10. Magna Carta’s Charter for the Forest Renewal (1217)
On November 6, 1217, King Henry III issued the Charter of the Forest, a complementary document to the Magna Carta, aimed at restoring rights to commoners in England. This charter addressed grievances related to the royal forests, which had been expanded under previous monarchs, restricting commoners’ access to resources. It re-established rights such as pannage (pasture for pigs), estover (collecting firewood), and agistment (grazing), and reduced penalties for offenses like poaching. The charter marked a significant step toward balancing royal authority with the rights of free men (bl.uk).
