Edward I: Michaelmas 1276

1276 Michaelmas

Introduction Michaelmas 1276

Westminster

Michaelmas parliament (October-November)

It was certainly being planned to hold a parliament after Michaelmas as early as late July 1276, when orders were given for the release of the goods of a man arrested on suspicion who had been bailed to appear at that parliament to answer any charges against him. (fn. m1276-1) The parliament also fits into the general pattern of regular twice-yearly parliaments followed in this period. The session is unlikely to have opened before 11 October when the king arrived at Westminster. It may have been in session by or shortly after 13 October (two weeks after Michaelmas) when the claimants to the inheritance of Aveline de Forz propounded their claims before the king and council at Westminster. (fn. m1276-2) It was presumably also at this session of parliament that master Thomas Bek and master William Scamel were appointed in the presence of the king at Westminster as mediators on 22 October to resolve the disputes between the bishop of Exeter and the abbot and convent of Forde. (fn. m1276-3) Parliament was probably still in session on or after 27 October (one month after Michaelmas) when the claim of Gilbert de Clare, earl of Gloucester, to the castle and borough of Bristol was dismissed in 'full council'. (fn. m1276-4) It was probably also in a continuation of the same session at Westminster on the morrow of Martinmas (on or after 12 November) that the king consulted various named magnates, prelates and justices who were members of council about the refusal of Llewelyn to perform homage and decided on a military campaign against him. (fn. m1276-5) Parliament was almost certainly over by 18 November when the king left Westminster. There is also a cluster of charters issued by the king, of the type often associated with sessions of parliament, of various dates between 30 October and 12 November. (fn. m1276-6) A single mandate of 15 November enrolled on the Close Rolls and addressed to the king's steward, Richard of Holbrook, which is noted as having been authorised by king and council, orders him to arrange a settlement with the abbot of Owston of the complaints the abbot had made of disseisins committed against the abbot's predecessor by constables of the castle of Sauvey. (fn. m1276-7) This was presumably authorised at the session of parliament.

Most of the surviving material emanating from this parliament does not describe it as such. It is, however, so described at the end of the statute de Bigamis which was enacted there. (fn. m1276-8) The statute de justiciariis assignatis , also known as the statute of Ragman, was probably also enacted there. (fn. m1276-9)

There is no surviving official record of the business done at this parliament.