Provisions of Oxford

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The Provisions of Oxford ( Provisions of Oxford and commissions of Oxford) from June 1258 and the Provisions of Westminster of 1259 were a reform program , which the English aristocracy extensive rights against the king and control the administration of England conceded. The commissions were a continuation of the idea that the king should not rule alone with the help of self-chosen advisers and that the efficient management of tax revenues in particular required the participation of taxpayers and their representatives.

The barons' petition

A group of nobles, including Simon de Montfort , a brother-in-law of King Henry III. believed that the king was damaging the interests of England and should therefore be brought under control. In April 1258, the barons demanded the establishment of a reform committee consisting of twenty-four people, half of whom should be appointed by the king and half by the barons. Since the ruler was politically dependent on the support of the high nobility and was also in a difficult financial situation, he finally consented.

The regulations

On June 11, 1258, the committee met in Oxford and decided on the following reforms:

  • The establishment of a state council of 15 people with the task of advising the king, supervising his official conduct and administering the state budget .
  • The regular holding of parliaments on September 29th, February 2nd and June 1st each year. Together with the members of the State Council, twelve representatives of the people, the so-called community of the realm , should deal with state affairs.
  • The election of a justiciary , a chancellor and a treasurer to be accountable to Parliament.
  • The county administrators ( sheriffs ) should be paid from the treasury and new sheriffs should take an oath of office.

As a result of these reforms, much of the state authority and control of the finances passed to the barons. Heinrich's oath to obey the provisions made them legally effective. In 1259, further reforms were passed in the Provisions of Westminster , including the judiciary and the rights of the lower nobility.

War of the Barons

For a few years Heinrich reluctantly bowed to the new balance of power. But when he felt sure of the support of the Pope and France, he tried to regain the lost power. In 1261 Pope Alexander IV released Heinrich from his oath, whereupon he declared the commission invalid. There was a dispute between the supporters of the king and the barons, who insisted on compliance with the regulations. As a result, the King of France, Louis IX. mediate between the parties. In his Mise of Amiens , he declared the commission null and void.

Simon de Montfort's group refused to accept the French king's arbitration. The civil war broke out, the Second War of the Barons , which ended with a victory for the king. By the Dictum of Kenilworth , the war was officially ended on October 31, 1266 and the Provisions of Oxford finally annulled, although the king made concessions as to the choice of his advisers and pledged to respect the rights of the people.

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