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detailSource 14: Magna Carta - clauses concerning women
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bulletMagna Carta - clauses concerning women , 1215
 

These clauses are about the feudal system and the place of women within it. The King had a right to make the widows and daughters of barons marry for money. The barons in turn could deal with their own tenants in the same way.

From the 'Magna Carta'.

 
 
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illuminated detail
 
(7) At her husband's death, a widow may have her marriage portion and inheritance at once and without trouble. She shall pay nothing for her dower, marriage portion, or any inheritance that she and her husband held jointly on the day of his death. She may remain in her husband's house for forty days after his death, and within this period her dower shall be assigned to her.

(8) No widow shall be compelled to marry, so long as she wishes to remain without a husband. But she must give security that she will not marry without royal consent, if she holds her lands of the Crown, or without the consent of whatever other lord she may hold them of.

 

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