Merton, Statute Of

Merton, Statute of (20 Hen. 3, c. 4, A.D. 1235), the first Act of Parliament passed, so called because it was enacted at the Priory of Merton, in Surrey, about nine miles from London. Its principal unrepealed provisions (1) allow the inclosure or 'approvement' of commons by lords of manors, provided that the freeholders have sufficient pasture (subject to the consent of the (English) Board of Agriculture and Fisheries (56 & 57 Vict. c. 57); (2) declare the illegitimacy of children born before marriage (see LEGITIMACY). It was in connection with provision (2) that the barons declared against any alteration, notwithstanding the request of the bishop that the law should be altered. 'Omnes Comites et Barones,' runs the statute, 'una voce responderunt quod nolunt leges, Angli' mutare qu' usitat' sunt et approbat'.' See BASTARD; INCLOSURE.