"Licence for Richard de Merton to crenellate the dwelling-place of his manor (mansum Manerii) of Torryton, co. Devon."
Granted at Andover, by privy seal.
Built in the reign of John by William de Toriton and was ordered to be destroyed in 1228 having been built without a Licence. it was rebuilt in 1340 by Richard de Merton, who obtained licences to crenellate in 1328 (or possible 1338 - an application), 1340 (the grant) and 1347 (a repeat).
Original source is
(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;
Richard Merton (1310-1371), married Maud d'Argentine. The Great Torrington property seems to come with her as it is mentioned in 1371 as an assignment of dower (CCR 1369-74 p. 339)
What relation Richard was to Walter Merton the Chancellor to Edward I and founder of Merton college?
More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.
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