The condition of England when Edward came to the throne was far from
settled. The country was overrun with marauders. To suppress these,
the Statute of Winchester made the inhabitants of every district
punishable by fines for crimes committed within their limits. Every
walled town had to close its gates at sunset, and no stranger could be
admitted during the night unless some citizen would be responsible for
him.
In addition, both sides of the main roads were cleared of bushes in
order that desperadoes might not lie in wait for travelers.
Furthermore, every citizen was required to keep arms and armor,
according to his condition in life, and to join in the pursuit and
arrest of criminals.