Lords and Lordship in the British Isles in the Late Middle Ages

by R.R. Davies, Brendan Smith (Editor)

It is well known that political, economic, and social power in the British Isles in the Middle Ages lay in the hands of a small group of domini-lords. In his final book, the late Sir Rees Davies explores the personalities of these magnates, the nature of their lordship, and the ways in which it was expressed in a diverse and divided region in the period 1272-1422.
Although their right to rule was rarely questioned, the lords flaunted their identity and superiority through the promotion of heraldic lore, the use of elevated forms of address, and by the extravagant display of their wealth and power. Their domestic routine, furnishings, dress, diet, artistic preferences, and pastimes all spoke of a lifestyle of privilege and authority. Warfare was a constant element in their lives, affording access to riches and reputation, but also carrying the danger of capture, ruin and even death, while their enthusiasm for crusades and tournaments testified to their energy and bellicose inclinations.
Above all, underpinning the lords' control of land was their control of men-a complex system of dependence and reward that Davies restores to central significance by studying the British Isles as a whole. The exercise and experience of lordship was far more varied than the English model alone would suggest.

Genres: British Literature, History

268 pages, Hardcover

First published August 17, 2009

About the author

Sir Robert Rees Davies was a Welsh historian received a First in his degree from University College, London, where he later returned as a lecturer. In 1975, he was appointed Professor of History, University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. In 1995, he was appointed the Chichele Professor of Medieval History at the University of Oxford and made a fellow of All Souls College. From 1995 to 2005 he served as Chairman of the Ancient Monuments Board for Wales. Davies was appointed a Knight Bachelor for services to history in the Queen's 2005 New Year's Honours.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book delves into the everyday lives of the people who played an important role in British History in the middle ages, but who for the most part are largely unknown to the layman who has only a passing knowledge of medieval history and are usually only defined by their relationship to the ruling monarch.
The only downside to the book is that it is way too short, as the author died part way through writing it. The editor has done a wonderful job of getting the book together for publication, but we can only lament at what might have been

[Alys Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

R. R. Davies was the one of the greatest Welsh Historians. The books is well researched and referenced. The bibliography is excellent.

The subject matter is well written.

My own concern and point of note. Rees Davies was a noted Welsh nationalist and at times the book is biased and partisan. However, that does not detract from a great piece of work.