Peter des Roches: An Alien in English Politics, 1205–1238 (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Fourth Series, Series Number 31) - Softcover

Vincent, Nicholas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521522153 ISBN 13: 9780521522151

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2002

Synopsis

This is the first biography of one of the wealthiest and most influential bishops of medieval Europe, who for a period of over thirty years exercised a degree of power over the thirteenth-century Plantagenet court second only to that of the king. The career of Peter des Roches and the activities of his fellow aliens are fundamental to an understanding of the process by which England and France developed as two separate kingdoms. The book also sheds new light on such hotly-debated issues as the role of aliens in English politics, the reception of Magna Carta, the loss of Normandy, and the constitutional and administrative developments of the reign of Henry III.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This is the first biography of one of the wealthiest and most influential bishops of medieval Europe, who for a period of over thirty years exercised a degree of power over the Plantagenet court second only to that of the king. The career of Peter des Roches and the activities of his fellow aliens - examined here in detail for the first time - are fundamental to an understanding of the process by which England and France developed as two separate kingdoms. As a politician, des Roches cast a shadow across the reigns of both John and Henry III. His biography encompasses the first detailed narrative yet attempted of English political history in the early 1230s and of the civil war of 1233-4: a period which, as the author argues, has been much misunderstood. In the process it sheds new light on such hotly debated issues as the role of aliens in English politics, the reception of Magna Carta, and loss of Normandy, and the constitutional and administrative developments of the reign of Henry III.

Review:

"Nicholas Vincent is a scholar with deep knowledge of the sources for the Angevin period....It is testimony to his knowledge of record materials and chronicles that he could write a massive book on des Roches, who left no significant personal archive other than his official episcopal acta." Barrie Dobson, Albion

"This book is clearly written, resourcefully argued, and displays a nice sense of irony. The volume is also well produced....It is essential reading for those concerned either with the evolution of English national identity after the Conquest or with thirteenth-century English politics. Ecclesiastical historias can also profit from it, more than can be noted in a short review" Michael Burger, The Catholic Historical Review

"The book supplies a much-needed study of des Roches and a narrative of Henry III's "lesson in kingship"....While the author's diligence and judgement must be admired, readers can wish for a somewhat tempered enthusiasm." Albion

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0521522153
• ISBN 13: 9780521522151
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 568