Divine Defense: How Catholic Saint Hilary became the Patron of England’s Early Right to Bear Arms

In the cobwebbed corridors of England’s medieval history, a unique event unfolded under the rule of King Henry II. The Assize of Arms of 1181 didn’t merely establish the obligation for all freemen to bear arms; it also intertwined this duty with a significant religious practice.

In the 12th century, King Henry II decreed that each freeman, according to his rank and wealth, must possess and use arms. This reinstated an ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition, leveraging the collective power of the people for the kingdom’s defense. What sets this assize apart is its unexpected connection to the Catholic Church.

The king’s command was that every man must pledge his commitment to bear arms before the feast day of a Catholic saint, Saint Hilary. This unique intersection of duty and devotion made the acquisition of arms a divine matter.

The freemen were bound not just by their earthly loyalty to the king, but also by their spiritual commitment, woven tightly around the feast of Saint Hilary. This religious dimension sanctified the civic duty, implying a higher divine accountability.

The Assize of Arms, in essence, cleverly married faith with fealty. By drawing upon the moral authority of Catholicism, the Assize increased the people’s commitment to defence, all under the providential gaze of Saint Hilary.

While the discourse on the right to bear arms continues today, the Assize of Arms adds a spiritual depth to this historical narrative. The intriguing blend of Catholic tradition and royal decree from the 12th century presents a nuanced perspective on the enduring subject of arms and allegiances.