Statute of Winchester

The Statute of Winchester of 1285, also known as the Statute of Winton, was a statute enacted by King Edward I of England that reformed the system of Watch and Ward of the Assize of Arms of 1252, and revived the jurisdiction of the local courts. It received royal assent on 8 October 1285.
It was the primary legislation enacted to regulate the policing of the country between the Norman Conquest and the Metropolitan [Police Act 1829]. Of particular note was the requirement to raise hue and cry, and that "the whole hundred … shall be answerable" for any theft or robbery, in effect a form of collective responsibility.

Chapters

The Statute of Winchester is composed of six chapters:

Chapter	Title
1	Fresh Suit shall be made after Felons and Robbers from Town to Town, &c.
2	Inquiry of Felons and Robbers, and the County shall answer if they be not taken.
3	This Act shall be respited until Easter next.
4	At what Times the Gates of great Towns shall be shut, and when the Night Watch shall begin and end.
5	Breadth of Highways leading from one Market-Town to another.
6	That View of Arms be made. Hue and Cry shall be followed. Fairs or Markets shall not be kept in Church-yards.

The statute was confirmed by the Statute of Northampton.
Chapter 6 of the act was repealed "as concerneth the having, repairing, and view of harness and arms." was repealed by section 11 of the Continuance, etc. of Laws Act 1623.