KING MAGNUS THE LAWMENDER’S NATIONAL LAW OF 1274

The Landslov (National Law) which came into effect in 1274 applied to all Norway’s inhabitants. Everyone now had rights guaranteed by law. Even children, the poor and the destitute, miserabiles personae, were given legal protection. For example, the law stated that everyone had the right to food. This was a new idea, and it made Norway a better country in which to live.

During the ten-year Landslovprosjektet (National Law Project, from 2014 to 2024), researchers hope to find out more about how the legislation changed Norway. We hope, for instance, to learn more about how children fared in the Middle Ages. In 2024 we will celebrate the 750th anniversary for the Landslov.

The exhibition is produced by the Landslovprosjektet / University of Bergen, and the Norwegian Children’s Museum / Museum Stavanger (MUST).