1387-05-02, Westminster

To the farmers of the alien priory of Merseye in England for the time being. Writ de intendendo, and order to pay to Thomas de Wodestoke duke of Gloucestre or to his attorney 60/. a year and the arrears since 24 October last ; as on 17 July 1 Richard II the king granted to the duke, being then earl of Bukingham, to the end that he might better maintain the estate of earl which he took upon him on the day of the king's coronation, 1,000/. a year for life at the exchequer, so that if Eleanor his wife, one of the daughters and heirs of Humphrey de Bohun earl of Hereford, should die without issue by him, that annuity should remain to the heirs of his body until the king or his heirs should make him and them provision of lands and rents in England to the same yearly value ; and with assent of the council on 5 July 3 Richard II the king granted that from Easter then next during pleasure the duke should take the said yearly sum of the farms of certain alien priories and possessions which were in the king's hand by reason of the war with France, namely 601. of the farm of Merseye priory and the residue of other priories and possessions therein specified ; and on 24 October last with assent of the great council the king granted that he should hold the said annuity to him and the heirs of his body, although issue is begotten between him and the said Eleanor, notwithstanding the king's grant of other 1,000/. a year to him for the title of duke, covenanting that he and the heirs of his body should take the annuity first granted of the farms aforesaid so long as the priories etc. shall be in the king's hands by reason of the war, and at the exchequer if the same be put out of his hand, until provision be made as aforesaid. Et erat patens.