The Administration of the County Palatine of Chester, 1442-85

The main aim of this book is to consider how and by whom the County Palatine of Chester was governed and administered during the later Middle Ages. It aims to assess how effectively and efficiently the wheels of government operated in this area. The study is based upon a detailed examination of the Palatine records for the years 1442-1485, during the reigns of Henry VI to Richard III. It is intended that this work should be more than a "parochial" study. Whilst Cheshire's position as a County Palatine has been examined and an assessment made of how much independence the county enjoyed, Cheshire's position within the national framework of government has not been forgotten. In the second half of the book the role of the gentry in the government of Cheshire is considered in some detail. The work of the gentry as office-holders, as county court jurors and as sureties in bonds made during the sessions is discussed and some attempt has been made to identify these gentry, using the large number of family muniment collections which have survived.