Freeholders Act 1267

Statutes made at Marlborough, alias Marleberge, 18 Novemb. Anno 52 HEN. III. and Anno Dom. 1267.

Freeholders Act 1267

1267 (52 Hen. 3) C A P. XXII. IN the Year of Grace, One thousand two hundred sixty seven, the two and fiftieth Year of the Reign of King HENRY, Son of King JOHN, in the Utas of St. Martin, the said King our Lord providing for the better Estate of his Realm of England, and for the more speedy Ministration of Justice, as belongeth to the Office of a King, the more discreet Men of the Realm being called together, as well of the higher as of the lower Estate: It was provided, agreed, and ordained, that whereas the Realm of England of late had been disquieted with manifold Troubles and Dissensions; for Reformation whereof Statutes and Laws be right necessary, whereby the Peace and Tranquillity of the People must be observed:Wherein the King, intending to devise convenient Remedy, hath made these Acts, Ordinances, and Statutes underwritten, which he willeth to be observed for ever firmly and inviolably of all his Subjects, as well high as low.

None shall compel his Freeholder to answer for his Freehold. NONE from henceforth may distrain his Freeholders to answer for their Freeholds, nor for any Things touching their Freehold, without the King's Writ:

(2) Nor shall cause his Freeholders to swear against their Wills; for no Man may do that without the King's Commandment.

''2 Inst. 142. Enforced by 15 R. 2. c. 12. and by 16 R. 2. c. 2. which gives a Forfeiture of 20l. to the King on Breach, by the compelling of Tenants, &c.''

Note : this act is listed in the Chronological Table of Statutes as the Freeholders Act, 1267