William Lambard and the Сhorographic Еradition of Historical Writing in Early Modern England: Discourses of Land, Law and Language

Abstract

The article considers the little-studied topic — the origin in the 16th century of the chorographic tradition in the English historical writing. This tradition had both a medieval genesis and actual relevance for Tudor England. In its entirety the chorographic tradition was evolved in William Lambard’s “Perambulation to Kent” (1576). The narrative structure of this book was developed in the form of a multi-leveled description of Kent, placed as a part of a larger panorama of the entire England based on three interdependent discourses — of land and, law and language consequently. Through this imaginary journey Lambard showed to the readers the peculiarities of geography and history of Kent. This lively journey made visible through geographic features both Kentish and English history. With the help of history, archeology, customs, law as well as description and classification of geographical space, Lambard gave readers an image of the English placed in time and space. This work has became a convincing example for the next generations of the British historians who ventured to describe particular counties of England. It also fulfilled an important goal as far as demonstrated the very ways of establishing power over the environment self-determination and reflection on one's own origin.