achments on the King's rights and
about misdeeds by any of the King's officials: sheriffs, bailiffs,
or coroners. The results were compiled as the "Hundred Rolls".
They were the basis of reforms which improved justice at the local
as well as the national level. They also rationalized the array of
jurisdictions that had grown up with feudal government. Statutes
were passed by a parliament of two houses, that of peers (lords)
and that of an elected [rather than appointed] commons, and the
final form of the constitution was fixed.

Wardships of children and widows were sought because they were
very profitable. A guardian could get one tenth of the income of
the property during the wardship and a substantial marriage amount
when the ward married. Parents often made contracts to marry for
their young children. This avoided a forced marriage by a ward
should the parents die.

Most earldoms and many baronages came into the royal house by
escheat or marriage. The royal house employed many people. The
barons developed a class consciousness of aristocracy and became
leaders of society. Many men, no matter of whom they held land,
sought knighthood. The king granted knighthood by placing his
sword on the head of able-bodied and moral candidates who swore an
oath of loyalty to the king and to defend "all ladies,
gentlewomen, widows and orphans" and to "shun no adventure of your
person in any war wherein you should happen to be". A code of
knightly chivalry became recognized, such as telling the truth and
setting wrongs right. About half of the knights were literate. In
1278, the king issued a writ ordering all freeholders who held
land of the value of at least 400s. to receive knighthood at the
King's hands.

At the royal house and other great houses gentlemanly jousting
competitions, with well-refined and specific rules, took the place
of violent tournaments with general rules. Edward forbade
tournaments at which there was danger of a "melee". At these
knights competed for the affection of ladies by jousting with each
other while the ladies watched. Courtly romances were common. If a
man convinced a lady to marry him, the marriage ceremony took
place in church, with feasting and dancing afterwards. Romantic
stories were at the height of their popularity. A usual theme was
the lonely quest of a knight engaged in adventures which would
impress his lady.

Riddles include: 1. I will make you a cross, and a thing will not
touch