Royal Justice and the Making of the Tudor Commonwealth, 1485-1547

The book explores the interactions between sovereigns and subjects in the royal Court of Requests, highlighting the role of ordinary people in a judicial revolution during the Tudor era. It demonstrates the complexities of integrating extraordinary royal justice into ordinary procedures.

Format: Hardback
Length: 342 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Tudor era, a pivotal period in English history, is often characterized by its focus on the private lives of monarchs and the constitutional reforms of ministers. This portrayal suggests that the significant developments of this era occurred solely within the halls of power, disconnected from the broader populace. However, this book offers a comprehensive perspective on politics and society in late medieval and early modern England. By delving into the rich but relatively overlooked archive of the royal Court of Requests, it reconstructs the collaborations between sovereigns and subjects in shaping an essential governmental ideal: justice. This study emphasizes the institutional and social dimensions of this point of contact, placing ordinary people, their knowledge, and demands at the center of a judicial revolution unfolding within the governments of Henry VII and Henry VIII.

While this approach brought about significant changes, it also created new challenges. It necessitated the adaptation of extraordinary royal justice to ordinary procedures, leading to complexities and potential conflicts. The book explores these dynamics, shedding light on the complexities and contradictions of the Tudor era's pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, this book provides a fresh and nuanced understanding of the Tudor era, challenging the notion of its isolation from the wider society. By examining the interactions between sovereigns and subjects, it reveals the profound impact of judicial reforms on the lives of ordinary people and the institutions of government. It serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of this pivotal period in English history.

ISBN-13: 9781009371360