Ancient Laws and Institutes of England

Published in 1840, this two-volume work serves as a key resource for scholars, featuring medieval secular laws from Æthelberht of Kent to Henry I, along with thorough commentary and historical context.

Ancient Laws and Institutes of England, published in 1840, is a two-volume collection that serves as a vital resource for scholars studying medieval law. The first volume focuses on secular law, tracing its origins from Æthelberht of Kent, the first Christian king, whose laws represent the earliest written legal code in any Germanic language. The volume continues through the legal frameworks established by the first three Norman kings, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of law during this significant historical period.

This work was originally published for the Record Commissioners and has since become a key reference for those examining Anglo-Saxon and early Norman legal history. Benjamin Thorpe, the author, was a distinguished scholar and translator of Old English. His extensive knowledge and rigorous approach to philology, honed during his studies in Copenhagen under Rasmus Rask, are evident in the meticulous notes, commentary, and concordance included in this compilation. Thorpe's contributions to the field were recognized with a civil list pension in 1835, underscoring his influence and dedication to the study of ancient texts.

The preface of the book contextualizes the laws within their historical and geographical settings, addressing gaps in the evidence and providing a detailed analysis of the original documents. Volume 1 presents the secular laws from Æthelberht's reign to that of Henry I, featuring a parallel translation of the Anglo-Saxon text, while the sources in Latin and French remain untranslated. This comprehensive collection continues to be an essential source for understanding the legal foundations of England.