HS2O7: Kingship and Crisis in England, c.1154–1330

Module code: HS2O7

Module provider: History; School of Humanities

Credits: 20

Level: Level 2 (Intermediate)

When you’ll be taught: Semester 2

Module convenor: Dr Elizabeth Matthew, email: e.a.e.matthew@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: Yes

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

This module investigates continuity and change in English politics from the late twelfth to the early fourteenth century.

The aims of the module are to:

• introduce students to concepts and expectations of kingship (and queenship) in this period;
• allow students to assess, compare and contrast different styles of kingship and issues provoking opposition and political crisis across the seven reigns spanning this period;
• encourage students to consider what part queens, and elite and non-elite subjects played in politics;
• encourage students to reflect more broadly on continuity and change in medieval English politics.

The purpose of the module is to give students a broad understanding of significant themes and issues in English politics in this era, while developing and consolidating their skills in the close reading and analysis of primary sources and secondary interpretations.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that students will be able to:

1. Have a detailed knowledge of the events through extensive reading in specialised literature
2. Appraise critically the primary sources and historical interpretations of the subject
3. Organise material and articulate arguments effectively in writing
4. Have developed their oral communication skills

Module content

In this era, English government was royal government: the prime mover in politics was the king. But kings had concerns outside England. Succession could be problematic. What happened when a king was absent or too young to rule in person? What constrained kings’ freedom of action? After looking at broad concepts and expectations of medieval kingship (and queenship), the module programme will focus on the context and significance of a series of formative events. Ranging from Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder at Canterbury (1170) at the climax of his quarrel with Henry II, to the young Edward III’s coup at Nottingham (1330) overthrowing the regime of his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, deposers of Edward II, these events offer sharp insights into the extent and limits of royal power. Directly or indirectly, their legacy can often still be traced today. Primary sources include the extraordinary verse biography of William Marshal (regent of England 1216–19); the graphic account of the death (1265) of Simon de Montfort, ‘the first leader of a political party in English history’; the first detailed account of an English coronation, at which the king swore to ‘abolish bad law and unjust customs’ and ‘enact [or ‘guard’] good laws’ (1189); and the contrasting revision to the coronation oath (1308), requiring the king ‘to maintain and preserve the laws and rightful customs which the community of your realm shall have chosen’.

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching and learning will be by a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Seminars, involving analysis of primary evidence and secondary literature via individual and group reports on reading assignments; team-based exercises, and debates
• Engagement with online learning resources
• Independent study

Study hours

At least 33 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and