The laws of William the Conqueror

The First Law
There will be only one God to worship within the entire English nation and only one faith, which will keep the peace between the Normans and English.

The Second Law
Every freeman will be required to swear an oath of loyalty to the king. All freemen will swear on the defense of William from his enemies.

The Third Law
Any men who arrived with William, would automatically be safe. If any of the men are killed, their murderer is required to be found within a possible five days and the lord is responsible.

The Fourth Law
All of those Frenchmen sharing in the English customers during the reign of Edward the Confessor will pay ‘scot and lot’.

The Fifth Law
There can be no live cattle sold outside of cities. If cattle is sold within cities, there must be at least three sale witnesses. If this law is not kept, whoever is responsible shall be fined the same amount that was made in the sale.

The Sixth Law
The Englishman will have the right to defend himself if he is ever accused of murder. He may defend himself through either combat or hot iron.

The Seventh Law
Each law concerning the ownership of land introduced under Edward the Confessor, will be maintained along with the land laws William introduced.

The Eighth Law
Any person wishing to be considered a freeman is required to swear an oath of loyalty, which should be guaranteed by others. If the man who swore the oath breaks the law, the ones who guaranteed his oath need to then pay any fines against him.

The Ninth Law
No man has permission to sell another, and anyone who goes against this law will have to pay a fine to the king.

The Tenth Law
No one shall face execution for committed crimes, but if a person is found to be guilty they will be blinded and castrated. This law should not be challenged.

The Harrying of the North