New Books in Early Modern History Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, "Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State" (Faber & Faber, 2024)
Sep 17, 2024
Join historians Caroline Burt and Richard Partington as they delve into the tumultuous era of Plantagenet England. Burt highlights King John's turmoil and the birth of Magna Carta, while Partington discusses how common law and parliamentary structures shaped governance. They explore Edward I's effective reign and the chaos of Edward II's personal failures, contrasting these monarchs with Richard II's flawed leadership. With insights on the evolution of the English state, they reveal historical resonances that still impact politics today.
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Focus On Core Government Duties
- Do prioritize delivering core government functions like defense and law-and-order to secure political support.
- Edward I succeeded because he focused on practical governance and communicated a manifesto of good government.
Personality Can Collapse A Well-Run State
- Edward II turned a competent state into severe factional crisis through personal failings: irresponsibility, laziness, vindictiveness, and lack of focus.
- His reign shows how individual character can rapidly destabilize political systems.
Favourites Distorted Edward II’s Rule
- Piers Gaveston blocked royal counsel by monopolizing the king's attention and was seen as a meritless obstacle to governance.
- Hugh Despenser the Younger provided ruthless direction, briefly enabling the king while alienating many nobles.