Contextual essays
The six essays below are designed to introduce particular approaches to, or elements of, the Early English Laws. Further essays will be added over the lifetime of the project.
Anglo Saxon Inheritance by Julie Mumby
Julie Mumby examines the complexities of Anglo-Saxon inheritance, and specifically how land passed from one generation to the next. Her research has uncovered a great deal of variety in practice, influenced by local and personal circumstance.
Writs (and writ-charters) by Mark Hagger, Bangor University
In this essay, Mark Hagger looks at the difference between writs and the writ-charters used by the Norman kings.
Women and law in the Anglo-Saxon period, By Carole Hough, University of Glasgow
Carole Hough assesses the role of women in Anglo-Saxon law. Women are under-represented in the laws, and there is considerable ambiguity in how they are treated, but they were far from without rights.
Laurence Nowell, By Rebecca Brackmann, Lincoln Memorial University
Old English studies began in the sixteenth century, and Lawrence Nowell was one of the leading scholars of the new field. As Rebecca Brackmann reveals, his research helped to lay the groundwork for modern scholars, including Felix Liebermann, and now this project.
Forest law, By Jane Winters, Institute of Historical Research
By 1189 between a third and a quarter of England was considered to be royal forest, affecting some 29 counties. Jane Winters examines the impact of forest law on the population.
Anne Duggan discusses the extent of 'continental' influences on early English law, a subject which continues to divide historians.