The Statute of Winchester

The Statute of Winchester, enacted in 1285, was a law in medieval England that aimed to improve law enforcement and community safety. It required local communities to maintain and supply armed patrols, watchmen, and weapons to protect against crime and invasions. The law also emphasized antique practices like maintaining fortified places and keeping watch for enemies. Its purpose was to foster cooperation between authorities and civilians to uphold order, ensuring that towns and countryside had the resources needed to defend themselves effectively.