In recent years Edward II's reign has attracted the attention of a number of scholars whose work has considerably modified the traditional picture. As a result, there has been a move away from the emphasis on constitutional and administrative theory and practice to a consideration of the personalities involved, notably Edward himself and the earls of Pembroke and Lancaster. Although medieval biography is difficult, such an approach has been highly successful - the actions of individuals are seen to be crucial in any analysis of events. However, since Kathleen Edwards's pioneer article in the mid-1940s, the Church's contribution has been largely neglected. In her view, after Archbishop Winchelsey's death the bishops cut sorry figures indeed. The time has come for a more sympathetic appraisal, in particular of the role played by Adam Orleton, promoted successively bishop of Hereford, Worcester and Winchester by a pope who paid no attention to the expostulations of the government at home.
| ISBN: | 9780521022484 |
| Publication date: | 10th November 2005 |
| Author: | Roy Martin Haines |
| Publisher: | Cambridge University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 320 pages |
| Series: | Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Third Series |
| Genres: |
Christianity Religious and spiritual figures |