The Gatehouse. The comprehensive listing of medieval fortifications and castles in England and Wales.
Home | Books | Links | Fortifications and Castles | Other Information | Help | Downloads | Author Information | Contact
In 1414 July 21, Lewis Johan, esquire was granted, by Henry V, (In year 2 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate West Thorndon (Thorndon Old Hall, West Horndon)

The wording of this licence is;

"Grant to Lewis Johan, esquire, of licence to enclose 300 acres of land and wood in West Thorndon, co. Essex, with hedges, dikes and palings and to make the same into a park and to enclose, embattle (batellare) and crenellate a lodge there with walls of 'brike' and tiles, and so hold the said lodge and park to him and his heirs, without impediment."

Granted at Westminster, by King.


Grant to impark 300 acres and make a fortified lodge


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.)


More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

Please let me know if you see any errors, can add information or can otherwise help to improve this resource. Contact me

Go to Previous Record Go to Next Record Back to List
This record last updated on Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Home | Books | Links | Fortifications and Castles | Other Information | Help | Downloads | Author Information | Contact
¤¤¤¤¤