Ordinances

English history

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July 1, 2026

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In English history, "Ordinances" refers to a set of regulations framed by a committee of nobles and prelates known as the Lords Ordainers. This group opposed King Edward II and sought to limit his power and regulate his household. The Ordinances, presented in 1311, were traditional in tone and aimed to restore the influence of the baronage in government. They also specifically targeted Edward's favorite, Piers Gaveston, demanding his exile. While Edward accepted the Ordinances under duress, he did not intend to uphold them, leading to conflict and his eventual overthrow. An ordinance, more generally, is an authoritative decree or regulation, often a municipal law.123

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Edward II
…drafted a document—known as the Ordinances—demanding the banishment of Gaveston and the restriction of the King’s powers over finances and appointments. Edward pretended to give in to these demands; he sent Gaveston out of the country but soon allowed him to return. In retaliation the barons seized Gaveston and executed…
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…drafted a document—known as the Ordinances—demanding the banishment of Gaveston and the restriction of the King’s powers over finances and appointments. Edward pretended to give in to these demands; he sent Gaveston out of the country but soon allowed him to return. In retaliation the barons seized Gaveston and executed…
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United Kingdom
Edward II (1307–27)
…in the production of the Ordinances in 1311. They were in part directed against Gaveston—who was again to be exiled—and other royal favourites, but much of the document looked back to the grievances of Edward I’s later years, echoing concessions made by the king in 1300. Hostility was expressed to…
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…in the production of the Ordinances in 1311. They were in part directed against Gaveston—who was again to be exiled—and other royal favourites, but much of the document looked back to the grievances of Edward I’s later years, echoing concessions made by the king in 1300. Hostility was expressed to…
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Piers Gaveston, earl of Cornwall
…of the “Ordainers,” and the Ordinances that they drew up provided, among other things, for the perpetual banishment of his favourite. Gaveston then retired to Flanders but returned secretly to England at the end of 1311. Soon he was publicly restored by Edward, and the barons had taken up arms.…
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…of the “Ordainers,” and the Ordinances that they drew up provided, among other things, for the perpetual banishment of his favourite. Gaveston then retired to Flanders but returned secretly to England at the end of 1311. Soon he was publicly restored by Edward, and the barons had taken up arms.…
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