46 OUR FORESTS AND WOODLANDS 



of the crown,' which was not in the original ; 

 but the innovation was soon discovered, and a 

 fresh confirmation was demanded, to be shortly 

 afterwards granted. 



Previous to this, however, in 1293, a statute, 

 known as that * concerning Malefactors in Forests 

 and Parks,' had been issued to strengthen the 

 hands of Foresters and of their subordinates in 

 dealing with those found committing forest 

 offences; so that it seems clear Edward might 

 have been as bad as the Norman kings but for 

 the pressure exerted upon him by the nation 

 at large. 



In consequence of delay in carrying out the 

 disafforestations promised in 1299, the Parlia- 

 ment held in 1 300 passed twenty * Articles anent 

 the Charters * (Articuli super Cartas\ ordering 

 infringements of them to be inquired into, and 

 severe measures to be taken with regard to forest 

 administration. A perambulation was accord- 

 ingly held in 1301, and Edward again confirmed 

 the charters in the Parliament held at Lincoln. 

 In 1 304, two statutes were wrung from him ; 

 but, in 1305, he obtained absolution from his 

 oath from Pope Clement V., and used this to 



