King William’s Statute, r.1066-1087 AD

Known by its Old English title Willelmes Cyninges Asetnysse (‘King William’s Statute’), this writ, or royal command, introduced to the English the unfamiliar Norman practice of trial by combat, known in Old English as ornest. Textus Roffensis ff. 47r-47v. Translated from Old English and edited by Dr Christopher Monk.

Written in Old English some time after William the Conqueror became William I of England (he reigned between 1066 and 1087), this is unique to Textus Roffensis, though Latin translations survive.

Translation

See Translation Notes

King Williams Statute

King William kindly greets everyone across all England to whom this writ comes and commands and also instructs all persons among the English race to observe the following:

If an English person summons any French person to trial by combat, because of theft or manslaughter or for anything formerly for which trial by combat or judicial suit may be appropriate, he may have full leave to do that, but if the Englishman forsakes the trial by combat, then the Frenchman, whom the Englishman accuses, may clear himself against him with an oath along with his testimony [or, with his witness], according to Norman law.

Also, if a French person summons an English person to trial by combat because of such things, the Englishman, by full leave, may defend himself through combat by trial, or with [ordeal by] iron if that is acceptable to him. But if he is infirm and does not wish or is unable to undertake trial by combat, one may obtain for him a lawful substitute. And if the Frenchman is defeated, he shall give the king 3 pounds. And if the Englishman does not wish to defend himself through trial by combat or with testimony, he may clear himself with [ordeal by] iron.

Regarding all matters of outlawry, the king has decided that the Englishman may clear himself with [ordeal by] iron. And if the Englishman summons the Frenchman concerning a matter of outlawry, and, further, should wish it to be proved concerning him, the Frenchman may defend himself with trial by combat; but if the Englishman does not dare to summon him to trial by combat, the Frenchman may defend himself with an inviolate oath.