Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life & Thought; Fourth: Restoration and Reform, 1153 1165: Recovery from Civil War in England (Hardcover)

Graeme J White
Cambridge University Press
 9780521554596
0-521-55459-4

This book, covering the close of Stephen's reign (1135-54) and the early phase of Henry II's (1154-89), examines the government of England in the aftermath of civil war. It suggests that the extent of "anarchy" under Stephen has been exaggerated and that there was much administrative continuity from one reign to the next. Previous studies of Henry II's government have often neglected his earliest years, but here there is a reassessment of the significance of financial and judicial measures during 1163-65, as "restoration" gave way to "reform."