Marlborough, statute of

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Marlborough, statute of, 1267. Called by Powicke ‘the one great statute’ of Henry III's later years, it arose from the king's quarrels with the baronial opposition and was based upon the provisions of Oxford (1258) and the provisions of Westminster (1259). The preamble declared that it would end ‘the many tribulations and unprofitable dissensions’ of the past and guarantee the ‘peace and tranquillity of the people’. It confirmed Magna Carta but its primary purpose was to regulate wardship and to protect persons outside the lord's jurisdiction being forced to attend his court.

J. A. Cannon

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