Exploring Monarchy in Medieval Europe, 1000–1500
By Elena Woodacre, Lucinda H.S. Dean, Simon Lambe, Patrik Pastrnak
Through wide-ranging thematic chapters, this book offers students a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of monarchy across Europe in the Middle Ages.
The volume is separated into four themes: Concepts of Rulership, Exercising Authority, Dynasty and Succession, and Ritual and Representation. Each theme has four chapters that give the student an overview of key concepts supported by rich examples taken from monarchies across Europe, both in the text and in the Spotlight and Source Studies. The textbook offers an examination of areas which are frequently overlooked, such as the Balkan region, the Scandinavian kingdoms, and the Crusader States in the Latin East. In addition, a prologue, written by Rutger Kramer, discusses the legacy of the Carolingians on medieval rulership, and an epilogue places the monarchies of medieval Europe in context with their global counterparts. Further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter will help students develop their knowledge of medieval monarchy and the history of rulers and realms of the period.
Exploring Monarchy in Medieval Europe, 1000–1500 is a foundational text for courses on medieval monarchy as well as a useful supplementary text for students of medieval European history.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Prologue: Setting Standards, Setting Goals: Kingship in the Early Middle Ages
Rutger D. Kramer
Theme One: Concepts of Rulership
1.1. Types of Monarchy: Rulers and Frameworks
1.2. Types of Kingdoms: Defining the Boundaries of Medieval Europe
1.3. Types of Rulership: Kingship, Queenship, Co-Rulership and Corporate Monarchy
1.4. Monarchy and Religion
Theme Two: Exercising Authority
2.1. Powers and Prerogatives of the Monarch: Counsel, the Economy and the Law
2.2. The Nobility: Authority, Assemblies and Tensions
2.3. War: Martial Rulership, Chivalry and Rebellion
2.4. Peace: Diplomacy, Ambassadors and Intercession
Theme Three: Dynasty and Succession
3.1. Succession: Law, Custom and Developing Frameworks
3.2. Marriage and Sexuality
3.3. Royal Children and Education
3.4. Illegitimate Children: Issues of Legitimacy and Illegitimacy of Authority
Theme Four: Ritual and Representation
4.1. Ritual and Ceremonial
4.2. Inner Court: People, Protocol, Encounter
4.3. Outer Court: Residences and Itinerancy
4.4. Material Culture: Patronage, Gift-giving, Exchange
Epilogue: Placing Medieval European Monarchy in a Global Context
Biography
Elena Woodacre is Reader in Renaissance History at the University of Winchester. She is a specialist in queenship and royal studies and has published extensively in this area.
Lucinda H.S. Dean is Senior Lecturer at the Centre for History, UHI. Her research expertise includes medieval and early modern ritual, ceremony, kingship, material culture, gender, and the life cycle.
Simon Lambe is Associate Fellow of the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, and Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. His academic background is in gentry and royal relations in late medieval and early Tudor England.
Patrik Pastrnak is Associate Professor at Palacký University, Olomouc. He specialises in royal weddings, wedding journeys, queenship, and rulership in late medieval and early modern Central Europe and Italy.
ISBN 9781032418193
386 Pages 6 Color & 17 B/W Illustrations
Published July 1, 2026 by Routledge