the Parliament of England

“ And for that the said statute doth not extend to entries [in] [4] tenements in peaceable manner, and after holden with force, nor if the persons which enter with force into lands [and] [5] tenements, be removed and voided before the coming of the said justices or justice, as before, nor any pain ordained if the sheriff do not obey the commandments and precepts of the said justices for to execute the said ordinance, many wrongful and forcible entries be daily made [in] [6] lands and tenements by such as have no right ”

“ Provided always, that they which keep their possessions with force in any lands [and] [14] tenements, whereof they or their ancestors, or they whose estate they have in such lands and tenements have continued their possessions in the same by three years or more, be not endamaged by force of this statute. ”

“ And that as well the justices or justice aforesaid, as the justices of assises, and every of them, at their coming into the country to take assises, shall have power to hear and determine such defaults and negligences of the said sheriffs and bailiffs, and every of them, as well by bill at the suit of the party grieved for himself as for the King [to sue] [13] by indictment only to be taken for the King; and if the sheriff or bailiff be duly attainted in this behalf by indictment, or by bill, that he which sueth for himself and for the King have the one moiety of the forfeiture of xx li. ”