" The same monarch replied to
his kingly captor, who sought to rouse him from dejection, on another
occasion-- "Quomodo cantabimus canticum in terra aliena!"
That his works might not be retarded for want of hands, Edward in the
twenty-fourth year of his reign appointed John de Sponlee master of the
stonehewers, with a power not only "to take and keep, as well within
the liberties as without, as many masons and other artificers as were
necessary, and to convey them to Windsor, but to arrest and imprison
such as should disobey or refuse; with a command to all sheriffs,
mayors, bailiffs, etc., to assist him." These powers were fully acted
upon at a later period, when some of the workmen, having left their
employment, were thrown into Newgate; while the place of others, who
had been carried off by a pestilence then raging in the castle, was
supplied by impressment.
In 1356 WILLIAM OF WYKEHAM was constituted superintendent of the
works, with the same powers as John de Sponlee, and his appointment
marks an important era in the annals of the castle. Originally secretary
to Edward the Third, this remarkable man became Bishop of Winchester
and prelate of the Garter.
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