26 January 1343 . Kenyngton Kennington . For Hugh Martin, concerning having office .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to deliver to Martyn Hugh Martin the office of Aquen master of the king’s mints at Bordeaux and Dax , which the king has granted to him by letters patent for five years at the request of Margaret [Wake], countess of Kent , and to allow him to exercise the office. The king has understood that Rostanh Oliver , who previously held the office and was not mentioned in the grant to Martin, had forfeited the office, and thus it had been taken into the king’s hands. At the request of countess Margaret and Richard [FitzAlan], Arundell earl of Arundel , Martin is to have the office during pleasure, notwithstanding previous grants made to Rostanh Oliver, or to Pey Martel and Elias Guiraut Élies , or any others.

By witness of Edward [of Woodstock], duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester , keeper of England .

By letters of the same keeper.

13 February 1343 . Kenyngton Kennington . For Berenguer de Vives. .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to pay to Berengarius, Vivar Berenguer de Vives of Catelon Catalonia the money due to him in wages for him and his men while in the king’s service. On 25 July 1342, the king retained Vives to be Bonegard captain of the town of Bonnegarde , or anywhere else that the king or the captain or seneschal of Gascony might assign to him, to stay there with twenty men-at-arms and sixty armed footmen, at wages of 4 s. a day for himself as a banneret, 12 d. for each man-at-arms, and 3 d. for each footman, with allowance for Vives to appoint his brother or other sufficient deputy to be captain if he should be elsewhere in the king’s service. The constable is to account with Vives for the wages due, both for the time he and his men had the custody of Bonnegarde or elsewhere from 25 July, and for his previous custody of Bonnegarde or elsewhere in the king’s service, and to allow him the wages specified in the indenture from 25 July, and, for the preceding time, such wages as were allowed to other foreign men-at-arms and foot-soldiers in the king’s service in the companies of Geneva Hugues de Genève and other noble foreigners. This should be paid from the issues of the duchy, for which the constable will be given due allowance in his account.

By witness of Edward, duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester, keeper of England.

By the same keeper and C.

16 February 1343 . Westminster . For Pey Bernat de Toulouse and others .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Bayonne to protect and not to trouble Tholosa Pey-Bernat de Toulouse , Bates Ramon de Bats and Benesse Pey de Bénesse in their possession of two ships called tarides ( tarites ), ¹ which they took from the king’s enemies upon the sea during wartime, as the king has been informed. They have previously served the king well in a certain ship called la Katerine of Bayonne , both in Brittany and in England , and therefore the king wishes that they should have the ships, together with the goods contained in one of them.

By C.

4 April 1343 . Westminster . For Oliver de Ingham, concerning his accounting .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Oliver de Ingham , seneschal of Gascony, for the wages due to him and his men for all the time they were in the king’s service in the duchy of Aquitaine, and to return details of what is owed to the king in the English Chancery, under the seal used in Gascony.

By K.

10 May 1343 . Westminster . ¹

Confirmation to Martyn Hugh Martin that he should have the office of Aquen master of the king’s mints in Bordeaux and Dax , which the king had previously granted to him for a term of five years, to hold in the same manner as others. The king understood that Rostanh Oliver , who had previously held the office and was not mentioned in the grant to Martin, had forfeited the office, and it had thus been taken into the king’s hands. Martin is therefore to hold the said office during the king’s pleasure, notwithstanding any grants of the same office made by the king to Oliver, or to Pey Martel and Elys Guiraut Élies , or any others. At the request of Richard [FitzAlan], Arundell earl of Arundel , and Margaret [Wake], countess of Kent , the king grants that Martin should have the said office for the said five years, according to the form of the first grant, as long as he finds sufficient security with the constable of Bordeaux that he will exercise the office well and faithfully, rendering to the king what is due, and paying merchants and others for the silver placed by them in the abovesaid mints, as previously accustomed.

By K.

Same as above

20 May 1343 . Westminster .

Grant to Hugh Martin that he may exercise the office of Aquen master of the king’s mints in Bordeaux and Dax , granted to him as above at the request of Richard [FitzAlan], Arundell earl of Arundel and Margaret [Wake], countess of Kent , by sufficient substitute, for as long as he is unable to undertake it in person. Martin is intending to be in the service of the earl and countess in England , and cannot undertake the office in person. He is therefore shown special favour in this matter, at the request of the earl, as long as he finds sufficient security with the constable of Bordeaux for himself and his substitute.

By p.s.

Same as above

4 June 1343 . Westminster . Concerning general attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for one year to Oliver de Ingham , who is staying in Gascony on the king’s orders, nominating John [de Ingham] , son of Robert de Ingham and Ralph de Ingham , clerks, alternatively.

Thomas de Brayton received the attorneys.

13 July 1343 . Arundell Arundel . For Galhart de Lamothe . ¹ .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with la Mote Galhart de Lamothe for the wages owed to him for the time when he was in the king’s service in the duchy of Aquitaine, as shown by certain bills signed by Usus Maris Antonio Usodimare , the constable’s lieutenant. He is to pay whatever sums are found to be owed from the issues of the duchy, receiving the bills from de Lamothe in return, and will have allowance in his account.

14 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Eugènia de Bouglon .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to call before them the parties in the plea of Bogoloun Eugènia de Bouglon, Trene lady of Latresne , and de Luk Ramon Duluc , guardian of de Luk Pey Duluc , son and heir of the lady of Latresne , ¹ to hear and determine the matter of their plea, and to restore their rights. Eugènia and Ramon have complained that although Eugènia, and Ramon in the name of Pey, and their predecessors have continuously exercised high and low jurisdiction and mere and mixed authority in their place of Latresne from time immemorial, the mayor and jurats of Bordeaux , under colour of the king’s grant restoring to them the banlieue of the said city, have deprived them of the greater part of their jurisdiction. It was not the king’s intention that his grant to the mayor and jurats should diminish anything belonging to Eugènia and Pey.

By petition of C.

28 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Sénebrun [V de Lesparre], lord of Lesparre .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, Master Moleria Arnaut de Lamolère and Jordani Austen Jourdain to summon before themselves the parties, do full justice and terminate [the case mentioned below] according to the local law and fors, and if anything has been done after and against this, appeal, they have to return it to the previous state. Sénebrun [V de Lesparre], Lasparre lord of Lesparre , has appealed to the king by his supplication about a sentence given in absentia at the appellate court of the king's castle of Bordeaux ¹ at the prosecution of Geralda, Fossato, de Guirauda du Foussat , widow of Lasparre Bernat de Lesparre , against the same Sénebrun while this latter had not be summoned.

By petition of C.

3 September 1343 . Westminster . For [Arnaut-]Ramon, vicomte of Orthe .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, Master Bicart Jean Bitard , Master Burgom Bergunh de Lie , and Master Jordan Austen Jourdain , to hear the appeal of Arnaut-Ramon [IV d'Aspremont], Dort vicomte of Orthe , to call the parties before them and to determine it according to the fors and customs of those parts. Arnaut-Ramon has shown that the king, by his letters patent, had previously granted him, and his heirs in perpetuity, high and low jurisdiction in the vicomté of Orthe , with all rights, dues and other things pertaining to that, just as the king’s ministers were accustomed to have had, saving to the king the superiority, resort and chevauchée ( cavalcatu ) which pertain to the king there. However, the Aquen mayor and community of the city of Dax , Boude Arnaut-Gassie de Got, Landarum seneschal of Landes , as prévôt of Dax , and Garcias, Dardir Gassie Dardy , Got’s lieutenant, with other accomplices, have unjustly disturbed and molested him in his possession, and have harassed him with letters from the court of the castle of Bordeaux and other things. The king, receiving the appeal and wishing to do justice to all, orders them to hear the appeal, and to restore anything done afterwards against the said appeal, in prejudice of the parties.

By petition of C.

13 August 1343 . Westminster . Concerning attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in Ireland for one year to Eustace [le Poer] , son of Arnold le Poer , who is staying in England, nominating William [le Poer] , son of Arnold le Poer and Adam FitzWalter alternatively.

Master John de Thoresby received the attorneys.

26 January 1343 . ¹ Westminster .

Letters to Cherleton John de Charlton the elder , repeating the king’s request that Charlton send 30 men-at-arms and as many archers as possible to Portesmuth Portsmouth on 1 March, to join the companies of the earls of Arundel and Huntingdon and other men then coming to him. The king had previously sent letters to Charlton under his great seal requesting these reinforcements and hoping that Charlton himself would come with the fleet, and also asking that Charlton, or someone on his behalf, should come to the council in London at the octave of Hilary last to agree upon the costs of those men. However, he did not appear, and the king therefore asks that Charlton reconsider the king’s great need, send the men to Portsmouth on 1 March, and appear before the council in London at the octave of the Purification next, to certify them of the soldiers he is sending, and to receive their wages, which will be paid for one quarter, in the same manner as others crossing with the fleet.

13 August 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Eugènia de Bouglon .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, or his lieutenant, and the other ministers of the duchy of Aquitaine, that they shall permit Bogoloun Eugènia de Bouglon, la Trene lady of Latresne , to prosecute and defend her causes in the king’s courts of Aquitaine by proctors or others legitimately constituted, without any offense to the laws or customs of those parts, as she is too old to uphold her causes in person.

By petition of C.

20 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Pere Tosquer and others, citizens of Barcelona and Valencia .

Order to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Bayonne to call before them Tholosa Pey-Bernat de Toulouse and Bas Ramon de Bats , masters of two ships of Bayonne , and all other interested parties, and to hear their complaints. It had previously been reported that two cogs of Tosquerii Pere de Tosquer ¹ and others, citizens of Barcelona and Valencia , sailing towards Flanders loaded with various merchandise, were pillaged and taken by two ships of Bayonne, one called la Cateline , commanded by Pey-Bernat de Toulouse, and the other called la Nau Dieu , commanded by Ramon de Bats. ² Most of the men in those ships were thrown into the sea, and Peter [IV], king of Aragon , has asked the king to provide swift justice for his subjects in securing restoration for their losses. However, it was shown before the king that Toulouse and Bats, who had come willingly to assist the king in his war when they encountered the cogs, showed the men on the cogs that they were the king’s faithful men, asked them who and what they were, and sent messengers to discover whether they were enemies or friends. However, the men refused to answer and killed the messengers, for which reason Toulouse and Bats joined battle with them and were victorious. For this reason, both the goods taken and other goods of Toulouse and Bats, arrested in England , were released by the king’s council. Having ascertained the facts, swift justice should be done.

18 July 1343 . Lyndhurst . For Arnaut-Ramon, vicomte of Orthe, concerning protection .

Order to all the officials of Aquitaine to defend and maintain Arnaut-Ramon [IV d'Aspremont], Dorte vicomte of Orthe , his household and goods, from undue violence and trouble. The vicomte, fearing threats made against him, has petitioned the king for protection, and the king has taken him, his rightful possessions and his household into his protection and safe keeping. Restoration should be made for anything done to him in prejudice of this protection.

25 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Gassie-Arnaut du Berger .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to send letters to the Ispann' king of Castile under the king’s seal in the duchy, requesting the restoration to de Verger Gassie-Arnaut du Berger, Baiona merchant of Bayonne , of his ship, goods and merchandise, and recompense for any damage suffered. During the truce between the king and his enemies of France and Ispannia Castile , certain men of Castile forcefully took and carried off Berger’s ship, loaded with cloth, fish and other merchandise worth 40 l.st. , at the la Baye Bay [of Bourgneuf] , in the la Frete port of La Frette in Boigne Bouin , ¹ as appears by an inquisition taken in Gascony. Berger has requested remedy, and the king, wishing to assist in securing justice, orders the seneschal to view the inquisition, and if it seems to be true, then a suitable request should be made to the king of Castile, as is customary in such cases. If the king of Castile refuses the request, then Berger should be granted a marque upon the goods of all men of the king of Castile in the duchy, according to the fors and customs of those parts.

26 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For the mayor, jurats and honest men of Libourne .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to inspect the liberties and privileges of the Lyburn mayor, jurats and men of Libourne , so that subsequent grants by the king or his progenitors are not allowed to damage those privileges, and to defend those rights according to the fors and customs of the land. It has been shown on behalf of the men of Libourne that they hold certain liberties and privileges on account of their town being situated on the frontier, and because they have held and defended their town against the king’s enemies throughout the time of war, at their own cost and not without great burdens to themselves. However, on the pretext of a grant by the king, the Benaugearum vicomte of Benauges and Greyly Johan [II] de Grailly , his son, now claim to receive 12 d. from each pound of goods and merchandise crossing through their lordship, in prejudice of these liberties and privileges and to their grave damage. By a petition before the king and council in parliament, they have requested suitable remedy, and it was never the king’s intention that they should be damaged, troubled or molested by any other grant made contrary to their ancient liberties and privileges.

20 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Nicholas de la Beche .

Order to the Sutht sheriff of Hampshire to supply three sufficient ships in the Sutht port of Southampton , or elsewhere in his bailiwick, to Nicholas de la Beche , who the king has appointed as seneschal of Gascony, or his attorney, for the passage of Nicholas and his men, horses and other things to the parts of Gascony. For the costs of this, the sheriff shall have due allowance in his account.

20 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . Concerning attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for two years to Thomas [Tany] , son of John Tany , kinsman and heir of Richard de la Lee , who is departing for Gascony with Nicholas de la Beche in the king’s service, nominating Robert de Lecche and John de Lecche alternatively.

The chancellor received the attorneys.

13 August 1343 . Westminster . For Bertrand Vigouroux and others .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to hear the plea of Bertrand Vigouroux and his fellows, and if their plea is found to be true, to make restitution to them for their losses and damages, according to the fors and customs of those parts. The king has received a complaint from Vigerous Bertrand Vigouroux, Sancto Johanne Daungely de merchant of Saint-Jean-d’Angély , showing how he and his fellows had hired a certain ship of Gérard Dausegrier of La Rochel La Rochelle , called la Noter Dame of La Rochelle , which they loaded with cloth, copper and other merchandise to a value of 500 l.st. at the town of Lescluse Sluis , ¹ in order to trade at La Rochelle, in the hope of a truce between the king and his enemy of France. ² However, near the coast of Brittany , they came upon Doza Master Johan de Douze and many others, masters and mariners, in ships and galleys of Bayonne , who violently attacked their ship and, having removed the master and mariners, boarded the ship and took it and the merchandise away, against their will and without making amends. Vigouroux has therefore asked for assistance and suitable remedy.

By K.

23 August 1343 . Westminster . Concerning attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for one year to John de Thorplyndeseye , who is departing overseas with Nicholas de la Beche in the king’s service, nominating Adam de Lymbergh and John Foxe of Haxay Haxey alternatively.

Master Thor' John de Thoresby received the attorneys.

24 August 1343 . Westminster . For Johan de Merlis .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Merlys Johan de Merlis regarding the money owed to him, to view his bill and, if the debt is owed, to pay the outstanding sum and receive the said bill. Merlis has shown how the king owed him 100 crowns ( florenis de scuto ) as compensation for a certain horse taken from him for service in the king’s war in Aquitaine, as contained in a bill of Usus Maris Niccolò Usodimare , constable of Bordeaux, in Merlis’ possession. 60 l.bord. was paid by Usodimare in part payment of this sum, as shown by an endorsement on the bill, and the king wishes that the remainder be paid from the issues of the duchy, in crowns or in any other currency to the same value, for which the constable will have due allowance in his account.

By p.s.

24 August 1343 . Westminster . For Fortaner de Lescun and Bernat de Béarn .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to account with Lescune, de Fortaner [V] de Lescun and Berne, Lespeis Bernat de Béarn, called l’Aspès , for any outstanding sums of money owed to them by the king for the wages of them and their men while in the king’s service in the war in the duchy of Aquitaine, and to pay the outstanding amount in good money of those parts. The king acknowledges the deeds and fidelity of Lescun and Béarn in withstanding his enemies in those parts, and the important place which they now hold and which they will be able to hold in the future. Because much of the coinage now circulating in those parts is debased, and wishing to remedy their request as quickly as possible, the seneschal and constable, having accounted with Lescun and Béarn, are to pay whatever is found to be owed to them from the good money anciently circulating there, or in other money to the same value, or to make other suitable assignment to them as quickly as possible. Having made payment or assignment, they are to receive the bills and other evidences from Lescun and Béarn, if they have any, and they shall have allowance on their account.

By K. and C.

28 August 1343 . Westminster . For Brunissen, wife of Arnaut de Durfort, concerning protection .

Order to the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne to maintain and protect Brunicense Brunissen[de Durfort] , wife of Dureford Arnaut [III] de Durfort , and her son, as well as her horses and harness, all her goods and chattels, and all the men and servants of her household, and to defend them from any undue injury and violence, during the king’s pleasure. Brunissen is staying in the city, and intends to stay there until she has secured payment of various sums loaned to merchants and others of the city by her husband, and the king has taken her, her son and all her goods and household into his special protection, defence and safe and secure keeping. If anything has been unduly altered or ventured against her, her son or any of her household, it is to be amended without delay and returned to its rightful state.

By K.

3 June 1343 . Westminster . For Pélegrina de Beaucaire .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux to deliver to Bekkayre Pélegrina de Beaucaire , if it has not already been delivered to him, the maintenance ( sustentatio ) in the city of Bordeaux which Bekkayre Guilhem de Beaucaire , brother of Pélegrina, had by a grant of the king’s father. This has been granted to Pélegrina by letters patent, at the request of Queen Isabella [of France] , the king’s mother, and for the good service that he has given the king and king Edward [II] , his father, to have for his whole life in the same manner as Guilhem held it while he lived. ¹

30 September 1343 . Westminster . ¹

Appointment of Campayne Guilhem de Campagne the son as keeper of the king’s mint in the city of Bordeaux , to hold at the king’s will, receiving the same fee as other previous holders of that office.

By p.s.

Same as above

28 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon . For Bernat de Béarn and Fortaner, lord of Lescun . ¹

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux or their lieutenants to put into effect a grant to Bearne, de, Lespeis Bernat de Béarn, called l'Aspès , and Fortaner [de Lescun], Lescune, de lord of Lescun , regarding the profits of the mint of Hastyng Hastingues , notwithstanding an earlier grant to the lord of Albret. Bernat de Béarn and Fortaner de Lescun have shown how the king had previously granted that money could be minted in Hastingues, according to the form of the money of Bordeaux, providing that this did not devalue the money of Bordeaux, and also that Béarn and Lescun should receive a moiety of the profits from minting all plate or bullion which they might bring from the kingdoms of France , Navarre , Aragon , Castile , Béarn and any other place outside the duchy, until they should have received two thirds of the debt owed to them by the king for their wages and fees. In return, they promised to remit the other third of that debt, and the king was to retain the other half of the profits. However, Bernat-Etz [V], Lebreto, de lord of Albret , has prevented them from receiving those profits, under colour of an earlier grant made to him of all the profits of all the mints in the duchy until such sums of money owed to him should be satisfied. However, the king states that the earlier grant to Albret only referred to places where money was then being minted, and not to new places, and that Béarn and Lescun have only been granted half the profits from money minted from plate brought by them from parts outside the duchy, which profits are not mentioned in the earlier agreement, and thus should not belong to Albret. The king therefore orders that the seneschal and constable should coin money in Hastingues, and, having accounted with Béarn and Lescun regarding their wages and fees, and having received remission of the third part of the amount owed, should make assignment of the moiety of the profits of the mint in Hastingues according to the grant, receiving acquittances for the payments, which shall be sufficient exoneration to receive allowance in their account, provided that they answer for the other moiety of the profits until Béarn and Lescun receive satisfaction, and for the full profits thereafter. ²

By petition of C.

24 August 1343 . Westminster . For John de Montgomery .

Order to the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux to allow Monte Gomeri, de John de Montgomery to receive the custom of the issac ( ishak ) of Bordeaux , in person or by attorney, for term of his life, without impediment or molestation. The king had previously granted this custom to Montgomery during the king’s pleasure, rendering the same as paid by previous holders, but for the good service that Montgomery has performed, and so that he may be able to continue properly in the king’s service, he now grants him this custom for life, without rendering anything to the king or his heirs, as contained in letters patent issued to him. However, Montgomery has complained that he has not been able to receive this custom, having been hindered by the people of Bordeaux on account of certain liberties which they claimed to have been granted. Anything done contrary to the form of these letters should be restored without delay. ¹

By C.

20 July 1343 . Lyndhurst . Concerning the grant of the office of seneschal of Gascony.

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

Grant during pleasure to Nicholas de la Beche of the office and governance of the seneschalcy of the duchy, and all things pertaining to that office. Order that all should obey, answer and be attendant on Beche for as long as he holds that office.

By K.

Same as above

30 August 1343 . Clyve King's Cliffe . For Arnaut-Gassie . ¹

Grant to the king’s valet, Sancto Johanne, de Arnaut-Gassie de Saint-Jean , and the legitimate male heirs of his body, of the Bene baylie of Labenne and Capbreton with its appurtenances in the duchy of Aquitaine, as long as he and his heirs find sufficient security before the seneschal of Gascony. If Saint-Jean or his heirs should act in a less than satisfactory way, then the seneschal shall make correction, and if he should die without legitimate male heirs of his body, then the baylie should revert to the king. The baylie had previously been granted to Saint-Jean and his heirs, to the value of 20 l.st. per year, on proviso that they answer annually for the surplus should it exceed that amount, but Saint-Jean has since relinquished that original grant. ²

By K.

Same as above

Same as above

12 September 1343 . Notyngham Nottingham . For Ramon Guiraudon concerning protection and safe-keeping .

Order to all the king’s seneschals, mayors, jurats, peers, prévôts, bayles and ministers in the duchy of Aquitaine to defend Geraudon Ramon Guiraudon, citizen of Bordeaux , his family and goods, from all undue violence and harm, and to maintain him in his rightful possessions. At Guiraudon’s request, the king has taken him and his possessions into his special protection and safe-keeping during his pleasure, wishing to save him from undue oppressions. If anything is found that is contrary to this, they are to return it to its rightful state, and, so that no-one is able to excuse themselves through ignorance, they are to recount this protection and safe-keeping publicly within their districts, lest anyone do anything to the damage of Guiraudon or his family.

Same as above

10 October 1343 . Westminster . Concerning protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus until Easter next, ¹ granted to Ebor' Hugh de York, parson of the church of Drayton Passelewe Drayton Parslow , who is setting out to Gascony in the king’s service.

By p.s.

10 October 1343 . Westminster . Concerning attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for the same time to the same Hugh [de York] , nominating Thomas de Etton and Robert de Grendon alternatively.

Wolloure David de Wollore, clerk , received the attorneys.

2 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the men and inhabitants of the land of Blagnadais in the diocese of Bazas .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to view and inspect the books and memoranda in the treasury of the castle of Bordeaux touching the homage and services owed by the men and inhabitants of the land of Blanhadisio, de Blagnadais in the Vasaten diocese of Bazas , and if it is found from those, or by other legitimate means, that they have been unduly oppressed or burdened by Castellione, de Guilhem-Amaniu [II] de Castillon, kt , the then seneschal should ensure that Castillon ceases to trouble them, and not permit them to be burdened with charges other than those with which they were charged when their land was in the hands of the king and his progenitors. The men of Blagnadais have complained to the king that when they were in the hands of the king and his ancestors, they and their ancestors had held and enjoyed many liberties and privileges, for which they rendered certain dues and homage. However, on the pretext of a previous grant from the king, Castillon has unduly exacted services and dues beyond those which they were accustomed to pay. They have requested remedy by a petition submitted before the king and his council, and the king does not wish them to be burdened with services or dues other than those which they were rightly accustomed to render.

18 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the receiving of men of Gascony into the king’s peace .

Grant to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, of full power to treat with noble men and others concerning allegiances and alliances between them and the king, to arrange relevant fees, wages and payments, and to establish any security; to treat with rebels who return to the king’s fealty and obedience, receiving them into the king’s grace and peace and granting them remission, pardon and sufficient letters to provide them with full security; and to treat with any of the king’s subjects in the duchy disagreeing between themselves, bringing peace or sufferance between them, and binding them to that by taking their goods into the king’s hands and other legitimate means. The king also grants full power to do all other things which shall be to the benefit of the king, the good governance of the duchy and the conservation of the king’s peace, promising to consider as valid and acceptable whatever the seneschal shall do in his name.

By K.

23 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the taking of information about grants made in Gascony .

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, that, having called together the king’s procurator and the other members of his council, he gather information regarding all the grants made by the king in those parts, the reasons for them, the merits of the recipients and the value of the things granted, namely whether they should be valued at more than was suggested and how much more, and how and by how much the king has been deceived. The king understands that he has made many excessive grants in his duchy as a result of relentless, untruthful and deceitful requests, by which he has been greatly deceived and misled. The king wishes to be better informed about this, and the seneschal is to send details to the king in England from time to time, together with his advice.

By K. and C.

25 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Antonio Usodimare . ¹

Grant to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, Sordich John de Shoreditch and Master Waweyn John Wawayn , constable of Bordeaux, or two of them, of the power to supervise and examine the account of Usus Maris Niccolò Usodimare , constable of Bordeaux, now deceased, and Usus Maris Antonio Usodimare , formerly his lieutenant, for the time they held the said office. Antonio was bound to render reckoning and account for his administration, and an account of receipts and payments, and they are to identify whether Niccolò and Antonio were fully charged for the receipts, whether they paid all the sums which they claimed to have paid, and whether they received proper remission of the king’s debts from his creditors. They are to compel Antonio to appear before them, and certify the king of their findings as swiftly as possible.

By K.

24 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For John de Shoreditch .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Sordiche John de Shoreditch regarding his wages and fees, and to pay him from the issues of the duchy. The king sent Shoreditch on a mission to the Roman Curia , and then to Bordeaux , to attend to the king’s interests there, granting him wages of 10 s. per day from his departure from London until he reached Bordeaux, and 5 s. for each day spent on the king’s business in the duchy, along with his annual fee of 60 l.st. . The constable is to receive letters from Shoreditch acknowledging receipt of the money, and have due allowance in his account.

By K. and C.

London. ¹ Concerning attendance . ²

Order to Sordiche John de Shoreditch , on account of his foresight, advice and counsel on the king’s business in the duchy of Aquitaine and other places, that he should treat and consult diligently upon that business with Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, when it should be useful and when permitted by him, and offer what counsel and assistance he can upon those matters.

26 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For John de Shoreditch .

Appointment of Sordich John de Shoreditch as one of the king’s principal councillors in the duchy of Aquitaine , as the king trusts that his advice and counsel will be most useful for his business there, and wishes that he will attend to such counsel faithfully and carry out his activities in such a manner that the king should rightly commend his prudence and attentiveness.

By K. and C.

30 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning protection and safe-keeping .

To all seneschals, constables, castellans, prévôts and all other bayles, ministers and faithful men appointed in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection, during pleasure, granted to Greyly Pey [II] de Grailly, Benaugar’ vicomte of Benauges and Castellionis, de Castillon , his men, tenants, lands, property, rents and all his rightful possessions, as the king, wishing to show him favour, has taken him and them into his protection and safe-keeping. They are to be maintained, protected and defended from undue injury and violence, and amends should be made to them without delay for any forfeitures they have suffered.

By petition of C.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pélegrina de Blanquefort .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to take the castle ¹ and place of Arbanacio, de Arbanats , with all the lands, tenements and rights pertaining to it, and all its people, into the king’s hands and custody. Blankeford Pélegrina de Blanquefort , who was the wife of Guto, de Galhart de Got, formerly lord of Arbanats , has petitioned the king and council, recounting how she brought various suits before the seneschal of Gascony and the chief justice of the court of Gascony, seeking restoration of the castle of Arbanats and all its appurtenances, which ought to pertain to her on account of her marriage and dower, certain legacies made to her in her late husband’s will, and by the rights and customs of those parts. She was in peaceful possession until Andriu [I de Budos], Budocio, de lord of Budos , violently and unjustly ejected her, and she also sought the restitution of goods, chattels and jewels which he and his people had carried off, as well as amends for the many other injuries inflicted upon her. However, she has failed to receive justice on this matter, and thus has appealed to the king, as king of France, asking that either she be restored to possession, or that the king seize the property into his hands, and deliver the issues and profits to her for her maintenance. The king, aware of the potential dangers from such dissension between these parties, and the danger to his peace, has, with the assent of his council, decided to take the castle and appurtenances into his hands, until it can be determined to whom the property should belong, and in the meantime Blanquefort should have sustenance from the issues appropriate to her estate, provided she find sufficient security that she will restore all that she receives if the property is adjudged to belong to Budos. Order to the constable of Bordeaux that, after taking security from Blanquefort, he is to deliver the necessary maintenance to her from the issues, and to draw up indentures for all money delivered to her, for which he shall receive due allowance in his account. All the king’s subjects are to be attendant to them on this matter. ²

By K. and petition of C.

30 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

To all the king’s seneschals, mayors, jurats, peers, prévôts, bayles and ministers in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection granted to Beauvill Guilhem de Beauville, called ‘Trente’, citizen of Bordeaux , his just possessions and household, as the king, wishing to preserve him from undue oppressions, has received him and them into his special protection and safe-keeping. Beauville has requested protection, fearing grave loss to him in his body and goods from certain people who conspire against him, and is to be maintained and defended from undue injury and violence, and anything done against him in prejudice of this protection is to be returned to its original state.

By petition of C.

Same as above

30 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey de Grailly .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, or his lieutenant, that he and the king’s council in those parts should obtain full information regarding the request of Greyly Pey [II] de Grailly, Benaug’ vicomte of Benauges and Castell' Castillon , and send that information to the king, under the king's seal used in the duchy, by the Nativity of St John the Baptist next, ¹ so that any rights belonging to the said vicomte should not be prejudiced. On behalf of Pey de Grailly, it was requested that he and his son, Greyly Johan [II] de Grailly, captal de Buch , be put in possession of their inheritance from Catalina de Grailly, daughter of Pierre [I] de Grailly, kt , Saint Basili lady of Sainte-Bazeille and of Landeron Landerron , who, in her will, constituted them as her heirs general, she being the vicomte's sister and the captal her nephew, to be held by them and their heirs with all homage, fealties, mere and mixed jurisdiction, high and low justice, tolls and other rents and duties. For the greater security of the vicomte and captal, in case the testament was set aside, broken or quashed, she had also granted them 30,000 l.t.parv. upon the places and Destornet mills of Estournet , regardless of whose hands they may come into, as is more fully contained in the testament, codicils and other evidences remaining in the possession of the vicomte and captal and their proctors. The king, in order that he could agree to this, had asked to be informed of the estate that Catalina de Grailly had in the same places, about the rights that could accrue to the vicomte and captal by virtue of the testament or by any other title, and also about the king's rights and the rights of others, if they had any, so that he would be able to do justice to all parties. However, the king understands that the then seneschal has been prevented from doing this by other important matters, and so he is repeating the order. ²

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Domenges de Vic, clerk .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to inquire into the consequences of granting a licence to Dominicus, Vico, de Domenges de Vic, clerk and Aquen’ burgess of Dax , to build a watermill in Dax , and, if they are satisfied, to issue him with a licence under the seal used by the king in the duchy. Vic, by his petition to the king and his council, has asked that he be granted licence to construct a watermill of one or two wheels beneath the bridge of Dax, on the river La Dore Adour , in whichever arch seems best for ships and boats, and that he should receive the profits. The king wishes to do this, on account of the reports he has heard of Vic’s good deeds, but seeks confirmation that it will not be to the damage or prejudice of himself, the town or others.

By K. and petition of C.

18 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Ramon-Guilhem de Lamothe .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to allow la Mote, de Ramon-Guilhem de Lamothe, king’s sergeant-at-arms , to enjoy the same liberties and privileges as other citizens of the city of Bordeaux, notwithstanding that he is staying with the king in his service, provided that he does indeed have a house, wife and family there, and has contributed to watches, aids, contributions and other burdens incumbent on the city in the same manner as other citizens. Lamothe has complained to the king and council that although he is a free burgess of Bordeaux , with the same liberties and privileges as other citizens, the previous constable and his lieutenant prevented him from enjoying those, alleging that he ought not enjoy them because he was the king’s sergeant-at-arms, and thus not continuously resident in the city. The king states that he should not lose his privileges on account of his service.

By petition of C.

20 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Nicholas de la Beche .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Oliver de Ingham , former seneschal of Gascony, or his attorney, regarding both the customary wages and fees for his own office, and also those of his lieutenant and other ministers, for the time between Ingham’s resignation and the arrival of Nicholas de la Beche , who the king appointed as seneschal of Gascony during his pleasure by letters patent on 20 July last past, Ingham having surrendered that office into the king’s hands on the same day. The constable is to pay Beche such wages and fees as were accustomed to be paid to Ingham, and those due to the lieutenant and other ministers for the said time, from the issues of the duchy, for which he will have due allowance in his account.

By K. and C.

23 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, to treat with the nobility and other faithful men of the duchy of Aquitaine to grant the king a sales tax, and once it has been granted, to levy and collect the money to the king’s use, with power to punish contrariants and rebels. The king states that, on account of the vast expenses incurred in the wars in defence of the duchy, the treasury is greatly exhausted, and it is therefore reasonable for the people to contribute a proportion of their wealth through a levy of 12 d. in the pound on all goods, merchandise and other things bought and sold within the duchy, namely 6 d. from the buyer and 6 d. from the seller, to last for 3 years.

By K. and C.

23 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Writ to the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux , asking that they treat favourably with the seneschal over the prest ( prestacio ) ¹ detailed above, ² and consider the great costs he has incurred and the urgent necessity of the grant for the public good and common use of the king and the people of the duchy.

23 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the surveying of the suitability and readiness of soldiers in Gascony . ¹

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, and the present constable of Bordeaux, that henceforth, before soldiers are paid their wages, the constable should check diligently that those men have sufficient mounts and equipment, according to the customary manner, as the king’s money in Gascony has been exhausted by careless spending during the war. In order to prevent the king being deceived about the suitability of those soldiers, the seneschal, the constable and marshal of the army, and the constable of Bordeaux, should check the suitability and readiness of the soldiers and others there at the king’s wages, at least once a month, and pay wages only once they are deemed as being sufficient, and only for the time that they serve. Also, to prevent the many deceptions over compensation for horses, all horses appropriated for the war should be appraised immediately on their arrival, and branded with a mark accordingly.

By K. and C.

14 July 1343 . Claryndon Clarendon .

Order to Sordiche John de Shoreditch, judge appointed to hear and determine appeals in Aquitaine , to call before him the parties in the appeal brought by Boglonio, de Eugènia de Bouglon, Trena lady of Latresne , and Luk, de Ramon Duluc , guardians of Luquo, de Pey Duluc their ward, once son and heir of del Lande Galharda de Lalande, Trena lady of Latresne , deceased. ¹ The king has received an appeal that although Eugènia, and Ramon in the name of Pey, and their predecessors, held and exercised high and low jurisdiction and mere and mixed authority in their place of Latresne from time immemorial, the mayor and jurats of Bordeaux , under colour of the king’s grant restoring to them the banlieue of their city, have unduly taken over the greater part of their jurisdiction in Latresne and ejected them, for which they have appealed for remedy. Since it was never the king’s intention that his grant to the mayor and jurats should diminish anything that Eugènia and Pey might have there, and wishing to do what is just, he orders Shoreditch to examine the previous process before Hugues de Genève and Usus Maris Antonio Usodimare , and to hear and determine the appeal without delay, returning anything done or attempted since the time of the appeal to its rightful state, and returning possession of all the rights due to them, according to the fors and customs of those parts.

By petition of C.

Same as above

25 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Nicholas de la Beche .

Letters patent to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, who has set out to the duchy of Aquitaine on the king’s orders under the security of the truce between the king and his adversary of France, requiring that all people by whom Beche shall make his crossing should allow him to cross freely and have safe and secure passage at his own cost, should not impede him, his household or his goods, and as far as possible should not permit others to cause him any impediment, injury, damage, molestation or harm. Any hardship or injury done to him against the form of these letters should be swiftly and duly remedied.

By K.

Same as above For Master John Wawayn .

Similar letters to Master Waweyn John Wawayn , constable of Bordeaux.

Same as above For John de Shoreditch .

Similar letters to Sordich John de Shoreditch , setting out in the king’s embassy under the same truce to both the court of Rome and the duchy of Aquitaine.

By K.

21 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning attendance to the seneschal of Gascony .

Order to Sordich John de Shoreditch , on account of his foresight, advice and counsel on the king’s business in the duchy of Aquitaine and other places, that he should treat and consult diligently upon that business with Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, when it should be useful and when permitted by him, and offer what counsel and assistance he can upon those matters.

By K.

26 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the power assigned to John de Shoreditch over challenges and appeals .

Appointment of Sordich John de Shoreditch to receive and hear all pleas, challenges and appeals, both criminal and civil, presented to the king as king of France and superior lord of the duchy of Aquitaine and adjacent parts , now and henceforward, and to determine them according to the law, fors and customs of the said parts and by the process and course of the king’s French courts, and undertaking anything else necessary regarding them, with power to exact punishment and coercion on the king’s behalf. This is to last until the king decides otherwise, as he desires to do full justice to all those bringing such suits. Order to all archbishops, bishops, dukes, counts, vicomtes, marquises, barons, seneschals, mayors, prevôts, officials, ministers and all others of those parts, noble and otherwise, to be attendant and obedient to him on these matters, to last during the king’s pleasure.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning staying in castles .

Order to Greyly Pey [II] de Grailly, Benaugearum vicomte of Benauges , that he may remain in defence of his castles, fortalices and other places, maintaining them safely and securely against those invading from the parts of the king’s enemies, as advised by the present seneschal, until the king should order otherwise, his earlier request notwithstanding. Previously, by letters patent under the privy seal from Oliver de Ingham , then seneschal of Gascony, the king had requested Grailly’s open support in the war, but through the testimony of the present seneschal, the king accepts that it would be most useful for him to remain in defence of his castles.

By petition of C.

2 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pélegrina de Blanquefort .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, and to the judge of appeals lodged to the king as king of France within the duchy of Aquitaine , to call together those of the king’s council in Aquitaine who they see fit to call, to hear the appeal of Blancafort Pélegrina de Blanquefort , and to do what seems best according to the fors and customs of those parts and the process of the king’s court of France. Pélegrina de Blanquefort, who was the wife of Guto, de Galhart de Got, Arbenacio, de lord of Arbanats , appeared in person before the king and his council at Westminster on the Tuesday after the Decollation of St John the Baptist last past, ¹ and showed a certain public instrument in which, amongst other things, it was contained that she had legitimately appealed to the king as king of France regarding a certain sentence made in favour of Budocio, de Andriu de Budos by the seneschal of Gascony and the judge appellate of Gascony . Blanquefort states that she is ready to proceed in the appeal, but neither Budos nor his proctor have appeared, neither on the said Tuesday nor afterwards, for which the king has ordered that each be placed in default for contumacy.

By petition of C.

Same as above

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to the Lybornie, de mayor, jurats, community and inhabitants of Libourne that all their liberties, franchises and privileges should remain permanently in force. By his letters patent, the king had granted that, in order to help with repairs to the defences and fortifications of their castles and fortalices and other places situated on the frontier with the king’s enemies, Greyly Pey [II] de Grailly, Benaugarum vicomte of Benauges , and Greyly Johan [II] de Grailly, captal de Buch , may tax all merchandise coming to those places and districts, or crossing them for the purpose of trade, taking 6 d. in the pound from the purchaser and 6 d. from the seller. However, the king wishes to give notice that he did not intend that grant to apply to the mayor, jurats and community of Libourne, or to diminish any privileges previously granted to them.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant that they are not to allow any person, noble or commoner, to construct any fortified house, tower or fortalice within the walls of the town of Libornie, de Libourne , or within its banlieue or district, except with the will and consent of the community of the town. The mayor, jurats and community of Libourne have requested this by a petition before the king and his council, on account of the possible dangers which may arise, and the king wishes to agree to their request.

By petition of C.

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Jean Coupale . ¹

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, to restore the Umbrarie prévôté of the Ombriere of Bordeaux to Jean Coupale of Dynant Dinant in Allemann Almain , ² to hold according to the form of the letters previously granted to him. For the good service which Coupale had provided to Isabella [of France], queen of England , the king’s mother, and to the king on both sides of the sea, the king had granted him the office of prévôt of the Ombriere , to hold for term of his life, rendering to the king and his heirs 300 l.t.parv. annually by the hand of the constable of Bordeaux. Subsequently, at the request of his mother, the king granted that Coupale may hold that office together with the chanala ³ pertaining to it, which had not been expressly mentioned in the previous grant, on the same terms. However, Coupale has complained that the mayor and jurats of Bordeaux , under the colour of a later grant restoring the banlieue of the city to them, have ejected him from this possession without the king’s mandate, and from the rights and places pertaining to that prévôté and chanala , and now occupy them and collect the profits. This is to the king’s damage, as the farm that Coupale was accustomed to pay has been withdrawn and, on Coupale’s death, the prévôté and chanala ought to pertain to the king and his heirs, and is contrary to the form of the restitution, as the prévôté and chanala were held by Coupale entirely separately from the banlieue of the town. The seneschal is therefore to gather together the constable of Bordeaux, others of the king’s council in those parts , and the mayor and others of Bordeaux, in order to define the metes and bounds of the prévôté and chanala , decide which areas have been occupied contrary to the restitution, take those places and profits into the king’s hands and deliver them to Coupale, so that he is able to answer for his farm and so that the prévôté and chanala may remain to the king after Coupale’s death.

By petition of C.

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan du Berger, called ‘Curtois’ .

Grant to Viridario, de Johan du Berger called ‘Curtois’ , of the office of general sergeant within the duchy of Aquitaine , to hold for term of his life, receiving the same as other such sergeants are accustomed to receive. Berger has requested by his petition before the king and his council that the king may wish to grant him this office, as he has remained faithfully in the king’s service in his wars for no little time, and has received no compensation for the loss of his goods and buildings in the town of Sorde , which has been occupied by the king’s enemies. Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, that, if Berger has performed such service and lost his goods and buildings without compensation, and if he is sufficient to exercise such an office, then they are to grant it to him, provided that he conducts himself properly in the execution of that office.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor, jurats and worthy men men of the city of Dax .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, or his lieutenant, to call before him Arnaut-Ramon [IV d'Aspremont], Dortte vicomte of Orthe , the Aquen mayor, jurats and worthy men of Dax , and Guto, de, Baskel Arnaut-Gassie de Got, called the Basque, Podio Guilli lord of Puyguilhem , and anyone else with an interest, as well as the king’s procurators in [the duchy of Aquitaine], and settle the dispute over jurisdiction within the prévôté of Dax . On 30 May 1341, ¹ in return for their constancy and loyalty to the king and his house, the king granted to the mayor, jurats and worthy men of Dax that the city and all justice, lordship, homages and fees and any jurisdiction pertaining to the city and prévôté of Dax, would never be placed out of the king's hands by sale, gift or exchange, except to the heirs of the king of England, nor would he grant superior justice to anyone, such that the city and all justice relating to it would be reserved to the king in his special royal chamber. Afterwards, on 1 June 1342, ² without recalling this earlier grant, the king granted to the vicomte of Orthe that he and his heirs should have high and low justice, together with the ordeal of arms ( vadus armorum ) and power to enquire into all crimes within the vicomté and the lands which he holds of the king there, with other rights pertaining to justice, as shown by an inspection of the rolls of chancery. However, the people of Dax, by their petition before the king and council, have now shown that the letters issued to the vicomte of Orthe said nothing about previous grants made both to themselves and to Arnaut-Gassie de Got concerning the said prévôté and its jurisdiction, amounting to their disinheritance, and they ask that the king order the revocation of those letters. Long before this last grant, the king and his council ordained that if various grants were made to different persons on the same matter, then the first grant should stand unless the second made full and express mention of the first. Therefore, observing that ordinance and to ensure that the earlier letters should remain in force, the king orders the seneschal to ascertain the ancient metes and bounds of the prévôté, and if it should be found that the vicomté, places or lands of Orthe, or any part of them, were or are within the aforesaid prévôté, then the letters to the vicomte on this matter should be revoked and annulled, and he should be removed from the exercise of all such jurisdiction within the bounds of the prévôté, any previous grants notwithstanding. All people in the duchy are to be attendant to him on this matter, and provide counsel.

By K. and petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Gaucem d’Ignac .

Order to the mayor and jurats of Bordeaux to make public proclamation that the king, for his good service on both sides of the sea, has pardoned Dynak Gaucem d’Ignac, sergeant-at-arms , for the breach of the peace regarding the death of Feredr’ Pey Ferradre, 1 former canon of the church of Saint-André in Bordeaux , for which he was indicted, accused and appealed, as well as his banishment from the duchy, the city of Bordeaux and elsewhere in the king’s lordship, if it had been promulgated, and has granted him the king’s peace. They are also to enrol and register the king’s letters in the rolls and papers of the city, next to the records of Ignac’s accusation, indictment and banishment, as a further record of the king’s grace, and so that he is not unduly molested in connection with them. ²

18 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning general attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for one year to Ramon [d’Andoins], Lascuren’ bishop of Lescar , who is setting out to Gascony with the king’s licence, nominating Menaut de Brocas, king’s sergeant-at-arms , and Iriart Gassie de Hiriart alternatively.

Master John de Thoresby received the attorneys.

20 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Sénebrun [de Lesparre], son of Ayquem[-Guilhem de Lesparre] .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony to call before him both Sénebrun [V de Lesparre] , son of Aykelm Ayquem[-Guilhem V de Lesparre], Sparra lord of Lesparre , and Castellione Pons [IV] de Castillon , along with the king’s procurator and his councillors in those parts, and to do swift justice concerning the castle and territory of Montynhaco, de Montignac . Sénebrun has shown that his grandfather, Sénebrun [IV de Lesparre], once lord of Lesparre , gave and granted the castle and place of Montignac with its appurtenances to Sparra Bernat de Lesparre , his brother, to hold for the term of his life, with reversion after his death to Sénebrun the grandfather and his heirs. However, on Bernat’s death, while the petitioner was still a minor, Bernat’s son, Bernat [II de Lesparre] , occupied the castle unjustly and held it until he adhered to the king’s enemies. After Sénebrun [V], son of Ayquem[-Guilhem V de Lesparre] came of age, he entered the castle as the rightful heir of his grandfather, and continues to hold it, but the king, unaware of Sénebrun’s rights, has now granted the castle, and the goods of Bernard the rebel, to Pons de Castillon, on account of the losses he has sustained on the king’s behalf, to the disinheritance and damage of Sénebrun. After taking advice, the seneschal is to defend Sénebrun in his rightful possession, and compensate Castillon for the loss of his grant, if he is found to be blameless.

By petition of C.

2 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pélegrina who was the wife of Galhart de Got .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to enquire into the taking and removal of the goods of Blancafort, de Pélegrina de Blanquefort , who was the wife of Guto, de Galhart de Got, Arbenacio, de lord of Arbanats . Pélegrina de Blanquefort, in her plea, has complained that at the time when she was taken and imprisoned by Andriu [I de Budos], lord of Budos , she had goods in the town of Bordeaux worth 1,000 gold reals and more, which the men of those parts have unjustly occupied and carried away. She has asked the king to provide remedy, and the king, wishing to help her in recovering them if they have been taken, orders the seneschal and constable to discover in whose hands they now are, and how much they are worth, and to make just restoration of the goods or their equivalent value.

By petition of C.

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning protection .

Letters of protection with clause volumus for one year, granted to Master Bernat Brocas , who is setting out to Gascony in the king’s service and on the king’s orders.

By p.s.

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning general attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England for one year to the same Bernat [Brocas] , nominating Mussenden Thomas de Missenden and Loxleye Henry de Loxley alternatively.

Thomas de Brayton received the attorneys.

28 September 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For John de Radnor .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Radenore John de Radnor regarding the sums of money owed to him, if he has not already done so, and to pay him the amounts owed from the issues of the duchy, or to make sufficient assignment. Radnor has complained that the king owes him various sums of money for the wages of him and his men-at-arms, both horse and foot, for the time they were in the king’s service in the wars in Aquitaine, and the king wishes to make sure that he receives payment.

By K. and petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor, jurats and community of Libourne .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to call together the king’s procurator and others of the king’s council and gather information regarding the request of the people of Libourne, sending the details swiftly to the king under the seal used in the duchy. The Libornie mayor, jurats and community of the town of Libourne have requested, by their petition shown before the king and his council, that he might grant that all vessels carrying salt coming by the water of the Geround Gironde to the parts of Blavia Blaye and beyond, and entering through Beccum Dambes Bec d’Ambès by the Dordonia river Dordogne , should not land or unload the said salt, nor pay any salin in any port from the said Bec as far as Libourne , except at the town of Burgo, de Bourg , nor from Libourne as far as Bragerake Bergerac , other than has hitherto been accustomed. The king wishes to known whether he or any others would be damaged if he were to grant this request.

By petition of C.

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Galhart d’Ornon .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to call before him Dornon Guilhem-Bernat d’Ornon , son and heir of Dornon Jaufré[-Rudel] d’Ornon , or his guardians, and to do justice regarding the petition of Dornon Galhart d’Ornon, Daugenge lord of Audenge , and son of Blaya Alaïtz de Blaye , deceased. Galhart has complained how previously he had sued before the then seneschal of Gascony against Jaufré[-Rudel] d’Ornon for the moiety of his mother’s lands, goods, fruits and issues which ought to pertain to him by succession and by the custom of those parts. However, Jaufré[-Rudel], seeking to delay and evade this, appealed the case to the court of France, without legitimate cause, unjustly tiring Galhart with much labour and expense, and contrary to the fors and customs of those parts. When the appeal was abandoned, the king ordered the then seneschal to do justice to Galhart regarding both the moiety and his damages and expenses, and also to take the moiety and profits into the king’s hands until it could be decided whether they pertained to Galhart or to Jaufré[-Rudel] and his heirs. Galhart often asked the then seneschal to do this, but he had delayed, to Galhart’s great prejudice and harm, and thus he has asked the king to provide remedy. In order to prevent this issue causing any armed uprising, in breach of the king’s peace, the seneschal is to take the moiety, or that part which is under dispute, into the king’s hands, and keep it safe until it can be decided to which of the parties it ought to pertain, and to deliver it to the successful party, any frivolous appeals notwithstanding. ¹

By petition of C.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Hélias Gaucem .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to enquire into the request of Gaucelmi Hélias Gaucem, clerk , and, if his claims are true, to grant him the requested office. Gaucem, by his petition before the king and his council, has claimed that he has remained faithfully in the service of the king, and Edward [II] , his father, for eighteen years and more, despite the great labours and burdensome costs, without receiving any remuneration. He has therefore asked that, for his service, he might be granted the Leyburne writing office of the prévôté of the town of Libourne , with the issues and profits pertaining to it, for term of his life. If the seneschal can establish that Gaucem did indeed serve as claimed, and that such a grant would not be to the prejudice of the king or any other, then he is to grant the office to Gaucem in the king’s name, to hold for as long as he conducts himself properly in that office.

By petition of C.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Guilhem de Savignac .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to pay to Savynak Guilhem de Savignac, king’s clerk , the arrears owed to him from his grant of 12 d.st. per day from the issues of the prévôté of Bayonne or from other issues of the duchy, according to the king’s letters. On account of his good service, both to the king and Edward [II] , his father, on 1 June 1342 the king granted that Savignac may have and take 12 d.st. a day for life from the issues of the prévôté of Bayonne, or another convenient place, as remuneration for his service. The constable is to continue paying this 12 d.st. receiving letters of acquittance from Savignac acknowledging payment, for which he will have due allowance in his account.

By p.s. and petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning payments not being made unless witnessed by the controller .

Order to John Wawayn , constable of Bordeaux, that he should not henceforth make any payments, assignments or compositions for any debts unless they have been witnessed by the king’s controller in those parts, ¹ and enrolled in the king’s register. The king has been given to understand that many such payments which he has ordered to be made in the duchy of Aquitaine, both for wages and other causes, have been made without due observance, to his great damage and prejudice. The constable will not receive allowance in his account for such payments unless they are enrolled in this form. ²

6 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Bernat Dupont .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Bernat Dupont regarding sums outstanding from the annuity due to his late father, and to pay him the outstanding amounts. Ponte, de Bernat Dupont , son of Ponte, de Gassie Dupont , deceased, has shown by his petition before the king and his council that, by letters patent and on account of the good service provided by Gassie to the king and Edward [II] , his father, the king had granted a lifetime annuity to Gassie of 100 m.st. , or its equivalent value in other currency, payable from the issues of the duchy by the constable of Bordeaux in two equal portions. Bernat states that various sums from that annuity remain unpaid, and the king wishes that these to be delivered to Bernat, provided that he can show that he is the heir of his father, or the executor of his will. Once this is done, the constable is to receive the original letters from Bernat, and have due allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning not taking the toll from the men of Saint-Macaire .

Order to Greyly Pey [II] de Grailly, Benaugearum vicomte of Benauges , and Greyli Johan [II] de Grailly, captal de Buch , that they cease to collect their toll from the jurats and people of Saint-Macaire, and the inhabitants of that district, until the king should order otherwise. The king had previously granted that, to help them to repair the defences and fortifications of their castles, fortalices and other places on the frontier of the king’s enemies, they could take a toll on all merchandise travelling through their lands and districts, or coming there to trade, namely 6 d. in the pound from the purchaser and 6 d. from the seller, based on the value of the goods. However, the king never intended to burden the Sancto Makarie, de jurats and people of Saint-Macaire , or the inhabitants of that district, during these troubled times, and promises to make other recompense to Pey and Johan for this.

By petition of C.

Same as above Concerning not taking the toll from the men of the town and castle of Gensac. .

Like order to the same [ Pey II de Grailly, Benaugearum vicomte of Benauges , and Johan II de Grailly, captal de Buch ], that they cease to collect their toll from the burgesses and inhabitants of the town and castle Gensaco, de of Gensac , or its district, until the king should order otherwise, as he never intended to burden them during these troubled times.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent to Tastone, de Pey de Taston , confirming earlier letters of Oliver de Ingham , former seneschal of Gascony, appointing him to the office of sergeant-general in the duchy of Aquitaine during the king’s pleasure. Taston is to hold and exercise the office as granted, for as long as he conducts himself well and faithfully.

By petition of C.

Same as above

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the jurats and community of the town of Saint-Macaire .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to allow the Sancto Makario, de jurats and inhabitants of Saint-Macaire to continue to enjoy their freedom from certain tolls on wines bought and sold in Bordeaux , since the king, on account of their good service both past and future, despite the various dangers to themselves, wishes to show favour to them, and that they should not be troubled in any way contrary to the terms of his previous letters. The community of Saint-Macaire have shown that the king previously granted that they should be free and immune from the tolls and customs of the town of Bordeaux, just as the burgesses living in the town of Bordeaux enjoy, and that for wines which they buy there, they should pay the same tolls and customs as people from Agenais and Tholos’ Toulousain are accustomed to pay. The king also granted that their ships, called corals, travelling back and forth carrying wine and other victuals towards the said town of Bordeaux, as well as loading wine and other victuals in the same ships at Saint-Macaire and at the town of Marmanda Marmande , should also be free and quit from such tolls and customs, for as long as the king pleases.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Miramunda de Mauléon .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant that, pending the outcome of her appeals, Malo Leone, de Miramunda [II] de Mauléon, Farina lady of Marensin and Laharie , should be defended from undue injury and violence. The proctor of Miramunda de Mauléon appeared before the king and council at Westminster on the Thursday next after the octave of the Nativity of the Blessed Mary last ¹ , and showed a certain public instrument in which, amongst other things, it was contained that Miramunda had legitimately brought appeals to the king, as king of France, against Malo Leone, de, Monadier Johan de Mauléon, called Monéder , and the king’s procurator for the then seneschal of Gascony, his lieutenant, and Pey Roland, the king’s serjeant , concerning certain oppressions allegedly committed by them. Her proctor asserted that Miramunda wished to proceed with these appeals before the king’s justice assigned to hear, admit and determine causes of appeals brought to the king as king of France in the duchy of Aquitaine, and requested that, pending the appeal, the king should order that Miramunda be protected and defended. The king agrees to this request, and orders that anything done unjustly against her after she lodged her appeal should be corrected without delay, and returned to its previous state, according to the fors and customs of those parts.

By petition of C.

10 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey de Poyanne .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to pay to Puyan Pey de Poyanne the arrears of his annuity of 50 l.st. , and to pay him the annuity each year from the issues of the duchy, receiving letters of acquittance from Poyanne and having allowance on his account. The king granted this annuity to Poyanne on 3 December 1337 for his good service, payable for life from the hands of the constable at the terms of Easter and Michaelmas equally, until he should be provided with 50 liberates of land or rents in the duchy or elsewhere, as stated in his letters patent. ¹

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning not making payments .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux, or his lieutenant, that he should make all payments, whether by virtue of orders directed to the former constable or his lieutenant, or to himself before this time or hereafter, or by reason of anything granted by the king’s grace, according to the money now current in those parts, and shall not permit any others to do otherwise. Previously, the king had ordered the then constable that sums of money owed to certain nobles of those parts, for their wages or as compensation for their horses and other causes, should be accounted and paid in good and strong money, namely at five 5 d.bord. for 1 d.st. . However, many nobles and others who are owed sums of money, for the aforesaid causes and other reasons, continually trouble the king to obtain his grace, which would be to the king’s damage, inconvenience and loss if it should continue. However, so that they should not be frustrated, nobles or others who have previously been granted the king’s grace shall have suitable remuneration elsewhere.

By K. and C.

20 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Bertholomiu de Fayet . ¹

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to make examination regarding the request of Bertholomiu de Fayet, king’s clerk . For his good service, the king had previously granted Fayet 12 d.st. per day for life from the issues of the duchy, by the hand of the constable of Bordeaux, and had also granted him the office of remembrancer of the castle of Bordeaux , and keeper of the papers, registers and protocols of retired notaries , with all that pertained to those offices, for as long as he bore himself well, taking no annual fee beyond the 12 d.st. per day previously granted to him. However, Fayet has now beseeched the king that he is unable to secure payment of this because the issues of the duchy have been assigned elsewhere for the king’s business, and asks that the king might therefore wish to grant him the office of Aquen’ keeper of the coinage and assay of money in Dax , for which nothing has previously been answered, together with everything pertaining to that office, as part payment of the 12 d.st. a day, or full satisfaction if sufficient, and that he might hold and exercise the office, in person or by proxy, until the king should order alternative payment or satisfaction. Having viewed the rolls and memoranda of the constable in the castle of Bordeaux , if the seneschal and constable find that the previous keepers rendered nothing to the king, and if that custody has not been granted to anyone else, then they should inform the king’s procurator of the true annual value of that custody, and then deliver it to Fayet in the king’s name, to hold as requested. Fayet should answer for any surplus to the constable of Bordeaux, and the constable should make up any shortfall from the issues of the duchy or elsewhere, for which he shall receive allowance in his account, provided however that Fayet does not seek payment of the 12 d.st. a day by virtue of his earlier letters for as long as he holds this office.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the registering of payments .

Order to John Wawayn , constable of Bordeaux, that he should not henceforth make any payments, assignments or compositions for any debts unless they have been witnessed by the king’s controller in those parts, and enrolled in the king’s register. The king has been given to understand that many such payments which he has ordered to be made for debts in the duchy of Aquitaine, both for wages and other causes, have been made without due observance, to his great damage and prejudice, and he wishes to prevent these losses. ¹

26 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Sénebrun [V], lord of Lesparre . ¹

Order to Sordich John de Shoreditch, judge of pleas and appeals made to the king as king of France in the duchy of Aquitaine , to call before him the parties in the appeal of Sénebrun [V], La Sparre lord of Lesparre , and any others with an interest, and hear and determine the case according to the fors and customs of those parts and the laws and processes of the court of France, restoring to its former state anything done to the prejudice of the parties after and contrary to the appeal. Lesparre has complained that, through contumacy, he has been prevented from having promulgation of a certain sentence made in the king’s court of the auditor of the castle of Bordeaux by the president of that court, at the prosecution and instance of Geralda, Fossato, de Guirauda du Foussat , formerly the wife of La Sparre Bernat de Lesparre , and has therefore rightly and legitimately appealed to the king as king of France, that he might wish to do justice.

By petition of C.

12 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Bertholomiu de Fayet .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Fayteo, de Bertholomiu de Fayet concerning the sums owed to him, and to pay whatever is due. Fayet, by a petition before the king and his council, has shown that he is owed various sums of money for his wages and expenses in coming to the king in England from Gascony on duchy matters, on the order of the former seneschal, as is shown in bills sealed with the seal of the constable of Bordeaux, which Fayet claims to have in his possession, and also for the arrears of the 12 d.st. per day which the king has granted to him for life. He asks that the king might assign payment to him from the goods of rebels in the duchy or elsewhere, but the king orders that the constable, having examined the bills and their endorsements, and the king’s letters, and having accounted with Fayet concerning both his wages and the arrears from the time of the grant, should pay him whatever is due from the issues of the duchy. The constable is to receive the bills from Fayet, along with letters of acquittance acknowledging receipt of the sums, and shall have allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

18 November 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Jean Coupale of Dinant in Almain .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux that he is to make an allowance of 100 s.st. per year, or the equivalent value in other currency, to Jean Coupale of Dynaunt Dinant in Allemann Almain ¹ from the 300 l.t.parv. per year which Coupale owes for the prévôté of the Ombrière of Bordeaux, for as long as he should hold the office, according to the tenor of the king’s letters patent. For the good service which Coupale had provided to Isabella [of France], queen of England , the king’s mother, and to the king on both sides of the sea, the king had granted him the office of prévôt of the Ombriere of Bordeaux , to hold for life, rendering 300 l.t.parv. annually to the king and his heirs by the hand of the constable of Bordeaux. Subsequently, at the request of the king’s mother and on the petition of Coupale, on 28 June 1338 the king granted that, ² by virtue of this grant, Coupale may hold that prévôté together with the chanala pertaining to it, ³ even though the chanala was not specifically mentioned in the original letters, and also that 100 s.st. , or its equivalent, should be allowed to Coupale from the said 300 l.t.parv. for the term of his life. For this the constable is to receive due allowance in his account.

18 November 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Master Guiraut de Piis .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, that they should execute the king’s letters concerning the gifts and favours granted to Master Pinibus, de Guiraut de Piis, king’s clerk , excepting only the gift of 10 l. per year for the term of his life. It had previously been suggested that the king had been defrauded by granting gifts and favours to de Piis, on the basis of false suggestions made by him, and therefore the king had ordered the then seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux not to execute those grants until he should be informed as to whether de Piis’s suggestions were truthful. However, the king has now been informed about de Piis’s losses and good deeds by the letters of Bernat-Etz [V d'Albret], Lebret lord of Albret and Hugues de Genève , the king’s lieutenants, and Oliver de Ingham , then seneschal of Gascony, and thus those grants should now be executed, any other letters notwithstanding, and anything done to the contrary should be restored without delay.

By C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan Gassies and others, concerning protection .

To all seneschals, constables, castellans, prévôts and all other bayles, ministers and faithful men appointed in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection, during the king’s pleasure, granted to Gassias Johan Gassies and Pey [Gassies] his brother, Naud, de Hélias de Lanau and Naud, de Ramon de Lanau , their men, tenants, lands, property, rents and all their rightful possessions, as the king, wishing to show them favour, has taken them into his protection and special safe-keeping. They are to be maintained, protected and defended from undue injury and violence, and amends should be made to them for any forfeitures they have suffered, without delay.

By petition of C.

26 November 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Guiraut de Piis .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Master Pinibus, de Guiraut de Piis, the king’s procurator in the duchy of Aquitaine , regarding sums of money owed to him by the king, both for the fee for his office and for certain gifts and favours made to him by various letters patent, as shown by letters in de Piis’ possession. After inspecting the letters, the constable is to pay whatever sums are found to be owed, from the issues of the duchy, taking receipts from de Piis for the money paid, and receiving allowance in his account. This is provided that de Piis does not account or receive payment in relation to a certain grant made to him of 10 l.st. per year for life.

By p.s.

25 November 1343 . Westm' Westminster . ¹

Grant, with the advice of the magnates of the king’s council, to Ramon Oliver, citizen of Bordeaux , of the office of keeper and assayer of the king’s mint in the duchy of Aquitaine , with all its appurtenances, to exercise in person or by deputy for six years, rendering to the king 50 l.st. each year. Previously this office had been granted to certain men of the duchy, namely Puys, de Guiraut Dupuch , Campaigne Guilhem de Campagne , Faget Bertholomiu de Fayet , and Campaigne Johan de Campagne , without making oath and without rendering anything to the king, but Oliver has now offered the king 50 l.st. each year for the office, payable at the exchequer in England, and has found William Clapitus and Studeye John de Stody of London to stand as mainpernors for him, to answer for this sum at the Exchequer for the next six years and to guarantee that Oliver will conduct himself well in the said office. All earlier grants of the office are therefore revoked.

By p.s.

Same as above

27 November 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to Blaunk, Lestaille Pey Blanc de l’Estelle burgess of Bordeaux , on account of the laudable testimony that the king has heard of his good service, as well as the losses and damage he has sustained in the king’s wars, that he may receive 250 l.st. from the customs on his own wines and those of other merchants at the city of Bordeaux over the next five years, namely 50 l.st. per year, in recompense for his losses. Previously, Blanc de l’Estelle had shown by his petition, presented before the king and his council, that his father, now deceased, had held lands, tenements, houses, vineyards and rents in Sancta Liberada Sainte-Livrade[-sur-Lot] in Agenesio, de Agenais , valued at a not inconsiderable annual sum, but on account of the wars in Gascony, these had been lost to him, and to Blanc de l’Estelle himself after his father’s death, for 18 years and more, because they have been occupied by the king’s enemies and rebels. He and his father have both served the king faithfully during these wars, but neither have received any recompense or remuneration from the king or his ministers in the duchy, and he therefore asked that the king might grant him suitable recompense. The king ordered the then seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux to enquire into the losses suffered by Blanc de l’Estelle and his father on account of their service, and to grant them recompense from the goods of the king’s rebels or from the issues of the duchy. The king now understands that although the seneschal and constable found the damages and losses to amount to 482 l.st. , with 20 d.bord. being the equivalent of one sterling, and that Blanc de l’Estelle and his father both served the king and his late father Edward II in the duchy, which information has been shown to the council, they made no recompense, as the seneschal and constable have sworn in person. On account of this, Blanc de l’Estelle has again shown his petition before the king and his council, asking that the sums due to him might be assigned from the custom on wine, or that other suitable payment be made.

By C. and p.s.

Same as above

10 December 1343 . Ditton . Concerning treating with the king of Castile .

Commitment to the bishop of Bayonne , ¹ Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, Shordich John de Shoreditch , Bearne, de, Lespeis Bernat de Béarn, called l’Aspès, prévôt of Bayonne , Master Sancto Johanne, de Domenges de Saint-Jean, priest , and Gistede Johan de Gestède, the king's procurator and councillor in Gascony , or to six, five, four, three or two of them, of full power to treat and agree, on behalf of the king and his subjects, with Alfonso [XI], king of Castile ( rex Castelle ) , and his deputies, concerning matters of discord and dissension arising between the subjects of the king of Castile, especially maritime men or sailors, and the king’s own subjects, including the men of the city of Bayonne , in relation to damages and injuries committed on either side, deciding amicably upon those, and settling and compounding upon the damages and injuries suffered. They are also to treat regarding a league and perpetual amity, and the entering of a truce and cessation of war between the two kings and their subjects. They shall have power to give firm security for anything thus agreed, and the king promises to consider as valid anything done by them in his name, even if they require a special mandate.

By K.

10 December 1343 . Ditton . For the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to view the letters and bills of the people of Bordeaux, and, having accounted with them regarding the sums owed to them, to make payment or assignment to them from the issues of the duchy without delay. The mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux have requested that the king repay the various and large sums of money which they had loaned to him in his urgent necessity, for his arduous business in the duchy, at the request of the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, as shown by various letters of the said seneschal and constable, or of the seneschal, or by instruments sealed with the seal of the court of Gascony. The constable should receive those bills from them, together with their letters of acquittance, and then shall have allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

20 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Arnaut-Ramon[, vicomte of Orthe] .

Order to Sordich John de Shoreditch, judge of pleas and appeals to the king as king of France in the duchy of Aquitaine , to call before him the parties in the appeal of Arnaut-Ramon [IV d'Aspremont], Dort vicomte of Orthe , together with other interested parties, hear and determine the appeal according to the fors and customs of those parts and the laws and form of the court of France, and to restore anything done against the said appeal in prejudice of the parties, notwithstanding any letters obtained by Orthe’s opponents. Orthe has shown by his petition that previously, the king had granted by letters patent that he, and his heirs in perpetuity, should have and exercise high and low jurisdiction in his vicomté, with all rights, dues and other things pertaining to that jurisdiction, just as the king’s ministers were accustomed to have had, saving to the king the superiority, resort and chevauchée ( cavalcatu ) which pertained to the king there. However, the Aquen mayor and community of the city of Dax , Boude Arnaut-Gassie de Got, Landarum seneschal of Landes , as prévôt of Dax , and Garcias, Dardir Gassie Dardy , Got’s lieutenant in the prévôté, and other accomplices, have unjustly disturbed and molested him in his possession, and have on many occasions oppressed and harassed him with letters of summons from the court of the castle of Bordeaux and other things, on account of which Orthe has appealed to the king as king of France for remedy.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey de Villenave .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Villenav Pey de Villenave or his attorneys concerning the sums of money owed to him, and to pay those amounts to him from the issues of the duchy, receiving his bills and acquittances for the sums paid, for which he will have allowance in his account. Pey de Villenave, by his petition shown before the king and his council, has requested that the king make payment of the various sums of money owed to him, both for the wages of him, his men at arms and others, both horse and foot, from the time when they were in the king’s service in the wars in the duchy of Aquitaine, as well as compensation for his horses lost in that service, as fully appear in bills in his possession, sealed with the seal of the constable of Bordeaux.

By petition of C.

Same as above For Arnaut-Ramon[, vicomte of Orthe] .

Similar orders, mutatis mutandis , on the request of Arnaut-Ramon [IV d'Aspremont], Dort vicomte of Orthe .

By petition of C.

14 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey de Perrull and other sergeants of the duchy of Aquitaine .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to examine the circumstances of the banishment of Pey de Perrull , Philip le Sergeaunt , Murlans Arnaut de Morlanne ¹ and Bernat de Bordes , general sergeants in the city of Bordeaux , and if their claims are true, to overturn their banishment and issue letters of pardon. The sergeants, by their petition shown before the king and his council, have claimed, amongst other things, that they were ordered by a commission from the king’s then seneschal and the lieutenant of Gascony to take and arrest Camer Fortaner de Came , who, for certain just causes, had been banished from the said city and duchy. This was in accordance with their offices as sergeants, but Came did not comply and, while resisting forcefully, was killed. On the pretext of this, and at the prosecution of certain rivals adhering to Came, the sergeants were themselves then banished from the duchy, and still are, to their great damage and the manifest danger of their lives. This was against the laws and customs of those parts, since they had not been able to take Came in any other way. The king, not wishing his sergeants or ministers to be troubled in such a manner when conserving the peace in the duchy and executing his orders, provided that they exercise their office suitably and faithfully, orders the seneschal to call together the king’s councillors and the procurator [of the duchy of Aquitaine] , and if, by their information or other legitimate means, it is clear that Came was banished for just cause, that he was killed while resisting arrest, that the sergeants were unable to take him by other means, and that they were banished for that reason and no other, then he should issue the pardon. However they should stand to right in the duchy if anyone wishes to prosecute them concerning Came’s death.

By petition of C.

10 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Ramon d’Espiau of Bayonne .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to view the king’s letters in the possession of Spiawe, de Ramon d’Espiau of Bayonne , and their endorsements, as well as the registers and papers in the constable’s keeping in the castle of Bordeaux, and to find out how much of the 50 l.st. granted by the king is in arrears. The king had previously granted this sum to Espiau as compensation for the cargo of a certain ship owed to him by the king, to receive from the hand of the king’s prévôt of Bayonne from the issues of that prévôté. Afterwards, Espiau claimed that he had been unable to secure payment from the prévôt, so the king ordered the then seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux to pay the sum from the issues of the duchy or elsewhere, but Espiau has now shown by his petition to the king and the council that the greater part of the sum remains to be paid, and asks that he may have an assignment upon the custom on wines which merchants in ships from Saint-Malo in Brittany load in the port of Bordeaux , or some other satisfaction. The king, conscious of Espiau’s great poverty, orders the constable to make payment without delay, or to allow Espiau to have payment or assignment from the custom on wines as requested, receiving Espiau’s letters, as well as acquittances for the money paid, for which he shall have allowance on his account. Any letters previously issued concerning this payment shall be annulled and have no effect.

28 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning grain brought to Gascony .

Order to the mayor, jurats and worthy men of Bordeaux to permit the merchants and servants of Bernat-Etz [V d'Albret], Lebret lord of Albret , to unload grain in their city, and to take it from there to his castle and lands in the duchy for the sustenance of those places and the king’s people, notwithstanding any previous ordinances to the contrary. The king, by his letters patent, has granted to Albret that he, by his merchants or servants, may buy 1,400 quarters of wheat or other grain within the kingdom of England , in whichever places he thinks best, and ship them to the duchy of Aquitaine, in order to provision his castles and other lands there, and to assist in the provisioning of the king’s faithful people of those parts. He may do this without any impediment, paying the usual customs, provided that the grain does not come into the hands of the king’s enemies or adversaries.

By C.

10 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Auger, son and heir of Ramon de Montaut .

Order to Bernat-Etz [V d'Albret], Lebreto, de lord of Albret , that he should deliver the land of Gensak Gensac to Auger [de Montaut] , son and heir of Monthaut Ramon [I] de Montaut, formerly Moissidan lord of Mussidan , according to the form of their previous agreement. Auger has shown how, when his father came into the king’s obedience, it was agreed between Albret, in the king’s name, and Ramon that Albret would assign to him the land of Gensac, as compensation for the land of Mussidan which he lost on account of his adherence to the king, to hold to him and his heirs until he should be provided with lands of equivalent value in the duchy of Aquitaine or elsewhere. Under this agreement Albret handed over the land of Gensac with appurtenances to Auger’s keeping, but although the king has granted compensation to Albret for the loss of Gensac, Auger has still not received the land except as keeper. The king wishes that, if this is true, the land be delivered as agreed, and that justice be done. ¹

12 December 1343 . Ditton . For the citizens and inhabitants of the city of Bayonne, concerning protection .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony that he should defend the city of Bayonne and its inhabitants from all injuries, violence and oppressions, ordering nobles and others, and anyone else he feels necessary, under pain of penalty, that they should not infringe upon the city or its inhabitants, their persons, goods, possessions, rights, privileges or anything else, or procure others to do so, secretly or openly, or inflict any injury, molestation, damage or harm, by themselves or others. The mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Bayonne have requested that their city and its inhabitants be taken into the king’s safe keeping, defence and special protection, since several nobles ¹ and others of the duchy of Aquitaine and the adjacent parts have unjustly oppressed them. The seneschal should restore anything done against them unduly, and lest anyone should pretend to be ignorant of this safe-keeping, he should inform the nobles and others of this request.

By K.

8 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the community of the city of Bayonne .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to enquire into the request of the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of the city of Bayonne , who have petitioned the king and his council that they may be granted the place of Bearys Biarritz , which adjoins their city and is situated on the frontier between their city and certain of the king’s enemies. During the present war in the duchy, they claim that the place would have been lost had the people of Bayonne not enclosed, fortified and protected it, at their own cost. The seneschal and constable are to enquire into whether such a grant would be to the damage or prejudice of the king or any other, the condition and true value of that place, its annual worth in all issues, both by land and sea, and all other circumstances touching it. Having called together the king’s procurator and other interested parties, they are to make a diligent inquisition into the matter, and send the findings to the king under his seal used in Gascony without delay, together with this writ.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan Dardy .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Dardie Johan Dardy, Landarum procurator of the king’s seneschal of Landes , or his attorney, if he has not done so already, regarding the wages and fees owed to him, and to pay him any outstanding amounts from the issues of the duchy. Dardy has asked that he be paid the various sums of money owed to him by the king, both for the wages of him and two of his foot soldiers for the time when they were in the king’s service in the wars in the duchy of Aquitaine, as well as for his fee of 60 l.bord. which he received annually from the king for his office. The constable is to receive letters of acquittance from Dardy acknowledging receipt of the sums paid, and shall have allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

Same as above. For Miramunda de Mauléon .

Similar order, mutatis mutandis , to the constable of Bordeaux to account with and pay Malo Leone, de Miramunda [II] de Mauléon, Marensyn, Faryn lady of Marensin and Laharie , who has requested payment of sums owed to her for the wages of herself and her men at arms and others, both horse and foot, for the time they were in the king’s service.

By petition of C.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Arnaut-Gassie de Got .

Similar order, mutatis mutandis , to the constable of Bordeaux to account with and pay Gout, Bascul' Arnaut-Gassie de Got called the Basque, Podio Guillelmi, de lord of Puyguilhem and Landarum seneschal of Landes , who has requested, by his petition before the king and his council, that he be paid various sums of money owed to him for the wages of him, his men at arms and others, both horse and foot, for the time they were in the king’s service.

By petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan du Berger, called ‘Curtois’ .

Similar order, mutatis mutandis to the constable of Bordeaux to account with and pay to Viridario, de, Curtoys Johan du Berger, called ‘Curtois’ , who has requested, by his petition before the king and his council, that he be paid various sums of money owed to him for his wages for the time he was in the king’s service.

By petition of C.

Same as above For Bernat de Tilh .

Similar order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Bernat de Tilh, king’s serjeant-at-arms , who has requested that he be paid various sums of money owed to him for his wages for his office for the time he was in the king’s service, as shown by bills sealed with the seal of the constable. The constable is to receive the bills from Tilh, and will have allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

1 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Johan de Aridario .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony, or his lieutenant, to allow Johan de Aridario , king’s clerk , to have, hold and exercise the office of Landarum king’s procurator or defender in the seneschalcy of the Landes . Aridario , by his petition presented before the king and his council, has shown that Oliver de Ingham , former seneschal of Gascony, with the assent of the king’s constables there, appointed him to this office, and granted him an annual fee of 60 l.bord. from the issues of the duchy during the king’s pleasure, as fully appears in the letters of the former seneschal, sealed with the seal of the court of Gascony. He requested that the king might wish to confirm those letters, and to grant him the office for life, for the above fee. On account of the good reports he has heard of Aridario ’s conduct, as well as in consideration of the great costs and expenses he has incurred in preserving and defending the king’s laws and honour, the king has confirmed this appointment, to hold for as long as Aridario conducts himself well and faithfully in that office, and remains capable of exercising it. Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to continue to pay Aridario the annual fee of 60 l.bord. from the issues of the duchy, for as long as he holds the office, for which sums he will be quit in his account.

By K. and petition of C.

14 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Aymar Faucon .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux to account with Falconis Aymar Faucon regarding his fee of 20 l. per year, and to pay him whatever is found to be owed. Oliver de Ingham, then seneschal of Gascony, had previously retained Faucon to serve the king for the whole of his life, for an annual fee of 20 l. , as contained in a certain indenture made between them and confirmed by the king’s letters patent. The constable is to account for all sums due from the time of the making of the indenture, and to pay the outstanding amount, and the annual fee henceforth for the term of his life, from the issues of the duchy or by other suitable assignment, receiving letters of acquittance from Faucon witnessing all sums paid, for which he will receive allowance in his account.

By K. and petition of C.

4 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Pey de Poyanne, concerning protection .

Order to all the king’s seneschals, castellans, prévôts and all other bayles, ministers and faithful people in the duchy of Aquitaine to maintain, protect and defend Puyan Pey de Poyanne his men, tenants, lands, goods, rents and all his rightful possessions from all undue injury and violence, as the king has taken Poyanne into his protection, defence and special safe-keeping. Anything done contrary to this is to be corrected and returned to its rightful state without delay.

By petition of C.

12 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Guilhem Brun .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Guilhem Brun, king’s procurator and king's councillor in the duchy of Aquitaine , or his attorney, concerning his outstanding wages, expenses and fees, if he has not done so already, and to pay him whatever is found to be owed. Brun has requested by his petition, shown before the king and his council, that the king pay him the various sums of money owed to him, both for his wages and expenses in going in the king’s service to Paris before the start of the present war, on the orders of the then seneschal of Gascony and the king’s counsellors there, on certain business touching the state of the duchy, and also for the arrears of his annual fee. The constable is to pay whatever sums are found to be outstanding from the issues of the duchy, receiving letters of acquittance for all money paid, for which he will receive allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

12 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Guiraut Dupuch .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to call before them the king’s procurator in those parts and all those with an interest in the matter, and enquire into the request of Master Podio, de Guiraut Dupuch, judge and councillor in the duchy of Aquitaine . Dupuch, by his petition shown before the king and his council, has asked that, as remuneration for his long service, he might be granted the office of keeper and assayer of money minted in the city of Bordeaux , for the term of his life. The king wishes to be informed about how much the said office is worth per year according to its true value, who now holds it and for how much and in what way, and whether it would be to the prejudice of the king or any other if he were to grant it to Dupuch, and whatever information is found should be sent to the king distinctly and openly without delay, under the king’s seal used in the duchy.

By petition of C.

14 October 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Gui de Lescours .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux or his lieutenant to account with Curiis, de Gui de Lescours of Sancto Emiliano, de Saint-Émilion or his attorney, if he has not done so already, regarding the wages owed to him, and to pay the amounts found to be owed from the issues of the duchy. Lescours, by his petition shown before the king and his council, has requested that he be paid the various sums of money owed to him by the king for the wages of him and his men at arms and others, both horse and foot, for the time when they were in the king’s service in the wars in the duchy of Aquitaine. The constable is to receive letters of acquittance acknowledging receipt of the sums paid, and shall have allowance in his account.

By petition of C.

2 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For the community of the city of Bayonne . ¹

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, to take the la Bene, Carbreton baylie of Labenne and Capbreton into the king’s hands, and to appoint someone suitable to that baylie who will be sympathetic to the city of Bayonne , until the king can be better informed and order otherwise. The mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of the city of Bayonne have shown that on the coast below Labenne and Capbreton, next to Bayonne, there is a safe anchorage for the ships of the city, and in order that no malefactors should come and harm those ships, the king previously granted the baylie and rule of those places to the men of the city, to hold during his pleasure. However, forgetting these dangers, the king has since granted that baylie to Sancto Johane, de Arnaut-Gassie de Saint-Jean, king’s valet , and the legitimate male heirs of his body, which is not only harmful to the city but also dangerous, as shipping returning to the city cannot be received conveniently in any other place, and there are now many enemies in those parts who will destroy those ships if they have free access. They have requested that the king revoke the grant to Saint-Jean, and grant the baylie to the men of the city, in consideration of their good reputation, and to avoid the threats from their enemies and the damage and peril which they truly fear. However, the king also wishes that Saint-Jean should not be harmed by this, and if the baylie is taken into the king’s hands, or is granted to the city, Saint-Jean should be compensated elsewhere to an equivalent or greater value. The seneschal is to advise the king of what should be done. ²

By C.

10 December 1343 . Ditton . For the mayor, jurats and community of the king’s city of Bordeaux .

Letters patent approving and confirming the custom regarding newcomers remaining within the city of Bordeaux , which the king believes to be praiseworthy. By their petition shown before the king and his council, the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux have shown that, by the custom of the city, peacefully observed from time beyond memory, outsiders who have come to the city and remained there for one month, having made an oath of fealty to the city, if they were not questaux ( questales ), ¹ should not be bound to perform homage or service, or be tortured and have requested that the king confirm this.

By petition of C.

20 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning the proclaiming of the customs on wine payable to the duke of Brittany .

Order to the mayor and jurats of the city of Bordeaux that they make public proclamation in the city that all merchants and others who ought to pay the custom due to the dukes of Brittany should pay it in full to the receiver appointed in the name of both the king and Jean [de Montfort], duke of Brittany , ¹ just as hitherto had been customary, under the penalty that applies, such that the same receiver may answer for the issues of the said custom as he ought. The king understands that previously, the dukes of Brittany were accustomed to receive a certain custom in Bordeaux from merchants shipping wine or other merchandise, and to have receivers there to demand and receive the said custom, and to hand over writs of testimony, by the showing of which those ships, while sailing along the coast of Brittany , ought to be protected and kept safe. The king wishes that the rights of the duchy of Brittany should be protected, especially while that duchy is under his control.

18 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Appointment of the bishop of Bayonne ¹ to treat with the Ispania king of Castile regarding a peace or truce between the king’s faithful men of Bayonne and the subjects of this king , as well as the disputes and discords which have arisen between them, alongside the others who the king has appointed.

Same as above

22 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters patent acknowledging that the king has committed the custody of his castle of Bordeaux, and the office of constable of Bordeaux, to his clerk Master John Wawayn , to hold during the king’s pleasure with all things pertaining to that office, answering for the issues of the office and receiving the customary fee.

By K.

Same as above

Same as above

Same as above

Same as above

8 January 1344 . Woodstock . For Reynold de Bixley, concerning certification .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to summon the king’s procurator of those parts and gather information concerning the true value of the places contained in the petition of Biskele Reynold de Bixley . On account of his good service in the duchy of Aquitaine, the king granted to Bixley the Penne in Ageneys baylie of Penne-d’Agenais , the rent from the land called Dufford Durfort and the castellany of that town, together with the castellany and Mont Segour prévôté of Monségur , with their appurtenances, which were in the hands of the king’s rebels and enemies, to hold for life once they should come into the king’s hands, taking 100 m.st. annually from them and answering to the constable of Bordeaux for any surplus. Bixley has now requested, by his petition before the king and his council, that, as payment and compensation for his service in the duchy and elsewhere, the king might also grant him the Villa Nova baylie of Villeneuve[-sur-Lot] with appurtenances, similarly in the hands of the king’s enemies and rebels, together with the baylie of Penne-d’Agenais and the other rents, castellanies and prévôté, once they come into the king’s hands, to hold for life and taking the issues and profits. The king wishes to be informed of the true value of all these places, namely what they are worth per year in all their issues, profits and emoluments, so that he can make a decision with the advice of his council. This information should be sent to the king under his seal used in the duchy, distinctly and openly, together with this writ. ¹

By petition of C.

8 January 1344 . Woodstock .

Order to the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux that they should treat any subjects of Afonso [IV], king of Portugal and Algarve , with kindness and friendliness whenever they pass through their jurisdiction, and not allow them to be harmed, on land or sea. Anything done against them without right should be restored and corrected without delay, and public proclamations upon this should be made within the said city. For the promotion of peace between their subjects, the king of Portugal has caused proclamations to be made publicly throughout his lordship and power that no injury or damage should be caused to his neighbours, the king’s men and subjects, on land or sea, but that they should be protected and treated as brothers by his men. The king of Portugal has asked the king to make a similar proclamation, which the king has accepted, and he has already made proclamations in the sea ports and other places in England , that all his subjects should not cause damage, injury or trouble to the mariners or other subjects of the king of Portugal, but should protect and defend them.

By K.

Same as above

10 January 1344 . Westm' Westminster . For the mayor, jurats and community of the king’s city of Bordeaux .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony to call together the king’s procurator and others of the king’s council of those parts in order to be fully informed regarding the request of the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux , and if it can be done to the advantage of the king and the city without bringing injury to others, then he is to confirm and grant letters or charters to them and their successors on behalf of the king and his heirs, under his seal used in Aquitaine. The mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux have requested that the king confirm their ordinance that no-one should be able to remove from the city any empty barrels, fully hooped or merely half-hooped or not at all, in order that those barrels, having been filled with wine, should be brought back to that city to be fully hooped and sold there for transporting to foreign parts, having first paid the due custom to the king, since that custom would be lost if those barrels should not return to the city. They also ask that no ships be allowed to load wine between Castellione Castillon and the Crevat Crebat stream ¹ for export to foreign parts. The king, in consideration of the faithfulness and constancy which he has always found in the said mayor, jurats and community, wishes to act generously towards them.

By petition of C.

18 January 1344 . Windsor . For Johana de Baudan, concerning protection .

To all seneschals, constables, castellans, prévôts and all other bayles, ministers and faithful men appointed in the duchy of Aquitaine.

Letters of protection, during pleasure, granted Baudam Johana de Baudan , formerly wife to Guilhem-Arnaut [III d'Auros], Aurocio, de lord of Auros , her men, tenants, lands, property, rents and all her rightful possessions, as the king has taken her and them into his protection and safe-keeping. They are to be maintained, protected and defended from undue injury and violence, and amends should be made without delay for any forfeitures or other undue losses that she has suffered.

20 January 1344 . Windsor . For Johan Monader, citizen of Bordeaux .

Order to Sordich John de Shoreditch, judge assigned to hear appeals to the king as king of France , to call before him the parties in the dispute between Monader Johan [de Mauléon, called] Monader, citizen of Bordeaux , and Miramunda [II de Mauléon], Marensino, de lady of Marensin , as the king wishes to do what is just. Monader has complained to the king that although he had rightly been placed in possession of the land and la Faryne castle of Laharie by the authority and mandate of Oliver de Ingham , then seneschal of Gascony, judge in those parts, Miramunda, without regard for her own appeal, which was still pending, has rashly deprived and ejected him, his proctors and servants from that place and castle, or ordered them to be forcibly deprived and ejected, or allowed it to be done in her name, and she still occupies that place and castle, in contempt of the orders of the former seneschal and the court of Gascony , and to Monader’s great harm and injury. The seneschal is to return anything done after the aforesaid appeal to its rightful state, to return possession of the land and castle of Laharie to Monader, and to exact punishment according to the laws, fors and customs of those parts and the style of the court of France.

7 January 1344 . Ditton . For Walter Turk and John le Clerk .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony or his lieutenant to examine the complaint of Walter Turk and John le Clerk , citizens of London, and if it is valid, to dispense justice according to the fors and customs of those parts. Turk and le Clerk have shown that previously, in the port of London , they loaded seven lasts of red herrings and eight ox hides worth 42 l.st. into a certain ship called le Michel of London , of which Sarlot Stephen Scarlet was master, to transport for sale in the city of Bordeaux. Turk and le Clerk delivered safe custody of this merchandise to certain men of Bordeaux , namely Guilhem Fabre and Roke Ramon Laroque , in whose household Walter and John were accustomed to lodge, such that Fabre and Laroque should answer to Turk and le Clerk, and should sell the goods at their will. However, Fabre and Laroque have hitherto failed to deliver these goods, or the value of them, to Turk and le Clerk, or their attorneys, and still unjustly delay, to their great loss. They have asked the king for remedy, and the king, wishing to do what is just, orders the seneschal to call the parties before him and hear the complaint, and if it is just, then he is to restore the herrings and hides, if they still exist, to Turk and le Clerk or their attorneys, or their value if they do not. ¹

By petition of C.

14 January 1344 . Windsor . For the mayor, jurats and community of the king’s city of Bordeaux .

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, and Master John Wawayn , constable of Bordeaux, that they should call together the procurator and others of the king’s council in the duchy, gather information regarding the complaint of the people of Bordeaux, and send this to the king fully and openly, so that he might know his council’s advice. The mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux have shown how a dispute previously arose between the then constable of Bordeaux on the one part and the merchants of the Tholosan Toulousain and Agenais and of the city of Bordeaux on the other, regarding the customs paid on wine coming to Bordeaux from those places. It was eventually agreed between the then constable, who had full power on this matter from the then king of England, and the merchants of the Toulousain and Agenais and other places, that 5 s.t.parv. should be paid as custom to the duke of Aquitaine for every tun of wine brought to the city of Bordeaux from those places, and this agreement was continued and is still observed. However, the merchants of Bordeaux , in the hope of obtaining a better grant, did not then wish to agree to that arrangement, on account of which more is now demanded from them, and it seems wrong that they should have worse conditions than strangers and rebels. They have therefore asked that the king provide better terms to them on this matter, or at least that they should pay no more in customs than the said merchants of Toulousain and Agenais, and the king wishes to know more about the earlier agreement and its circumstances, and also what damage that he might suffer if he were to allow such a grant.

1 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . For Ramon-Bernat, lord of Pestillac .

Order to the constable of Bordeaux, or his lieutenant, to pay 3,000 l.bord. to Ramon-Bernat [de Pestillac], Pestilhac lord of Pestillac , ¹ from the issues of the duchy, ceasing all delays and excuses, in part payment of the sums owed to him for his wages and for the 2,000 l.bord. promised to him when he came to the king’s allegiance. ² Pestillac has shown by his petition before the king and council that Geneva Hugues de Genève , formerly the king’s lieutenant in Gascony, ³ and Oliver de Ingham , then seneschal of Gascony, promised to pay him 2,000 l.bord. for victuals and equipment when he came to the king’s adherence, but this has not been paid, and the king also owes him many great sums for his wages from that time, as shown by letters and bills in his possession, sealed with the seal of the constable, which he has shown before the council. He has asked for payment of these sums, and the king wishes to show generosity, if it can be confirmed that the sum of 2,000 l.bord. has not been paid. The constable is to endorse the said bills and letters to exonerate the king, and also receive letters of acquittance, and for this he will have allowance on his account.

By petition of C.

10 December 1343 . Ditton . For the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of the city of Bayonne .

Grant to the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of Bayonne that all strangers wishing to bring wine to that city may do so at any time of the year, and however many times they might wish, the former ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, paying to the king the due customs and to the people of Bayonne any reasonable subsidy imposed by them to support the costs of the city. The mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne have shown by their petition, presented before the king and his council, that previously, by an ordinance made in the city for their advantage and hitherto observed, foreigners not of the liberty of the city may not bring new wine into the city for shipping elsewhere for sale before the Lent next following that wine’s production. However, it is now clear that this is not to their benefit, since as a consequence merchants with victuals and other merchandise are delaying their arrival in the city.

By petition of C.

14 December 1343 . Ditton . For the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of the city of Bayonne .

Order to the seneschal of Gascony that he should prevent all nobles and others of the duchy of Aquitaine from imposing any new customs or other undue burdens upon his faithful people of Bayonne. The mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne have complained that certain nobles in the duchy of Aquitaine are seeking new and undue taxes and customs on goods and merchandise transported through their lands, on wines and on other merchandise, and are charging these upon the citizens and inhabitants of Bayonne, who should anciently be free from such payments, oppressing them in many ways, even though the king is bound to defend them from injury and protect them in their liberties. They have requested remedy, and the king, wishing to preserve his people from undue oppressions and to protect their rights, orders that any such customs which have been imposed should speedily be revoked, that suitable restitution be made to anyone injured in this manner, and anyone refusing to do so should be proceeded against.

By K. and C.

10 December 1343 . Ditton . For the community of the city of Bordeaux .

Similar order to the seneschal of Gascony on behalf of the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux , who have similarly complained regarding new and undue taxes and customs imposed on goods brought to their city, especially upon wines, namely one gold crown or thereabouts on each tun transported.

By petition of C.

20 December 1343 . Westm' Westminster . Concerning protection .

Order to all admirals, seneschals, vicomtes, mayors, bayles, friends and all other faithful people on both sides of the sea, within liberties and without, that they should not interfere with Godefraye John Godfrey , who is bringing certain cargo to the duchy of Aquitaine, or allow others to cause him any injury or harm while bringing these goods through their districts. Sordiche John de Shoreditch , who is staying in the duchy of Aquitaine in the king’s service, has sent Godfrey, his servant, into England to purchase grain and other victuals for himself and his household, and to bring them back to the duchy. Godfrey has loaded 60 quarters of wheat, 60 quarters of oats, 40 sides of bacon and seven carcasses of beef into a certain ship of John Gyn , to bring to the duchy for this reason, and the king has taken him and the cargo into his special protection and defence. Godfrey is to be allowed safe and secure passage, and any requests should be fulfilled on the king’s behalf.

10 January 1344 . Ditton . For the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux .

Grant to the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux that they may take and have 2 s.t.parv. for each tun of wine, and a reasonable sum for other merchandise according to its value, from each person bringing wine or merchandise into that city, for sale, loading or other reasons, which originated from above the town of Sancto Makario, de Saint-Macaire , to help with the cost of the repairs to the city walls. The people of Bordeaux, by their petition presented to the king and his council, have shown that the necessary repairs to the walls and turrets of the city require great expense, and since it is agreed that those who do business there should contribute to those repairs, they have asked that the king might grant them this custom, in aid of the repairs and for the better support of the same city. The king wishes to agree to this, saving always the customs which he is accustomed to take in the city before this time, and all his other rights.

By petition of C.

20 January 1344 . Windsor . For Nicholas de la Beche, seneschal of Gascony .

Order to all admirals, masters and mariners of ships, and all vicomtes, mayors, bayles, ministers and other faithful people, both within liberties and without, that they should maintain, protect and defend the ship and victuals of Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, and its master, men and mariners, while going to Gascony and returning to England . The servants of the seneschal, at Maldon , have freighted a ship called la George of Maldon , of which Adam Cole is master, with various victuals to take to the duchy for the sustenance of the seneschal and his household, and the king has taken the ship and victuals, as well as the said master, men and mariners and their goods, into his protection, while bringing those victuals to Gascony and while returning to England. They are not to be troubled, and the officials, as far as possible, are not to allow others to cause them injury or harm, and should make amends immediately for any forfeitures they have suffered. The victuals should not be taken for the use of the king or any other, and the ship should not be arrested under any commission for taking ships for the king’s service. This is to last until the Sunday in the middle of Lent.

10 January 1344 . Woodstock . Concerning the pacification of discords and dissensions .

Order to Nicholas de la Beche , seneschal of Gascony, that, after taking advice from his council and hearing from the mayor, jurats and community of Bordeaux or their proctors, he should advise the king on what may be done to settle the sources of discord between them, without prejudice to the king and the city, so that the king can confirm this to them. Through the frequent reports of merchants and others of the duchy of Aquitaine, the king understands that grave matters of discord and disagreement have arisen between the seneschal and other of the king’s officers in the duchy and the mayor, jurats and community of the city of Bordeaux, concerning the exercise of jurisdiction of the banlieue of Bordeaux and the Humbrar’ prévôté of the Ombrière regarding the making of the water channel and the examination of foreigners, discords which will cause graver damage and danger without swift remedy. If it should happen that impediments prevent a solution, the seneschal is to inform the king without delay, and of the reasons given by each of the parties, so that, having taken the advice of his council, the king may provide another remedy. In the meantime, and especially during these times of war, the seneschal is to treat the people well, and preserve their rights and privileges undiminished, to prevent further complaints.

By petition of C.

20 January 1344 . Wyndesore Windsor . Exemplification for the merchant vintners of the duchy of Aquitaine .

Inspeximus and confirmation of letters patent of Edward III::

Exemplification of the king’s previous letters, at the request of the aforesaid merchant vintners.