Alienation and Resumption.

The Legislature has always had undisputed right to make void any kingly alienations of property, when thought exorbitant, and seldom failed in olden times to resume such property. William Rufus dissipated most of the Conqueror's vast settlements, but he was forced to an act of Resumption, as indeed were every one of his successors to the end of the fourteenth century. Henry IV. was compelled by the House of Commons to resume and annex for ever lands granted away by Edward III. and Richard II. So in the reigns of Henry VI., Edward VI., and Henry VII.