'King and Baronage (A.D. 1135-1327)' Summary

'King and Baronage' chronicles a period of significant transformation in English history, a time when the power of the monarchy was challenged by the growing influence of the barons. Hutton begins by tracing the anarchy that followed the death of Henry I, a period marked by the fierce rivalry between Stephen and Matilda. He then delves into the reign of Henry II, a period of immense change and reform, and the subsequent reigns of Richard I, John, Henry III, and the first two Edwards, each marked by conflict and struggle. The book examines the development of English law, the rise of the Magna Carta, and the constant push and pull between the king and his powerful subjects. Hutton highlights the complex and often tumultuous nature of power in medieval England, offering a detailed account of the shifting dynamics between the monarchy and the aristocracy. The book concludes with the reign of Edward II, a period that witnessed the rise of a new generation of powerful barons who challenged the king's authority and ultimately led to his downfall.