Edward I: Michaelmas 1285

1285 Michaelmas

Introduction Michaelmas 1285

Winchester

Michaelmas parliament (October)

The normal pattern of parliaments during the first half of the reign of Edward I would certainly have required the holding of parliament in the autumn of 1285 and it has generally been assumed that such a parliament did indeed take place. The evidence for one having been held seems, however, to be far from decisive. A writ issued on 16 August 1285 ordered the restoration of a Berkshire manor till the parliament to be held after Michaelmas, as though a session was intended. (fn. foot-1285m-1) The statute of Winchester is dated 8 October 1285 and would thus fit into the period after Michaelmas when such a parliament would normally have been held. (fn. foot-1285m-2) The statute, however, says nothing about having been made in parliament or with the counsel or consent of any of the king's subjects and the public order concerns of the statute were ones which may have been such as to justify the king's making legislation without any such consent. Nor does there seem to be any other evidence for the meeting of a parliament at around this time.