Letter to one of his court favorites, Hugh Dispenser

1316

My dear Hugh,

I know you are displeased that I gave Lancaster a license to crenellate his new castle Dunstanburgh. We know that his loyalties have been suspect of late, and he opposes everything we try to accomplish. He began building his new Tintagel three years ago against my orders, and I have heard reports that it is nearly complete. He fancies that he is King Arthur, and I have decided that he may waste his gold however he likes.

Lancaster claims that Dunstanburgh will defend Northumberland against the Scots, and you tell me that he plans to use Dunstanburgh as his own refuge, for the time his schemes fail and we may finally defeat him. I sent a trusted knight to Dunstanburgh, and he returned to say that Lancaster's new house is of no threat to us. His gatehouse has an easy approach and only one portcullis to break through, and his moat is filled with fish! I gave him the license to crenellate in exchange for four of his finest destriers, two mares and two stallions. You must come and try them; I want your opinion. I do believe that I profited from Lancaster's folly.

Your friend, Edward