The Gascon Rolls Project

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C 61/100 11 Richard II (1387-8)

Introduction.

The roll covers much of the period of the crisis between Richard II and the Lords Appellant, however, there is no evidence in the roll to suggest the turmoil at home, with only a stray reference to Richard's favourite Robert de Vere, duke of Ireland and earl of Oxford, in a case concerning the seizure of goods by some Bretons. Instead the roll is devoted to the usual range of business one has come to expect in the Gascon Rolls.

During the course of the roll, Richard II paid particular attention to the leading administrators in the duchy. John de Gedney, constable of Bordeaux was confirmed in office for a further three years, and David Craddock confirmed as mayor of Bordeaux. ¹ Appointments were made to the offices of the seneschalcy of the Landes, and to the procurator fiscal. ² The king paid particular attention to the appointment of his lieutenant, his uncle John of Gaunt. The entries relating to the appointment are of particular interest. Gaunt was appointed on 30 May 1388, ³ and a further grant was made to him of detailed and extensive powers. ⁴ However these powers were granted some four days before the formal grant of the office, almost as if the confirmation of the extent of the powers needed agreement before the appointment was formally made, although the grant of the powers also made mention of the grant of office which had not actually taken place at that time. The powers were based on powers granted to previous lieutenants, and are particularly close to those that John de Neville, lord Neville of Raby, received when he was appointed in June 1378. ⁵ But those granted to Gaunt were greatly expanded on those granted to Neville, Neville's having twelve clauses, and Gaunt's having seventeen. But even more curiously there is a second copy of the powers granted to Gaunt on the roll made on the same date, and this has minor but important differences. ⁶ Most apparent is the addition of four further clauses, which granted Gaunt powers to distribute the lands and goods of rebels to the deserving, the stocking and garrisoning of captured towns and castles, and surveying the financial state of the duchy. But a more subtle change modified the clause granting Gaunt powers to replace inadequate officials with some exceptions, so that he could replace any official at will, with some exceptions. Neither of the grants of powers is cancelled, though the more extensive one is the last entry on the roll, so perhaps the final version. Although there is no explanation for the revision, it is very tempting to think that the changes might have been made at Gaunt's own request since the minor change to one clause, and some of the additional clauses gave him a considerable increase in the patronage available to him.

As with most Gascon Rolls numbers of letters of protection and attorney can be found on the roll, though not in the quantity found on some other rolls. This seems largely to be because fewer numbers of soldiers and servants received such letters, and those that we do have relate to those office holders such as Thomas Lombard, the controller of the Ombrière, ⁷ and John Gedney, the constable of Bordeaux, both of whom were reappointed, and a small number of people with them. ⁸ The greatest number of protections relate to those joining or staying with Gaunt. Of the letters of attorney, there were fewer than the protections, but they followed a similar pattern and relate mainly to leading duchy officials. A small number of protections relate to Gascons, the most interesting being that granted to Master Guilhem Boneu, the notoriously corrupt judge who, on this same roll, had been exempted from those that Gaunt, as lieutenant, could appoint to office in the duchy. ⁹

Several entries relate to justice in the duchy. Six entries relate to the clergy in the diocese and province of Bordeaux. Four of these concerned the actions against the canons of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux, and all of the clergy in the diocese and province, taken by the mayor, jurats and citizenry of Bordeaux, who were accused of imposing impositions on them, and of impeding them and their servants from entering and leaving the city of Bordeaux, and selling their wine in the city. ¹⁰ Two further entries relate to the actions of Florimont, lord of Lesparre, against the archbishop of Bordeaux, and the chapters of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin, who was also accused of similar actions against them. ¹¹ Clearly the clash of jurisdictions and the conditions in the duchy had led to the erosion of the position of the Church. Such actions were not limited to those against the Church in Bordeaux. A further order, this time to the constable of Bordeaux, concerned impositions that the constable had made on the burgesses and inhabitants of Libourne contrary to their liberties. entry 58 . Another issue which would soon have greater importance when John of Gaunt was created as duke of Aquitaine for life, was that of the alienation ot towns and communities by the crown, towns and communities whose liberties granted by the king and his progenitors specifically prohibited such actions. The place in question was Bourg lying on the eastern bank of the Dordogne, an important administrative centre and garrison. Although the story recounted in the text of the entry confuses some of the details, it would seem that Edward of Woodstock had mistakenly alienated the town and its district to Bérart d'Albret. Although measures had been taken by Edward III to revoke the grant, the order of Richard II found here would suggest that Bourg had not infact been recovered into the king/duke's possession. ¹²

Regarding trade the roll contains the now common spattering of grants of licences to merchants to trade between England and Aquitaine. On this roll, however, the grants to Gascons (13) very considerably outweigh those to the English (5). Of those granted to Gascons, three entries offer additional interest for they were not the simple licence, but refer to the arrest of shipping in England, presumably in preparation for renewed military action against the French. The three entries refer to goods already loaded onto ships held by arrest in Sandwich and Hull, one specifically referring to arrest, the other two to six month lay ups in port loaded with cargo. ¹³ The English licences are not in the main for trade purposes. Only two of the five were for this purpose, one being granted to two English merchants - Peter Steller, and William Terry, ¹⁴ and the other, more unusually, to a member of the nobility - Richard Fitz Alan, earl of Arundel. ¹⁵ The other entries are of a slightly different type. That granted to Richard de Adderbury, kt, the younger, and Thomas Pays, clerk, was specifically to supply victuals to John of Gaunt at Bayonne, ¹⁶ and that to Thomas de Percy, kt, was not for trade at all, but for the transport of him and other men. ¹⁷ Other entries concern problems faced by Gascons who brought goods bought in the Low Countries through England on the way back to Aquitaine. It would seem that the king's officers in English ports had been charging customs and contributions to the subsidy on those merchants, though the goods were not unloaded or sold in England. ¹⁸ The continuing problem faced by traders whose goods were taken by royal offices was also to be addressed, with an order being directed to the seneschal of Aquitaine, the constable of Bordeaux and the king's council to ensure prompt payment, with the king's order specifying terms. ¹⁹ Further entries dealt with trade disputes with Brittany. The first of these was a complaint originating in the 1360s and related to Simon Salerne of Winchelsea's complaint about seizures of his salt and merchandise by forces loyal to Charles of Blois. Since no justice had been done, orders were directed to Bordeaux, and to the duke of Ireland to seize goods of Breton merchants and deliver them to the complainant. ²⁰ The other complaint concerned the seizure of Breton merchants and their goods by the lord of Lesparre, who was ordered to release them and restore their goods. ²¹ . The king's attempts to limit the amount of goods, particularly cloth, that were unlawfully exported to Aquitaine without paying the customs, seems to have partially misfired. In 1384 the king had appointed John Bunt of Bristol to search for such cloth in Bayonne, for which he was to obtain a share of any forfeited cloth that was seized. ²² However, on this roll Bunt petitoned the king for remedy because the English exchequer was pursuing and distraining him to render account and make payments, but Bunt denied ever having received the king's commission, or having executed it. The matter was to be examined. ²³ .

The king made several grants. Three of these related to grants of subsidies to the communities of Bordeaux and of Bayonne for the maintenance and repair of the defences of those cities. The subsidy for Bayonne was less straightforward, for although as with Bordeaux it was to be levied on goods and merchandise sold in the city at a specific rate, the community of Bordeaux were obliged to share one year's receipts from the subsidy of the six that they were granted, with Johan d'Aspremont, vicomte of Orthe. ²⁴ The grant to William Forster of Lancashire has interest not only in what it reveals of the complicated tangle that grants of annuities on duchy resources could cause, but also because Forster was a prisoner of the French, and was apparently granted it to aid his estate during his captivity. The grant to Forster had originally been made on the estates of a rebel, but following the restoration of that rebel, on the general issues of the duchy. Since those general issues were under very heavy strain to meet the administrative costs of the duchy, as well as to pay annuities, it should be no surprise that Forster's annuity was also partially in arrears. ²⁵

One further group of documents demonstrates unusual interest in the order of Saint John of Jerusalem, which otherwise receives scant attention in the Gascon Rolls. The king's interest was to see that the grant made by the marshal and lieutenant master of the house for the command of some of the duchy's preceptories was put into execution, but also to ensure that all annuities secured on its resources were observed by the appointee. ²⁶

Simon J. Harris.

1.: entry 25 & entry 25 .
2.: entry 16 & entry 20 .
3.: entry 87 .
4.: entry 88 .
5.: entry in C 61/91 .
6.: entry 93 .
7.: entry 22 .
8.: entry 24 .
9.: entry 8 & entry 88 .
10.: entry 18 , entry 19 , entry 51 & entry 67 .
11.: entry 27 & entry 28 .
12.: entry 59 .
13.: entry 49 , entry 60 & entry 61 .
14.: entry 48 .
15.: entry 33 .
16.: entry 50 .
17.: entry 65 & entry 66 .
18.: entry 91 & entry 92
19.: entry 15 .
20.: entry 4 .
21.: entry 13 & entry .
22.: entry in C 61/98 .
23.: entry 71
24.: For that of Bordeaux, see entry ; for Bayonne, see entry 32 & entry 36 .
25.: entry 35 & entry 52 .
26.: entry 72 , entry 77 & entry 84 .

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Gascon Roll for the eleventh year of the reign of Richard II.

1

3 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of corn.

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

Grant of a licence to Forde Arnaut-Guilhem de Sorde, master of a certain ship of Beata Maria Sainte-Marie of Bayonne , 1 called la petit Sabater , at his request, that he take 500 quarters of various types of corn, bought by him and other merchants in England, and loaded onto that ship in the port of Bristoll' Bristol , and take it to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne for the victualing and sustenance of those of those cities. The king granted this because Monetarii Ramon Monadey and Saut Johan de Sault , personally mainprised before the king in chancery, under the penalty of twice the value of the corn, that Forde would take the corn to those cities, and not anywhere else, and that he would bring letters testimonial under the seal of the communities that the corn had been discharged in accordance with the licence. It is ordered that Sorde be permitted to take the corn from Bristol to Bordeaux or Bayonne without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues, whatsoever proclamations, prohibitions, statutes or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

1.: The cathedral of Bayonne. Probably a ship owned by the chapter of this cathedral.

For Master Reynaut Andrieu.

2: 4 July 1387 . The in palacio regis Westm' palace of Westminster .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay to Master Andrea Reynaut Andrieu, bachelor of both laws , originating of the town of Reule La Réole , of the arrears of his fees and wages from 25 January last, on which date the king, by his letters patent, appointed Andrieu as judge of civil and criminal appeals at his court of Gascony, and hearer of the causes of the same court, and paying from henceforth while he holds the office, paying him the same from the profits and emoluments of the lordship of Aquitaine. The king granted him the office during pleasure, taking the customary fees and wages which others who have held the office before him have had. The constable is to receive letters of acquittance from Andrieu attesting to each payment, by which, with this order, he will have due allowance in his account at the English exchequer.

3: Same as above

To the seneschal of Aquitaine and the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, and also the king's council there, and whatsoever other officers and ministers of the king in the lordship of Aquitaine.

Order, as above, and that they permit Reginaldus Reynaut[Andrieu] to have and exercise the office [of judge appellate of civil and criminal cases brought before the king's court of Gascony , and hearer of the same court], with all its emoluments and profits that pertain to that office, in as full and whole a manner as others who have previously held that office.

4

10 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For Simon Salerne , merchant of Winchelsea.

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, and the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, to arrest the goods and merchandise of the men of Brittany that they find and can seize in Burdeg' Bordeaux , or the bodies of those men, up to the value of 300 m. , in part satisfaction for the 500 m. that was to be arrested in compensation for salt and goods of Salarna Simon Salerne , merchant of Wynchelse Winchelsea , seized by men of Brittany of Charles of Blois, and cause the same to be delivered to Salerne or his attorney or proctor, certifying the king in his chancery on this. The king further orders to his kinsman the duke of Ireland and earl of Oxford , or his lieutenant in Ireland, to arrest the goods and merchandise and bodies of the men [of Brittany] that they were able to find in the land of Ireland, up to the value of 200 m. , the residue of the sum, and in full satisfaction of the goods that Salerne lost, and deliver them to Salerne or his attorney or proctor.

Lately, E[dward III], late king of England, the king's grandfather, heard the grave complaint of Salerne , by which it was alleged that Salerne 's crayer ( craera ) ¹ called la Katerine of Wynchelse Winchelsea was loaded with salt and merchandise to the value of 500 m.st. in the la Baya Bay [of Bourgneuf] in Pictavia Poitou , ² and took it towards England along the coast of Britannie Brittany during the truce, where he was robbed of his ship, and the goods and merchandise in the same by men of those parts . The king ordered Latymer William Latimer, keeper and the king's lieutenant , and of Jean [IV], Britann' duke of Brittany , who was in the king's custody, to obtain information diligently on the crime by all ways and means which he considered expedient, and he found that the men and subjects of Charles of Blois in Brittany were responsible for the crime, and that this was done within the time of the truce, and that the salt and merchandise was taken for the use of the captain of Blois' castle of Auroy Auray . Though Blois had been requested to restore the salt and merchandise, or its value, justice has not been done, as Latimer has informed the king by his letters, and his own account before the king and his council.

The king's grandfather, wishing to provide a remedy to Salerne in the recovery of the goods, ordered his seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, to arrest whatever goods, merchandise and bodies of the subjects of Charles of Blois that they found in Bordeaux, up to the value of 100 m. , in part satisfaction of the 500 m. , as well as reasonable damage and interest, and cause it to be delivered to Salerne , or his attorney or proctor. The king further ordered to the keeper of the castle and town of la Rochela La Rochelle , and the mayor, consuls and good men of the same to arrest the goods and merchandise of the men [of Bloys Charles of Blois ], which happened to come to the town, or the bodies of those men, to the value of 400 m. , in part satisfaction of the residue, together with the reasonable damages and interest which is shown before you, on the behalf of Salerne , and cause them to be delivered to him or his attorney or proctor. The king's grandfather was to be certified in chancery upon what has been done on this. The king, because he has been informed that Salerne has not been satisfied for the sum, or any parcel of the same, wishes to provide a remedy for Salerne at his request. ³

1.: A type of barque.
2.: For a detailed discussion of the English involvement in the salt trade, and especially with this region, see esp. ch.4 in Bridbury, A.R., England and the Salt Trade in the Later Middle Ages (Oxford, 1955).
3.: For related entries, see entry in C 61/75 , entry in C 61/75 & entry in C 61/76 .

For the transport of corn.

5: 14 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence to Johan Nicole and Res Arnaut Ros , citizens of Burdegal' Bordeaux , that they can take 1,000 quarters of corn loaded onto a certain ship called Seint Marie Cog of Lenn' Lynn , of which Neell' Richard Neal was master, and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux in relief of the king's lieges there, and to trade with. Nicole and Ros had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because they gave corporal oaths before the king in chancery that they would take the corn to Bordeaux, and nowhere else. It is ordered that Nicole and Ros be permitted to take the corn to Bordeaux without any impediments, paying the customs due to the king, whatsoever proclamations, prohibitions, statutes or orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

6: Same as above

Grant of a licence to Galhart Provost, Burdegal' burgess of Bordeaux , that they can take 1,200 quarters of corn loaded onto a certain ship called Katerina of Bristoll' Bristol , and take them to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux in relief of the king's lieges there, and to trade with. Provost had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because they gave corporal oaths before the king in chancery that they would take the corn to Bordeaux, and nowhere else, as above mutatis mutandis .

7: 3 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of corn.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for John Clopton, citizen and vintner of London , who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service, with Gedneye John Gedney, constable of Bordeaux .

By bill of p.s.

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For a safeguard.

8: 20 August 1387 . The Westm' palace of Westminster .

To the king's lieutenant or his seneschal of Aquitaine, and the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, and all other seneschals, mayors, jurats, prévôts, officers, bayles and ministers, and other faithful subjects and lieges of those parts.

Letters of protection and safe-keeping granted to Master Bonelli Guilhem Boneu, bachelor of laws , his wife, family, all his possessions and movable and immovable goods, as well as their subjects, men and tenants, the king having received them into his protection and safe-keeping. It is ordered that they be protected, maintained and duly preserved from injuries, violence, damage, oppresions, despoiliations, occupations, thefts, robberies and unlawful novelties. The protection and safe-keeping are to be publicly proclaimed with prohibitions. As a sign of this safe-keeping his buildings, lands, tenements, houses and possessions are to have royal pennons placed on them so that none can claim ignorance of the protection and safe-keeping.

9: Same as above

Lastonario, de Bernat de Lastonar, clerk , and Blancha, Destausano Blanqua d'Escoussans , his wife, have similar letters of safe-keeping.

10: Same as above

Monetarii Ramon Monadey, burgess of Burdeg' Bordeaux , together with his wife, household and possession, etc.

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To the same.

As above, the king orders that the dean and chapter of the collegiate church of Saint-Seurin outside the walls of Burdeg' Bordeaux , and each of the canons of the church, their benefices, servants, goods and property, moveable and immoveable, tithes, agrières ( agreria ), and possessions, both held individually or in common, and the subjects, men, questaux ( questales ), ¹ and tenants, which are under the protection and safe-keeping, etc. as above. ²

By C.

1.: In Gascony the questaux were the equivalent of serfs.
2.: The entry is followed by a space containing two sets of empty entry marks.

12

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For Master Bertran de la Trau .

Retainder and appointment of Master Traue Bertran de la Trau, subdean of the church of Saint-André in the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux , ¹ as one of the king's councillors in Aquitaine during pleasure, receiving the fee for councillors each year from the constable of Bordeaux.

By p.s.

1.: For further details on de la Trau (under the name of Bertrandus de la Trau ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.284, no.843.

For the lord of Malestroit of Brittany.

20 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine, that if he finds, as the king has been given to understand, that the lord of Lesparre , by his people, in April last had taken a barque of the lord of Malestret Malestroit of Brittany , ¹ with certain merchandise in the barque, against the tenor of the king's letters of safe conduct made for that barque and merchandise, and also detained two Breton merchants in prison, then he is to compel the lord of Lesparre by all ways and means that he can according to the law and custom of those parts, to restore the barque and merchandise or the value of the same, and also to deliver the two merchants, so that the king does not hear of this complaint again.

By p.s.

1.: Jean II de Châteaugiron, called 'de Malestroit', lord of Malestroit from 1374 to 1394.

14: Same as above

Order to lord of Lesparre as above, mutatis mutandis , that for his loyalty and under pain of the forfeiture of all that he was able to forfeit, to restore the barque and merchandise [of the lord of Malestroit ], or the value of the same without delay, and deliver the merchants that were taken from prison.

By the same writ.

15: Same as above For the making of a proclamation.

Order to the seneschal of Aquitaine and constable of Bordeaux, and others of the king's council, and with the assent of the king's council, that they should not permit any royal officers, or any baron, or whatsoever other person of whatever status or condition in their lordship, to take any victuals, namely corn, wine, meat, fish, wood or hay, or whatever other victuals, without prompt payment for the same to the king's lieges, for large merchandise within three days of the taking of the same, and for small merchandise, immediately upon the sale or taking. The king further orders that this be publicly proclaimed both in Bordeaux, and elsewhere where they consider it expedient on the king's behalf.

By p.s.

For the appointment of the seneschal of Landes in the lordship of Aquitaine.

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster . ¹

Appointment, with the assent and by the advice of the king's council, of Per-Arnaut [de Béarn] as seneschal of the Landes , holding the office of the seneschalcy from the date of the presents for the term of five years. To support Béarn in the execution of his office the king ordains that he can retain forty men-at-arms at the king's wages customary there, residing in his company for the salvation and defence of the king's lands, territories and lordships of the Landes. The king wishes that Béarn should have and receive for himself and his 40 men-at-arms, whilst he is in the king's service, his fees and wages from a subsidy, tallage or tax to be granted and levied in the seneschalcy of the Landes , by the consent of the people of those parts, according to the ordinance and advice of the king's council in Bordeaux. The king does not wish that Béarn be removed from his office except by the king and his council in England, or unless he does anything deserving his just removal.

By C.

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

11 November 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To all the prelates, dukes, counts, vicomtes, barons, prévôts, lords, knights, seneschals, captains, castellans, keepers of castles, towns and fortalices, mayors, jurats, hundred peers, and citizens, burgesses, consuls, officers, ministers and other faithful lieges, and subjects of the king in the lordship and territory of Aquitaine.

And it is ordered that they obey, consult with, aid, answer and faithfully be intendant on Per-Arnaut [de Béarn] , as seneschal of the Landes, in all things pertaining to the good keeping and rule of that office. ¹

1.: The entry is followed by two sets of empty entry marks.

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For the canons of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux.

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster . ¹

To the mayor , deputy mayor, prévôt, clerk, proctor, jurats, citizens, burgesses and others inhabitants of Bordeaux.

Order, the king realising that the imposition, offences and excesses that the mayor and others have imposed against the canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin in the city of Bordeaux, and other ecclesiastical people, if they are permitted to continue, are against the liberties of the Church, and against the king's majesty, especially since the Church ought to be free, and the king is obliged to preserve this because of the oath that he swore, and because it was not the king's intention by any grant made by him that the Church should be so oppressed, and the clergy compelled to pay a tax, when they had not agreed to it, that for the peace of the canons and other ecclesiastical persons, the mayor and others should, on pain of forfeiture and loss of privileges granted to them by the king and his predecessors, desist from causing them to pay the impositions unless the ordinaries and clergy of the place agree to it. They also should not close the gate or gates of the city against the canons or their servants out of malice or any other reason, contrary to the liberties of the Church, under pain of forfeiture of all that they can forfeit, not troubling or impeding them. They should not continue to act in this way unless they wish the king and his council to provide another remedy whereby they would be considered rebels, and punished for their contempt of the king's order.

It has come to the king's attention by the grave complaint of his clergy of the diocese and Burdegalen' province of Bordeaux , and by the relation of several loyal subjects there that the canons, and other clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux, against the liberty of the Church, have been wickedly oppressed by the mayor and other, they plotting against the canons and others by certain letters patent of the king that granted an imposition for a certain term, namely of 12 d. in the pound on all rebels and enemies, and 6 d. in the pound on those who are obedient to the king, taking half from the buyer, and half from the seller on merchandise sold in the city, unjustly compelled the canons and others to pay 5 s. pro billeta for each tun of wine of the canons and others, sold by them or their servants in the city, and also on account of this to pay many other tolls and sums of money, on their own authority, presuming to use royal authority. Further they have, by letters patent of E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, of the thirty-second year of his reign, made at his pleasure, by which he granted that no-one else apart from the mayor and others could sell wine in taverns in the city from Pentecost to Michaelmas, and they had stopped the canons and ecclesiastical persons from selling their wine in the city in person or by their servants as they had been accustomed to do, and continued to do it even though the grant could not last longer than the king's grandfather's life, and similarly plotted to harass the clergy, stopping them from coming into the city by the gates, stopping them from using their churches, and bringing victuals to their houses. They have also issued a constitution or ordinance on their own authority that certain people of the king's jurisdiction or from elsewhere for the defence of the country be lodged in the houses of the canons and other ecclesiastical persons of the city and outside it against their wishes, but not in the houses of the burgesses, though those people could easily be billeted in the houses of the burgesses. Even worse, the mayor and others have expelled the canons and other ecclesiastical people from the city without process and cause, unless they agree to these excesses, and pay the impositions, tolls and exactions without delay, to the damage of the state of the clergy and other ecclesiastical people, and in manifest harm to the liberties of the Church, for which they request remedy. ²

By C.

1.: Vacated because it is elsewhere below.
2.: The entry is crossed out. For the near identical entry for which this entry was cancelled, see entry 67 .

Same as above

To the seneschal and judge of Aquitaine , and the constable of Bordeaux, and whatsoever others of the king's council there, and also all the barons, lords and other faithful subjects in the lordship and territory of Aquitaine.

Order to the seneschal and others to use all means to assist the clergy, and restrain the mayor , deputy mayor , prévôt, clerk, proctor, jurats, citizens, burgesses and other inhabitants of the city of Bordeaux, from levying and collecting all illegal tolls and impositions, and injuries, vexations and harm to the clergy, against the king's orders and the liberties of the Church, and compel them to comply with the king's order, since the king wishes it to be put into effect, and the Church to be preserved from tyrannical acts.

As a result of the complaint of the clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux, the king had been informed that the mayor and others, plotting against the canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin in the city of Bordeaux, and other clergy, oppressing the liberties of the Church, both by the payment of grave tolls and new impositions, imposed by their will, and without licence, and by the closing of the gates of the city against the canons and their servants, and by impeding the sale of their own wine, and in many other oppressions against them done from day to day, in grave harm of the liberties of the Church, and in contempt of the king's majesty. The king, not wishing to tolerate this, and by the advice of his council, by his other letters patent, strictly ordered the mayor and others, under pain of forfeiture, and the loss of the privileges and liberties, to desist from what they had done by pretext of any grant made by the king or his predecessors to the mayor or jurats, unless it was agreed to by the assent and free will of the ordinary and clerks of the place. Now were they to close the gates against the canons or their servants out of malice, or do anything else against the liberties of the Church, under pain of forfeiture. ¹

By C.

1.: For a near identical order, see entry 51 .

For Master Pey de Labarthe.

20: 4 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Appointment of Master Bartha Pey de Labarthe as procurator fiscal general in the seneschalcy of the Landes , exercising the office for five years as long as he conducts himself well in the office, taking the fees and wages by a certain subsidy, tallage or imposition in the seneschalcy of the Landes, to be granted and levied by the consent of the people of the same part, according to the ordinance and advice of the council of Bordeaux.

By C.

21: Same as above

And it is ordered to the seneschal of Aquitaine, the constable and mayor of Bordeaux , and all the ministers and counsellors of the king in the lordship of Aquitaine, that they permit Pey [de Labarthe] to occupy the office of procurator fiscal general, according to the tenor of the king's letters, and to be intendant on him and aid him.

22: 1 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Lumbard Thomas Lombard, controller of the castle of Bordeaux , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to stay there in the same service.

By bill of p.s.

23

1 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Scot John Scott , ¹ who is staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

1.: Possibly John Scott, an English merchant living at Bordeaux in the parish of Saint-Pierre. He founded a mass for his soul and for the soul of his wife in the church Saint-Pierre of Bordeaux (7 March 1392). See Archives Départementales de la Gironde, G 2713. A monumental brass of him and his wife, which was originally in the church of Saint-Pierre, is now kept in the Musée d'Aquitaine, Bordeaux.

24: 5 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Gedeneye John Gedney, clerk , constable of Bordeaux , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service.

By bill etc.

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For the grant of the mayor of Bordeaux.

25: 18 July 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to Cradok David Craddock, kt , of the office of mayor of Bordeaux, by the king's special grace, and in consideration of the good service both of the king's father, now deceased, and to the king, holding the same for the next three years. Taking in that office such fees, wages and profits, just as he was reasonably accustomed to take in the same office before this time.

By p.s.

26: Same as above

Order to the jurats, good men and all the community of Bordeaux to be intendant on and answer David [Craddock] as mayor of Bordeaux, and deliver the fees, wages and profits that Craddock has been accustomed to take, for the next three years.

By the same writ.

For the archbishop and clerks of Bordeaux.

27: 4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to Florimont, lord of Lesparre , the king not wishing that his malice against the Church should continue to grow, and wishing that his actions should not act as an example to other wicked people, and to crush the lord of Lesparre's wickedness, and preserve the Church's rights, liberties and immunities, as he is obliged to do by his oath, that for the loyalty he owes to the king, and under pain of forfeiture of all that he can forfeit, that he should cease his oppressions, prohibitions, admonitions, harassments, wickedness, tyrannies and unjust troubles inflicted on the clergy or persons of the church, and that he should freely permit the archbishop of Bordeaux and his ministers and officials, and the chapters of the cathedral church of Bordeaux , and of Saint-Seurin , to exercise all and singular of their ecclesiastical rights, just as pertains to them, without any impediment or disturbance, the king not wishing to hear of this matter again.

The king has been informed by a grave complaint both from the clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux , and by relation from many loyal people of those parts, that the lord of Lesparre, heedless of his own salvation, has tyrannically attempted to crush the liberties and jurisdictions of the Church, which all Catholic people are bound to keep unharmed and inviolate, and has prevented the archbishop, and his chapters of the cathedral church, and of Saint-Seurin there, and also his ministers and officers from carrying out there duties, on his own authority, incurring the sentence of great excommunication as laid down in canon law. He has stopped debtors of the archbishop living within his lordship from paying to the archbishop and his churches, his rights and dues, without first obtaining his special licence under pain of the loss of their goods, and their imprisonment. Even worse, the lord of Lesparre is stopping all rectors and vicars who have ecclesiastical benefices within his district and territory from attending the general synod held in the cathedral of Bordeaux by the order of the archbishop twice each year, as was customary to be done, to receive there the sacramentals from their ordinaries to be administered to the parishioners. Not content with this, the lord of Lesparre has wickedly punished ecclesiastical persons with sums of money, harassing and extorting money from them. The clergy request a remedy and the king, not wishing this behaviour to continue, wishes to provide justice since this is damaging to the liberties and jurisdictions of the Church, and is in contempt of the king's majesty.

By C.

28: Same as above

To the seneschal and judge of Aquitaine, and the constable of Bordeaux, and whatsoever others of the king's council, and also all barons, lords and other faithful subjects of the king in the lordship and territory of Aquitaine.

Order to assist the clergy in those parts, and to restrain by all ways that they are able Florimont, lord of Lesparre , from inflicting all impositions or oppressions, injuries, harm, injustices and troubles to the archbishop [of Bordeaux], or his ministers or officials, or others of the clergy, against ecclesiastical liberties, and the provide help to the clergy against the wickedness of the lord of Lesparre with secular power if and when necessary.

The king has been informed by a grave complaint both from the clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux , and by relation from many loyal people of those parts, that the lord of Lesparre, heedless of his own salvation, has tyrannically attempted to crush the liberties and jurisdictions of the Church, as above mutatis mutandis .

By C.

29: 12 August 1387 . Wygorn' Worcester . For John Gedney, clerk.

Grant to Gedeneye John de Gedney, constable of the castle of Bordeaux , in consideration of his good service, of the office of constable for a further three years, without in any way being removed, provided he conducts himself well in that office.

By p.s.

For general attorney.

30: 8 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Lumbard Thomas Lombard, controller of the castle of Bordeaux , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, nominating William Hanney, clerk , and William Haysarm , esquire , alternately.

John de Burton, clerk , received the attorney.

31: Same as above

The same Thomas has similar letters of general attorney, under the name of Lokyngton' Walter Lockington, clerk , and Chaumberleyn Walter Chamberlain, clerk , alternately.

32

6 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan d'Aspremont, vicomte of Orthe .

Grant to Johan d'Aspremont, Dorte vicomte of Orthe , in aid of his status, that he can take the proceeds of the subsidy granted to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Baion' Bayonne , for one year of the six years granted to them, taking the same in person, or by a proctor or attorney, without rendering anything for the same.

The king, by his letters patent, and with the assent of his council, granted to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers, a subsidy of 4 d. in the pound on all foreign merchandise of whatever kind being brought through the city, for the term of six years, beginning at the feast of St Martin next. They are to be able to demise the same subsidy at farm during the term, provided only that the vicomte of Orthe, or his proctor or attorney, should be able to take the subsidy for one year of the six. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For the grant to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers, see entry 36 .

33: 16 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of wheat .

Grant of a licence to Richard [FitzAlan], Arundell' earl of Arundel and Surrey , that he can take 400 quarters of wheat bought in England, and loaded onto a certain ship called la Marie of Sandewiche Sandwich in the port of Southampton, by him and his servants, to Burdeg' Bordeaux for the relief and sustenance of the king's faithful lieges, and then reload it with wine for the expenses of his household, and bring it back to England. It is ordered that the earl be permitted to take the wheat from Southampton to Bordeaux, first paying the customs, subsidies, and other dues, any ordinances, proclamations, prohibitions, orders, or arrests to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

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For William Forster of Lancashire.

4 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to Forester William Forster of Lancashire , esquire , for his good service, of 100 l. of current money, each year from the issues, profits and revenue of the lordship of Aquitaine, from the constable of Bordeaux, and those of the king's heirs, to be paid at Easter and Michaelmas, for his life, or until the king ordains otherwise for his estate.

The king has made this grant because Forster has surrendered into chancery to be cancelled other letters patent of a grant, made with the assent of the king's council, to Forster, for his good service to Edward [III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, and to the king's father , deceased, and to the king after their decease, and in consideration that Forster, when lately in the king's war service, was taken, and is still a prisoner, and because Forster, when the town of Brigerak' Bergerac went over to the obedience of the king's enemy, lost various lands, tenements and rents, to the value of 200 l. per annum of the king's money, of 100 l. of money to be taken each year from the lands, rents and possessions which were Beguer Galhart Béguey, kt , late the king's rebel, then in the king's hands, on occasion of Béguey's rebellion, to be paid by the king's constables, and those of his heirs, or his farmers, or the keepers of the lands and rents, at Michaelmas and Easter, by equal portions, for all Forster's life, or until another arrangement is made for his estate. The surrender has been made because Béguey has been restored to his lands, rents and possessions by the king. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For the original grant, see entry in C 61/93 . For a related entry, see entry in C 61/96 .

35: 4 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to make payment to William [Forster] of the 100 l. each year for his life from the issues, profits and revenues of Aquitaine, at the specified terms, according to the tenor of the king's letters. He is to receive letters of acquittance from Forester, by which the constable will have due allowance in his account.

By the same writ.

36

1 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the grant of a subsidy .

Grant, by the assent of the king's council, to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of the city of Baion' Bayonne , to aid in the fortifying of the city with walls and enclosures, of a subsidy of 4 d. in the pound, to be taken for six years at Martinmas from foreign merchandise brought to the city, and from foreign people taking that merchandise from the city during the term. The mayor, jurats and hundred peers are able to demise the subsidy, or a part of the same, at farm during the term, whenever and to whomever it pleases them, for whatever sums of money to be paid to them that they are able to agree. It is provided that Johan d'Aspremont, Dorte vicomte of Orthe , should have and take to his own use, in person or by his proctor or attorney, the same subsidy for one year of the six year term, without rendering anything for it. The king does not wish that this grant made to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers, should have any value or effect, unless the vicomte, or his proctor or attorney should have and take the subsidy for his use for one year of the six years without rendering anything for it. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For the grant to the vicomte, see entry 32 .

37

24 September 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For Richard Long and Margaret his wife.

Grant to Longe Richard Long, esquire , husband of Margaret Long , and to Longe Margaret Long, one of the ladies-in-waiting of the queen consort , of the sustenance for them in the house of Sainte-Croix of Bordeaux , for their lives, and for that of the longer liver of them. The same is granted with the assent of Margaret Long, and for the surrender into chancery to be cancelled of letters patent of the king of 1 November 1385, ¹ of a grant to Margaret Long of the same sustenance for her life, she having as much as John de la Larder , deceased, had by the order of the prince, the king's father, during his life. ²

By p.s.

1.: The grant was probably on the missing Gascon Roll for 9 Richard II (1385-6).
2.: The entry is followed by a space containing three sets of empty entry marks.

38

22 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor and community of Bordeaux . ¹

Grant to the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , to aid in the making and repair of the walls and fortifications of the city, of an imposition of 12 d. in the pound of the money current there on all the king's rebels and enemies, and 6 d. in the pound of the same money from those who are obedient to the king, taking one half from the seller, and the other moiety from the buyer on merchandise sold, bought, exchanged or conveyed, or in any way passed from hand into that of another, from Easter next for the term of three years. The money is to be used for no other use but the making and repair of the walls, and in the fortification of the city, and that a law-worthy man be ordained by the seneschal and coucil there as controller of the imposition. The controller is to view and write down both the costs of the work, and of all money received from the imposition. If the city is sufficiently fortified within the term of the imposition, or sufficient has been received from the imposition or other profits of the city, then the imposition is to cease by the order of the seneschal and council of Aquitaine. The mayor and jurats are to account for the money received from the imposition each year before the seneschal and council.

By p.s.

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

39: 28 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For a safe-conduct .

To all admirals, etc.

Letters of protection for one year granted to Talle Pey de Taller and Stephen Sporet , servants of Johan d'Aspremont, Dorte vicomte of Orthe , who are in England, the king receiving them, their goods, merchandise and harness, into his protection so that they can travel through the lordship and jurisdiction of the king by land and sea to Gascony, to reside there to levy and collect the debts of the vicomte, and then to pay the same to the vicomte's creditors in England, as they should with royal licence. The king has done this so that they can travel and reside there and do this safely. And therefore, the king orders to them etc.

By C.

40

6 November 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Tounley John Townley , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, to reside in the company of Lumbard Thomas Lombard, controller of the castle of Bordeaux . ¹

By bill of p.s.

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

41: 5 December 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of corn .

Grant of a licence to Guillemus Pee, la Vener Guilhem-Pey de Labenne, master of a ship called la Trinite of Baion' Bayonne , at his request, that he can take 140 tuns of wheat bought in England by him and his deputies, and loaded onto that ship in the port of Bristoll' Bristol , to Baion' Bayonne for the relief and sustenance of the people of the city. The king has granted this to him because Roncyvaux Johan de Roncevaux of Baion' Bayonne , and Rivo, de Pey Durrieu , have personally mainprised before the king in chancery that Guilhem-Pey would take the wheat to that city, and nowhere else, and that Guilhem-Pey would bring letters testimonial under the seal of the mayor of the city into chancery attesting that the wheat was discharged there, under penalty of twice the value of the wheat. It is ordered that Guilhem-Pey be permitted to take the wheat from Bristol to Bayonne without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

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42: 30 September 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation .

Inspeximus of the tenor of certain letters patent of Florimont de Lesparre, late lieutenant of Aquitaine of Edward [III] , late king of England, the king's grandfather , to Madelhan Guilhem-Ramon de Madaillan, Roazan lord of Rauzan , and of Poyols Pujols , made under the seal of Maderanum Pey de Madéran, keeper and executor of the seal and counterseal used in Bordeaux for contracts , for exemplification to the king, in these words:

2 May 1387 . Burdeg' Bordeaux.

Vidimus of Maderano Pey de Madéran, keeper and executor of the seal and counterseal used in Bordeaux for contracts , of certain letters patent of Florimont, lord of Lesparre , then lieutenant of the king in Aquitaine , under Lesparre's own seal in red wax, and not erased or cancelled, nor in any way defective or suspicious, as appears by the tenor which follows:

26 June 1375 . Bourdeaux Bordeaux.

Grant by Florimont, lord of Lesparre, and lieutenant of the king of England and France in Aquitaine, to Guilhem-Ramon de Madaillan, lord of Rauzan, and of Pujols, for his life, for the damage that he had suffered in the wars for remaining loyal to the king, of the house which the late Preyssac Petit de Preissac, esquire , had held, with its rights, dues and other appurtenances, which is situated in the parish of Carinhan Carignan , with all the other moveable and immoveable goods and property whatever they are, during his life, they having been confiscated by the king because Petit had no heir other than J. who is of the rebels, provided that Madaillan does liege homage and the other dues to the king or his constable of Bordeaux. Order to Master Pont, de Johan Dupont that he put Madaillan, or his proctor, in possession of the goods and property, and all of the house, and the other moveable and immoveable goods. It is further ordered to all the officers, justices and ministers and all other loyal people of the king, to permit Madaillan to use and enjoy the grant according to the tenor of these letters, obeying and being intendant on him, not suffering anything to be done contrary to this.

The letters have been seen and inspected and the keeper and executor attaches the royal seal.

Inspeximus of the tenor of certain other letters patent of Thomas de Felton, deceased, late seneschal [of Aquitaine], to the same Guilhem, under the seal of the same Pey similarly to be exemplified, in these words:

2 May 1387 . Burdeg' Bordeaux.

Vidimus of Maderano Pey de Madéran, keeper and executor of the seal and counterseal used in Bordeaux for contracts , of certain letters patent of Thomas de Felton, kt , then seneschal of Aquitaine , with a seal in red wax pendant, and not erased or cancelled, nor in any way defective or suspicious, as appears by the tenor which follows:

9 September 1365 . Bourdeaux Bordeaux.

Grant by Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine, by the royal authority used by him, at the request of Guilhem-Ramon de Madaillan, lord of Rauzan and of Pujols , for the great damage and expenses that he has sustained in the present war, and for the good and agreeable service that he has done to the king, and to the prince, to the eldest son of Madaillan, of the goods, houses, inheritance and possessions which the late Petit de Preissac held before his death, with all the profits, revenue and emoluments, which have been confiscated by the king because Preissac's heir is an enemy and rebel of the king, and not able to succeed to his goods and inheritance, provided that he does liege homage and the other dues to the king. Felton wishes that Madaillan should have and enjoy the goods, inheritance and other things during his life. Order to Master Johan Dupont to put Madaillan, or his proctor, in possession of the goods, inheritance, houses and possessions. It is also ordered to all the justices, officers and ministers of the king, that they suffer Madaillan to use and peacefully enjoy the profits, revenues and emoluments, without suffering any difficulty against the tenor of the present letters, and to obey and be diligently intendant on him.

By Frodesham Frodsham for the seneschal.

The letters have been seen and inspected and the keeper and executor attaches the royal seal.

The king approves, ratifies and confirms the gifts and grants both of Florimond and Thomas.

By p.s.

43

23 October 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey Taller of Bayonne, kt . ¹

Grant for life to Talle Pey [de] Taller of Bayon' Bayonne , in recompence for the great losses that his father sustained, of the garagium ² and Curdagium of cloth, ³ and the conquagium of corn, ⁴ paying to the king as much for the same per annum for his life, as others have been accustomed to pay before this. Taller has requested this grant for the great losses that his late father sustained by the siege of the bastard of Spain, ⁵ which request the king wishes to grant. ⁶

By p.s.

1.: A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.: Possibly a tax on measuring wine tuns. 'Droit de jaugeage' (right of gauging). In French vergage .
3.: Or cordagium a tax on goods measured ad cordam , with a rope.
4.: A tax for measuring corn with a conca (a measure). In French conquage .
5.: The unsuccessful siege of Bayonne by Enrique (Henry) II de Trastamara, king of Castile , from 11 June 1374 to early July 1374.
6.: For the order to John of Gaunt for livery, see entry 89 . For a later order for livery, see entry in C 61/105 . For a confirmation of the grant, see entry in C 61/109 . For an order of livery, see entry in C 61/110 .

For Monicot de Sireis.

26 May 1378 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . ¹

Grant, by the king's special grace, to Cires Monicot de Sireis, esquire of the town of Libourne , at his own request, and because he has restored the king's earlier letters into chancery to be cancelled, in compensation for a 100 l. annuity previously granted to him, of 100 l. of money then current in Aquitaine, which is valued at 20 m.st. per annum; to be taken each year for the plots, and from the sales and issues pertaining to the king from the town of Leybourne Libourne , provided that if the value of them does exceed the 20 m. , then Monicot is to answer to the king for the surplus each year, at the Burdegal' castle of Bordeaux to the constable of Bordeaux.

Previously on the 18 April 1377, Thomas de Felton, seneschal of Aquitaine , granted to Monicot, for his good service to the king's grandfather, and to the legitimate heirs of his body, of 100 l. of rent of current money to be taken from the profits, revenues and emoluments of the land and vicomté of Fronsac from the receiver of Fronsac , to be paid until the king assigns an equivalent amount in a suitable place elsewhere in the duchy. The captain and receiver of the castle, land and vicomté of Fronsac have to pay the sum to Sireis, or his proctor or attorney each year. ²

By p.s.

1.: A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.: For the earlier inspeximus see entry in C 61/91 .

45: Same as above

To the king's lieutenant, the seneschal, and the king's justice in Aquitaine, the constable of Bordeaux, the mayor and jurats of Leybourne Libourne , and their deputies or lieutenants, and also all officers, bayles and ministers of the king, and other faithful lieges and subjects of the king in his lordship of Aquitaine, who have an interest.

And it is ordered that the rent of 12 d. per plot, and from the sales and revenues of Leybourne Libourne should be paid to Monicot [de Sireis] , or his proctors or attorneys, and that he be put in full possession of the same.

By the same writ.

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For the transport of wheat.

16 December 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Vincencius Binsens de Shoneat , 1 master of a certain barque called la Seinte Espirit of Baion' Bayonne , and la Been Pey de Labenne, master of another barque called la Margarete of Baion' Bayonne , at their request, that they can take 165 tuns of wheat bought within the realm of England, and loaded by them and their servants into those barques in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich , to Baion' Bayonne , for the relief and sustenance of the king's faithful subjects living there. The king granted this because Rouncyvanx Johan de Roncevaux of Baion' Bayonne , and Jacobus Jacmes de Monte Freno , mainprised personally before the king in chancery that Binsens and Pey, under the penalty of double the value of the wheat, that they would take the wheat to the city, and nowhere else. It is ordered that Binsens and Pey be permitted to take the wheat from Sandwich to Bayonne without any impediments, first paying the customs, subsidies, and other dues to the king, whatsoever ordinances, proclamations, prohibitions, statutes or orders made to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

1.: "Shoneat" could be a distortion for the Basque name 'Otchoeta', 'Otsoeta'.

19 January 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Bertholomiu de Subyak , 1 master of a certain ship called la Katerine of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 120 tuns of wheat, bought within England, and loaded into the port of Sandewicum Sandwich by him and his servants, to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , for the relief and sustenance of the king's faithful subjects living there. The king granted this because Hawe Thomas Haw of London , and Grymeston' Roger Grimston of London , draper , personally mainprised before the king in chancery that Bertholomiu, under penalty of twice the value of the wheat, would take the wheat to Bordeaux or Bayonne, and nowhere else. It is ordered that Bertholomiu be permitted to take the wheat from Sandwich to Bordeaux or Bayonne without any impediments, paying the customs due to the king, whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

1.: Possibly a Bertholomiu de Zubieta.

48: 23 February 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Peter Steller and William Terry.

To all keepers of ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects of the king.

Grant of a licence to Peter Steller and William Terry that they can take wheat and other merchandise bought in England already loaded onto a ship called la George of Hull , then in the port of the town of Orewell Orwell to Burdeg' Bordeaux for the relief of the men and other subjects of the king there, even though the king had previously prohibited any ship, barque or balinger then in any English port, under pain of forfeiture, and the loss of the ships, from leaving those ports until the king otherwise ordered. Steller and Terry had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Grymesby Simon de Grimsby of Kyngeston' super Hull' Kingston upon Hull , and William Punde of Kyngeston' super Hull' Kingston upon Hull , had personally mainprised before the king in chancery, under the penalty of twice the values of the ship, and under pain of forfeiture, that they would take the ship to Bordeaux, discharge the cargo, and come back to the Sandewicum, les dounes iuxta downs of Sandwich as quickly as possible on certain business of the king, until otherwise ordered by the king. It is ordered that Steller and Terry be permitted to take the ship to Bordeaux without any impediments, any arrest or order of the king to the contrary notwithstanding.

49: 5 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan Sault, Menjon, etc.

To all admirals etc.

Grant of a licence to Saut Johan de Sault , Suary Menjon de Sarry and Menjon de Mora , that they can take the wheat that they have loaded on three crayers of Bayonne under arrest in the port of Sandewicum Sandwich to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , for the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , and others of his subjects in his company, unload it and return to the Sandewicum downs by Sandwich , or to neighbouring parts, as quickly as possible, for the king's business, until the king orders elsewhere. The king had granted this at the request of Sault and the others, because Makenham Ricart Macanan of Burdeg' Bordeaux , Clerak Bidau de Clairac , and Rivo, de Pey Durrieu of Bayonne , personally mainprised before the king in chancery under pain of twice the value of the wheat, the crayers, and the forfeiture of all that they can forfeit to the king, that they would take the wheat to Bordeaux and Bayonne and not elsewhere, and would return to the downs of Sandwich.

Sault had made the request because they had, by the king's licence, loaded the wheat on those crayers in the port of the city of London, to take it to Bordeaux or Bayonne for the duke's sustenance, but while travelling there, for fear of the attack of the king's enemies of Normandy, landed at the port of Sandwich, and the crayers were arrested there by the mayor and bailiffs of the town because of a writ of the king's directed to them for the arrest of ships, barques or balingers for the defence of the sea crossing.

50: 13 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León, duke of Lancaster.

To the mayors and bailiffs of Bristoll' Bristol , Plymmouth' Plymouth and Dertmuth' Dartmouth , and keepers of the crossing in ports, towns, and to each of them.

Grant of a licence to Abberbury Richard de Adderbury, kt , the younger , and Thomas Pays, clerk , that they, or either of them are able to carry victuals and other necessaries of the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , loaded into two barques or balingers of 60 tuns capacity in the aforesaid towns, as far as Baion' Bayonne to Gaunt. Order that Adderbury and Pays be permitted to take the victuals and other necessaries in the barques or balingers to those parts, any order of the king sent to them or any of them to the contrary notwithstanding.

51

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the clerks of the province of Bordeaux.

To the seneschal and judge of Aquitaine , and the constable of Bordeaux, and whatsoever others of the king's council there, and also all barons, lords and other faithful subjects in the king's lordship and territory of Aquitaine, and each of them.

Order to use all means to assist the clergy, and restrain the mayor , deputy mayor , prévôt, clerk, proctor, jurats, citizens, burgesses and other inhabitants of the city of Bordeaux, from levying and collecting all illegal tolls and impositions, and injuries, vexations and harm to the clergy, against the king's orders and the liberties of the Church, and compel them to comply with the king's order, since the king wishes it to be put into effect, and the Church to be preserved from tyrannical acts.

By the complaint of the clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux , and by information from many loyal subjects, the king had been informed that the mayor and jurats, citizens and burgesses of the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , plotting against the canons of the churches of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin in the city of Bordeaux, and other clergy, oppressing the liberties of the Church, both by the payment of grave tolls and new impositions, imposed by their will, and without licence, and by the closing of the gates of the city against the canons and their servants, and by impeding the sale of their own wine, and in many other oppressions against them done from day to day, in grave harm of the liberties of the Church, and in contempt of the king's majesty. The king, not wishing to tolerate this, and by the advice of his council, by his other letters patent, strictly ordered the mayor and others, under pain of forfeiture, and the loss of the privileges and liberties, to desist from what they had done by pretext of any grant made by the king or his predecessors to the mayor or jurats, unless it was agreed to by the assent and free will of the ordinary and clerks of the place. Nor were they to close the gates against the canons or their servants out of malice, or do anything else against the liberties of the Church, under pain of forfeiture. ¹

By C.

1.: For a near identical order, see entry 19 .

52

20 February 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For William Forster of Lancashire.

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay to Forester William Forster of Lancashire , esquire , of 20 l.st. from the issues, profits and revenues of the king's lordship of Aquitaine, according to the form of the king's grant. Lately the king granted to Forster, for his good service to Edward [III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, and to the king's father , deceased, and to the king after their decease, and in consideration that Forster, when lately in the king's war service, was taken, and is still a prisoner, of 100 l. of money to be taken each year from the lands, rents and possessions which were Beguer Galhart Béguey, kt , late the king's rebel, then in the king's hands, on occasion of Béguey's rebellion, to be paid by the king's constables, and those of his heirs, or his farmers, or the keepers of the lands and rents, at Easter and Michaelmas, by equal portions, for all Forster's life, or until another arrangement is made for his estate. Afterwards, because Béguey was restored to his lands, rents and possessions by the king, Forster's annuity was to be taken from the issues, profits and revenues of the lordship of Aquitaine from the constable of Bordeaux, at the same terms by equal portions for life, or until other provision is made for him by the king's letters patent of the 4 October last past. Because Forster has stated before the king's council that 70 l. of the 100 l. annuity are in arrears from the time of the first grant made to him, by the advice of the king's council, in recompense for the arrears, and in aid of his ransom, the king granted him 20 l.st. from the constable of Bordeaux from the issues, profits and revenues of the lordship of Aquitaine. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For the original grant, see entry in C 61/93 . For a related entry, see entry in C 61/96 .

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For the transport of wheat.

53: 26 December 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, etc.

Grant of a licence to Fonte, de Gassarnaut de Lafont, master of a certain ship called la Trinite of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 120 tuns of wheat bought in England by him and his deputies, and loaded onto that ship in Bristoll Bristol , and take it to Baion' Bayonne , for the relief and sustenance of the men residing in the city. Lafont had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Moundenx Domenges de Mondenx , Berwet Bernat de Bernet and Rino, de Pey Durrieu , burgesses of Bayonne, personally mainprised before the king in chancery under pain of twice the value of the wheat, that Lafont would take the wheat to Bayonne and not elsewhere, and that he bring letters testimonial under the seal of the mayor of Bayonne attesting that the wheat was discharged there into chancery. It is ordered that Lafont be permitted to take the wheat to Bayonne first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues to the king, freely and without impediments, whatsoever proclamations, prohibitions, statutes or orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

54: 29 December 1387 . Westm' Westminster .

To the same.

Grant of a licence to Bernat Deudas , master of a certain crayer of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 36 tuns of wheat bought in England by him and his deputies, and loaded into that crayer in the port of Suthampton' Southampton , to Burdeg' Bordeaux for the relief and sustenance of the men residing in the city. Bernat Deudas had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Rino, de Pey Durrieu and Roncivaux Johan Roncevaux , burgesses of Bayonne, personally mainprised before the king in chancery, under the pain of twice the value of the wheat that he would take the wheat to Bordeaux, and not elsewhere, as above mutatis mutandis .

55: Same as above

To the same.

Grant of a licence to Johan Says , merchant of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 240 quarters of wheat bought in England by him and his deputies, and loaded onto a certain ship called la Seinte Katerine of Baion' Bayonne to Burdeg' Bordeaux for the relief and sustenance of the king's lieges living in the city. Says had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Montefreno Jacmes de Monte Freno [mainprised] etc. as above mutatis mutandis .

56: 12 January 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant of a licence to Johan de Mahurnet , merchant of Baion' Bayonne , that he can take 140 tuns of wheat bought in England by him and his deputies, and loaded into a ship called la Gracedieux of Baion' Bayonne of which Fawes, de Miqueu Dufau is Master, in the port of the town of Southampton, to Burdeg' Bordeaux . Mahurnet had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Arnaut Brocas , Roncivaux Johan Roncevaux , and Comes Bidau de Couma , merchants of Bayonne, [mainprised] before the king, as above mutatis mutandis .

57

20 January 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Gassie-Arnaut .

Order to the mayor and jurats of the city of Baion' Bayonne , that they view the obligations which Gassie-Arnaut de Salies claims to have in his possession concerning the debt that he says is owed to him by Camp' Gran Guilhem de Grand Camp , ¹ summon before them both of them, or their proctors or attorneys, hear their arguments and allegations, and do full and speedy justice to Salies on the recovery of the sum that Salies is able to prove is owed to him according to the laws, fors and customs there, putting aside any trickery or subterfuge, so that the king does not hear Salies's complaint again. Salies has shown the king that Grand Camp was bound to him by his letters of obligation in a sum of 800 gold Francs for certain contracts had between them, and that Grand Camp had paid 450 fr. , but although frequently requested to pay the residue, has refused to do so, to Salies's great damage and loss, and impoverishing his status, for which he requests remedy, and the king agrees to this.

1.: Grand Camp is a local placename of Souprosse (arr. Dax, dép. Landes).

58: 22 January 1388 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For the burgesses of Libourne .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux, or his lieutenant, that he is not to impose any innovations on the burgesses and inhabitants of Leybourne Libourne in Aquitaine, to their damage and harm against the liberties and privileges, but permit them to use and enjoy their liberties and privileges, just as they were accustomed to reasonably use and enjoy before those times, which they have of the grant of the king's progenitors, and of the king's confirmation, so that the burgesses and inhabitants have no reason to complain about this again. On behalf of the burgesses and inhabitants, their complaint has been shown to the king, that the constable has imposed the various innovations on them against the liberties and privileges, contrary to the liberties and privileges granted to them by the king's progenitors, late kings of England, and the king's confirmation, by which the burgesses and inhabitants have been unduly and unjustly troubled, upon which they have requested and which the king wishes to provide.

By p.s.

59

2 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For retaking certain lands and tenements into the king's hands . ¹

Order to the seneschal and constable, or their lieutenants, that if the places of Blasimont Blasimon with its parishes and appurtenances, and the parishes of Mercampes Marcamps , Prinhaco Prignac , Cazelas Cazelles , Saunctus Laurencius Darsacum Saint-Laurent-d'Arce , the Espicals Maringha hospital of Magrigne , Seint Gervase Saint-Gervais , Saint Andres de Cubsac Saint-André-de-Cubzac , Aubie , Espessas , Puysara Peujard , Gauriaguet , Marsas , Sanctus Antonius Saint-Antoine , Seizac Cézac , Cavinhac Cavignac , Labuscade Laruscade , and Cunhasezisio Cubnezais , with appurtenances in the bourses Bourgeais with their appurtenances, which were of the honour of Burgum supra Mare Bourg , have not been taken back into the king's hands, and rejoined and united to the king and the crown of England, then they are to take it into the king's hands, and rejoin and unite it to the king and his crown, without delay, according to the tenor of the letters of E[dward III], king of England , the king's grandfather, and the confirmation of the king.

Lately, for certain reasons it was ordained that the castle , honour and town of Burgum supra Mare Bourg should not be separated by sale, gift, exchange or by any other title out of the hands of the king's grandfather, except to a future heir of the king of England, and to remain united and annexed to the crown of England. And the same king, forgetting this, by his letters bestowed the places and parishes on Lebreto Bérart [II] d'Albret , to hold the same to him and his heirs, together with the homages, rights and appurtenances pertaining to all the places and parishes, together with high and low justice, and complete and shared jurisdiction of the same places, just as was more fully contained in the letters of the king's grandfather. Afterwards the king's grandfather, considering that he had granted that Bourg could not be alienated out of his hands, and for certain other reasonable causes, and with the consent of the king's council, prelates, magnates and nobles in parliament with mature deliberation, revoked the gift and grant of the places, parishes and rights to Albret, and his heirs, by his letters patent, which the king confirmed, the king's grandfather wishing that it should remain annexed to the crown of England. ²

1.: A note in the margin states ' extractus '.
2.: For the king's confirmation of the grant to Albret, originally made by Edward of Woodstock, the king's father, and not by Edward III as recorded here, see entry in C 61/85 .

60: 4 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan de Saint-Jean, and others .

To all keepers of ports and other maritime places, sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects of the king.

Grant of a licence to Sanctus Johannes Johan de Saint-Jean, master of a ship called Baion' le Seint Johan of Bayonne , Bonell' Arnaut Boneu , Pey Arasate and Arnaut Marailhe , merchants of Bordeaux, that they can take wheat and other merchandise bought in England that has been loaded onto the ship, then in the port of the town of Sandewicum Sandwich for half a year or more, to Burdeg' Bordeaux for the relief of the men residing there, even though the king had previously prohibited any ship, barque or balinger then in any English port, under pain of forfeiture, and the loss of the ships, from leaving those ports until the king otherwise ordered. Saint-Jean and the merchants had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Ramon Monedere and Domyngo Johan Domenge of Bordeaux , and Edward Caldecote , John Wynedon and William del Chambre of London , had personally mainprised before the king in chancery, for them under the penalty of twice the value of the ship, and under pain of forfeiture, that they would take the ship to Bordeaux, discharge the cargo, and come back to the Sandewicum, les dounes iuxta downs of Sandwich as quickly as possible on certain business of the king, until otherwise ordered by the king. It is ordered that Saint-Jean and the merchants be permitted to take the ship to Bordeaux without any impediments, any arrest or order of the king to the contrary notwithstanding.

61: 6 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey-Arnaut de Baly .

To the same.

Grant of a licence to Baley Per-Arnaut de Belay, master of a certain ship called la Seinte Marie de Baion' Bayonne [that he can take wheat and other merchandise] as above, then in the port of the town of Kyngeston' super Hull' Kingston upon Hull , as above. Belay had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because Thorp' Thomas Thorpe of York , merchant , and Roncivaux Johan Roncevaux, burgess of Baion' Bayonne had personally mainprised before the king in chancery, for them under the penalty of twice the value of the ship, and under pain of forfeiture, that they would take the ship to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne , discharge the wheat etc. as above mutatis mutandis .

62: 11 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For protection .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Pyllyng Stephen Pilling of Braynford Brentford , draper , alias Stephen atte Belle of Brentford , who is going to Bayon' Bayonne , in the king's service, in the company of John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , to reside there in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

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For Edmund, duke of York, and others.

26 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Commitment, by the advice of the king's council, of full power to John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , the king's uncle, to hear and judge the complaint and case and associated matters of Edmund [of Langley], duke of York , and earl of Cambridge , the king's uncle, William de Beauchamp , and Matthew de Gournay , and certain others of the king's lieges, concerning the failure of Florimont, lord of Lesparre to preserved them from obligations they entered into for him, and compel him to completely exonerate and acquit them from their obligations by all legitimate ways and means, and come to a final decision about all of the matter according to the laws, fors and customs of Aquitaine, and to put it into execution. The seneschal of Aquitaine, the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, and all other officers, ministers and faithful lieges and subjects of the king, are ordered by other letters patent to obey and be intendant on Gaunt in undertaking this, when requested to do so.

The king has received a grave complaint from the duke of York, Beauchamp and Gournay, and certain others of the king's liege men out of their generosity and pure gratitude on the delivery of the lord of Lesparre, who had been a prisoner in Ispann' Castile , were bound by their writing, and remain bound to Juan [son of] Enrique , Gaunt's adversary of Castile, and to the Vilen' marquis of Villena, and Denye count of Denia , ¹ under a grave and severe penalty for the delivery and discharge of Alfonsso Alfons , son of the marquis, a prisoner of certain of the king's liege men. For this the lord of Lesparre was bound by his writing to the duke of York and others, to preserve them from damage, disgrace and loss in regard to Juan and the marquis, and although the lord of Lesparre was bound to them for the obligations they entered into for him, and has been often requested to do this, he has refused to do this to the damage of the duke of York and others, for which they have requested a remedy. The king wishing to preserve the duke and others from damage, and their state, names, and honours as far as he is able, and to the request of the Arrogon' king of Aragon by his letters patent, and by his ambassadors, for justice to be done to the marquis, his nephew and vassal, to speed up the matter, commits the matter to his uncle.

By K. and C.

1.: Alfons d'Aragon the elder (d. 1412), count of Dénia from 1355 to 1392 and marquis of Villena since 1366 (a title granted by Enrique de Trastamara, king of Castile ).

64: 26 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

To the seneschal of Aquitaine, the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, and all other officers, ministers, and the faithful lieges and subjects of Aquitaine.

Order that they diligently and faithfully obey and be intendant on the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , in the execution of the commission made to him concerning the grave complaint as above.

For Thomas de Percy, kt.

65: 6 April 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

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

Grant of a licence to the king's kinsman Thomas de Percy , who is going in the king's service with certain other faithful subjects, to the king's uncle, John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , to Baion' Bayonne or Burdeg' Bordeaux , that he can take his own ship called la Trinite then in the port of Sutht' Southampton for his crossing, and for that of other faithful subjects, and necessary mariners and equipment, at the king's usual wages. It is ordered that they permit Percy to have his ship, mariners and equipment, and to go to the same without impediment, any arrest that has been made, or order of the king to the contrary notwithstanding.

66: Same as above

To the same.

Grant of a licence as above, that he can take a barque and a balinger then in the ports of Plymmuth' Plymouth and Dertmuth' Dartmouth and the necessary mariners and equipment, for his passage and that of others of the king's faithful subjects, as above, mutatis mutandis .

67

4 August 1387 . Westm' Westminster . For the clerks of the province of Bordeaux.

To the mayor , deputy mayor , prévôt, clerk, proctor, juats, citizens, burgesses and other inhabitants living in the city of Bordeaux.

Order, the king realising that the imposition, offences and excesses that the mayor and others have imposed against the canons of Saint-André and Saint-Seurin in the city of Bordeaux, and other ecclesiastical people, if they are permitted to continue, are against the liberties of the Church, and against the king's majesty, especially since the Church ought to be free, and the king is obliged to preserve this because of the oath that he swore, and because it was not the king's intention by any grant made by him that the Church should be so oppressed, and the clergy compelled to pay a tax, when they had not agreed to it, that for the peace of the canons and other ecclesiastical persons, the mayor and others should, on pain of forfeiture and loss of privileges granted to them by the king and his predecessors, desist from causing them to pay the impositions unless the ordinaries and clergy of the place agree to it. They also should not close the gate or gates of the city against the canons, other ecclesiastical people, their servants or goods, except when necessary for the salvation and security of the city against threats from the king's enemies, under pain of forfeiture, not troubling or impeding them. They should not continue to act in this way unless they wish the king and his council to provide another remedy whereby they would be considered rebels, and punished for their contempt of the king's order.

It has come to the king's attention by the grave complaint of his clergy of the diocese and Burdegalen' province of Bordeaux , and by the relation of several loyal subjects there that the canons, and other clergy of the diocese and province of Bordeaux, against the liberty of the Church, have been wickedly oppressed by the mayor and others, they plotting against the canons and others by certain letters patent of the king that granted an imposition for a certain term, namely of 12 d. in the pound on all rebels and enemies, and 6 d. in the pound on those who are obedient to the king, taking half from the buyer, and half from the seller on merchandise sold in the city, unjustly compelling the canons and others to pay 5 s. pro billeta for each tun of wine of the canons and others, sold by them or their servants in the city, and also on account of this to pay many other tolls and sums of money, on their own authority, presuming to use royal authority. Further they have, by letters patent of E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, of the thirty-second year of his reign, made at his pleasure, by which he granted that no-one else apart from the mayor and others could sell wine in taverns in the city from Pentecost to Michaelmas, and they had stopped the canons and ecclesiastical persons from selling their wine in the city in person or by their servants as they had been accustomed to do, and continued to do it even though the grant could not last longer than the king's grandfather's life, and similarly plotted to harass the clergy, stopping them from coming into the city by the gates, stopping them from using their churches, and bringing victuals to their houses. They have also issued a constitution or ordinance on their own authority that certain people of the king's jurisdiction or from elsewhere for the defence of the country be lodged in the houses of the canons and other ecclesiastical persons of the city and outside it against their wishes, but not in the houses of the burgesses, though those people could easily be billeted in the houses of the burgesses. Even worse, the mayor and others have expelled the canons and other ecclesiastical people from the city without process and cause, unless they agree to these excesses, and pay the impositions, tolls and exactions without delay, to the damage of the state of the clergy and other ecclesiastical people, and in manifest harm to the liberties of the Church, for which they request remedy. ¹

By C.

1.: For a near identical copy of this entry cancelled in this entry's favour, see entry 18 .

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For a pardon for Prat.

68: 27 March 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant of a pardon, by the king's special grace, to Prat, de Menaut Duprat , of the lordship of Aquitaine, suit of the king's peace for the death of de Prat Pey Duprat , of the same lordship, before the feast of Christmas in the tenth year of the king's reign, and the forfeiture for the crime that he has incurred to the king for the death, of which he was accused, indicted, charge or appealed, and also the outlawry or banishment if that has been promulgated against him, provided that he stand to right in the king's court in his lordship, if anyone wishes to proceed against him in a civil suit.

By p.s.

69: Same as above

To the lieutenant or seneschal of Aquitaine, or the lieutenant of the same, the mayor, constable, jurats, one hundred peers, and law-worthy men of the city of Burdeg' Bordeaux , the vicomtes, prévôts, seneschals and whatsoever other justices, officers and ministers of the king in the duchy and lordship of Aquitaine.

And it is ordered that if Menaut [Duprat] finds sufficient security before them or any of them for his good conduct towards the king and his people of those parts according to the fors and customs of the same parts, then they are to publish and notify the king's letters and the king's firm peace in the court of Gascony, or other courts and places that are expedient. Duprat is not to be troubled or harmed in any way contrary to the tenor of the king's letters.

By the same writ.

70: 26 November 1387 . The in palacio nostro Westm' palace of Westminster . For the burgesses of Libourne.

Grant that both the king's lieges and their successors, Leybourne burgesses and inhabitants of Libourne , and all the wine that is loaded onto ships or vessels in the port there, is to be for ever free and quit of customs and subsidies towards the king and his heirs, provided that this does not detract from any privileges or liberties granted by the king and his progenitors before that time to the city of Burdegal' Bordeaux ; and saving also the royal rights and those of others, and the king's profits pertaining to the king and his heirs, and his crown from ancient times. The burgesses and inhabitants of the town have shown how the king's father, the prince, deceased, at his entry into the lordship of Aquitaine, imposed a certain custom and subsidy of 10 s. of money current there on each tun of wine which was loaded onto ships in the port of Libourne, with the result that those ships which were accustomed to come to the port to load wine, withdrew, and the port is deserted, and the king's lieges there are on the point of being ruined unless the king provides a speedy remedy, which the king wishes to grant.

By p.s.

71

3 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For inquiring, Bunt.

Assignment to the mayor and prévôt of the city of Baion' Bayonne , to inquire by the oaths of good and law-worthy men of the city and district whether John Bunt of Bristoll' Bristol had made any execution of the letters directed to him by the king concerning uncocketed cloth exported to Baion' Bayonne from England, and if he has, the king wishes to know the full circumstances and truth of the matter. They are ordered to diligently inquire about the matter, and to return the inquisition that they make into chancery under their seal together with this writ. On 5 September 1384 the king, by his letters patent, made an assignment during pleasure to Bunt to search in Bayonne and its district for all manner of cloth that was for sale there both of one colour or another which had been exported there from England without a cocket or customs, and to take them into the king's hands as forfeit by the controller of the prévôté of Bayonne , and to answer to the king for half of the forfeited cloth by the constable of Bordeaux, and to keep the other moiety for himself for his labour. Bunt has shown that, though he did not receive the letters, nor had he made any execution of them in the city or district, he had been summoned to the exchequer to answer to the king for the forfeited cloth, and greatly distrained and unjustly disturbed, and he has requested that his distraint and disturbance be superseded. ¹

1.: For the original assignment to Bunt, see entry in C 61/98 .

72

1 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For Brother Pey de Rivis. ¹

To the lieutenant or seneschal of Aquitaine, and the mayor and constable of Bordeaux, and also all other ministers and officers of the king's lordship of Aquitaine.

Order to put Rivis Brother Pey de Rieux, brother of the house of the hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , ² in corporal and full possession of the preceptories or baylies of Burdegal' Bordeaux , of Monterubeum Montarouch , of Sancta Vita Fumaderiis Saint-Avit-de-Fumadières , of Cadarsacum Cadarsac , and of Arsys Arcins in the Tholose priory of Toulouse , with all its members, rights and appurtenances, and once in possession, maintain him in the same, and permit him to enjoy the same according to the tenor of the letters granting him the same. All brothers, sisters and donors of the preceptories or baylies, and others of the king's lieges and subjects there, are to obey and be intendant on Rieux. The king has made this order for his special devotion which the king has to the glorious martyr John the Baptist, and for the sincere affection that he has for the house and convent, which was founded for the defence of Holy Church and all Christians against the enemies of Christ and Christians, and also because the king knows Rieux fought strenuously at the house of Rhodes ³ in the war against the saracens.

Cultanco, de Pierre de Culan, marshal of the house of the hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , and lieutenant master of the house , and the convent of the house, and by deliberate council and sure knowledge, gave to Rieux, the preceptories or baylies, which were vacant, and had devolved to Culan and were at his disposition, with all its members, rights and appurtenances, by his letters patent, which were exhibited before the king and his council, to have, hold, rule, govern, enrich and improve in spiritualities and temporalities both in head and members for a certain term contained in the letters, and appointed him precentor and commander in those preceptories and baylies, just as appears by those letters. ⁴

By C.

1.: The marginal heading is written over an erasure.
2.: His name suggests he originated from Rieux situated near Toulouse. This Gascon town was then the seat of a bishopric, and had been since 1317.
3.: The Knights Hospitalers then had their headquarters on the island of Rhodes.
4.: For a related entry, see entry 77 & entry 84 .

73: 20 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For supervising a muster.

Assignment to Bernat Brocas, kt , Cheyne Hugh Cheyney, kt , and John de Hermesthorp' , clerk , to jointly and individually muster the king's kinsman Thomas de Percy , and fifty men-at-arms, and one hundred archers who are going in the king's service with Percy at the king's wages, to Aquitaine, who are at Southampton , and survey them, and correct and emend the defects that they find in the array of the men-at-arms and archers, if any. And they are to certify to the treasurer and barons of the exchequer as to the muster, and of the sufficiency of those persons, and also of the defects that they find if any, under their seals. The king orders them to diligently attend to this, and has ordered all the sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers, men-at-arms, archers, and other faithful subjects that they obey and be intendant on Brocas, Cheyney and Hermesthorp' .

For C.

For protections.

30 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

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

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going to the same parts, in the same service, to reside in the company of the same king, have similar letters of protection:

74.1: Same as above

Kirkeby Thomas Kirkby of London . ¹

By bill etc.

1.: The remaining space at the end of the membrane contains three empty sets of entry marks.

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75: 13 April 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For general attorney.

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Abberbury Richard Adderbury, the younger , kt , who is going in the king's service, with John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , the king's uncle, nominating Abberbury Richard Adderbury, the elder , kt , and atte Wod William Attwood of Berkshire , alternately.

John Scarle, clerk , received the attorney until the return [of Abberbury] to England.

For protection.

13 April 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Abberbury Richard Adderbury, the younger , kt , who is going to Baion' Bayonne , in the king's service, to reside with John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , the king's uncle.

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the same service to the same parts, to reside in the company of the same king, have similar letters of protection, namely:

76.1: 9 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

John Rous .

By bill etc.

76.2: Same as above

Cornewaill' John Cornwall, kt .

By bill etc.

76.3: 8 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

John Croilboys .

By bill etc.

76.4: 1 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Heywod' Nicholas Heywood of Congleton, Cheshire .

By bill etc.

76.5: 12 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Gayrgrave William Gargrave of Wakefeld Wakefield .

By bill etc.

76.6: 24 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Traille John Trailly, kt .

By bill etc.

76.7: 25 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Wilcok' John Wilcock .

By bill etc.

76.8: 10 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Tebaud Peter Theobald, esquire , alias Peter Theobald, clerk .

By bill etc.

77

12 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For the house of the hospital of St John of Jerusalem .

Order to Rivis Brother Pey de Rieux, preceptor and commander of the preceptories or baylies of Burdegal' Bordeaux , Monterubeum Montarouch , Sancta Vita Fumaderiis Saint-Avit-de-Fumadières , Cadarsacum Cadarsac , and Arsys Arcins , of the house of the hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , that he faithfully and wholly pay all the annual payments and dues of the preceptories and baylies lately granted to him by the marshal and lieutenant master of the house, and the convent of the same, to the convent, or the receiver of the same, and not to anyone else, under pain of forfeiture of all that he can forfeit to the king. ¹

By C.

1.: For related entries, see entry 72 & entry 84 .

78

17 May 1388 . The Westm' palace of Westminster . For the ending of an appeal cause .

To Francesco [Uguccione], archbishop of Bordeaux , Fava, de Pélegrin Dufau , Combe, la Fauquet Lacomba , ¹ Lysano, de Johan [Faure] de Lisan ² and Caymonde Rotbert Caymon , ³ canons of Saint-André, and Master Brugario Johan de Brugar, bachelor in laws .

Commitment to the archbishop and the others, or three of them, to inspect the process done or begun by the commissioners concerning the appeal of Lopiaco, de Mabilia de Loupiac , wife of Monte Larino, de Arnaut de Monlarin , and to take cognizance of and proceed against Olyver Johan Oliver, son and heir of Condessa de Loupiac , and the heirs of the same, and Aumus de Loupiac, and others who have an interest in the appeal, and the principal business with all things emerging from and connected to it which had not yet been determined, and hear, decide, discuss and duly determine the matter, and whatever has been unjustly done against Mabilia in her prejudice and her appeal is to be returned to its original state, and they are to do full and speedy justice to the parties according to the laws, fors and customs of those parts. The king orders the archbishop and the others, or three of them, to diligently attend to this, prohibitting the judges of the court of sovereignty, and all others of doing anything contrary to the parties while the case is being decided.

On behalf of Mabilia de Loupiac, wife of Arnaut de Monlarin, it was explained to the king by Jordan atte Broke , her proctor, complaining that a certain case had been heard before the appeal judge of Gascony, of a lawsuit between Comitissa, Lopiaco, de Condessa de Loupiac , wife of Oliverii Johan Oliver , now deceased, and Almucia, Lopiaco, de Aumus de Loupiac , wife of Bauno, de, Burdeg' Pey Duban of Bordeaux , on the one part, and the same Mabilia, sister of Condessa and Aumus, on the other part, concerning the division of the inheritance of Lopiacum Rostanh de Loupiac , and Alhano, de Mabilia d'Aillan , both deceased, father and mother of Mabilia, Condessa and Aumus, for 22½ l. rent, and 50 l. in money, which Lopiacum Johan de Lupiac , their brother, in his lifetime, gave to Mabilia de Loupiac in augmentation of her dower, which sums Condessa and Aumus asserted ought to be divided amongst the sisters. The appeal judge, making a mistake, had delivered a judgment in favour of Condessa and Aumus, and against Mabilia, and Mabilia appealed to the judges of the court of sovereignty in Aquitaine, and they, delivering a lawful judgment, said that Mabilia's appeal had been wrongly made, and condemned her in the expenses. Mabilia, feeling herself damaged by this, appealed to the king and his council in England in writing, in lawful time, and her proctor requested a remedy. The king wished justice to be done, committed full power, by his letters patent, to Rupunta Thomas de Repuncta , doctor of canon law , ⁴ Calhavet Guilhem-Arnaut de Caillavet, bachelor of laws , ⁵ Stephanus, Ortici Estèbe Hourtic, bachelor of canon law , ⁶ Baroti Pey Barrot ⁷ and Fulcherii Pey Fouchier , ⁸ canons of Saint-André, the dean of Saint-André of Bordeaux , and the dean of Saint-Seurin of Bordeaux , or three of them, to proceed in the appeal cause, and the principal business, with all things connected to it, brought by Mabilia, and determine the matter, and do full and speedy justice in the case, according to the laws, fors and customs of those parts. Because the commissioners who are now dead, in the appeal cause, in the lifetime of Condessa did not complete the process, at the request of Mabilia, by her proctor, the king committed his authority to the archbishop, and the others. ⁹

1.: Canon of Bordeaux from 1374 to 1389. On him (under the name of Fulcherius Lacomba ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.294, no.428.
2.: Canon of Bordeaux from 1387 to 1419. On him (under the name of Johannes Fabri de Lisano ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.350, no.235.
3.: Canon of Bordeaux from c. 1387. On him (under the name of Robertus Caymundi ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.420, no.463.
4.: Thomas de Repuncta (his surname in vernacular is not known), canon of Bordeaux from c. 1378-80 to his death before 1408. See Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.427, no.438. He is also known to have been a councillor of king Charles III of Navarre.
5.: His forename is written as 'Arnaut-Guilhem' (Arnaldus Guillelmi) in this roll which is a mistake for 'Guilhem-Arnaut'. Canon of Bordeaux from 1375 to 1409. On him (under the name of Guillelmus Arnaldi de Calhaveto ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.323, no.289.
6.: Canon of Bordeaux from 1371 to 1392. On him (under the name of Stephanus Ortici ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.424, no.416.
7.: Canon of Bordeaux from 1361 to c. 1384. On him (under the name of Petrus Baroti ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.372, no.20.
8.: Canon of Bordeaux between 1380 to 1383. On him (under the name of Petrus Fulcherii ), see Lainé, F., Fasti Ecclesiae Gallicanae , 13, Diocèse de Bordeaux (Turnhout, 2012), p.385, no.335.
9.: For the earlier commission, see entry in C 61/96 .

79: 24 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Traille John Trailly, kt , who is going to Bayonne in the king's service, to reside in the company of John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , nominating John Warde, clerk , and William Wodhull' , alternately.

John Scarle, clerk , received the attorney until the return [of Trailly] to England.

80: Same as above

The same John [Trailly] nominating Braybrok' Gerard Braybrooke, kt , and John Aylesbury, kt .

The same John [Scarle] received the attorneys.

81: 27 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Cornwaill' John Cornwall, kt , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, nominating Thomas Hore, serjeant-at-arms , and Spaldyng' John Spalding, citizen of London .

Roderham John de Rotherham, clerk , received the attorneys, until [John Cornwall] returned to England.

82: 1 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Thomas de Percy, kt , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service, and staying there in the company of John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León , duke of Lancaster , nominating Henry de Percy, earl of Northumberland , and Henry son of the same, alternately.

The same John [Scarle] received the attorneys.

83: Same as above

The same Thomas [de Percy] , nominating John de Waltham, clerk , and Bukton Robert Buckton .

The same John received the attorneys.

84

2 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For the master and community of the house of the hospital of St John of Jerusalem.

Order to John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and León to put Rivis Brother Pey de Rieux, brother of the house of the hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem , in corporal and full possession of the preceptories or baylies of Burdegal' Bordeaux , of Monterubeum Montarouch , of Sancta Vita Fumaderiis Saint-Avit-de-Fumadières , of Cadarsacum Cadarsac , and of Arsys Arcins in the Tholose priory of Toulouse , with all its members, rights and appurtenances, and once in possession, maintain, preserve, protect and defend him in the same, and permit him to enjoy the same according to the tenor of the letters granting him the same. All brothers, sisters and donors of the preceptories or baylies, and others of the king's lieges and subjects there, are to obey and be intendant on Rieux. The king has made this order for his special devotion which the king has to the glorious martyr John the Baptist, and for the sincere affection that he has for the house and convent, which was founded for the defence of Holy Church and all Christians against the enemies of Christ and Christians, and also because the king knows Rieux fought strenuously at the house of Rhodes in the war against the saracens.

By C.

1.: For related entries, see entry 72 & entry 77 .

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85

12 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For the merchant vintners of the duchy of Aquitaine. ¹

It has been established by the king by inspection of the chancery rolls of Lord E[dward], son of King Henry, late king of England, progenitors of the king, that that king made a certain charter in these words:

13 August 1302 . Westminster

Edward [I], king of England , lord of Ireland and duke of Aquitaine , to the archbishops, bishops, abbots, priors, counts, barons, justices, vicomtes, prévôts, ministers and all bayles and faithful subjects. The king having a care for the prosperity and security of his merchants, he wishes to show favour to their petitions and ordains in the form that follows:

Firstly, all wine merchants shall come safely and securely under the king's protection into England, and elsewhere under the king's authority, with their wine and merchandise, and are to be able to trade wholesale in the cities, boroughs and market towns with natives and foreigners, and that the merchandise that they bring into the kingdom, and merchandise that they buy there can be carried where they will within and without the kingdom, doing what they want with them, paying the customs which are due, excepting only those wines which it is not lawful to take out of the kingdom without the king's consent.
Item, the merchant vintners of the duchy are to be able to reside in the cities and towns, with their goods.
Item, that any contract made between the vintners and anybody else wherever they are for whatever merchandise, is to be firm, such that neither merchant can revoke this contract after God's penny has been paid by those making the contract, and if a disagreement arises over the contract, then the proof of it is to be made according to the use and custom of the markets and towns where the contract has been made.
Item, that the king remises to the merchants of the duchy the ancient prise ( prisa antiqua ) of two tuns of wine from whatever ship loaded with wine landing in England, namely one tun from before the mast, and one from after the mast, which the king has been accustomed to take. The king promises for himself and his heirs that he will not impose a prise on the merchant's wine or other merchandise for any necessity or cause against the will of the merchants, without payment at the price that the merchants sell their wine and other merchandise, or by another satisfaction with which they will be happy, neither the king or his ministers setting that price.
Item, that concerning any tun of wine which has been gauged, just as the seller of the wine is to make up what is deficient, so the buyer will have to pay the same according to any surplus, according to what the wine was sold.
Item, that as soon as the ships land with the new vintage, the old wine, wherever it is found in each town and place in England to see if they are good and untainted, and concerning those who will view these wines, half of them are to be from the merchants, and the other half from law-worthy men from the towns where they are, and to swear to do this properly and without fraud.
Item, the seller and the buyer are each to pay one half penny for every gauged tun as is customary, and it is to be observed as custom.
Item, the bailiffs and ministers of fairs in cities, boroughs and market towns are to do speedy justice to those complaining before them of injustex, trouble and debts and whatsoever pleas, without delay according to merchant law, and if a deficiency is found in what the bailiffs and ministers have done by which the vintners or anyone else has been inconvenienced by delay, though the vintner has recovered his damages against the other party, then the bailiff or minister is to be punished according to his actions, this being granted to speed up justice.
Item, that in all general pleas, except for crimes punishable by death, when a merchant vintner is implead, or makes a plea, against anyone of whatever status, foreigner or native, then an inquiry is to be set up in the market cities or boroughs, and half of those on the inquisition are to be drawn from the merchant vintners, if there are sufficient of them, and the other half from the law-worthy people of the place where the plea is made. And if there are not enough merchants, then they are to use as many as can be found, and the remainder should be made up of other good and sufficient men from the place where the plea is made.
Item, that no other tax or exaction is to be put on the wine of the merchants.
Item, it was thought that the following ordinance should be observed forever, namely that concerning any liberty granted by the king and his heirs, the merchant vinters are not to lose there liberties above written.
For the grant of these liberties, the merchant vintners have granted to the king and his heirs, 2 s. from each tun which is landed in the kingdom or within the king's jurisdiction, and on which freight is bound to be paid to the mariners, in addition to the ancient customs and payments in cash paid to the king and others,to be paid within 40 days after the first unloading of the wine in the king's lordship.
It is the king's wish that the merchant vintners, having paid this custom of 2 s. on each tun in the place where the wine was unloaded, should be quit of the payment in any other place of the kingdom, provided that for other merchandise which they are trading in the kingdom, they are to be obliged to pay the same custom to the king as the rest of the merchants pay to the king for that kind of merchandise.

Witnesses: W[alter Langton], Coventr', Lich' bishop of Coventry and Lichfield ³ , John de Warenne, Surr' earl of Surrey , Bygod, le Roger Bigod, Norff' earl of Norfolk , marshal of England , Britannia John de Bretagne , Hugh le Despenser , Brewes William de Braose , Bello Campo Walter de Beauchamp, senescallus steward of the royal household , Roger le Brabazon , John de Merle and others. ⁴

The king grants and confirms the ordinances, grants, remissions, customs, liberties and quittances, and just as the merchants were accustomed reasonably used and enjoyed. ⁵

By C.

1.: It was confirmed and therfore the lord has letters under the seal.
2.: See Unwin, T., Wine and the Vine: An Historical Geography of Viticulture and the Wine Trade (London - New York, 1996), p. 192 and Gras, N. S. B., 'The Origin of the National Customs-Revenue of England', The Quarterly Journal of Economics , 27 (1912), pp. 134-137.
3.: From 1296 to 1321.
4.: See the Livre des Bouillons , Archives Municipales de Bordeaux (Bordeaux, 1867), pp. 160-4, 198-206, 332-6 and 338-42.
5.: For a later confirmation of these letters, see entry in C 61/108 .

86

12 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor, jurats, citizens and inhabitants of Bordeaux.

Confirmation of a confirmation of of E[dward III], king of England, the king's grandfather, it having been established by the king by inspection of the chancery rolls of that king, that he made letters patent in these words:

26 March 1377 . Westm' Westminster .

Confirmation by Edward [III], king of England and France , and lord of Ireland , 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.

The king accepts, approves, ratifies and confirms these letters.

By C.

1.: For Edward III's confirmation, see entry in C 61/90 .

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87: 30 May 1388 . Westm' Westminster . For the appointment of the king's lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine.

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

Appointment under the great seal of John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and of León , duke of Lancaster as lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine during pleasure. They are ordered to obey, answer, and be intendant on Gaunt.

By K. and C. in parliament.

88

26 May 1388 . The en notre paleis de Westm' palace of Westminster . For the powers granted to the same, etc.

[in French]

Grant, with the assent of the king's council, to John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and of León , duke of Lancaster , whom the king has appointed as his lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine by his other letters patent, of full power to do the following:

To receive into the king's peace, obedience and subjection all the cities, towns, boroughs, castles, fortresses and places of those parts, and their inhabitants, and all the king's enemies and rebels who wish to return to his obedience into his peace, and to pardon all manner of peoples, whether they be English , Irish , Welsh , Scots , French, Gascons , Guyeneys Guyennais ¹ or of whatever nation, of the crimes of lèse-majesté, robberies, thefts, homicides, pillage, murder, rape and all other crimes whether they were committed in the past, or when Gaunt is in office. And also power to repeal banishments and exiles, the tarnish of defamation whenever it was pronounced.
To receive, in the king's name, all homages or oaths of fealty from all the king's lieges in those parts, whether they are prelates, nobles or commoners.
To be able to assemple men-at-arms to prosecute the war by chevauchée, siege, or the garrisoning of towns, castles and fortresses, or as matters require, those men-at-arms being ordered to obey the lieutenant.
To be able to assemble the prelates, nobles and commoners when it is necessary to discuss the governance and state of the duchy, and to request their aid for the defence of the land.
To be able to grant tallages and impositions to be levied on the people and merchandise by the advice of the lords and commons for the preservation and defence of the land, and to revoke those that seem contrary to the king's honour.
To be able to make gold, silver and black money, of whatever size and value he thinks best for the king's honour and profit, and to punish any trespassers as required.
To remove all officers of whatever estate or condition, except the constable and mayor of Bordeaux , and those who have estates or offices by letters patent of the king under the great seal, and to put other sufficient people in those offices, excepting Bonewe Guilhem Boneu , whom for certain important reasons the king wishes is not his councillor or holds any office.
To appoint counsellors for the governance of the land, and to ordain suitable rewards for them.
To make truces with the enemy and rebels in the duchy of Aquitaine for such time as he thinks best.
To give safe-conducts and safe-guards within the lordship of Aquitaine for terms that he considers suitable.
To pay the customary charges and gifts to the king's subjects for their service from the issues and profits of the land of Aquitaine.
To revoke all manner of gifts and grants of the king's revenues of the duchy to whomsoever and in whatever manner they were made without legitimate authority, and not confirmed by the king.
To grant and suffer that the wines from the Haut-Pays of the duchy can be carried to the city of Burdeux Bordeaux , paying by the advice of the king's council there certain impositions in support of the war, and defence of the country, saving the privileges of the country is any are to the contrary.
To make collations and present able people to dignities, offices and other benefices of the Church that are vacant or become vacant, both in churches, cathedrals and colleges, and in others that pertain to the king.
To demolish, by the advice of the king's council there all manner of fortresses that cannot be securely held, and especially the fortresses captured from rebels, except those belonging to the king's patrimony.
To exercise in whatever place he is high and low justice, and complete and shared jurisdiction over all rebels and traitors both in criminal cases and lèse-majesté and otherwise, and also treasons, murders, rapes of women, defilers of the Church, breakers of truces or safe-conducts, and other evil-doers, of whatever estate or condition they are, and as the crime requires.
And to do all things that are necessary for the good governance of the country, and which pertain to the office of lieutenant.

The king promises to accept what the lieutenant does in his name, and orders all the prelates, nobles and communities of cities, towns, castles, fortresses and other places, and all the king's ministers, officers and other subjects of whatever estate, condition or degree that they are, under pain of forfeiture of whatever they can forfeit to the king, are to diligently obey and be intendant on the lieutenant as they ought, and when required by the lieutenant or his deputies. ²

1.: Specific mentions of 'Guyennais' or 'Aquitanians' (inhabitants of Guyenne or Aquitaine) are extremely rare at this period. They mean here the inhabitants of the duchy of Guyenne (or Aquitaine) as defined at the treaty of Brétigny-Calais (1360) who were not Gascons, that is, those who were inhabitants of Périgord, the Agenais situated north of the river Garonne, Quercy, Rouergue, Limousin, Saintonge, Aunis, Angoumois and Poitou.
2.: For a near identical grant of powers ommitting part of the clause about Guilhem Boneu, and with the addition of four additional clauses, see entry 93 .

For Pey Taller.

8 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to John [of Gaunt], king of Castile of León, duke of Lancaster, to put Talle Pey Taller of Baion' Bayonne , in possession of the bargagium ¹ and Curdagium of cloth, ² and the conquagium of corn, ³ in the city of Bayonne, and defend him in the same, removing detainers, according to the tenor of the king's letters.

Lately, on 23 October, the king granted for life to Pey Taller, in recompence for the great losses that his father sustained in the siege of Bayonne by the bastard of Spain, ⁴ , the bargagium , Curdagium , and the conquagium of corn, ⁵ paying to the king as much for the same per annum for his life, as others had been accustomed to pay before that time, Taller having requested the grant in compensation for his father's losses ⁶

1.: Possibly a tax on measuring wine tuns. 'Droit de jaugeage' (right of gauging). In French vergage .
2.: Or cordagium a tax on goods measured ad cordam , with a rope.
3.: A tax for measuring corn with a conca (a measure). In French conquage .
4.: The unsuccessful siege of Bayonne by Enrique (Henry) II de Trastamara, king of Castile , from 11 June 1374 to early July 1374.
5.: A tax for measuring corn with a conca (a measure). In French conquage .
6.: For the grant of 23 October, see entry 43 . For another order for livery, see entry in C 61/105 . For a confirmation of the grant, see entry in C 61/109 . For a related entry, see entry in C 61/109 . For an order of livery, see entry in C 61/110 .

90: Same as above

In the same manner it is ordered to the mayor and prévôt of Baion' Bayonne .

For the merchants of Bordeaux.

16 June 1388 . Westm' Westminster . ¹

Grant by the advice of the king's council, to his merchants of Burdeg' Bordeaux , the king wishing for their peace and tranquillity, that those of them loading their goods and merchandise in Seland Zeeland and Holand Holland , and the town of Cales' Calais , and other friendly, overseas ports, when they come to English ports for the security of those goods and merchandise, and for supplies, and for other lawful causes, intending to go onto Bordeaux, can do so without paying any customs or subsidy on those goods and merchandise, except on those that they sold and exchanged in the kingdom of England. Before this time the merchants had been troubled and impeded by the king's ministers in those English ports for the customs and subsidy though their merchandise was not sold, to the great impoverishment of those merchants.

By C.

1.: A note in the margin states 'The 11th year of King Richard'. Another note states 'It was confirmed'.

92: Same as above

To all customers, collectors, customers of the king of 12 d. in the pound, and 3 s. of each tun of wine, granted to the king by the community of the kingdom of England in the last parliament, in whatsoever ports of the kingdom.

And it is ordered that they are to permit all merchants [of Bordeaux] to come into England free and unimpeded bringing goods and merchandise loaded in Seland Zeeland and Holand Holland , and the town of Cales' Calais , and other friendly, overseas ports into England, unload those goods and merchandise and relaoad them, and continue onto Bordeaux , and to permit them to do this without paying any customs or subsidy except on those goods and merchandise which were sold or exchanged in England.

By C.

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93

26 May 1388 . The en notre paleys de Westm' palace of Westminster . For the powers granted to the duke of Lancaster.

[in French]

To receive into the king's peace, obedience and subjection all the cities, towns, boroughs, castles, fortresses and places of those parts, and their inhabitants, and all the king's enemies and rebels who wish to return to his obedience into his peace, and to pardon all manner of peoples, whether they be English , Irish , Welsh , Scots , French, Gascons , Guyeneys Guyennais ¹ or of whatever nation, of the crimes of lèse-majesté, robberies, thefts, homicides, pillage, murder, rape and all other crimes whether they were committed in the past, or when Gaunt is in office. And also power to repeal banishments and exiles, the tarnish of defamation whenever it was pronounced.
To receive, in the king's name, all homages or oaths of fealty from all the king's lieges in those parts, whether they are prelates, nobles or commoners.
To be able to assemple men-at-arms to prosecute the war by chevauchée, siege, or the garrisoning of towns, castles and fortresses, or as matters require, those men-at-arms being ordered to obey the lieutenant.
To be able to assemble the prelates, nobles and commoners when it is necessary to discuss the governance and state of the duchy, and to request their aid for the defence of the land.
To be able to grant tallages and impositions to be levied on the people and merchandise by the advice of the lords and commons for the preservation and defence of the land, and to revoke those that seem contrary to the king's honour.
To be able to make gold, silver and black money, of whatever size and value he thinks best for the king's honour and profit, and to punish any trespassers as required.
To remove all officers of whatever estate or condition, except the seneschal of Gascony, and the constable and mayor of Bordeaux , and those who have estates or offices by letters patent of the king under the great seal, and to put other sufficient people in those offices.
To appoint councillors for the governance of the land, and to ordain suitable rewards for them.
To make truces with the enemy and rebels in the duchy of Aquitaine for such time as he thinks best.
To give safe-conducts and safe-guards within the lordship of Aquitaine for terms that he considers suitable.
To pay the customary charges and gifts to the king's subjects for their service from the issues and profits of the land of Aquitaine.
To revoke all manner of gifts and grants of the king's revenues of the duchy to whomsoever and in whatever manner they were made without legitimate authority, and not confirmed by the king.
To grant and suffer that the wines from the Haut Pays of the duchy can be carried to the city of Burdeux Bordeaux , paying by the advice of the king's council there certain impositions in support of the war, and defence of the country, saving the privileges of the country is any are to the contrary.
To make collations and present able people to dignities, offices and other benefices of the Church that are vacant or become vacant, both in churches, cathedrals and colleges, and in others that pertain to the king.
To demolish, by the advice of the king's council there all manner of fortresses that cannot be securely held, and especially the fortresses captured from rebels, except those belonging to the king's patrimony.
To exercise in whatever place he is high and low justice, and complete and shared jurisdiction over all rebels and traitors both in criminal cases and lèse-majesté and otherwise, and also treasons, murders, rapes of women, defilers of the Church, breakers of truces or safe-conducts, and other evil-doers, of whatever estate or condition they are, and as the crime requires.
And to do all things that are necessary for the good governance of the country, and which pertain to the office of lieutenant.
And if it happens that any town or castle is taken and put into the king's obedience and it is necessary to victual it, to distrain and compel the constable of Bordeaux to pay for the necessary victuals and stocking and the keeping of those castles and towns.
And that the lieutenant is able, by the advice of the constable of Bordeaux, and of others of the king's council there, to give to the people best meriting them those lands and inheritances of rebels that are confiscated by the king, up to the sum of 20 l.st. or less to each individual according to their estate and merit, excepting and reserving to the king all those in Bordeaux, or those that anciently belonged to the king's royal patrimony, and belonging to the king's progenitors; to have and to hold for the term of the lives of those people to whom the lands and inheritance are given; saving always to the king that he is able to do grace to the rebels if it pleased him, and restore them by the king's special grace to their lands and inheritance.
And also, that by the same advice that he is able to give and assign the moveable goods of rebels to those that he wishes in consideration of the service that they had done to the king in the wars.
And also to survey and examine the profits and revenues of the king there both in past times, and in times to come, and to appoint controllers of officers accountable to the king for those profits and revenues, and if necessary to compel the officers to do this.

By K. and C.

1.: Specific mentions of 'Guyennais' or 'Aquitanians' (inhabitants of Guyenne or Aquitaine) are extremely rare at this period. They mean here the inhabitants of the duchy of Guyenne (or Aquitaine) as defined at the treaty of Brétigny-Calais (1360) who were not Gascons, that is, those who were inhabitants of Périgord, the Agenais situated north of the river Garonne, Quercy, Rouergue, Limousin, Saintonge, Aunis, Angoumois and Poitou.
2.: For another version with four fewer clauses, and with a variation of the clause concerning the replacement of officers, see entry 88 .