Statute of Winchester facts for kids
| Act of Parliament | |
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| Citation | 13 Edw. 1. St. 2 |
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Quick facts for kids Dates |
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| Royal assent | 8 October 1285 |
The Statute of Winchester was an important law made in 1285 by King Edward I of England. It was also known as the Statute of Winton. This law updated how local communities helped keep the peace. It improved a system called Watch and Ward, which was like an early police force. The King officially approved this law on October 8, 1285.
This law was one of the most important rules for policing in England for hundreds of years. It came after the Norman Conquest and stayed important until the Metropolitan Police Act 1829 was passed. A key part of the Statute of Winchester was the idea of "hue and cry." This meant that if a crime happened, everyone had to shout and chase the criminal. Also, if a theft or robbery happened, the whole local area, called a hundred, was responsible. This was a form of collective responsibility, meaning everyone in the area had to help find the criminal or pay for the damage.
Contents
What the Statute of Winchester Did
The Statute of Winchester had six main parts, or chapters. These chapters explained how people should work together to prevent crime and catch criminals.
Catching Criminals
- Chapter 1: If a crime like a robbery happened, people had to chase the criminals from town to town. This was called "fresh suit." Everyone had to help catch the lawbreakers.
- Chapter 2: Local areas had to investigate crimes like robberies. If the criminals were not caught, the whole county could be held responsible. This meant the community might have to pay for the losses.
Keeping Watch at Night
- Chapter 4: This chapter set rules for towns at night. The gates of large towns had to be closed at certain times. A night watch had to be set up. These watchmen would guard the town from sunset to sunrise.
Safe Roads and Inspections
- Chapter 5: The law also made rules about roads. Highways between market towns needed to be wide and clear. This helped travelers stay safe from hidden criminals.
- Chapter 6: This part said that people should regularly check their weapons. It also repeated the rule about "hue and cry." Everyone had to join the chase if a crime was reported. This chapter also said that fairs or markets should not be held in churchyards.
Why This Law Was Important
The Statute of Winchester was a big step in how England handled crime. It put the responsibility for safety on local communities. It showed that everyone had a role in keeping the peace. This law helped shape policing for many centuries.
See also
