
London in the Later Middle Ages
Government and People 1200-1500
Caroline M. Barron(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 18. March 2004
Book
Hardback
488 pages
978-0-19-925777-5 (ISBN)
Description
This is the first full account of the evolution of the government of London from the tempestuous days of the Commune in the late twelfth century to the calmer waters of Tudor England. In this three-hundred-year period Londoners learnt how to construct, and to manage, 'self-government at the king's command'. They had to develop ways of negotiating with demanding and very different kings and to devise ways of raising money from citizens which were seen to be fair. London's elected rulers had also to resolve conflicting economic interests, to administer common resources and to protect and enhance the health and well-being of all those who lived in the city. London was by far the most populous and wealthy city in the kingdom, and its practices were widely copied throughout England. It was, as the Londoners claimed in 1339, the 'mirror and example to the whole land'.
Reviews / Votes
impressive ... eminently readable ... One of the many great strengths of the book is in its balance between the exposition of the larger context of Barron's analysis and its illustration by individual cases. * Annette Kern-Stahler, Archiv fur das Studium der neueren Sprachen und Literaturen * [a] magisterial study... It may be much longer before a more scholarly, richly detailed, and finely structured work appears in this genre. Quite apart from the excellent, solid scholarship packing its pages, the book functions as smoothly as the smartest piece of technology. * Philippa C Maddern, Economic History Review * Barron's book is a wonderful read, and the epitome of fine historical research and clarity of explanation. It is a reminder that we have ignored the eloquence that great writing on administrative history can achieve. Her mastery of primary source materials, both from London and from the Public Record Office is, breathtaking. * Barbara Hanawalt, Reviews in HistoryInstitute of Historical Research * This is a book for which all students of medieval London will be deeply grateful. * Sixteenth Century Journal *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
maps and tables
Dimensions
Height: 240 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 31 mm
Weight
898 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-925777-5 (9780199257775)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Book
07/2005
Oxford University Press
€107.00
Shipment within 15-20 days
Person
Content
PART I. CITY AND CROWN: THE REALITY OF ROYAL POWER ; 1. The Demands of the Crown ; 2. The Needs of the City ; PART II. CITY AND PROSPERITY: THE CREATION OF WEALTH ; 3. The Economic Infrastructure ; 4. Manufacturing and Distribution ; 5. Overseas Trade ; PART III. THE GOVERNMENT OF LONDON ; 6. The City Courts ; 7. Annually Elected Officials: Mayors and Sheriffs ; 8. The Civic Bureaucracy ; 9. From Guilds to Companies ; PART IV. THE PRACTICE OF CIVIC GOVERNMENT ; 10. The Urban Environment ; 11. Welfare Provision ; Epilogue ; Appendix 1: Mayors and Sheriffs of London 1190-1558 ; Appendix 2: Civic Office-Holders c.1300-c.1500 ; Bibliography ; Index