In the autumn of 1283, Edward I held a Parliament at Acton Burnell. It is significant in that it was the first time in English history that the law-making process included the Commons. The law passed became known as the “Statute of Acton Burnell”, a law giving protection to creditors, indicating the increasing significance of trade at that time.
It is assumed that the lords met in the castle and the Commons met in the Great Barn. At about forty metres long and ten metres wide it may have been the only space large enough. Unfortunately only the two gables survive.
The castle is maintained by Historic England and is open to the public. The barn is in the private grounds of Concord College.
(Information from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)
