Under the kingship of Edward I in the late-13th and early-14th centuries, the scope of the English legal system notably expanded and began to take definitive form, as a masterful monarch, conscious both of his rights and responsibilities, strove to provide good governance for his realm. From 1294, war on multiple fronts added to the demands made both of and by the crown. It was upon this foundation that the scope and needs of the state developed in the 14th century. War against the French and the Scots was fought over the issues of sovereignty and overlordship, and was acted out not only in France and Scotland but across Western Europe.
At the same time, the continued growth of the legal system, framed from the middle of the century by the demographic crisis of the Black Death, both burdened and empowered the king’s subjects, who acted as royal officers and lieutenants carrying the king’s rule into the localities and abroad in a manner and on a scale without precedent. As the state reached further, and with ever-greater consequence, the role of the king became more critical than ever. The implications of this, both for the monarch and the subjects he managed as a team delivering his government, were profound. In short, lives changed, and this course will examine how and why they did.
What our students say
"So knowledgeable and passionate, and the handouts helped us keep up with the fast pace. Richard always made time to stop and fully answer and explore questions."
