EDWARD III (1312-1377), king of England, lord of Ireland. Letters patent, grant of free warren to John de Warbleton, Westminster, 16 February 1367/8.

In Latin. On vellum, 20 lines on one membrane, 298 x 415mm, space intended for a decorated initial letter left blank (some staining along horizontal fold, minor wear and a few punctures). Fragment of Great Seal in green wax pendant on cords, approx. 110 x 80mm.

A grant of free warren for lands around Basingstoke. The king grants to John de Warbleton perpetual free warren in his demesne lands in the manor of Sherfield[-on-Loddon] and in the vills of Basingstoke, Stratfeld Turgis and Bramley, Hampshire, in the vill of 'Willeye' in Surrey, and in his demesne lands called Bottilers Candover in Hampshire, Tandridge, Surrey, and Warbleton in Sussex which his mother Alice holds, provided that none of the lands are within the bounds of the royal forest. The prestigious list of witnesses comprises William of Wykeham, bishop of Winchester and lord chancellor, John Barnet, bishop of Ely and treasurer, the king's 'dearest sons’ John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and Edmund of Langley, Earl of Cambridge [later Duke of York], Richard, 3rd (or 8th) Earl of Arundel, John of Cobham and William Latimer, steward of the household.

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