High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Free bench is a legal term relating to an ancient manorial custom in parts of England whereby a widow could retain tenure of the land after her husband had died, until she remarried. "Free Bench. The widow's right to a copyhold. It is not a dower or gift, but a free right independent of the will of the husband. Called bench because, upon acceding to the estate, she becomes a tenant of the manor, and one of the benchers, i.e. persons who sit on the bench occupied by the pares curiae". The widow of a tenant was usually allowed her free bench, so long as she preserved her chastity. But if any evidence appeared against her, or she declared an intention of remarrying, she had to forfeit her lands.

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