Denizen

Denizen [fr. donaison, donison, O.Fr., a gift], an alien born who has obtained, ex donatione regis, letters-patent to make him (either permanently or for a time) an English subject. The granting of such letters-patent is a branch of the Royal Prerogative, and is subject to no restrictions whatever. The denizen might hold lands by purchase or devise, which an alien might not, but could not take by inheritance before the (English) Naturalization Act, 1870; for his parent, through whom he must claim, being an alien, had no heritable blood and therefore could convey none to his son. No denizen can be of the Privy Council, or either House of Parliament, or have any office of trust civil or military.

By the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act, 1914, s. 52, nothing in the Act contained affects the grant of letters of denization by His Majesty in the exercise of his prerogative. See further ALIEN and NATURALIZATION.