"Licence for the king's knight, John Russell to crenellate his houses (mansionem sive habitatio) at Strengesham and Dormeston, co. Worcester."
Granted at Westminster, by privy seal.
Licensed with Dormston.
Although Russell was to be a leading figure of Richard II government in the 1390's at this date the licence seems to be a reward for this glamourous knight joining the Kings service.
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;
Sir John Russell, (d. 1405) Richard II's master of the horse, 1391-1398. Member King's Council 1397-99. JP Worcestershre 1397-99 MP Worcestershire 1378, 1379, 1397. Left service with Thomas Beauchamp, earl of Warwick, to become a 'King's knight' in 1388, he was granted an annuity of £50 'in consideration of his having been retained to stay with the King for life, whereby he lost fees which he was wont to receive from his lord'. Sir John was evidently a skilful horseman, and is known to have taken a leading part in tournaments, such as the famous jousts held at Calais in May 1390 between contenders from England and France. (Roskell et al)
Biographical source include;
More details about licences to crenellate can be found here.
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