Source 12: Requesting a tax for repairs. 1302

In this document, John de Vynterselle, Bailiff of the Honour of Eagle, requests a tax to raise funds for repairs.

Catalogue ref: SC 8/315/E159

Transcript

To the Treasurer of our lord the king and to the Barons of the Exchequer, John de Vynterselle, bailiff of the honour of Eagle, shows that whereas the king at his manor of Willingdon has 250 acres of land and meadow which, by a defect in a sluice, will be lost if the king does not apply a speedy remedy, and likewise the messuage which adjoins it, for which it is agreed that he will incur the costs according to the amount of lands that he holds, for which the said bailiff prays for a warrant.

 

And lord, if you remember, at Michaelmas last part at York you commanded that I should warrant the levy of £30 from dead wood and wood, which is called coppeser, by view of good men, to be put to the repaid of buildings in Pevensey castle, and to rebuild a windmill which has been blown down by wind at the manor of Willingdon, for which I did not have warrant after your departure from York, and for which I pray once more.

 

[Endorsement] Before the Treasurer. Master Richard of Abingdon and John de Kirkeby are assigned to survey the content of the petition and certify the Treasurer and Barons, or one of them, if they are both etc.

 

Notes:

£30 in 1300 is equivalent to £21,270.89 in 2017.

 

warrant – a document allowing someone to do something. A record of permission.

 

levy – a tax or fee.

 

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Questions

  • What does Pevensey Castle represent to the King’s Treasurer and the Barons of the Exchequer?
  • What material is being used to repair the castle? Is it being used to repair defences? What does this suggest about the Castle’s function?