Baronial Opposition to Edward II: Its Character and Policy

First Published in 1967. This volume looks at the baronial opposition to Edward II which was more than an opportunist outburst of oligarchical tendencies, though the circumstances of the time were suitable for an opposition of such a nature. It was more than a reaction from the policy of Edward I. It was against the royal system of administration that the barons stood in the reign of Edward II. A consideration of the features of that system of administration is therefore of the utmost importance in determining the character and policy of the baronial opposition. A study of the administration as controlled by the household is important for two chief reasons. It gives the objective of the baronial attack. It explains the strength of the king's position and therefore supplies the reason for the failure of the barons. The second part of the thesis is concerned with the various attacks of the barons upon the royal position.