Denization

Denization is an obsolete or defunct process in England and Ireland and the later Kingdom of Great Britain, the United Kingdom, and the British Empire, dating back to the 13th century, by which an alien (foreigner), through letters patent, became a denizen, thereby obtaining certain rights otherwise only normally enjoyed by the King's (or Queen's) subjects, including the right to hold land. Denization fell into obsolescence with the British Nationality and Status of Aliens Act 1914 (4 & 5 Geo. 5) c. 17, which instituted certificates of naturalisation, instead of—as it was with divorce until the year 1858 with the Matrimonial Causes Act 1857 (20 & 21 Vict.) c. 85—necessitating the procuring of an expensive private act of Parliament or possibly of a colonial legislature.