Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Trial by combat" in English language version.
The earliest reference to the battle, I believe, in any account of a trial in England, is at the end of the case of Bishop Wulfstan v. Abbot Walter, in 1077. The controversy was settled, and we read: 'Thereof there are lawful witnesses ... who said and heard this, ready to prove it by oath and battle.'
Acquitted on a Charge of murdering a Girl, and on being rearrested claimed Trial by Battle, April 1818
The earliest reference to the battle, I believe, in any account of a trial in England, is at the end of the case of Bishop Wulfstan v. Abbot Walter, in 1077. The controversy was settled, and we read: 'Thereof there are lawful witnesses ... who said and heard this, ready to prove it by oath and battle.'
Acquitted on a Charge of murdering a Girl, and on being rearrested claimed Trial by Battle, April 1818