From the Thirteenth Century to the Accession of Elizabeth

Abstract

This chapter speaks about stability of canon law during the later Middle Ages and the early Tudor period. The contrast between the stability of this period and the advances in law that had taken place during the 12th and 13th centuries is dramatic. Relatively few changes in the nature of the law, its sources and its institutions, are to be found in the records of the later Middle Ages. Despite its stability overall, the history of the canon law and ecclesiastical jurisdiction in England from the last half of the 13th century to the start of the reign of Elizabeth was not without incident. Within the canon law itself, notable events occurred. Provisions were enacted to deal with the contests between the mendicant friars and the secular clergy. Legislation related to the Conciliar movement and the Great Schism was adopted.