Cyfraith Hywel
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Cyfraith Hywel, also known as Welsh law, was the system of law practised in medieval Wales before its final conquest by England. Subsequently, the Welsh law's criminal codes were superseded by the Sta
Modern depiction of Hywel Dda proclaiming the laws
Medieval Kingdoms of Wales
A page from a 13th Century Latin version of the laws of Hywel Dda. NLW, Pen.28
An illumination of a Welsh judge (MS. Peniarth 28)
Gavelkind
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Gavelkind was a system of land tenure chiefly associated with the Celtic law in Ireland and Wales and with the legal traditions of the English county of Kent.
Cyfraith Hywel
…accurate portrayal of Hywel's first code. Notable features of Welsh law include the collective responsibility of kindreds (cenedl) for their members; the gavelkind inheritance of land among all and only male descendants; a status-based system of blood money (galanas); slavery and serfdom; the inability of foreigners…
Monument at Swanscombe commemorating the legend of how Kent successfully managed to protect their rights from subjugation by the Duke of Normandy
Bayeux Tapestry scene 23 Harold sacramentum fecit Willelmo duci