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The Life and Reign of King Edward I: A Study of Power and Politics
How Edward I (reigned 1272-1307) used statutes, parliaments, castles and war to strengthen the English crown, and what his wars in Wales and Scotland cost.
Power and Work
Kings and Rulers
Profiles of medieval monarchs and nobles and the politics around them.
The Life and Reign of King Edward II: A Study of Power and Politics
Edward II's reign (1307-1327) through its politics: favorites, baronial opposition, defeat at Bannockburn and the rise of the Despensers.
The Life and Reign of King Henry VIII: A Study of Power and Politics
Henry VIII (reigned 1509-1547) sits at the end of the medieval era. This article covers the break with Rome and court politics as a bridge to the early modern age.
The Life and Reign of King James I: A Study of Power and Politics
Which James I? This article covers James I of Scotland, held captive in England for 18 years, his return in 1424 and his murder in 1437, and notes the later English James I.
The Life and Reign of King Louis IX: A Study of Power and Politics
Louis IX of France (reigned 1226-1270), later Saint Louis: his piety, royal justice, administration and two crusades, and how they strengthened the crown.
The Life and Reign of King Philip II: A Study of Power and Politics
Philip II Augustus of France (reigned 1180-1223) enlarged the royal domain at England's expense and built stronger royal government. Not to be confused with Philip II of Spain.
The Life and Reign of King Richard the Lionheart
Richard I of England (reigned 1189-1199) as crusader and warrior-king: his role in the Third Crusade, capture and ransom, and years spent away from England.
The Life and Times of John of Gaunt
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster (1340-1399): his influence over the young Richard II, his vast Lancastrian estates and his place in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.
The Life and Times of King Edward I
The personal side of Edward I (1239-1307): his youth during the baronial wars, his crusade, his marriage to Eleanor of Castile and his reputation as Longshanks.
The Life and Times of King Edward II
How Edward II lost his throne in 1326-1327, what happened at Berkeley Castle, and why the stories about his death remain uncertain.
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Feudalism and Knighthood How feudal ties and the knightly code organized medieval rule. Farming and Trade Fields, guilds, markets and the hardship of famine. Heraldry and Coats of Arms Shields, symbols and the heralds who kept track of them. Knights and Warfare The knightly code, honor and how medieval battles were fought. Kingship and Law How kings ruled and how law and justice worked. Battles and Campaigns Famous battles and what they changed. Tournaments and Chivalry Mock battles, jousts, knightly orders and the ideals behind them. Sieges and Weapons How castles and towns were attacked and defended, and the arms used. Norman and Angevin Kings Rulers from William the Conqueror to the Angevin kings. Late Medieval Monarchs English and French kings of the later Middle Ages. Magna Carta The charter of 1215, its clauses and its legacy. Chivalry and Honor The ideals of knightly conduct, honor and loyalty, and how they changed. Feudal Society and Estates Feudalism, the manor and the three estates of medieval society. Economy and Commerce Trade, guilds, money and the movement of news and goods. Justice, Trials and Punishments How medieval courts judged crimes, from ordeals and duels to fines and executions. Manor, Serfdom and Tithes The rural system of manors, unfree peasants and church dues. Peasants Revolts Rural risings and what they demanded, with the real dates and places. Ireland, Scotland and Wales Medieval life and politics on the Celtic fringe of Britain and Ireland. Crafts and Workshops The trades that made cloth, metal, bread and books in medieval towns.