In 1336 Feb 10, Johannes de Sigeston (John de Sigston) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 10 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Beresende (Sigston Castle)

"Licence for John de Sigeston to crenellate his manor (manerium) of Beresende co. York."

Granted at Knaresborough, by privy seal.

The land on which the castle was built was acquired by John de Sigston in 1313 and a licence to crenellate was granted for 'Beresende' in 1336.

Original source is

• Calendar of Patent Rolls (1334-38) p221

(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. Licentia is best translated as 'freedom to' not 'permission'.)

Significant later source are;

• Emery, Anthony, 1996, Greater Medieval Houses Vol1 (Cambridge) p421
  King, D.J.C., 1983, Castellarium Anglicanum (London: Kraus) Vol2 p537n47b
  Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol3 pt2 p411

John de Sigston (d. 1348)

John was lord of the manor of Kirkby Sigston and established a chantry at St Lawrence church there in 1343. Knight for Yorkshire in 1341 (CCR 1341-43 p. 144)

Biographical source include;

• Page, Wm (ed), 1914, 'Parishes: Kirkby Sigston', VCH York North Riding: Volume 1, pp. 405-409. URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=64777. <Date accessed: 29 August 2008>

More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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