Home Improvements

Rex omnibus ad quos etc. salutem. Sciatis quod de gratia nostra speciali concessimus et licentiam dedimus, quantum in nobis est, dilecto et fideli nostro Edwardo dalyngrigge chivaler, quod ipse mansum manerii sui de Bodyham, juxta mare in comitatu Sussex, muro de petra et calce firmare et kernellare, et castrum inde in defensionem partriae adjacentis et pro resistencia inimicorum nostrorum construere et facere, et mansum predictum sic firmatum et kernellatum et castrum inde sic factum tenere posit sibi et heredibus suis in perpetuum, sine impedimento nostri et heredum nostrorum aut ministrorum nostrorum quoruncunque. In cujus rei testimonium, Rex apud Westmonast. Xx die Octobris.

So there you go.
I want one of those.

As I wrote in the last post, Edward III gave Sir Edward Dalyngrigge permission to build the castle/manor house at Bodiam. This isn't strictly correct. What he did do was give the knight a License to Crenellate his existing manor house. That is what the latin above covers. Sir Edward interpreted this planning permission as providing the opportunity to build a brand new castle and manor somewhat nearer to the Rother. Possibly a little cheeky, I'm not sure.

Now, don't get me wrong, but I think it's a shame they don't issue these licences any more. OK, it would be a temptation for some of the posher Tory MPs and their expenses. But I was thinking that the licences could be democratised. Anyone could get one at the local post office, say. While we still have post offices. I'm sure our house would look better with some crinkly bits at the top.

(This is what the latin says, according to the guide book:
The King to all men to whom, etc. greeting. Know that of our special grace we have granted and given licence on behalf of ourselves and our heirs, so far as in us lies, to our beloved and faithful Edward Dalyngrigge Knight, that he may strengthen with a wall of stone and lime, and crenellate and may construct and make into a Castle his manor house of Bodyham, near the sea, in the County of Sussex, for the defence of the adjacent country, and the resistance to our enemies, and may hold his aforesaid house so strengthened and crenellated and made into a Castle for himself and his heirs for ever, without let or hindrance of ourselves or our heirs, or of any of our agents whatsoever. In witness of this, etc. The King at Westminster 20 October).