For the refectory, numerous presents of good cheer had been sent in from the neighbouring landholders, as well as by the abbot of Battle, who seems to have been Alan de Ketling, appointed in the preceding March, as successor to John de Pevenese deceased.
The presents recorded are the following:—
"From Robert Acheland, 4 rabbits, 6 swans, 3 herons.
"From Stephen Acheland, 3 rabbits, 10 flagons wine, 2 flagons of (vernach)[1]
sweet wine.
"From Edmund Passelewe, 3 carcases of oxen, 12 carcases of muttons.
"From William de Echingham, 2 carcases oxen, 6 muttons, 3 peacocks,
3 lucem,[2] 12 bream.
"From the abbot of Battle, 20 score and 4 loaves of bread, 1 cask wine, 2 carcases of oxen, 3 pigs, 6 carcases mutton, 2 swans, 2 rabbits, 3 herons, 3 fessantes, 1 dozen capons, 2 pike, 12 bream." (d)
Besides which, the king while at Battle appointed Peter de Monte Pesulano to buy spicery and other matters by the aid of the bailiffs (f) of Sussex, who were also charged to assist John de Denne, as deputy to the king's butler (pincema), Stephen de Abyngdon, in providing things relating to his office, in the port of Sefford. (Rot. Pat).
The king remained at Battle also on Wednesday, August 29, and during his stay he made a handsome present of—
"A double-gilt silver cup, carved outside with baboons (unius ciphi argentei deaurati duplicati et taliati extra de Babewynis), with foot and a cover, of the weight of 52s., and price 104s., from the store in the Tower of London, to Sancius de Sabell', master of a vessel called La Juliana from Bermeio in Spain, who came to him in the Abbey, and returned towards his own country the same day." (e)
What the motives were for this gift, nearly double that offered on the altar, does not appear, but from Bermeio, a small fishing town six leagues N.E. of Bilbao, perhaps a cargo of some luxuries had been brought to the king. There was a project, however, at this time of marrying the Prince of Wales to the daughter of James II, King of Arragon, and this Spaniard may have earned his cup by bringing the king some news relating to the progress of the treaty. (See Rot. Pat. Porchester, Oct. 1.) Another gift of 100s was also made to John Pain, master and factor of the king's ship, la Nicolas de Winchelsea, who had come to announce the completion of the works of the said ship (e).
