The Archaeology of the Medieval English Monarchy

by Steane; John

• ISBN13: 9780415197885
• ISBN10: 0415197880
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 1999-01-06
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Many aspects of medieval monarchy can only be recovered through archaeology. This archaeological survey of kingship in the period from the reign of William the Conqueror to that of Henry VIII brings together the physical evidence for the Kings and their courts in the form of a great variety of objects and buildings. John Steane looks at the changing perceptions of the cult of medieval kingship through symbols of power and regalia including crowns, seals and thrones, such as the Coronation Chair of Edward I. The result is a synthesis of current knowledge of the physical remains of medieval kingship that has not previously been attempted. Restoring many details of the lives and deaths of the great and powerful monarchs of the Middle Ages, this book reveals past public splendors as well as more private insights.

Table of Contents

List of illustrations	6	(2)
Foreword	8	(2)
HRH Prince Richard of Gloucester
Preface	10	(2)
Acknowledgements	12	(1)
1 Symbols of power	13	(28)
2 Burials of the medieval royal family	41	(30)
3 Royal accommodation	71	(46)
4 Palace and castle gardens	117	(6)
5 The peaceful activities of court life	123	(23)
6 Formalized violence: hunting, hawking and jousting	146	(17)
7 The monarchy, religion and education	163	(45)
References	208	(11)
Index	219