Description
Book SynopsisFirst extended survey of the subject, looking at the knights' activities, roles, background and service. It was common for the kings of medieval England to retain a small number of knights in their personal service, as part of the royal household. These knights provided a core of loyal and talented men on whom each king could rely for military and political support. Household knights were a part of almost all aspects of the reign: they assisted in the raising and equipping of royal armies; they offered leadership for these armies once on campaign; they acted as trusted councillors and administrators at the centre of government; and they maintained the king's authority and landed interests throughout his kingdom. This book - the first full-length study of the household knight in late medieval England - takes as its focus those men serving during the successful reign of Edward III. It asks how and why household knights were retained, who was chosen to serve in such a capacity, what functions these men performed, and what rewards they received in return for their time in service. In doing so, it enables a more detailed picture of Edward III's kingship to be gained, and allows important questions to be answered about the ways in which wars were fought and kingdoms ruled in late medieval Europe.
Trade ReviewMatthew Hefferan's book is a welcome and timely addition to the scholarship of both the history of the household knight and that of the reign of Edward III. * SPECULUM *
This is an erudite, detailed, and impressive first monograph, which will be of interest to both political and military historians of later medieval England. -- ROYAL STUDIES JOURNAL
[A] thoroughly researched and engagingly written contribution by Matthew Hefferan to the study of both the reign of Edward III and the subject of the place of royal retaining in the practice of kingship in late medieval England more widely. -- PARLIAMENTARY HISTORY
Table of ContentsIntroduction The Mechanics of Retaining Recruiting Household Knights Preparing for War In the Field of Combat Diplomacy and Defensive Warfare At the Centre: National Politics and Central Government In the Localities The Rewards of Service Conclusion Appendix 1 - Edward III's Household Knights, 1327-1377 Appendix 2 - Stewards and Chamberlains of the Royal Household, 1327-1377 Appendix 3 - Household Knights' Military Retinues Appendix 4 - Annuities Granted to Household Knights Bibliography
