New research into petitions and petitioning in the middle ages, illuminating aspects of contemporary law and justice. The mechanics, politics and culture of petitioning in the middle ages are examined in this innovative collection. In addition to important and wide-ranging examinations of the ancient world and the medieval papacy, it focuses particularly on petitions to the English crown in the later middle ages, drawing on a major collection of documents made newly accessible to research in the National Archives. A series of studies explores the political contexts of petitioning, the broad geographical and social range of petitioners, and the fascinating "worm's-eye" view of medieval life that is uniquely offered by petitions themselves; and particular attention is given to the performative qualities of petitioning and its place in the culture of royal intercession. With their vivid new insights into judicial conventions and the legal creativity spawned by political crisis, these papers provide a closely integrated assessment of current scholarship and new research on these most fascinating and revealing of medieval social texts. CONTRIBUTORS: W. MARK ORMROD, GWILYM DODD, SERENA CONNOLLY, BARBARA BOMBI, PATRICK ZUTSHI, PAUL BRAND, GUILHEM PEPIN, ANTHONY MUSSON, SIMON J. HARRIS, SHELAGH A. SNEDDON, DAVID CROOK

About the Author
The late W. MARK ORMROD was Professor Emeritus of History at the University of York; he published extensively on later medieval history. GWILYM DODD is Associate Professor of History at the University of Nottingham. DAVID CROOK, now retired, spent his working life in The National Archives, where he became immersed in the extensive surviving early records of the English royal administration and common law. From those sources have emerged important findings which may identify a real criminal as the original of the legendary English outlaw Robin Hood. GWILYM DODD is Associate Professor of History at the University of Nottingham. The late W. MARK ORMROD was Professor Emeritus of History at the University of York; he published extensively on later medieval history.

Reviews
A fine collection of essays. * JOURNAL OF ENGLISH & GERMANIC PHILOLOGY *
A valuable book which is indispensable for anyone intending to use Ancient Petitions in their research. * NORTHERN HISTORY *



Book Information
ISBN 9781903153253
Author W Mark Ormrod
Format Hardback
Page Count 266
Imprint York Medieval Press
Publisher York Medieval Press
Weight(grams) 1g