King Henry Plantagenet in the midst of his barons: public and territorial consultation at great assemblies in England (1155-1188)

José Manuel Cerda

doi:10.1590/tem-1980-542x2019v260110

Abstract

Summary: This article aims to explore the public and territorial dimensions of general councils in England during the reign of Henry II and their increasing distinction from private and ceremonial counsel. In the second half of the twelfth century, great assemblies were enlarged. This can be ascertained from a number of their changing features such as the terminology employed, the frequency of their meetings, the issues discussed, the composition of the gatherings, the mode of consultation, and the political and ceremonial performance of those summoned. The king and his court of advisors seem to have taken advantage of this institutional transformation by seizing the gathering of nobles to introduce an unprecedented number of reforms and measures with some form of baronial assent, if not support and approval, and by launching these resolutions with an unusual level of publicity.

Highlights

Like his predecessors in England and most European rulers at the time, Henry II relied heavily and constantly on the counsel of his court and entourage, as well as on the advice of influential magnates in his kingdom
The personality and governance of Henry II have been studied, his councils have not been the subject of comprehensive analysis
Assemblies became an important occasion for the governance of the realm, staging important political discussions and witnessing the resolution of significant conflicts and disputes, while bringing the powerful and influential men of the land together. Such meetings are by no means unprecedented, but the lesser frequency and different character of royal councils before the 1150s, suggests that a considerable number of important matters were resolved by private counsel, if any consultation was considered

Summary

Dossier Regulação de conflitos na idade média

King Henry Plantagenet in the midst of his barons: public and territorial consultation at great assemblies in England (1155-1188). In the second half of the twelfth century, great assemblies were enlarged This can be ascertained from a number of their changing features such as the terminology employed, the frequency of their meetings, the issues discussed, the composition of the gatherings, the mode of consultation, and the political and ceremonial performance of those summoned. The king and his court of advisors seem to have taken advantage of this institutional transformation by seizing the gathering of nobles to introduce an unprecedented number of reforms and measures with some form of baronial assent, if not support and approval, and by launching these resolutions with an unusual level of publicity. Rei Henrique Plantageneta em meio aos seus barões: público e consulta territorial em grandes assembleias na Inglaterra (1155-1188).

Introduction

Great and general councils

Final considerations