The Government Of England Under Henry I

The is the first full-length analysis of the machinery and men of government under Henry I, which looks in much greater detail than is possible for other contemporary states at the way government worked and at the careers of royal servants. Royal government in England in the early twelfth century was developing fast under political and military pressures. At the centre, above all during the king's long absences in Normandy, new ways of supervision were found, especially in the financial field. Government also provided new opportunities in administration, and for the first time it is possible to identify a number of men who were effectively professional administrators. The book will therefore become essential reading on the reign of Henry I and on the general development of English government in the twelfth century.

This is the first full-length analysis of the machinery and men of government under Henry I, which looks in much greater detail than is possible for other contemporary states at the way government worked and at the careers of royal servants. The early twelfth century was a major period of growth in English government apart from the royal household. Royal justice was vigorously administered, setting precedents for the later development of common law. At the local level the powerful sheriffs were kept under control, though aristocratic influence over the office survived. Government provided new opportunities in administration, and it is possible to identify a number of men who were effectively professional administrators. The book will therefore become essential reading on the reign of Henry I and on the general development of English government in the twelfth century.