Note 181 — Book VI.

The Dower being assigned, says Bracton, it shall, in every sense of the word, be enjoyed freely; and the wife shall not be compelled to contribute any portion of it, towards discharging the Debts of her Husband, which entirely devolve upon the Heir. The Heir shall warrant and defend the Dower, and perform the judicial services that may be due in respect of it, to the County, the Hundred, or the Lord’s Court; whilst the widow, exempt from every other care, devotes her attention solely to the management of her domestic affairs, and to the education of her children.—She shall, however, have her own court. (fo. 98. a.) So effectually were the convenience, the interest, the dignity, of the widow attended to when Bracton wrote!!