Explore how a medieval English county governed itself with near‑royal authority, from origins to its long influence on the constitution.
This scholarly work examines the county palatine of Durham as a microcosm of English governance. It traces how the Bishop’s authority created a distinct legal and administrative system, then shows how central authority gradually reshaped those privileges. The volume surveys the origins of the palatinate, the Bishop’s regality, the officers and assemblies, the judiciary, and the financial and military arrangements that sustained this unique jurisdiction. It also places Durham in the broader context of English constitutional development.
- Origins and nature of the palatinate, and why Durham stands in for similar districts.
- The Bishop’s regality and the evolving balance between local and royal power.
- Structure and roles of officers, the assembly, and the bishop’s council.
- The judiciary, courts, and the shift from feudal to royal judicial authority.
Ideal for readers of constitutional and legal history who want a clear, detailed account of how a privileged district shaped and was shaped by England’s central government.