24 CODNOR CASTLE, AND ITS ANCIENT OWNERS. 



towers was re-instated about 1350; but the circular towers were 

 undoubtedly erected by the great founder of the fiunily soon after 

 his marriage with Isolda. 



On the Patent Roll of the 39 Edward III. is a release made to 

 this John from all future services, which I have copied for this 

 occasion. It runs as follows : — 



{Tra?islation.) 



"The King to all to whom, etc., saluting, — Being mindful of 

 the dutiful and arduous services which our beloved and faithful 

 John de Grey of Codnor for us in our wars, both at home and 

 abroad, many times strenuously, and with burdensome labours and 

 expenses sustained and endured, and who by the same services 

 and by other divers infirmities of body heavily pressing upon him 

 is not able at the present time either to labour or to command as 

 he was accustomed, and, being willing from henceforth graciously 

 to provide for the peace and quietness of the same John — 



We will and grant for us and our heirs that the same John for 

 the whole of his life shall have these liberties, viz. : — That as 

 concerning coming to our parliament, council, or assembly, on 

 any pretext, summons, or other our mandates, or of our heirs, 

 whomsoever, he shall not be bound to come in the least degree: That 

 he shall not muster men at arms, armed men, hobelars (light 

 horsemen for giving speedy notice of a foreign invasion), 

 bowmen, or any persons whatsoever for our wars, or of our heirs, 

 or for guarding the coast or elsewhere, or for keeping the peace in 

 any county of our kingdom of England, by our commissions, or 

 of our heirs not hitherto assigned or appointed ; nor to be com- 

 pelled to do this in any way, nor to stay upon the seacoasts by 

 reason of any lands or tenements situated there, or for any cause 

 or pretext whatsoever, any ordination or proclamation made by us 

 or by our heirs notwithstanding. Nor that the same John be 

 appointed mayor, sheriff, coroner, escheator. or any other minister, 

 or olticer, either for us, or for our heirs, against his own will. 



Given 28 April, 45 Ed. III. 

 A,D. 1272." 



