16 - Barges and Truces (1353–1357)

Summary

As the English were not expecting to fight until the summer of 1353, two of Edward’s principal commanders, William Bohun, Earl of Northampton, and Thomas Beauchamp, Earl of Warwick, were made Admirals of the North and West in March. The title was currently an honorific, executive power being wielded by the experienced deputy admirals Thomas Drayton and Philip Whitton. The two deputies, supported by sergeants-at-arms, took advantage of the hard winter to conduct an extensive survey of English shipping. This was intended to cover all vessels over twenty tuns. Northern vessels were encouraged to trade once this was complete, but had to promise to return to port by 24 June when it was envisaged they might be needed. They were also restricted to trading in England in an attempt to boost customs revenues. This would prove as damaging as most government initiatives. In the Admiralty of the West, ships remained under arrest while sergeants wended their tortuous way around the coasts to compile their census. Even after this was submitted, those around Southampton were banned from leaving port. The reason was frivolous. Just two large ships were needed in July to take Edward’s constable to Bordeaux, but ships throughout the area were prevented from trading until the constable departed four months later.

Elsewhere the truce was used more constructively. A clerk named Roger Sutton was appointed procurement officer, acquiring ship boards and equipment under Clewar’s direction. In June the former Clerk of the King’s Ships, Matthew Torkeseye, was appointed receiver for Sutton’s maritime stores. He had an additional responsibility to find shipyards and craftsmen. Edward had encountered a new practical difficulty with the king’s ships. Letting Wesenham use them meant they had been abroad at the time when king’s ships were allocated. A few belonged to him, but most did not. Encouraged by Wesenham’s efforts in 1351, Edward again dispatched the king’s ships to trade in 1352, but none of the largest ships were available. La Jerusalemwas being used to take diplomats to Calais along with La Esmond, La Nauwe Seinte Marie and La Laurence. Cog Thomas and the rest were either under repair or the king was in dispute with their owners. Consequently, the trade mission of 1353 was a failure. Without Wesenham it was less well organised.