ABSTRACT

First Published in 2004. Four things dominated the life of the mediaeval noble: warfare, politics, land and family. It is with these central themes that this book is concerned. It encompasses the whole of the upper segment of the late medieval society; examines the relation of social status and political influence; describes the noble household and council; examines in detail the territorial and familial policies pursued by great landholders; emphasises the inter-relationship of local and national affairs; is arranged thematically, making it ideal for student use and has implications for the whole medieval period.

chapter |26 pages

Introduction

part |2 pages

PART I THE RANKS OF THE NOBILITY

chapter 1|26 pages

Kings and the titled nobility

chapter 2|14 pages

The peerage

chapter 3|16 pages

The gentry

part |2 pages

PART II SERVANTS, LANDS, AND THE FAMILY

chapter 4|17 pages

Households and councils

chapter 5|20 pages

Estates in land

chapter 6|36 pages

Property, the family, and money