1333-03-13, Cowick

To the duke of Brabant. Francis Rauland has brought the duke's letters to the king, showing how, at the request of Margaret the king's aunt and at that of the duke, the king had lately granted to Francis the bailiwick of Hastyng Rope, to hold at will, and that Francis was afterwards amoved from that office by the king, who intended to cause him to be provided with another suitable bailiwick; and the duke by his letters aforesaid had besought the king to appoint Francis collector of customs in the port of Southampton or controller there, for life, whereupon the king informed the duke that in the last parliament at York it was enacted that no one should be appointed to such an office who had not sufficient lands whereupon he might answer to the king if he conducted himself badly in that office, wherefore the king cannot accede to the duke's request, but promises to provide the said Frank with another office suitable to his state when opportunity offers. [Fadera.] Nicholas de Metham, knight, acknowledges that he owes to William de Melton, archbishop of York, 100s.; to be levied, in default of payment, of his lands and chattels in co. York.