In 1342 March 23, Egidius de Bello Campo (Giles de Beauchamp of Alcester) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 16 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Fresshewater, Insula Vectis (Freshwater)

"Licence for Giles de Bello Canipo to crenellate his dwelling-place (mansum) of Fresshewater in the Isle of Wight."

Granted at Eltham, by privy seal.

Original source is

• Calendar of Patent Rolls (1340-43) p396

(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, 2006, Greater Medieval Houses Vol3 (Cambridge) p439
  Page, Wm (ed), 1912, 'Parishes: Freshwater' VCH Hampshire Vol5 p240-46
  Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol3 pt2 p413

Giles de Beauchamp (1283-1361)

Giles de Beauchamp (1283-1361). His father Sir Walter de Beauchamp had been steward of the household of Edward I. Giles appears to have done some minor service for Edward II, receiving 10 marks for his expenses in going to Wales and to have been a courtier of Edward III, in the 1340's, appearing with the king in 1341 (Foedera, II, ii. 1141). He was a cousin to the powerful Beauchamp's of Warwick Castle.

More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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