Middle Ages

15 Medieval Laws That Still Exist in Europe Today

Shannon Quinn - June 20, 2025

Europe’s landscape is dotted with echoes of its medieval past, not just in castles and cobbled streets, but within the very laws that quietly govern daily life. While many ancient statutes have faded into history, some remain—hidden in plain sight within modern legal codes. These rules range from quirky to surprisingly influential, affecting everything from food standards to royal prerogatives. Join us as we explore fifteen fascinating medieval laws that, remarkably, still shape contemporary Europe—and reveal how the continent’s rich legal history continues to influence the present.

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1. The Queen’s Swans Belong to the Monarch (United Kingdom)

Since the 12th century, an enduring royal law decrees that all unmarked mute swans in open waters across England and Wales are the property of the reigning monarch. While the law’s influence is mostly ceremonial today, it remains actively upheld each summer during the traditional Swan Upping—an official census along the River Thames. This unique event not only preserves a centuries-old royal privilege but also underscores the continuing link between British royalty and the country’s wildlife. Read more

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2. The Right to Pasture (Sweden’s Allemansrätten)

Sweden’s Allemansrätten, or “Everyman’s Right,” has roots stretching back to medieval times and is now protected by law. This unique principle allows anyone to hike, forage, and camp on most uncultivated land—fostering a strong cultural bond with nature. While it encourages public enjoyment of the countryside, Allemansrätten also emphasizes responsibility and respect for private property. The law remains a cherished aspect of Swedish outdoor life today. Read more

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3. The Law of Sanctuary (United Kingdom)

In medieval England, fugitives could claim sanctuary in churches, gaining protection from arrest for up to forty days. While this law is no longer widely applied, its legacy lingers in British legal traditions and asylum practices. Today, the idea of church sanctuary occasionally resurfaces in exceptional cases, echoing the medieval principle of offering refuge to those in need. Read more

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4. The Salic Law (France, Germany, Others)

The Salic Law, developed by the Franks in the 6th century, famously barred women from inheriting thrones or land. While the rule is largely symbolic today, its legacy profoundly shaped royal succession and property laws throughout Europe. Even now, remnants of the Salic Law can be found in the rules governing certain ceremonial titles and traditional aristocratic practices. Read more

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5. Bread Weight and Quality Laws (United Kingdom)

The Assize of Bread Act of 1266 established strict rules over the weight, price, and quality of bread offered for sale in medieval Britain. Though food standards have evolved, traces of this medieval law remain embedded in current consumer protection regulations. The legacy of the Assize underscores a longstanding commitment to fair trading and safe food, with echoes of these early rules still present in modern British law. Read more

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6. The Right to Bear Arms for Nobility (Poland)

In medieval Poland, only the nobility could legally bear arms and display their unique coats of arms. Today, these privileges persist mainly in a ceremonial sense, with heraldic courts upholding noble heraldry. This enduring tradition continues to link modern Polish identity with its historic, feudal roots. Read more

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7. Tithes to the Church (Italy, Spain, Others)

The medieval tradition of giving one-tenth of one’s harvest to the Church—known as tithing—still has a foothold in some Italian and Spanish regions. Today, tithes are often collected voluntarily or as part of local harvest celebrations, reflecting the enduring cultural and economic influence of the Church. These practices offer a living reminder of the Church’s powerful role in medieval European society. Read more

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8. The Right to Fish in Public Waters (Norway)

Medieval Norwegian law established the right for citizens to fish freely in public waters, a tradition that remains intact today. Norwegians can fish in lakes and rivers not under private ownership, preserving both cultural heritage and public access. This age-old principle still guides modern recreational fishing regulations and helps maintain Norway’s storied relationship with its waterways. Read more

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9. The Right of Way (United Kingdom, Ireland)

The right of way, with roots in medieval custom, grants people legal passage over specific private lands via public footpaths. Now enshrined in law across the UK and Ireland, this tradition ensures continued public access to historic routes through the countryside. The right of way remains vital for walkers and nature lovers, linking modern outdoor culture to its medieval origins. Read more

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10. The Ban on Selling Poisonous Bread (France)

Medieval France introduced a law forbidding bakers from selling bread laced with harmful substances—an early step toward food safety. Today’s consumer protection regulations for bakeries are rooted in this historic statute, ensuring bread quality remains a top priority. This enduring law highlights a longstanding commitment to safeguarding public health through strict standards. Read more

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11. The Duty to Maintain Dykes (Netherlands)

In the Netherlands, medieval laws mandated that landowners collectively maintain dykes and waterworks to protect against flooding. This responsibility evolved into the waterschappen—regional water boards that still govern water management today. The communal duty to keep dykes strong is not only a testament to Dutch ingenuity but also remains a vital, legally binding aspect of life in the low countries. Read more

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12. The Papal Bull on Witchcraft (Vatican/Italy)

Several medieval papal bulls addressing witchcraft are technically still part of the Vatican’s legal documents, though no longer enforced. While these decrees are now considered obsolete, their influence lingers in the evolution of canon law and the study of Church history. Read more

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13. The Ban on Night-Time Streetwalking (Germany)

Medieval German cities enacted ordinances banning streetwalking after dark to uphold public order and safety. While the motivations have shifted, similar restrictions remain embedded in modern municipal codes, especially in areas regulating nightlife and public conduct. These lingering laws reflect a centuries-old concern for managing urban spaces as night falls. Read more

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14. The Law of Treason (United Kingdom)

The Treason Act of 1351 stands as one of England’s oldest statutes still in effect, outlining crimes considered direct threats to the monarch. Though prosecutions are extremely rare today, the act’s definitions have shaped centuries of state security policy and legal precedent. Its enduring presence in British law demonstrates the weight given to protecting the crown and government. Read more

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15. The Duty of Hospitality (Scotland)

Rooted in ancient Gaelic custom, Scottish law once required nobles to provide food and shelter to travelers and strangers. While this duty of hospitality is now largely ceremonial, its spirit endures in the warmth and openness for which Scottish culture is renowned. The tradition continues to influence modern Scottish hospitality and community values. Read more

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Conclusion

The persistence of medieval laws across Europe reveals how deeply the past shapes our present. From royal privileges to community traditions, these ancient statutes—whether actively enforced or simply ceremonial—connect us to centuries of shared history, values, and ingenuity. Exploring these laws is more than a legal curiosity; it’s a journey into Europe’s living heritage. As you travel or read about the continent, look closer—traces of the Middle Ages are still woven into modern European life.

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