In 1283 the Statue of Acton-Burnel was enacted, during the rein of Edward I. Merchants in York, Shrewsbury, London, York, Lincoln, and Winchester were given the power to summon anyone that owed them money to appear before the mayor to acknowledge the debt and give a date on which they would repay the debt.
The Statue said that in the event that the debtor was unable to pay and insolvent, their body could be taken and placed in prison until they were able to repay the debt. If the debtor was truly unable to support themselves, the tradesman that had extended the credit in the first place would have to provide the debtor with bread and water while in prison.
© 2006 Myvesta.org.uk
The Statue said that in the event that the debtor was unable to pay and insolvent, their body could be taken and placed in prison until they were able to repay the debt. If the debtor was truly unable to support themselves, the tradesman that had extended the credit in the first place would have to provide the debtor with bread and water while in prison.
© 2006 Myvesta.org.uk