diff --git a/CHANGES b/CHANGES
index 2aa01d5..8cb9331 100644
--- a/CHANGES
+++ b/CHANGES
@@ -7,6 +7,8 @@
 1.16
 ----
 
+Java 8 or later is minimum runtime required
+
 BATIK-1338: Block loading jar inside svg
 BATIK-1345: Restrict what java classes can be run thru rhino
 
diff --git a/README b/README
index 3450e60..b35e280 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@
   Requirements
   ------------
 
-   o  A Java 7 or later compatible virtual machine for your operating system.
+   o  A Java 8 or later compatible virtual machine for your operating system.
 
 
   Optional Libraries