Liber pauperum

work by Vacarius

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June 30, 2026

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The Liber pauperum (meaning "book of the poor") was a treatise on Roman law prepared by Vacarius, a scholar of civil and canon law, around 1149. Vacarius was the first known teacher of Roman law in England, lecturing at the nascent University of Oxford.1

This work, which summarized the Digest and Codex of Emperor Justinian I, was intended for students who could not afford extensive legal training. The Liber pauperum became a foundational text at Oxford, leading students of law to be known as pauperistae. King Stephen attempted to suppress the teaching of civil law and destroy related books, but Vacarius continued his work under Henry II.1

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Vacarius
Known as Liber pauperum, this work became one of the chief legal texts at Oxford, where, at an uncertain date, Vacarius began to teach. Oxford students of law soon were called pauperistae, in reference to his book.
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Known as Liber pauperum, this work became one of the chief legal texts at Oxford, where, at an uncertain date, Vacarius began to teach. Oxford students of law soon were called pauperistae, in reference to his book.
Read More