On 18 March 1476, Oliver King Master of the seven liberal Arts and Licentiate in Laws, became the king's 'first and principal Secretary' for the French tongue for life, and succeeded William Hatteclyffe as king's secretary in 1480.; and receiving the salary of £20 per annum. Supposedly being expert in "the French language" Dr King was effectively second secretary, discharging the duties of the Signet in Hatteclyffe's absence. Under Edward IV the Secretary's office expanded the number of clerks to at least four, with a Gentleman and "writers of the King's Signet under him".