The Household and Court of James IV of Scotland, 1488-1513

This book explores the role of the court in late medieval Scotland, framing it within the wider field of court studies and highlighting its centrality to the effective government for which James IV is renowned. It argues that the people who moved within the household were both audience and performer in the court, receiving and producing messages about the king, royal government, and the status of groups and individuals. Association with the household also became a feature of life for people away from the court.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 07 March 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

James IV, widely recognized as one of Scotland's most charismatic and politically successful rulers, is celebrated for his remarkable reign. At the core of his rule government, his royal court played a pivotal role, and the institution of the royal household that supported it stood as a testament to his achievements. This captivating book, the first comprehensive exploration of the subject, takes a unique approach by focusing on the structures and personnel of the royal household, ranging from councillors to stable hands. By examining the distinction between household and court and the constraints imposed by the household on the court, Hepburn delves into the lives of the individuals who inhabited this realm. Through a comprehensive analysis, the book argues that these individuals not only fulfilled their duties as royal servants but also actively participated in the broader social and political landscape of the time. They served as both audience and performers in the court, receiving and transmitting messages about the king, royal government, and the status of various groups and individuals. Furthermore, the association with the household extended beyond the confines of the court, as it became a defining aspect of people's lives even outside its walls. The book highlights the central role of the court in the effective conduct of royal government for which James IV is renowned, shedding new light on the intricate dynamics and significance of this influential period in Scottish history.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276905