Reward for service ‘in our tender age’, 1384

Reward for service ‘in our tender age’, 1384 (C 66/317, m. 32)

This grant to Simon Burley was made upon the king’s instruction. The reason for the grant is recorded in a separate document, where it is recorded that Richard II intended the grant as a reward for the good service which Burley ‘did for us in our tender age’. This grant suggests that Richard, now he had reached the age of 17, considered his childhood firmly behind him and demonstrates that he was exercising power and authority himself.

Transcript

5 January 1384

Grant, for life, to Simon de Burley, knight, under-chamberlain of the king, of the constableship of Dover castle, and the wardenship of the Cinque Ports, and £300 yearly therefore, and for the maintenance of himself, chaplains, servants, watchmen, and one carpenter in the castle, viz. from the castle wards £146, from the customs in the port of Sandwich, 100 marks, and the remaining £87.6s.8d. at the Exchequer, without rendering any account; in the room of Robert de Assheton, knight, deceased, but on condition that he executes the office in person.

By signet letter

Simplified transcript

5 January 1384

The king grants to Simon de Burley, knight and under-chamberlain of the king, the constableship of Dover castle and the wardenship of the Cinque Ports (positions important for the defence of the realm). The king also grants Simon de Burley £300 yearly, in addition to £146 from castle wards (income derived from inheritance-related legal obligations), 100 marks from the customs in the port of Sandwich, and a further £87.6s.8d. (87 pounds, 6 shillings, 8 pence) from the exchequer (public funds). These incomes are granted for the maintenance of Simon de Burley, as well as his chaplains, servants, watchmen and one carpenter in the castle. The appointment has been made to replace Robert de Assheton, knight, deceased, and is granted on the condition that Simon de Burley executes the office of constable of Dover castle and warden of the Cinque Ports in person.

By signet letter (a letter with wax sealed by the king’s personal seal)

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