In whatever manner we consider it, we must own that this subject during the Saxon times is extremely dark.

One thing, however, is, I think, clear from the whole tenor of their government, and even from the tenor of the Norman Constitution long after: that their Witenagemotes or Parliaments were unformed, and that the rights by which the members held their seats were far from being exactly ascertained.

The _Judicia Civitatis Londoniae_ afford a tolerable insight into the Saxon method of making and executing laws.

First, the king called together his bishops, and such other persons _as he thought proper_.

This council, or Witenagemote, having made such laws as seemed convenient, they then swore to the observance of them.