The Commune of London, and other studies

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

68933

Title

The Commune of London, and other studies

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

John Horace Round's scholarly collection examines the administrative history of medieval London, focusing on the evolution of its governance from royal sheriffs to the citizen-led Commune. Through meticulous analysis of charters, pipe rolls, and inquest returns, the text reconstructs the city's legal and political development during the reigns of Henry I and Henry II, offering a definitive account of London's transition to self-rule.

Summary up to 500 words

In 'The Commune of London and Other Studies,' J. H. Round offers a rigorous historical investigation into the origins and structure of London's municipal government, challenging previous scholarly interpretations through detailed analysis of primary sources. The work begins by examining early charters from the reign of Henry I, utilizing the 1130 Pipe Roll to trace administrative continuity. Round highlights key figures such as Gervase of Cornhill and the Bucherell family, who served as sheriffs and Justiciars. He notably demonstrates that the Gilbert and Fulcoin families held the shrievalty of multiple counties—Surrey, Huntingdon, and Cambridgeshire—simultaneously for decades, shedding light on the unique administrative system of the era. A significant portion of the text addresses the 'Inquest of Sheriffs' of 1170. Round challenges the view that this inquiry concerned only royal fiscal officers, arguing instead that the fragments of original returns discovered reveal payments made by private landowners and vills to their lords. This establishes a detailed picture of feudal obligations in East Anglia and London, confirming that the inquest extended to private landowners and their subtenants. The narrative then shifts to the rise of the Commune itself. Round analyzes the pivotal roles of Longchamp, Bishop Hugh, and Henry Fitz Ailwin, who became the first Mayor. He deciphers a 1189 charter granting property to Geoffrey Blund, witnessed by major city barons, illustrating the shifting power dynamics where the 'greater barons of the city' played a crucial role. The text further explores the 'ward' system, clarifying the functions of scavengers as watch inspectors rather than merely scavengers, and corrects misconceptions regarding the 'Hidagium' of Middlesex, distinguishing between assessed hidage and arbitrary levies. Through these detailed studies, Round provides a comprehensive view of how London's unique legal status and communal identity emerged from a complex interplay of royal authority, feudal tenure, and citizen initiative. By correcting errors in earlier editions and re-evaluating documents like the 'Établissements de Rouen,' Round cements London's place as a model for medieval municipal government, deriving its origins from the Norman capital and tracing its development through the crisis of 1191 that established the mayoralty.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• London