Legal Definitions - free bench

Free bench is a historical term that refers to the right of a widow or widower to inherit a half interest in their deceased spouse's estate until they either die or remarry. This right was also known as francus bancus, frank bank, or liber bancus.

For example, in the past, when families stayed together, the surviving spouse was allowed to remain in the house with their children. The right of the widower or widow to stay at the fireside was somewhat indefinite. However, through free bench, the surviving spouse could enjoy one-half of the land until death or second marriage, regardless of whether there were children from the marriage or not.

Overall, free bench was a way to provide some financial security for the surviving spouse after the death of their partner.