The troubled reign of King Stephen is explored in depth, providing an authoritative account by a leading scholar of the Anglo-Norman world. The narrative encompasses the king's relationship with the empress, the role of the aristocracy and the Church, as well as the broader implications for Scotland, Wales, and Normandy. This comprehensive work combines rigorous scholarship with an engaging narrative, making it essential reading for both specialists and enthusiasts of medieval history.
Everything you ever wanted to know about the almost perfekt country... For fans of Stig Abell, Helen Russell and anyone who wants to know how the world really works.
The first great city to which the Crusaders came in 1089 was Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It was the key to the foundation, survival and ultimate eclipse of the crusading kingdom. The riches and sophistication of the city nevertheless made a lasting impression on the crusaders, and through them on western European culture.
List of figures; List of maps; Preface; Introduction; Part I. The Empire of Britain: 1. A century of conquest: 1000-1100; 2. Francophone Britain: 1100-1217; Part II. Living in Medieval Britain: 3. Peoples and languages; 4. Monarchy; 5. The State; 6. Establishing the Church; 7. The wealth of Britain; 8. The organisation of society; 9. Life experience; 10. Material Britain; Part III. The Great Divorce: 11. Redefining Britain, 1217-1337; 12. Scotland, 1306-1514; 13. Dynastic struggles, 1337-1485; Conclusion; Chronology of rulers; Index.