Corpse Robbery, late 10th century

Walreaf (‘Spoil of the Slain/Corpse Robbery’) (probably late 10th century’), Textus Roffensis, f. 32v. Translated from Old English and edited by Dr Christopher Monk.

This anonymous lawcode fragment forbids the robbery of corpses. Possibly Scandinavian in origin as it uses the term niðing meaning ‘outlaw’.

Transcription

32v (select folio number to open facsimile)

Walreaf is niðinges dæde. Gif hwa of sacen
wille, do þæt mid eahta 7 feowertig fulborenra
þegena.

Translation

See Translation Notes

Corpse robbery is an outlaw’s deed.

If someone should wish to be acquitted thereof, do so with forty-eight full-born [or ‘noble-born’] thegns.¹

Footnotes

1 i.e. the accused requires the oath of 48 thegns to refute the charge.