Edward I and the Governance of England, 1272–1307

An important exploration of the reign of Edward I – one of England's most lionised, feared and successful monarchs. Through three detailed case studies, Caroline Burt explores how his governance was reflected at a local level and re-evaluates his motivations and achievements, presenting an entirely new interpretation of his reign.

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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.