CHAPTER VI. 
FOURTEENTH CENTURY. 
The Fourteenth Century: Lundy Island, North Devon. Ranulph Higden 
Household Accounts. Geoffrey Chaucer 
Lundy Island.—Reverting again to Lundy Island and 
the Solan Geese, we learn from Sir T. Duffus Hardy’s 
investigations that in 1321, during the reign of Edward IL., 
a second ‘ Inquisition” into the products of the island 
was ordered. 
Translation of the Second “ Extent” of Lundy made in the 
Reign of Edward II., 1321.—* Sir John [de Wyllynton] held 
the island of Lunday.... There is also a rabbit warren 
worth in ordinary years 100s. but this year destroyed in great 
part by the men of John de Wyllyngton and the Scots. Also a 
certain rock, called the Gannets’ stone, with two places near 
it where the Gannets settle and breed, worth in ordinary years 
66s. 8d. but this year destroyed in part by the Scots. Also 
eight tenants who hold their land and tenements by a certain 
charter of Herbert de Mareis, granted to them for the term of 
their lives, who pay 15s. yearly. Also one tenant who should 
keep the said gannets during tle whole season of their breeding 
[aereacionis] thereon, for which service he will be quit of his 
rent of 2s.” 
Here it is clearly implied that the Gannets bred in three 
places, and it is also evident that, in the forty-seven years since 
the previous “extent ’’ was made, their value had increased, 
for they are valued at 66s. and 8d. instead of at 5s., and have 
a special guardian appointed to protect them. 
In 1325 or 1326, some twelve months before he 
was brutally murdered, Edward II., in order to avoid 
his rebellious barons, thought to take refuge on Lundy 
Island, and with a view to the King’s coming there a 
