Source 4: Order to protect the castle in times of war, 1323-27

Order to protect the castle in times of war, 1323-27, catalogue ref: C 54/144 m. 10., Close Rolls 1323-1327 – 20 Edward II Membrane 10 – cont. p. 603

Transcript

‘To him who supplies the place of the treasurer and to the barons of the exchequer and to the chamberlains. Order to provide with all speed, by the advice of Adam de Lymbergh, king’s clerk, 100 crossbows with windlass for two feet, 200 crossbows for one foot, with the baldricks and quarells sufficient for the same, 100 hand-bows with 1,000 cords for the same, 1,000 arrow-heads, 20 lbs. of glue, 100 lbs. of thread suitable for the strings of crossbows, and of catgut as much as shall suffice, and to cause them to be taken to Portchester castle, so that they be there by Sunday the morrow of the Decollation of St. John the Baptist next at the latest, to be delivered to those whom the king shall depute to receive them, giving credence to what Adam shall tell them in this matter on the king’s behalf.’ 1326. Aug. 18. Clarendon.

Simplified transcript

An order, issued upon the advice of Adam de Lymbergh, the king’s clerk, to quickly provide 300 crossbows, their associated windlasses [machines for hoisting or hauling], baldricks [belts worn over one shoulder that is used to carry a weapon, usually a sword] and ammunition; 100 hand-bows with 1,000 bow strings; 1000 arrow-heads; 20lbs of glue; and 110lbs of thread suitable for the strings of crossbows. All of these should be delivered to Portchester castle by Sunday, the morrow [following day] of the Decollation [beheading] of St John the Baptist, at the latest.