1st Edition
England and Europe in the Reign of Henry III (1216–1272)
The close political, economic and cultural ties that developed between England and its neighbours were a defining feature of the rule of Henry III, which permeated nearly all levels of society from the king and his barons to the Church and merchants, artisans and fortune hunters. They were evident both in the high politics of Henry III, as well as in the more general cultural developments, as can be seen in the French architecture, Italian masonry and German goldwork of Westminster Abbey. They can likewise be traced with regard to individuals such as Simon de Montfort, whose family was active in the Holy Land, Languedoc, Northern France and England. In short, thirteenth century England formed part of a broader European cultural, political and economic commonwealth. The essays that form this volume demonstrate the variety and strength of these contacts between England and her neighbours during Henry's reign, and by seeking to place Henry's England within a broader geographical and thematic range, will contribute to a broader understanding of England's place within thirteenth century Europe.
Biography
Ifor W. Rowlands, Björn K.U. Weiler
'... a learned and original account... Both as an imaginative and sympathetic re-creation of human relationships in the past, and as a delicate piece of forensic reasoning [Margaret Howell's essay] is historical writing of a high order.' English Historical Review '... a refreshing analysis... a serious and considered contribution to thirteenth-century scholarship, its authors offering judicious revisions and reinterpretations...' History 'This is an impressive collection of essays which provides fresh insights into the dynamic and multi-dimensional European context in which English affairs operated during Henry III's reign. It makes an original and stimulating contribution to existing scholarship, and as such will be extremely welcome to both students and established scholars.' Welsh History Review