The Evolution of Treason in the Tudor Age

Abstract

The first Treason Act known in English History was enacted by Edward III in 1352, or sometimes dated to 1351. This law was created to distinguish the petty (‘petit’) treason of the common law from the high treason – treason committed against a monarch or his or later her country. This particular treason act was enforced until Henry VIII legislated his first treason act in 1534. Although the Acts of Treason changed and varied from monarch to monarch, we can still see the common ground – that is to protect the monarch from personal offences... (Introduction)