November: A Man’s Home is His Castle; Ireland

By CadyLuck Leedy on November 2, 2016

 

To me, November is everything about the home. We are preparing our homes for the shorter days and longer dark nights; settling in so to speak with a good book and a cup of cocoa in front of the fire. November is also all about the family and food and sharing. So through November I will share tidbits about the home and some fascinating photos of homes around the world. Enjoy!

Let’s start in Ireland! The English judge and jurist Sir Edward Coke (pronounced cook) declared in a ruling known as Semayne’s Case, that there were strict limits on how sheriffs could enter a person’s house. In a famous and much quoted decision from 1604, Coke declared that “the house of every one is to him as his castle and fortress as well for defense against injury and violence, as for his refuge” which over the years has become simplified to “a man’s home is his castle”.

The poorest man may in his cottage bid defiance to all the forces of the crown. It may be frail – its roof may shake – the wind may blow through it – the storm may enter – the rain may enter – but the King of England cannot enter.”