The wool merchant Laurence of Ludlow, who had become one of the richest men in England, was granted a licence to fortify his home with a stone wall and ‘crenellations’ [rectangular gaps at intervals along the wall that allowed defenders to shoot arrows/missiles from within the castle].
Licence to build Stokesay Castle, 1291, catalogue ref: C 66/110 m. 2 continued, Calendar of Patent Rolls, Edward I, 1281-1292, p. 450
Transcript
Licence for Lawrence de Lodelawe to strengthen his dwelling-house of Stoke Say, co. Salop, with a wall of stone and lime, and to crenellate the same. 1291. Oct. 19. Hereford.
Simplified transcript
‘Licence for Lawrence of Ludlow to strengthen his dwelling-house of Stokesay with stone walls and to crenellate his castle.’
Questions
- What does Stokesay Castle represent to Lawrence of Ludlow?
- Do you think he wanted to build fortifications around his home?