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IMC 2011: Sessions

Session 1528: Royal Authority, I: Kings and Restraint in Anglo-Norman Historiography

Thursday 14 July 2011, 09.00-10.30

Sponsor:Haskins Society for Anglo-Saxon, Anglo-Norman, Angevin & Viking History
Organiser:Emily A. Winkler, Faculty of History, University of Oxford
Moderator/Chair:Chris Lewis, Department of History, King's College London / Institute of Historical Research, University of London
Paper 1528-aEvasive Manoeuvres: Acquittal and Reproach in England's Invasion Narratives
(Language: English)
Emily A. Winkler, Faculty of History, University of Oxford
Index terms: Historiography - Medieval, Law, Learning (The Classical Inheritance), Political Thought
Paper 1528-b'Barely Able to Restrain Himself from Bringing Violence upon the Royal Head': Rude Bishops and the Restraints of Royal Power in 12th-Century English Historical Writing
(Language: English)
Björn Weiler, Department of History & Welsh History, Aberystwyth University
Index terms: Ecclesiastical History, Historiography - Medieval, Political Thought
Abstract

How are expectations for royalty portrayed in 12th-century Anglo-Norman historical writing? This session explores the role of restraint in the narration of royal authority. The word 'restrain' carries a rich 12th-century Anglo-Norman etymological tradition, with connotations including control of one's body or emotions, fastening armour, and limiting range of movement. The first paper, a comparative study, examines historians' expectations for the king as a man and the ambiguous value of restraint in securing the succession by producing offspring. The second paper explores how medieval historians judged the duties and behaviour of England's kings during invasions, with particular attention to kings' official relationships. The third paper addresses the perennial conflict between king and clergy and how historians described restrictions on royal power and authority.