Due Reformation (16)

The Act of Union continues from post (15)...

"   III. And forasmuch as there be many and divers Lordships Marchers within the said country or dominion of Wales, lying between the shires of England and the shires of the said country or dominion of Wales, and being no parcel of any other shires where the laws and due correction is used and had, by reason whereof hath ensued, and hath been practised perpetrated committed and done within and among the said lordships and countries to them adjoining, manifold and divers detestable murders burning of houses robberies thefts trespasses routs riots unlawful assemblies embraceries maintenances receiving of felons oppressions ruptures of the peace and manifold other malefacts contrary to all laws and justice; and the said offenders thereupon making their refuge from lordship to lordship, were and continued without punishment or correction; for due reformation whereof..."

Divers "Lordships Marchers" had been a thorn in the side of many folks since William I had begun the process many years before.  This became the "wild west" of the border lands.

Most Ancient Prerogatives (7)

The next section to the Act of Union 1536 is given as "An  act for re-continuing Liberties in the Crown."  [St. 27 Hen. VIII, c. 24, 1535. (Stat. Realm, III, 555).  This continues from post (6):

"Where divers of the most ancient prerogatives and authorities of justice appertaining to the Imperial Crown of this realm have been severed and taken from the same by sundry gifts of the King's most noble progenitors, kings of this realm, to the great diminution and detriment of the royal estate of the same, and to the hindrance and great delay of justice:..."

The second issue to be addressed by this statue is the large number of independent estates (lordships) scattered about the Marches and Wales.  Each "lord" was an independent judge, jury, and administrator of his own area.