CAP. I.
A Confirmation of the Great Charter, and the Charter of the Forest.
A Confirmation of the Great Charter, and the Charter of the Forest.THAT [1]is to say, That from henceforth the great Charter of the Liberties of England, granted to all the Commonalty of the Realm, and the Charter of the Forest, in like Manner granted, shall be observed, kept, and maintained in every Point, in as ample wise as the King hath granted, renewed, and confirmed them by his Charter. (2) And that the Charters be delivered to every Sheriff of England under the King's Seal, to be read four Times in the Year before the People in the full County, that is to wit, the next County-day after the Feast of Saint Michael, and the next County-day after Christmas, and at the next County after Easter, and at the next County after the Feast of Saint John. Commissioners to enquire of Offences done contrary to the Charters.(3) And for these two Charters to be firmly observed in every Point and Article (where before no Remedy was at the Common Law) there shall be chosen in every Shire-Court, by the Commonalty of the same Shire, three substantial Men, Knights, or other lawful, wise, and well-disposed Persons, which shall be Justices sworn and assigned by the King's Letters Patents under the Great Seal, to hear and determine (without any other Writ, but only their Commission) such Plaints as shall be made upon all those that commit or offend against any Point contained in the foresaid Charters, in the Shires where they be assigned, as well within Franchises as without, and as well for the King's Officers out of their Places, as for other, and to hear the Plaints from Day to Day without any Delay, and to determine them, without allowing the Delays which be allowed by the Common Law. (4) And the same Knights shall have Power to punish all such as shall be attainted of any Trespass done contrary to any Point of the foresaid Charters (where no Remedy was before by the Common Law) as before is said, by Imprisonment, or by Ransom, or by Amerciament, according to the Trespass. (5) Nevertheless the King, nor none of those that made this Ordinance, intend, that by virtue hereof any of the foresaid Knights shall hold any Plea by the Power which shall be given them in such Case, where there hath been Remedy provided in Times passed, after the Course of the Common Law by Writ, nor also that any Prejudice should be done to the Common Law, nor to the Charters aforesaid in any Point. (6) And the King willeth, That if all three be not present, or cannot at all Times attend to do their Office in Form aforesaid, that two of them shall do it. Other Officers shall be attendant upon the Commissioners.(7) And it is ordained, That 'the King's Sheriffs and Bailiffs shall be attendant to do the Commandments of the foresaid Justices, as far forth as appertaineth unto their Offices. (8) And besides these Things granted upon the Articles of the Charters aforesaid, the King of his special Grace, for Redress of the Grievances that his People hath sustained by reason of his Wars, and for the Amendment of their Estate, and to the Intent that they may be the more ready to do him Service, and the more willing to assist and aid him in Time of Need, hath granted certain Articles, the which he supposeth shall not only be observed of his liege People, but also shall be as much profitable, or more, than the Articles heretofore granted.
- ↑ 2 Inst. 537.
