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The Condition of Children in England, is different from those in our Neighbour Coun∣tries.
As Husbands have a more absolute Authority over their Wives and their Estates, so Fathers have a more absolute Authority over their Children. Fathers may give all their E∣states from their own Children,
and all to any one Child, and none to the rest; the conside∣ration whereof keeps the Chil∣dren in great awe.
Children by the Common Law of England are at certain ages enabled to perform cer∣tain Acts.
A Son at the age of 14 may choose his Guardian, may claim his Lands holden in Socage, may consent to Marriage, may by Will dispose of Goods and Chattels.
At the age of 15 he ought to be sworn to his Allegeance to the King.
At 21 he is said to be of full age, may then make any Con∣tracts, may pass not only Goods but Lands by Will, which in other Countries may not be done till the Annus con∣sistentiae,
the age of 25, when the heat of youth is somewhat abated, and they begin to be staied in mind as well as in growth.
A Daughter at 7 years is to have aid of her Fathers Tenants to marry her, for at those years she may consent to Marriage, though she may afterwards dis∣sent.
At 9 she is dowable, as if then or soon after she could vi∣rum sustinere, and thereby Do∣tem promereri.
At 12 she is enabled to rati∣fie and confirm her former con∣sent given to Matrimony, and if at that age she dissent not, she is bound for ever; she may then make a Will of Goods and Chattels.
At 14 she may receive her Lands into her own hands, and is then out of Wardship, if she be 14 at the death of her An∣cestor.
At 16 (though at the death of her Ancestor she was under 14) she shall be out of Wardship; because then she may take a Husband who may be able to perform Knights-service as well as hers.
At 21 she is enabled to con∣tract or alienate her Lands by Will or otherwise.
The Eldest Son inherits all Lands, and to the younger Children are disposed Goods and Chattels, and commonly the Eldest Sons Wives Portion; and besides they are carefully e∣ducated in some Profession or Trade▪
If there be no Son, the Lands as well as Goods are equally di∣vided amongst the Daughters.