Owners
of slaves paid into a fund to give one half compensation to those
who lost slaves by theft or escape, and recaptured slaves were to
be stoned to death or hanged. The members of the peace guild also
feasted and drank together. When one died, the others each sang a
song or paid for the singing of fifty psalms for his soul and gave
a loaf.
The Knights' Guild was composed of thirteen military persons to
whom King Edgar granted certain waste land in the east of London,
toward Aldgate, and also Portsoken, which ran outside the eastern
wall of the city to the Thames, for prescribed services performed,
probably defense of the vulnerable east side of the city. This
concession was confirmed by King Edward the Confessor in a charter
at the suit of certain citizens of London, the successors of these
knights. Edward granted them sac and soke [cause and suit]
jurisdiction over their men.
Edward the Confessor made these rules for London:
1. Be it known that within the space of three miles from
all parts outside of the city a man ought not to hold or
hinder another, and also should not do business with him if
he wish to come to the city under its peace. But when he
arrives in the city, then let the market be the same to the
rich man as to the poor.
2. Be it also known that a man who is from the court of the
king or the barons ought not to lodge in the house of any
citizen of London for three nights, either by privilege or
by custom, except by consent of the host.
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