The Gascon Rolls Project

C 61/92

Gascon Roll for the 2nd year of the reign of Richard II

Physical condition of the roll

The roll consists of ten membranes. There are entries on all of the face sides, but on none of the dorses. The roll is generally in good condition.

C 61/92 2 Richard II (1378-9)

Introduction.

With the reign entering its second year, some of the same pressures still weighed on the English administration. The unstable military situation meant that the steady stream of letters of protection and attorney continued, and it is very clear from these that most of the three large contingents of troops under John de Neville, the new royal lieutenant in the duchy, Thomas Trivett, and Geoffrey d'Argenton had not yet reached Aquitaine, though they had been supposed to have travelled in the previous year. It would seem that the lack of shipping was presenting a considerable obstacle for the English. The very first entry on the roll is an assignment for the arrest of ships for Neville, and this is followed by an assignment to Neville himself to find shipping for Trivett and d'Argenton. ¹ That this latter assignment concerned ships of a capacity for as little as 20 tuns, suggests that pressure was indeed great.

Unlike previous rolls trade issues are far less numerous. There are far fewer licences granted to English and Gascon merchants to trade victuals between England and Gascony. Rather unusually, of the few that there are, two licences were granted to Flemish merchants. ² However, one problem that seems to have developed in the trade routes was addressed. It would appear that the Gascons were in the habit of trading in Flanders, then coming to England and going onto Gascony. The merchants explained that they came to England because it was a more secure passage home, and that they unloaded their goods there merely to put them onto other ships and not to trade. However, they were being charged customs on these goods even though they were not trading in England. An order was issued to permit them to return home with their goods without paying customs. ³

Trade matters are amongst the issues relating to Bayonne which are dealt with in this roll, indeed matters relating to Bayonne appear on a regular basis through this roll. The merchants of Bayonne were granted a quittance from a toll of 3 d. in the pound in reward for their service. ⁴ The king also confirmed earlier letters concerning rights for wreck, and the grant that the people of Bayonne had made to the king of the rate that they would pay for their wine in Bordeaux. ⁵ This inspeximus seems in part to have been granted because Matthew Gournay, who had been appointed as seneschal of the Landes, had been ignoring the men of Bayonne's right to wreck, and the constable of Bordeaux had been wilfully misinterpreting the grant concerning the payment of tolls at Bordeaux. ⁶ In addition to this, the king ordered that an inquiry be held into an extensive and extraordinary series of complaints that the people of Bayonne had made. The entry recites in full a petition from the people, complaining of the actions of what appears to have been a faction in the city, which may have included the bishop, who were causing major disruption, undermining the mayor and other royal officials. The details of the complaint are all the more important for, although the original petition does survive, it is sadly now largely illegible. ⁷

The favourable treatment of the people of Bayonne was almost entirely down to their continued loyalty to the English crown, but they were not the only ones to be rewarded for their loyalty. Most notice are the entries relating to the knight Ramon de Pellegrue. From the confirmations contained on this roll, it would seem that Pellegrue had been a loyal and active servant of the English cause. In a sequence of four grants confirmed by Richard II, it is clear that Pellegrue had fought with Anglo-Gascon forces as early as 1350, suffering injury, and for this Henry of Grosmont, earl of Lancaster, then the royal lieutenant in Aquitaine, had granted him the custody of the important castle of Saint-Astier in Périgord. The remaining three grants that were confirmed were all made by Edward of Woddstock, and include an annuity drawn on the profits of the Bordeaux mint made in 1357; a grant of an annuity of 500 l. to be paid from the lands of rebels in the Bordelais and Agenais, in compensation for more substantial losses in the Bazadais, made in 1369; and another annuity of 120 l. drawn on royal rents in Libourne, dating to 1370. Of these, the first grant made by Edward of Woodstock, then prince of Wales, in 1357 is the most interesting, for it records that part of the service that Pellegrue had performed was as an attendant on the prince's standard at the battle of Poitiers, only a year earlier. To have this personal recognition from the prince clearly indicates the importance of this service, and perhaps a close relationship with the prince, if the following grants can be believed. This close relationship might also be suggested, for it would seem that Pellegrue made personal homage to the king for his possessions in Aquitaine. ⁸

Others who received reward for their royal service and loyalty included Bernat Salamon, abbot of Bournet, whose house had fallen under the jurisdiction of the French, but who had chosen exile rather than accommodation with the French; ⁹ and Brunet-Arnaut de Labarde, an esquire, who had been captured in the war. ¹⁰ Both were granted annuities, though whether they were able to obtain payment was of course a different matter. The problems of those in receipt of grants of annuities is very apparent from an entry relating to Peire Merle, a burgess of Montauban. Merle had lost everything when Montauban went over to the French, and had been the recipient of grants of annuities drawn on issues in the Saintonge. He had asserted that he had received little from these, and this was in part because those same issues had fallen into the possession of the French. Merle was left with a new grant from which he must have hoped to gain some satisfaction. ¹¹ One other recipient of royal largesse was the king's former nurse, Mondina d'Abos, and her husband Rotlan d'Abos. Mondina had already been the recipient of a grant of the parish of Cadillac in the previous year, but it would seem that this grant had proved problematic, since she and her husband were granted an annuity drawn from lands near Bordeaux that had formerly been the lord of Langoiran's, a rebel, ¹² in return for the return and cancellation of the letters of the original grant. ¹³

Simon J. Harris.

1.: See entry 1 , entry 15 .
2.: See entry 32 , entry 33 .
3.: See entry 38 .
4.: Entry 16.
5.: See , entry .
6.: See entry 23 , entry 26 .
7.: See entry 27 .
8.: See entry 36 . However, the confirmation made by the king and the making of homage seem not to have been made promptly enough, for Richard Rotour, constable of Bordeaux, took all that Pellegrue held by these grants into the king's hands, because the grants had at that time not been confirmed. The constable was ordered to restore them to Pellegrue. See entry 42 .
9.: See entry 5 .
10.: See entry 9 .
11.: See entry 43 .
12.: Bérart III d'Albret.
13.: See entry 34 .

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1: 27 June 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the arrest of mariners .

Assignment to Orwelle John Orwell, king's serjeant-at-arms , to arrest all ships and other vessels of 20 tuns capacity or more that he finds in the Suthampton' port of Southampton and elsewhere between the Thamis' Thames and the Plumuth' port of Plymouth , the ships, barques, balingers and other vessels now in the port of Southampton assigned by the king's admirals for the voyage of John [of Gaunt], king of Castile and Léon , and duke of Lancaster , the king's uncle, and other faithful subjects, only excepted, and with all speed bring them to Plymouth for the passage of John, Nevill' lord Neville and his retinue, to Gascony, putting sufficient mariners in those ships. He is to receive sufficient security from the mariners that they will remain in the king's service until lord Neville and his retinue are safely and securely in Gascony, and he is to arrest all those whom he finds resist him, putting them in prison until the king ordains a punishment for them. Orwell is ordered to diligently attend to this, and the king has ordered all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects to aid, obey and be intendant on him.

By bill of p.s.

2: 28 June 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of corn .

To all admirals.

Licence to Prestecote John de Prescott , that he can take, in person or by his servants, 100 quarters of wheat and 20 quarters of beans and peas loaded on to ships in Dertemuth' Dartmouth to Gascony and to Baion' Bayonne for the sustenance of the king's subjects living there. Prescott had requested that the king grant this, and the king agreed because William Borleston' and Thomas Nottecombe of Devon had mainprised before the king in chancery that he would take the wheat, beans and peas to Gascony and Bayonne, and to nowhere else, under pain of forfeiture of what is carried. It is ordered that Prescott be permitted to take the wheat, beans and peas to Gascony and Bayonne, paying the customs and other dues, any proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

For a confirmation for Halton.

26 June 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Inspeximus of letters patent of the king's father Edward [of Woodstock], late prince of Aquitaine and Wales, in these words:

22 October 1369 . The castle of Compnhac Cognac .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of the king of France and England, prince of Aquitaine and Wales , Cornoaille duke of Cornwall , Cestre earl of Chester , Biscaie lord of Biscay and of Castre Dordiales Castro Urdiales , under his great seal, to Thomas de Halton, the prince's esquire , for his past and future good service, of 100 l. of the prince's current money to be taken for his life at the Bordeux castle of Bordeaux from the issues and revenues of the same, to be paid by the treasurer of Aquitaine at the terms of Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions, Halton doing liege homage to the prince.

The king confirms the tenor of his father's letters with the assent of his council, Halton taking the 100 l. at the castle from the treasurer of Aquitaine or the constable of Bordeaux, at the terms, he performing homage to the king and his heirs. ¹

By p.s.

1.: For a later order to pay Halton the annuity, he having done homage, see entry in C 61/96 .

4: Same as above

And it is ordered to the treasurer of Aquitaine or the constable of Bordeaux to pay the 100 l. to Thomas [de Halton] from the issues of the castle each year at the specified terms for his life, according to the tenor of the grant and confirmation. They are to receive letters of acquittance from Halton so that they can receive due allowance in their account.

By the same writ.

For the abbot of Bournet.

5: 25 June 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant, by the king's special grace, and with the assent of his council, to Salmon Bernat Salamon, abbot of Bournet in the Engelmois seneschalcy of Angoumois in Aquitaine, for the damage he has sustained in the present war because he remained faithful to Edward III and to the current king, and has had to withdraw from the custody of his abbey because the Angoumois is presently not in the king's possession, of 40 l.st. or the equivalent value of the same, to be taken at Michaelmas and Easter by equal portions from the constable of Bourdeaux, to maintain him until the abbey returns to the king's obedience, or he is provided for in another manner, provided the abbot attends the king's council at Bordeaux when warned to do so by the king's lieutenant there, or by the seneschal of Aquitaine, or the constable of Bordeaux.

By p.s.

Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux to pay the 40 l.st. or the equivalent value of the same to the abbot [of Bournet] each year at the specified terms, according to the tenor of the king's letters. He is to receive letters of acquittance from the abbot so that they can receive due allowance in his account. ¹

1.: The entry is followed by an empty set of entry marks, and a space until the next entry.

For protection.

26 June 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Andreu Richard Andrew of Devon , who is going to Aquitaine, in the king's service in the company of Nevill' John de Neville, the king's lieutenant in Aquitaine .

By bill of p.s.

The following, who are going in the king's service to the same parts in the company of John [de Neville], have similar letters of protection:

7.1: 12 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Odo Steven of Cornub' Cornwall , etc. as above. ¹

1.: The entry is followed by two empty sets of entry marks in a space before the following entry.

8: 4 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For general attorney.

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Adam Penteneye , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service in the company of Nevyll' John de Neville , nominating John Haylesdon and William Rykhull' , alternately.

For Brunet-Arnaut.

9: 2 June 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant by the king's special grace and the assent of the king's council, to Bard, la Brunet-Arnaut de Labarde, esquire , for his good service to the king and his grandfather in the king's war in which he was taken prisoner, and for his future service, of 100 l. of money current in the lordship, to be taken each year from the issues of the lordship from the constable of Bordeaux at Michaelmas and Easter by equal portions, for his life, until he is assigned the equivalent value in another suitable place.

By p.s.

10: Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux to pay the 100 l. of money to Brunet[-Arnaut de Labarde] each year at the terms by equal portions, according to the tenor of the king's letters, receiving from the same his letters of acquittance, by which he can have due allowance in his account at the exchequer.

By p.s.

11: 4 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For general attorneys .

Letters of general attorney in England, until Christmas next, for Peter Adam , who is going to Gascony in the king's service in the company of John, Nevill' lord Neville , nominating John Roger, clerk , and Maunsel Robert Mansel , alternately.

Burst' W[illiam] de Burstall received the attorneys.

12: 13 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For John, lord Neville .

Assignment to John, Nevill' lord Neville , the king's lieutenant in Aquitaine , to assign and deliver shipping for the passage of himself, his retinue and horses, and for Trivet Thomas Trivett and Dargenton Geoffrey d'Argenton , kts, who are going in his company, and their retinues and horses, from the ships, both great and small, of a capacity of 20 tuns or more, that he finds in the Plimmuth port of Plymouth as he sees fit, notwithstanding any prior assignment of shipping made for Trivett and d'Argenton. He is ordered to put aside any excuses and diligently attend to this, and the king has ordered all sheriffs, mayors, bailiffs, ministers and others of their company, to aid, obey and be intendant on him when he warns them to do so.

By bill of p.s.

For protections.

13: 13 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Trivet Thomas Trivett, kt , who is going to Gascony, in the king's service.

By bill of p.s.

14: 13 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

William Wescote , who is going to the same parts in the same service in the company of the same Thomas [Trivett] , has similar [letters] of protection for the same duration.

By the same bill.

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15: 13 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For supervising the men-at-arms .

Assignment to John, Nevill' lord Neville , the king's lieutenant in Aquitaine , that he, both here and overseas, regularly survey those who are in his company and have been retained at the king's wages, or are subsequently retained, of whatsoever status they are, to see that they have sufficient mounts, and are sufficently armed and equipped, just as is proper for the king's service, and that he certify the king and his council of any defects that he finds. Neville is ordered to diligently attend to this, and the king has ordered all those who have been retained, or are subsequently retianed to answer, obey and to be intendant on him and his deputies concerning this.

By bill of p.s.

For the citizens and merchants of the city of Bayonne.

20 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . ¹

To all admirals and their lieutenants, sheriffs, mayors, collectors of customs and subsidies in the ports of England, and the controllers of the customs and subsidies, and the king's bailiffs, ministers and other faithful subjects.

Order to permit all the citizens and merchants of Bayonne to bring goods and merchandise into England quit of the payment of 3 d. in the pound according to the tenor of the late king's charter, and the king's confirmation. E[dward III], late king of England , the grandfather of the king, on 4 February 1351, for the great and continual service which the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Baion' Bayonne , have done to the king, not without labour and cost, granted to them that they should be quit of the 3 d. , which the king has confirmed by inspection of the rolls of chancery of the late king.

By bill of C.

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

21 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

Order to Gourneye Matthew Gournay that he permits the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Baion' Bayonne to use and enjoy the privileges of wreck which Richard [I], late king of England , granted and which E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, has subsequently confirmed, according to the tenor of the charter and confirmation, just as they have been used and enjoyed from the time of the making of the charter, and they should not be troubled contrary to their liberties. If anything has been unjustly taken from a ship of Priolat Johan de Prioulat then it is to be restored without delay, so that no further complaint comes to the king on this. Richard [I], by his charter, which E[dward III] confirmed, quitclaimed his rights to the wreck of ships throughout all his lands on both sides of the sea, he wishing that if any ship in his land is wrecked, then its owners should have its property and possessions which come to land if they can reasonably show it is there, and the king has approved and confirmed the same. Now the mayor, jurats and hundred peers have complained that they have been impeded from the enjoyment of this, and have requested a remedy from the king. ¹

By bill of C.

1.: For a related entry, see entry 19 .

18: 22 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the protection for Jacmes de Lesbay and others .

To the seneschals, constables, castellans, prévôts, ministers and all the king's bailiffs and faithful subjects in Aquitaine.

Letters of protection and safe-conduct for Jacmes de Lesbay , Baion' Pey-Guilhem de Bayonne and Sabatus Saubat de Mente , citizens of Bayonne, and their men, and also their goods, property, rents and just possessions, the king wishing show them his special favour and grace for the long loyalty of the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne . The king wishes that they can enjoy the liberties, privileges and free customs which they and their ancestors have used and enjoyed without diminution or impediment. It is ordered that the citizens should be maintained, protected and defended from injury and violence, and if they have forfeited anything or suffered any injury contrary to their privileges, then it is to be revoked and duly corrected.

By bill of C.

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19

1 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation for the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of the city of Bayonne .

Inspeximus of letters patent of E[dward III], late king of England, in these words:

24 February 1351 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant by Edward [III], king of England and France, lord of Ireland, to the Baion' mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne , the king wishing to reward them for their continuous loyalty, that they and their fellow citizens, merchants and the king's subjects, and their heirs and successors, should be quit of the payment of 3 d. in the pound on all their goods and merchandise brought into England in perpetuity. The king had, at the request of the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community, granted the same to them but during pleasure, and the king wished to reward them further.

3 March 1372 . Westm' Westminster .

Inspeximus by Edward [III], king of France and England, lord of Ireland, of letters patent Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Aquitaine, in these words:

29 February 1372 . London , in the prince's wardrobe.

Inspeximus of Edward [of Woodstock], prince of Aquitaine and Wales, duke of Cornwall, earl of Chester, of letters of Richard [I], late king of England, and duke of Aquitaine, in these words:

16 October 1190 .

To all archbishops, bishops, abbots, earls, barons, justices, sheriffs, and all the king's bailiffs and faithful subjects.

Quitclaim by Richard, king of England , duke of Normandy and Aquitaine and count of Anjou , of rights to wreck from all broken ships, both this side and beyond the sea, in this manner, namely that if any ship should wreck, and any person aboard should survive, then any items coming ashore which belong to them should be restored to them, if they can prove their ownership. Similarly, if anyone should die in the wreck, their heirs, namely their sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, should similarly inherit, if they can show that they are the legitimate heirs. However, if the deceased has no son or daughter, brother or sister, then the possessions are to come to the king, as confirmed by this grant.

Witnesses: Walter de Coutances, archbishop of Roth' Rouen , Warn' de Naples Brother Garnier de Nablus, Master of the Hospital in England , Waufr' Brother Geoffrey[Fitz Stephen], Master of the Temple in England , by the hand of Master Roger Mali Catuli , vice-chancellor . ¹

The prince confirms these letters and everything contained within them, under his privy seal.

The king has confirmed these letters and everything contained within them, of his especial grace and at the request of the mayor, jurats and hundred peers of the city of Baion' Bayonne . ²

3 March 1372 . Westm' Westminster .

Inspeximus by Edward [III], king of France and England, lord of Ireland, in these words:

29 February 1372 . London , in the prince's wardrobe.

Inspeximus and confirmation by E dward [of Woodstock], prince of Aquitaine and Wales , of letters of Edward I, his great-grandfather:

5 April 1288 . Burgum Regine in Burdegales Burgum Regine . ³

Confirmation by Edward I, king of England and duke of Aquitaine , of letters of the mayor, jurats, consuls and community of the city of Bayonne :

2 April 1288 . Baion Bayonne .

Notarial instrument from Hugh de Brok, kt , mayor of Bayonne , and Villa, de Pey-Arnaut de Bielle , Saubanihaco, de Amat de Saubagnac , Villa, de Pey de Bielle, son of Ramon-Duran [de Bielle], deceased , Domenges de Tetto , Manibus, de Miqueu de Manx , Pey-Arnaut de Woniot , Darans Gassie-Arnaut d'Arans , Bernat Dolorn , Monte Acuto Pey de Montagut , Bydones Johan de Bidones , Poillon Arnaut de Pouillon , Johan Doroc , Amat de Morario , Guilhem-Pey de Lesbay and Puteo, de Johan Duputs , then Baion' consuls and jurats of Bayonne , on behalf of themselves and the whole community of the city, their heirs and successors in perpetuity, made in the presence of Vallibus Johan de Bats, public notary of Bayonne , and certain witnesses.

They grant that for each tun or cask of wine taken by the people of Bayonne and its appurtenances to Burdeg' Bordeaux , by land or by water, and exported from there, Edward, king of England , lord of Ireland and duke of Aquitaine , his heirs and successors, and his ministers in his name, shall henceforward receive 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. towards the great custom of wines which the people of Bordeaux are accustomed to pay, or the same value in the money of Bordeaux, namely 6 s. 5½ d.bord. , such that 1 l.t.parv. in payment of the said custom is valued at more than 1 l.bord. by 50 d.bord. and no more. The constable of Bordeaux , or whoever the king-duke and his successors should choose as receiver, may receive the custom in whichever currency they wish, and, having paid this custom, nothing further should be exacted from them. And if the value of the money of Bordeaux should change, then the king-duke and his successors should continue to receive the same 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. for each tun or cask of wine, or its equivalent value in the money of Bordeaux as at the receiver's appointment.

Also, for the custom called issac ( ysak ), ⁴ they will pay half the amount assessed for the great custom for each tun or cask of wine taken to Bordeaux and there sold and bought, exchanged or transferred in whole or in part, or exported from there, payable in money of Tours or Bordeaux as the elected receiver shall choose, and no more.

For the custom called of Royan, ⁵ they will pay 2 d.ob.t.parv. for each tun or cask of wine and no more, without any further opposition from them.

For each pipe of wine, whether the charge for carriage has been paid or not, they will pay half the sum due for one tun or cask. However, for each 20 tuns of wine exported from Bordeaux, they shall have one pipe free from all customs if the charge for carriage has not been paid.

The same mayor, consuls and jurats have granted for themselves and the people of their city in perpetuity that they will be bound to pay these customs to the king-duke and his heirs and successors, and his ministers of Bordeaux in his name, on condition that in return for this grant, they and the whole community of Bayonne shall be remitted all previous customs which may be outstanding, and they have solemnly stipulated, promised and accepted all these things before the notary, to the use of the said king-duke and his successors, and his ministers in his name, agreeing to abide by them and do nothing to the contrary for any reason, and have granted that this instrument, sealed with their authentic seal, shall have full legality in perpetuity, whether the seal be appended or not, applied or not, pendant or not.

Those called and requested to witness this were: Villa, de Johan de Bielle ; Belus Domenges de Bélus ; deu Faugare Bidau du Lauga ; Senihans Pey de Seignanx ; Guilhem-Arnaut de Marca ; Lest Miqueu de Listo ; Sancto Johanne, de Martin de Saint-Jean ; Pey de Podus ; Piru, de Ramon de Peré ; Franc' Andriu de France ; Banihere Bertholomiu de Bagnères ; Franc' Guilhem de France ; Baion' Pascau de Bayonne ; Villa, de Domenges de Bielle ; Bertholomiu de Manos ; Forcade Ramon-Arnaut de Fourcade ; Sancto Johanne Bernat de Saint-Jean, son of Sancto Johanne, de B[ernat] de Saint-Jean, deceased ; Cassos, dous Arnaut-Ramon des Cassous ; Pey de Gonessa ; Morlanis Ramon de Morlanne, cobbler ( sutor ) ; Johan de Maglag ; Gavereto, de Bernat-Ramon de Gabarret ; Pey de Brivera ; Seres Per-Arnaut de Serres ; la Lane Per-Arnaut de Lalanne ; deroc Pey-Andriu de Roc ;

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Forner Aymeric Fournier ; de Podio Arnaut-Ramon Dupuch ; de Villar Arnaut Duviella ; Johan de Sanceres ; Ripperia Johan d'Arribère ; Miqueu de Merclyn , of the true consent of Villa Pey-Arnaut de Bielle .

Witnessed by the said Villa Johan de Bielle ; Guilhem-Arnaut de Marca ; Senihans Pey de Seignanx ; Seres Pey-Arnaut de Serres ; Denfaug' Bidau du Lauga , and sealed by the aforesaid Vallibus Johan de Bats, public notary of the city of Bayonne , who drew up this instrument at the request of the mayor, consuls and jurats, the first Friday of April, ⁶ 1288, during the reigns of Philip, king of the French , Edward, king of England and duke of Aquitaine , Manibus D[omenges] de Manx, bishop [of Bayonne] , and the aforesaid Hugh de Brok, mayor. Sealed by the mayor, consuls and jurats abovenamed, on behalf of themselves and the entire community of the city of Bayonne, with the common seal of the city, in good faith and in witness of all the promises made, and wishing that the probity or legality of the instrument should not be diminished in any way by the breaking or removal of the said seal.

Confirmation by Edward [I] of everything contained in these letters, promising that he, his heirs and successors will observe and protect them in perpetuity, and remitting to all those men of Bayonne and their predecessors who accept these all previous unpaid customs.

Confirmation and approval by Edward, prince of Aquitaine and Wales, of everything contained in these letters and grants, notwithstanding that they have not always been able to enjoy them peacefully.

The king accepts, ratifies, approves and confirms these letters and everything contained within them. ⁷

The king accepts, ratifies, approves and confirms, and wishes moreover that the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Bayonne, and their successors, should use and enjoy all their other liberties, free customs and privileges granted to them by the charters of the king's progenitors, late king's of England, just as they and their predecessors have used them.

By bill of the great council.

1.: The content of this charter is recited in Stubbs, W. (ed.), The Chronicle of the Reigns of Henry II and Richard I, A.D.1169-1192 , Rolls Series, 49, vol. ii, pp.139-40. The chronicler records that the grant was made at Messina, Sicily , during Richard I's voyage on crusade, although the witnesses listed there are the archbishop of Rouen, the bishops of Evreux and Bayonne , and 'many others' of the king's household.
2.: For the original confirmation of Edward III, see entry in C 61/85 . For a related entry, see entry 17 .
3.: Identified as the place called La Bastide in J.P. Trabut-Cussac, "Itinéraire d’Edouard Ier en France, 1286-1289", BIHR , 25 (1952), p.187.
4.: On this custom, see Trabut-Cussac, J.-P., ‘Les coutumes ou droits de douane perçus à Bordeaux sur les vins et les marchandises par l’administration anglaise de 1252 à 1307’, Annales du Midi , LXII, 1950, pp.136-7, 141-2.
5.: The "petite coutume de Royan", a custom on wine originally levied in Royan , but later levied in Bordeaux.
6.: Literally 'the first Friday entering the month of April'.
7.: For the original confirmation of Edward III, see entry in C 61/85 . For a later related entry, see entry in C 61/88

20: 21 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For permitting the men of Bayonne to work on their vineyards .

Order to Maubek Amaniu de Maubecq called de Noye , bayle of Marenfyn Marensin , to permit the mayor, jurats and community of Bayon' Bayonne to labour in and cultivate their vineyards and produce their wine as they consider best, and not molest any of them from the city. If anything has been unjustly taken from them, then it is to be restored without delay. If the king's orders are not obeyed, then Maubecq will be punished for his disobedience as an example to others. The king and his council has received the complaint from Saubat de Mente , in the name of the mayor, jurats and all the community of Bayonne, containing that the men of the city have been maliciously and unjustly impeded from labouring in their vineyards, and great sums of money have been extorted from them, in scandal of the people of the city, and to their damage, and they request remedy. The king wishes to preserve the city from injury, violence and harm.

By bill of C.

21

8 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the citizens of Bayonne .

To the king's lieutenant in Gascony , and the seneschal there, and also the seneschal of the Landes , ¹ and all the king's other officers and ministers there.

Order that once they have viewed the charters of the king's progenitors, late kings of England, granting liberties, quittances and privileges to the mayor, jurats, hundred peers and community of Baion' Bayonne , and permit them to use and enjoy their liberties and privileges according to the tenor of those grants, and cause them to be held and observed, and restrain those who stand against them.

By bill of C.

1.: Matthew de Gournay .

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22: 15 July 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of corn .

To all admirals etc.

Grant to Thomas Doner and Thomas Lamer of Dorchestre Dorchester that they are able to take 400 quarters of wheat, and 100 quarters of peas and beans bought wherever they consider it best in the county of Dorset , and loading it onto ships in whatsoever port in the same county to Burdeg' Bordeaux or Baion' Bayonne to trade with. Doner and Lamer had requested this, and it was granted because Mautravers John Maltravers , John Kenecombe and Dorchestre Richard Dorchester of the same county who have mainprised before the king in chancery that Doner and Lamer would take the wheat, beans and peas to Bordeaux and Bayonne and nowhere else, under pain of forfeiture. It is ordered that they be permitted to take the wheat, beans and peas to Bordeaux and Bayonne freely and without any impediments, paying any customs, subsidies and dues whatsoever orders of the king to them to the contrary notwithstanding.

For the appointment of the seneschal of Landes.

23: 2 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

To all seneschals, captains, chaplains, keepers of towns, fortalices, mayors, jurats, hundred peers, citizens, burgesses and communities of the city of Bayonne and the seneschalcy of the Landes in the duchy of Aquitaine, and all other lieges and subjects in the duchy.

Appointment of Matthew de Gournay, kt , as seneschal of the Landes, during pleasure. It is ordered that Gournay is to be obeyed, answered, and they are to be faithfully intendant on him.

By K. and C.

24: Same as above

And it is ordered to Nevill' John de Neville, lieutenant in the duchy of Aquitaine , or his lieutenant there, to deliver the seneschalcy of the Landes to Matthew [de Gournay] without delay, to be kept according to the tenor of the king's letters.

By K. and C.

25: 18 August 1378 . The notre paleys de Westmonstere palace of Westminster . For Pey de Laduch.

[in French]

Order to all the seneschals of Aquitaine, or their lieutenants, that if they find that the below written people had damaged la Dyns Pey de Laduch, burgess of Bayone Bayonne , then they are to satisfy him by the sale and alienation of their goods that they find in their jurisdiction in Aquitaine for a sufficient sum to make amends for the damages.

Laduch has shown the king by his complaint that in 1368 he took his merchandise to la Rochederien La Roche-Derrien in Bretaigne Brittany to trade with them there, and while there Carymel Geoffroi de Kerimel, constable there for Cleyquin Bertrand du Guesclin , with the consent of Carymel Guillaume de Kerimel, his brother, kt , Carymel Pierre de Kerimel, captain of La Roche-Derrien , Jean le Baillif of Laudriguyer Tréguier , le Borgoignon Geoffroi le Bourguignon , Jean le Serbesier , Guillaume de Boneure and Alain le Dou Moyne , arrested Laduch and his merchandise without cause and unjustly made him pay 600 guiennaises of gold, in great damage and to the destruction of Laduch, and to his great impoverishment.

By the great council.

26

20 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the citizens of Bayonne. .

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

In the time of King Edward [I] , the king's grandfather, the then mayor, consuls and jurats of the city of Bayonne , granted for themselves, their heirs and successors and the entire commonalty of Bayonne, by their letters sealed with the common seal of the city and validated with a public instrument, granted that the king's grandfather, his heirs and successors or his ministers in his name, may perpetually receive 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. from every man from Bayonne and its appurtenances for each tun or cask of wine taken to the city of Bordeaux, by land or sea, and exported from there, towards the great custom of wine which was accustomed to be paid at Bordeaux, or the same value in the money of Bordeaux, namely 6 s. 5 d.ob.bord. , such that 1 l.t.parv. in payment of the said custom should be valued at more than 1 l.bord. by 50 d.bord. and no more. The constable of Bordeaux, or whoever the king should choose as receiver of this custom, which currency he would receive these payments in, and, having paid this sum, nothing further should be exacted from them. And if the value of the money of Bordeaux should change, strengthening or weakening, then the king's grandfather and his successors should continue to receive the same 5 s. 4 d.t.parv. for each tun or cask of wine from the people of Bayonne for this custom, or its equivalent value in the money of Bordeaux as it was at the time of the receiver's appointment. For the other custom called issac , the king's grandfather and his successors should receive half the amount assessed for the great custom for each tun or cask of wine taken to Bordeaux and there sold and bought, exchanged or transferred in whole or in part, or exported from there, payable in money of Tours or Bordeaux as the receiver shall choose, and no more. For the custom called of de Royano Royan , the king's grandfather and his successors would receive 2 d.ob.t.parv. from the men of Bayonne for each tun or cask of wine, and no more, without any further opposition from them. And for all pipes of wine of the said men, whether the charge for carriage has been paid or not, the king's grandfather would receive half the sum due for one tun or cask. However, for each 20 tuns of wine exported from Bordeaux, the men of Bayonne should have one pipe free from all customs if the charge for carriage has not been paid. The same mayor, consuls and jurats granted for themselves and all the people of their city in perpetuity that they would be bound to pay these customs to the king's grandfather, his heirs and successors and his ministers of Bordeaux in his name, in return for which they and the whole community of Bayonne, and their predecessors, would be remitted all previous customs which may be outstanding.

The king's grandfather accepted, approved and confirmed this, promising that he and his heirs would protect and observe this in perpetuity. Afterwards Edward [of Woodstock], then prince of Aquitaine and Wales , and duke of Cornwall , the king's father, and E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, by their letters, accepted and confirmed this agreement, as given in their own letters patent.

However, the people of Bayonne have complained that the constable, willfully interpreting the words of these grants wrongly and presuming the concessions to extend only to wines produced at Bayonne and not other wines, is now again compelling them to pay the ancient customs levied before these grants for those wines grown elsewhere and brought to or loaded in Bordeaux. The king wishes to assist them in this, on account of the praiseworthy deeds which they have done for the king, and because they have always remained faithful in their allegiance and have shown themselves to be obedient in their service and deeds, and wishes to preserve the liberties and privileges granted to them by him and his ancestors, and protect them from undue injuries and wickedness. ¹

By bill of C.

1.: For an earlier, almost identical order, see entry in C 61/88 . For the king's earlier confirmation, and a full recital of the original agreement with Edward I, see entry in C 61/85 . For a confirmation of that confirmation, see entry 19 .

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27

Concerning an inquiry, Bayonne. 8 August 1378 . Westm' Westminster .

[in French]

Assignment to Perer Bernat de Peré ¹ and Seint Johan Bidau de Saint-Jean ² to enquire of the following complaints of the people of the city of Bayonne, and certify under their seals to the king and his council in England on this as quickly as they are able.

The king has received the grave complaint of certain of the burgesses and inhabitants and others of Baion' Bayonne , ³ by their petition presented to the king and his council, the tenor of which is as follows:

Same as above

[in French]

Petition to the king and his council, complaining that grievous wrongs and injuries are done in Bayonne, both to the king's officers, as generally to many others:

Firstly, that the bishop of Bayonne ⁴ in the time that Spaigne King Enrique, the bastard of Castile , besieged the city, ⁵ left the city without neither the licence ( sauns cungé ) of the mayor, nor of the jurats there to the great wrong and prejudice of the king and those of the city. And afterwards the bishop returned to the city after the bastard had departed, and daily committed wrongs, damage and grievances, both to the officers of the king and to the city, as well as to the poor people there, usurping the rights and laws made by the king, as appears more fully in the patents [of the bishop] made in prejudice of the king and all the community of Bayonne.
The bishop, because a man of the Armagnac region had been arrested ⁶ , wanted to place Bayonne under interdict, to the grave damage of the king and his people there.
The bishop, because a clerk that they had in the city at their wages was openly proved false to the king and the city, and it was ordered by Thomas de Felton, then seneschal of Aquitaine , and by the commons of the city, that he should be put in the castle [of Bayonne], ⁷ for which the bishop placed the mayor, his wife and servants under sentence of excommunication, as more fully appears in the letters patent made on this.
The bishop permitted the Brothers ( les freres ) ⁸ of Toulouse, who are the king's rebels, to cite the mayor and burgesses of Bayonne to Tolouse Toulouse , to the great wrong of the king, and the prejudice of all the community of the city.
That Master Ramon-Guilhem de Puy, judge of the high council of Gascony ⁹ has committed damage and grievances against the supplicant contrary to the charters, obligations and acquittances made by notaries, sworn on the Gospels, touching the marriage of the daughter of the judge, binding the supplicant as appears by the document following.
That the same Ramon-Guilhem daily commits heinous wrongs to the commons of the city, making the people, to pay through fear large sums of money without right or reason, as the supplicant has informed the king, to the great ruin and prejudice of the city.
That Laurence, Pratte, de Laurens Duprat did not wish to pay the king's fees and revenues, to the great damage of the king, and his royal castle of Bayonne . ¹⁰
The same Laurens took from the poor people, ewes ( berbys ) and other beasts, and took their keepers and imprisoned them in his own house without licence either of any of the king's officers, or of the city, to the prejudice of the king.
That no-one dares to request their debts of the same Laurens for fear of life and limb.
That the same Laurens threw his knife against the lieutenant of the prévôt of the king's castle [of Bayonne] without reason within the sanctuary. ¹¹
That the said Laurens, when the people were assigned to keep watch in the city, he came with a sword against the captain of the watch, ¹² and the captain fled to his house for fear of his death, so the town cannot be guarded. Laurence doing this before the then mayor of Bayonne to the prejudice of the king, as he does not fear the mayor, nor any other king's officer.
That the same Laurens does not suffer that any good ordinance be made in the city, and as the mayor and jurats there had ordained that no gamblers should play at dice night or day, under pain of imprisonment, and the mayor finding certain people gambling, put them in prison according to the ordinances, whereupon Laurens came to his house at night to wrangle with him and his wife and threaten them, because the mayor did not wish to release a gambler who Laurens wished to have released contrary to the ordinance.
The same Laurens, in the presence of the seneschal, the mayor and the lieutenant of the prévôt, holding their courts in the absence of the king, he came and threatened the parties in the great dishonour of the king and all his officers.
That the same Laurens and many others of his faction ( covyne ) occupied the warrens of the king, to the great damage of the king, and in prejudice of the city.
That the same Laurens seized beasts which commonly grazed in the gardens and heritages of the supplicant, and of other burgesses, to their great damage, and against the liberties of the city.
When the mayor of the city exercised his office in the court as he was accustomed to do, and sought to take informations from those within the enclosure and boundaries of the city, the same Laurens and Pratte Arnaut Duprat , his brother, came into the court and opposed the mayor, and said that they wished to bathe in his blood, and they did this with their knives drawn in their hands, and further they said that they had seven men who had sworn the mayor's death as appears by an instrument made by a notary on the same matter.
That the same Arnaut came night and day to ambush and attack the people of the king in the city, so that no minister of the king dared to do justice on him to the great damage and prejudice of the king.
That the same Arnaut came armed each night through the town attacking the doors and houses of the burgesses of the town, and entered gates by ladders as those who ought to attack the castles of the enemies do.
That the same Arnaut came to the mayor at his court, exercising his office, and there dishonoured the mayor, asking that the mayor leave his office, saying that to him threatening him with a knife, and many other burgesses of the city, and saying that he had beaten one good burgess of the city who had been mayor in the past, and that no officer would dare convict him of his crimes
That the same Arnaut had beaten another burgess who had been under the protection of the late prince [of Aquitaine], ¹³ and came each day to beat priests and other men, which is not doubted, and when he entered the house of a priest at night, and beat him grievously with a knife against the common law.
That de la River Sans d'Arribère by his great arrogance did not wish to pay the fees and revenues of the king, and menaced those who requested it with the threat of the loss of life and limb.
The same Sans did not wish to pay his debts to anyone, and no-one dared to request payment because of his great harshness.
That the same Sans in times past drew his knife against the mayor of Bayonne, and he wished to hit the mayor, but could not by the grace of God, and other good men who were there then in his company.
That the same Sans, when he was mayor, ¹⁴ drew his sword ( un glayve ) in his hand against a burgess of the city who he wished to have killed without reason, for which reason the burgess took refuge in his house, because he feared Sans. And Sans had beaten many other burgesses by his great harshness, drawing his knife in sanctuary, and also drew his knife on a priest whom he wished to kill within the close of Sainte-Marie[of Bayonne] ¹⁵ because of a plea he had brought against the same Sans and some foreigners in the presence of the mayor, the priest saying the truth, and Sans would have killed him if certain people had not defended him.
That the same Sans, when he had wine to sell in taverns, would not allow any taverner in the town to dare to sell the wine of other burgesses until his wine had been sold, saying that he would break the taps on the tuns and jugs, and beat the taverners grievously against the common law.
That Lospital Pey de l'Espitau by his great arrogance wounded various people of the city with his knife almost until death, but they pardoned him the offence for fear that he would inflict greater damage afterwards, to the great wrong and prejudice of the king. Afterwards in the safe-keeping of the king and his officers, going in the mayor's company outside of the town taking care for the honour of the town and the profit of the king, the same Pey hit one of the neighbours of the town with his sword, killing him, so that the mayor nor anyone else had the power to guarantee that he would not do damage, in great dishonour of the king and his officers.
That when the mayor ordered the same Pey that he go by the king's command to Londres London to answer to the mayor, he could not be made to go and made response to the mayor 'the king has not the power to force him and he would not like to go to London this year as he had too many things to do in Bayonne', which words were spoken in the presence of Elyot John Elliot, serjeant of the king who carried the order to Baion' Bayonne .
When it was ordained by the Baion' masters and mariners of Bayonne that they ought to come into England for the honour and profit of the king, it was ordered to the mayor, jurats and commons of the city, that they would make James, Les Bay Jacmes de Lesbay ¹⁶ to be their admiral of the fleet, but Pey [Duprat] and the others noted above decided that Lesbay should not be the admiral, to the great contempt and prejudice of the king and all of his realm, so that for default of the admiral and of good governance, they have not served the king loyally as ought to be done.
That generally the people named above have beaten and beat all days the good people of Bayonne entering with their barques and took the goods and inheritances from men and women, and took recognizance from them for this even though it did not pertain to them. This happens to such an extent that the burgesses and other people of the city are forced to leave the city because of the great wrongs and outrages that they have suffered, to the utter ruin of the city, unless they get a good remedy, and right and justice is done.
That the above named men threatened to beat the servants of the prévôt, and beat them, to the great wrong and against the common law.
That certain of the people named above did not wish to suffer the prévôt to take the recognizance of foreigners, which the prévôt had taken at all times before this from time beyond memory, to the great damage and prejudice of the king.

That there are many other articles that are not put in writing because they do not wish to be burdensome to the very honourable lords of the council, of which things the said supplicant can prove by charters and evidence produced in the lords' presence if it pleases them, the which allegations the supplicant is able and willing to prove if it pleases the lords, they taking taking good advice on these articles, and ordaining such remedy so that the city will placed under better guard, and the laws held as they were anciently, and so that the people of the city are able to see an example of good right and justice to these evildoers, so that people do not leave the city in default of justice.

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The king's council orders the citizens of Bayonne, after having read their complaint certified under their seals, to diligently attend to this, and orders to all prévôts, vicomtes, mayors, bayles, and other officers of the king, that by the tenor of the letters, they make enquiry of the contents, and be intendant, council and obey Peré and Saint-Jean.

By bill of the great council.

1.: Bernat de Peré (or Perer) will be mayor of Bayonne between April 1401 and April 1402. See the list of mayors of Bayonne in Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), p. 627.
2.: Bidau de Saint-Jean (in Gascon de Sent Johan ) had been mayor of Bayonne between April 1366 and April 1367. He was again mayor under the title of vicar (it meant not appointed by the seneschal of Aquitaine among the three candidates given by the city) from 30 November 1398 until April 1399; then mayor, if he was the same person, between April 1409 and April 1410, and finally between April 1418 and April 1419. See the list of mayors of Bayonne in Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), pp. 626-8.
3.: This petition has been presented to the king's council by Saubat de Mente on behalf of the people of Bayonne. For the original petition, see TNA SC 8/262/13068. Saubat de Mente had been mayor of Bayonne between April 1377 and April 1378. He had been previously mayor between April 1365 and April 1366, and was again mayor between April 1403 and April 1404. See the list of mayors of Bayonne in Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), pp. 626-7.
4.: Peire d'Oraich (or Orais), a Franciscan, was bishop of Bayonne from 1371 to his death in 1381. He was originally from the diocese of Rodez (then corresponding to two thirds of the Rouergue province).
5.: Enrique II of Castile and his army had besieged Bayonne from 11 June 1374 to early July 1374. He had waited in vain for the coming of a French army led by the duke of Anjou and Bertrand du Guesclin and left the region for Castile in early July because of a lack of supplies. See Russell, P.E., The English Intervention in Spain and Portugal in the time of Edward III and Richard II (Oxford, 1955), pp. 218-9. For the date of the beginning of this siege, see the Livre des Établissements , Archives municipales de Bayonne, ed. E. Dulaurens (Bayonne, 1892), p. 351.
6.: By the men of the community of Bayonne.
7.: The Vieux Château of Bayonne still existing nowadays.
8.: Either the Dominicans or the Franciscans. The Dominicans are the most likely to be concerned by this matter, as there had been a conflict between the Dominicans (the "Preachers" of Bayonne) and the bishop about a grave (1375). The mayor and burgesses of Bayonne have probably took the side of the Dominicans of Bayonne. On the 1375 episode, see Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), pp.362-4. This narrative is based on a document kept at the Archives Départementales des Pyrénées Atlantiques, 1 H 1034 (Bayonne, 18 September 1375).
9.: Ramon-Guilhem de Puy was judge of the court of sovereignty of Aquitaine .
10.: The Vieux Château of Bayonne.
11.: Probably in the cathedral of Bayonne.
12.: Several ordinances were decided by the community of Bayonne in order to forbid the bearing of arms in their city under pain of fine, or even in some cases emprisonment at the castle of Bayonne. See the Livre des Établissements , Archives municipales de Bayonne, ed. E. Dulaurens (Bayonne, 1892), pp. 90-1, no. 92 (16 June 1291), 159-60, no. 209 (2 April 1334), 172, no. 229 (21 August 1340).
13.: Edward of Woodstock (d. 1376), when he was prince of Aquitaine (1362-72).
14.: Sans d'Arribère was mayor of Bayonne between April 1362 and April 1363, between April 1375 and April 1376, and he was again mayor between April 1380 and April 1381, and finally between April 1396 and April 1397. This story refers to the period situated between April 1375 and April 1376. See the list of mayors of Bayonne in Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), pp. 625-7.
15.: The cathedral of Bayonne.
16.: Jacmes de Lesbay was mayor of Bayonne (April 1378-April 1379) when this entry was written. He was mayor of his city twice again: between April 1383 and April 1384, then between April 1388 and April 1389. See the list of mayors of Bayonne in Balasque, J. et Dulaurens, É., Études historiques sur la ville de Bayonne , t. III (Bayonne, 1875), p. 626.

28: 16 December 1378 . Westm' Westminster . For the lord of Poyanne .

To John, lord Neville , lieutenant of the king in Aquitaine , the seneschal of Landes , and all the seneschals, prévôts, mayors, bayles, ministers and other officers of the king in the duchy, and in the seneschalcy of the Landes.

Order to view the letters patent of E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, and E[dward of Woodstock], late prince of Aquitaine and Wales , the king's father, to the lord of Puyan Poyanne granting him certain castles, lordships, fisheries, possessions, jurisdictions, liberties and franchises in the duchy and seneschalcy, and permit him to use and enjoy them in person, or by his proctors and officers, according to the tenor of those letters, until the king orders otherwise, and they are not to be troubled in their tenure. If they have been troubled contrary to the grants then it is to be put right, and if anything has been taken in hand, then it is to be restored without delay, so that the lord or his officers have no cause to complain to the king.

By C.

29: 29 January 1379 . Westm' Westminster . For the transport of wheat .

Grant of a licence to Tasta Bernat Taste, merchant of Burdegal' Bordeaux that he, in person and his servants, can take 100 tuns of wheat bought and loaded onto ships in the port of Suthampton' Southampton to Burdegal' Bordeaux to trade with. It is ordered that Tasta be permitted to take the wheat from the port to Bordeaux, first paying the customs, subsidies and other dues, whatsoever proclamations or orders to the contrary notwithstanding.

By C.

30

30 January 1379 . Westm' Westminster . For a confirmation for Ramon de Pellegrue .

Inspeximus of certain letters patent of Henry, late earl of Derby, lieutenant and captain general of E[dward III], late king of England, the king's grandfather, in the duchy of Aquitaine and in all the Languedoc, made lately in these words:

1 March 1350 . Burd' Bordeaux .

Grant by Henry [of Grosmont], earl of Lancaster , Derby, Leicester and Lincoln, steward of England , lord of Bergerac , lieutenant and captain general in Aquitaine and the Languedoc , to Pelegrua Ramon de Pellegrue, kt , for the good service he has done the king and earl in the war and elsewhere, suffering physical injury, and to set an example for good service, of the Sanctus Asterius castle of Saint-Astier in the Petragoricen' diocese of Périgueux , with complete and shared jurisdiction, high and low justice, and with all rights, rents, profits, issues and emoluments which pertain to the king there, and with the goods of rebels there, and taking and levying everything that the castellan can levy in the castle and castellany. Holding the same to Pellegrue for life, in person or by his proctor or attorney. The earl has ordered the seneschal of Gascony and constable of Bordeaux, and the seneschals, officers and justices of the king there to put Pellegrue or his proctor or attorney in possession, and permit them to hold and enjoy the place, and grants afterwards made by the earl of the same place, notwithstanding. The earl reserves to the king the rights to resort and to take liege homage.

Inspeximus of certain letters patent of the king's lord and father, the late prince of Wales, made in these words:

1 March 1357 . Bourdeux Bordeaux .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of the king, prince of Wales , duke of Cornwall and earl of Chester , to Pelagrua Ramon de Pellegrue, kt , for the good service he has done in various parts of Gascony, and particularly at the battle of Poytiers Poitiers , in which he was assigned to be attendant on the prince's standard, of 200 old écus ( escutz vieux ) of rent each year for life, the which is to be paid to him, or his attorney, from the first issues from the mint at Bourdeaux Bordeaux at Easter and Michaelmas, the same to be paid from the issues before all other gifts and assignments.

The constable of Bordeaux is ordered to pay Pellegrue, or his proctor or attorney, from the issues, and that so that acknowledgment of the payment is made, a copy of these letters are to be sealed with the seal and counter-seal of Bordeaux for contracts, by which the constable can have allowance in his account. Payment is to continue until Pellegrue is provided with an equivalent value in land or rent elsewhere.

Inspeximus of the tenor of certain other letters patent of the same father of the king, under the seal authenticated in chancery, in these words:

11 October 1369 . The prince's castle of Compuhac Cognac .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of the king, prince of Aquitaine and Wales , duke of Cornwall, earl of Chester, lord of Biscay and Castro Urdiales , to Pelagrua Ramon du Pellegrue , because of the losses he has sustained up to the value of 1,000 l. on account of the enemy and the present war in the Besedoys Bazadais , and for his good service, of 500 l. of the prince's money current there, to be taken from the lands, taxes, rents and other inheritances and possessions of the king's rebels found in the Bordelais and Agenais , provided he and his heirs do liege homage for them. The same is to be held by him and his heirs male until they recover their inheritance.

Inspeximus of other letters of the king's father in these words:

7 December 1370 . Bouceville Bouteville .

Grant by Edward [of Woodstock], eldest son of the king, prince of Aquitaine and Wales , duke of Cornwall, earl of Chester, lord of Biscay and Castro Urdiales , to Pelagrua Ramon de Pellegrue, kt , for his good service, of 120 l. of current money each year for life, to be taken from the rents that pertain to the prince from houses and places held from him in Liborne Libourne , and also from the sale and resale ( ventes et reventes ) of property held of the prince in the same town. The treasurer of Aquitaine , and the mayor and prévôt of Libourne , to suffer Pellegrue to take the money each year without any obstruction.

The king approves, ratifies and confirms the letters. ¹

1.: The dating clause of the last inspeximus and the final clause of confirmation by the king, are actually located on the top of membrane 3. The entry is printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 4, pp.53-4.

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For protections.

28 April 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Roches John Roche, kt , who is going to and staying in Aquitaine, in the king's service.

The following who are going in the company of the same John [Roche] have similar letters:

31.1: Same as above

Bekeryng Thomas de Beckering , Hanslape Richard Hanslope , Walter Alunscombe , Boteler John Botiller , Englis Henry English .

By bill etc.

31.2: Same as above

Benyngton' William Bennington .

By bill etc.

31.3: 4 May 1380 . Westm' Westminster .

Nevyll' John Neville .

By bill etc.

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For transporting.

10 February 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

To all admirals, captains etc.

Letters of protection and safe-conduct until Michaelmas next, for Johannes Jan Bec , merchant and burgess of Bruges in Flanders , and Claicius Klaas Drayer , master of a certain ship called Marien Kneght of Zwelle Zwolle , subjects of the king's kinsman, the Flandr' count of Flanders , ¹ the king having received them, and their ship, mariners, herring and merchandise into his protection sailing from Sandewicum Sandwich as far as Burdegal' Bordeaux for the sustenance of the king's subjects, provided they do not carry any victuals, goods or merchandise of the king's enemies in the ship by virtue of the safe-conduct, Bec and Drayer having requested the same. The king orders that Bec and Drayer and the ship, mariners, herring and merchandise should be maintained, protected and defended, and they should not permit any injury, harm, damage, impediment or any trouble to be done to them. And if anything has been forfeited, or any injury done to them, then they are to be corrected and reformed, provided that no victuals, goods or merchandise of the enemy are carried in the ship by virtue of the safe-conduct.

1.: Louis II of Male, count of Flanders (1346-1384).

33: Same as above

To the same etc.

[Letters of protection and safe-conduct] for Willem Preys , master of a certain cogge called La Jurian of Lescluse Sluis in Flandr' Flanders , subject of the king's kinsman [the count of Flanders ] etc., Preys having requested the same, as above, mutatis mutandis .

For Rotlan d'Abos.

1 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant, at the request of Dauos Mondina d'Abos, late the nurse of the king , and in recompense for the grant contained in letters patent that she has restored into chancery to be cancelled, by the advice of the king's council, to Rollandus, Dauos Rotlan d'Abos , her husband, of 100 l. of money current there, to be taken there for the whole of his life, from the issues and profits of the lands, hereditaments and possessions which were the lord of Logoyran Langoiran's at Tyran Tiran and Bussak Bussac within the Burdeg' baylie of Bordeaux , and which have or ought to have come into the king's hands because of the rebellion of that lord, the same afterwards having been granted to Johan [de] Plassan, deceased, late clerk of Bordeaux , ¹ for his life, payment being taken from the constable of Bordeaux or other tenants of those lands at Easter and Michaelmas.

The king, by his earlier letters patent, had granted the parish of Cadylac Cadillac in the jurisdiction of Fronsades Fronsadais to his former nurse for her life, up to the value of 300 l. a year of money current there, and these are now restored. ²

By p.s.

1.: The clerk of Bordeaux was the head of the administration of the community of Bordeaux.
2.: Mondina would seem to have been widowed very shortly after this grant, for in the patent rolls she is noted as married to Walter Rauf, the king's tailor, who had been granted the land in Surrey, that she had previously been granted ( Calendar of the Patent Rolls (CPR), 1377-81 , p.609). Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 4, p.57.

35: Same as above

And it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux, and the occupiers and tenants of the lands, hereditaments and possessions which were the lord of Logoyran Langoiran's at Tyran Tiran and Bussak Bussac within the Burdeg' baylie of Bordeaux , to pay to Rotlan [d'Abos] each year from the profits and issues of those lands 300 l. ; receiving from him latters of acquittance, and they will have due allowance in their accounts.

36

10 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster . For Ramon Pellegrue, kt.

Order to supersede the distraint of Pelagru Ramon Pellegrue, kt , for his homage to the king. Pellegrue has made his homage to the king for all of the lands and possessions which he held from the king in Aquitaine, both those that he had of the gift of E[dward III], late king of England , the king's grandfather, and of the king's father , and their lieutenants in those parts. ¹

By p.s. It was patent.

1.: Printed in Rymer, Foedera , vol. 4, p.59.

37: 18 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster . For protection.

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Richard Pulteney , who is going overseas in the king's service, in the company of Tryvet Thomas Trivett, kt .

By bill etc.

38: 16 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster . For the merchants of Bordeaux.

To all admirals etc.

Grant to the merchants of Burdegal' Bordeaux that goods and merchandise which they have bought in Flandr' Flanders , and which are brought into England for greater security, and reloaded onto other ships to be taken to Burdegal' Bordeaux should be quit of the 6 d. in the pound custom, provided those goods are not sold or exposed for sale in England or elsewhere, except in Gascony. It has been shown on the behalf of the merchants that in doing this, they have had the custom and other custom imposed on them, though the goods were never exposed for sale, and they request the king's aid.

Letters of protection and safe-conduct during pleasure, for the same merchants coming with their goods and merchandise into England, residing there, and returning to Gascony, since the king has received them into his protection and safe-keeping. And it is ordered that the merchants with their goods, as above, should be free of the custom, and should be permitted to leave without impediment, any order or ordinance to the contrary notwithstanding, and they should be maintained, protected and defended, and no injury should be permitted to be done to them.

By bill of the great council.

For protections.

29 April 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Neweland John de Newland , who is going to Aquitaine in the king's service, and staying there with Nevyll' John de Neville, lieutenant of the king in Aquitaine .

By bill of p.s.

The following who are going in the king's service in the company of the same John [Neville] to the same parts, have similar letters of protection, namely:

39.1: Same as above

Ryver William de la River , Whitbrowe John Whitbrow of Yorkshire .

By bill etc.

For general attornies.

40: 9 June 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of general attorney in England, for one year, for Nevill' John de Neville of Raby , kt , lieutenant of the king in Aquitaine , nominating Surteys Thomas Surtees, kt , and John Dent , alternately.

Middelton Thomas de Middleton, clerk , received the attornies before the departure of the same John [Neville].

41: Same as above

John de Neville has other similar letters of general attorney, nominating John Fairfax, clerk .

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42

5 April 1379 . The palacium nostrum Westm' palace of Westminster . For Ramon de Pellegrue .

Order to the king's lieutenant in Aquitaine , the seneschal of Aquitaine and the constable of Bordeaux, or their lieutenants, to remove the king's hands from all the rents, lands, hereditaments, possessions and annual sums granted to Pelagru Ramon Pellegrue, kt , and which the king has confirmed to him, provided that they were taken into the king's hands for no other reason than that he did not have a confirmation from the king at that time, just as Roter Richard Rotour, the constable of Bordeaux has attested, and permit him to hold them according to the tenor of the letters he has granting them, and the king's confirmation.

Reciting the following grants made to Pellegrue:

by Henry [of Grosmont], then earl of Derby , and lieutenant and captain general of the king's grandfather in the duchy of Aquitaine and Languedoc, for his good service, of the Sanctus Asterius castle of Saint-Astier for life;
of the king's father to him of 200 old gold écus each year for life, to be paid from the first issues from the Bordeaux mint;
of the king's father to him and his heirs male, until he and his heirs recover what they have lost in the war, of 500 l. of the king's father's money then current in the duchy, to be taken from the lands, taxes, rents and other hereditaments and possessions of rebels wherever they are found in the Burdeloys Bordelais , Besadoys Bazadais and Dagenoys Agenais ;
of the king's father to him of 120 l. of current money, to be taken for life from the rents and revenues pertaining to the king's father from the houses and places held from him in Liborne Libourne , and also from the sales and revenues pertaining to the king's father from houses and places sold in Libourne
and the king's confirmation of these made in entry 30 on 30 January 1379.

The king has been given to understand that the castle of Saint-Astier is in the hands of the king's French enemy, and that after the death of the king's grandfather, ¹ and before the king had made the above noted confirmation, Richard Rotour, because the grants had not then been confirmed by the king, and other rents, lands, hereditaments, possessions and annual sums granted to Pellegrue by the king's father had been taken into the king's hands, took them into the king's hands, as the same Pellegrue has asserted. Because the king has now confirmed the grants, and Pellegrue has done homage to the king for all that is contained in those grants, and for the service that he has done to the king's grandfather and father in the war, and that he and his heirs will continue to do, the king has made this order. ²

By p.s.

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

For Peire Merle.

15 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Grant to Peire Merle, burgess of the city of Montalban Montauban , of 100 l. of money current there, to be taken each year from the customs of the wine called issac ( yssac ) in Bordeaux at Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions from the constable of Bordeaux, or the collector, receiver or farmer of the same customs, until Merle will have been paid the 1,995 fr. beyond the 250 fr. he has already received from a previous assignment. The king revokes all other assignments made to Merle by the king's grandfather and father, or by the lieutenants or officers of any of them.

Lately the king's father , ¹ then the prince of Aquitaine, granted by his letters patent to Merle, 300 l. of current money to be taken each year from the profits and receipts of the Marempne baylie of Marennes , from the Xanctonge receiver of Saintonge , until he had been satisifed for the sum of 1,995 fr. , which was the value of the goods that Merle said he had lost when he left Montauban at the time that the inhabitants there rebelled against the king's father. Afterwards the king's father granted to Merle 300 l. of money to be taken each year from the profits, emoluments and issues of the established seal for contracts in la Rochell' La Rochelle from the person who held the seal, at the customary terms by equal portions until Merle had been satisfied for the 1,995 fr. , just as appears by a copy of the letters of the king's father contained in a document under the seal of the Xanctonge seneschalcy of Saintonge , of 12 November 1371.

Now Peire Merle has complained that he has received nothing except 250 fr. from the profits of that seal before La Rochelle rebelled against the king's grandfather , the king of England, and against the king's father, and the grant from the issues of the seal became of no effect, and he has requested an assignment on somewhere else for the payment of the residue. The king has made his grant in consideration of Merle's losses and his attested loyalty, and because he has returned into chancery to be cancelled the letters under the seal of the seneschalcy of Saintonge in which the letters of the king's father are incorporated, the letters of the king's father to the seneschal and receiver of Saintonge, or their lieutenant, concerning the taking of the 300 l. from the profits of the baylie of Maremne, and also other letters patent of the king's father granting Merle and others named in the letters, 3,325 l.guien of gold.

By p.s.

1.: Edward of Woodstock.

44: 22 March 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

And it is ordered to the constable of Bordeaux, or the collectors, receivers or farmers of the king's custom on wine called issac ( yssac ) that they cause Peire [Merle] to have payment 100 l. of current black money of the king's there each year from the issac in Bordeaux at Easter and Michaelmas by equal portions, until he has been paid the 1,995 francs in addition to the 250 francs received by him as above; receiving from him his letters of acquittance attesting to the payment, by which they have due allowance in their accounts.

By p.s.

For protection.

14 May 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Letters of protection, with clause volumus , for one year, for Hornecastell' Robert de Horncastle of Newerk Newark , who is going in the king's service, in the company of Roches John de Roche to Aquitaine, and staying there in the same service.

By bill of p.s.

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

45.1: 23 May 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Reynold Forester , Morby Henry Moreby , Gildeford Walter Guildford , John Tette .

By bill of p.s.

45.2: 27 May 1379 .

Roger Greete .

By bill etc.

45.3: 15 June 1379 .

Wyghtryng John Wittering .

By bill etc.

45.4: 21 June 1379 . Westm' Westminster .

Thomas Leenham, esquire .

By bill etc.