Aymer De Valence : Earl of Pembroke 1307-1324. Baronial Politics in the Reign of Edward II

This book examines the course and significance of English politics in the reign of Edward II through a study of the career of one important magnate, Aymer de Valence, Earl of Pembroke from 1307 to 1324. It is not, however, intended as a biography. The Earl of Pembroke has been chosen to illustrate the problems of the period from the point of view of a magnate who, for most of his career, was closely associated with the monarchy and with the making and performance of royal policy. In this sense Pembroke represents the opposite side of the coin to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, the King's opponent. Detailed coverage of the period starts in 1312, when Pembroke first became of real importance, and continues until his death is 1324. Cover 1 Title Page 4 Copyright 5 Dedication 6 Preface 8 Contents 12 List of Tables and Maps 14 Abbreviations 16 Introduction: Pembroke's Connections with France and his Place in English Magnate Society 18 I. The Formation of a Career, 1296 to June 1312 39 II. The Armed Truce June 1312 to October 1313 55 III. Partial Eclipse October 1313 to April 1316 87 IV. The Approach to Civil War April 1316 to November 1317 117 V. The 'Middle Party' and the Negotiating of the Treaty of Leake August 1318 153 VI. The Breakdown of the 1318 Settlement and the Despenser War of 1321 195 VII. The Epilogue to Pembroke's Career Civil War and After, 1321 to 1324 231 VIII. The Lands of the Earldom of Pembroke 257 IX. The Earl of Pembroke and his Retainers 270 Conclusion 286 Appendix 1: Pembroke's Officials 308 Appendix 2: The Retainers of the Earl of Pembroke 312 Appendix 3: Indentures between the King and Leading Magnates 329 Appendix 4: Documents 333 Appendix 5: Pembroke's Itinerary, 1307–1324 340 Bibliography 356 Index 370