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In 1347 Jan 6, Ricardus de Merton (Richard de Merton) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 20 of his reign) a Confirmation licence to crenellate Torriton (Torrington Castle, Great Torrington)

The wording of this licence is;

"Licence, in consideration of his good service in the war with France (pro bono servitio quod nobis in guerra nostra Franc. impendit), for Richard de Morton to crenellate his dwelling-place (mansum) of Torriton, co. Devon."

Granted at Reading, by privy seal.


Built in the reign of John by William de Toriton and was ordered to be destroyed in 1228 having been built without a Licence. it was rebuilt in 1340 by Richard de Merton, who obtained licences to crenellate in 1328 (an application), 1340 (the grant) and 1347 (a repeat).


Original source is

(In fact, the original source given is usually a transcription/translation of what are precious medieval documents not readily availably. It should be noted that these transcription/translations often date to the nineteenth or early twentieth centuries and that unwitting bias of transcribers may affect the translation. Care should also be taken to avoid giving modern meaning to the medieval use of certain stock words and terms.)


Significant later source are;


More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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This record last updated on Wednesday, December 6, 2006

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