Lordship and Learning: Studies in Memory of Trevor Aston

Abstract

This volume is a deserved tribute to a distinguished and most energetic scholar whose contributions to historical study far exceeded those made by his writings, which, though few, were original and pregnant. Two of his unpublished papers are included here. One is what will prove the standard survey of the equipment of medieval muniment rooms. The other is a major study of Anglo-Saxon dependent tenure (approximately corresponding to Anglo-Norman mesne tenure) as it is recorded in Domesday for southern and much of midland England. It is a pity that it was not published long ago, though one may question Aston's contention that the Conquest saw an almost complete change from shire- and hundred-based military service to a fief-based system. This paper makes an important contribution to the study of the Anglo-Saxon gentry, as do the papers here from Professor Coss and Dr Faith. Aston gave a great deal to the study of university history, as Keeper of the Archives of Oxford and, above all, as general editor of the multi-volume history of the university. This contribution is recognised by an extremely interesting essay by Dr Catto on the late medieval academic halls of Oxford. He shows how they had an organisation and ethos which made them a major and an innovative educational force such as to echo developments in Italy and to contribute importantly to the development of collegiate education. Professor Charles-Edwards, in a methodical examination of the relationships between nation and language in early Britain and Ireland, poses important questions on the relations between power and language, suggesting, for example, that the remarkable uniformity of Old Irish reflects the power of the Uí Néill. Dr Brand makes an arresting contribution to the study of the origins of the provincial legal profession as illuminated in the shady squabbles of Norfolk, c.1300. These two contributors are among those who were Aston's pupils. Their fine work exemplifies how much others have owed to him; not least in his long and strongly conscientious service as editor of Past and Present.