In 1341 Oct 18, Robertus de Langeton (Robert Langton) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 15 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Neuton in Makerfeld (Newton in Makerfield)

"Licence for Robert de Longeton to crenellate his dwelling-place (mansum) of Neuton in Makerfeld."

Granted at Westminster, by privy seal.

It seems unlikely that this refers to the motte at Castle Hill. Probably a building on the site of the now demolished C17 Newton Hall.

Original source is

• Calendar of Patent Rolls (1340-43) p304

(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) p263
  Philpott, R.A., 1988, Historic Towns of the Merseyside Area: a survey of urban settlement to c1800 (Liverpool Museum Occasional Paper, No 3) p16
  Farrer, Wm, and Brownbill, J. (eds), 1911, 'Townships: Newton in Makerfield' VCH Lancashire Vol4 p132-7
  Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol3 pt2 p413

Robert Langton (d. 1361)

Robert is sometimes described as baron but I've no evidence he sat in parliament, or much evidence of any activity.

Biographical source include;

• Inq. p.m. 36 Edw. III, pt. i, no. 116 [date of death]

More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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