1337-09-04, Woodstock

To Bartholomew de Insula and his fellows, keepers of the maritime Jand in co. Southampton. Order to cause the common signs by fire upon the hills and elsewhere in that county to be made without delay, and diligently guarded by four, five or six men at arms or armed men, so that the men of those parts may be warned in time of a hostile attack, and not to compel or distrain the men of religion and others of those parts to find any men at arms or armed men at Portsmouth, Southampton or else where staying in that county, or to contribute to the expenses of the same, beyond what is necessary for the custody of the aforesaid signals; because the king has learned that Bartholomew and his fellows distrain men of religion and others for such causes, wherefore this cannot sustain such burdens, upon which they have besought the king to provide a remedy. The king wishes, however, all men, both servants of men of religion and others, men at arms and armed and able-bodied men to be compelled to repel enemies if they invade the realm. By C. [ Federa.