How did Edward I address issues of land ownership?

Edward I addressed issues of land ownership through legal reforms, military campaigns, and administrative measures to consolidate royal control.

Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks, reigned from 1272 to 1307 and is often remembered for his efforts to strengthen the English monarchy. One of his key focuses was on land ownership, which was a significant source of power and wealth during the medieval period. To address issues of land ownership, Edward implemented several legal reforms. The most notable of these was the Statute of Quo Warranto (1290), which required landowners to show by what warrant (or legal right) they held their lands. This statute aimed to curb the power of the barons and ensure that all landholdings were properly documented and under royal control.

In addition to legal reforms, Edward I also used military campaigns to address land ownership issues, particularly in Wales and Scotland. His conquest of Wales in the late 13th century resulted in the annexation of Welsh lands to the English crown. Edward built a series of formidable castles, such as those at Caernarfon and Conwy, to establish and maintain control over these newly acquired territories. Similarly, his campaigns in Scotland were partly driven by a desire to assert English dominance and control over Scottish lands, although these efforts were met with fierce resistance and were less successful in the long term.

Edward also took administrative measures to manage land ownership more effectively. He commissioned surveys, such as the Hundred Rolls, to gather detailed information about landholdings across England. These surveys helped the crown to identify and rectify any irregularities in land ownership and to ensure that taxes and feudal dues were properly collected.

Through these combined efforts—legal reforms, military campaigns, and administrative measures—Edward I sought to consolidate royal authority and bring greater order to the complex and often contentious issue of land ownership in medieval England.