Page:The statutes of Wales (1908).djvu/160

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28
THE STATUTES OF WALES
[A.D. 1315-1316

villeins and next afterwards the goods of spadones and men of the Avowry, be taxed just as in the time of the princes of Wales as it is alleged was accustomed to be done. And that the custom which is called Blodwyte henceforth be not demanded or taxed, except the shedding of blood be lawfully ascertained by the view of our bailiffs or otherwise by inquisition. And that complaints concerning contracts between Welshmen and Welshmen, or concerning trespasses inflicted upon Welshmen by Welshmen brought or to be brought in the Welshery the proceedings to be carried on according to Welsh law; and that in these complaints which concern us or an Englishman or foreigner, whether they arise by virtue of our writs or in any other manner, let them proceed and be conducted as has hitherto been accustomed. And if, concerning these which shall have arisen between Englishmen and Welshmen an inquest has to be taken, then let one half of the inquest be of Englishmen, and the other half of Welshmen worthy of trust. And that in the custom which is called taking Westva, for which a cow or five shillings are paid, it be in the election of our bailiffs to receive the cow which the tenants offer or five shillings, and that our bailiffs shall not in any way extort any other cow than that tendered, so long as it is worth five shillings. And that as to felonies and those torts which they may have been accused of by our bailiffs officially, or even caught in committing, they may for the two years first following the next Easter put themselves upon a lawful inquest of twelve jurors of the parts where the felonies or trespasses were committed, and by their verdict submit to judgment as is meet. And that the superabundance of our bailiffs in those parts be removed and their number for the future measured out at the discretion of Our Justice for the time being, as, for our convenience, and the relief of the men of those parts, to our said Justice shall best appear expedient.

We desire and firmly ordain that all and singular the premises as are above set out be kept and inviolately observed, and that our bailiffs and officers acting in contravention be severely punished by our Justice, or, in default, by us.