Which early building code was promulgated by the Mayor of London in 1189?

The Assize of Buildings, established by the Mayor of London in 1189, is recognized as one of the earliest building codes. It was created in response to the need for regulation in construction practices to ensure safety and order within the growing urban environment of London. This code set forth guidelines for building materials, the height of buildings, and construction methods, reflecting an early understanding of public safety and urban planning.

The significance of the Assize of Buildings lies in its attempt to control how buildings were constructed in a densely populated area, which is foundational to modern code enforcement practices. It illustrates the historic movement towards establishing regulations that protect both the public and the integrity of buildings.

Other options, while significant in their own right, do not pertain to the regulation of building practices in the context of English law during that period. The Code of Hammurabi is a well-known ancient legal code from Babylon that predates the Assize and deals with a broad range of laws rather than specific building regulations. The Laws of the Twelve Tables were foundational laws for ancient Rome, also not specific to construction. The London Building Act, while an important piece of legislation in London’s architectural history, was enacted much later than 1189 and thus is not correct in this