master, and William Bridde is owner [loaded] with goods etc. as above to the end.

By K. and C.

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52: 19 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Thrisk John Thirsk , Edmund Copindale and Thomas Etton , merchants and owners of a certain ship called le Laurence of Kyngeston super Hull' Kingston upon Hull of 230 tuns capacity or less, of which Jasper Beweser is master, at their humble request, that they, in person, each of them, or by their agents and attorneys, can take their ship loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux or elsewhere in the king's duchy of Aquitaine, unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that they do not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship.

By K. and C.

53: 16 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to Nevill' William Neville of Faucomberge , kt , that he, in person, or by his agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called la Marie of Novum Castrum Newcastle , of 140 tuns capacity or less, of which Mechelson Robert Mitchelson is master and owner, loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux , unload the goods, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship.

By K. and C.

54

29 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant of a licence for one year to Bonyfaunt John Bonifant , who was held for ransom by the king's adversaries, that he, in person or by his agents and attorneys, can go with a certain ship called la Katerine of Plymmouth Plymouth of 200 tuns capacity or less, of which Ryche Stephen Riche is master, and John Trous is owner, charged with goods and merchandise, which does not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux or elsewhere in the king's duchy of Aquitaine, and sell the goods there, reload the ship with other goods and merchandise, and return to England, without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that he answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that he does not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship. It has been humbly shown to the king how Bonifant, at the time that John [Talbot], late earl of Shrewsbury , was killed by the king's adversaries through the misfortune of war in the duchy of Aquitaine, was captured, and was held for ransom, for the payment of which Bonifant left Milet James Millett , one of the king's lieges, in the hands of the king's adversaries as pledge, and it is requested that Bonifant be granted a licence to take a certain English ship to Bordeaux for the delivery of his pledge, to which request the king is favourably inclined. ¹

1.: For another licence for Bonifant, see entry in C 61/141 .

55

16 August 1454 . Middelham Middleham . For a licence to take .

Grant, by the advice and assent of the king's council, of a licence for one year to John Spenser , Thomas Etton and William Hasand , at their humble request, that they, in person, each of them, or by their agents and attorneys, can take a certain ship called la Katerine of Hull of 120 tuns capacity or less, of which [...] is master, ¹ loaded with goods and merchandise that do not pertain to the Cales' Calais staple, to Burdegal' Bordeaux , unload the goods there, and return to England with the ship loaded with other goods and merchandise without trouble from the king, or his officers, provided only that they answer to the king for the customs, subsidies and other dues on the goods and merchandise, both on those that are exported out of England and imported into England, and that they do not take out any victuals, grain, horses, arms and armour in the ship, except for the reasonable victualling and defence of the ship.

By K. and C.

1.: A space has been left for the insertion of the name of the master, but none was entered.