Legal Definitions - Court of Verge

The Court of Verge was a historical English court with a very specific jurisdiction tied to the physical presence of the monarch and their household.

It was a special court that had authority over crimes and offenses committed within a defined geographical area, known as the "verge," which typically extended for 12 miles around wherever the King or Queen's court happened to be located at that moment. Its primary purpose was to ensure peace and order directly surrounding the sovereign and their retinue, regardless of whether they were at a permanent palace or traveling.

Here are some examples to illustrate how the Court of Verge would have operated:

• Example 1: A Theft During a Royal Progress
  Imagine King Edward III is traveling through the countryside, staying at various castles and manors along his route. One evening, while the King's court is lodged at a particular manor, a local farmer reports that his livestock was stolen from a field just five miles away. This theft, occurring within the 12-mile "verge" of the King's temporary residence, would fall under the jurisdiction of the Court of Verge. The court would have the authority to investigate and try the case, ensuring that law and order were maintained in the immediate vicinity of the monarch.

• Example 2: A Public Disturbance Near a Royal Hunting Lodge
  Suppose Queen Elizabeth I and her extensive court are staying at a royal hunting lodge for several weeks. In a nearby village, about ten miles from the lodge, a heated argument between two merchants over market prices escalates into a public brawl. Even though local courts existed, the Court of Verge could assert jurisdiction over this disturbance because it occurred within the defined "verge" of the Queen's court. This intervention would underscore the importance of maintaining peace and preventing any unrest that might disrupt the royal household.

• Example 3: An Assault During a Royal Ceremony
  Consider a situation where King James I is holding a grand ceremony in a specific town, attracting many people. During the festivities, an assault occurs between two attendees just a few streets away from the main square where the King is presiding. This incident, happening well within the 12-mile radius of the monarch's immediate presence, would be subject to the Court of Verge. The court's swift action would demonstrate the Crown's commitment to immediate justice and order in areas directly impacted by the royal presence.