Edward II asking for London to send soldiers to Berwick, 1314

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Be it remembered, that our Lord the King sent a certain writ of his, as to choosing arbalesters for defence of the town of Berwick, and as to buying armour for their use; as also, for payment of their wages: as to which, allowance was to be made to the said Mayor and citizens on repayment of a sum of 400 pounds lent to our Lord the King. Of which writ the tenor is as follows:

"Edward, by the grace of God, etc., to the Mayor and Sheriffs of London, greeting. Whereas for the defence of our town of Berwick upon Tweed we have need just now of arbalesters, men powerful of defence, we do command you, and strictly enjoin, that in our city aforesaid you will cause to be chosen 300 arbalesters, men powerful for defence, if so many you can find, and if so many you cannot find, then as many as you can find; and that you cause each of them be provided with haketons, bacinets, colerettes, arbalesters, and quarrels, at our charges; and cause carriage to be found for the arms of the men aforesaid to the said town of Berwick, that so they may be ready and prepared with such arms on the Feast of St. Nicholas (December 6th) next ensuing, at the very latest, to set out herefrom, at our own charges, for the town of Berwick aforesaid, there in defence of that town to abide. And as to the number of the said arbalesters, and the cost of the said arms, and the carriage thereof, you are by your letters distinctly and openly to inform us, for as to the same, by the Treasurer and Chamberlain of our Exchequer we will cause you to be satisfied, without delay. Witness myself, at Northampton, the 21st day of November, in the eight year of our reign."

Also, another writ as to the same:

"Edward, etc., to the mayor and Sheriffs of London, greeting. Whereas (after reciting verbatim the preceding writ), - you by your letters would distinctly and openly inform us. And whereas you have signified unto us that, by virtue of our mandate aforesaid, you have caused 120 men to be chosen for arbalesters in the city aforesaid, and each of such men to be provided with haketons, bacinets, colerettes, arbalests, and quarrels; and that the said arms, and carriage thereof, amount to 178 l. 3s. 4d.; we do command you deliver unto John de Luka, whom we have appointed to escort the said arbalesters and their arms to the town of Berwick aforesaid, the same arbalesters, together with their arms, by indenture thereon between you and the said John to be made. And this you are in no way to omit. Witness myself, at Berkampstede, the 4th day of December, in the eight year of our reign."

By reason of this writ, and by precept of Sir John de Sanhale, Chancellor, and Walter de Norwich, the King's Treasurer, there were delivered to the aforesaid John de Luka as well the equipment as the wages of the arbalesters aforesaid, by indenture made thereon.

 

  
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