In 1347 Dec 22, Humfridus de Bohun, Comes Hereford (Humphrey de Bohun, 6th earl of Hereford and 5th earl of Essex) was granted, by Edward III, (In year 21 of his reign) a Royal licence to crenellate Writele (Writtle; King John's Palace)

"Licence for Humphrey de Bohun, earl of Hereford, to crenellate the dwelling-places of his manors (mansum manerii) of Writele, Bryrnshoo, Apechilde, Depeden and Waleden, co. Essex, Enefeld, co. Middlesex, Wockeseye, Uphavene and Sende, co. Wilts, and Whitenhurst, co. Gloucester."

Granted at Guildford, by privy seal.

Original source is

• Calendar of Patent Rolls (1345-48) p450

(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;

• Turner, T.H. and Parker, J.H., 1859, Some account of Domestic Architecture in England (Oxford) Vol3 pt2 p415

Humphrey de Bohun (1309-1361), 6th earl of Hereford and 5th earl of Essex

Humphrey de Bohun (1309-1361), 6th earl of Hereford and 5th earl of Essex. Lord High Constable of England 1335-1361 (the office was hereditary). Cousin to the King. As Lord High Constable Humphrey must have played a part in the successful French wars (His younger brother William, a close friend of Edward III, commanded the right flank at Crecy.)

More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.

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