Edward I and the Governance of England, 1272–1307

This study of Edward I's governance radically re-evaluates his motivations and achievements, presenting an entirely new interpretation of his reign.

Caroline Burt (Author)

9780521889995, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 November 2012

316 pages, 9 b/w illus. 9 maps 16 tables
23.5 x 15.9 x 2 cm, 0.59 kg

'An examination of how Edward's governance at national level was reflected in different localities. The approach is mainly chronological, with general discussion of ideas of kingship and governance, and the text is largely based on evidence from Shropshire, Warwickshire and Kent.' Northern History

This important exploration of the reign of Edward I – one of England's most lionised, feared and successful monarchs – presents his kingship in a radical new light. Through detailed case studies of Shropshire, Warwickshire and Kent, Caroline Burt examines how Edward's governance at a national level was reflected in different localities. She employs novel methodology to measure levels of disorder and the effects of government action, and uncovers a remarkably sophisticated approach to governance. This study combines an empirical examination of government with an understanding of developing political ideas and ideological motivation, and contributes towards a greater understanding of the development of local government and politics in England in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Edward emerges as a king with a coherent set of ideas about the governance of his realm, both intellectually and practically, whose achievements were even more remarkable than has previously been recognised.

List of maps
List of tables
List of figures
Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Introduction
Part I. Context: 1. Royal government
2. Political ideas
3. The localities: Shropshire, Warwickshire and Kent
Part II. Chronology: 4. Edward: the apprenticeship, 1254–72
5. 1272–7
6. 1278–85
7. 1286–93
8. 1294–1301
9. 1302–7
Conclusion
Appendix: tables and figures
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: Legal history [LAZ], Medieval history [HBLC1], British & Irish history [HBJD1], History [HB]