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This title, first published in 1989, was one of the first to directly address the legal dimension of bastard feudalism. John Bellamy explores the role and vulnerability of local officials and juries, the nature of the endemic land wars and the interference in the justice system by those at the top of the social chain. What emerges is a focus on the role of land in disputes, the importance of royal favour and political advantage and the attempt to suppress disruption. This is an interesting title, which will be of particular value to students researching the nature of late medieval and early Tudor feudalism, royal patronage and legal procedure.
Introduction; 1. Sheriffs, Justices, and Juries 2. The Land Wars 3. Litigation 4. Master and Client 5. The Search for Royal Favour 6. End of Bastard Feudalism; Notes; Bibliography; Index