The Gascon Rolls Project

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C 61/90 51 Edward III (1377)

Introduction.

The roll is amongst the shorter rolls for the last decades of Edward III's reign, and this should be of no surprise for it is for the 51st and final regnal year of the king's reign with Edward III dying on 21 June 1377, only some five months into that year. The roll also records the death of Edward of Woodstock, the king's oldest son, and, until 1372, prince of Aquitaine, in several references throughout the roll. ¹

The instability in the duchy continued to trouble the English administration. Two orders, the latter presumably intended to replace the former, were issued to Master Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux, and John Norbury to supervise the mustering of men-at-arms and archers in the king's pay in named garrisons throughout the duchy, and in the company of named lords including Archambaud de Grailly, the new captal de Buch. ² These entries are amongst the most explicit in the expression of concern for the adequate garrisoning of the key cities and towns of the duchy in this period. ³ Norbury had also been appointed as captain of the strategically important town of Libourne, and his roles in the duchy at this time were the start of a long career both military and in administration, that eventually found him as chancellor under Henry IV.

Turning to matters of trade, in this final roll of the reign there are far fewer licences granted to merchants to trade in the duchy amounting to five in total. In all of these cases these were granted to Englishmen to take wheat, beans and peas to Bordeaux, or Bordeaux and Bayonne. In three cases the licences were to export from Bridgwater, another from Lyme Regis and the last from Sandwich. ⁴ The English administration also showed attention to several Gascon cities and towns. In Bayonne, the citizens of the city in the time of Edward I had agreed to pay specified sums for customs on wine, and this had been the subject of entries in previous rolls. The constable of Bordeaux was ordered to receive this custom in accordance with the agreement. ⁵ For Libourne the king suspended a tax levied on the people there on their wine, a tax imposed by the king's son Edward of Woodstock. The people of Libourne complained that this was contrary to their liberties and privilege, and the suspension was to last for two years and thereafter until the king was certified on the truth of the matter. ⁶ In a similar vein the seneschal of Aquitaine was ordered to do justice to the people of Bourg on alleged abuses by the constable of Bordeaux preventing them from selling their wine and shipping it out of Bourg. ⁷ As befitting the largest city in the duchy, Bordeaux received most attention. The king confirmed his earlier grant permitting the citizens of Bordeaux to trade throughout the duchy paying the customary tolls, customs and charges, and giving them immunity from paying new impositions. ⁸ He also effectively renewed a grant that permitted a levying of 6 d. per pound on all goods over the value of 1 l. sold, loaded, exchanged or transferred in the duchy, the money to be used to repair the defences of the city. ⁹

Several subjects were rewarded for their loyalty. Two grants made by Thomas de Felton, the seneschal of Aquitaine, in favour of Pey Mercé, one of a Bordeaux custom and the other from the goods of rebels were confirmed by the king. ¹⁰ The grant made by Edward of Woodstock when he was prince to the Soudan of La Trau of the places of Montendre and Talmont, with their substantial rents, was also confirmed. This was a very generous grant to an important figure amongst the loyal Gascon nobility. ¹¹ A grant to Lop, lord of Saint-Julien and Sault of the baylie of Labourd was also generous, but was to have very longterm repercussions with legal suits continuing into the fifteenth century. ¹² The Buade family originating from Bergerac also did well from royal grants. Héliot Buade, who was then the castellan of Bergerac had the grant made to him by John of Gaunt of Maurens and the parish of Ginestet, ¹³ while his brother Reynaut received a grant of the lands of a rebel valued at 20 l. a year. ¹⁴ Perhaps the most significant grant was made to John of Gaunt himself. The king granted him the right to mint gold and silver coins in Bayonne, the castle of Guiche or wherever else he liked in the seneschalcy of Landes. Since this coinage could be anything other than coins of England or Aquitaine, one wonders what this could have been. It was perhaps a grant which would have allowed Gaunt to mint his own Castilian coinage, since he is everywhere within recent rolls styled as 'king of Castile and León'. ¹⁵

As has been seen in previous rolls, the number of judicial cases, principally appeals, that appear in the Gascon rolls, declined. In this roll only one case can be found, that brought by the men of Soule against Ramon de Miossens. ¹⁶ The case revolved around the right of the vicomtes and castellans of Mauléon to levy the tax called aubergades on the people. The tax was a payment in lieu of a right a lord could claim from his tenant for himself or his officials, and the men of Soule denied that they were bound to pay this. Despite this Miossens when he was castellan levied it, and refused to appear before the then seneschal when summoned to answer the complaint. The case was appealed by Miossens before Edward of Woodstock when he was prince of Aquitaine, but the judges that he assigned to hear it failed to reach a judgment, and the matter was alleged to have remained unresolved for fifteen years. The king gave Thomas de Felton, the seneschal of Aquitaine the authority to hear and determine the case. One other case with judicial overtones can be found on the rolls, and that is the pardon granted to Iter du Touron of Libourne. Touron had been banished from the town and the duchy for his role in the abduction of a widow, and his subsequent failure to answer his summons over the affair. ¹⁷

Jonathan Mackman & Simon J. Harris.

1.: The death is only registered in reference to the prince and his actions in the former principality (see entry 2 & entry 9 ).
2.: entry 14 & entry 25 .
3.: 19.
4.: entry 3 , entry 4 , entry 5 , entry 6 & entry 7 .
5.: entry 1 .
6.: entry 15 & entry 16 .
7.: entry 17 .
8.: entry 21 .
9.: entry 22 & entry 23 .
10.: entry 8 .
11.: entry 9 .
12.: entry 10 , entry 11 & entry 29 .
13.: entry 24 .
14.: entry 12 & entry 13 .
15.: entry 30 , entry 31 & entry 32 .
16.: entry 2 .
17.: entry 27 .

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Gascon Roll for the 51st year of the reign of King Edward III, of England after the Conquest, and the 38th of France.

1

31 January 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For the community of the city of Bayonne .

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

In the time of the king's grandfather, King Edward [I], the then mayor of the city of Bayonne and the consuls and jurats of that city granted the king and his heirs and successors various taxes on wine, which the king has since confirmed. ¹ However, the men of Bayonne have complained that the constable, intending to burden them and willfully interpreting the words of these grants wrongly and presuming the concessions to extend only to wines produced at Bayonne and not other wines, is now again compelling them to pay the ancient customs levied before these grants for those wines grown elsewhere and brought to or loaded in Bordeaux, to their great loss and contrary to the correct understanding of the grant and confirmation. The king wishes to assist them in this, on account of the great labours and service which they have done for the king, and because they have always remained faithful in their allegiance and obedient in their service and deeds, and he wishes to preserve the liberties and privileges granted to them by him and his ancestors, and protect them from undue injuries and wickedness.

By C.

1.: The entry proceeds to recite the grant, and the king's confirmation, for calendars of these, see above, entry in C 61/85 and entry in C 61/88 .

2

1 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For the men of the land of Soule .

Order to Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , to hear both the appeal and the principal matter of the cause pending between the men of Soula Soule and Ramon de Miossens , together with everything related to them, and to decide and determine it according to the laws, fors and customs of those parts, without grace, favour, hate or love, making due execution with the king's authority. The king's subjects, the men of the land of Soule, both noble and common, have shown that although neither the vicomtes of Malo Leone Mauléon or their ministers, nor the king's castellan after that land came into the king's hands, were ever accustomed or entitled to impose, extract or levy aubergades from them, ¹ nevertheless Ramon de Miossens, when he was the castellan of Mauléon, extracted and extorted this from them. The said men, believing themselves greatly burdened, caused Miossens to be summoned before Cheverston John de Chiverston, formerly seneschal of Aquitaine , to answer concerning these burdens, but Miossens refused then to appear. Chiverston, having gone through due process, adjudged that the said aubergades was levied unduly, and should not be levied further, but Ramon appealed this judgment before the king or his son, Edward, formerly prince of Aquitaine , now deceased. Judges were appointed for this appeal, but they have not determined it, and the matter has remained unresolved for 15 years, to the great expense and trouble of the said men, who have thus requested the king's aid. The king wishes that whatever Felton decides should stand firm, and that no further appeals should be allowed, before Felton or any other justices, this matter entirely superseding all other cases. All the king's officials, ministers, subjects and others in the said parts are to obey Felton in this matter and everything touching or pending upon it, and should offer assistance and favour as necessary, saving always the king's right in all things and in all respects. ²

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 related entries see entry in C 61/87 and entry in C 61/89 .

3: 13 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the transport of grain .

To all admirals, etc.

Licence to Ingelby Thomas de Ingleby of Briggewater Bridgwater , that he and his servants may load 200 quarters of wheat and 300 quarters of beans and peas into ships in the port of Briggewater Bridgwater and take them to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , buying other merchandise there to bring back to England. Before taking the said grain out of that port, he is to find sufficient security before the collectors of customs and subsidies in that port, by which the collectors may answer to the king that Ingleby will return with goods to the value of the said grain as quickly as possible, and that without fail he will bring letters from the mayor or other officers of either of the two cities, certifying the unloading of the grain, into chancery before the feast of All Saints next. Order that Ingleby and his servants be permitted do this for this reason, freely and without hindrance, having first found the said security and paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous ordinances, proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

Concerning the transport of grain.

4: 18 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster .

To the bailiffs of Bridgwater, and all and singular admirals and their lieutenants, collectors of customs and keepers of sea ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others.

Licence to John Cole of Bruggewater Bridgwater , at his petition, that he may load 300 quarters of wheat and 400 quarters of beans and peas into ships in the port of Bridgwater , and that he and his servants may take them to Burdegal' Bordeaux for the sustenance of the king's people resident there. Order that he should be allowed to do this, having provided security that he will not take this grain to any other place, under forfeiture of the cargo, and on condition that he brings letters from the mayor of Bordeaux certifying the unloading of the grain there into chancery by All Saints next, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

5: Same as above

Similar licence to Cartere Thomas Carter , to load 300 quarters of wheat and 400 quarters of beans and peas in the same port, to take to the same place in the same form.

6: 20 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster .

To all and singular admirals etc.

Licence to Haule John Hauley and Herry Richard Harry , at their request king, that they and their servants may buy 100 quarters of wheat and 600 quarters of beans and peas in the counties of Somerset , Dorset and Devon , load them into ships in the port of Lyme Lyme Regis , and take them to the cities of Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne for the sustenance of the king's people resident there. Prestecote John Prestcote and Berye John Berry of Devon have personally stood surety that Hauley and Harry will take this grain to Bordeaux or Bayonne and nowhere else, and will bring letters from the relevant mayor, attesting to the unloading of the grain, into chancery within half a year of that unloading. Order that they be permitted to do this without hindrance, having first paid the customs, subsidies and other moneys due, any previous order to the contrary notwithstanding.

7: 18 April 1377 . Westm' Westminster .

Licence to Thomas Horseman and Andriu Brun , burgesses of Burdeg' Bordeaux , that they and their servants may buy 400 quarters of wheat and 30 quarters of beans and peas in the county of Kent , load them into ships in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , and take them to Burdeg' Bordeaux , for the sustenance of the king's people there. Order that they [be permitted to transport] the said grain, as above, mutatis mutandis .

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8: 8 April 1377 . Shene Sheen . For confirmation .

Inspeximus and confirmation of letters patent of Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , to Pey Mercé, clerk :

30 October 1375 . Bourdeux Bordeaux .

Grant for life under the seal of his office by Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , to Mercier Pey Mercé, clerk , for his past and future good service to the king, of the custom of cooking pots, pots and other earthenware goods ( oles potz et autre ourage de terre ) levied by the king at Bordeaux, with all profits and emoluments. Order to the constable of Bordeaux , or his lieutenant, to put Mercé or his proctor in possession and seisin of this, allowing him to use and enjoy it peacefully, according to the tenor of these letters.

Also, inspeximus of further letters patent, as follows:

30 December 1376 . Bourdeux Bordeaux .

Grant for life, under the seal of his office, by Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Gascony , to Pey Mercé, clerk , for the great pain and suffering he has endured for the king and his past and future good service, of the rents, revenues and all other rights and dues which Mote de Milham Guilhem-Ramon Lamothe de Meilhan , the king's enemy and rebel, and his heirs, who are also rebels, had and ought to have in the Bourdeloys Bordelais before his rebellion, worth between 45 l. and 50 l. of current money in rent in peacetime, rendering to the king liege homage and all other rights which pertain to him. Order to the prévôt and the executor (' exequteur ') of Bordeaux to put Mercé or his proctor in possession and seisin of these rents, rights and dues, and the profits and revenues, allowing him to use and enjoy them peacefully, according to the tenor of these letters, and ensuring that his subjects obey and attend to him duly and diligently.

The king confirms these letters and everything within them for himself and his heirs.

By K. and C.

9

12 April 1377 . Westminster . For the soudan of la Trau .

Confirmation to the soudan of La Trau Soldano de la Trawe , kt , of letters patent of Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Wales , deceased, made when he was prince of Aquitaine, granting to him the place of Mountendre Montendre with appurtenances, the annual rents of which do not exceed 280 l. , to have to him and his heirs in perpetuity, in compensation both for the great losses which his father had suffered in his place of Dedone Didonne , which the king's enemies have destroyed, as well as the wages owed to him, which amount to a large sum; and also the place of Thalamond Talmont[-sur-Gironde] , the rents of which do not excede 300 l. of the money of that land, to have to him and his heirs in compensation for the custom of Royan, which was accustomed to be taken by his ancestors. The king, wishing to provide for the security of the said soudan, confirms these grants for himself and his heirs, as contained in the prince's letters. ¹

By C.

1.: For the petition, existing in duplicate, for which this seems in part to be the response, see TNA SC 8/166/8294 and SC 8/209/10433.

10

12 April 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For Lop, lord of Saint-Julien.

Grant by the king's special grace to Lop, lord of Seint Julian Saint-Julien and Saut Sault , for his past and future good and faithful service, of the la Bourc baylie of Labourd , with the jurisdiction and all profits and appurtenances, to hold the same for the term of his life, rendering nothing to the king or his heirs. ¹

By K.

1.: For a related inspeximus , see entry in C 61/107 . For an entry concerning legal issues over this grant, see entry in C 61/107 . For an order to permit Lop de Saint-Julien to have the baylie, see entry in C 61/107 . For further related entries, see entry 29 , entry in C 61/91 , entry in C 61/94 , entry in C 61/109 , entry in C 61/109 , entry in C 61/111 , entry in C 61/114 , entry in C 61/NaN . For a related petition probably of the early part of the reign of Richard II, see TNA, SC 8/141/7045.

11: Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and the constable of Bordeaux to place the said Lop in possession of the baylie with its jurisdiction, and of all appurtenances and profits, without delay, and to guard and defend his possession against all others for the term of his life as necessary or as requested by Lop or his proctor.

For Reynaut Buade.

20 April 1377 . The palacium nostrum Westm' palace of Westminster .

Grant to Buada Reynaut Buade , brother of the castellan of Bragerak Bergerac , ¹ for his past and future good service in the wars, and as compensation for the damages and depredations he has sustained in the wars, of the lands and hereditaments formerly of Guiraut de Lambert , wherever they may be in Aquitaine, which have been confiscated and forfeited into the king's hands on account of Lambert's treachery in placing the king's enemies in the place of Mischidem Mussidan , valued at 20 l. a year. He is to hold these, with all rights and appurtenances, for the term of his life, with reversion after his death to the king and his heirs.

By K. on the information of John, king of Castile and León.

1.: Hélias (or Héliot) de Buade was castellan of Bergerac at this time. A place called Buade is situated in com. Ginestet (arr. Bergerac, dép. Dordogne).

13: Same as above

Order to the seneschals of Aquitaine and Perregork Périgord and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to place Reynaut [Buade] in possession of the said lands and hereditaments without delay, according to the tenor of the king's letters, defending his possession for the term of his life, and removing any who unjustly detain them.

14

22 April 1377 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the supervision of the muster of men at arms in Aquitaine .

Order to Master Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux , and John de Norbury that, having read these letters, they immediately take and supervise the muster of men-at-arms and archers, and certify to the king and his council concerning the muster and the number and sufficiency of the said men. The king, by the advice of his council, had ordered that certain men-at-arms and archers should remain for a certain time at the king's wages in certain cities and towns and with various lords of Aquitaine namely: in Burdegal' Bordeaux , 40 men-at-arms and 20 archers; in Brigerak Bergerac , 30 men-at-arms; in Seynt Foy Sainte-Foy[-la-Grande] , 20 men-at-arms; in Seint Milon Saint-Émilion , 20 men-at-arms; in Leybourn Libourne , 30 men-at-arms; in Burgh Bourg , 30 men-at-arms; in Langon , 30 men-at-arms; in Seint Macaire Saint-Macaire , 30 men-at-arms; in Seint Syvers Saint-Sever , 40 men-at-arms; in the Akes castle of Dax , 30 men-at-arms; in Salveterre Sauveterre[-de-Guyenne] , 30 men-at-arms; in Mount Sugure Monségur , 20 men-at-arms; in Créon , 20 men-at-arms; in Morteyn Mortagne[-sur-Gironde] , 20 men-at-arms; with the lord of Missynden Mussidan , ¹ 40 men-at-arms; with the lord of Osegenge Audenge , 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Duras , ² 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Rosane Rauzan , ³ 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Mountferaunt Montferrand , ⁴ 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Pomiers Pommiers , 30 men-at-arms; with the seneschal of Gascony , 60 men-at-arms; and with the seneschal of Bayonne , ⁵ 60 men-at-arms. The king also ordered that the captains, constables or keepers of these cities and towns, and these lords, together with Rotour and Norbury, should fully and openly certify to the king and his council, via his clerk, Lumbard Thomas Lombard , concerning the sufficiency and number of these men-at-arms, and has assigned Rotour and Norbury to take and supervise this muster, and to certify via Lombard as to the number and sufficiency of the men-at-arms and archers, together with the names of the captains, constables or keepers and the lords and seneschals aforesaid. The captains, constables or keepers, and the people of the cities and towns, and the lords and seneschals, are to ensure that the men-at-arms and archers appear before Rotour and Norbury and certify with them concerning their number and sufficiency aforesaid, and are to be intendant upon them in all matters, advising and assisting as requested. ⁶

By C.

1.: Ramon II de Montaut .
2.: Galhart II de Durfort .
3.: Guilhem-Ramon de Madaillan .
4.: It is unclear from the context whether this is the lord of Montferrand in the Bordelais or the lord of Montferrand-du-Périgord.
5.: i.e. the seneschal of the Landes whose seat was at Bayonne. This was William Elmham at this period.
6.: For a near identical entry but with variant towns and individuals where the soldiers are placed, see entry 25 .

For the mayor and jurats of the town of Libourne.

15: 22 April 1377 . Westminster .

To the seneschal of Gascony, the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, and all other officers and ministers.

Grant to the mayor, jurats, burgesses and inhabitants of Lyborn' Libourne that the tax of 10 s.guien on each tun of wine loaded into ships and boats in the port of their town, obtained by the king's son Edward when he was prince of Aquitaine, shall be suspended for two years, and after that until the king is certified concerning his rights and whether he should have the tax. The people of Libourne have complained that this tax was levied contrary to the liberties and privileges granted to them by the king and his progenitors, to their great damage and impoverishment, and the king wishes to help them on account of their great service, unyielding labours and the many burdensome expenses suffered by them. Meanwhile they should continue to pay the customs on loading wines at Burdeg' Bordeaux and elsewhere in Gascony, and all other customs and tolls anciently due to the king and his heirs, this present grant notwithstanding.

By C.

16: Same as above

Order to the constable of Bordeaux, or his lieutenant, to permit the mayor, jurats, burgesses and inhabitants [of Libourne] to be quit and exonerated from the tax of 10 s.guien. on each tun of wine loaded into ships and boats in the port of Lyborn' Libourne for two years, and after that until the king is certified concerning his rights, according to the tenor of the king's letters. They are not to permit them to be troubled or disturbed contrary to the tenor of those letters, meanwhile, as above.

By C.

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17

26 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor, jurats and community of the town of Bourg .

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine to examine the case of the mayor, jurats and community of Borc Bourg , and to do justice to them according to the decision of parliament, so that they do not have cause to complain further on this. On behalf of the mayor, jurats and community it has been shown by their petition in the present parliament that they and their ancestors have always been accustomed to sell the wines from their vineyards and possessions, and to load them into ships in or before their said town, paying the ancient customs. However, the constable of Bordeaux has recently proclaimed that no ships or merchants may load wines into ships except at Burdeg' Bordeaux and Baionam Bayonne , to their great damage and manifest disinheritance, such that they can barely live or sustain their poor estate, and request that the king will wish, of his benign grace, to grant that ships may come and load, and merchants should be able to buy wine in the town of Borc Bourg , paying the ancient customs and tolls as were accustomed to be paid before the said proclamation and prohibition. This has been considered in parliament, and it was ordained that the seneschal should examine the matter and do justice, so that the petitioners should have no reason to complain further. ¹

1.: For the petition to which this grant refers, see SC 8/290/14462.

18: 3 March 1377 . Westminster . Concerning [safe] conduct .

Letters of safe conduct until 1 November 1377 to Hubauc Fouquet Hubaut, clerk of Roger de Beaufort , to go to Gascony with two men in his company, by land and sea, stay there and return to England.

By C.

19: 12 March 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Northbury John Norbury of Cestr' Cheshire , captain of the town of Leybourne Libourne in the lordship of Aquitaine, who is going overseas in the king's service, to stay there in defence of the same town.

By bill of p.s.

20

23 March 1377 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the arrest of ships .

Order to Thomas Beaupyne of Bristoll Bristol ¹ and Hembrugg' Richard Hambridge, king's serjeant-at-arms , to arrest three sufficient ships in the port of Bristoll Bristol or wherever they may find them in any port in Cornub' Cornwall , Devon, Somers' Somerset or the parts of Wall' Wales , and take them to the port of Bristol with all speed. They are also to choose 50 men-at-arms and 50 mariners for each ship, wherever they may find them, so that the ships may set out to Aquitaine at the king's wages. Anyone who refuses is to be arrested and detained in prison until the king orders otherwise. They are to attend to this with all diligence, executing these orders in the said form, and the mayor and sheriffs of Bristoll' Bristol and all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs and ministers of the said places are to assist them as required.

By C.

1.: Beaupyne was a prominent Bristol merchant, MP for Bristol on various occasions between 1373 and 1393, and for Somerset in 1390.

21

26 March 1377 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning confirmation .

Confirmation of letters patent that it has been shown to the king by examination of the rolls of his chancery that he had previously caused to be issued in these words:

25 June 1359 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to the mayor, jurats, citizens and inhabitants of Burdegal' Bordeaux , on account of their great and faithful service, that they may go wherever they please with their merchandise within the duchy of Aquitaine, trading and doing business to their own profit, paying the customary tolls, customs and charges, and that they should not be compelled or bound to pay any new impositions granted by the king or his ministers, any such new impositions being revoked entirely.

The king has confirmed everything contained in these letters for himself and his heirs, under the following conditions; namely that they should pay to the constable of Bordeaux all taxes and other impositions due from all wines and other goods bought from the king's enemies since [the outbreak of] the present war, and which they might buy henceforth during the war, just as the king's enemies would pay if they take wines and other goods to Bordeaux, since none of the king's lieges should trade with the king's enemies without his licence, except according to the form of any truces; and also, while the king has previously granted, in aid of his lieges of Bordeaux, that for a certain term of years wines of the Haut-Pays ( haut pais ) should not be brought down [to the city] until after Christmas each year, his lieges should not hamper or perturb the delivery of those wines in any way, to the damage and diminution of the king's customs and other profits and moneys. ¹

By K. and C.

1.: For a confirmation of this by Richard II, see entry in C 61/100 .

For the mayor, jurats, etc of Bordeaux concerning the grant of 6 d. in the pound.

26 March 1377 . The notre paleys de Westm' palace of Westminster .

[in French]

Grant by the king's special grace under the great seal, and by the advice of the king's council, to the mayor, jurats, burgesses and community of Burdeux Bordeaux , on account of their loyalty and their great suffering during the present war, and so that they may better be able to sustain their charges to the king, that they may take and levy 6 d. per pound from all persons, and all merchandise worth more than 1 l. of the local currency sold, loaded, exchanged or in any way transferred from one to another within the said city or its banlieue, and from all people making contracts there, namely 3 d. from the vendor and 3 d. from the purchaser. This is to last for two years, to begin when the messenger of Bordeaux or these letters patent first reach the city. Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and all other officials to allow the said mayor, jurats and community and their successors to use and enjoy this grant for the said two years without hindrance, provided that during the said term they do not disturb the wines coming down from the Haut-Pays after Christmas, saving in all ways the liberties and privileges previously granted by the king to the said people, and provided that the money thus levied should be spent on the fortification of the city and not on any other use, by the survey and control of the constable of Bordeaux. ¹

By K. and C.

1.: For an earlier grant to which this was effectively an extension, see entry in C 61/88 . For a confirmation of this grant, see entry in C 61/91 .

23: Same as above

[in French]

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to attend to the said survey and control in the manner aforesaid, such that the king may be certified as he pleases.

24

20 April . Westminster . Concerning confirmation .

Inspeximus of letters patent of the king's son, John [of Gaunt], formerly the king's lieutenant in Aquitaine, in these words:

15 December 1373 . The castle of Bergerac.

Letters patent of John [of Gaunt], Castelle, Legionis king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , Bragerac lord of Bergerac and lieutenant of the king in Aquitaine , granting to Buada Héliot Buade , ¹ for his good service both past and future, of the place and jurisdiction of Maurenxs Maurens , with all homages, jurisdictions, high and low authority and complete and shared jurisdiction, together with all the profits and emoluments pertaining to it, and also of the Genescet parish of Ginestet , with the profits and emoluments pertaining to it, to have, hold and possess to him and the heirs of his body, with all rents and other dues, lands, vineyards, meadows, woods, houses, taxes (' guait '), or manors or other things pertaining to the said place, jurisdiction and parish, making liege homage to John and his heirs. Order to the bayle of Bragerac Bergerac to place Buade, his proctor or his attorney in possession of the said place, jurisdiction and parish, and allow him to enjoy this peacefully, as these letters state.

The king confirms this gift and grant, and everything contained in these letters, for himself and his heirs.

By K. on the information of John, king of Castile and León, duke of Lancaster.

1.: Héliot (or Hélias Buade) was then castellan of Bergerac.

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28 April 1377 . Westminster . Concerning the supervision of the muster of men-at-arms .

Order to Master Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux , and Northbury John de Norbury that, having read these letters, they immediately take and supervise the muster of men-at-arms and archers, and certify to the king and his council concerning the muster and the number and sufficiency of the said men. The king, by the advice of his council, had ordered that certain men-at-arms and archers should remain for a certain time at the king's wages in certain cities and towns and with various lords of Aquitaine namely: in Burdeg' Bordeaux , 40 men-at-arms and 20 archers; in Brigerak Bergerac , 30 men-at-arms; in Seint Foy Sainte-Foy-la-Grande , 20 men-at-arms; in Seint Milion Saint-Émilion , 20 men-at-arms; in Leybourn Libourne , 30 men-at-arms; in Burgh' Bourg , 30 men-at-arms; in Langton Langon , 10 men-at-arms; in Seint Macaire Saint-Macaire , 30 men-at-arms; in Seint Syvers Saint-Sever , 40 men-at-arms; in the Akes castle of Dax , 30 men-at-arms; in Salveterre Sauveterre[-de-Guyenne] , 30 men-at-arms; in Monségur, 20 men-at-arms; in Créon , 10 men-at-arms; and in Morteyn Mortagne-sur-Gironde , 20 men-at-arms; with lord Greylly Archambaud de Grailly, captal de Buch , 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Logoyran' Langoiran , ¹ 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Lesparre , ² 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Mussynden Mussidan , ³ 30 men-at-arms; with the lord of Osegenge Audenge , 20 men-at-arms; with the lord of Duras , ⁴ 20 men-at-arms; the lord of Rosane Rauzan , 20 men-at-arms; the lord of Mountferant Montferrand , ⁵ 20 men-at-arms; the lord of Pomiers Pommiers , 20 men-at-arms; with the seneschal of Gascony , 60 men-at-arms; and with the seneschal of Bayon' Bayonne , ⁶ 60 men-at-arms. The king also ordered that the captains, constables or keepers of the aforesaid cities and towns, and these lords, together with Rotour and Norbury, should fully and openly certify to the king and his council, via his clerk, Lumbard Thomas Lombard , concerning the sufficiency and number of the said men-at-arms, and has assigned Rotour and Norbury to take and supervise this muster, and to certify via Lombard as to the number and sufficiency of the said men-at-arms and archers, together with the names of the captains, constables or keepers and the lords and seneschals. The captains, constables or keepers, and the people of the said cities and towns, and the lords and seneschals, are to ensure that the said men-at-arms and archers appear before Rotour and Norbury and certify with them concerning their number and sufficiency aforesaid, and are to be intendant upon them in all matters, advising and assisting as requested. ⁷

By the great council.

1.: Bérart III d'Albret .
2.: Florimont de Lesparre .
3.: Ramon II de Montaut .
4.: Galhart II de Durfort .
5.: It is unclear from the context whether this is the lord of Montferrand in Bordelais or the lord of Montferrand-du-Périgord
6.: The seneschal of the Landes whose main seat was Bayonne. It was William Elmham at his period.
7.: For a near identical entry but with variant towns and individuals where the soldiers are placed, see entry 14 .

26: 28 February 1377 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year for Thomas de Myton, controller of Burdegal' Bordeaux , who is going to Gascony in the king's service, to stay there in the same service to perform his office.

By bill of p.s.

Concerning a pardon for Itiero del Toron

5 May 1377 . Westm' Westminster .

To all the king's bailiffs and other both in England and in Aquitaine and elsewhere.

Pardon to Toron Iter du Touron of Lyborn Libourne for his actions in relation to the treasons and offences of Arnaut Bernon, and from his forfeiture and banishment, granting him the king's peace and restoring to him whatever of his goods have been taken into the king's hands in relation to this matter. The king understands that Brenon, Bergoin Arnaut Bernon, alias Bergunh , had previously requested marriage with Peyrona Teyendeyra , a widow of Libourne , but the marriage was obstructed by certain people of that town. Afterwards Arnaut, by trickery, took the keys to certain gates of the town, opened them by night and took the said woman away against her will, for which the council of the said town, saying that Arnaut had offended against the town, accused him before the mayor and officers of the town, together with Touron and others, Arnaut's fellows and associates in these matters. They did not appear, and were banished from the town, and afterwards, having been appealed in the king's court of Burdeg' Bordeaux , they again did not answer and were banished from the duchy. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For an unrelated petition from Touron, see SC 8/206/10295.

28: Same as above

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to proclaim this pardon publicly in the cities of Burdeg' Bordeaux and Lyborn' Libourne , or in any other place as necessary or where Iter [du Touron] or his attorney should request, upholding the pardon and not troubling or burdening him in any way contrary to the tenor of these letters.

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10 June 1377 . Shene Sheen . For Lop, lord of Seint-Julien .

Pardon by letters patent and by the king's special grace to Lop, lord of Seint Julian Saint-Julien [and] Saut Sault , of 600 francs of the sum of 80 l.st. in which he is bound to the king for the arrears of the farm of the la Bourt baylie of Labourd , for two years from the time when he was the king's farmer there. The king has recently granted the baylie, together with the jurisdiction and all appurtenances and profits pertaining to it, to Lop for the term of his life, rendering nothing to the king for it, and wishes to show him further consideration for his good service. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For the earlier grant, see above, entry 10 . For other related entries, see entry in C 61/91 , entry in C 61/94 , entry in C 61/107 , entry in C 61/107 , entry in C 61/107 , entry in C 61/109 , entry in C 61/109 , entry in C 61/111 , entry in C 61/114 , entry in C 61/NaN .

12 June 1377 . Westminster . Concerning a licence to mint money .

Grant for two years to John [of Gaunt], Castelle, Legionis king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , of the right to mint money in gold, silver or any other metal in the city of Baion Bayonne , the Guissen castle of Guiche or anywhere else within the Landarum seneschalcy of Landes , of whatever sort he wishes except those of England and Aquitaine, by the hand of Pélegrin de Ser or another appointed by the duke or his deputy in those parts. This is to last for two years, the profits pertaining to this remaining to the said duke. ¹

By p.s.

1.: Sections of the last and penultimate lines are written over an erasure. Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 3, part 2, p.1079.

31: Same as above Concerning protection thereupon .

To all captains, castellans, keepers of castles and their lieutenants, vicomtes, mayors, bayles, ministers and the king's other faithful lieges in Aquitaine and in other parts beyond the saes.

Letters of protection for Pélegrin de Ser and all other officials, ministers and merchants whom the king has appointed to mint and make money aforesaid, of the merchants bringing bullion and other necessary goods there, and of their goods and merchandise. The king has granted to John [of Gaunt], king of Castile , etc. as above, and the king wishes to provide for the safety of Pélegrin and the other officials and ministers. Order that they do not cause, or permit others to cause, injury, molestation, damage, violence, hindrance or harm to Pélegrin or the other officers or merchants, their persons or goods, restoring any forfeitures or injuries suffered by them without delay.

By p.s.

32: Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux, the seneschals of Aquitaine and Landes , and all other officers and ministers in those parts, to allow the king of Castile and León to exercise this liberty of minting money, and do nothing to impede or perturb him contrary to the tenor of the king's letters.

By p.s.