Constitutions of Clarendon (1164)
Explanation and Analysis of the Document
The Constitutions consist of sixteen clauses that were rooted in the traditional customary laws of previous kings of England. Henry II wished to renew the laws and customs of his grandfather, Henry I, that would have been in place before the civil war. The Constitutions are a culmination of this tradition and also the contributions of the shrewd legal thinkers that surrounded Henry throughout his reign. The introduction of the Constitutions tells us that Henry has made the document from “the customs and liberties and dignities of his predecessors.” The introduction continues further to explain that the Constitutions were drawn up in front of the barons, bishops, archbishops, and justices. The clergy present are named and then reported to have promised to “keep and observe” these customs. A list of names of those who have witnessed the clergy promise follows. The witness list serves to bind the promise of the clergy. Becket and his...
