King Henry Plantagenet in the midst of his barons: public and territorial consultation at great assemblies in England (1155-1188)

Abstract

Summary: This article aims to explore the public and territorial dimensions of general councils in England during the reign of Henry II and their increasing distinction from private and ceremonial counsel. In the second half of the twelfth century, great assemblies were enlarged. This can be ascertained from a number of their changing features such as the terminology employed, the frequency of their meetings, the issues discussed, the composition of the gatherings, the mode of consultation, and the political and ceremonial performance of those summoned. The king and his court of advisors seem to have taken advantage of this institutional transformation by seizing the gathering of nobles to introduce an unprecedented number of reforms and measures with some form of baronial assent, if not support and approval, and by launching these resolutions with an unusual level of publicity.