Oath of Salisbury

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Model of Old Sarum in the 12th century Old Sarum Model from West.jpg
Model of Old Sarum in the 12th century
Penny of William I, c. 1083-86 Early Medieval coin , Penny of William I (FindID 539978).jpg
Penny of William I, c. 1083–86

The Oath of Salisbury refers to an event in August 1086 when William I of England summoned his tenants-in-chief and "landowning men of any account to William I, 'The Conqueror'" to Old Sarum where they swore allegiance to him and to be faithful against all other men. The oath was demanded at a time of crisis when 'The Conqueror' was facing revolt and invasion. There seems little doubt that it was intended as a practical assurance and reminder rather than as a constitutional statement. [1]

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References

  1. "Oath of Salisbury". Oxford Reference. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 23 Nov 2017.