A page for a timeline of dates. Please link to further pages for more reading, rather than adding too much detail in this page. See also LawBooks

1000s

Post-1066

Language barrier between Saxon and Norman is sharp and indicative of strong class barrier.

1086

Domesday Book formalizes property ownership.

1135-1154

Reign of Stephen and the Anarchy.

1166

Assize of Clarendon, part of effort of Henry II to restore property rights after the Anarchy.

1169

Assize of Mort D'Ancestor?

1200s

1215

Clergy formally banned from participation in trial by ordeal, though not formally removed from English law until 1820.

Magna Carta

1220

First uses of jury? .

1250s

Likely period for writing of Bracton.

1290

Corruption scandal; judges thrown out and chief judge of King's Bench executed.

1600s

1670

Bushel's case prohibits the attaintment of 'honest' juries.

1700s

Felons begin to get the right to counsel.

1765

First formal teaching of the law outside the Inns, with Blackstone's appointment at Oxford.