1377-03-02, Westminster

To William de Monte Acuto earl of Salisbury. Order before 1 April next: at latest to repair in person to his lands in the Isle of Wight, there to abide continually with his men and all his household in such power as he may upon the defence of the sea coast against attacks of the enemy, or before that term to send thither sufficient men armed and arrayed to defend his said lands, who shall there abide in force to resist the king's enemies, knowing for a surety that if he shall not so do the king will cause all his lands, goods and chattels in the island to be taken in name of distress, and of the issues of those lands and of his goods and chattels will cause men to be found for defence of the island ; as the king has learned that great number of his enemies, who have ofttimes attacked and burnt divers towns in England upon the sea coast, have assembled great multitude of ships, galleys and barges with men at arms and armed men, purposing therewith as speedily as they may to make a landing and destroy the realm, if their malice be not resisted with strong hand; and it is the king's will to provide against such hurt and peril by what means he may. By K. and C. [Federa.]