Rolls of Oleron
Encyclopedia
The Rolls of Oléron were the first formal statement of "maritime" or "admiralty" laws
in northwestern Europe
.
They were promulgated by Eleanor of Aquitaine
in about 1160 after her return from crusade having accompanied her first husband Louis VII
. Based upon the ancient Lex Rhodia, which had governed Mediterranean commerce since before the time of Christ. She likely became acquainted with them while at court of King Baldwin of Jerusalem, who had adopted them as the Maritime Assizes of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. They are named the of Oléron
since the island was the site of the maritime court associated with the most powerful seamen's guild of the Atlantic. She promulgated them in England at the very end of the twelfth century having been granted viceregal powers of England while king Richard I was on crusade.
They were published subsequently in French
and English. The English king Henry VIII
published them as "The judgment of the sea, of Masters, of Mariners, and Merchants, and all their doings." The Rolls greatly influenced the English Black Book of the Admiralty
.
Admiralty law
Admiralty law is a distinct body of law which governs maritime questions and offenses. It is a body of both domestic law governing maritime activities, and private international law governing the relationships between private entities which operate vessels on the oceans...
in northwestern Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
.
They were promulgated by Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine
Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the wealthiest and most powerful women in Western Europe during the High Middle Ages. As well as being Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, she was queen consort of France and of England...
in about 1160 after her return from crusade having accompanied her first husband Louis VII
Louis VII of France
Louis VII was King of France, the son and successor of Louis VI . He ruled from 1137 until his death. He was a member of the House of Capet. His reign was dominated by feudal struggles , and saw the beginning of the long rivalry between France and England...
. Based upon the ancient Lex Rhodia, which had governed Mediterranean commerce since before the time of Christ. She likely became acquainted with them while at court of King Baldwin of Jerusalem, who had adopted them as the Maritime Assizes of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. They are named the of Oléron
Oléron
Île d'Oléron is an island off the Atlantic coast of France , on the southern side of the Pertuis d'Antioche strait....
since the island was the site of the maritime court associated with the most powerful seamen's guild of the Atlantic. She promulgated them in England at the very end of the twelfth century having been granted viceregal powers of England while king Richard I was on crusade.
They were published subsequently in French
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
and English. The English king Henry VIII
Henry VIII of England
Henry VIII was King of England from 21 April 1509 until his death. He was Lord, and later King, of Ireland, as well as continuing the nominal claim by the English monarchs to the Kingdom of France...
published them as "The judgment of the sea, of Masters, of Mariners, and Merchants, and all their doings." The Rolls greatly influenced the English Black Book of the Admiralty
Black book of the admiralty
The Black Book of the Admiralty is a compilation of English admiralty law created over the course of several English monarchs' reigns, including the most important decisions of the High Court of Admiralty. Its starting point is the Rolls of Oléron, which were promulgated in c. 1160 by Eleanor...
.